Dirty Jobs' Mike Rowe on Lamb Castration, PETA, and American Labor

To watch more visit: fora.tv/2008/12/12/Mike_Rowe_o...
Drawing on his experiences picking up roadkill, feeding swine, and castrating a lamb with his teeth, Mike Rowe, host of Discovery Channel's Dirty Jobs, discusses how modern American culture belittles necessary labor.
EG is the celebration of the American entertainment industry. Since 1984, Richard Saul Wurman has created extraordinary gatherings about learning and understanding. EG is a rich extension of these ideas - a conference that explores the attitude of understanding in music, film, television, radio, technology, advertising, gaming, interactivity and the web - The Entertainment Gathering
Mike Rowe has had more jobs than you. In fact, Mike has had more jobs than anyone.
As the creator and executive producer of Discovery Channels Emmy-nominated series Dirty Jobs With Mike Rowe, Mike has spent years traveling the country, working as an apprentice on more than 200 jobs that most people would go out of their way to avoid. From coal mining to roustabouting, maggot farming to sheep castrating, Mike has worked in just about every industry and filmed the show in almost every state, celebrating the hard-working Americans who make civilized life possible for the rest of us.
On Labor Day 2008, Mike launched a Web site called mikeroweWORKS.com, where skilled labor and hard work are celebrated in the hope of calling attention to the steady decline in the trades and bolstering enrollment in trade schools and technical colleges.
In addition to Dirty Jobs and his mikeroweWORKS endeavor, Mike is the voice of Deadliest Catch and the national spokesman for Ford Trucks. He has traveled extensively for Discovery Channel, hosting Shark Week in South Africa, where he field-tested a steel-mesh shark-suit, and Egypt Week Live, where he opened and explored newly discovered tombs in the Valley of the Golden Mummies.

[@ondfritz2]

This man is my hero and should be the one children look up to on TV. We can all learn a lot from his TV show.

[@ellisbenm]

Mike is quietly one of the best presenters of our era.

[@robertslugg8361]

Mike and Jeremy Clarkson would be 2/3 of a modern Trinity

[@mathbrown9099]

Mike Rowe has entertainment flowing out of his ears. He’s a good man, too. Sola Gratia!

[@homfri111]

The reason why i'm a happy grain mill worker making $19/hr instead of the depressed book keeper making 45K is because i met Mike at a conference at university of Iowa. I love the work i do, I love the feeling of getting a job done and putting my back into the job everyday. My paycheck is second to the job and thats what makes my job great And that turned a shitty sketchy job scraping the interior of 100 foot tall grain bins into a career of supervising 13 people feeding the regions cattle and hogs.

[@nedhasler2687]

It's a huge step forward in our lives to realize that we are in fact wrong quite a bit. I love this speech.

[@Kunzopolis]

Incredibly intelligent gentleman. I feel enlightened by listening to him share his experiences. Really great communication.

[@voidmaster45]

This guy really does kick ass! The Discovery Channel wouldn't be the same without him. Hes just as nice in real life as he is on the show, and thats refreshing to see.

[@TheGroovybear17]

This video started out as something to laugh and cringe about but then he took the most meaningful lesson out of it, it really inspires you to do something big with your life.

[@anglandp]

My work is IT - recently I've been doing projects at home: drywall, paint, caulking, drop ceilings. I'm finding that the labor, the manual work - it's much more rewarding then what I'm doing in IT

[@freakinbox]

This is an amazing speech with so much in it. Frankly not surprised at all that it's Mike Rowe giving it. His humour also allows us to watch it through :)

[@epicpolyphony]

Mike Rowe, if you decide to run for any political position, I would happily vote for you. :) You are honestly one of the most level-headed, well rounded people I've ever heard.

[@pokeopolis]

Mike makes so much sense. I listened to the whole 20 minutes and am glad I did.

[@mortician9574]

Mike Rowe, you are indeed wise!

[@stars1861]

While I enjoyed this video and feel Mike's heart is sincere, I thought he was a little patronizing with the "people with dirty jobs are happy" routine. I can't tell you how many days I would trade my "happy" dirty job for something less dirty. If we want people to stay in the skilled trades (as I am) the pay has to be addressed, but it isn't.

