Mike Rowe on What 300 Dirty Jobs Taught Him About True Success with Lewis Howes

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Thank you for Watching this powerful interview with Mike Rowe! New Interviews, and Inspirational videos will be posted every Monday and Wednesday! Subscribe to the channel here: goo.gl/9xwmmV
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This is audio podcast number #403 with MIke Rowe
Mike Rowe is a TV host, writer, narrator, producer, actor and spokesman. His performing career began in 1984, when he faked his way into the Baltimore Opera to get his union card and meet girls, both of which he accomplished during a performance of Rigoletto. His transition to television occurred in 1990 when - to settle a bet - he auditioned for the QVC Shopping Channel and was promptly hired after talking about a pencil for nearly eight minutes. There, he worked the graveyard shift for three years, until he was ultimately fired for making fun of products and belittling viewers.
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Show notes available here:
lewishowes.com/podcast/mike-rowe/
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Website: lewishowes.com/
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Lewis Howes is NY Times Bestselling author, entrepreneur, and former professional Arena League football player. He hosts The School of Greatness, a talk show distributed as a podcast. Learn and hear the stories from various successful people around the world, become inspired, motivated and educated with the SCHOOL OF GREATNESS. lewishowes.com/book
You can follow me at:
Website: lewishowes.com/
Facebook: / lewishowes
Twitter: / lewishowes
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Tiktok: / lewis
Linkedin: / lewishowes

[@lewishowes]

What's the #1 thing you pulled from the interview?

[@garyoa1]

The man is brilliant.

[@racheltest]

More men should listen to Mike Rowe ;)

[@shiroineko13]

I can listen to this man all day.

[@dixiechampagne2892]

An opportunity to quote Shakespeare: Have more than you show, speak less than you know

[@dixiechampagne2892]

@@racheltest women, too

[@Bhodisatvas]

"Don't follow your passion, take it with you wherever you go" - Mike Rowe

[@TheGhostOperative]

i dont get it. how do u take your passion with you? does it mean you should be passionate about everything that you do?

[@FistOfMichallin]

​@@TheGhostOperative This 'passion' stuff is a bit vague sometimes... so I'm writing this for myself just as much as I am writing it for you (: Usually we're seeing what we wanna do, or who we wanna be, as some place needing to be reached. Passion is harnessing our higher faculties -- whatever greater vision we have for what we wanna do, who and how we wanna be -- and *embodying* that here, right now, and bringing that into all the work we do. It's the only way. To wait 10-20 years after work and education before being or doing that thing, is merely a choice not to embody our vision now, and instead embody our vision later. See the insanity of it? It's essentially holding our lives ransom; it's a choice we make at the expense of a well-lived life. Embody what you envision for yourself *now, today.* Not later. Big mistake many people make. It's the difference between making your career a body of art, vs. making your entire life a body of art. Half full cup, vs. no cup, and endlessly flowing water.

[@klee52724]

I see it this way: follow your passion of let’s say painting now you wanna be a painter so you follow it and only paint you sit in your moms basement painting all day everyday. This doesn’t allow growth or world experience or broadening your horizons it only allows you to continue onto one path one style one way. However if you take your passion with you take that paint set goes on a vacation to the beach take it on your way to a new city take it with you as a Tool to broaden your human experience it’ll end up working for you instead of the other way around :)

[@mikerowe2908]

[e-mail]

[@TheGhostOperative]

@@FistOfMichallin makes sense. it is exactly my life. i chose a highly paid career instead of my passion. so now i'm burned out, no longer passionate about anything and find myself always looking forward to the weekends. i guess that means ive been a coward who was afraid to take risk so i ended up sacrificing my soul for a materialistic life. dissatisfied and unfulfilled. sigh.....

[@cgrant26]

Mike Rowe is a national treasure.

[@michaelmaneiro6498]

Im drunk watching this Mike Rowe is the man. He has the most honest and true outlook on life that people who dont understand it probably aren't where they wanna be in life

[@davidraper9629]

* International Treasure.

