The true story of the most important novel ever written, and a conversation with the filmmaker who tried to put it on the big screen.

The Human Calculator, Scott Flansburg stops by to demonstrate his Guinness world-record abilities, introduce Mike to a better calendar, and explain why he is determined to uncover the real story of how basketball was invented. 

Mike sits down with his “professional big brother,” to discuss the relevance of 9/11, twenty years after the attack on America.

Mike responds to criticism from some guy named Tim Johnson, and celebrates the anniversary of mikeroweWORKS by reading the most popular essay of all time. Then, a spirited conversation with Chuck, the nervous producer.

Mike recalls the circumstances of a young man’s first flight in a plane with an open cockpit, the mother who allowed it to happen, and the consequences that followed. With a little help from George Lucas, Jon Stewart, a mechanical shark, and a conversation with a pilot named Bill Whittle.

Mike responds to America’s withdrawal from Afghanistan in the only way he can - with the true story of a genuine hero, followed by a conversation with Travis Mills - a man who lost his arms and legs in Afghanistan, and lived to tell the tale. 

Mike reads the final and most disgusting chapter from his book, and then welcomes his mom back to the podcast, who takes the opportunity to once again steal the show and upstage her son at every opportunity.

A high speed chase, followed by a low speed chase, followed by a candid conversation with the executive producer who first allowed Mike to artificially inseminate a cow on local television.

Mike welcomes Tim Ferriss, author of The Four-Hour Work Week and many other best-selling books, not only to discuss the excellent advice for which Tim Ferriss has become famous, but rather to unpack the question he posed to Mike in 2008. The question that led to one of the most uncomfortable TED Talks of all time, and a speaking career Mike didn’t know he wanted.

Mike takes a deep dive into the nature of authenticity, with a little help from Sean McCourt – a former Broadway actor who works today as a producer on After the Catch and contributor to The Way I Heard It, and God only knows what else. Sean also happens to be the father of Charlotte, the eleven-year-old Girl Scout made famous by her blisteringly honest critique of the cookies she was trying to sell to her Daddy’s wealthy friend five years ago. A critique that unleashed a media blitz for which Mike accepts most of the blame. It’s a rumination on the power of action, and inaction, and the squishy middle in between.

The true story of the most consequential pig in the history of Silicon Valley, or for that matter, the world. Followed by the true story of the most consequential pig in Mike’s career – the one he put on a pedestal fifteen years ago, that went on to become the unofficial mascot of Dirty Jobs. Then, a most unusual redux, as Tom Frank returns to set the record straight, and explain in no uncertain terms why a brown garbage bag is a poor substitute for a leather vest.

Mike tracks down Tom Frank, the Hollywood producer who hired him to host the game show that launched his career in television, only to learn his old friend has become a life coach. Or possibly, a career coach. Whatever he is, Tom Frank knows where all the bodies are buried, and tells a story or two that Mike would probably like to forget.

A hashtag and a me-too on steroids, followed by a series of digressions too voluminous to list, concluding with the true story of the time Mike knocked a famous movie star on his ass.

After sharing the true story of a hard-charging master sergeant with a voice like a jackhammer who went on to become a famous artist, Mike recalls the lessons learned from his soft-spoken grandfather – an artist of a different kind - whose unique talents inspired a show called Dirty Jobs, and a foundation called mikeroweWORKS. It’s a rumination on men who scream, and men who whisper, complete with a song about a nose that wouldn’t stop bleeding.

The true story of two great teachers, two stuttering students, and two happy endings. Followed by a conversation about the beauty of “what,” the danger of “how,” and the timeless challenge of “trying not to try.”

The true story of the first woman to go where no man had gone before, followed by the true cost of progress, the false value of safety, and a revealing conversation about the profoundly annoying sensation of being swindled by someone you trust.

This is a sad one. But also a funny one. And frankly, a weird one. There’s sentimentality and singing. Nosebleeds and narcotics. Letters from beyond the grave, and perhaps most surprising, the sudden appearance of a giant scrotum. Probably easier to just listen.

A famous woman vanishes and triggers the largest manhunt in British history. A hundred years later, Mike loses all his money in an elaborate Ponzi scheme. Coincidence? Probably. But Chuck wonders what Mike’s fictitious hero, Travis McGee, might have to say about the scandal, and Mike has some opinions on the matter – opinions that are somewhat upstaged, paradoxically, by a leaf blower.

