Mike Rowe on Lockdowns, Safety Third, Dignity of Work and College Loans

Here’s my full interview with Mike Rowe. We discuss a range of topics from lockdowns to why college is often a waste of money.
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You’ve heard the mantra “safety first.”
Politicians use it as the justification for Covid lockdowns.
Mike Rowe, former host of "Dirty Jobs”, has his own slogan: “safety third.”
Why “safety third?” It’s easy to save lives, says Rowe, but LIVING life is more important.
I made a couple of short videos with Rowe.
But he has a lot of other interesting things to say.
So here is our full interview.

[@doyouseewhatisee3183]

"If everyone is thinking alike, Then somebody isn't thinking." --George S. Patton

[@badendhappy2903]

"It is only when a mosquito lands on the testicle does a man realize violence isn't the answer." -Confucius.

[@alexscrimpshire8761]

Similarly, if two people always agree-one of them is unnecessary

[@terryrose6208]

@@badendhappy2903 🤣🤣🤣🤣 I needed that belly laugh 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@mariarivera806]

@@alexscrimpshire8761 🧐 have you ever played chest against your self ?

[@foxtrotjulietbravo5536]

@@mariarivera806 - Do you mean chess?

[@bonebones8999]

I took shop classes in High school one of them was welding. Never went to college my parents were disappointed by that but now I have my own company built around welding bringing in 6 figures. I live what Mike is talking about.

[@stevepowell6503]

Most jobs can become a career if you try hard enough. Part of that is not giving a damn what other people think of what you do for a living. I started out as a cook at KFC, and eventually became a director of Operations at Panera. None of that required a college degree. I constantly told young managers "You are not your job". I had to say this because in the Midwest, you are often (wrongly) primarily identified by what you do for a living. I had 25 year old GMs working for me who made 60k a year who were down on themselves because they were "flipping burgers" for a living. Never mind that they had skipped the 100k student loans and were making more than most college graduates their age. They should have been able to enjoy their success, but they couldn't.

[@facelessandnameless]

Great comment 👌

[@stevepowell6503]

@@facelessandnameless thanks. I didn't have many managers quit on me, but the ones who did, did so just to try to get a more "respectable" job, often losing a third of their pay in doing so. Don't get me wrong, it is a stressful job. The hours are long, and some companies abuse the hell out of their salaried managers. Still, no one cares at all if you went to college. My boss's boss ran 400 stores, probably 20,000 employees. I would guarantee he made a quarter of a million dollars a year, and he didn't go to college. He started out as a cashier. Pretty impressive, even if he was a total dick.

[@stephenfloyd3522]

Mike Rowe is an incredible man and right on target as usual 👏

[@jimklose648]

I’ve told my kids it doesn’t matter what you do but do it to the best of your ability. It doesn’t matter how many times you failed but how many times you pick yourself up dust yourself off and try your hardest.

[@kevinkopec1404]

I took a 2 year drilling program after dropping out of University after not seeing no job decent job opportunities. Now the opportunities are abundant with so many different fields to work in. Excellent earning potential, very common to be in 6 figures after a couple years of experience.

[@patrickfrey4434]

Rowe is a National Hero !! Shoul get an Award, when we get back a Republic instead of a Communist Country

[@jmskipp]

For a decade of my career as a Trauma RN ... I did travel nursing. Picked up sometimes every 14 weeks and moved to a new city. I worked in hospitals run by Yale, Harvard, Brown, Vanderbilt, UT, USC, and more. It was Hella fun

[@dalgire245]

Mike’s message resonates. I grew up on a family farm that’s still in business today my elder parents still are operational they gave me such a work ethic no I wasn’t encouraged to go to college but I have been very successful and now I find myself at age 60 having a difficult time continuing in the field I’ve worked in for 25 years. I have been trying for four years to break the barrier into the federal establishment to continue the craft of working with disaster survivors from natural disasters. The federal machine doesn’t really want people to know and understand whatever field they’re in. They are looking for the people that cannot think for themselves cannot critical think. I could retire, however, I don’t want to retire I still want to be a productive individual carrying out a passion for their craft. My two children one decided to go to college one did not however both found their niche and are very successful and productive citizens of this great United States.. Mikeis right so many snowflakes were born from the clouds of those who felt entitled, Oh the other guy or gal will do it for us. Come on America let’s get back to work let’s have some self pride not only helping yourself but your fellow man and woman. Let’s start thinking for ourselves and doing what’s right for ourselves because in the end everyone wins. Live and work for today because tomorrow is not promised. There are far bigger threats in this day and age than an atomic weapon.

[@alicassidy8913]

Dont forget hes handsome.

[@robertmay3521]

BRILLIANT!! Excellent piece, John. Mike Rowe is a thoughtful and articulate person. It's unfortunate we don't hear these points more often, especially from the service unions.

[@mtminded4498]

Two of my favorite men in media! What a joy to have you share the screen. I wish you would team up more often and push out more awesome content full of sensible and practical messaging.

[@bobmcarthur5468]

Two of the best in the same video. Thanks.

[@dtom1145]

Mike Rowe for Labor Secretary and Education Secretary!

[@kathywestmorelandfox7285]

I tell my students to look around and see what kind of problems do you want to solve. Then figure out the skills you need to be able to solve those problems. Then start to aquire those skills.

[@Hitman1978]

As always Mike Rowe is spot on. Case in point...at the beginning of 2017 I was makeing $12.50/hr working for a Customs Brokerage on the US/Canadian Border in Montana. In 2018, I took a position with a Quilting Company that paid me $15/hr. That company was bought out in 2019 and my position was terminated. I ended up living with my brother in Austin, TX. I applied and was accepted for a contractor position with a Fortune 100 company. (Funny side note, the quilting position actually got me the job at the tech company because the person I was going to work for was a huge quilter.) Starting salary was $50K a year. Shortly after hiring, they found out I was going to school at night to learn programming and put me on a programming team. I guess they thought I did good enough because in 2021 they bumped me up to $75K/yr. And finally, today I start my position as a full-time employee of that Fortune 100 company. I will be earning $110K/yr starting and will receive a $15K sign-on bonus. I still haven't finished school and to be honest, I'm mostly a self-tought programmer. There's so much more information available for free here on KZbin and other sites, that I've learned more through them than I ever have in school. Don't let your guidance counselor's fool you. A 4 year degree isn't the best way to a successful career.

[@rickporvaznik5030]

Guidance counselors sometimes give the wrong advice.

[@kgoblin5084]

For software development, I can 100% confirm that a degree isn't worth that much, at least long term. 1st 3 years it may be of benefit to you, as a POOR REPLACEMENT for actual work experience, but that's it so far as a hiring qualification goes. What matters more is proven expertise and a good attitude to get things done. I've worked in software dev for a little under 20 years, and I do tech screens, right now I've been doing them for another fortune 500 company. I don't even read the education section on resumes. The company I'm looking for contractors for doesn't bother to ask. I've worked with both folks who did & didn't have a degree, 2 of the latter were my bosses. You don't need a degree to be a programmer.

[@terry_willis]

@@rickporvaznik5030:If they were competent, they would not be guidance counselors.

[@timsilva1944]

Congratulations! Your perseverance and willingness to relocate is paying off.

[@keylloyd9167]

@@terry_willis whoah.... disagree. There are good guidance counselors, and there are children and families who benefit from their work. It's no different than a skilled consultant. Like everything else, private counselors would probably more effective than the ones following government mandated programs.

[@doyouseewhatisee3183]

“Loyalty to country ALWAYS. Loyalty to government, when it deserves it.” --Mark Twain

[@karlreinke]

Genius!

[@revmo37]

What a perfectly apt quote my friend. Thank you !

[@simplyhuman3982]

That's so clever that I don't believe it.

[@thehealthychefri]

"If voting mattered they wouldn't let you do it." "Don't let school get in the way of your education." ~Mark Twain

[@babydriver8134]

Something government has not deserved the entirety of my 69 years.

[@numbr17]

"What kind of world is that where everybody dreams of being in the corner office, but nobody knows how to build the corner office?" -Mike Rowe I LOVE THIS.

[@13donstalos]

"When someone tells you that they care more about your well-being than you do, they're trying to sell you something, running for office, or yanking your chain" - Mike Rowe. I love this guy!

[@Watch-0w1]

not getting lawsuit or don't want to lose you

[@johannesaskehov]

That's not a direct quote since it's a combination of two different sentences he said, but admittedly it still applies.

[@HarryBalzak]

True far more often than not, but there are some absolutely altruistic and honest people out there.

[@storiesfromasuperhost8086]

Steve, I wish Joe public understood that!