[@dixiechampagne2892]

@@michaelmaneiro6498 Indeed!

[@pcproz3215]

You can't do better than Mike Rowe. Honesty and Integrity. If only we had more like him.

[@pamgessler5923]

Mike talking about hearing his father's voice yell "Duck" and his response to that voice without knowing why he'd said it is a perfect analogy of our need for knowing God and for having an intimate relationship with Him in which we know His voice and respond to Him at all times.

[@pamgessler5923]

@Mike Steinberg Are you asking a question? Or just finding an excuse to be hateful? Nobody said that your success wasn't because of your hard work.

[@brettparsons6221]

when a mentor of mine told me work smarter not harder he was referring to using levers wedges and pulleys to make the job go easier and faster. I appreciate Mike speaking up for work ethic. Hopefully America will listen.

[@ABeautifulHorizonTV]

"They looked to see where everyone was going...and went the other way." 🙌🙌🙌

[@ABeautifulHorizonTV]

This was a really great interview. :)

[@JorMFge]

This is easily the best podcast episode I’ve ever listened too . Life changing perspectives and advice

[@Deathmperor]

The part of the conversation where he says the jobs we need the most are the most underrated hits home especially during covid. People that make 3 times what a tradesman does gets to stay home to stay safe, while we are still out here cleaning shit

[@hollybee1372]

And as someone in the field, you're in reality which seems less than, but it's not.

[@fadedglory1045]

Or protecting shit. Law enforcement ,jails and prisons paramedics are all essential and haven't seen any break in the demands. For that they are grateful not resentful and take risks. And now are wet with hostility and violence for taking those risks to protect and serve.

[@Deathmperor]

@@fadedglory1045 I used cleaning shit as a metaphor we are all in the front line brother. I respect and appreciate law enforcement,my mother and girlfriend are nurses so don't put words in my mouth. But the fact is tradesmen get up and go to work everyday too with little to no appreciation instead we are looked down upon like we are stupid, yet the people we work for have college degrees and can't change a light bulb

[@fadedglory1045]

Mason Martin I was agreeing with you. I apologize if it came off as I didn't. What's happening to our "essential" people just proves this is all run by an agenda! Not sure what words I put in your mouth, I added to the idea you conveyed. Peace

[@the_original_van_d]

The majority of people I know who had sit-down, talk-much, do-nothing careers suffered greatest during the furlough. Meanwhile, my dumbass plumbing career and side-hustle became exponentially more lucrative.

[@michelemcgee9721]

I love Mike Rowe. He's smart... funny... and possesses an awesome voice. Both the sound, and the message.

[@danielpineda508]

I think this is the longest interview I'd watched in my life, but I enjoyed every minute of it. What an inspiration of passion and commitment to be true to oneself in whatever we do. I can see the honesty and sincerity in you guys and that is so valuable. Loved the part about working hard! It seems like that is a thing of the past in many places. Thank you, Lewis!!

[@kristinebailey6554]

Same

[@jermaineedwards7157]

Loved the interview. Something about the perspective of Jim that really appeals to me. 16 spent almost a year working on my grandfathers farm in Jamaica from 5am-7pm everyday. Hardwork builds character and is no substitute to drawing out the best of who you are.

[@lisadixon624]

My husband says the same thing about working on his grandfathers farm in Costa Rica. Admittedly, I negate everything he's trying teach my kids about hard work in fear that they are ... wait for it ... it's pitiful ... suffering 😩lol

[@thekevinjmiller]

It'sin a mother's nature to abhor suffering. It's the father's job to teach that their mother won't always be there.

[@justinjex1]

Well said

[@oldengray7244]

...and you will always cherish that time you were able to spend with him.

