We were curious about a couple of things on the “Curiosity” show that Mike was in. We tried to sit him down and ask and although it looks like he was really just trying to get away from Meyer, he gave us some answers. Find out what he had to say about “Life On Mike.”
Curious about something else mikeroweRELATED? You’ve come to the right place. Mike suggests that you visit the Ask Mike Forum of the Water Cooler and ask him whatever question you have on your mind. He may be irregular (in the attendance sense of course) but Mike answers as many and as often as he can.
Click here to watch the latest video.
Is there something you’ve been DYING to ask Mike? A burning question you just can’t get off your mind? You won’t rest until you find out the answer??
OK, tell you what… Submit your question on the Ask Mike forum in the Water Cooler. No guarantees, no promises and there’s no way every single one can be answered (so don’t get all pouty on us if you don’t get your answer) but we’ll give it our best shot. Oh yeah, and since it’s taking too long (you wouldn’t believe how long the list is we got going), we’re doing some rapid fire, 3 minute video responses, along with special interviews which will go longer. Like a lot longer…
475 Comments
Hi there-
I am inviting Mike to visit me at my place of employment in scenic Helena, MT. I work for the City of Helena at the Wastewater Treatment Plant…..and it’s dirty!
We would be thrilled to have Mike be our guest at the Wastewater Plant, and I know that the amount of “dirt” or “poop” in this facility would not leave you disappointed!
Please consider our invitation and RSVP soon. The poop is waiting for Mike.
Sincerely,
Jamie Bright
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator
Helena, MT
Mike,
I am one of your fans. my name is Sara. I have a question for you. you go places were people ask you to go and do dirty jobs. I work at Venture Productions.
We do a lot of work from sorting wood pieces, shredding and cutting papper. and other projects in the workshop.
My question for you is if you can come to West Union, Ohio. and check our place out and see if you would like to air doing work with us on your show. Hope to hear from you soon.
Thank You,
Sara Knauff
Dear Mike,
First let me commence with the requisite tuchas smooching. My wife and I have been great admirers of yours since the beginning of Dirty Jobs, and I have long thought that you are doing a great service for the blue-collar grunts in the trenches of the American workforce. I have just turned 40, married 10 years with a Beautiful wife, a five-year-old son, a cat and an English bulldog. I am a college dropout, due to various reasons both financial and personal, and have worked various odd jobs since high school. I thought I had found a career in 2004, but was laid off in 2006 at the start of the housing downturn and ended up stuck in a dead end retail job. We went in to foreclosure on our house three separate times between 2006 and 2011 but have been fortunate enough to weather these storms and save or house. That being said I am now unemployed, by choice this time, and I am at a crossroads of sorts.
I have at one time or another since 1989, in no particular order, waited tables, sold shoes, installed automobile retrieval systems and alarms, fixed copiers (A surprisingly dirty job), performed EPA Compliance/ SWPPP inspections for new home development and construction (That career I mentioned and also dirty but fun), sold sporting goods, strung racquets, drilled bowling balls, built fitness equipment, loaded and unloaded trucks, worked and or managed a loading dock, been a handy man, been a bouncer and a host at night clubs, been a bartender, driven a truck, delivered pizza, been a rock star, a reporter for a local news program while in high school, an actor (Well, an extra in some movies filmed locally but what the hell, I got paid.), sold insurance and a few other things I can not even think of right now.
The point is, aside from the fact of my glaringly obvious adult ADHD, that I am a jack of all trades with tons of experience with crappy jobs and I’m running out of time to figure out what I want to be when I grow up. I have that wife and son to think about, so it’s not like I can just pick up and try a whole new town to pursue a career. I have come to the realization that I am smart, hard working, very good with my hands and I love to take things apart and put them back together. I build scale models and enjoy that. I know that I would be happy in a trade, but not at the expense of time with my wife and son (Evenings and weekends) like I might face as a plumber or similar. It occurred to me recently that I might enjoy learning to be a Machinist, or maybe a gunsmith, but I have NO Earthly idea where to start.
What, if any, general advice or guidance can you offer to me to help me determine the best course of action for me and my family and, specifically, what can you tell me about the machinist trade, how to learn it, how to get an apprenticeship, etc., etc., etc. I am really in limbo as to what I want to do and I need to get in to a trade, preferably, as it is already unlikely enough that I will be able to retire before I’m 90, if at all. I could always tough it out until my son is old enough, and rich enough, to take care of us but somehow that seems neither prudent nor fair to my son (SO much pressure!)
Anyhoo, thank you Mike for all you do for the American worker and thank you for taking the time, if you can, to read my humble ramblings and, if the fates align, answering my call for assistance. Keep up the great, Dirty, work!
Sincerely,
Jonathan Wolk
Ashburn, VA
Dear Mike:
We are watching the “Wetland Warrior” from the 2010 Dirty Jobs season. My husband and I are much bemused by this episode because we have just helped our son complete the exact same process in Cedars of Lebanon Tennessee State Park. He organized and help clear 6 acres in the park from an invasive species called “Tree of Heaven”. It is an extremely invasive plant that is crowding the cedar trees out of the Cedars of Lebanon park. Not a good thing.
Jamie did this as his Eagle Project to obtain the Eagle rank in the Boy Scouts, an organization and rank that you are familiar with. My question to you is how much notice do we need to give you to get a letter from you for his Eagle court of honor. He has finished his project and is now awaiting his time in grade to get the rank. Sigh. He will make it with the skin of his teeth, as his 18th birthday is March 4.
Anyway, I hope somebody in your organization can get back to us. I’m sure you want him to have completed his board of review, which will be coming up fairly soon.
Thank you for many, many happy hours watching you on “Dirty Jobs” and listening to you on “Deadliest Catch”. We really enjoy the shows. Thank you also for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Cindy Durham
P.S. You want a really dirty job? Contact Missouri Pressed Metals in Sedalia, MO. They make metal parts out of metal powder. I worked there in the late ’70s. They’re still in existence. Find their website at http://mo-press.com/index.html For maximum effect, go there on a scalding summer day and run the ovens. We used to strap ourselves into machines called “sizers” and tried very hard not to lose parts of our fingers. Really.
