Mike Rowe Full Interview - The Chris Cuomo Project

In this week’s episode of The Chris Cuomo Project, Mike Rowe, host of “Dirty Jobs” and founder of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, joins Chris to discuss whether he’d go to college if he had to do it all over again, how a work truck and a college degree both serve as barriers to entry in the workforce, why a trade-friendly message is perceived as right of center in media culture, broken blenders, and much more.
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0:00 Intro
7:44 Interview with Mike Rowe
1:02:44 What do you think?
#chriscuomo #cuomo #newsnation #mikerowe #dirtyjobs #college

[@seansysig]

Chris your conversation with Mike Rowe was spot on. As a retired tradesman I must say you guys hit a home run addressing the flaws of college and lack of skilled tradesman.

[@louisedavidson848]

Best podcast ever!!!!! Two intelligent people talking about very important issues. Keep them coming Chris!!!

[@countrycandle1460]

U got that right my friend!!!!!!!!!

[@charleslowery789]

Very much enjoyed this podcast ! At the risk of sounding like a military recruiter, I began my "trade" experience in the Air Force in 1970 as a Combat Search and Rescue Medic and then transitioned into aircraft maintenance. The skills I learned in helping others along with the skills I learned in working on big mechanical things has served me in teaching others the value of getting your hands dirty and keeping your mind sharp. As Mike Rowe espouses, I don't follow my passion, but I do bring it with me in everything I do...and I've taught my kids the same thing. I really enjoy your commentary, Chris. I'm a big fan of yours.

[@mmpmazerolle]

Great topic, tradespeople are needed so much! I worked for a time in the education sector , I feel there needs to be more opportunities for kids to pursue trade schools. Thanks!

[@donnaelkins186]

Chris Thank you for doing this video with Mike. I love both of you. We need Trades Men and Women. Thanks to both of you for all you do ! My father told me 30 years ago trade school is where it's going to need to be.

[@barbd.1628]

My Dad was a tool & die maker, a trade he learned thru the GI Bill after WWII. He enjoyed it and made lots of stuff for our house. He kept his wife and 3 kids clothed and fed; and he sent 1 to college. We never felt deprived of anything. He was a great guy who taught us good values thru his example. Needless to say, I think trades people are the BEST!!

[@joycecalabrette6605]

As a mother of 2 teachers and a plumber. THE BESY PODCAST INTERVIEW YET❤❤❤❤

[@Loveschihuahua12]

Great podcast, Chris!👏👏👏 Really enjoyed your conversation with Mike Rowe. I have 4 college degrees (1 in broadcast production, 3 in education). If you are a teacher and want to or need to increase your salary, you have to go back to school to get another degree on your own. (student loans, out of pocket) Vocational High Schools are needed as an alternative in order to prepare students for a career in areas such plumbers, hvac, auto mechanics, etc. along with an apprenticeship after graduation.

[@williamhartz8707]

Since Americans don’t want to do these jobs, let’s set up trade schools for our new unskilled immigrants that want to work.

[@KMayflower]

This was excellent! I loved everything about this interview. The guests voice is so nice. I’m not sure he would have ever been unsuccessful with that voice!

[@freefalln]

WoW! Great conversation. Thanks Chris and Mike. Look forward to your next interview together!

[@minniemaklingham4255]

Excellent episode Chris ! this very enlightening conversation with Mike Rowe !❤

[@debrabelaska3175]

Good morning Chris having coffee and will listen in a few. Got this posted to all my platforms.

[@shirleynichols2917]

Good morning Chris. Happy Tuesday

[@curly73ful]

The question for Chris is, does he want his son or daughters to become electricians or plumbers or does he want them to go to Harvard or Yale?

[@AljIsHere128]

That's actually a very good question indeed. Because due to their privileged status they can realistically get into doing anything or work within the service aspect or some kinda business aspect within the larger family. Based on their family status. Call it nepotism but it is what it is. 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@AljIsHere128]

I know the oldest daughter is studying theatre in college and I believe wants to do Broadway. Not really an in demand field but again the privileged status and last name helps even in that arena she is pursuing.🤷🏾‍♀️

[@fvr12345]

A lot of good topics brought up, but I feel like this is 2 wealthy white collar guys romanticizing work that they’ve never done. Once you actually work a “dirty job”, you’ll understand how important a college degree is and the high pay, status, and lighter toll on your body that comes with it.