[@chucksolutions4579]

I know this is very old but what do you do? Bc most of the dirty jobs that I remember were either unskilled labor (miserable with no freedom or lifestyle), skilled labor (often terrible, but in an exciting and highly compensated way), or a pastoral lifestyle like that of a farmer/rancher/shepherd etc that managed to offer those who succeeded (and there is never a guarantee of that) a moderate compensation and a lifestyle of independence lacking in most jobs. In other words, if you want more money, go get it! Don’t expect anyone else to help you do that.

[@ADDrecords]

Yeah, making 100k a year getting a little dirty sure beats going through college 4 years and being in major debt to end up working at a bank for 13 bucks an hour, but at least you're clean

[@gigglingchicken8444]

Idk I work landscape and hardscape and work with construction, carpenters, plumbers, etc and everyone I know is happier than the lawyers, business, secretaries, scientists, and health professionals I know. I really think it's because we work our body and mind. Landscape and construction is a lot of problem solving and calculating so the mind is used quite a bit and obviously it is very physical. When I worked in a lab making medications for 60+ hours a week I was physically deprived and mentally stressed all the time. Took a year off as a reset and Idk if I want to go back even if the pay is a lot less. I still work a lot on landscape but it's more of a 50 hour work week then a 60+. I am a lot happier and can actually sleep! I also have energy to go hiking and go to the gym even after an extremely physical day.

[@MichaelLevi00]

Anything you say will always have someone who disagrees with you. He isn't speaking for everyone in a dirty job, he is attesting to his experience with the people he worked with on those jobs and comparing it to the people who work retail or programming or even in a cubicle. The song Code Monkey is a good example of cubicle programmer opinions.

[@highcastoroil]

This guy could with 1 speech bring global peace. His speaking talent is amazing.

[@thrivesurvive]

This was very enlightening for me. Thank you for posting it.

[@DEP717]

Rowe has a group now championing American manual laborers. The nation is better off for having this man.

[@ReconRaptor]

Mike Rowe for President 2016!

[@alanhelton]

if only

[@RiggerTrev]

Real work, no excuses. Outstanding commentary!

[@bunionblood8]

I have so much unconditional and devoted respect for Mike Rowe after these incredibly short 20 minutes...

[@SuperDachshund]

Mike! You the man! Challenge everything!

[@TiborRoussou]

Many times I've enjoyed this video; today was different. My nephew and my friend were talking about Red Dead Redemption II. I was brought aware of the skinning of animals in the game. Haven't watched it. I've lived it. We discussed many different things I've done. Defiling, killing, dismemberment of many different animals when I was younger. All learned from farming. All youth of today should absolutely spend a summer or two on a farm; any farm. They will walk away with more knowledge and respect for things in life! Great talk. Again, I'm glad to watch it again!

[@ballardstowingandoffroadre2367]

You are 100% CORRECT !! Kids today aren't even taught how Food ends up on their dinner plates every night !, How Tires are made (Rubber in General), How the Streets and Highways they Ride on everyday get there and so many THOUSANDS of things that we "Old Farts" learned and we're TAUGHT when "Growing Up" and becoming and Adult !! Back then, Being GROWN wasn't because someone turned 18,21 or whatever age your State or Country says a Minor becomes an Adult !!!!. I've slaughtered Cows, Pigs, Chickens, Rabbits, Deer, and So on and on and on !!!, I was raised on a Small Farm ! We raised most of our meats and veggies until i "Grew Up" and moved away on my on. If you want the Honest reason we stopped growing a ", Garden" is because my Great Grandpa died !! He was a "Share Cropper" his entire life, And he ALWAYS had a small Garden growing in his 1 acre lot next to his house that "The Family" was raised on !!. After he passed, We mainly only raised our Meats.. I truly miss that lifestyle !!!.

[@TiborRoussou]

@@ballardstowingandoffroadre2367 Farming; long, hard yet rewarding days!

[@GroovFlowr]

I started watching this, not expecting to watch the full video, but that was one of the smoothest best 20 minutes spent. Usually I get the point in 3 and the rest isn't interesting enough to keep me watching - not at all the case with this one. I could listen to him all day!

[@bornready01]

I love Mike Rowe for his wit, I will now worship him for his wisdom!!! Coem back to Northern California, Gary's Place, Marysville, we miss you!

[@dolst]

If there is any hope left for the future of the US, it is people like this man. Surf Wisely.

[@USAFRETCMSGT]

A true genius that states how it really is. He has more common sense in his toenails than some of folks who commented here have in their whole body. Open your ears and listen. He is too smart to run for office, but would serve us well...Bravo Mike.