Hay, you and I went to high school together also some other activities. I’m still in the flooring buisness and have a few questions. Next time you are on the east coast please feel
Free to call Thanx
Hello Mike,
I’ve got an associate’s degree of applied science in graphic design which isn’t worth the cheap paper my diploma is printed on. My wife is a full-time student and I’m 33 years old, unemployed, and I’m desperate for work. Though I’ve worked in the design industry and clerical/office environments most of my life (I’ve also worked in HR), I’m not concerned with getting dirty. In fact, one of my first jobs was as a temporary grunt labor worker making $4.25 per hour to carry equipment and crawl around at construction sites in what they told me was just mud — didn’t smell like it and that was still fine by me just as long as I was getting paid to do it.
Truth is, I’ve never been paid very much. The wife and I lived paycheck to paycheck, hoping for the best. So… I have zero money to invest in myself. But I’ve got all the need to do something — anything — that will help out my family. I’ve contact some local unions in search of apprenticeship work but I can’t even afford the union dues to get my foot in the door.
I really feel like I’m sinking fast here. I don’t even have life insurance so that makes the thought that my family would be better off without me absolutely silly to think of. I’m at the end of my rope…
I searched your web site but couldn’t find anything on free training for someone like me. It doesn’t matter what kind of work I can get just as long as I get something. Do you know of any programs in the New Orleans area that might offer something to someone like me?
Hi, Mike-
After your talk on Jan 24 in Boise, what are the chances of you meeting with a new Eagle Scout? Ian Sweet is one of the gang of the Boise School District’s Technical Center students that you’ll be addressing. Any chance he might get a short visit following the show?
We’re looking forward to your Boise visit. Happy New Year.
Steve
Hi Mike,
I am getting married August 25, 2012 in San Jose, CA and I would LOVEE if you would do me the honor and be a guest. Have a wonderful New Years!! Love the show!
Brooke
Dear Mike,
I just finish reading your article in the RANGE MAGAZINE. Thank You for the compliments you gave to those Future Farms of America. Most people don’t have a clue about the organzation except they all must raise animals to sell at the county fairs.
My daughter is Agriculture teacher in Fresno,California and she is also a fifth generation of ranchers. She delivers everyday the pride she has of being from a family of livestock producers to her students.
As I mentioned she teaches at a school that sits in the middle of Fresno and it maybe hard to believe it’s the only Agriculture school in the district. The school is fortunate enough to have a school farm, so the students,99.9% who live in town are able to have the experience of the day to day care-giving to animals. The other amazing tidbit most kids are of other nationalities- Vietman, Cambodia, and Mexican. I have had the pleasure of talking to these kids, well mannered and clean dressed. Some are getting their education here to take back to their native countries.
Maybe you could get some kind of hint of putting a show together to show-off these kids not just the ones I’ve told you about but all over the country. Let’s see some good kids for a change.
Hi Mike,
I’ve always loved your show, your commercials, your voice-overs. I tear up over the fact that you honor “everyman”, starting with your dad, with Dirty Jobs.
I saw something the other night that upset me so much that I may not watch you again. It was a rerun of DJ. You were wrestling some mattresses into a truck with another guy. You made a remark about how it was “like wrestling a fat lady”. Well, I’m a fat lady. In fact, I’m an OLD, fat lady. I turned 65 last month. I’ve always been overweight, but since I can no longer walk without a walker, I’ve become fatter. You cannot imagine how hurt I was to hear you make that remark. I’m not a working man, but I’m a working woman, and that remark was uncalled for. I feel it shows disrespect for women.
I just had to let you know how it made me feel.
Hey Mike, My dad died two days ago and was a big fan of yours. He’d laugh his head off watching you sometimes and watching your show with him was a lot of fun. Just wanted you to know he was a fan to the end. Keep up the good work!
Why didn’t Mike come with my Ford Fusion? Sadness…
Mike,
Our son was one of those children who traveled a path different then most children in our predominantly white collar area. He struggled with traditional school and met failure at each turn. He learned by doing and using his hands. He took an interest in welding and my wife found a welder training program not too far from our home. John commuted about 80 miles a day for a year to attend the Welder Training and Testing Institute in Allentown, PA. Today he is 22 years old, an Eagle scout and certified in about 5 forms of welding. He is currently working as a welder for a construction company in Vermont. My wife and I are grateful to the Welder Training and Testing Institute for giving John a chance. As the son of a carpenter, I know and respect the gifts of those who use their hands, minds and backs. We are proud of our son and the work you are doing to bring this issue to light.
Lee
Hello Mike,
I am concernedabout the amount of smoke
dust and aerated particulate that you are
exposed to in any given shoot schedule.
I saw the cricket farm episode again today
and I truly hope that you will consider
your health more carefully in future.
What a wonderful change to our current
wasteland of television is Dirty Jobs!
Happy New Year Mike.
Blair in Toronto
“I am so crazy about you!” “If we could only someday cross paths, I would be so Happy!”Thank you for making me smile every time that I have seen you!” Jackie in Phoenix,AZ.
Dear Mike,
About three years ago, I stumbled upon your show completely by accident, but I gotta say, I’ve loved it since. Coming from a small town, I seee my share of dirty jobs pretty much every day, and because of you and your show, I’ve had my share of dirty jobs aswell. I’ve done work with drywall repair, paniting, yard and garden maintenance, and the list goes on. I’ve even worked at the local bird sanctuary. Even though these jobs can be pretty exhausting and very dirty, I wouldn’t want it other way. Before watching your show, I wouldn’t have even considered jobs like these, but now, I love it. Thank you for showing me how important, and enjoyable, dirty jobs can be. Keep up the good work and stay dirty!
Michael
Hey Mike,
I’m a big fan of you and dirty jobs! I work in construction myself and I’m always admiring your boots. Usually before you put on rubber boots and get down to business you are wearing what seems to be some very durable comfortable and fashionable shit kickers. Well my question is, do you always wear the same boots and if so what do you wear? Thanks Mike!
Stay dirty bud!!
-Jesse
Mike,
In our small town of High Springs, Fl we have a peanut wearhouse. It is owned by Golden Peanut Company (www.goldenpeanut.com). They have processing plants in Dawson & Blakely Georgia, just to name a few. I do not work for this company but have been very courious as to what they do in High Springs, Fl. I think that any of these places would end up being a DIRTY JOB. Try them.