[@heinheinautocars7261]

Jermaine Edwards นะ

[@happycat3399]

“It just turned out to be a wonderful time to be, me, in Baltimore singin’ at the top of my lungs”- Mike Rowe classic!! ❤️❤️

[@b4ubcomeold]

2 hrs and I could have watched for another 2 hrs and not been 1 bit bored! I could listen to Mike Rowe talk for hours. His stories are so interesting and kept me glued to the screen the entire 2 hrs and that never happens but I couldn't turn it off. *I COULDN'T TURN IT OFF!!!* Sooooo, thanks for entertaining us Mike and thanks Lewis for an amazing interview! You did a great job of question asking to give us viewers a well-rounded insight into the life and times of Mike Rowe! God Bless

[@dedratiger806]

Mike Rowe is the modern man’s man. Why? He’s articulate, intelligent and authentic.

[@h2bizzle]

What a great interview!! Mike Rowe is just fantastic, and you did an amazing job interviewing him!

[@Nadiko63]

LOVED this interview! Could have listened to many more hours. Great interview! Great guest choice!

[@yair1010]

Probably the longest KZbin video I've seen that wasn't a movie. Enjoyed every minute of it. Thank you, Lewis.

[@liquidoxygenbar7671]

Yeah clips of more than ten seconds have substance, try it more often....

[@jamesdorpinghaus3294]

I've watched conversations that Joe Rogan, Jordan Peterson, and a few others have had. Sometimes these go on for 3+ hours

[@uberzany]

I have never in all my years ever seen such an impressive interview !!!

[@ClaimsDelegates]

Best show so far. Thank you for taking the time. Both of you.

[@LowEarthOrbitPilot]

Likely one of the very BEST interviews I have ever seen. Focused, solid questions, and genuine, well-thought, and well-articulated answers. LOVED this interview! It never dragged, and it NEVER seemed like two hours. Additionally, the first of your last questions reminded me of H.G. Wells 'Time Machine' and the question of the three books he brought with him to the future... Well done!

[@SurprizedDaily]

+LowEarthOrbitPilot Totally agree with all you wrote here...was my first time on the channel and only ended up here because a friend had shared a 5 minute video of mike speaking on how to "never follow you passion", I wanted more and this was actually the longest I saw posted and thought what the heck, lets see what he learned and shares...the episodes of dirty jobs i did see i always enjoyed mikes "guest role" vs. "hosting" as he speaks on here...these 2 men have to be cut from the same cloth I am....cheers

[@hanskullama3014]

Great podcast Lewis. Love how Mike is so authentic.

[@christinecoen.burnoutcoach]

I LOVE Mike Rowe! I just started listening to his Sunday videos/podcast and they crack me up. And that story his Mother wrote about her purse was just the best thing I've heard in a while!.... So excited to watch this interview. Hope you're well, Lewis!

[@laverdad8915]

I love what you are doing brother! I love when you bookmark the organic conversations and GREAT changing topics

[@jimewelsh]

I found this interview looking for Mike Rowe and I have to applaud you for not cutting it short or leading this wonderful conversation. Really incredible interview. I'm subscribing now!

[@ksportjacket]

awesome interview, I was always impressed by Mike but now I have a greater respect for the man and his work.. great interview..fantastic job Lewis.. impressed, subscribed also... thank you

[@erikmatlock5647]

That was a great interview. Thanks to both of you.

[@plugginalong3026]

I am a paramedic on a contract job at the US Embassy in Afghanistan. I listen to you every morning when having coffee in my CHU. Keep up the good work.

[@TedNemeth]

✖️ what an absolute pleasure to listen to this man. He seems so comfortable & almost effortless. Great guy.

[@Judymontel]

The thing about hard work though, is that once you get into exploring it, there's a whole universe to it. Sure, if your particular problem right now is that you don't know where and what hard work can bring you - the answer definitely is: find a way to dive into it. But once you're in those waters (of hard work so to speak), you're going to have to figure out how to stay afloat, how to swim, how to deal with the particular circumstances of who you are and what your hard-work environment consists of. And in my experience, when a lot of people ask for help and guidance at this point, more often than not they're told to figure it out on their own. Or to read a book. And they struggle to find someone to guide and support them in the process who they can afford. My 2 cents.