[@maryellenguay6109]

Very powerful podcast! Thanks for shining a bright light on the inequalities and deficiencies of the current educational systems. Hoping this dialog continues to emphasize the need for progressive change.

[@juliejensen7370]

Your best episode yet! Excellent information, Mike!

[@brianmergl4822]

Well that was an awesome episode!

[@corinnewinterrousset]

Chris, one of your best guests and interviews. Mike is right. We are all about to experience a major skill shortage. Trade Schools and the various fields need a new Marketing guru who knows how to inject Value into the Trades as a destination, Mike’s your guy!

[@nancylambert8024]

Love his voice and enjoyed podcast. Thanks Chris.

[@luxuryliving3556]

GOOD MORNING CHRIS!! HAVE A BLESSED DAY!🙏🏽♥️

[@donnathomas1004]

Best guest and conversation yet!

[@jdlutz1965]

The working class are the rubber meeting the road, very crucial to everything running smoothly. You can go weeks/months without needing the assistance of a white collar worker but a few days without blue collar help and everything shuts down!

[@AljIsHere128]

Umm that's not necessarily true going weeks/months not needing a white collar worker. Especially if needing technical help or medical help or medical tests or medical care in some capacity. HELLO! Let's not play white collar vs blue collar Olympics of which is more valued. They both have values and sometimes may overlap.

[@jdlutz1965]

@@AljIsHere128 I get it... I'm speaking in generalization. In crisis mode, it is all hands on deck!

[@dmolina8933]

🤣😂🤣 (suggested title of show)....Great podcast. Practical, realistic, and as a retired farm girl, I would say "grounded in reality" Not only was my step-father a hard working successful farmer, he was a brilliant business man. You pose the question as "what do we value". I pose it as "what do we worship? what do we make as our 'god'? Money? Ambition? power ? etc"......Same question, said differently. Will be watching this one again.

[@ilpilp7423]

I usually watch a portion of your shows. Chris, this discussion captivated me and I watched the entire episode.

[@beliagarcia120]

What can I say that hasn't already been said....Best, Excellent, podcast!! Love Mike Rowe.

[@mkmac9539]

Mike Rowe!!! You are an educated person. More importantly, you are a very thoughtful person. Chris, this is a really good interview/podcast. I have a junior in college and a junior in high school. You have given me so much to think about; to discuss with my kids. Mike, I will watch your trade competition show. Good luck. Thanks for this. Free Agency!!!

[@TinaLanoue]

PLEASE do more stuff together. Loved it!!!!

[@dvasser46]

Excellent episode. Enjoyed it and entertaining!❤

[@lamplighter5545]

College has been made necessary for many jobs that used to not require it. This is the fault of the employers' recruiting practices. A degree is something that a non-expert can look at and understand -- you got a degree in 'X'. In about 1977, a friend of mine took a six-month computer course and built a successful career using the skills he learned in that course. Five or six years later, I became interested in I.T., but I needed a four-year degree in computers. I also built a successful career, but the vast majority of what I learned in college, including subjects required for my major, was useless in the workplace.

[@mercanti100]

I Love your POD cast and whats best is !!!!!!! YOUR REAL!!!!!!

[@pauletteval6253]

Good afternoon Sr. Chomp I have been listening to you since CNN. Like you way expressing yourself. So for your information I am from Haiti. Trading school is something I preach and teach to my generation and I want to bring it to Haiti. How can I connect with your Guest from this showcase ? you are the cream of the cream I just ❤ the intelligence behind that is showing in wonderfull show. Stay bless.