Cheryl
Hi, Mike-
This week, my son, Ian Sweet, who is enrolled in the Dennis Technical Education Center (http://www.sd01.k12.id.us/schools/tech_center/ Boise, Idaho), brought home a flyer announcing that you will be speaking at the Ed Session “Filling Idaho’s Skills Gap” on January 24 (http://www.theedsessions.org/mike-rowe.php#mike-rowe.php). Twenty of the Dennis Center students have an opportunity to win a reserved seat for your speaking engagement.
Ian, 16, is a Boy Scout, here in Troop 161, Ore-Ida Council. He has completed all his requirements for his Eagle Scout Award and goes for his Eagle Scout Board of Review on Monday night (12/19/11). Barring some unforeseen calamity, he should be receiving notification within a month or so that he officially qualifies for the Eagle Scout Award.
As a prior Scoutmaster in Ian’s Troop, I have encouraged, cajoled, advocated, sweet-talked (bad pun, sorry), etc. every way possible to see that he completed his task – most of which seemingly fell on deaf ears. The one thing that I have given him that seems to have visibly stuck is your letter to Kelby. He has had your letter prominently displayed on the cork board over his bedroom desk for 6 months while he worked on finishing up his project and final paperwork. I suspect that this daily reminder has been a part of the inspiration to help him to finish up.
Here’s the question: If Ian gets all the paperwork lined up and the official Boy Scout approval prior to your Jan 24 EdSession here in Boise, what are the chances that following the event you might present him with his official Eagle Scout Award announcement? He’ll be in the audience for your talk and receiving this sort of acknowledgement would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for a fine young man.
Thanks & Merry Christmas,
Steve Sweet
Hey Mike,
I have done many different dirty jobs in my life like farming, logging, carpentry, and even animal control (trapping). I know what a dirty job entails. I also have a BS from the University of Minnesota and I am currently looking for a job and have an idea for a show which deals with dirty jobs.
Sincerely,
Ferron Fisher
Hey Mike, like to thank you first for all the job your doing on showing our country’s hard working civilians and soldiers. My question to you would be is there a possibility for a viewer special where a fan like myself can tag along for a show. Other than serving overseas it would be a grand story indeed for my children and grand children later in life to tell them.
Sincerely,
Joseph Rodriguez
Chicago IL.
Mike, I just watched the show from “Newport” and you were making rum, great show. You caught on early and got some good jabs into him and he did not even know you were doing it. Keep it up mike, your the best at what your doing! thanks
Hi! I was wondering if Mike would like to visit our excellent Vocational School here in Marlboro, MA? We have 1100 hard working high school kids and I feel he could be a great inspiration to them. We do plenty of “dirty jobs” here and without these kids, our future would be less rosy. Seeing Mike would be a tremendous boost!
Many Thanks,
Paul Comerford
Facilities Services Manager
Hey mike I’m a big fan first of all but i have a real dirty job for you, I am a plumber in Virginia Beach with Butt Plumbing and we deal with crap every day!! If your up to messing around with sewage systems and getting your hands dirty please give me a call or email me. We just finished a job that we had to dig up a whole sewage line and replace it and if this sounds like you would like to join us next time feel free to contact me.
HEy miKe….I have a diRty joB for you. I’m a swEEper for General Mills in Great Falls MT…my jOb is sanitation, I’m pretty much a glorified jaNitor. I try to kEEp a flouR miLL clean…kEy word is try. It’s sweaty and dirty. Thought you might eNjoy and also are you looking for a camera man, used to be one for the local news station and loved doing that. I’ll go anywhere, through poo and any nasty that’s thrown your way to get the shot. ANywho, if not neediNg a crew member. Here’s a diRty job if interested. Keep doing whAt you do. ThaNks mike and crew. We enjoy your show.
This is for Mike directly. If you remember me right off the bat, great. If not, on Dec. 2, at approx. 3 p.m. (Pacific) you were taking a break from shooting a new Ford commercial at Francis Parker School in San Diego, and I yelled “Hello, Mr. Rowe” you said “Hey, man”, skipping forward … Erin Aiston gave you my Glow-in-the-dark Frisbee to autograph (Thank You so Much by the Way and its the only Frisbee you signed too right), but Unfortunately I was unable to have the honor to play Frisbee with you. I was on campus, too. But my main idea in writing this message is to invite you to play frisbee again the next time you are in San Diego, at Francis Parker. I know you are incredibly busy, but it is a very small hope.
Thanks to all you do!
If you need a Dirty job you can clean my Fish pond
Also a shout from my mom who loves Dirty Jobs (as do I).
Dirty Job suggestion: gardening in a medicinal tree garden in Balboa Park San Diego
Run by my Grandmother of course
Thank you and Please respond if you can,
Rickey Leary
Glow-in-the-dark Frisbee autographee
Invitation is still open to help me brush my donkeys teeth!!!
Hey Mike and Mikes “People”
if that birdie is correct.
A little birdie on the street told me you were scheduled to come to my home town next year. Belle River, Ontario, Canada. I’m guessing todo a segment on what we call “June Bugs”. We get TONS! I’ve been out with snow shovels shoveling them, sweeping them, power washing ect. I own a restaurant on the main drive and would love for you to stop by, see my piles of bugs and taste my great food. I promise you’ll leave FULL and happy. And hey maybe while your here we can clean out the grease trap. Another, discusting, nasty, dirty job! Come by and eat and feed your crew. It would be my pleasure for your stay!
Melissa @ Twiggs Bar & Grill
(Family Owned and Operated)
Dear Mike,
Love your show! Dirty Jobs is one of the best shows on Discovery. My favorite was when you were on the Mackinac Bridge. You should consider walking in the Labor Day bridge walk….it’s awesome!!
The PERFECT Discovery channel show would be You on Deadliest Catch! Love to hear you narrate the show….but would be absolutely great to see you join the guys!!! (my favorite guys!!)
My 16 yr old son and I have you on our famous person we’d love to meet list!!!
Keep up the great job, Mike!