[@Cynder1228]

Mike you so nailed it!!! I really enjoy this piece you done and I love to watch Dirty Job, you are awesome! I see it everyday, I work in the HR dept at our company, new employees come and go, because when they find out they actually have to work, they freak out and leave the job.

[@grineedahobob]

Awesome talk!

[@davidlewisjohnson4235]

Damn, dude, didn't realize this guy was such a grifter.

[@RonnieTheFish]

He would be a great President just saying. I would Vote for him .

[@Excedrine]

*Write him in.* I would.

[@GreatBigRanz]

Screw president, i wish he was my dad.

[@heavyglassglass]

+GreatBigRanz Why not both?

[@SheepdogSmokey]

He's smart enough to never run.

[@tootiepnewman]

This man is AWESOME. He could just talk for hours and I would listen with my eyes glazed over and a goofy grin on my face. 8 )

[@bunshine8plutz]

wow, this guy never ceases to amaze me.

[@jacobsonsteel1751]

I wonder if Mike will ever know the impact he could have...? Greatness and the knowledge to back it up is rare.

[@ballardstowingandoffroadre2367]

He wouldn't last long in a Political Position !!!!! Because, He's an Honest person ! He would truly fight for "The People" and all the Crooks in Politics would either Force him out of office if possible, OR have him "Exterminated" because all the "Politicians" care about is putting the money in "Their" Pockets or in someone they knows pockets !!!. President Trump was trying to weed out the Crooks and you see what they did to him !!!.

[@darcyrfd1]

Great guy and intelligent too!!! Love his show!

[@321godson]

mike rowe>>> IS THE MAN!!!!!!!! HANDS UP, THIS GUY HAS NO PREJUDICE, JUST AN OPEN MIND AND CLEAN HEART.. I WISH OUR REPORTERS, OUR POLITICAL OFFICIALS, AND EVERY1 ELSE COULD BE LIKE HIM..... GOD BLESS

[@tristenpoirier6272]

Mike Rowe is a national treasure

[@rockerneck]

Entirely unscripted, no visual enhancements behind him, and slightly buzzed on wine. Mike Rowe should run for president.

[@c172215s]

That would scare the hell out of politicians. :)

[@UndeadHavoc1]

I love this man; could listen to him for hours. Plus with all the experience he has, he must have tons of advice and knowledge to pass down :o

[@IPZEEN]

I watched this whole thing, it was very inspiring. He has a good voice for telling tales! ^^

[@anavidhunter]

I already liked Mike...but now I have even more reason to respect this great informative and educating speaker. Nice work Mike and a thumbs up posting!

[@dannydontgoin237]

Super intelligent guy with integrity to spare. Why is "PETA" listed as one of the primary subjects? He barely mentioned it and didn't share whatever opinion he has of it.

[@RavenwolfFoxtrack]

Click bate. But its a lot better than the other click bates.

[@Erilis000]

You know why...

[@miss_sunshine25]

No one laughed when he mentioned Hillary? What a crowd! lmao

[@fishtankpotato8936]

its 2022 and i still love how he tells this story

[@Dyerfan1979]

I really enjoyed watching this vid of Mike. I always love hear'in his voice. It's a non-forgetable voice yet strong and comforting liek the voice of a story teller.

[@gromann]

"If I were running for anything-and I'm not" should change

[@ptw783]

almost like a white morgan freeman

[@rmcdaniel423]

What a great talk! Our world needs more of this type of common sense. And humility. How often do you hear people admit the enormity of what they "got wrong"? Thank you Mike Rowe.

[@Geoshi]

I want to hug this man, very insightful

[@dogcatloverforever]

I love him, he is so attractive, I will call him perfect, it is the man of my dreams

[@bnyob3463]

He is incredibly handsome....agree💯

[@Auen73]

That was fantastic ......enjoyed every minute of it.....what a surprise.

[@BFP2021]

the best message from this video: being innovative! thanks mike rowe

[@Ehav4Ever]

Yeah, same here. I was captivated by what he was saying.

[@websuspect]

Mike really hit on what this show is about and what his meaning is in doing the show.

[@imafarmboy]

he was a keynote speaker at the National FFA Convention last week. the best speech I have ever heard!!

[@tinythibault]

Absolutely amazing video. The first half is funny, the second half is practically inspiring, Mike Rowe has the best speaking voice and based on his ideas at the end of this video i think he as a person can best be described as a visionary.

[@BetterCallSauS]

THANK YOU!

[@MegaProto]

This was pretty amazing.