[@TheGhostOperative]

yea sometimes you just have to figure it out on your own. it sucks but it is what it is. that's how i learned not to be afraid of failures, because you're really gonna fail a lot. but you will eventually figure it out, humans always do. often, errors are what get you there as long as you're paying attention.

[@twirlingtex]

Great show. I love his commentary on men and masculinity, aha moments, impacting change. I love sensitive manly men!

[@denisehamel4475]

Lewis, Mike is such a wonderful story teller. Oh my, I loved every minute of it! Great work once again. Amazing how you kept focused while you looked like a little boy just in awe of the stories. Duck! Great advice, I laughed out loud even before he finished his story as soon as I heard horse shoe. I completely agree that we are all seeking connection, real in person connection. Just like this interview it cannot be the same if only online, there's something so powerful about being there and being able to shake the persons hand. Going against the grain...:)

[@jeffg592]

What an interesting guy, with unexpected wisdom and intelligence. I’m on his bandwagon for life!

[@flomojo2u]

Going through your interviews and really enjoyed this one, Mike is a great guy and really knows how to make his life stories spring to life! Thanks for taking the trouble to do the interview!!

[@naturehealswellness4404]

Lewis , thank you ,, am learning a lot .. you are an awesome interviewer, hope you do many more great shows

[@jd-lh2yw]

The absolute best interview I've ever seen and heard. Thank you so much.

[@megagreenbeaner]

Love the hell out of this! Great , just great.

[@marcialwar]

I started following you after the Gary interview, your podcast is amazing..seriously..a big THANK YOU for all the effort! Greetings from Brazil!

[@TheCulturalCompass]

Thanks, that was so much fun. Haven't seen Mike Rowe in ages but just recently found myself telling a table of foreigners about Dirty Jobs and why it was such a great show & host. Git your boots dirty!

[@BrianWatkins9000]

I follow a lot of your interviews and enjoy them all, but this was the best one I've seen I think. Awesome, Lewis.

[@Courage2bwell]

Delighted to have found you. The interview with Mike Rowe and your ability to be present with one another the way in which you were, to ask and answer meaningful questions is deeply appreciated. I look forward to listening to more of your work and also to Mike. His vocabulary alone creates a hunger for me to learn more and more and more words, and meanings. You both are examples men who I will introduce the young men in my life to. Much appreciated and glad to be a new subscriber.

[@JamesVincentKnowles]

My first job was garbage man - riding on the back of a truck, slinging cans. 10 years later, I became a member of The White House Press Corps as a photojournalist. I don't miss covering the president. I do miss the Mexican-American fellows with whom I worked shoulder to shoulder every day. And if they'd let me, I'd do it again now.

[@allandonald6248]

you can. Why don't you apply again for that job? I don't think anyone is stopping you.

[@happiprod.8160]

so journalism = trash and dumb to smoke?

[@srashworth]

Garbage man, White House Press Corps; many of the same skills needed!

[@monkeybeasts]

do you have a favorite president

[@krisersn3092]

They werent Mexican Americans. They were just Mexicans.

[@Wangsta100]

Work smarter AND harder :). Thanks Lewis for the great interview

[@KevRoweMusic]

LOVED this interview! Great job Lewis

[@MakingCentsInTrucking]

Lewis, thanks for the interview. Very inspiring true wording. I am already forward to pass on to others. Thanks

[@Flips77Coupe]

Such a gratifying interview. Perspective was re-calibrated for me honestly.

[@pnwpetraski]

One of the best interviews I've seen done with Mike Rowe!!! Well done good sir!

[@bigtimps1]

This is a fantastic interview! Well done!

[@BruceClark]

Great interview; thanks to you both. Love what Mike talks about with regard to passion. Too many of us settle for something much less than we can and should be.

[@ptroberto]

Great interview Lewis! Mike Rowe seems so honest and genuine. There is so much to take from all these amazing interviews you do. Thank you!