Sincerely, Tina
Wheeling,WV
Mike, just watched the episode when you tried to pull a fence post (steel)with the guy who plugs up old mines, I could do it in a minute or less with a simple trick -water- pour it down the hole , wiggle and pump and more water wiggle and pump, pull it out Walla!
Dear Mike,
First off, I think you are a truly good man, and I love what you do for the workers of America. I knew the first time I ever saw you on Epic commercials that you were intelligent, witty, charming, had “star quality”, and were a working person’s kind of man. I thank you for all of that.
Now, the reason for my letter. I have a friend I’m trying to help. He has been taking classes to get a Journeyman Electrician license in Arkansas for about three years. He has aced every class and every test given. He works like a dog, long hours in all kinds of extreme weather, and never missed a class. Not even when he had no car.
He has half a semester left to finish and get that Journeyman he wants so badly. Unfortunately, he has been laid off twice right before the last session started. As you probably know, he must be employed by an electrical contractor in order to attend that last half semester. Even if he gets part time or temp work, he has to reapply for a license and re-enroll and pay for the class. Which means it would cost more to take a temp job than it would pay, and he still pays for a class he would not be allowed to continue once the job ended. He has now been out of work for over 3 months. You also know that he cannot go to another state without taking the past three year’s classes all over again.
This man is a damn hard worker, incredibly intelligent, learns quickly and never forgets anything. All he wants to do is get that Journeyman’s license and make a good living. He has sacrificed everything to reach this goal, and the laws have repeatedly kicked him in the teeth. He is now living in $560 a month and has had to seek food assistance. All he wants to do is work.
What can I do to help him? Who do I write to? How do we change these laws that prevent a man from doing a blue collar job that is in demand, and few are willing to take the time and energy to learn? I know you know what I mean, I watched your congressional testimony several times. I have never met a man more deserving than this man is. He has worked harder than anyone I have ever seen, done all the right things, and put his life on hold to get this license.
Please help, I’m begging. I don’t know where to turn or what to do. His pride is damaged, he is frustrated, he is angry. He is NOT willing to give up. If he has to starve to death, he is sticking to his guns to reach his goal. I know he can’t be the only one going through this. I feel so helpless because I can’t do anything to help him. Please, Mike, I beg you for guidance.
Thank you so much for your time. And thank you for what you do for the working people across America.
*Here is a link to Arkansas apprenticeships – http://www.mikeroweworks.com/job-site/apprenticeships/AR/
Here is a link to Arkansas state resources – http://www.mikeroweworks.com/job-site/state-resources/AR/
~ Hopefully you can find some useful resources for your friend. Best wishes, mrW Moderator
Dear Mike,
My name is Blaine Marlatt I am yr. old eagle scout and active in Troop 446 in Indianapolis, IN. I was a proud Camp Counselor for the past 2 years and 50-75% of the campers I had were Boy Scouts(not a Boyscout Camp) and I thought it was pretty cool because right off the bat I could relate to them. What was your most memorable and then you favorite Scout memory? My most memorable one was when I was 10 and a teenager(at that time) was staggering down the sidewalk and I asked him if he was OK he nodded yeah because he couldn’t talk, but I knew something was wrong being the hottest day of the year so I put him under a tree and well he vomited. Then I knew it was heat stroke so when a car was passing by I flagged it down and told them the situation and she called the teen’s dad. When his dad came to pick him up he said that the teen wasn’t to be out of the house alone under doctors orders because he was recently diagnosed with a condition in which his vocal chords would shut randomly cutting off his breathing(that’s why he couldn’t talk). Then I went home and bang 9 months later I am at BSA Camp Belzer receiving my National Certificate of Merit. That was my most memorable one or else when I was at summer camp and slept walked a couple miles away in only my boxers waking p staring at a tree. What a night I yelled and someone found me and dragged me back(I was soooo tired) Also, I think it is pretty AWESOME that the host of my favorite show is an Eagle Scout as well. Even though I wasn’t around in 1977 well congrats it is a great achievement. If I didn’t join scouts then I don’t know who I would be and wouldn’t have met my best friend Robby(also a Eagle Scout) and spend some free time fixing up some old cars in his shop. It would be a pleasure to meet you someday down the road. My troop is very similar to how you described your troop, drop out at star or life scout. I was wondering if A. you could mail me a encouragement letter for my troop so they have more motivation to get Eagle Scout like the benefits and the fun you had on your way to receiving the Eagle Scout award and afterwards as well. B. I would LOVE to have a personal letter from you to me about you thoughts on eagle scouts and whatever else you want to say like congrats. C. I know I asked to send a letter for my troop for motivation but could you send one to my brother Nick, he is currently a life scout but I would like to give him the extra nudge(you) of encouragement. Well Mike I have probably written enough and I would LOVE to meet you in person if you would like to. I love your show and would love to talk to you in person and share many of my other BSA stories and hear yours. I am also glad I can share a story with you. Please do not post this message on your website.
Kindest regards,
Blaine Marlatt
Troop 446
P.S. New Dirty Jobs episode-why not a camp counselor or car restoration.
*Here is where you can request an Eagle Scout Letter: http://www.mikeroweworks.com/scrap-yard/eagle-scout-letter/
~ mrW
Dear Mr. Mike. Good day.
I’m a kindergartener.
I like “Dirty Jobs”.
Have you ever been in Russia? If yes, what is your impression of our country?
I have a lot of questions that I wanted to ask you.
Mr. Mike, if you ended up on a desert island, what three things would you have taken (these things can be magical). And what do you think what knowledge and skills you have would be useful (acquired in Dirty Jobs)?
And one more question. Is it hard to be famous recognizable person? And why?
Thank you.
Sincerely, Nastya.
The River Community in Portland would like to talk to you about an idea. There is a lot happening here on the river every day. Fishing, tug boats, salvors, Christianson Yachts, commercial boat yards, logging operations, etc. Portland is a major inland seaport and so are Longview, Washington, and Astoria, Oregon. Here is just one thing happening here: http://www.oldcutteralert.com Thanks for you time.
Mike –
Just watched your testimony in front of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee. You’re right; truly skilled labor is hard to find these days.
Like many in this country, I’m unemployed. I have an MS and a BS in the biological sciences, but can’t find a job. Not just in my field, but in any field. Right now, I’m working as a ranch hand on a local ranch doing just about anything to make a buck. It’s not enjoyable, but I do it because it’s something to put food on the table.