[@nikkilikes6888]

UGH... LOVE HIM :) Crushed every episode :)

[@cfretz1975]

I needed to hear this when I was in High school

[@baguazhang2]

The man is a fantastic speaker, and I genuinely enjoyed listening to every minute of this lecture.

[@Physco219]

Honestly I was waiting to hear the story I had heard rumors of it before, now I know it and so so so much more. I learned my new thing for the day!

[@angeladodson]

He is amazing! Not only is he attractive and humorous but he's logical and intelligent, too!

[@Cardboardangele]

This is a priceless video. The whole reason I enjoy the Dirty Jobs show and concept--hell, I got three DVDs of it for christmas one year--is that they call attention to the jobs we have forgotten. The jobs that people used to hold positions of respect in are now 'blue collar' and not as desirable as they once were. Right out of high school I enrolled in a trade/vocational school, and I do not regret it in the least.

[@Muffinzeshlongun]

I love his voice. I love the way he talks. I would love to be able to speak like this man

[@Cptace1961]

Great Vid..... Very well done..

[@commando0861]

What a great speaker. Very entertaining. The only person that can pull this off.

[@punka92]

As a second generation Painter(Not paintings but walls) so that last part really hit me, i've always been proud of my father slaving away up and down ladders in rooms that are filled with every kind of dust know to man with chemicals that will destroy your lungs and body if handled wrong, just to put food on the table and a roof over my head. So proud that I wanted to do the same, now we work together every day and I wouldn't trade it for anything!

[@madwrenches]

2 big thumbs up to Mike Rowe!

[@natedognate616]

My respect and admiration for Mike Rowe just trippled, if not quadrupled. i never realized he was so intellectual wow !

[@carolinainthemornin1]

Wow i loved that speech! Totally agree with everything he said. Smart guy. I also loved the symmetry of it. Well concluded at the end. : )

[@NashBashy]

love him. come to Nashville TN, Mike. You'll fit in great!

[@ScottWeston]

Great insight.

[@cub68134]

very well done job!

[@dminor214]

that was very good. i would like to hear what he has to say on other topics concerning some of our current problems.

[@redickashwood4321]

As usual, Mike make me laugh yet, think. Awesome combo in a man.

[@getnmyoven69]

As the testicals are bitten and pulled off, the veins are stretched and become skinnier and skinnier to the point where they cannot be rubber banded back into shape. This causes the veins to be permanently skinny and allows the blood flow to be cut off way more than being just cut. Once the testicals are pulled off, there is much less bleeding than if they were cut off. Source: my grandfather

[@Gypscrew]

Brilliant speech, just awesome.

[@who0oam1]

Very inspiration ans insightful!

[@Sarahrosebello]

That's what I heard! My teacher/FFA leader went to meet him. Can't wait to hear about it!

[@TheRealRaz909]

I know have an even bigger respect level for Mike Rowe.

[@3dmoddeler]

A hero.. pure and simpel !

[@11Nosam11]

Wow, I liked Mike on Dirty Jobs but here is a whole new level...... He's is great!!

[@UnionKid15]

That actually was a pretty practical and very entertainment and intelligent short seminar.

[@savior727]

best lecture ive ever seen, to me it was empowering and i never new mike rowe was such a intelegen and great speaker

[@somk2]

Impressive. Didn't know the guy but now I love him :)

[@iTehTunePawd]

All these hosts for Discovery Channel are so intelligent, funny and have great charisma.

[@rjcjuntwait]

Mike is the Man!

[@Venckman]

Mike Rowe is the MAN!

[@Jessicanana89]

He is a wonderful speaker!

[@Trumpetjoe40]

Well said gamer - Rowe is one of my most respected people on TV - gives a little appreciation for those who work an honest 8 - god bless him for it.

[@prrrrecious]

Very articulate man. He's awesome.

[@blitzbeat06]

you inspired me thanks

[@Rkill54]

Mike Rowe! i love this guy!

[@biggreenlzrd]

Quite excellent.

[@MrAnottakenusername]

that was a speech that showed some insightful views that actually made me think quite hard and agree one some of his points.

[@apetheape9]

You sir. Thank you.

[@tomat0TM]

amazing speech!

[@Superiorer]

I only just realised his voice is amazing!

[@booth231]

Wow that was super smart and completely in tune with whats going on in American culture. Mike Rowe knows what he's talking about.

[@AngeliaChanel]

Awesome!!!!