[@kellydfunk]

That's what I keep trying to tell my mom but she keeps wanting me to eat right more than I do

[@jpguthrie6669]

I remember quite a few years ago when I rented a big pressure cleaner to prepare my house for painting. While I was working, two people in my neighborhood walked up and asked me if I could pressure clean their driveways and walks, and offered me a fair amount of money. The next Saturday I made $300 for half a day's work. This led to more and more work, to the point I was doing it on my days off and in whatever spare time I had. I was also asked if I knew how to paint houses, and then began getting offers for house painting as well. There was literally more work and money to be had than I had time to do or earn it. And honestly, I find physical work more emotionally rewarding than driving a desk chair and looking at a screen all day.

[@markthegunplumber8376]

If I was a young man again i'm 62 now, i would go into home repair/handyman. My Sister is always telling me how her either Divorced or Widowed GF's can't find any one reasonably priced to do work for them like inst. or service a swamp cooler or sprinlkler repair or inst. a ceiling fan or paint or pressure wash or inst. a car battery. I would buy an old U-Haul moving truck and put tools in it and start home repair the money is good and you're always doing something different and you'd stay very busy.

[@juniyananajukyu]

I agree! I worked in purchasing and contracts for around 11 years in the oil and gas industry but was laid off before Covid. Fast forward to today and I’m now a mail handler for the postal service and I feel more fulfilled after a hard days work. The office job paid me a lot but I didn’t feel happy and was always stressed out.

[@mrspleasants8529]

@@markthegunplumber8376 sounds like a retirement career. Why not do it?!

[@mrspleasants8529]

It is not only the work coming to you...it was the will to do it. This is the 'attitude' that makes success!

[@wendyc1902]

Physical work beats cubicle ANY day of the week...even in the extreme heat or cold! But thats just me 😉

[@DamionSpike]

I got in a youth welding program at 16 it saved my life now 12 years later I make 120k a year I have traveled all over the US & Canada best decision I ever made. RESPECT to everything you do

[@이이-n4z8y]

Good stuff bro.

[@ravenr876]

I went through a Union to operate heavy equipment... Also did a little welding. ..If I could do it all over again, I should have went to a welding program

[@dennisedwards8954]

Amen to respect. I've retired but, I worked as a paralegal for attorneys for several decades. First-hand experience, I found that many attorneys are unable to show respect for their assistants. I found that a number of attorneys whom I did not work for were quite impressed with my skills and abilities yet, the attorneys I worked for showed extreme lack of respect. I chalk it up to the latters' jealousy and feeling threatened by somebody who didn't have a JD. After 30 years I quit that field and picked up my CDL-A.

[@LKCLifer]

@@dennisedwards8954 Good for you. You should work and be respected for that work as all as it's honest work. I bet you miss it tho? It's fun to research and find answers. I bet that was an interesting job.

[@murphy13295]

Tool & Die here . 45Years in trade starting with an associates degree . What I learned early on was a good welder is worth their weight in gold .

[@johnbogdan5119]

Mike Rowe is the kind of person we need in Washington DC. He knows what he is talking about when it comes to education and jobs. 👏👍🇺🇸

[@thefoolishhiker3103]

Mike Row is a true gem. I trust him more than any political party or individual. We need more people like him in this world.

[@elwinrobert7602]

Don't. He's came out against gun rights, and spoke on having white guilt.

[@BadEconomyOfficial]

@@elwinrobert7602 Since when?

[@jrooksable]

We HAVE "more people like him" but the MSM attacks them relentlessly! That's why I became a Ditto-head!😉

[@jrooksable]

@@elwinrobert7602:go gaslight somewhere else, punk! Mike Rowe did nothing of the sort!😤

[@jrooksable]

@@BadEconomyOfficial:Elwin's trolling😒...he's either a dedicated Democrat or a Paul-bot!🤣

[@ArtStoneUS]

The more the federal government subsidizes higher education, the more it will cost

[@kevinho8616]

The Rothschilds and Bilderberg meeting members and the secret societies are the enemy. JFK tried to warn us about them before he died. They are the ones behind the virus and the vaccine, for vaccine passports and digital currency and social credit score

[@fren111]

It's the voting farm, of course they're going to dump how much money they can grab, and you're going to be against it? Do you hate high education? You're anti-science???? the classic left, "pull for position that can not be attacked" civil rights, environment, worker rights, all liberal Taboos... who oppose them obviously hates these things and are evil

[@badendhappy2903]

If the Government is in charge of the oceans, we'd run out of salt.

[@Junzar56]

Yes!

[@sweetiespoon5150]

This right here. The cost doesn't follow inflation, it follows the access to government subsidies.

[@jaybrielakoi7747]

I love mike Rowe. He’s not trying to take sides he’s just trying to get people into good paying blue collar jobs. Keep up the good work Mike.

[@chucknorris277]

Careers not jobs

[@dougg1075]

@@chucknorris277 yes

[@Lander02]

I am a huge fan of you both . Honest and without an insidious agenda .

[@kevinho8616]

The Rothschilds and Bilderberg meeting members and the secret societies are the enemy. JFK tried to warn us about them before he was killed. They are the ones behind the virus and the vaccine, for vaccine passports and digital currency and social credit score

[@LordZebra]

@@kevinho8616 makes up two percent of the worlds population but makes up forty percent of hedgefunders. Insidious indeed.

[@BoleDaPole]

Lol JFKs daddy was the richest man in America when he was growing up, the Kenedys ARE the NWO. His daddy bankrolled all his kids political campaigns. They where one of the most powerful families in the entire WORLD, and that's before JFK was even in politics.

[@BoleDaPole]

Yea bildergergs control a good portion of the world, so what? There is literally NOTHING anyone can do to stop them. They have literally have nukes at their disposal and can hack into most electronic devices on the planet in a matter of minutes. One of these guys snaps their finger and your whole blood line disappears in an afternoon.

[@diavuno3835]

Mike and John are both great minds. Maybe not in the way a philosophy major might award, but they have sound ideas based on logic.

[@Objective-Observer]

I think the single most important aspect of Mike Rowe is his EXTREME Intelligence, tempered with equal parts humility. I am never disappointed in what he says.

[@sparklesparklesparkle6318]

no its his handsome face. are you blind?

[@sailorslts]

I couldn’t agree more. He also seems very human and not at all egotistical. It’s very endearing.

[@LTGiants2000]

Nope. It’s all his voice lol

[@EricGranata]

He’s the complete package. What a dude.

[@chucknorris277]

@TheOne ThatWon u ever watch the shows. He is a first day apprentice at best on most jobs. Great TV guy tho

[@shelleycarmichael3454]

“The initials after your name don’t make you A genius!” Love this quote! Thank you Mike Row!

[@TiaraPoodles]

Brings to mind - The doctor of your future is cheating in college right now! EAT HEALTHY.

[@happycat3399]

My parents had a doctor friend when I was growing up. One evening he was over for dinner and said “ my practice” when referring to his job. I asked why he referred to it as a practice. He said” I paid 40 thousand dollars for 7 yrs of advanced college to be able to practice medicine on people”. My Dad laughed and said” when you become an expert I’ll come see you”. The dr said” oh, expert is another 40 k and another 7 years, I’ll just stick to practicing”. They laughed. For me, it Made me realize at 10 yrs old, the initials behind someone’s name doesn’t mean they know anything about me. 😁

[@minirunt]

I like the idea of the university being responsible for college loans. They would effectively be the co-signers on all loans. That way if a student defaults, then the government collects from the university. As such, the university would make sure that they teach programs that are marketable or make sure to cut cost.

[@valeenoi2284]

Ya, if you get everyone on the hook, then we'll have a better way to address this issue.

[@steve3131]

If they did, Gender Studies, Women's Studies, Political Science, Sociology and Pan African Studies would be abolished as departments.

[@jeffmellow]

How about this novel idea... Don't borrow money?

[@Sebdes23]

Or…do not subsidize student loans? Get the government out of the business all together

[@jeffmellow]

@@Sebdes23 Well that would get to a non-borrowing situation too, which would be fine. Think about it. Who would loan a no income, 18 year old, tens of thousands of dollars? And, if someone did loan them money they would get what they deserve for their stupid decision, broke.

[@doyouseewhatisee3183]

"Don’t find fault, find a remedy; anybody can complain." --Henry Ford

[@LordZebra]

The international Jew Henry Ford

[@doyouseewhatisee3183]

@@LordZebra "The competitor to be feared is one who never bothers about you at all, but goes on making his own business better all the time." --Henry Ford

[@doyouseewhatisee3183]

@@LordZebra “Love your Enemies, for they tell you your Faults.” --Benjamin Franklin

[@CathyInBlue]

Problem is, we know the remedies. Get vaxxed, wear the mask (correctly), socially distance, stay home unless absolutely necessary. Those are the things people are finding fault in and complaining about.

[@doyouseewhatisee3183]

@@CathyInBlue "They Had Handed Out That It Is Evil To Be White, American, Religious And To Be Able To Hold Down A Job...... "That There Had Ended Any To All Discussions!"