I’m an unemployed fisheries scientist with an unbelievable amount of skill in math, science, technology, public speaking, technical writing, editing, research, and statistics, but I can’t even get a job working in a warehouse. I think it’s because I’m over educated and that the hiring manager is worried that if I found something different, I’d be out in a hurry.
In a previous lifetime, I’ve been a janitor, I’ve done general maintenance work, I’ve dug ditches, I can run a skid-steer. Where can I go to find those welding, carpentry, plumbing, or other skilled trades apprenticeships? I’m not afraid of hard work or getting dirty (indeed, I do it everyday on the ranch at which I’m working), but as a well-educated unemployed individual, who can retrain someone like me?
Take care –
Steven
*On the Job Site we have apprenticeships listed by state – http://www.mikeroweworks.com/job-site/apprenticeships/
Best of luck to you ~ mrW
Hi Mike, I just finish your article in Range Magazine. I just wanted to thank you for your support of the American farmer and rancher. I get dirty everyday to feed America, and enjoy every minute of it. Thank you
Dear Mike,
I’ve been a fan for some time (bought my latest F-150 on your say-so), but just came upon MikeRoweWORKS in Range Magazine. Excellent article, wonderful exposition. I’m sending it to many friends and liking it on Face Book, this site as well. There’s no such thing as a dirty job; I have a degree in nursing but have also worked as a maid and a shift worker at MacDonald’s. Keep up the great work and I’ll help spread the word.
Helen DePrima, Bedford NH
Hey I love your show.I see it everytime i can. i see them even if there old show’s from like 2008.I think you should do a show on makeing crayons. i think it would be fun and interesting.Or maybe a show on making markers or cleaning out a zoo. I love your show i have been wanting to write to you for new ideas about your show.Hope you look into my ideas.
Hi Mike,
I am a Technology Education, Engineering and vocational studies teacher. I have been following your philosophy (which has proven itself empirical) about the average working Joe and how he/she, if in the trades, is basically influenced to believe less of who they really are. The reason I am writing is I am onto something about how to get this country back to work and how to recover the dignity of the trades. Basically, I believe we have made a significant error judgment: We think that science and scientists are sufficient in helping to create innovators, inventors, etc. However, after 8 years of working with middle school students, I believe that it is in the “hands-on” people, that we have diminished, that holds the secret to helping jump-starting our economy, creativity and innovation.
Here it is: Scientists do not usually make the best technologists (technologists I am defining as those people who are innovative and inventive) Science discovers the world and technologists take what is discovered and make “stuff.” The problem: scientists are often so fascinated with the world that is, they don’t have the time (or for many the interest) to think of the world that can be (invention). That job inherently is given to the people who have historically been influenced by the trades. People like John Harrison (invented the sea clock), DaVincci, Edison, Steve Jobs to name a very few. I have studied these people and have found more technologists in them than scientist. What they did what use science as a tool to reach their creative goals. Today, however, what we are doing in schools is giving all the credit and hope of the future to mainly science. The trades people have been reduced to significant brawn, not so much brains. As mentioned, science discovers, but it is the technologist that takes what science discovers and creates. These 2 jobs are too big for any one group. That is why technologists don’t make the best scientists either. They don’t typically want to be bothered with all the details about science (my daughter, a 9th grader, is having to memorize the periodic table)…Just give them a problem to solve or a technological need to fill, and they will find the relative science needed (of course, there is still a need for some foundational knowledge). Historically, this is what most every “great” inventor has done.
Mike, If you find value in this please contact me. I have lot’s more to share about what I have discovered working with thousands of students. I want to wake up the technologist inside of them and help give back the prominent place of the vocational student. It’s within these “doers” of science that can help us get this country back to work and our creativity flowing once again.
I am really hoping we can talk
Wayne Kroeplin
Dear Mike
Hi Most handsome guy on the planet! My husband Mark, he owns an Excavating company, as you might be able to guess, The name is English Excavating & Plumbing Inc. The main reason that I am writing is to ask for your picture & autograph. God Bless ya & take care. Stay dirty…..
By the looks of this movie, Mike Rowe doesn’t use Mike-Rowe Soft products, but is a Mac user.
Mike -
My Kdg. grandson, Jamie’s, favorite TV show is “Dirty Jobs.” Watches all the shows his parents will allow and loves all the things you get yourself into. His dad has a Bobcat and now a new backhoe that Jamie is thrilled with. Jamie’s 6th birthday is in early March and he would love to meet you. If you are in Eastern Iowa around that time, please let us know so that he can meet his very favorite guy. IF THAT DOESN’T WORK, is there a chance that you could send a photo of yourself? Looking forward to hearing from you.
Pat S.
Dear Mike,
My name is Elaina. I am in an engineering class at Franklin Technology Center in Joplin, Missouri. I love your show and many people at Franklin Tech have noticed that you have a lot of career and tech skills. I was wondering if you would be willing to come speak to our school and maybe be a part of our float in the Joplin Christmas parade. We would love to have you with us. If you’d be interested, you can contact me by email.
Hi Mike,
It’s been pleasing to hear you mention Australia once or twice in recent months.
As you know you have a strong fan base in Australia. Not just of your show Dirty Jobs, but there’s also Australian mrW follows/supporters.
I understand your time is limited, Mike.
I have something to ask you as kind of a ‘second best’ (so to speak) if you are unable to travel to Australia in the next year or so.
Would you at least consider an interview for your Australian Dirty Jobs / Mike Rowe fans and Aussie mrW supporters? Either document, skype, radio, whatever you have time for? I’m aware there are avenues to approach you professionally regarding this. Just thought I’d throw the idea to you here first.
Thanks, Mike. Hope you’re having a great day.
Bp.
Dear Mike
I am 23 years old and I am already making a fairly decent living working as a tradesman. I am a diesel mechanic by trade. I have a skill that I see rare today around me. I don’t drive a fancy car like wall street does. I don’t have a huge mansion. I am a regular guy.
The difference is I am certain I will never be out of a job. I work on over the road trucks. Those trucks ship everything we use across America. Look around you, everything you see was, at one point in time, was on a truck. From the factory to the store or from the fields to the mill. Everything was shipped by truck. Those trucks need maintenance and the do break down. It’s inevitable. That’s where I come in. Machines where out.
