Mike Rowe - Dirty Jobs | BRCC

Host Evan Hafer welcomes Mike Rowe to the Black Rifle Coffee Podcast. They have an in-depth discussion on poetry, philosophy, day to day life, and of course, Dirty Jobs. Mike talks about what it was like to be in a shark suit, his blue collar perspective on life, and what he thinks about retirement.
0:00 - Intro
2:50 - Who is Mike Rowe?
5:41 - You can love something and suck at it
9:17 - Don’t leave the herd
12:45 - Your tool box
15:29 - Super heroes
18:24 - Blue collar perspective
28:00 - Hard work
35:43 - Getting off on being good
45:46 - Keeping the system together
51:14 - Building a shark suit
58:26 - Commercial
58:41 - No air
1:01:56 - What is it like in a shark suit?
1:06:06 - Game changer
1:07:34 - Mike’s podcast
1:09:35 - The Way I Heard It
1:11:18 - A week in the life of Mike
1:15:24 - Life is like a box of chocolates
1:19:40 - Mike Rowe Works Foundation
1:25:05 - How did Dirty Jobs affect the USA?
1:32:31 - Selling the show to the network
1:37:39 - Two Tramps In Mud Time
1:42:33 - Do you believe in retirement?
1:46:11 - There are no lines
1:50:02 - What does Mike read?
1:53:22 - Travis McGee & Jack Carr
1:59:00 - The Crap App
2:00:47 - Yeats poetry
2:04:04 - Outro
Follow the show on Instagram and Twitter:
IG: @blackriflecoffeepodcast
Twitter: @brccpodcast
#podcast #blackriflecoffee

[@thatpointinlife]

If Mike Rowe ran for president he'd win every state.

[@RuralTowner]

IDK about every. But certainly a majority...

[@AKStorm49]

I wish.

[@JFP69]

Don’t be surprised

[@mwhitelaw8569]

A sane man wouldn't want that job

[@goatismyname]

@@mwhitelaw8569 a humble man wouldn’t want that job, any type of decent man wouldn’t want that job.

[@DeOppressoLiber]

BRCC should have Mike Rowe narrate or make a jingle for BRCC. Mike is the man .

[@georgefloydsinhellwbreonna5330]

Hell, they could dub his voice for everyone else and I’d listen 🤣

[@DeOppressoLiber]

Tell me about it. I think BRCC should start a show similar to dirty jobs. And it Should be titled dirty MOS’S and Mike doing the MOS’S. That would be awesome and hilarious

[@StevelandCleamer]

“In this episode we’re going to dive into the shit tank of a Virginia Class submarine”…😂😂😂

[@SheepdogSmokey]

YESSSSSS! Make another period video with Mike narrating! And of course being the voiceover for just a tagline/jingle would be epic!

[@gmack3739]

Immediate first thought When he said he was making jingles for fun

[@SRPDunn]

Evan & Mike thank you for talking about how things changed in the '70s-'80s. My Dad was a research chemist with a 184 i.q. and thank God he jerked a knot in me as a teenager back then, when I tried looking down on non-college educated folks. "That farmer has knowledge you and I don't even know exists." There are a lot of "highly educated" folks out there who cannot satisfy their basic requirements of food, clothing and shelter unless someone else hands it to them, and they still believe they're somehow superior. It's truly crazy.

[@shawnmann9491]

Fabulous comments SJ. Thank you for sharing such fabulous observations!

[@Conversations970]

I went into business with my very dearest friend. He scammed me. I lost my home, my retirement, my savings. I realized that I was quite "unintelligent" in the business world. I was taking stuff off the curbs, fixing it up and selling it to pay my rent. It took me 11 years to pay off the debt that was on top of my losses. I did not blame. I realized that even though he scammed me, I had to take personal responsibility. No government agency "forgave" my debt nor helped me in any way. I am in my 60's. I clean houses for a living. I can take a dump and turn it into shimmering gold. My highly intelligent daughter is embarrassed of me. I am not!! I like me. I am proud of me. I can work circles around 30 year olds. I am brilliant at what I am good at......obviously being an entrepreneur wasn't one of them!!! We are all equals in this world......we just happen to have different talents 🤓

[@tedhicks6416]

I’m so lucky to have shop classes. Between auto, metal and wood shop, we had a simple understanding! Even home economics taught me how to cook and sew! We need to bring everything back!