[@obszczymucha1337]

What a well versed and eloquent man Mike Rowe is. Pleasure to listen him speaking. Thank you John, thank you Michael.

[@mattiemathis9549]

Listening to Mike talk was like him taking the thoughts out of my head but so much clearer and more concise than I ever could be.

[@AntisocialRedNeckNerd]

I had a conversation with a College professor a few days ago. He said the same thing Mike did about these trade programs in high schools. He also said most incoming college students were not prepared for college. A large percentage should stay home, get a job and take classes part time in community college to figure out what interest them. Going to college and getting a degree in accounting only to learn you hate accounting was the wrong approach. It is time to rethink trades and college. After all, we will always need plumbers, electricians, etc. Some even should join the military prior to college. As we have learned from this COVID reactions, government loves one size fits all solutions but they are almost always the wrong solution.

[@nicholasmercorella5318]

Military has trade schools if you pick the right job. I was a Navy Electrician’s Mate. First 1.5 years of 6 year enlistment was school.

[@bluemark25]

Wish you could have talked to my parents. Lol. I only went to college because they told me to. Did terribly and got a useless degree, general business. It does help get your foot in the door but I wasted so much time. Should have just moved out but I was chicken shit

[@sd906238]

I told my young brother if you go into the military make sure you get training in a technical field. Put your dues in whether you like it or not and get the experience then get out and get a good job. Don't let the recruiter talk you into the so called great fields like cook or MP. Nope, he got into tanks and spent his whole time in the army trying to get out and being a worthless slacker. Today he is still an idiot.

[@tinka1015]

I took vocational training in high school 1980-1981, 2 years of computer programming. Hated that course - but i do know how to program - must be the reason i detest microsoft windows. They offered carpentry, welding, cosmotology amongst other clasess. So in my 11th and 12th grade I went to a vocational school for half the day - learned more than those who just took their hs classes. I did not follow computer programming - yet I went on to another trade. There are very few professions that need a college degree. I went on to work at power plants and worked my way into operating them. That's how it used to work. Yet for 40 years the left has been pushing college and I end up having to deal with the dumbest, non-critical thinkers that can't do anything unless they are told to do it and shown to do it. Absolutely zero work ethics.....

[@papabilby8855]

10 year HVAC technician here. Started trade school in my early twenties and was the best decision I ever made for myself. Absolutely changed my life. However there are plenty of people I went to school with that didn’t apply themselves and did not take the schooling seriously. It’s absolutely up to the person. Hard to deny that fact. I would also say that it took me another 2 to 3 years after schooling of in the field experience to really grow my value and knowledge. It takes a lot more than just finishing school to be a skilled tradesmen and not everyone will understand that or take the time to grow as a tradesman. More than most either dropped out of school or did not apply there schooling after graduating. And a lot more I went to school with were there from other schools where they were training to be a welder or linesman and decided to switch.

[@kevinwallis2194]

Retired 2nd generation sprinkler fitter here, and i now know how important pensions are. I have to wonder how many of the book smart kids will get a pension, or be able to save for retirement.

[@rbwoodwork1890]

If your not learning every day you go to work, your not thinking, your just going through the motions! There is always something to learn, even if it’s just something that makes that particular thing shorter or easier!

[@kevinwallis2194]

@@rbwoodwork1890 thats for any day in your life. Learn something new every day be it at home or work.

[@RJT80]

Mike's been talking about this for like 20 years and it still somehow hasn't sunk in because forces are actively working against it. Male job participation has tanked in favor of female job participation and our society is feminized to a truly horrific degree. I feel like I'm a different species. None of the men in my family went to college but either went military and then trades or just trades and we all did very well for ourselves. Some became millionaires. The only people I ever see complaining about how the American dream is dead are college graduates. It isn't at all. I have a young immigrant kid across the street from me who has a house and a young family, a nicer truck than mine. He's living it. He immigrated not even a decade ago after military service. The best thing a young person could do is ignore academics or parents selling school as the only option. That's never been the case. Never. It at this point some are selling it to just keep culture change a thing.

[@TEverettReynolds]

@@RJT80 > The only people I ever see complaining about how the American dream is dead are college graduates. It is for them, for once upon a time (up to about the mid 1970s) all you had to do was "go to college" and "get a degree", and a great paying job was waiting for you. (keep in mind, all the degrees were good degrees, and could get you a manager job on day one.) No joke. The money college graduates made right out of college, adjusted for inflation, would blow your mind, compared to today. Today, college kids are told to study anything they want, spend as much as they want, and then they wonder why they can't get hired, after spending $120k on an Arts degree...

[@LarryManiccia]

Mike Rowe doled out more common sense in half an hour than most politicians do in a lifetime. It's his type of common sense that is sorely needed in all levels of government and leadership these days.

[@AC-cj9zl]

It’s not common sense…it’s lack of soulless greed

[@zakkwylde4201]

Truth right there, Larry

[@alexlim1275]

the differences is between politicians and mike is they talk to two different people. Mike is talking to us common folks and politicians talk to people who have money, thats the problem. politicians dont carry about there constituency, they only care when its vote time.

[@hotwireman49]

EXACTLY!!!!!

[@I_am_not_a_rob0t]

Rand Paul is the only person I would even consider trusting in the entire federal government

[@Moosenukkels]

My son going into high school decided to go into an early college program. Took a welding class for 4 years, didn't have to pay to learn to how. When he graduated he had 4 job offers waiting. Saw what's happening in these colleges now, picked the best job offer, welding assembly lines for car makers,, and is now making damn good money. I'm glad he did.

[@mattiemathis9549]

My nephew, 23, graduated with honors from high school. He had offers from 2 state universities both partial scholarships. He got a job working at the natural gas company. He had a union job at 18. 😂 He’s bringing in close to $100K a year at 23. My SIL does HVAC. He’s closer to $200K. They both work their ass off in the AZ heat, but they are making bank. Good for your son! Obviously you raised him to be an independent thinker. Congratulations!

[@dash4800]

Having gone through college its just the most frustrating thing to see people who decided they wanted to major in Spanish, or History, or Literature, and yes Gender Studies, complain about how they should have their insane loans forgiven. They chose to waste their money to major in something that had virtually no career potential. I knew no less than a dozen girls in my dorm alone that majored in Spanish in college. What the hell are you going to do with that? Be a translator? You could just pay 10 bucks a month for a phone app to learn Spanish. And here is the thing, they all knew their chosen majors were stupid while they were doing it. They were asked what the hell they planned on doing with that degree and they didn't care. They were more concerned with enjoying the college experience. And really that is what all this boils down to. College is no longer a strictly educational institution where the brightest of the bright go to learn high level skills for complex careers. Its a place where people go to hang out for 4-5 years and party with friends, and socialize at the Union, or play at the billion dollar state of the art recreation centers.

[@bluemark25]

Hey now! I went to college to appease my parents, I dont party. Wasted 6 years for a general business degree, not as useless as a language degree but still pretty useless. At least my parents paid.

[@freakinccdevilleiv380]

They go to ride the 🐓🎠

[@shaikymandel7593]

That is ridiculous, and they want us to pay for their party time at college.

[@ferniek5000]

Lots of business opportunities for those with a language proficiency.

[@dash4800]

@@ferniek5000 which you dont need a 100k degree to get

[@CaseyBurnsInvesting]

Common sense means you’re cancelled in today’s society.

[@BronzedTube]

yea or ask the 'wrong' questions.

[@movableorigins4194]

your very definition of them is wrong, sorry to say. Those guys are no longer "Common Sense", if fact they are very rare sense!

[@patriciacarpenter2788]

And? What is someone going to do, take away my birthday? “Cancelling” only works if the person being “cancelled” ALLOWS IT TO HAPPEN….

[@johnscott2746]

@@patriciacarpenter2788 you would think so, but a celebrity depends on the approval of fans. If enough turn on them, they literally get cancelled. No more shows, no more gigs, no more exposure.

[@chucknorris277]

@@johnscott2746 who cares about celebrities.

[@ZENMASTERME1]

“A conservative gets angry when you lie to them, a liberal gets angry when you tell them the truth”!

[@briandarazs6620]

Oh I like that one .

[@Bannockburn111]

A lot of conservatives must be really mad at the Republican party then. (Seriously, it's a good sound-bite, and worth mulling over, but I suggest conservatives are just as likely to get mad at being told the truth - like, "No, we aren't a Christian nation, and our founding fathers said so many times in many ways" - as liberals are. Seems to me if you call yourself a "liberal" or a "conservative" you are basically saying you are willing to give up the truth for something you think is ideologically superior to reality.)

[@dk-bw4gk]

@@Bannockburn111 Most Conservatives I know can't stand the Republicans. I know Republicans like to call themselves conservative but the two have almost nothing in common and I don't think that people who conflate the two know what either group really is.

[@Rick-ro8bf]

@@Bannockburn111 I think you are wong. You gave the claim, so give a few examples if there are "so many times in many ways" this was expressed by our founding fathers. I'll wait...