A famous athlete takes great pains to conceal his true identity from millions of fans. Then, Mike welcomes Paul Kelley back to the podcast, to discuss a series of topics too disparate and strange to articulate in a two sentence description.

What do you get when you cross the most beautiful girl in the world with the funniest man on the planet?  Something smart and something stupid.

It’s a Mother’s Day surprise, complete with tapeworms, smoke bombs, large chunks of earwax, a wall of dead mice, a fly infestation, and of course, Mike’s favorite mother, with a guest appearance by Mike’s favorite dad. Yeah, it’s a weird one.

A problem at the border, a fat man in a shiny suit, and all the thirty-five cent draft you can drink. It’s a fine place to begin, even if you don’t know where you’re headed.

Mike tells the true story of two friends united by their love of music, divided by their love of a girl, and the fistfight that changed rock and roll. Then, he recalls the audition that changed the course of his own career, before chatting with the old friend who made it happen, and bursting briefly into song.

Sig Hansen from Deadliest Catch joins Mike to discuss the manliest surfer of all time, the manliest fisherman of all time, and the problems that can sometimes arise when you punch a pesky fan in the nose.  Honestly, you can’t make this stuff up.

Mike tells the true story of a famous poet who wrote her best stuff while working as a waitress in a diner, many years ago. After that, another true story about the time Joan Rivers saved his career, followed by a rather remarkable catch-up with Paul Kelley, a true renaissance man who worked the overnights with Mike, back in the glory days of home shopping.  Yeah, it gets a little weird… and there is some adult language.

Ever wonder what The Daily Show would have looked like if Mike Rowe had been hired to host it? Well, guess what – he was! And then he wasn’t. And then, he was! And then…he wasn’t. The question is, does Jon Stewart really owe Mike Rowe $20?

Who ya gonna call when a lifesaver turns deadly? Who ya gonna call when the ghost in your house can’t be busted? If you’re Mike Rowe, you call your producer, and have a very normal chat, about all things paranormal. Boo!

A simple story of a simple homemaker turns in to a not-so-simple tale of the haunted home where Mike lived in 1992, followed by the spontaneous re-telling of the most terrifying night of Mike’s life. A ghost story that’s not really a ghost story, but nevertheless scared Chuck as bad as it did Mike…

While you will doubtless find this particular episode, chapter, or installment to be interesting, fascinating, or provocative, you will also learn something about the importance of choosing just the right word, term, or expression when attempting to write a memorable tale, story or yarn.  After that, Mike picks the enormous brain of Alex Abramovich, a ghost writer you’ve never heard of, who writes best-selling books for people you have.  

After sharing the story of a famous father and son who could never find the right words, Mike and his Dad prove that words are the least of their problems. Strap in for a completely unpredictable rumination on memory foam. broken windshields, intractable stumps, double-sided axes, ancient wood-stoves, big-ash trees, and transgender dogs. Peggy Rowe is there to supervise, but only makes things weirder, as usual.

In what appears to be an ongoing quest to get himself cancelled, Mike weighs in on the statue controversy much to the alarm of his producer, Chuck. Their conversation then pivots to the  situation in San Francisco, where the school board has recently voted to remove the names of Washington and Lincoln from the facades of public schools – a truly bizarre decision that left Mike to wonder how in the world so many powerful people have managed to get their heads so far up their own asses.

Mike tells the amazing story of a mostly forgotten explorer, whose epic journey helped pave the path to Mars. Then, he’s joined by everyone’s favorite astronomer, Dr. Michelle Thaller, to better understand what the hell is happening on the Red Planet, and why it’s so frickin' expensive to get there.

Mike ruminates on the splendid virtues of a certain “Full Figured Gal,” and tells the true story of the day his lawyer – The Irish Hammer – changed the trajectory of his career by challenging him to put a pig on a pedestal. He then invites The Irish Hammer herself – Mary Sullivan – to explain why she left a successful law firm to oversee the career of a man who crawled through sewers to make a living.

Mike begins with chapter 8 of his bestselling book which contains quite possibly the greatest audition story ever told about one of the most ubiquitous names in television. This is followed by a personal recollection of Mike’s thespian dad and concludes with a moderately inappropriate conversation between Mike and Chuck wherein they swap audition stories from the ‘90s.  It’s totally rad!