[@kaziwill]

I took wood and small engines. I regret not being able to make time for the welding class..

[@NicholasA231]

That's funny, I learned basics of wood, metal, mechanics, cooking and sewing in middle and high school, and those things have been so valuable to me. The number of people who missed that... and to not have even the option in schools now?.. Like Mike said, we haven't yet begun to understand the consequences.

[@shamanosarcasm9800]

I tell my son how cheated he was going through school without shop, home ec and even some of the clubs that used to be commonplace in many school ( 4H is only in schools in Ag communities). Sad state of our nation.

[@vickyblaskovich9265]

I love Mike Rowe. I love he supports the trades. My father was a machinist all his life. He could do math in his to 100,000 place..why because he made things metal things parts that had to be almost perfect to work. He could draw anything. He could build anything no matter what it was made out of. He remodeled every house I lived in and built the house my parents retired in. He was an outdoors man hunted fished new the land like his own house..thank you Mike Rowe for allowing the next generation of those kind of men to be built.

[@elp025]

Mike Rowe was a major factor in my decision to abandon a college path my junior year of high school. Became an electricians apprentice after I graduated, and haven’t turned back yet

[@Jessiegirlcasual]

This was two hours of my life that I don’t want back. Very well done.

[@daviddebergh254]

He could read the ingredients off of a cereal box for 3 hours and I’d subscribe to it 😂

[@failedattemptdnd]

Right!? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@SternLX]

"The only four letter word in my house was 'Debt'." Man that hit home. I was raised that way as well. My mom and dad in the 70 and 80's never wanted to get a loan for anything unless they could put down a huge down payment.

[@WP_DIYEverything]

Mike seems like a breeze to interview....heck, he interviews himself for the most part 😀 Loved this one

[@Mr_Nobody913]

Huge fan of both and I’ve never went YES to an episode faster than I did this episode.

[@wayward_texan9508]

Work smart, not hard. My dad told me that everyday. And I went the other way. 27 yrs as a consulting engineer.. and now I work at a sewage plant... never been happier. memorial day... lest we forget.. Those who serve✌

[@josephllinas2672]

Yeah when I was in the Army me and my buddies met a contractor who was removing the waste from the Porta johns we had at the FTX. me and my buddies where smoking and asked the guy how much he made to remove crap all day + be smiling. I'll never forget him replying "110K a year".

[@wayward_texan9508]

@@josephllinas2672 been on VA disability since 93... But I still go to the dirty job. Who knows.. If I make it to retirement might drag out the Z-28 2 strokes and a heart attack... Outlook is rough.. But I wouldn't have it any other way. Might even revisit the redhead.. If she will still have me. My hat is off to all the veterans. Stand the flag. And stand tall

[@DeOppressoLiber]

Evan, I think BRCC should start a show similar to dirty jobs. And it Should be named dirty MOS’S and Mike “the Voice” Rowe doing the MOS’S. That would be awesome and hilarious

[@user-mp9rd4hg8b]

Yeah, if BRCC survives their stock price fraud allegations. Evan made out very well...us "regular" shareholders didn't. It looks ugly.

[@larryolson397]

@@user-mp9rd4hg8b so many lawsuits filed by the same firm recently. It's bullshit and way to collect cash for them settling all these lawsuits.

[@user-mp9rd4hg8b]

@@larryolson397 You'll have to convince shareholders that it's "BS." They lost millions. Research it and read the SEC docs for a good 30-45 minutes...you might be surprised. I was.

[@dontshoot100]

Great idea

[@michaelmartin96]

Mike is such a thoughtful, intelligent man. He needs to run for president

[@jrcook78]

I agree with Mike one hundred percent. I went to Votech in high school to be an electrician and my guidance consular tried to talk me out of it. I knew collage was not for me but she insisted that I was making a huge mistake and would regret it. I no longer work as an electrician since the housing market collapse in 2009 but have found my calling in a different field. I love the fact that I don't have the debt of student loans and now make more than that guidance consular.

