Mike Rowe

Stephen Adams, Auburn, AL “Hi, Mike. Let me begin by saying that I love what you and your foundation are attempting to do. However, I’m confused by your directive to NOT “follow your passion.” I think it can be safely argued that if no one followed their passion, companies like Apple, Microsoft, Dow, and many more wouldn’t exist. If no one follows their passion, who innovates? Who founds companies that provide jobs for the outstanding workers that your foundation aims to help?” Hi Stephen A few years ago, I did a special called “The Dirty Truth.” In it, I challenged Read More

Mike, a friend of mine posted this article recently. “Mike Rowe’s Dirty Job.” While I fundamentally disagree with every point in it, I would love to hear your rebuttals to the personal attacks. Posted by Joey Defourneaux, 10:02 am, 9/7/2014 Thanks Joey Happy to oblige. When my flight’s delayed, and my entire day goes to hell in a handcart, there’s really no better way to pass the time than by analyzing the thoughtful prose of a fake journalist who has the courage to make shit up. The writer is a guy named Ari Paul, and the publication is called The Read More

Interesting conversation over on the wall. It was started by a guy called Jayson LaVictorie, who has posted a few thousand words about what’s wrong with America. He started with these observations, inspired apparently by my S.W.E.A.T. Pledge. Jayson: “The 12 points are stupid. Corporate SHILLS don’t want you to think (critically) of how the average worker of the United States are getting screwed over by the ultra rich! They don’t want you to know that you are losing your jobs to people that are working for nothing or next to nothing! Why do they get freebies on Labor Costs, Read More

Today’s question comes from Jenn Foit, who bucked the odds and got my attention in much the same a shiny object fascinates my dog. Hey Mike – I have a 1 in 1,443,953 chance of you writing back to me. I am a 27 year old single mom who is about to finally take the step and start in a welding program. I am nervous and would love and appreciate any words of wisdom! Posted by Jenn Foit, 2:14 pm, 7/11/2014 Hi Jenn Most friends of this page know better than to ask me for advice, primarily because I’m known Read More

  Many thoughtful comments after yesterdays post. This one for instance, from Steven Oklesh, rose to someplace near the top. “Fact – After reading this post, Chuck Norris’ beard abandoned him and is now en route to attach itself to Mike Rowe’s face.” Crazy thing Steve – you’re right! Chuck Norris’ beard arrived a little after 2 pm yesterday, and gave me quite a start. I kinda like it, but I’m prepared to give it back. But only if Chuck buys a SWEAT Pledge. Speaking of The S.W.E.A.T. Pledge – wow. Lots of question regarding it’s content. This one caught Read More

Here’s a picture of me holding a copy of The S.W.E.A.T. Pledge. (Skill and Work Ethic Aren’t Taboo.) I wrote The Pledge last year for three simple reasons: 1. I believe what it says, and felt strongly the world needs one more acronym. 2. I wanted to raise some money for the scholarship fund. (We sell them for $10, and the money goes to the foundation.) 3. I needed something declarative that everyone must sign who applies for a mikeroweWORKS Scholarship. Something that reflected my own view of work-ethic and personal responsibility. Number 3 is especially relevant to this post, Read More