In episode #185, which Mike incorrectly identifies as episode #184, Mike welcomes noted astronomer Dr. Michelle Thaller, to discuss the obvious differences between sounding certain and being correct. Dr. Thaller, a noted astronomer with an enormous brain, tries to help Mike understand the enormity of the cosmos, and explain why the universe contained 200 billion galaxies just four years ago, and then 2 trillion galaxies just a few weeks later, and then back down to a few hundred billion as of last week. It’s enough to make your head spin, but between Mike’s gigantic cranium and Dr. Thaller’s enormous brain, we finally unlock the secrets of How the Universe Works…

“When it comes to erections, if it’s not one thing, it’s your mother.” Yes, Mike actually wrote that in chapter 7 of his bestselling book, and as you might imagine, his mother didn’t take it lying down…

Why do people go to such extraordinary lengths to change the way they look? What’s the best piece of music ever written? And why is Mike worried about getting cancelled and sued for the conversation you’re about to hear? There’s only one way to find out…

After reading chapter 5 of his bestselling book, Mike surprises his two-time bestselling mother with a phone call, on which they discuss the perils of prevarication, the joys of growing up Rowe, (on a budget,) and Peggy Rowe’s unsolicited review of Mike’s new show, Six Degrees with Mike Rowe, which she may or may not have actually watched.

After reading chapter four of his book, Mike and Chuck discuss the real reason that so many Americans no longer believe people who sound certain - including journalists, politicians, scientists, doctors, professors, and yes… even narrators.

After Mike shares chapter three of his book he gives a spirited defense of the critical art of salesmanship, during which Chuck accuses him of being a sellout, and the two navigate the precarious world of commercial television vs commercials.

After listening to chapter two of the best-selling book, The Way I Heard It, Mike and Chuck discuss three catastrophes and the role booze played in each of them, the joys of sharing shots with famous people, why Mike is NOT hosting one of the longest running TV shows in America, and the perils of primetime pixelated vomit. 

After reading the first chapter of his best-selling book, Mike has a candid, conversation with his producer, Chuck, about the origins of this podcast, the impact of singing old songs with old veterans, and his personal aversion to all things “earnest.”

Mike sits down with his producer Chuck for a candid conversation about the future of The Way I Heard it.  Whiskey is sipped, decisions are made, life goes on.     

Mike takes a deep dive into episode 159 and the controversy surrounding a quote that was challenged by Billy Martin Jr., son of the late great baseball manager, Billy Martin.  SPOILER ALERT: If you have not yet heard episode 159 this episode will spoil it for you. 

A spooky tale of an ordained minister and a demonic possession. 

Bill waited until the crowd had gathered on his property... and then he shot them all.

When you have a family this big, you’re guaranteed an occasional visit…

With the war in full bloom all eyes were on the president — would he or wouldn’t he launch?  

And that was good news for the naked burglar.

Especially those with a pre-existing condition…

That was particularly hard to find.

Call her what you will--the lady had vision.

And Jerry knew that he desperately needed to get to a meeting.

Seriously, her cakes were downright repulsive!

A real toe-tapper that no one could escape.

Sometimes, you simply have to draw one.

But did he really have to eat bull testicles to prove it?  

In honor of Independence Day, Mike chews up the scenery with a recitation of what may be the most important speech ever delivered, by the man historians call "The Forgotten Founder." 

A helicopter filled with evacuees tries to get off the ground as the shooting intensifies.  What could possibly go wrong?  

This architect enjoyed a good challenge.  But this one nearly broke him...

So too, was the man who got in his way.

The kid had a head for numbers.

What he did was unspeakably brave.  So why then, did no one speak of it?

They built a lot of bridges.  Perhaps, one too many...

He only had the one hit...but boy, was it a wonder!

Mike was the keynote speaker at the last large gathering in the United States before the country officially closed for business. His job? Shaking hands--with over a hundred thousand people. Now, after three weeks of self-isolation, he'd like to tell you about it. And then, read a very funny story from his mom's new book.

The player loved to play... but on this particular occasion--he chose the wrong playmate.

Or did they...

It was the gig of a lifetime... it just wasn't Gig's.

She broke the glass ceiling with ease.  But her secret was taken to the grave.

James and Rebecca simply could not settle their differences... that's where the broadswords came in.

Because you need something to break the boredom of marching 300 miles in 10 degree weather to bring three boat thieves to justice... or so I'm told.

The doctor told her not to sing... but she did anyway.

Christmastime is upon us, and with it comes the season of giving. Mike recites perhaps the greatest story ever written about the spirit of giving.

Yes, as a matter of fact, it does.  But penicillin won't help...

He was destined for greatness.  No one knew it but him.

Some said he was cursed, others said he was blessed, but everyone agreed--he was the luckiest kraut in the navy.