[@scotts.3636]

Great podcast. Mike Rowe is a national treasure, I've seen many interviews with him talking about trade school as being better than college for some people. My oldest son just got an HVAC job and he loves it, I'm proud of him.

[@ThaCrustyOne]

🔥🔥💯💯🍻🍻🇺🇸🇺🇸👍👍😎😎

[@ryanhamstra49]

Nice! I graduated HVAC school in 2015, there’s a huge need for techs!

[@Kaiserland111]

Mike Rowe is the epitome of the American spirit. Work hard, don't complain, have fun with your life, and be genuine.

[@bigsigar1]

Mike Rowe reciting Frost = Goosebumps. Awesome.

[@Caffeinated-Veterinarian]

This is one of my favorite Episodes. Mike Rowe and BRCC makes sense. As every adventure starts with a cup of coffee, so does every day on a dirty job. America's coffee is made for America's workers

[@ThaCrustyOne]

#FACTS 💯💯🔥🔥🍻🍻🇺🇸🇺🇸🤘🤘😎😎

[@GaryLX870D]

Mike is the Best.. just one of the Boyz Packing a toolbox 👍🧰🪓🌲🌲 Zero debt,, and no education. Living the dream ✨️ 25+ years doing what I love.. ZERO help, starting at the bottom.. watch and learn boys

[@colby9023]

Best podcast I have watched in years. Mike Rowe is a worthy hero to have.

[@jdwar11]

Love Mike Rowe. He is a great and legit man. Glad you guys had him on and had such a good discussion.

[@ronniehdable]

Mike, you are an American icon. Thank you.

[@davidcolesr.8628]

Mike Rowe is a Legend

[@khitai8227]

I love Mike Rowe, Dirty Jobs was a great show and it gives you so much more appreciation for the people doing those dirty jobs. Love the podcast keep up the good work

[@JT-tl1ec]

Dirty Jobs had another season last year.

[@michaelmartin96]

He should be president and get America manufacturing domestically again. Detroit, Cleveland, Pennsylvania, the rust belt in Western New York, and on and on

[@Wheelz987]

Mike Rowe is just a real dude plain and simple. Just like the BRCC guys seem no matter how 'famous' they become they're just real

[@jasterbobafett555]

Seldom do I sit and watch a whole podcast in one sitting. I can listen to Mike Rowe talk for hours. This was a super interesting episode and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@Mykael_G]

I grew up watching dirty jobs, I’m now an adult and it’s so amazing to hear Mike speak and know the back story and wisdom behind the man! So so cool thank you for having him on your show! Amazing to see how things connect to today!

[@ldn0224]

As around Mikes age I took shop both automotive and wood. Many of us were the dummies in other classes. But that they killed those classes was so horrible but sports was all the rage then. Evan said it correctly, it was socially unaccepted to be lazy. My stepdad knew so many little skills and tricks and made me useful for my whole rest of my life and he was a very hard worker and had his own little business.

[@jeffgast7215]

Mike Rowe is what everyone should strive to be. He really is a great human being👍🏻👍🏻

[@adamjones5911]

So awesome to see BRCC and Mike Row come together, no pun intended. Huge fans of both. Thank you.

[@simmo7670]

What a great episode, thanks for sharing mate. Mike Rowe has a way with words, that are not often heard these days. I really hope he writes and autobiography at some point. His love of writing and poetry can be seen by the way he thinks and talks. Your country needs more men like Mike and you lot at BRCC. Would be great to have a store here in Australia. Thanks again, and congrats on your company going public.

[@clutchfrog262]

I grew up watching Mike Rowe on Sunday morning TV showing properties in Baltimore County in the 80's. You can't live here and NOT know Mike Rowe. The man is a damn legend here in Baltimore.

[@BenBartlow]

I am a huge mike Rowe fan so glad to see this pop up today

[@mongo9034]

Best job I ever had in my life was working on a farm, not because I loved the work but because I hated it and it helped me figure out exactly what I didn't want to do.

[@mobius-1503]

So what are you doing now

[@mrmitchelj79]

That was the best podcast episode I've ever watched/listened to. Mike Rowe is incredible. The depth and breadth of his knowledge and wisdom is almost overwhelmingly impressive, but he has a way of conveying it all in a manner anyone can understand. If he could ever be convinced to run for president, the US would be dramatically improved. He seems to be able to cross any boundary or division and bring out the best in all sides.