[@lakennedycuomo446]

Rowe's information is very relevant for the political landscape of the Biden administration and a lot of his new policies. The policies include rebuilding the middle class and lowering employment from the bottom with a focus on the trades and unions labor buildings and infrastructure projects. My Dad was a laborer who assisted in building a nuclear power plant, and I was the first person to attend wood shop in my school. Then I went on to college. I am fortunate to know both career pathways and see the value in both. This episode should be viewed by those who are unemployed and seeking awesome labor analysis and advice. It can be very beneficial. Kudos to both Cuomo and Rowe for caring about blue-collar men and women and making them a priority like in the recent past.❤Laurie A. Cuomo

[@countrycandle1460]

AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME PODCAST.!!!!! We clearly need more trades men and women in this country. It's really sad people see you is less than if you don't have a degree. But let something break and/or needs replaced and maybe or hopefully they will see differently.

[@catherinesalacuse3284]

Thank you @thechriscuomoproject🇫🇷🇺🇸👍

[@SharrellKline]

What an episode. So much to unpack. Thank you.

[@rjo1956]

Chris, you're the best. Mike, you are what really ...builds America; the work ethic. Adore both of you! Singing, yes! My amateur passion. It stimulates the important vagus nerve. Class differences. Aristocracy ( Yale, Harvard) vs. the working class (Community colleges, or no college). Community colleges are wonderful resources! I have one year of college and am able to create a life for myself, creating credentials for the working class, who build America. I worked around tradespeople for close to 15 years. In my sixties, I'd like to learn a trade.

[@minniemaklin4372]

Love this ❤ Enjoy your weekend babe 💕💕💕

[@freefalln]

I spent one year in High School. I ran a multi-million dollar company, working with attorneys, bankers/ taught computer science classes k-8/high school/college intro to networking. I served on Boards of Education. Yes, you can educate yourself!! Took about ten years moving around, growing and learning, but I made it and the 6 figures!

[@ircsmith]

Listened to this on the way home. Glad I did. I had Rowe pegged as anti education. I know it's wrong, but I discount anyone on Fox as an idiot. Mr. Rowe and I may not agree on everything but what the two of you discussed made good sense. At state university I had a thermodynamics prof who taught at Stanford. He professed how dumb it was to go there. The theory he taught at state was the same as the ivy league schools.

[@conniemara1]

love this conversation...Ciao from Sicily

[@travisburress2033]

WOW….I never thought I would like anything you would say, my gosh that was the best podcast episode I have ever heard awesome show!!!

[@rebekahlow5957]

Excellent and very interesting interview. I like the point made that everyone needs an education but we need to define that need more clearly.The idea that one person is more important than another because of their job is just foolish. Is a brain surgeon a more important person than a plumber? I’ve never needed a brain surgeon but I have needed a plummer. Both people are equally as important. Just have different education to go with the skills they need. I look forward to your next video Chris! Love from Vermont

[@peacepantherproductions]

I love his experience with college - it should be like this again-

[@doug3691]

Outstanding guest and conversation! Thank you.

[@josesbox9555]

Greetings from ✈️. If you want to drive ✈️s, now is the best time I’ve ever seen.

[@donnathomas1004]

You ARE a BOSS Mike !

[@audreyw115]

Excellent episode! I’m a RN, I brought myself up. My parents were great! I had the advantage of vocational technical school in high school. After that community college and then BS to MBA. I went from Adult ICU helping a few patients to globally helping patients in quality outcomes, patient safety, transitions in care and risk management. It’s been a wonderful career. This is a tremendous topic. Thank you. 🩺

[@annamariasabatino9399]

How I have missed seeing you. Mike Rowe III listen to him too. Thank you

[@debdausch3689]

Thanks Chris...totally loved it!!

[@rosannajacksonwright927]

Thank you

[@barbarawood9518]

Love this!

[@nyenergytrader]

Great show.

[@petersdotter1]

I absolutely agree about the trades being equal to expert degrees! That said, I think loan forgiveness is a separate issue. The cost of college excludes to many. College at $20K-$40K is restrictive enough, and the years required to pay off larger amounts disqualifies an ever-increasing number of young people. Loan forgiveness is not a total elimination of costs, but it can help make it available to more young people.

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

P.s. Mike Row kept me laughing and awake while burning the midnight oil while at Uni.....but I never bought anything from his show on QVC....so thanks Mike.

