Podcast Summary: Kennedy Saves the World

Episode: I'll Have Another: Back-to-Trade-School w/ Mike Rowe

Date: August 19, 2025
Host: Kennedy
Guest: Mike Rowe

Overview

In this lively and thoughtful episode, Kennedy welcomes Mike Rowe—celebrated TV host, bestselling author, and founder of the Microworks Foundation—for a happy hour conversation that blends whiskey, wisdom, and work ethic. Together, they dive into the importance of skilled trades, the origin of Rowe’s charitable work, shifting cultural perceptions around labor, and how empowering the next generation with real-life skills is truly a “noble cause.” The conversation mixes humor, personal stories, and candid advice, with both host and guest’s trademark wit and frankness.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. A Toast to Legacy & Inspiration

• The episode opens with Kennedy preparing a cocktail using Mike Rowe's Tennessee whiskey, named “Noble” after his grandfather, Carl Noble (00:50-03:00).
  • Mike shares the origin story: the whiskey was inspired by his grandfather, who was also the dedication for “Dirty Jobs” and the Microworks Foundation.

    “My pop was called Karl Nobel with a K, K-N-O-B-E-L. And he was the guy that Dirty Jobs was dedicated to.” — Mike Rowe [01:35]

  • The whiskey is described as a collaborative creation born from “two really thirsty people and some nearby bourbon” during the pandemic.

2. The Value of Traditions & Trade Skills

• Both reminisce about “This Old House” and the ritual of craftsmanship showcased by its hosts, connecting it to the work Microworks does today (03:41-04:43).
  • Rowe appreciates the deliberate, careful production style of the show, likening it to “a bowl of warm milk.”
  • The show’s Generation Next initiative was patterned after Microworks, funneling sponsorships into workforce scholarships.

    “They did the most extraordinary thing...what if you just give [the money] all to you?...help train the next generation of skilled workers?” — Mike Rowe [05:10]

3. Microworks Foundation and Work Ethic Scholarships

• Rowe explains the mission: reinvigorating the trades and helping people gain meaningful employment.
  • Scholarships are given to those with “skin in the game,” motivating applicants to actively pursue additional opportunities and not relying solely on handouts.
  • Currently, they're giving away $3 million in work ethic scholarships (05:10).
  • Notably, applications are up tenfold from last year, “because this Blue Forge line stuff is happening.” [12:29]

4. Breaking Stereotypes about Trades

• The conversation pivots to the cultural stigma around trades, including jokes about “plumber butt cracks,” and Rowe highlights the injustice of those stereotypes.

  “These stigmas and stereotypes...are keeping millions of kids from exploring these careers...rooted in the very kinds of trope to which you refer...” — Mike Rowe [10:53]

  • Rowe stresses the economic opportunity: 7.6 million open jobs (many not requiring a four-year degree), and the disconnect with $1.7 trillion in student loan debt.

5. Anecdotes & Memorable Moments

• Kennedy shares a humorous and wild story about “Mom’s Weekend” at her daughter’s college, leading to jokes and banter about generational differences and college antics (07:08-08:42).
• Rowe recounts the story of Chloe Hudson, a scholarship recipient who turned down $300,000 of student debt to become a high-earning super welder (08:50-09:48).
  • Chloe’s drive and precision are celebrated, and Rowe remembers her insisting:

    “Don’t give me all the, you know, best women welder...she’s very feminine...She looks like Jessica Rabbit. She was just drawn that way.” — Mike Rowe [10:00-10:28]

• Kennedy jokes about advising her daughter to become a plumber (“That sounds disgusting...like, I’d rather be a stripper!”), which leads to more laughs and observations on unmet job demand in the trades (10:32-10:53).

6. The Big Picture: Employment and Education Disconnects

• Rowe criticizes the status quo:

  “We’re lending money we don’t have to kids who are never gonna be able to pay it back to train them for a bunch of jobs that really don’t exist anymore.” [11:33]

  • He highlights the discrepancy between the high number of open jobs and individuals not seeking work, as well as the misallocation of educational funding.

7. Resources and Call to Action

• Rowe directs listeners to his YouTube show “People You Should Know” and encourages applications to Microworks’ scholarship program.

  “You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, then you’ll laugh again...then you’ll go to Microworks and fill out a work ethic scholarship.” [13:15]

• Final words: The conversation ends with more wit and gratitude, reinforcing the value of practical skills, humor, and—the best for last—a well-mixed cocktail.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Personal Legacy:
  "My pop was called Karl Nobel with a K...He was the guy that Dirty Jobs was dedicated to. And then he was the guy that the Microworks foundation was dedicated to. And then he died. And then, as people do..." — Mike Rowe [01:35]
• On Trade Stereotypes:
  “These stigmas and stereotypes...are keeping millions of kids from exploring these careers...rooted in the very kinds of trope to which you refer...the large plumber crack.” — Mike Rowe [10:53]
• On the Value of Skilled Work:
  “Don’t give me all the, you know, best women welder...I don’t want to be a weld-her. She’s very feminine...She looks like Jessica Rabbit. She was just drawn that way.” — Mike Rowe [10:00-10:28]
• On Higher Education & Employment:
  “We’re lending money we don’t have to kids who are never gonna be able to pay it back to train them for a bunch of jobs that really don’t exist anymore.” — Mike Rowe [11:33]
• On Saving the World (and Yourself):
  “This is how we save the world.” — Kennedy [08:46]
  “Micro saves the world. Thank you for being here.” — Kennedy [13:10]
  “One drink at a time. Oh, and people you should know. For God’s sakes, people you should know.” — Mike Rowe [13:10]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:50 – The story behind “Noble” whiskey
• 03:41 – Reflections on “This Old House” and craftsmanship
• 05:10 – Microworks and Generation Next scholarships
• 07:08 – Humorous interlude: Mom’s Weekend at college
• 08:50 – The story of Chloe Hudson, super welder
• 10:53 – Breaking stereotypes about trade jobs
• 11:33 – Critique of higher education and job market realities
• 13:10 – Where to find resources & Rowe’s call to action

Final Thoughts

This episode artfully mixes personal stories, statistical insights, and genuine laughter to challenge prevailing ideas about education, success, and the trades. Mike Rowe’s advocacy for skilled work—embodied by his foundation, scholarship programs, and storytelling—is both an urgent social message and a heartfelt tribute to the value of getting your hands dirty. Listeners walk away uplifted, entertained, and maybe a little thirsty for more than just knowledge.