I guess what i am saying. without people like me. we are doomed. if there are no mechanics…there are no moving trucks. if there are no moving trucks… the stores are empty and we cannot get the basic necessities of life.
I salute you for what you are trying to do. I also salute all those who WORK…Like real work. I salute those with, Well dirty jobs.
sincerely
Peter Riehle
8 November 2011
Dear Mike,
I have never in my life sent any kind of fan correspondence to anyone at all. Since you are obviously a workaholic, I have too much respect for your time to be anything but brief.
First question: Do you have any connection with the town of Hollis, Maine? I was told you were from there, but that does not appear to be true, you Orioles fan, you, (And I imagine now a Giants Fan).
Second, I just want to tell you that I have worked with disadvantaged children for over 15 years, and you have been a frequent…tool in my box, shall we say. Many children with not much to speak of in the way of family have been entertained and enriched by your many projects and shows. Of course, Shark week is always a hit, but your eclectic presence offers something for everyone. I guess you don’t need a breakdown of your own resume, but your shows have passed away many a snowy day or capped off a summer evening quieting down kids after a day that just maybe allowed them to just be kids having fun and living life, if only for a little while. In a strange way I see you as something of a fellow warrior, a colleague, and an ally. My own sons are big fans of Deadliest Catch and Dirty Jobs, and I just admire your contribution to American culture. I tip my hat to you sir, and you should see my hat. It is this ridiculous thing I wear on camping trips. It looks like a combination of Napoleonic military uniform and Indian headdress. Here’s a little truth of life I will share with you. When dealing with emotionally and behaviorally challenged children, it really helps to have a hat that while outrageously silly, also projects command. Life is funny. Keep up the good work, sir.
e
Thank you so much for your message. I teach moderately impaired students with IQs in the 50-60 range. NCLB insists that I need to teach all students to read on grade level and prepare for college. Seriously?? I have a strong academic program for my students but am partial to our vocational program. I want my students to be productive members of society who can feel proud to earn a living. Even if this job is supervised in a workshop setting it still allows for independence and pride. My students have a voc time everyday. They wear their ID badges and do jobs around the building or simulated jobs in the classroom. Our local high school has a great work exploration program for the menatlly impaired which provides supervised training in local businesses. I can only hope that our politicians, or whoever makes these huge encompassing education bills will listen to you and realize that not everyone is college bound but can be labor bound.
Thankyou for sounding off about the Skilled Laborers
I’m a Blacksmith Welder Fitter with 20 years of experience
Now I can’t even get a job that pays $10 per hr.
What used to pay a living wage (at least $16 hr with overtime)
I have great skills, lots of knowledge in the steel trade.
The old timers I used to work with had skills that were unbeleivable. I learned everything I could from them.
Now they’re gone and even my talents are fading. Problem solving in the real world is going to be gone as well.
It’s sad for this to happen. Looks like my next Job is a greeter at Wal Mart.
Edward cole
Mike, I wanted to stop by and leave you a note about your mikeroweWORKS project and its impact on my life. I have followed your show for a long time now, and always found it fascinating.
About 6 months ago, I came across this website and stopped by for awhile.
I am currently a graphic designer who has worked in the office for about 7 years now. I had returned to school to get my Marketing Degree with a minor in programming and networks.
After seeing your video on the national PR campaign for service jobs, as well as reading throughout the site, a seed had been planted in my head.
After a month of thinking it over, I decided to switch to the electrical field focusing on residential wiring and automation.
Your story of your grandpa had stirred in me, a memory of helping my grandpa run cable in houses and do electrical work.
The fact that the majority of people in the US are looking for the cushy office job and left the service industry lacking, combined with the major weaknesses in the US infrastructural integrity led me to the decision to take off the tie and roll up my sleeves.
The jobs are there, but no one wants to take them.
Anyways, since changing to an electrical technology focus I have had a great time. I love what I am learning and am very excited to get out into the field when I am finished with my degree.
Thank you for your dedication to the backbone of America’s workforce. If not for you, I would not have found my current career path. I am proud to be part of the service industry movement.
HI MIke i’m from Macedonia.I realy love your show.
Can you write me the Dirty Jobs song Please ?
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE!
Hey Mike, thanks for what you do. I did the same job(Appliance Installation) for thirty years and I am a jack of all trades and was laid off a year ago and can not find work because illegal immigrants are doing the job I used to do. They damage peoples houses and the appliances they deliver but the owners of the Appliance companies use them because they are cheaper than I am. Even though they do a horrible job they still chose to use them instead of someone like Me. What do I do now? I can’t compete with their prices. Our Government just keeps letting more and more of them come in and take our jobs, and just about every product you find today is made in other countries instead of being made here in the USA.
Thanks Mike
Mike,
Congratulations on the success of your many endeavors.
You are one of a handful of people I think I would enjoy
meeting.
Has Dirty Jobs ever produced a gag or bloopers compilation?
Respectfully,
Joe Brenneman
Unemployed 61 year-old caucasion, college-educated Vietnam
veteran basking in 37 years of wedded bliss in
beautiful Decatur, Illinois.
Hey Mike,
I just wanted to thank you. In short for what you have done with helping people realize the value in skilled labor. I had been groomed into a white collar businessman at a young age. A big corner office and an expensive car were in my future. I had been taught anything less, was simply that, less. For one year I had worked at a fabrication shop during college to help pay some bills. I became a skilled welder and painter there and loved what I did, whether it was 40 hours a week or 80. I am close to graduating with a degree in Public Relations and a minor in Post Reconstruction American History. Either of those topics are that interesting and I realized that the job I was going to be taking would not make me happy. While finishing my degree I saw the video of your speech from the TED conference and the video when you spoke to the Commerce Science and Transportation Committee and it made me realize that my happiest days at work were when I was welding, sweaty and dirty. I have recently enrolled in an apprenticeship program to be a sheet metal welder, and I couldn’t be happier. I am excited for work more than I have ever been and I have your influence to thank. If it weren’t for those few minute speeches you made I would be stuck at a desk dealing with office politics. Now I’ll be at a work bench, dealing with welding sparks. I can’t wait for the stories.
