Podcast Summary: The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe Episode 444: Jack Teetor—Blind Faith to Blind Logic Release Date: July 22, 2025
Host: The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe
Guest: Jack Teeter
Introduction
In Episode 444 of The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe, host Mike Rowe welcomes Jack Teeter, who shares an extraordinary family legacy centered around his great uncle, Ralph Teeter. The episode delves into Ralph's remarkable life, his innovations in the automotive industry, and Jack's journey in bringing his great uncle's story to the screen through the award-winning documentary, "Blind Logic."
Ralph Teeter: Early Life and Overcoming Blindness
Ralph Teeter was born in 1895 and lost his vision at the age of five due to a severe eye injury, later developing sympathetic ophthalmia—a condition where injury to one eye leads to degeneration in the other. Despite his blindness, Ralph exhibited extraordinary resilience and ingenuity.
Mike Rowe introduces Ralph by stating:
"He's also a guy who you don't know. You don't know Jack Teeter, and you probably don't know the subject of the documentary he made called Blind Logic, his great uncle named Ralph Teeter..."
(00:30)
Ralph's parents raised him as if he could see, instilling confidence and independence. At twelve, he ambitiously built a motor car from scratch with his older brother, showcasing his mechanical prowess despite his disability.
Perfect Circle: Innovation and Community Impact
Ralph Teeter co-founded the Perfect Circle company in Indiana, which specialized in manufacturing piston rings for internal combustion engines. Under Ralph's engineering expertise and his uncle Charlie's leadership, the company played a pivotal role in the automotive industry's evolution.
Jack Teeter explains:
"Ralph as a person, the way I remember as a kid, was very kind, an incredible sense of humor. He loved to laugh, he loved people, and he had a gift to make everyone feel comfortable..."
(57:22)
The company's success had a profound impact on the small town of Hagerstown, Indiana. Perfect Circle became a cornerstone of the community, providing employment, building infrastructure like schools and libraries, and offering early employee benefits such as pensions and credit unions.
Unionization and Challenges
During the late 1940s and 1950s, the automotive industry saw a surge in union activities. Perfect Circle faced significant challenges as unions sought to organize workers. Unlike many contemporaries, Ralph and Charlie approached unionization with respect and cooperation.
Jack Teeter recounts:
"The interesting thing about the union thing was that Ralph and the company were very friendly and respectful towards the early unions, and they signed contracts and they were amenable to work with the union."
(39:23)
Despite initial harmonious relations, tensions escalated when external union forces brought large groups to Hagerstown, leading to conflicts that necessitated martial law and intervention by the National Guard. Ultimately, Perfect Circle maintained favorable terms for its workers, reflecting Ralph's commitment to fair labor practices.
Ralph's Inventions: Cruise Control and Automatic Transmission
Ralph Teeter's inventive spirit led to significant advancements in automotive technology. Notably, he pioneered the development of cruise control and automatic transmissions—features now standard in modern vehicles.
Mike Rowe highlights Ralph's groundbreaking work:
"He invented the cruise control. That's what people know about him, if they know about Ralph Teeter..."
(24:17)
Despite initial skepticism from industry leaders who doubted the market acceptance of automated features, Ralph persisted. He personally built cruise control prototypes in his workshop, driven by the desire to enhance driving safety and convenience. His efforts culminated in successful collaborations with major automakers like Chrysler, Ford, and Chevrolet, eventually leading to widespread adoption of cruise control in the late 1950s.
Jack Teeter's Documentary: "Blind Logic"
Inspired by Ralph's legacy, Jack Teeter embarked on creating a documentary titled "Blind Logic" to honor his great uncle's contributions and extraordinary life. After years of dedication, the documentary garnered significant acclaim, winning 15 awards and receiving positive feedback from audiences and educational institutions alike.
Jack Teeter shares:
"I made this thing, I narrated this documentary and it's won 15 awards so far. And by the time you guys listen to this, it'll be available on Amazon and pretty much everywhere."
(02:50)
The documentary not only showcases Ralph's technical achievements but also his personal story of overcoming adversity and leading a company that prioritized community welfare and employee well-being.
Plans for Feature Film and Future Projects
Building on the success of "Blind Logic," Jack Teeter is now developing a feature film that dramatizes Ralph's life and innovations. Collaborating with experienced writers and producers, including Howie Klausner and Mark Joseph, the project aims to bring Ralph's inspiring story to a broader audience.
Jack Teeter enthuses:
"We have the writer, Howie Klausner, who wrote Space Cowboys and the film Reagan. So I have the film team that brought you Reagan last year with Sean McNamara directed."
(64:08)
The feature film is poised to be a compelling portrayal of Ralph's relentless pursuit of innovation and his profound impact on the automotive industry.
Personal Reflections and Conclusion
Throughout the episode, Mike Rowe expresses deep admiration for Ralph Teeter's legacy and Jack Teeter's dedication to preserving and sharing this history. The conversation underscores themes of resilience, innovation, and the importance of storytelling in honoring remarkable individuals.
Mike Rowe concludes:
"But Jack, if your great uncle could run a company like Perfect Circle and could figure out how to keep a submarine from falling apart in the First World War and suggest that an automatic transmission might actually stick, and then to further suggest that controlling the speed of a vehicle might be something the average driver would appreciate... This is an inspiring story."
(65:52)
The episode wraps up with a lighthearted exchange about Rose's renowned banana bread and a heartfelt encouragement for listeners to leave positive reviews and engage with the content.
Notable Quotes
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Mike Rowe (00:30): "You don't know Jack Teeter, and you probably don't know the subject of the documentary he made called Blind Logic, his great uncle named Ralph Teeter..."
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Jack Teeter (57:22): "Ralph as a person, the way I remember as a kid, was very kind, an incredible sense of humor. He loved to laugh, he loved people, and he had a gift to make everyone feel comfortable..."
-
Jack Teeter (39:23): "Ralph and the company were very friendly and respectful towards the early unions, and they signed contracts and they were amenable to work with the union."
-
Mike Rowe (24:17): "He invented the cruise control. That's what people know about him, if they know about Ralph Teeter..."
-
Jack Teeter (02:50): "I narrated this documentary and it's won 15 awards so far. And by the time you guys listen to this, it'll be available on Amazon and pretty much everywhere."
-
Jack Teeter (64:08): "We have the writer, Howie Klausner, who wrote Space Cowboys and the film Reagan. So I have the film team that brought you Reagan last year with Sean McNamara directed."
-
Mike Rowe (65:52): "This is an inspiring story."
Conclusion
Episode 444 of The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe offers an inspiring exploration of Ralph Teeter's life and legacy through the passionate efforts of his great nephew, Jack Teeter. The episode not only highlights significant technological advancements in the automotive industry but also emphasizes the enduring impact of individual resilience and visionary leadership. Listeners are encouraged to watch the documentary "Blind Logic" and anticipate the forthcoming feature film, both of which celebrate a remarkable story of blind faith turned into blind logic.