[@BoleDaPole]

Conservatives only get angry when a Democrat lies to them. Same with democrats. Yall stay quiet when its your guy in office only to put the other guy under and intense microscope when it's their turn.

[@michaelhunter3101]

I'm a master electrician in Michigan, and I would love to talk to Mike about how to get a trades introduction program for the young people in our area. I take a one on one approach doing weekend jobs with the young people in my life, but there are so many more struggling with hope and purpose. Ugh.

[@normanjacques4092]

That was an absolutely fantastic interview. I never knew that Mike Rowe was that articulate. Apparently his liberal arts degree really did pay off unlike everyone else's. I'm a tradesman and have been looked down upon from people with higher educations for years. So now when I get called to do that job and I get treated that way I just increase the cost 30% for their higher education and they pay it every time. After all they can afford it. 🤣😂😅

[@Avallachgrey]

Oh my God that's awesome. Does the percentage go up according to their level of arrogance?

[@usncorpsman7966]

@@Avallachgrey It should

[@Avallachgrey]

@@usncorpsman7966 I agree. Or the ever applicable "I refuse to render you service" for the truly agrejuce offenders

[@ArmedAssociation]

Bro I do that too!

[@douglasmcneil8413]

If Mike Rowe ever decides to run for president, I'd vote for him in a heartbeat.

[@jamesbrummett9530]

I would vote for him also! However, Mike Rowe is an honest and intelligent guy with such a high level of common sense I would wonder if he would stoop to the level of a politician and run for office. It would be interesting to see.

[@trombone79]

I would vote for him. But there's also the option of a decent president appointing Rowe to an important position to revamp part of the bureaucracy. That frightens the leftists/Marxists.

[@comeoncents3288]

He’s not in the in crowd. Our voting system does not work like you think it does. Anyone who knows a resident who has received voting ballots understand exactly what I mean. Oh and it’s been going on for decades.

[@MiKE-jz6jt]

..ME TOO..! BEEN SAYING ALL ALONG...

[@clab5864]

And he can sing the National Anthem during the Inauguration Ceremony!!

[@toxicmatrix1337]

I miss Dirty Jobs. That was a really good show.

[@BronzedTube]

apparently I think I heard him in a recent interview he is coming back with a dirty jobs show. Ah yea I was right and it is right around the corner; An all-new season of the fan-favorite series DIRTY JOBS premieres Sunday, January 2 at 8 PM ET/PT on Discovery and streaming on discovery+

[@ulkesh78]

It's starting again very early Jan 2022

[@ulkesh78]

I also recommend his podcast "The way I heard it". Great stuff

[@PsychoTruthTeller]

It will be back on at the beginning of 2022

[@DavidH-D]

He’s bringing it back soon

[@LKCLifer]

I come from a multi generational family of welders and both sides of my family also. It is a very profitable job and not an easy one. It's hard work and sometimes backbreaking but it puts a roof over a family's head, food on the table, keys to a car and a nice yearly vacation. Can't complain about anything that allowed me to grow up with my mom at home everyday and in comfort. Thank you daddy for all that you did for the family. May you rest in peace.

[@usncorpsman7966]

L.K.C. I am 70. You made me cry.

[@tallswede80]

So your pop is dead because of inhalation of welding fumes correct?

[@javiervasquez29]

​@@tallswede80 Old age

[@tallswede80]

@@javiervasquez29 fumes from welding

[@javiervasquez29]

@tallswede80 I know what that is. There is ppe to protect you from it. Gis dad didn't die from the fumes. He died of old age otherwise he wouldn't be praising welding carriers.

[@colinwallace5286]

My son took both mechanics and construction in High School, which led to him getting really decent summer jobs leading to a full time supervisory position with a precast concrete builder. Through them he got a fistful of operator qualifications before his 20th birthday at no cost to him. He has just completed a two year program to become a Power Engineer, and was offered a permanent position by the Company that supervised his practical experience component. This is a solid six figure job, with a week on/week off schedule, meaning that he works six months of the year. He’s 23.

[@wendypoohbear6527]

Wow!!!

[@wendyc1902]

Hot damn 🔥 Thats great!

[@wendyc1902]

@@wendypoohbear6527 Lol my nephew calls me WinniePooh And my grandson calls me Winnie 😉

[@brooksysdead]

That's great! Good for him, that's a very awesome deal for a young man just entering the work force full time. Congratulations 👏

[@allergictoglobalists]

That's awesome. So happy when I hear this stuff. I went into the trades, worked for my dad's electric company for 15 years, moved south to do sales and duct design for an hvac contractor and now make what my dentist father in law makes. Never went to college, just learned how to fix things. Doing the same thing with my 14 year old son. Taught him to weld, plumb, electric, hvac. Your sons gonna live a very comfortable life, wasn't indoctrinated at college and will be much happier than the average college kid. Good for you.

[@govtfunded]

It's a shame how much the American New Age disrespects blue collar skilled crafts now. So sad.

[@elgrigorio1]

It's because the advocates for the new age have been these Iliberal elites, who have made their money with government favoritism and government privileges. Most of these elites wouldn't be where they are today without that. Most of them are 7seless, lazy moochers who aren't able to make it on their own.

[@jeffgo5742]

Except when they don’t have a working toilet or their house is falling down. They were the best

[@jonsaircond8520]

@@jeffgo5742 Yup

[@newguy3588]

Well, it's just the idiots.

[@1970bosshemi]

Jokes on them. I make enough money at my blue collar job to support my wife and three kids without working any overtime. Oh and i own my home.

[@Miohunter444]

Gotta love Mike Rowe, he's right about taking shop class out of schools.

[@Phenomatron]

home ec and civics too

[@energyparticle]

Mike does sound certain.

[@shouldawoulda69]

But but shop class is anti feminist 🙄 😒

[@pdlegend6829]

Shop class and damn I used to have a Rifle Club in my High School!!

[@mike8595]

No time to teach kids how to build something, cook something, or how to save money and invest, we need to teach gender and race theory!

[@BobBrittonBespoke]

I'm a HUGE fan of both Mike and John.... I'd love to see you both do some more work together. I find your thought process mindful, and your conclusions meaningful. Thank you both for the work you do.

[@jadoctor]

these guys are glorious. The rational revolution.

[@hgphhi2729]

I couldn't agree more. That was a great 'tube to watch. Two terrific guys.

[@DarkangaelBrokenwing]

I agree, would love to see Mike Rowe have a channel also.

[@maryespeland9627]

Great interview. Mike Rowe shows us how to value ALL individuals.

[@cl5193]

Great comment!

[@catepons3319]

IMO, reason the student loan “forgiveness” gets so much play, is the fact that people with useless degrees have time to make all that noise. People with good judgment to acquire marketable skills are not heard from, because they are too busy working. It is good to have Mike Rowe making the case for people who make themselves useful.

[@sweetiespoon5150]

IKR? If the woman in the example spent as much effort focusing on paying off her loan obligations ($200k???) as she does lobbying for "justice" (talk about a self absorbed sense of entitlement), I highly doubt that she'd be in the position she is currently in.

[@northdakotaham1752]

It's also those who have time to smash, loot and burn other people's property who want a handout...or they will simply help themselves without your permission. Meanwhile there are tens of thousands of jobs with nobody to hire.

[@glennshort9786]

I dont believe is loan forgiveness however I dont think compound interest should be applied to student loans also with the combination of holding the schools accountable ie the degree will make you competitive in the job market if not the school has to float the bill Alot of fat in schools will be removed and useless degrees will be gone as well

[@nathanalbers8009]

@@glennshort9786 if your enough of an adult to collect a cheque you can pay your debt that got you there! Or hey don’t go to college I’m sick of listening to these college kids bitch and moan, don’t like it go to work like everyone else in this world. Taking a loan for school is the same as any loan and should be! Compound interest is a thing for all loans

[@billrehm3590]

@EJ K because the loans are backed by the government. You had doctors and lawyers filing for bankruptcy on college loans.

[@TVHouseHistorian]

When I was still in high school 30 years ago, a group of our school’s academic advisors came to our Social Studies class to give a presentation on the importance of going to college. It was all scare tactics. We were told a time was coming when, if you didn’t hold at least a 2-year associates degree, it would be almost impossible to get a good-paying job. Fast-forward to 18 years ago: feeling the push toward the delusion of college, I went back to university and studied Architecture. Graduated 12 years ago, steeped in debt, and had absolutely no desire to use my degree. Picked up a commercial driver’s license and found myself a commercial driving job that not only makes a comfortable living, but is also something I find extremely *satisfying.* After paying off tens of thousands of dollars in student loan debt, I can tell you I am no better off than I was before I went back to university. The glamour of holding a college degree is absolutely meaningless. I tell people, do not go to college unless #1 you have a plan for yourself that is achievable, #2 the career path you’ve chosen actually requires a professional degree, and #3 you are reasonably confident the career path you’ve chosen for yourself is something you will enjoy. Otherwise, there are SO many good-paying career paths out there that do not require a college degree. College degrees do not make you smarter. In fact, unless your degree supplies you with a valuable and quantifiable skill set, then it isn’t going to be worth the paper it’s printed on - much less the $40k+ you shelled out for it. Finally, a college degree does NOT give you prestige, nor does a fancy career you hate. What can get you prestige, in my opinion, is learning how to be smart with your money, invest, and be happy in whatever you’re doing. Those are the people I look up to, degree or no degree.