[@RagnarLothbrok2222]

Mike Rowe a legend!

[@DaveyJake]

Love Mike Rowe! Evan, just FYI: You got your name’s crossed. It’s actually Andy Stumpf who’s written those books. He randomly autographs copies at airport bookstores and puts them back on the shelf for lucky fans to purchase! He uses Jack’s name just so he doesn’t have to deal w/ the fame…

[@texal]

I could listen to Mike for days. Doesn't matter what he says he could read the box of cereal and he'd have my ear.

[@Kenzo0220]

How can you not respect and enjoy what Mike Rowe continues to do? The way he presents the heart of the blue collar worker is well balanced, insightful and pays respect to the hardworking American.

[@larryhaller738]

When Mike Rowe speaks, people should listen.

[@Pe3t-]

Mike Rowe is a guy you could listen too all day long.

[@troysmith6929]

Always loved watching Dirty Jobs, but man, I enjoyed this so much more than I thought! Mike is an inspirational, charitable, and determined man, and this was such a cool conversation. Thanks guys 😊

[@RebelRouser475]

Mike Rowe is awesome. Thanks for this one.

[@jordanc8581]

Gen Z here. I wish I had encouragement in high school to seek different options from university level education. Luckily I chose the road less traveled and joined the active duty Marine Corps and later got my CDL. I now drive heavy haul trucks and drill with the USMC monthly. Point being, I love the things I do, make good money, and owe nothing to anybody. I pray that High schools today will at least begin to inspire different lines of work to all types of individuals stepping into adulthood.

[@michaelksepka5346]

Great podcast featuring two guys that have inspired the way I try and live my life.Thanks

[@stankaliski]

This is the best interview with Mike Rowe I've seen to date. Good job.

[@Jet1ranger]

Freaking awesome! Great conversation. We should all be as well spoken. Great questions! Thank you for this episode.

[@grogvaughan5649]

as a welder for going on 40 years now doing everything from xray spec shop work to heavy equipment field repair i'm glad i learned to "embrace the suck" during my time in the army because having to get into weird positions to make repairs on stuff to fix something and stay there while either my sleave or pant leg caught fire or sparks went down my shirt/pants/boot so and couldn't move or i'd have to grind/torch out the bead i just laid i'm thankfull. besides my balls arn't going to burn themselves. God Bless you everyone at BRCC and thank you for being you Mr Mike Rowe.

[@jarenjay9667]

I bet you can weld like a badass man ✌

[@lilorbielilorbie2496]

Grog Vaughan Imo you are not a true welder if you have not set yourself on fire at least once in your life. Don't ask me how I know this. I've been welding in one form or another since my Late Dad taught me how to gas weld when I was 6. I'm 63 now so yeah I've been on fire.

[@chadfrank5972]

This was easily the best episode I have ever seen or Listened to ever! Mike Rowe is an amazing person and dang who couldnt listen to him and Even for hours and hours. Thank you for this amazing podcast.

[@AbbyBane.]

23-30 mins is exactly what I have said since my freshman year (1996) when my "counselor" threatened me that I would end up "barefoot, pregnant popping out babies on the system or digging ditches for a living" while my HERO, my Daddy was a construction foreman/head mechanic and took me to work every saturday and many days in summers from age 7 thru 17. I went to college, got my vet tech degrees and decided 6 months into a practice that it wasn't worth my soul for the chump change because the market was flooded with us all graduating at the same time. I'm still a physical labor type person with a wrench turning mind, and have continued to learn thru classes and life.

[@shamanosarcasm9800]

Find a profession doing what you love and you'll never "work" another day in your life!!! Guidance counselors are lower of the food chain than debt collectors and catfish, at least catfish can provide a meal...

[@AbbyBane.]

@@shamanosarcasm9800 I appreciate that!!! I’ve tried a lot of things and haven’t found my thing that also pays bills but def learned not to stick to a job I hate anymore.