It's All Hallow's Eve! So what better way to mark the occasion than with an episode of OCCASIONALLY. Mike pays homage to the macabre musings of the great Edgar Allan Poe by reciting perhaps his most famous story. Light a candle, pour a beverage, and let the Victorian goosebumps wash over you. Prepare yourself for the insidious beating of... The Tell Tale Heart

But for this woman... maybe a bit more.

This group gave us the most iconic sound of all time.

Who earned a funeral fit for a king.

A love story.  Sort of...

She simply had no choice.

The skinny kid was so desperate that he was about to sell his best friend.

Denied his father's true last name for most of his life, James reclaimed it--in a monumental way.

Julia was flattered by the proposal—but it came with certain… preconditions.

It's difficult to describe the chaos of an unpredictable world--but Peter sure tried.

She just said she was going home - but it's the way she said it that we remember.

When one of the most famous women in the world disappears without a trace, it sets off one of the greatest whodunits you've never heard of.

They were classmates, bandmates, and best friends - even after one devastating punch changed everything.

Mary had issues, no doubt about it.  But her mother was always there for her...

The journey was an incredible achievement - but the true cost was difficult to bear.

When it comes to writing steamy love letters, you really gotta hand it to Elizabeth and George - even though they handed it to themselves...

It was a mission he chose to accept - and the tape did not self-destruct.

How many near misses can one guy take - and still remain grounded.

Where one can ponder a big decision and enjoy a continental breakfast. 

Sponsored by Postmates, use promo code: ROWE

A battered boy who couldn't stand the sight of his own reflection - so he changed it.

But Ted was craving a slice of something else.

She was plucked from obscurity and destined to satisfy the appetite of her insatiable benefactor.

You can't put THAT on TV!

The significance of that shake was beyond this world.

He talked to everyone - but it was the interview he didn't give that changed his life forever.

It wasn't exactly the trial of the century, but nearly everyone agreed - something had to be done.  

It was just a tiny patch of farmland near a tiny little burg - but oh, the things that happened there...

There are many ways to save a life - this one was rather conventional. 

How to wave goodbye to your current career. 

This man's reputation needed to be destroyed - and that's the gospel truth... according to Peter.

Nothing came between Don and his boys - especially on game day.

Sure, as soon as I'm done playing Cowboys and Indians.

When the shooting started this patriot ran for his life.

She was young and beautiful - and about to kill someone.

These words take on a whole new meaning once you know the story behind why they were written.  

It contained a much desired promise - from beyond the grave.

All he wanted was a little peace and quiet - from himself.

This doctor believed it was a right that came with the PhD.

They paid their fair share, and then some...

When it came to getting exactly what she wanted - Frank could be very persuasive.  

This famous aspiring jockey just wanted to hear the roar of the crowd - but this was not the crowd he was expecting.

WARNING: This is not your ordinary The Way I heard It. This episode contains SPOILERS. 

Storyteller Mike Rowe is joined by producer Chuck Klausmeyer to answer questions posed by fans of The Way I Heard It.  Mike covers everything from how the podcast started to where it's headed in the future.  

It was opening night on the world's largest stage, but when you gotta go - you gotta go.

A truly democratic machine and the man who didn't invent it.

Wee Johnny wanted a mighty check - so he sent out some mighty big bills.

No doubt about it - Miriam's timing was impeccable.

No movie has been made about this heroic tale, but over a hundred movies have been made because of it.  

He did everything a hero and patriot ought to do... almost.

But how do you eliminate driver error?

Who says you can't preach Sunday morning, and then sell whiskey Sunday night?

Big John knew a simple but powerful equation when he saw one.

Do you want to know the bleeping secret or not!

People came from miles around just to see it.

Looking for love in the classifieds can lead to explosive consequences. 

It was never good new when the red phone rang - and on this December night it was ringing off the hook. 

What does a former POW do when he returns home from an unpopular war?  Stand naked in the town square of course!

A tale of award-winning flakes and delayed gratification.

Pete just wanted to get some sleep - But he could not get his bunkmate's earworm out of his head.

He was willing to play the white-man's game - he just wished they had told him the rules first.

It was the trial of the century - that no one remembers.

A father and a son with more than just bars between them.

He was notoriously proficient in his field and his advice was priceless – he just didn’t make house calls. 

Saul's nephew kept a secret his entire career - you could do that back then.

Only problem is - it's not Bobby's bacon.

Eddie was really good at blowing smoke.