[@chickbowdrie4750]

My fresh hot cup of common sense was just topped off. These men are always refreshing

[@doyouseewhatisee3183]

☕

[@jamie6387]

It is so refreshing. Too many people lack common sense these days. It's appalling.

[@stunna1050]

My uncle used to call it a can of CS.

[@safetymikeengland]

"Everyone dreams of having a corner office, but no one knows how to build an office building." . . . I love it.

[@SF-zc3mm]

One of the most popular freshman majors at my old college was "undeclared". Having people pay an arm and a leg to continue high-school without any real direction cause they're too proud to enter the workforce without a degree is the bane of my generation.

[@lisaalane7694]

My youngest absolutely refused college. He has the highest salary in the family, and all of his additionally needed education is being paid for by his employer. But he's not afraid to get dirty, infact he thrives on it.

[@mikehornexplorer6805]

If you are still alive you need to reply to my comment hello how are you doing over there?

[@strykerjones8842]

I was warned if I didn’t do well in school I’d end up being a laborer as a threat… It wasn’t until I became an adult I realized the real threat for me should have been if I didn’t do well in school I’d end up in a cubicle for the rest of my life. 20 years as a fireman I couldn’t be happier I learned what I actually wanted to do.

[@DavidHBurkart]

Amen brother. 33+ years for me. Enjoying retirement now, but miss the job still

[@Tankeryanker339]

Right I drive truck and make more than a lot of college graduates lol

[@brandinshaeffer8970]

I taught myself photography and have always treated it like a job. 21 years, have brought in $70k-$140k every year except during covid. Make my own hours. Sometimes i take work I'm not thrilled with but usually I get to shoot some pretty cool things or people. Praised by clients constantly and in demand. Greatest job, low stress, near total freedom.

[@jntdhome]

Mike Rowe is a national treasure. It's like listening to your Dad who sugar coats nothing and tells you how to think...not what to think.

[@thaxtoncook5427]

I grew up with him. Being a simple hard working alabamian is more fulfilling than any government hand out

[@laylow597]

Mike Rowe is just another millionaire conning the working class

[@seth5308]

@@laylow597 Is he? By telling people to work and helping them? What exactly have you done to help anyone with anything?

[@thisisashan]

@@seth5308 He literally said that the issue isn't money. To which I call bullshit. When re-entering my professions market after COVID calmed down, and I decided to go back to work, I found several offers for $18/hr. Mind you I have 27 years experience in the field. $18/hr isn't livable anymore, if you cannot tell by the prices in real estate or your local store. This asshole, in 1970, was averaging only $9,780 in 1970. If he was making an average wage. Priced for inflation, that is $73,000 a year. Or $35 an hour. He was getting paid DOUBLE what people are wanting to pay now, for MENIAL LABOR, when he developed this bullshit opinion. This motherfucker has a LIBERAL ARTS education, which isn't shit. And whats to tell us that 'money is not the issue". Fuck him. And fuck all these boomer politicians that fucked us into this position where illegals are taking our jobs because they can pay them 1/10th of what the job is worth.

[@pmscalisi]

@@laylow597 okay comrade

[@moabfool]

I remember staring school nearly 3 decades ago and wondering why it was so expensive. I paid under $600 for a quarter. The next year there was a tuition increase and it felt huge. A lot of kids had sticker shock. The Board of Regents rationalized the increase saying that it wasn't exorbitant because it was only 3% above inflation. I was flabbergasted. It was ludicrous to me that the very institution that was teaching me about exponential growth was engaging in that level of intellectual obfuscation. And here we are half a lifetime later and the chickens have come home to roost. College has become a scam, first because the cost is outrageous, and second because the quality of the education is inferior and lacks intellectual honesty.

[@aesfaith90-14]

This needs to be played at every high school! My son is 23. When he finished high school he went to community college and hated it. He felt terrible telling me he didn't want to go. I told him I knew he would not be happy sitting at a desk. All my brothers are in the trades or have their own business. Most males do better, and also enjoy, working with their hands, building or creating. I think the reason why we have males coming to school and shooting people or shooting themselves is because society and especially our schools tell them if they don't do well in school, or are not on the college track, they have no value. My son went to trade school and is a 3rd year electrician apprentice working in Texas. We need to equip young men with skills and show that they are important and needed.

[@mickym.6711]

Painting with a broad brush there. I worked as an electricians apprentice during and just after graduating from college, after roofing and general construction. I'd much rather sit at a desk. Your body will thank you. The stigma is a result of common sense. My dad was a crane operator. Drank like a sailor and died of a heart attack at 42. He never wanted me to work for a living. Shits for suckers.

[@PMC889]

@@mickym.6711 Actually it's more likely that poor diet and other lifestyle factors affect health than physical labor which is actually beneficial for health and longevity, unlike sitting which is now proven to be more unhealthy than smoking, obesity, and heart disease combined. I sat for 20+ years coding. It is hell on your body.

[@mickym.6711]

@@PMC889 na. Pulling wire is hell on your body. Carrying shingles up a ladder is hell on your body. You know not of which you speak. Sedentary lifestyle is bad. Working like a dog is worse. Much. Much worse.

[@SaxaphoneMan42]

@@mickym.6711 shes probably right, saying this as my boss, who is well into his 60's, can still climb a ladder while loaded down and nail shingles or throw tile with the fastest of us. sure, if you don't take care of your body and decide to eat and drink garbage after working outside all day, it will take its toll on you. plenty of office workers have heart attacks in their 30's and 40's as well, for a similar reason, not taking care of their body.

[@abbyxiong3931]

Amen!👍

[@girohead]

Two of my favorites on TV, in one episode! I met a retired contractor out here and expressed my interest in 'doing my own thing'...he said, 'ya, but where are you going to find the workers (I'm in the ridiculous Bay Area)? The pain isn't just in the skilled trades, but everything. Wait till the high schoolers (or most students) of 2020-2022 get out there. They were in a world of panic and Lockdown and Zoom socializing and got 50% of their high school education. So today I went to an auto parts store and paid in cash. I provided a nickel and was asked,' what's this?' I thought he meant because it was a newer one with a different design and I just said, 'a nickel'....and I'm asked, 'what's that?' When his coworker says, 'it's five cents, just enter .05....' I'm VERY SCARED....

[@Ultamami]

No way...really?

[@jimmygriswold9258]

I had a kid call his manager cause I was trying to pay with counterfeit money… it was an authentic $2 dollar bill.

[@celuler22]

I wanna call bullshit but I'm not sure I can

[@celuler22]

@@jimmygriswold9258 that's a pretty comen one because not to many places give out 2a

[@larrycarrillo1766]

They are preparing the ignorant to except only digital currency.

[@andrewblocher9110]

I think Mike hit it square on the head. Debt cancellation at the governments’ dictate is morally reprehensible and inherently unfair.

[@Gitn2it]

When does debt forgiveness begin and end? What about the people who recently paid off their college loan debt, do they get reimbursed? What about people currently accruing debt, and what about people who will incur college debt in the future? If the government is going to forgive all college debts, then why not just pay the tuitions for everyone?

[@foxtrotjulietbravo5536]

Forget about fair and unfair. It's wrong. But then the Obama administration screwed up the student loan system so now there's no getting the federal government out. This is just another rung on the ladder descending into the depths of socialism and, ultimately, communism. Gotta stop it quick. We're within a gnat's lash of losing out country as founded.

[@lainiwakura1776]

@@foxtrotjulietbravo5536 Obama ruined it? Bush Jr did. He got rid of the ability to discharge student loan debt through bankruptcy because it was supposedly ruining the economy, which made the banks less discerning about who they give loans to because you can't get rid of them.

[@StratumPress]

They wouldn't even be cancelling the debt: the banks WILL get their money. It will just come from the taxpayer taken by force.

[@ibnyahud]

exactly, I took summer jobs to pay for my own school and am debt free how are other people's poor decisions my responsibility?