[@Donde_Lieta]

I am an opera singer who was born into a blue-collar family- so I’ve always had a special place in my heart for this man- haha I believe I was almost looked down-on during my higher levels of study BECAUSE I came from a background of parents who didn’t give a shit about the art form that I had such a promising future. I feel as though that caused a lot of professors immediately writing me off because I had a lovely Puccini voice- but I feel as though they knew deep down- without the foundation of a musical family- I’m not truly cut out for the actual industry. I love how Mike is so honest about the networking hustle on the side of that industry, cause I’d consider opera a “dirty job” lol- a lot of needless suffering… so I’ve always appreciated his candid take on the industry.

[@lockout3982]

Mike Rowe for President!!!

[@SheepdogSmokey]

5:37 - My Dad (with a tiny amount of help from myself and others) built the house my parents are in now, no plans other than in his head and very little put to paper. The only bit we didn't do was drywall, as a hired crew could do it in days, not the weeks upon weeks it would take us. Years later, I bought a pre-fabricated building, a storage shed really, and with his help, walls went in, wiring went in, plumbing went in, and now I'm in that house next door to my parents. If we manage to find something he doesn't know how to do, he does the research, then does it.

[@leannaskinner8495]

Love Mike Rowe. Loved this podcast. We have had the Louis L'more's full collection for almost 50 years. If he said it was there it was there. Taught our Oldest son to love reading on him. Love Jack Carr. Read his first book just after published. Lee Child was one of our favorites before he really popular. I feel validated when these two icons also like the same authors as we do. Keep up the good work.

[@jasons4882]

I have never before been able to watch a video teleconference podcast, the quality and the lack of in-person communication usually rules everyone out. This podcast however was so full of emotion and narrative that I forgot at times that they weren't in the same room. Great podcast and outstanding guest for Black Rifle, this should be a follow-up as I'm sure Mr. Rowe has no shortage of stories.

[@tony66au]

I've listened and watched Mike for decades and the guy is just something else, His Mom Peggy too is a national treasure and I dont know how but worth maybe getting an intro or cameo from. Seeing you had him on the Podcast though? Man I just spent 2 hours on and off glued to the screen hearing you 2 back and forth and I gotta say Evan, Awesome episode. BTW I would be interested in hearing what the Female demographic is watching this Episode in a weeks time lol, I reckon its just gone up.

[@admir2323]

Mike is the man!!

[@spookerredmenace3950]

love Mike Rowe! dude speaks the truth!

[@davidbillings615]

I’m glad I was able to hear this one!

[@SnackPack913]

Mike is awesome. Great story teller with phenomenal vocab

[@sirscrotum]

I like that he sheds positive light on dirty jobs. I dont like that he's a picket line crossing global economy concerned neoliberal and anti-union worm

[@mwilkinson5474]

Shared adversity binds tighter than anyone who has not faced these challenges could ever imagine.

[@TokyoCraftsman]

What an amazing conversation, and ending with Frost from memory, just wow!

[@texas2627]

Mike Rowe is the man. "How the Universe Works", is one of my Fav shows Mike narrates. Dirty Job's was one of his greatest shows. And his Foundation is awesome... Mike shows the importance of People who's jobs are Dirty, and how important they are... A Trade is just as important as a Degree from a School. The thing that is wrong in the world, right now. A degree in Formative Dance isn't going to fix a plumbing or a electrical problem, or solve a simple problem.

[@texas2627]

May 29th, 1980, I went to Basic Training in the USAF, because at the Time, Jimmy Carter was President. There were no jobs or training. So the USAF was my way for getting the training I needed to live... Tactical Aircraft Maintenance and Food Service Specialist. The only thing that has stopped me is a Motorcycle Accident in 2010, Crappy rehabilitation, so I can't stand for long periods of time, like I did in the Service in Food Service... I'm disabled now...

[@vettevegas8549]

In the 1980s, it used to be that "whoever dies with the most toys wins". But after realizing that I spent more overtime working to pay for that 3rd new snowmobile, than actually riding it... I realized It should be "whoever dies with the best stories (with those who love you) wins". I had to reexamine my own motives, while there was still time. Great white sharkbite force = 4000psi. Yes, it could gum you to death.

[@patjesse5503]

love love your Programs!! your your staff is great!! Sponsors are are Great. It’s a Win !! Win!! Combination!! Thank You👍❤️

[@griffoutdoortv5882]

As a low life construction worker I greatly appreciate the work mike does!