[@deanblair8888]

Awesome interview. Mike Rowe is one of my fav's and Lewis did an outstanding job. I will be following Lewis for more great interviews.

[@groves19881]

Please have this man back! Greatness and humbleness goes so far for us!! Much love n respect from OhiO

[@danieller3292]

Thanks so much for this interview Lewis. I love listening to these because I learn a little more about you with each one. You have made a lot of different pivots in your life and it gives me inspiration to go into the unknown. Mike Rowe has an incredible mind, and he has done a lot of pivots as well. He makes decisions and goes all in to see what happens. I enjoyed hearing about his father and grandfather and how he's shedding light on the everyday man (or woman). Those types of people are just as important as anyone else. This interview gave me so much, thank you.

[@sarapalacios8673]

Incredible interview.

[@ermzteo]

Yes being a full time volunteer in the community like GK and to experience its fullness you need to do the hardwork and dirty your hands. Working with the people especially those who have less does it and believing that what little you did today will have its long term legacy and help make change their lives for the better. Thank you for keep on inspiring us. Blessings to you.

[@JoeLewis14]

I listen to this interview at least once every six months. It helps keep me going.

[@JoeLewis14]

No problem, dude. Great interview. Thank you.

[@rgsauger]

Very cool concept pf people and rivers and the paths they take... Great interview, Mike. thanks!

[@Cindyscrossstitch]

Mike has a great voice 🌻🌻

[@DOUGCHRISTY1]

This is the most amazing interview ever!! We so love both of you men's! Love Doug & Christy Nelson from Nebraska

[@rogerkenkel]

christy nelson whole heartedly agree. You should check out Mike Rowe’s fb show called Returning the Favor. If you haven’t seen it I guarantee you’ll love it. Just make sure you have some tissues at the ready. I’m also from Nebraska

[@IngeborgRehak]

Lovin´ it. So inspiring and funny and interesting. Well done!!!!

[@stevecraig3004]

Wow! I came across this video looking for one great guy and came out with two...! What a great interview! Thanks!

[@leamazing7738]

What an amazing man! So real and inspirational ❤️

[@bertrutledge4546]

I never listen to something so long but admire Mike so much. Lewis, I also enjoyed listening to you interact with Mike. You are a good interviewer. Enjoyed the 2 hours, thanks.

[@zacmcgrady2020]

Mike has been a huge insperation in my life I remodel townhomes near bmore dealing with dirty stuff he makes me respect my self and I feel better when my kids say I'm a maintenance man they work with me and see what I have to deal with evicting people and remodeling them after they trash them I work hard so do they and I'm happy back to the show I really appreciate it and how it shows that people work hard and get dirty to provide and still stay happy thanks mike

[@donnapilant2542]

Thank you for this interview. I have been looking for a way to help my son. The things I learned through this interview may really help. Thank you

[@OMADRevolution]

This episode is one of your very best, Lewis!

[@ExtraordinaryLiving]

And one of the longest ... very generous of Rowe to extend this amount of time for the interview.

[@delilahamiano7751]

I so enjoyed this interview. Thank you

[@HoneySSantillan]

I enjoyed listening in your podcast, now Iam repeating to enjoy myself watching MikeRowe for his being versatile in his Skill... and mylewis keep sharing the blessing of your loving kindness. Oneday We will shine too...

[@ThomasBryant]

Best interview ever. And I've seen ALL of Mike Rowe's. Now, you have a new subscriber to your channel. All the best.

[@kleding11]

Both of you are incredibly endearing and funny. Thanks for making me laugh and giving out some of your wisdom.

[@dannyfierro6152]

Mike Rowe is the most inspirational speaker EVER. I love to listen and absorb all he has to say.

[@kevint3332]

Fantastic interview. Loved it.

[@KEEBLERVET]

I'm glad i stumbled onto your program. First time watcher. I like Mike Rowe a lot. I was nearly glued to the show .and I found out a lot about him. He's MY generation, and i always welcome hearing from someone who can identify with the things we did when we were younger. These things are now disappearing, if not already gone. So, a fun thank you to the both of you for a very good interview...