[@falconalley7228]

I migrated to North America when I was 40, wife 42 and our boys 14, 10 and 4 years old. Realizing that we can’t afford to help our boys financially when they go to college or university and to keep out of student debt , we encourage them to take short and cheap courses like child care counselling, first aid training and sheet metal worker to enable them to get started, built cash flow that will cover the cost of their chosen future careers. And we did not push them out of the house so they live rent and grocery free which was our little way of helping them save. They did not buy expensive vehicles and they don’t mind shopping from either goodwill or Salvation Army. So at the proper time and being sure of what they want to do, they went back to school part time. Looking back, I am glad they took that route, the eldest completed graphic design and now a creative director; the second, a paramedic and the youngest, a web developer. And thank God, no student loans to worry about.

[@certificateofvaccinationi.d.19]

Well,they are paying someones' student loans now...

[@falconalley7228]

@@certificateofvaccinationi.d.19 thank God no, we chose not to migrate to the US.

[@RM-lk1so]

Hell yeah. Good will amd salivation army. Great. Save save save. Who actually NEEDS BRAND NEW? Except socks and underwear? Lol

[@joannenardoni17]

Great parent

[@johnheard6421]

That was absolutely the best discussion I’ve seen. Mike is so well reasoned and articulate I was left smiling at the end. Thanks Mr Stossel for this excellent interview.

[@oldgordo61]

I agree great interview. Mike Rowe is a very down to earth type of guy.

[@brianboyle2031]

As a Florida State Class A Certified General Contractor, I wish I could have people like Mike working for me! My story is this story! And it all started in wood shop! Hard work and perseverance is the key, along with a lot of research and dedication!

[@Scottyrock1000]

Mike Rowe is a thinker. Not just a voice sputtering crap. He is a person with dignity and common sense that only comes from being on a level that a blue-collar worker would have.

[@chrisd8760]

He’s not blue collar. He has a liberal arts degree. He even admitted that he can’t do blue collar work.

[@justforever96]

@@chrisd8760 he didn't say he was blue collar, he says he knows how to relate to blue collars on the same level, he isn't just an abstract intellectual out of touch with the salt of the earth. I don't even know who the guy is, I am just interpreting his statement.

[@NekoinaBox2000]

@@chrisd8760 Ah yes, and dirty jobs doesn't exist. Research and doing the right thing doesn't exist. Get the hell out of here if you're not intelligent enough to understand an advocate who actually has seen this stuff first hand is important.

[@chrisoleary9876]

@@justforever96 My bet is that Chris D don't care. Some people just like complaining all the time. And finding fault with others.

[@kamakaziozzie3038]

@@NekoinaBox2000 replies such as “get the hell out of here if your not intelligent enough to understand” reflects exactly the kind of elitism Mike Rowe is warning people about.

[@danielhanawalt4998]

I attended a high school in the late 60's that had shop classes. It was a mistake to do away with those schools. Or change them. Thanks John and Mike. Very good episode.

[@dks13827]

but they never fix the mistakes !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mamadoom9724]

My fiancé didn’t even graduate high school, let alone go to college. He became a welder and was recently able to start his own welding fabrication business that is getting off to a great start. Now he is working for himself with zero debt.

[@matthewflowers4688]

Better hold on to him

[@mamadoom9724]

@@matthewflowers4688 I plan on it. We’ve gone through 7 years of poverty and struggling to get to this point and our hard work is finally starting to payoff.

[@jujupants2486]

Congrats to the both of you. Keep it up and don't let setbacks dictate your future. Schools teach that failure should be avoided at all cost and kids are punished each and every time they fail in school. Learning from failure is how you grow and become successful. That's not me preaching to you 2 specifically, just in general. Back to the topic of the video, I always questioned the train of thought, or lack-there-of, of the people that wish to "forgive" student loan debt. Ok, say you eliminate student loan debt for anyone that has student loans with no exceptions. Ok great. Are you going to fundamentally change the university system in its entirety so that future students don't find themselves in this exact same situation all over again?

[@mamadoom9724]

@@jujupants2486 thank you 😊 and yes I’ve had the same questions about student loan forgiveness. It really doesn’t make sense. It’s also pretty unfair to those of us who decided to stay debt free by skipping college and going straight to work. I bet there are a lot of people who would’ve chosen to go to college if they had known their loans might be forgiven.

[@jujupants2486]

@@mamadoom9724 Or the opposite. I bet a lot of people would think twice about going to college if they were truly told how much it would cost and whether or not they could even find a career in their chosen profession, let alone earn enough to pay back those loans before they turn the ripe age of 88. Or if they were educated on how compound interest works and the difference between making payments on your interest vs on the principal. Something that is "coincidentally" left out of school curriculum.

[@doyouseewhatisee3183]

“Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler.” --Albert Einstein

[@PrdDad]

Wow watching this again after so much time. Damn bro nailed it. Imagine the country we would have if people like Mike Ran it. We would be unstoppable.

[@cat1racer]

The US gov't screws taxpayers in every way they possibly can with zero accountability and it keeps getting worse. Thank you John Stossel for being a terrific person, we need a lot more people like you.

[@Wth969]

Yeah bc free public schooling for any American is definitely terrible hasn’t benefitted anyone ever

[@Wth969]

Oh and Medicare and social security definitely should just let the old people starve or work themselves to death or die bc they can’t pay their medical bills that would be much better

[@Wth969]

To be clear I don’t disagree with all of the comments of the video far from it the point about taking shop class out fo school is very real I was lucky to have a highschool with an auto shop class and wood shop/ welding etc but to my point, getting those things back would require INVESTING in our public schools through tax revenue like idk how you can say taxpayers don’t get anything? If anything getting rid of or having less taxes isn’t the solution it’s to actually be adults in this county and use taxes for the right reasons like schools roads public transit not building a ineffective wall or bombing the Middle East with multi million dollar bombs

[@1970bosshemi]

@@Wth969 that free public schooling has the highest failure rate AND the highest cost per student on average. Medicare is the most expensive healthcare provided but “the government” pays for it. So no one cares. Except it’s actually the tax payers footing the bill. Baltimore city public schools spend over $18,000 a year per student and have the among worst pass rate in the nation while being in the top five cost per student. Throwing money at problems doesn’t do anything other than increase the national debt and enrich union leaders and politicians.

[@stevepowell6503]

@@Wth969 not to pile on, but the US spends more per student than virtually any country in the world on education. We get very poor results for our money. More money is not the solution, being able to fire bad teachers without jumping through years of hoops with the Teacher's Union is the solution. It has been quite a while since I was in school, and I had some amazing teachers. I also had about a dozen who had absolutely no business teaching. I went to a small school, far too small to hire coaches for the sports teams, so they all taught classes. Outside of the biology teacher (who I personally despised, but he did know his subject matter) not a single one of them was a good teacher. I was a huge history geek from a young age, and many of them ended up teaching history for some reason. They not only inserted their personal opinions into everything, they were often factually incorrect.

[@charlesbosse9669]

Great interview John Stossel. I've been watching you for years you're the best. Mike Rowe thank you for saying this. My kids didn't go to a four year university. My daughter went to community college, and my son learned a valuable trade in the electricians union. Now he got a skill set that will feed him self and his family forever. My daughter is a baker, she went to learn culinary arts and she's great at it.

[@edschneidmuller9496]

A young man I mentored went to community college for a 2yr metallurgy degree while learning to weld. He worked his way thru school and has been out on his own for 3yrs now. 24yrs old, no debt and making over 60k. I personally didn't make 60k until I was in my late 30's.

[@ianthompson2802]

It's alot worth alot less when you were 30 I'm 22 and just graduated trade school now I'm at a equipment dealer got my own service truck to take home and making 55k but I don't spend any money on fuel other than going out.

[@ianthompson2802]

@Post-Apoc Space Dolphin Posadist from Uranus wow I didn't realize inflation was that bad

[@ianthompson2802]

@Post-Apoc Space Dolphin Posadist from Uranus I'm trying to puttinmy time in locally to work for a mining company that'll fly me out but when I have kids I'll be gone for two weeks at a time

[@schmidtythekidd]

After some events that happened to me in 2020 I decided to go back to school and get my BSN. All of this year I was taking classes part time, some retakes from my previous degree others were prerequisites for the nursing program which I was applying for. I got in and am starting my nursing program in spring semester 2022. This fall I had to take a liberal arts prerequisite class. I have been paying out of pocket for all the classes I took in 2021. This 3 credit all online liberal arts class cost $1500. The class consisted on 4 sections. All the subject material was provided for us by the teacher. All the tests were open book and had a time limit of 90 mins for 25 multiple choice questions. The final project was a 2 page paper. As far as the subject matter it was a Native American studies class. I chose this class as I figured it would end up be the least “leftist” class I could take from the list of options. The first half was pretty good. I learned a few things I didn’t know about Native American culture. The second half of the class was about every progressive-leftist taking point you can think about. White supremacy, climate change, trans issues, institutional racism, abortion, etc. There is much more I can say regarding this class, but in the end it was a colossal waste of money for the snippets of information I received. It boggles the mind how they can justify the cost of this class for the information and educational benefit (lack there of) it provides. It’s insanity.