[@TheJohnWickJr]

Excellent episode. I love Mike Rowe and had no idea he had a podcast. I will be checking it out.

[@catherinesalacuse3284]

This is such a great conversation which I wish many could watch & listen to thoroughly. In fact I reposted your IG announcement. The world should have reset all the systems every so often and today more than ever. Mike Rowe is a product of this fact, we lack of updating as progress or evolution goes. Very humbly…And truly my long life in France & in the US happened to back up Mike Rowe. We need to re invent how to help our children’s future…not being the parent’s dreams nor the old school systems…which is applied randomly to any and all potential professions Most children have no idea of what they would love to do in their adult lives…. We are living in a world which goes SO fast, that all the systems running our Countries should be, if not ahead, at least flexible to the changes. It is still doable as long as the awareness is spread. My kind of dialogue which add to the table. THANK YOU CHRIS! 🇫🇷🇺🇸

[@sheritaj4543]

Interesting conversation but it would be great to see a diverse panel to discuss this. As a Black woman in her 50s, I believe that a college education is the great equalizer. I cannot imagine opting for the skilled trades even though that's what my father did. And Chris, the shit you deal with when you have two degrees in corporate America is often more toxic than anything a plumber will ever handle.

[@rebeccakesner9840]

Great Episode Chris I Have Alot Of Respect For Mike Rowe He Has Some Great Ideas For Trades And Strong Values And He's A Man Of Great Character 👍

[@patriciaburke2401]

In the 1950’s or 60’s my father taught English in a public vocational high school. We definitely need to have tech schools today. Our educational system is failing many bright students who have the desire and abilities to become electricians, plumbers, builders, mechanics, beauticians, etc. These trades should be free to learn in our public schools like they used to be. Who put an end to these schools? Shame on them! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and insights. God bless.

[@rextrek]

talk to republicans and budget cuts to DUMB down our Nation and it's worked

[@user-co9it3vr4s]

Remember out there that I’m legally blind, so I talk into this thing if I make mistakes, please forgive me. I love Chris because he helps me girl every day. He’s awesome. I know so many people that think they’ve got religion inside of them and they have no example to give to others!

[@lisahalbert9287]

Great and enlightening conversation.

[@lesbrown8099]

Excellent… thanks… :)

[@ellentaylor4351]

EXCELLENT and shameful that it's the full truth. 💞📣

[@byronvillanueva2001]

Man this was a killer!!!

[@stargatergirl]

Chris I would love to see you have a dialogue with Marvel Studios action hero Chris Hemsworth (Thor) to talk about his amazing National Geographic series called LIMITLESS. If you haven’t seen the series it’s a must watch with everyone in the family! The series was inspired after learning he is a high risk candidate for Alzheimer’s… the series is mind blowing, includes digging deeper into the miraculous healing capabilities of the body, mind and spirit with fitness and medical experts. The last episode is called Acceptance … which I thought was going to be about accepting and understanding our limitations … boy was I wrong. It was quite profound, very educational and changed my views on strategies to support optimum health. A MUST SEE series …and I hope some day to watch you open dialogue with him about this journey. THANKS FOR ALL YOU do! Your podcasts are thought provoking and always informative! 🙏

[@patriciadawson4164]

Australia is the same in the Trade Industry. I blame the Education sector, especially School Teachers, with their "if you don't go to University, you will have 💩 life". I put 3 children through School during that time, and apparently us Parent's didn't know anything about life, it's the Teachers who knew everything. And then the Universities are pushing it because they are making Billions. I worked at a University in the Residential side, I was one of the people who withdraw payments from bank accounts for accommodation. The cost of Education in America & Australia is a rip off.

[@ericmodery4090]

The guy from "Dirty Jobs" talking to Chris Cuomo... Fitting...

[@celialum9863]

Great podcast!

[@rjo1956]

Term Limits, yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!🙂

[@eyesic04]

After being widowed and spending a fortune on tradesman to complete work around the house, give me a blue collar man like Dad.

[@integrityinus5018]

A decent chat. Nice.

[@alexscordley6389]

I can’t stand you Chris Cuomo but I grudgingly have to admit I absolutely love this episode.