[@annerinella4363]

Learned so much from you two!!!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@shawnie2027]

I woke up to this interview playing in my ear, while I recognized the voice of Mike Rowe, I was not initially planning on laying in bed listening to an interview for 2hours!!! However it’s now been TWO HOURS... and I’m sorry to see or in this case hear it end. This was interesting and humorous, encouraging, educational and completely enjoyable! Thank you, both of you, for helping me start this day out with some good savory nuggets to roll around my mind mill today! I have a silly lil smile on my face now. I am a gal with a back the looks like the letter S and pain is my alarm clock everyday ( not a complaint just giving you context) it is a pleasant change of pace. I will be tuning in again. Thank you again and keep up the good work! Side note... it doesn’t hurt that your both GORGEOUS that is always a plus! ☺️ God Bless!!!🥰

[@Austinroofingcontractors]

I'm so glad to here you talking about this! Keep it up and let me know how we can best support this effort!

[@tiffsaver]

This interview was not only highly entertaining (Mike Rowe is a true Renaissance Man), but equally informative. This is one of the most important and timely videos I've ever watched on YT. It's a keeper. Kudos.

[@brandyrhodes5585]

Fantastic conversation and perspective. Loved this.

[@emotionalcontentmediaunltd2267]

This was incredible!! Thank you sir!! And to the #LEGEND Mike Rowe!!!

[@talibina77]

This episode was awesome, thank you! Made me laugh, learn and rethink some work life things

[@EliRodriguez-iz2fh]

very inspiring video i needed that thank you

[@lewishowes]

You're welcome, thank you for watching🧡

[@elizabethpaier1411]

oh, wow ! Thanks for bringing on Mike Rowe !!

[@caseyfrederick2584]

Long one! Took a while to get through it all with my personal "communication problems" but it was awesome, as always.

[@DamianDemasi]

Excellent interview!!

[@miinyoo]

This took me 3 days to watch because I'm super busy but damn that was good. Good host, thoughtful questions and Mike R is a great guy. Many cheers LH and MR.

[@slappyjoe6782]

Thank you for being so awesome Mike. I started a company with my father in law 6 years ago. I wonder what the odds are for a father and son in law company to succeed? From the start it's been hard, there was no outline set for us to follow. What I found out is that you have to keep kicking, never stop. Now I have more opportunities than I know what to do with. I joke and say that the dust I kicked up is in fact pixie dust. Before to long it'll start sticking to you. I thought it was luck and I realized it's from never stopping.

[@JustNeshTV]

I love it! Thanks Lewis.

[@johng6387]

this was great. its been a long time since i watched something 2 hours long that wasn't a movie and this was worth every single minute. thanks for making this :)

[@acdc73034]

This guy is so interesting and what a voice. Thanks for sharing Lewis

[@knotchbass]

Very inspiring I must say. Thanks Lewis

[@davemakesitmove]

Awesome interview

[@EscortSportage]

This is gold!

[@craignagao]

Loved it!

[@jymatney]

You always presented yourself as a guest in their world, you’re a awesome person Mike.

[@probnpputeh]

It has been more than 10 hours I follow your show and get on researching more on the subject matter Lewis. Arman.

[@jeffmoore2351]

Great video a lot of real insights on workplace ethics. All good as long as men like Mike Rowe are able to speak their mind.

[@Derek-bf5wp]

Lewis, you can make the iPad screen never turn off so you don't have to keep touching the screen (assuming it's an iPad). 1. Open “Settings” then tap “General” 2.Tap “Auto-Lock” and choose “Never” as the option.

[@rosstransmeier1182]

watched it ALL. thanks

[@larrysouthern5098]

Great insight....great video....

[@deebz7611]

Correction Mr. Rowe: YOU are the epitome of masculinity. Your voice alone embodies everything it means to be a man. Love your interviews Lewis! Thanks for doing what you do.