[@hahahano2796]

They were clever. Shove it in after the drop date and certainly after the drop with refund date. The Slow March Through the Institutions succeeded.

[@spartaecus4546]

A large portion of my classes in college included unusable courses like history of rock and roll, the beatles, etc. Not necessary for becoming a teacher. And then on top of that, I had to work for months without pay as a student teacher to satisfy hours… no pay.

[@notavailable3913]

That's ridiculous that you were required to take and pay for a liberal arts class when you're going for a nursing degree. How does that have anything to do with nursing

[@tintin5038]

This video interview is fantastic, it should be shown to all high school sophomore students. I have added Mike Rowe’s foundation as a recurring annual donation, (tax deductible). Should have started this years ago.

[@StrategicWealthLLC]

Well done. Thanks.

[@RJT80]

Mike's been talking about this for like 20 years and it still somehow hasn't sunk in because forces are actively working against it. Male job participation has tanked in favor of female job participation and our society is feminized to a truly horrific degree. I feel like I'm a different species. None of the men in my family went to college but either went military and then trades or just trades and we all did very well for ourselves. Some became millionaires. The only people I ever see complaining about how the American dream is dead are college graduates. It isn't at all. I have a young immigrant kid across the street from me who has a house and a young family, a nicer truck than mine. He's living it. He immigrated not even a decade ago after military service. The best thing a young person could do is ignore academics or parents selling school as the only option. That's never been the case. Never. It at this point some are selling it to just keep culture change a thing.

[@rosc2022]

That donation is a great idea! And, it's a good reminder that we all can make a difference.

[@jbossnack]

I went to a liberal arts college and majored in computer science. When I graduated it was hard to find a job without any experience so I wound up taking part time work installing ethernet cabling for a temp service. I wound up later getting a "good" job in my field and after 18 years I wound up finding vast opportunities by quitting and starting my own business installing networking equipment. Being able to physically install network cabling is vital to me being more valuable to the customer. Learn a skill, it is worth the the time and effort.

[@Merlin012001]

"Initials after your name don't make you a genius" what an awesome TRUTH to come out of his mouth. I want more people to be like him.

[@phillamoore157]

And given what college has turned into over the past 15yrs, minimum...."initials" after your name can mean that your'e not only unqualified, but practice your professional based on your client's race/gender/sexual identity, etc... Look up Minnesota University's School of Medicine's "hippocratic oath" this year. It's absolutely stunning.

[@theawb6986]

The ending was basically a mic drop.

[@chinhphan4787]

Looking at how many people die a year from medical malpractice practice anyone with a brain can come to the conclusion that initials behind a name definitely doesn't make them smart. Look in a hospital, it's just a pay check to them.

[@riopalgem3734]

This goes to show exactly how a sensible thinking guy like Mike Rowe compares to the insane government bureaucracy that runs our country. Keep up the good work Mike!

[@michaelshearer3559]

I've followed Mike Rowe for years, and thin s hands down one of his best interviews. He articulates this epidemic better than anyone.

[@stizzoforizzo898]

Almost 20 years ago I saw the first episode of Dirty Jobs and I thought Mike Rowe was going to be huge one day I thought he had something that nobody else had and I was right and now he's become the voice of The Working Man we love you Mike

[@brooksysdead]

While doing the show Mike was a great ambassador for us tradesmen and did a great job showing these jobs in a positive light. And now that dirty jobs is sadly long gone, Mike is still a great ambassador for those of us who earn with our hands and feet 👏

[@WalkingRoscoe]

I must repeat something you wrote. "Almost 20 years ago...". Time has flown! ⏳️

[@bobjessop5032]

PLUS he's got that GREAT VOICE! LOL

[@ne9835]

@@WalkingRoscoe I know right!!!

[@thatswhatisaidCA]

He also owns 54 companies.

[@rodneyferguson446]

The Coal Mine I worked at for 25 years had a "Safety First" Philosophy. It came to a head when our Safety Department along with MSHA pretty much shut almost all of our equipment down and would write us up for the smallest infraction. Our Production Manager at the time finally stood up in our Monthly Safety Meeting (each of our 4 Crews had one) and said "Yes, Safety IS important but we still have to have PRODUCTION! With NO Production, we'll have to send everyone home and lock the Gates." This finally happened in December 2016, although it was due to other reasons, not Safety.

[@revmo37]

I'm sorry for the end result, but you were certainly correct sir

[@ky-gearguy1742]

I was told that I did not care about my employees by a guy that then said we must put monetary limits on safety.

[@cl5193]

Now imagine what that "safety first" message has done to the costs of healthcare.

[@miastrong151]

I can tell you from my experience, I shave seen some $#-+. I worked construction and saw a forklift driver unspool cable with a forklift and hit two cars. I have seen free saw blades stuck in the middle of the road. I have seen gas lines ruptured due to negligence. I have seen my friend's car completely bashed in by a forklift driver who drove too fast. All of these people that did those things were Spanish-speaking people from all over the Spanish-speaking world. OSHA was never called and never showed-up for them, but I did call OSHA on another similar crew because the boss was a d--k. I don't know why more people don't do those jobs. They are usually good for $4,000-7,000 a month, and anyone can do it. I have seen a Ecuadorian dwarf work a jackhammer and an 18-year-old girl drive a jackhammer. The only difference between our culture and theirs is that their parents make them get out and do it.

[@smokinhalf]

Forklift driver here the company slowed our forklift trucks to a crawl. In the name of saftey of course. I said if you really want to INSURE noone gets hurt lets take em down to zero mph and see how fast this place goes under

[@brianwilke592]

Mike is right; they hollowed out who we are by declaring by default that about half the work force was non-essential. I'm retired, so I'm not essential to the economy as much as say a doctor, but I am essential to myself, as Mike points out, to my wife, to my kids, to my dog and cats, even to the stewardship of my property, which includes all sorts of wild life and plants.

[@kaufmanat1]

Ah, doesn't this get the to point at hand? They're collectivists. They view your value in reference to society. The intrinsic value of the individual is diminishing. If you can't contribute to "society", you're no longer needed. People's masks came off when covid ramped up. A centralized authority delineating between essential and Non-essential workers? Yikes. Sounds like an authoritarian communist's wet dream.

[@donnarandall3275]

No matter how technical the times get, we will always need, plumbers, electricians, heat and air conditioning professionals, carpenters, etc.

[@sfcmp7005]

Mike is so right. In Europe back in the 70's and 80's they still pushed the concept of being an apprentice for "X" amount of years and then once you got certified your pay goes up dramatically, and you become a full employee. Physical labor type jobs pay a lot, and I mean a lot! We just had our whole house remodeled. The guy who took the job was just starting out. In a matter of just a few months he hired on 3 more guys and completed our job. In just those few months he made 100k from us. He was even adding more people before he completed our job, and had other jobs going. This guy is going to make a lot because he is willing to work. In the first week, he would show up alone, and do what he could. We told him not to worry, if it took time. But he got things going very fast within a couple weeks. The skills needed were, painting, flooring, carpentry, and some minor electrical stuff. But he hired a team that covered it all. I was very impressed. The guy he hired that did the floors was damn good at it. We had the house tiled with tongue and groove type tile. There are no transition points in the entire house. It looks fantastic. These guys always arrived early, and worked hard. If you are willing to put in the hours, the sky is the limit!

[@grahamlancaster9587]

I loved shop class in middle school. Never got it in high school (by choice). Ended up getting a degree in economics, and then an MBA. I struggled with lots of crappy jobs based using my degrees. Now I do great fixing up old houses doing almost all the work myself. I am my own boss and have lots of flexibility. Ps. The economics degree definately helps with market activities, but the hands on work is what pays off the most

[@schecterc1exotic]

I have an Econ degree as well, fortunately I’ve found a position that pays well. However going back I would have never borrowed money to go to school. I struggled for years to pay it all back.

[@JohnSmith-em9ks]

Love hearing Mike speak. I am a 50 something guy now who did have "shop" in high school. It was the most enlightening moment of my life. It led me to this point, to be making more than these kids today that got their degree in "insert worthless degree here". The main thing I hear from the kids today I work with is, "I can't afford a house, I don't know if I can ever retire, I can't find my way". I tell them, "why the hell didn't you start saving your money the second you made a buck?" "Why did you pay so much money for an education you could have got for free, or at least half price?" Sorry buddy, not my problem that you grew up in the stupid generation with no work ethic.

[@jacquerene789]

This was a great video. I am a Hispanic female and worked in the factory, construction and labor Field. I find honor, pride and value in Skilled Trades and have shown that example to all my children. As well as the importance of a good education. Somehow our social and educational systems have become a stronger influence on our children and society as a whole. But it's a flawed and awfully selective system for a mass of society to follow. You gentlemen are doing a great job, thank you.

[@Avallachgrey]

There is a reason why Smith Electric, Plumbing, carpentry has been turning into Nunez, Hernandez, Medina Plumbing and etcetera. Because Hispanics aren't afraid to do the trade jobs that Americans used to do. It's both sad and heartening.