[@squidinnit1266]

You two are the two people I will always stop and listen to. I am a veteran, and worked a few different jobs until I went into Construction in my 40s and enjoyed every day of my life since. I am now 72 and closed my business 5 years ago. And have worked at Lowe’s full time since. I get great satisfaction from my work and my life. Love this podcast and the perspective that you guys share on work and life.

[@jeffshackleford3152]

How is working at Lowe's? I noticed a bunch of the gray beards working there had been a tradesman before they landed there.

[@LudiCrust.]

It blows my mind Mike Rowe had a stammer. He seems like he’d have been an excellent speaker right out of the box.

[@zirabenz.zorander5087]

Props to Mike for the Robert Service mention, love that guy 😊

[@rmcgee211]

I truly love the Black Rifle Coffee podcasts... They are always informational and entertaining in a unique way. This episode is probably my favorite so far. Congrats!!!

[@michaelgraham827]

Content continues to be awesome, fellas. Well done!

[@nowacurmudgeon]

Mike, I appreciate everything you do. We need more of your kind.

[@derrickwalker538]

Even & BRCC, By far this is in the top 10 best of your podcasts. I’m a member of the TN Natty Guard since 2000. I’m 42yrs old now and have a great job as a Industrial Maintenance Forman and make 100k a year. With a few thousand dollars of trade school training I’m doing what I love and make a good living for my family! Mike is absolutely right on everything he said. Just a little sweat, hard work and grit will get you what you want and need!!!

[@istvantoth7431]

This dude is the dude!

[@davepiteri9808]

One of the best interviews I've ever listened to. Mike is a Bon Vivant.

[@WvlfDarkfire]

There's so much in this I'll probably watch it several times.

[@ccpanel]

language man. so much for showing my kids awesome people.

[@patdonnelly9392]

Love Mike Rowe! I love how he encourages people to seek fulfilling career options that don't require wasting years and $$ on useless college degrees. He's an articulate, intelligent man (who can sing Opera) and is NOT afraid to get down and dirty with the rest of us. If he ever did run for office...I'd be first in line to vote for him. (however....I think he is too honest and decent a man to get involved in politics).

[@jeffreysims]

One of your best podcasts!!!

[@aaronschmitt4215]

Mike Rowe in my eyes is a representative of blue collar work. I greatly appreciate that.

[@darinkaintz386]

Glad This Was A One On One. Great Interview!

[@joeturecek8243]

Amazing conversation. I will watch again. Thanks Evan.

[@Allen338LM]

that's why I love BRCC as a brand the story itself makes the company the people are the bloodline and there combined efforts make the brand thrive and make it stand out above all others and mike Rowe is the same humble beginnings make for great people

[@Hankhaze22]

This was incredible! Thanks yall!

[@jordanwurz1024]

Yes so needed this today at work can’t wait gotta love Mike Rowe

[@SMichaelDeHart]

Great podcast!! Have seen Mike Rowe at the Scout Jamboree in West Virginia. He's a brother BSA Eagle Scout.

[@stacyshults3306]

Two of my favorites!

[@jeffhall2411]

black rifle is my coffee i use after i tried it.. i love it! Great Coffee Guys!

[@jimballentine9733]

I Enjoy most of you podcasts but this one was amazing- can’t wait for Evan to go on Mike’s podcast!

[@TOGALOCK]

Awesome!! I’ve been waiting for a podcast with Mike Rowe as a guest. Rogan and Mike Ritland need to have Mike Rowe on.

[@kaziwill]

Probably one of the best interviews I've ever watched... EVER...

[@DavidL221]

Mike Rowe is a national treasure

[@brianallen8579]

one of my favorite episodes!

[@peteycottontail6453]

Mike Rowe is my childhood. Legend

[@ml9029]

Thank you both of y’all for this, the episode was great.

[@DUKWAK]

Love Mike Rowe. Great interview.

[@Steve-fe8gj]

Mike Rowe for President

[@dailyswithdave]

This is amazing.. Mike Rowe man. What a grounded legend.

[@jackgreen1737]

Terrific interview! Love Mike Rowe