[@jenniferhizzy6591]

More people need to take the Meyers Briggs before deciding to attend college.

[@marjoriejohnson6535]

Around here getting in the trades are difficult. First IF you find someone willing to hire and teach they think you are going to work for them ( sometimes with little actual show tell teaching) and expect to pay you as little as possible. ..therefore I think we need more trade schools and they should be the entry into becoming a journeyman. At least that might lead to an almost living wage....my late husband built stone walls, patios and interior home stone work. He paid above minimum wage, was willing to teach anyone willing to learn and gave some nice bonuses for finishing a job early.

[@jenniferhizzy6591]

It is a combo of what you like and have an aptitude for.

[@soonsmyth9981]

💯

[@peggyoconnor7218]

I will add my story tomorrow.

[@catherinesalacuse3284]

The problem is that the challenge of the more educated showing a superiority is giving the parents a good reason to expect from their kids. This mind set is just as unacceptable as Races, Genders…etc…. Each profession has lots of values when done right.👍🇫🇷🇺🇸

[@jenniferhizzy6591]

Agreed about education.

[@cindy10858]

My son is pissed off at me for demanding he went to College! He didnt know where or how to direct himself. $75,000 later, with a degree in HISTORY, he's running an after school program. Loves kids and this has nothing to do with his degree. He cant even use his stupid degree unless he goes back to school to get his teaching degree. He needs his masters to use the degree... another $30,000. Not gonna happen. Love your podcast!

[@peacefulwanderer2050]

Let's Make A Deal had three doors! Or the curtain, the box or the envelope. Life is a maze of choices. Diversity in skills and knowledge make for a strong individual.

[@KleWdSide]

Isn't Mike Rowe basically a stooge for Charles Koch?

[@tomnohmy1273]

I like Mike row. U know how many times I've seen him interviewed on podcasts. Unfamiliar people with a message to learn from or be inspired by don't get the views or the subscribers I guess.

[@pb4ugo19]

I'll always feel some type of way about rich people talking about the need/support for trade schools, public schools, community college, etc. Notice how rich folks, especially politicians' support the idea because it's the right thing to do, BUT they're not going to send their kids to public schools or trade school. Why? Because that would be beneath them. I'm not saying this to demonize wealthy people, but I can't stand when they pretend to support something they wouldn't do or have their kids do. Just be upfront instead of trying to be PC.

[@hannahtelluselle]

I think, generally speaking, a college education is not at all designed to teach skills and never has, but its purpose is to transfer knowledge that we are to use with the skills we develop through work, as well as a critical mindset. To me my knowledge from education is an asset I always have use for. In Sweden the regular universities and colleges are without any tuition so we only need to take student-loan to finance our rent, books, food etc but are obligated to pay off it all the way until our pension, I believe. Perhaps something the US could learn from and try. At HPU (whom I've sued) there were three times as many employed staff in comparison to number of students attending class, which says something about where the tuition money goes - to administration. Remove that and focus on the teachers instead and it all would be improved for you too. And did you know, there is an old place in Munich, Germany, where they have collected lots of busts of exactly trade workers being celebrated for a job well done. So, back in the day, it used to be that. Good conversation!

[@sccur]

Jeez maybe pay tradesmen more and they'll sign up. Back when Rowe was 20 a tradesman job would get you to homeowner status by 25. Now? 40 if you're lucky.

[@marlenesoifer8786]

I can' T help myself but this is my comment. Universities should help Pay STUDENT LOAN JUSTICE. Going to college depends are what your going to school for. Law, Medicine, and alot of professions NEED COLLEGE TO LEARN WHAT IS NECESSARY. i LEFT YOU A COMMENT YESTERDAY. sCHOOL IS DIFFERENT NOW SINCE COVID yOU TUBE HAS CLASSES. IT SURE HELPED ME. THAT'S ALL FOLKS. FREE AGENT NUMBER 9 NONAME

[@begabrielanunez7326]

That is situation due to China where human rights do not exist (imagine retirement …) plus the change that is taking place in the Work World - A plomer wins more/ - The jobs of the Century XX are disappearing and robotic letting people out the system ergo less employees than people who retire -/