Thank you Mike, and keep up the amazing work.
Austin P.
Mike,
I saw your video with American Hiker magazine and learned a great deal about you, including your love of hiking and the fact that you were an Eagle Scout. Since these things are so relevant to what we support at the North Country Trail Association, I was wondering if you would consider being a speaker at our next conference in Augusta, Michigan (8/2-8/5/2012)? We are primarily a volunteer bases organization whose members are very much under the umbrella of folks that fit right in with your “mikeroweWORKS” type. Many of our members, for example, build bridges and/or get chain saw safety training. Anyhow, we’d be very interested in talking to someone more about this. By the way, there would be compensation for your efforts. Please consider and let me know. You are, of course, also just welcome to just join us as a a guest.
Thank you,
RoseAnn
From the NCTA
Hey Mike,
I am sure you are incredibly busy but I just have to extend an invitation for you to join us for a couple of segments on our radio show, The American Outdoorsman. Sig Hansen did and found it to be be somewhat painless and only mildly annoying. What do you say? We’ll talk about whatever you want to talk about. Thanks,
Mike, Love the paintings. Lately I’ve been leaning towards the blues myself. Love, Shannon.
Mike, now that you are known all over the world as the dirtiest man in the world, do you notice any difference in the way people act around you. Are people avoiding the seat next to you on a plane, for example? Does your Mother hesitate a bit before planting that affectionate kiss on your cheek? Just curious!
HI Tina!
Hi Melody!!
Liked the artwork in the office space. Here’s my question. If a great work of art came on the market(money is no object), what would you like to add to your collection?
I’m partial to the art glass seaforms by Dale Chihuly and any of Anna Hyatt Huntington’s horse sculptures.
Thanx for your time.
Mike, never mind the few extra pounds. It’s a comfort. I think we can see you doing a bottled water commercial in the future. You must really like the stuff.
Mike – is your mother a saint for putting up with you???
Mike
I have always wanted to know what luggage you carry on the road. Is it washable or disposable. Or do you use a Mckees Rocks suitcase otherwise known as a shopping bag.
LOL
Bev
Hi. When you gonna bring your pig back round? Love, Shannon.
Thanks Meyer! That was great. Answered more than I ever wanted to know.
Mike, are you always that antsy?
Hi Mike I was just wondering how does one go about finding a producer to pitch a show idea to History channel or Discovery channel?
Mike, do you believe in the Big Bang theory?
Thanks.
Hey Mike. Just wanted to say thanks for the attention to us. I’m a waste management professional. I’m really a garbage collector. I’m good with it tho. I’m self-motivated and know what I do is something people can’t live without. Still it’s good to hear from a guy like you that what we do is important and worth noticing.
I guess those of us who do this kind of job just accept the fact that people are going to take us for granted. Ya know it is what it is.
So thanks no matter what you continue to do for us – I for one thank you. This is a good website.
cheers.
In Mike’s defense, you DID ask him to elaborate-)
Nice interview and I hike too at cool times of the year. Been to lots of neat places.
Nice video…
Lisa
When (I suppose I should say ‘if’) you come to Australia, can you please bring Meyer?
Hi Mike,
Out of all the Power Tools you’ve used on Dirty Jobs, which one…
a) caused you to curse the most
b) was the easiest to use
c) was your favourite
d) was the scariest
e) gave you the biggest injury (if any)
Do you own any Power Tools yourself? If so, what?
Cheers!
Mike,
Thanks for your wonderful remembrance of Freddie King. I was overwhelmed.
I, too, am a Barbershopper.
I knew Freddie only at a glance. I wasn’t in his league to either sing with or for him. He did relate a prayer I had heard him give before which, I found, he used occasionally. It was one of the most marvelous prayers I have ever heard. Now, for the life of me, I can’t remember it.
If you(in the memory profession) can remember it, please reiterate it to me in an email.
He told it to me on two occasions and actually expected me to remember it!. What a guy.
If you can help, I would appreciate it.
Thanks,
& break a lip,
Dave Cooke
I’m a long-time fan of Dirty Jobs since and I have a profound respect for your mission to educate lay person viewers on the manual and dirty work that keeps our infrastructure functioning. Today, your show has achieved its goal magnificently!
I volunteered with a group of fellow medical students to clean out a house in Albany, NY that had been completely submerged during the recent Hurricane Irene. We learned that we would be the first ones to enter the house since the storm hit four weeks ago, and I immediately remembered the Dirty Jobs episode in which you did the same job after Hurricane Katrina. I also remembered one of the first episodes, in which you cleaned a woman’s basement after the local sewage system backed up and exploded out of her toilet.
Everything on your show was present today: the stagnant water, sewage, mold, rancid food, and irreparably damaged items with only their sentimental value intact. Everyone else in my group was awestruck and barely knew where to begin. But thanks to your show, I’d seen this before. I certainly had a healthy respect for the damage that lie before me, but I knew to just jump right in and tackle to job (and the filth) head-on.
Dirty Jobs is the most worthwhile show I’ve come across, and your humble approach to each job makes demonstrates that the only major requirement is will power. Today, I’ve followed in your footsteps to do what needed to be done… and got very, very dirty!
Thanks for everything,
Dave S
hey Mike–I’m a radio and TV broadcaster in Miami as well as a restaurant server (A very dirty job)–Love your stuff and consider you a mentor–
I appreciate your bringing attention to the working masses and I related to the story you told the Senate Subcommittee about your grandfather–My grandpa was also a hard-working jack-of-all-trades-master-of-all who could work magic with a crescent wrench and a can of WD-40. He appreciated a good long workday and it is from him that I got my work ethic.
Any plans for a big-screen feature version of Dirty Jobs? I think it would be huge–And also, do you have any plans for upcoming big-or small screen appearances aside from Dirty-Jobs and the commercials you’re doing?
Keep up the Dirty Work!
Mike, how about wishing our SkillsUSA team Good Luck as they go off to compete at the World Skills championships! Here’s a link where you can find out more about our competitors:
http://www.mikeroweworks.com/2011/09/americas-skilled-workers-a-worldwide-competition-spotlights-skilled-labor/
Thanks man!
Hey Mike !
