Mike Rowe

From Mike’s Mud Room on Discovery.com Q: I just read the interview Mike did for the BCPS (Baltimore County Public Schools). In this interview he is asked this question: “What advice do you have for current students on choosing/building a career? He answers: “I’m a fan of the “reverse commute”. He goes on to explain the reverse commute is: watch where the masses are going and head in the other direction. He encourages someone to find an industry that they like and then figure out a way to make money in it. I really like this answer. I had never Read More

Q: “Crumbling infrastructure? Decreased enrollment in trade schools? How about letting the rest of us read it?” Moose —  desertengineer Mike’s Reply 6/27/08 (compilation reply to many) A: Hi Moose, if I send it, you’ll see it, as will everyone else, since it will be an “open letter.” I haven’t decided yet if I want to go there, but if I do, it will be part of a dual effort to promote the show, while doing something worthwhile with this nightmare of a resume. Though unqualified in almost every way, I have been afforded an audience with the kind of Read More

From Mike’s Mud Room on Discovery.com Q: Dear Mike, I am not sure how you feel about it, but I feel that you are a bringer of a new consciousness. Thanks to Liz I finally received the February issue of Fast Company and was able to read it. Sorry it took so long but I could not get a copy. You stated humbly “These things are incredible and flattering. I’ve come to realize that I’m really doing something else here.” Your modesty is admirable and I didn’t understand it at first but now I think I do. Please Mike correct Read More

From Mike’s forum on Discovery.com Q: I am a big fan of the show. However, I am picky, and this is my only beef. Because this show glamorizes blue-collar and other jobs in the modest spectrum of vocations, it will affect how your fan base contributes their professional careers to this country. In other words, this is a very successful show, and the viewers will do what they see. Viewers will scrutinize every little thing they see Mike do. Little things like conflicting personalities or an occasional swear from time to time will be prevalent no matter what kind of Read More

By Mike Rowe, January 28, 2008 Most public speakers are wildly overpaid, and I am no exception. I used to think I could justify my ridiculous fee by putting a lot of careful thought into each appearance, so I called my first presentation “Egalitarianism in the Modern-Day Workplace,” and talked at length about “the changing face of the contemporary proletariat vis-à-vis the digital divide.” People listened politely, but during the Q&A, all of the questions gravitated toward animal husbandry, exploding toilets, and artificial vaginas. “What hurt worse, Mike, the monkey bite or the ostrich kick?” “What was the grossest day Read More

From the MRW Water Cooler Q. What are your feelings on education? Did you start school with an idea of what you wanted to be or a degree you wanted to pursue? It seems you are a well-rounded individual and I’m just curious if there was anything you had ever considered pursuing as a career. You are obviously a gifted writer and enjoy reading; well versed in literature. Also you seem to have some historical knowledge. You have musical talent as well. My point is that you’re a pretty smart guy and could have done anything. I also think you’d Read More