[@user-co9it3vr4s]

Chris, I am not religious whatsoever but I believe that God lives in my heart which means a higher power more than myself because I am in a 12 step program. If I was to believe most people I would’ve never recovered because Christians are neighbors or whoever or not the example of me trying to be different. There’s gotta be a beautiful humanoid out there who created us all it’s too perfect. Do I believe everything with the bible says! My answer is no I believe when they wrote the Bible is because they wanted a little discipline and people cause they were going out of whack. They needed to have order in this lifetime. But do I believe in a beautiful creator, who created me yes and that’s my God. I am an independent thinker and I don’t today consider myself a Christian only because how Christians are acting today. Christians are fighting against Christians and they’re all supposed to be believing in the same thing but they don’t !!!!! If you want change in your life, then follow those they can help you and change like I do with you, Chris could you help me totally. If you want to stay idle, then follow anybody it’s simple! But don’t try to change my mind when I’ve already been convicted of being open minded, and then put me in a category where I don’t belong!

[@scooper21]

11:45 I appreciate Mike would use his phone to learn everything he ever wanted to know if he could do it all over again, but didn't college teach him how to learn, how to learn? At least that's what I have heard....if you don't know how advanced concepts are taught, isn't it harder to (and more incomplete to) teach them to yourself as a young adult?

[@catherinesalacuse3284]

👍👏👍👏…..🇫🇷🇺🇸

[@jenniferhizzy6591]

Psssstttt its cause she went to HARVARD.

[@theadorebundy4514]

At leaat you keeping you're CNN ratings alive lol

[@arnoldlueders7500]

1. How is a guy who only has 80K subs and gets 4K views on most videos still getting all of these famous people to interview? When are these guest going to understand that this channel is not worth their time?

[@dmolina8933]

Your post suggest your value system is on the shallow side. Enjoy your day. 😉

[@arnoldlueders7500]

@@dmolina8933 Not at all. I subbed to see what would happen with Chris. He was a CNN hack for years. He and his brother are the problem. All Chris is trying to do is pretend he was not. He played the game and lost. Time to sell insurance Chris. It is sad that he is interviewing famous people feeling sorry for him OR they owe him a favor.

[@Stephanie-vw3qq]

Bot Alert ⚠️

[@arnoldlueders7500]

@@Stephanie-vw3qq Not at all

[@dmolina8933]

@@arnoldlueders7500 Again shallow. You pretend to know what both Chris and Mike's intentions are. You are projecting your values and opinions onto them, not thinking critically, and making assumptions. That is shallow and lazy thinking.

[@Alan_Kress]

I've heard Mike's view of student loan debt and his misinterpretation of comparing tangible vs intangible assets i.e. Work truck vs College Diploma too many times to count at this point. He NEVER explores the crucial fact that only one of his variables can be discharged through bankruptcy. The other one is (my) only physical representation of my knowledge and training for a clinical doctorate degree in the medical field. He keeps running face first in to the point and missing it. He's a smart guy so I gotta scratch my head and wonder why he doesn't accept the reality of tangible v intangible and how debt can be addressed between the two. And how about the absurd INTEREST RATES ON FEDERAL STUDENT LOANS. There is ZERO reason for student loans to carry such high ra...oh, sorry, a small business owner wants to complain about current "high" business loan rates (that can be discharged through bankruptcy if biz goes tits up)...🤷🏻‍♂️

[@chrissukoi5462]

Know you people ..

[@chrissukoi5462]

Anne worked pancake house williams huh..

[@chrissukoi5462]

Illinois street salem ill

[@marlenesoifer8786]

I do not want to contact really important people and waste their time: before I contact them again I wanted to have something positive like STUDENT LOAN JUSTICE FAIRLY JUSTIFIED. LIKE S2598 AND HR9110 PASSED IN CONGRESS. THOSE BILLS ARE EXPIRED. I AM NOW GETTING INVOLVED THIS YEAR WITH STUDENT LOAN JUSTICE. Hoping for some sanity in Congress. on and on i am taking courses at the college you went to YALE. NEVER THOUGHT THAT WOULD HAPPEN TO ME