459: Steven Grayhm—Sheepdog
The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe
Mike meets actor, writer, and director , whose award-winning film is about to hit theaters. Steven breaks down how a three-hour ride with a tow truck driver led him on a 14-year odyssey to get to the truth about veteran post-traumatic stress. It’s a conversation about grit, service, sacrifice, and the complicated realities faced by the men and women who stand their post long after the uniform comes off. Steven’s passion for telling their stories with honesty and respect shines through every frame of Sheepdog, and every minute of this conversation. Big thanks to our terrific sponsors Use...
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458: Johnny Joey Jones—Mind Your Wake
The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe
In honor of Veterans Day, Mike speaks with co-host of The Big Weekend Show Marine Staff Sergeant (Ret.) Johnny Joey Jones, who served eight years as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal technician in Iraq and Afghanistan—where he lost both legs in the line of duty. These days, he’s on a mission to highlight those who serve, from American warfighters to first responders, which he does powerfully in his new book, . It’s a honest tribute to those who run toward the danger when others run away. With his trademark humility and humor, Joey talks about courage, purpose, and the importance of minding...
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457: Alex Epstein—Did Bill Gates Change His Mind
The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe
Mike joins author and energy expert to discuss Bill Gates’ surprising new stance on climate change, the growing clash between “human-centric” and “anti-impact” environmentalism, and how the AI revolution is reshaping global energy demands. They also explore what this shift means for philanthropy, fossil fuels, and the future workforce driving America’s next energy boom. Shout out to our great sponsors to find your pathway to the trades Use code MIKE to get 20% off your order.
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456: Gavin de Becker—Forbidden Facts
The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe
Security expert, author, and entrepreneur joins us to discuss his newest book, —a hard-hitting investigation into how government agencies and industry cover up evidence and manipulate public belief. We also discuss the attempted assassination at Butler and how neatly it was tied up in a bow. Gavin also reveals who he believes really killed Robert F. Kennedy Sr.—spoiler alert; it ain’t Sirhan Sirhan. Big thanks to our awesome sponsors Use code MIKE for 15% off. Use code MIKE to get $40 off plus free meat for life with new subscription. to post a job for FREE. Choose a...
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455: Philip Diehl—Flying Over the Hump
The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe
Mike chats with Philip Diehl, the 35th Director of the U.S. Mint and the man behind the most successful coin program in American history—the 50 State Quarters. They talk about the surprising history of the U.S. dollar coin, how a coin gets designed and approved, and the unexpected reason why the mikeroweWORKS Trades Coin—a symbol of American skill and pride—wasn’t actually made in the America. Tip o’ the hat to our excellent sponsors Use code MIKE to get 20% off your order. Download the CFO’s Guide to AI and Machine Learning. Explore available careers! Use code MIKE to get $40...
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454: Amie Ichikawa—You Can’t Bring a Vagina to a Penis Fight
The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe
Mike sits down with Amie Ichikawa—former inmate, prison reform advocate, and founder of , an organization dedicated to protecting the rights and dignity of incarcerated women. Amie shares her firsthand experience in the California prison system, the disturbing reality of fully intact men being housed in women’s prisons, and the silence surrounding it. Now on the outside, she’s using her voice to protect those still inside. It’s a raw conversation about justice, safety, and speaking up for women who have been denied a voice. Today’s episode is sponsored by Save 50% off your first...
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453: Enes Kanter Freedom—In the Name of Freedom
The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe
NBA player turned human rights activist Enes Kanter Freedom shares his remarkable journey growing up in Turkey under an oppressive regime, his rise to NBA stardom, and the high personal cost of speaking out against tyranny. From being exiled by his home country to being effectively blackballed from the NBA, Enes opens up about the courage it takes to stand alone—and why he refuses to stay silent. He also discusses his powerful new book, , and what it means to fight for something bigger than the game. Shout out to our great sponsors Use code MIKE to get 20% off your order. Save 50% off your...
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452: Payton McNabb—Enough of This Crap!
The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe
Mike sits down with former high school volleyballer Payton McNabb, who was knocked unconscious by a spike to the face, delivered by a male competing on the girls’ team, and woke up in the middle of a national controversy. What followed wasn’t just a concussion and long-term neurological damage. It was a brutal, firsthand lesson in biology, politics, and the high cost of pretending that reality is up for debate. Tip o’ the hat to our excellent sponsors Use code MIKE to get $40 off plus free meat for life with new subscription. to post a job for FREE. Save 50% off your first month!...
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451: Meredith Olson—Better Education Now
The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe
Meredith Olson is president of , a nonprofit that funds everyday entrepreneurs who are ditching the traditional school model in favor of something a little more… flexible. Vela doesn’t run schools—it supports people creating their own. From homeschool co-ops to microschools in living rooms and libraries, Vela empowers parents, students, and entrepreneurs to reimagine education outside of traditional systems. With more than 4,200 schools being supported, Vela is quietly fueling one of the most important grassroots education revolutions of our time. Today’s episode is sponsored by ...
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450: Elaine Culotti—California is in Real Trouble
The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe
Serial entrepreneur, lipstick farmer, and season 2 undercover billionaire unleashes a no-holds-barred critique of California’s downward spiral. From endless red tape and anti-business policies to the sluggish response to the Palisades fire, Elaine argues that leadership under Gavin Newsom has been nothing short of disastrous. She doesn’t just complain—she hints she might run for governor herself. Big thanks to our awesome sponsors Save 50% off your first month! to post a job for FREE. Use code MIKE to get $40 off plus free meat for life with new subscription. Use code MIKE to get...
info_outlineMeredith Olson is president of Vela, a nonprofit that funds everyday entrepreneurs who are ditching the traditional school model in favor of something a little more… flexible. Vela doesn’t run schools—it supports people creating their own. From homeschool co-ops to microschools in living rooms and libraries, Vela empowers parents, students, and entrepreneurs to reimagine education outside of traditional systems. With more than 4,200 schools being supported, Vela is quietly fueling one of the most important grassroots education revolutions of our time.
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