Lately, a host of miscreants have been using my name and likeness to defraud people who would make for interesting guests on my podcast. I’ve so far heard from dozens of authors and documentarians who have been contacted by my “manager,” a fictitious figure who calls himself “William Dave.” Apparently, Mr. Dave has been inviting hundreds of famous and quasi-famous people onto The Way I Heard It in exchange for an “appearance fee.”
For the record, I don’t pay people to appear on the podcast, but if I did, I suppose its plausible that my imaginary “booking manager,” in the course of arranging the appearance, would request wiring instructions and/or other sensitive information in order to send the compensation to the guest in advance, along with travel expenses. Once this information is in hand, however, the fraudster’s have no trouble pilfering money from the victim’s account.
Sadly, this has happened more than few times, and the fraudsters are becoming increasingly clever, and their pitches increasingly elaborate. But this latest attempt to defraud the great Miles Davis demands a response. Below is a letter my office just received, forwarded to me from a well-known entertainment attorney in Los Angeles. I’m sharing it, mostly as a cautionary tale, but also because I want you to help me send a message to this creep, in no uncertain terms. Again, this is the letter that was originally sent to the lawyer of the great Miles Davis, who just forwarded it to me.
From: Mike Rowe
Sent: Tuesday, March 4, 2025 12:32 PM
To: Miles Davis representatives
Subject: Invitation to Join The Way I Heard It Podcast – A Conversation with Mike Rowe
Dear Miles Davis,
I hope this message finds you well. My name is William Dave, and I’m reaching out on behalf of “The Way I Heard It” podcast. We’ve long admired your profound impact on jazz and 20th-century music as an innovative trumpeter and composer. We would be honored to invite you to join us for a 1-hour Facebook Live virtual interview.
Hosted by Mike Rowe, “The Way I Heard It” delves into captivating stories and conversations across various subjects, including music, culture, and history. Given your remarkable career and influence, we believe your insights would deeply resonate with our audience. This interview will be a relaxed, free-flowing discussion where you can share your experiences in jazz, your creative process, and any other topics you’re passionate about.
Interview Details:
• Duration: 1-hour live interview on Facebook
• Compensation: We offer competitive compensation, and your episode will be sponsored by Spotify
• Host: Mike Rowe
• Schedule: We’re flexible and can accommodate your preferred time slot. Please share your availability, and we’ll coordinate accordingly.
We would be thrilled to have you on the show. Your contributions to jazz and your innovative spirit are truly inspiring, and we’re excited about the prospect of sharing your story with our listeners.
Looking forward to your response!
William Dave
Booking Manager | The Way I heard it with Mike Rowe
E: manager.wayiheardit@gmail.com
As you can see, William Dave has included his email address, which I’m delighted to share here. In fact, I’ll be sending a brief note to Mr. Dave momentarily, expressing my displeasure with his chosen career. I encourage you to express your own displeasure with whatever words you deem appropriate and help me flood the inbox of a true ingrate. Please send your thoughts to Mr. Dave at the above email, and then, if you’re so inclined, please share them in the comments below. The winner will be invited to California for a special LIVE recording of The Way I Heard It!
(I’m kidding, of course. There will be no prizes. Only the childish satisfaction that comes from telling a bona fide creep exactly what you think of him.) Here’s my version.
Hello, Scumbag.
Mike Rowe here. I see that you are using my name and likeness to defraud potential guests into appearing on my award-winning podcast, The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe. Obviously, this makes you the lowest kind of despicable vermin, and for your crimes, I just wanted to take a moment to wish you a lifetime of incontinence.
Honestly, I would pay a tidy sum for the supernatural power to flick my fingers whenever it pleased me, knowing that doing so would cause you unprecedented levels of gastrointestinal humiliation. Because you are so completely and totally full of crap, “Mr. Dave,” I can’t think of a more edifying punishment than to involuntarily flush the feces from your body with a flick of my fingers when you least expect it, every single day, for the rest of your miserable life.
I don’t suppose there’s much point in casting additional aspersions, since vultures of your ilk are unable to feel guilt, shame, or remorse, and are therefore impossible to insult. So, I’ll dispense with the name calling, and simply remind my fans that creatures like you walk among us and encourage them to be skeptical of all similar correspondence.
Warmly,
Mike Rowe
PS. The great Miles Davis died in 1991. That’s 34 years ago, genius. For that reason, and so many others, I can assure you – on behalf of his estate’s representatives – that Miles Davis will not be joining me on my podcast.
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