[@douggardner8229]

I was an Army recruiting for several years. I didn't realize the absolute level of fraud involved with public education. We couldn't recruit half the kids we wanted because their test scores indicated wouldn't be able to train them in the most basic skills. Ironically the same kids would be resistant to joining because they had some outrageous plans to be doctors, lawyers or engineers. I used to say that they had champagne dreams and cool aid cash. I got so sick of watching kids squander their future and lie to themselves about their potential that I finally used my tuition assistance and got my degree. Free of charge (to me anyway).

[@stevedavenport1202]

Lots of dumbasses in the Army, sadly.

[@chonglor4709]

As a teacher myself, education is not the fraud. The fraud is all of these parents, other teachers, counselors, and coaches pandering to these students instead of telling them the truth. Most of my students will not make it through college. Unfortunately, I cannot tell them that without losing my job. It's not the education; it's the system.

[@AsukaLangleyS02]

Nah, you'll be paying that all back throughout your life.

[@douggardner8229]

@@AsukaLangleyS02 nah, the degree is complete, the bills are paid. Done. Between disability and pension I will never need to work again as well. 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jhendric98]

I think Mike has a unique experience base that really speaks to a forgotten part of our culture. Great piece John!

[@DerykRobosson]

She's seeking debt cancellation. Therefore she's seeking to breech her contractual obligations that she agreed to. Send her the full bill, including costs. Were it not government subsidies paid to schools and universities, the costs would not have risen as it has and individuals would not be in such debt. Who is Mike Rowe?

[@lawrencemiller3829]

Is your last statement "Who is Mike Rowe?" a reference to Ayn Rand's statement, "Who is John Galt?"

[@michaelmiller5566]

He has a way of explaining things that are somewhat complicated and making them sound simple. Thanks John and Mike

[@petem6755]

"Everybody dreams of being in a corner office, but nobody knows how to build a corner office." That sums up the majority of our young working population today.

[@jayprimo]

This is one of the best lines I ever heard in regards to the trades. For decades Americans were brainwashed to look down their noses at tradesman. Everyone forgot we are the ones that build it all and maintain it.

[@valeenoi2284]

You build it by walking all over everyone else, that's how.

[@D-Fens_1632]

I bought into that shit. I wish options would have been made available that allowed me to see that I'd be miserable working in the office and much happier building the office. But instead I got a useless degree and have no marketable trade skills. Never too late I guess.

[@geirpedersen707]

If jordan peterson is the intellectual dad, then mike rowe is the practical dad. Truly great people.

[@ginov.7039]

Absolutely the sad part is men like this are a dying breed.

[@christopherhan3347]

Foundations like these should be encouraged and become better known. Universities should be taken to task for swindling their students.

[@victorcai1525]

Just want to share my story and some thoughts: I am a Chinese immigrant, went to college for a BS in civil engineering, now as a engineer in trained for 4 yrs, work hard with a annual income close to 6 digits, and just bought a house recently. I was born in the 90s, but not considered myself as millennials (and I hated that term). I am always believe in education and college. I think the major different btw my understanding of enducation/college and what is talked about here (or maybe the general conception in the society now-a-day) is WHAT DEGREE YOU ARE GOING FOR! I have seen those stupid videos complaining about their student debt with a degree of "useless", for example, drawing related, movie related, music related. I mean one can of course make a lot of money with those kind of degrees, but what the success rate of that? My parents always pushed me to go for STEM degrees, just like one of the Asian stereotypes (I love and have a lot fun with that stereotypes) just because the success rate (meaning good stable income) is much higher that any of those "useless" degree. I also never think negatively about anything type of trade job as my parents are in the category. I may mispoken or over generalized things here, but I bet most of you understand what I mean.

[@micahwest5347]

Agree with you. In fact I think if we took the government out of student loans the only people who would be able to secure personal loans for education would be those with proven academic success and enrolled in a STEM field of study.

[@KuraudoSutoraifu7]

@@micahwest5347 Lol its funny seeing people debate about pardoning the student debts, 90% of "students" i see, waste their money on luxurious clothes/items, useless drugs, trips and vacations, or then be doing something else in class which annoys me! When I'm taking classes i actually like and enjoy going to, is ruined by your typical blue haired tattooed/piercing girl sitting in front of you looking up naked guys on their laptop... Just makes you ponder, why take the class in the first place? when you're just failing from the start and will act like a victim entitled to a pardon, because you heard it somewhere. Then when it comes to the education, these "victims" put zero to no effort and ditch classes, which in the end leads to them failing and having to PAY it back. Only for them to act dumbfounded and crying they're victims, When they caused this debt to appear from wasting the loan that was meant to use for their education. They are not FORCED to take the LOANS or 6 courses at a time which some can handle, but most can't. Just makes me go wow, this generation is suppose to be the "smartest" yet they caused all of this on themselves. eughhuguhuj lol

[@micahwest5347]

@@KuraudoSutoraifu7 These student loans are used way too much to support a lifestyle of a rich and successful person when in reality if the person needs the loan in the first place they should be pinching pennies, working part time jobs, and eating ramen.

[@justthinkingaboutallofit]

I am dutch and still understand what you are saying. Listen if you choose womens studies, etc you pay for that. Not someone else. An english person with a degree in english...good luck. Lazy degree. Your bad choices should be paid for by you. And not someone else. Also a zlself taught busines owner here. Speaking 7 languages without taking classes for it. Either you apply yourself ot not...and if you say you can not....theeeeennn....should you have such a big mouth? How can you think you deserve all kind of things if you say you are less able than another...? So yoi either can and do not oooorr....you can not amd then you should listen to those who can. Ability should again be more valuable than opinions amd education. A higher educatiom in nonsense is still nonsense. I can be wothout womens amd native american studies etc...not without mechanics, engineers, nurses, plumbers etc. And ideas are allways new and first...education allways come after that. People forget this. Intelligence is not directly related to all knowledge. Knowing 1 subject even when that is all know8ng on that subjecr makes you knowledgeable...but only on that subject...it does not make you intelligent or creative. That is why so many educated dumb people are in to many high power positions...because we confused education with intelligence even when the received education was utter useless garbage. All these made up jobs and titles also show this. Never let your education get in the way of you learning amd so not fall victim to having the illusion of intelligence...which makes you not listen and learn because you allready think you know.

[@drock5404]

I absolutely agree with your opinion on what degree to aim for. However, I have met many engineers a few tk several years out of college that don't even know simple things such as the square/square root law, OHMS LAW, etc. Engineering programs in our country need to be more focused on learning how to actually function as an engineer.

[@NozFoxGaming]

I started working in a printing shop immediately out of high school with my brother. Both of us on the bottom of the totem pole, running the simplest machines. 8 years later and two moves to different companies, me and my brother are top dogs running the biggest press and most challenging orders.

[@joedirte716]

I do concrete pads for printing presses all over chicago area. Impressive machines that go on those pads

[@cl0k3]

Forget about bill nye, mike rowe's my childhood hero, dirty jobs was defo one of the cooler shows on discovery.

[@revmo37]

I agree. Nye is a know nothing blowhard. He doesn't even possess a Science Degree

[@chucknorris277]

Nye is a communist. Thinks he is a genius because he made kids shows

[@wendypavlus5759]

My son couldn’t find his way since he didn’t want college. He moved from NYS to NC and took an electrical lineman course for FREE since our electrical company here was retiring out. After a few months of their course he got a very good job with a contract group for this company. He put in his resume back in our small town in NY and he is now back there with an amazing job that he enjoys. Sad it took him years to get to that point but it is amazing what he can make as an electric lineman.

[@chucknorris277]

Got to chase the ticket.

[@BronzedTube]

Dirty jobs is back by the way, premiering soon; An all-new season of the fan-favorite series DIRTY JOBS premieres Sunday, January 2 at 8 PM ET/PT on Discovery and streaming on discovery+

[@greggpaul8053]

What a fantastic interview! Thanks for speaking up for trades people!

[@nickauclair1477]

I love these interviews. Especially this and Senator Rand Paul

[@carmenenglish8385]

Thank you Mike. We lost a lot when we gave up our shop classes. There would be many happy souls if their hands were building and creating.

[@lisapalmeno4488]

Amen. I had a friend who mocked my hobby of crocheting for my nieces and nephews. He said I should spend more time on my college studies and grades, like his then-unemployed wife. I told him, I'm on a budget, I'm making their Christmas gifts. Today I make many of the niece's gifts and their kids' gifts and why? I've been ASKED to crochet for them because it makes them feel LOVED. I also own my own newspaper for original writing and art, a business I started from the ground up. I may not be well off, but my life is full and rich in many ways.

[@NCWildHeART]

YES! Amen. I hate that college was pushed so much when I was 18 20 years ago.