First off, I have to say I LOVE Dirty Jobs ! Really, I even found a way to get a hold of the original Episodes in English which are way better than the synced stuff we can see here in Germany.
I would like to know if I would experience a different Mike if I would just like run into you in a bar and have a conversation. What it boils down to is .. Is that the real Mike Rowe we see on TV or is it more like acting ?
Regards,
Stefan
Hi Mike,
With all the traveling you do, how do you handle jet lag and do you ever forget where you are?
Thanks.
Mike, I would spend my hard-earned money on a device that cooled things quickly! My kids NEVER fill the ice cube trays (I think their heads would explode if they did). It makes me crazy to come home and not have any ice for my ICED tea at dinner. My home is older and not set up to utilize the ice maker in my refrigerator – not that it could possibly keep up with 2 teenagers and all of their friends – so, being able to pop a glass of iced tea in the anti-microwave and have a nice cool drink on a hot day would be miraculous in my world. As it is, I am going back to my tepid tea. Sigh…
That’s the way we became the Brady Bunch!
The polar opposite of the Microwave? Gee, let me think? What could that be?
What is the very first thing you’ll do for yourself when Dirty Jobs ends? Take a vacation? Move? Write a book? Or maybe sleep for a week. What will you do?
a reverse microwave – that makes hot things cold… sounds a bit like a refrigerator.
Hi Mike,
What’s your favorite spice?
Thanks,
kelby
Hi Mike,
I was wondering if there was a question you need to ask yourself? I think everyone should get to know themselves better. Is there a question you’ve been wanting to ask yourself and do you think you’d be surprised by the answer?
Thanks,
kelby
Most excellent. A reverse microwave. For when you wanted the meat rare, or when you burnt the popcorn. I’d make a spot in the kitchen for it.
For some reason this made me think of this question I would like to ask Mike:
Who can run faster? Barsky or Meyer?
Thanks
Pssst, Mike. The anti-MikeRowe-microwave is called a blast chiller.
Thanks, Iron Chef! Who says TV isn’t educational?
After seeing your recent Twitter picture and caption, I was wondering if you read, The Help, by Kathyrn Stockett and if you did, who was your favorite character and why? p.s. This is the second time seeing you in just an apron, cooking with Bunny Buns was the first, just wanted to say “thanks, it never gets old
How do you deal with fear, Fear of heights, sharks, bugs, or whatever be it. I know I’ve seen you in some very high-risk situations on your show, and I can only imagine if I were in a shark nest, or at a top of a tree, I wouldn’t be so calm. How do you work up the courage it takes to get the job done and keep such a joking attitude whilst doing it?
I would love to see Mike Rowe visit the World Dairy Expo, in Madison, Wisconsin – the most elite dairy cow show in the US and see what it takes to be able to get a cow ready for the national shows… I think it would make a great story for your audience. thanks for considering. Karen
My son is going to receive his Eagle award on October 9, 2011. He enjoys watching you. We were wondering if you could send a letter or certificate acknowledging his achievement. We will compile it with other acknowledgments and place it in a scrap book for his ceremony. This is the only way I was able to contact you. I amnot a fan of facebook and such. Thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to help recognize his service. His name is Christopher James Moore.
Sincerely, Ann Fletcher-Moore
*Here is where you can find the information to receive the Eagle Scout Letter – http://www.mikeroweworks.com/scrap-yard/eagle-scout-letter/
Thank you – Moderator
Hi Mike,
I have been a book collector for many years and love to read. There is nothing better than a good book. For my birthday I got one of those Kindle – do-hickys and wondered – how do you feel about electronic books? Have you given up your hardcopy books for the electronic age?
It is very handy when traveling.
May the merlot be with you!
Mike,
Just a few for you mate. Some serious and some not so.
1, How you going buddy?
2, What is the best practicle joke you’ve played on someone or had played upon you?
3, Best toy as a kid?
4, After having expereinced 300 different bosses on Dirty Jobs, surely you’ve seen what it takes to makes a good one. Has that experience helped you become a good boss?
5, After the initial idea of mikeroweWORKS, how long did it take to actually launch this site and what other names, if any, did you consider?
Thanks!
Kriss.
Mr. Mike Rowe in one of the seasons you mess up a hotel room. What is your favorite hotel or hotel chain and why? Also have you ever been to the Crown Plaza in Reading , PA
Mike, My husband and I have enjoyed your show, “dirty jobs” since your first episode. Do we have any new ones to look forward to? We really miss seeing you and the crew show us our nation’s Dirty Jobs!!! Thank you, Cara Lewis
It still sounds like Meyer is experiencing a “Hull Breech”!
Gregg
Hi Mike,
Have you ever traveled to Houston Tx. to shoot for Dirty Jobs?
neecee
Hey Mike, Any chance you will be back in Maryland around November 5th ? I would like to invite you to be the luncheon speaker at a Small Farms Conference on the Eastern Shore that date. The folks attending the conference know all about hard work and they will understand and appreciate the importance of brown in comparsion to green. A fun time will be had by all if your able to join us.
Michael
Hi Mike,
So my name is Adam, I’m volunteering in Japan with a disaster relief organisation called All Hands. You’ve probably had a couple of emails from me by now (sorry for the spamming) but my question is this.
Any chance you’d like to come pay us a visit and maybe help out with a few dirty jobs alongside us volunteers for a day or two?
Hey Mike, you’re clearly really good at English, but what other languages do you speak? Did you pick up any Italian during your opera days? What about Spanish? I recall seeing a foreign Ford commercial which made it sound like you spoke Spanish, but it could have just been some sort of Hollywood special effect. Was it?
Hi Mike,
More than one question, when this started did you ever think you would touch so many lives? Ever think that it would turn into something this big? Have you ever found yourself at a loss for words? Never heard you speak on a subject yet that was not interesting. Thanks for being the advocate that you are. One last thing, I have a “bucket list” before I leave this earth and one of them is to be able to meet you someday. Huge fan of all your work.
Bennie Sparrow (and yes that is a girl’s name)
Dear Mike,
Ride along with an EMT, learning how to preform CPR listening to the disco classic, Stayin’ Alive. Drive an ERV while putting your new skills to use volunteering for the community. Love, Shannon.