The story of a slightly subversive student with a taste for gin.

The family business was brutal - but this Babe wanted in.

His personal proclivities seemed to trigger women – so he had to keep them a secret.

When you're in the back of an ambulance in the middle of a snowstorm - every second counts.

How to make a billion dollars and remain absolutely calm.

When the time came to fight for their King, these knights were prepared to show the enemy what they were made of.

Henry Junior just wanted to get out of Henry Senior's famous shadow.

No matter how bad your habits, this dentist can stop your pain - guaranteed! 

Take it from mother - never underestimate the power of a little make-up, properly applied.

The consequences of her choice would forever change the world.

This aspiring songwriter was a family man who really wanted to be famous. 

Because necessity is actually the mother of investment. 

She had tons of suitors because men knew that with her - anything was possible.

Mike tells a very personal story of the King that changed his life.  

Caesar's ride that changed the course of Western Civilization. 

But only if the spirit moves you.

The melody was sweet, but the lyrics were too painful to sing.

What do you get when you cross a Private, a General, a lawyer, a doctor and two teenagers?  Something worth standing for.

When all is lost and the end is near - why not have a drink... or several.

Captain Cooper was asked to do the impossible - But he found it impossible not to try.

Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of night could keep this 60 year-old mailman from finally receiving his due.

Bill was known for creating unforgettable car chases - but there was one chase he wished he could forget.  

Sometimes choosing the right words means not sticking to the script.

He flew into history - thanks to a nervous mother with an old-fashioned name.

His formula saved millions from starvation - among other things.

John loved Peggy so much he would do anything for her... including this!

Mr. Akai had a secret - and every kid in the neighborhood knew it.

In a competition like this - every inch counts.

The greatest World's Fair on the planet - and it all started with shoveling horse poo.

Bob was a Mad Man who could sell anything - but this new product gave him a terrible headache.  

How a mild mannered middle-school band teacher terrified America. 

You know his name - now you'll know why.

Melvin's Stories always had a surprise ending - this one surprised even Melvin.

Don't like your job?  Just invent something that does it for you.

"Work hard, tell the truth, and don't be late for supper."

You can stand, but don't you dare applaud.

Choose them wisely or deal with the consequences.  

This groundbreaking agent had the world's most unique client.  And he took him straight to the top.

Neat trick, but can you copyright it?

Please sir, can I have some more?

A showdown between a pious governor a righteous crowd - what could possibly go wrong? 

Thanksgiving isn't complete without a second helping of Presidential election politics.

His ear for hearing patterns served him well.

Who knew cartoon characters could be so litigious?

Sometimes, all you can do is watch.

He couldn't change the people, so he changed the world.

How a perfectly tied Windsor knot led to a date with the gallows.

War is hell, but the paperwork is intolerable.

How his sweet tooth changed your life.

When no one wants your product, don't change the product, change the name.

I don't want to split hairs, but EVERYONE should know this woman's name.

Even the President can't help this guy catch a break.

The craziest prison break story you've never heard of.

How do you compete with a thriving 20th century company? Use 18th century technology of course.

Donnie has a secret... and it's a doozie.

Their escape from an overbearing family really put them on the map.

Who will sing the praises of the famous warrior who refused to fight.

Why Fred's kids stopped for a snack on the way to his funeral.

A most unlikely path to becoming one of the greatest voices of all time.

Al didn't want to make toys, he just wanted to fly.

He loved her so much he gave her his job.

She was plucked from the streets and catapulted to fame.

Sometimes in life, it's better not to stick to the script.

His music career really blew up.

They say the truth will set you free, but in this case, it was a little white lie.

No one has ever matched his record, and no one knows his name.

He didn't like the quiet, so he made sure we all could pump up the volume.

The most expensive theme park there never was.

Sometimes the only way to prove your worth, is with a trial by fire.

The most recognizable face that no one wanted to hire.

She believes her husband is a genius. The only problem, no one else does. How her road trip changed everything – for YOU!

It was a cold, dark night on the field of battle – and one man had the perfect plan to strike back at the enemy.

He found his voice and defined a generation. And he owes it all to a little piece of fruit. 

Was he a lunatic or a genius? Sometimes it's hard to tell, especially when you're telling the world that doctors are killing their patients.

How did the clerks in a modest grocery store change the world as we know it?

He had the talent. He had the charisma. He had the looks. But without one little change, he'd never be the household name he is today.

A kiss from her helped win the war. But her real assets changed the world as we know it.