Mike Rowe is Waging War on Those Who Erase the Past

by Paul Batura | January 10, 2025 | Culture

According to Mike Rowe, best known for hosting “Dirty Jobs,” his latest project, “Something to Stand For,” was a response to America’s ongoing war.

Against terrorism?

No.

“The ongoing war on the symbols of America, a war of vandalism waged by those who believe the present can be improved by erasing the past,” says Mike.

Framing the movie on his website, Rowe states:

Obviously, I have no expectation that this movie will persuade anyone who dons a mask and defaces our national memorials to rethink their worldview, because I’m pretty sure none of those people will ever see this movie.

I do, however, believe there are lots of people on both sides of the aisle who are disgusted by their behavior and still love America, in spite of the imperfections of our founders, and the obvious fact we have not yet achieved the “more perfect union” they envisioned.

This movie is for them – that still sizeable population who identify as Americans, first and foremost. Americans of all races who genuinely care about our shared history, and understand that even though our nation is still a work in progress – and always will be – there are still a great many things worth standing for.

Originally written and produced ahead of Independence Day, the film is a collection of nine stories, all of which were adapted from Rowe’s podcast, “The Way I Heard It.” Often referred to as a modern-day Paul Harvey, the late ABC Radio commentator, the baritone voiced personality is a storyteller who loves to share true tales with surprising twists and turns.

“Full disclosure,” Mike says to introduce the project. “I’m not an expert or a historian. I’m just the son of a social studies teacher with an appreciation for the people who built the country.”

Mike Rowe’s performance career actually began as an opera singer. Knowing the industry was hungry for young men with deep voices, Mike auditioned, got the part, and proceeded to sing for eight years. It was only after walking into a pub and seeing the bartender watching an infomercial that Rowe’s focus began to shift towards television.

The bartender, who was a fellow opera singer, was watching because he was auditioning the next day for a gig on QVC – the home shopping channel. The friend told Rowe he’d never get the part. But he did – and go on to sell for the channel for three years. The Discovery Channel’s “Dirty Jobs” came next.

Mike Rowe has endeared himself to audiences for his positive, commonsense approach to life, work, faith and family. Over the years, he’s made observations like:

Short cuts lead to long delays.

Don’t follow your passion, but always bring it with you.

Don’t be afraid of hard work. It pays off in ways you cannot imagine.

Work hard, work smart and work with integrity.

As Christians, we’re often called to stand when others are sitting down. We’re called to stand firm in the face of lies.

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil,” instructed the apostle Paul (Eph. 6:11). He echoed a similar sentiment writing to believers in Corinth: “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, be strong” (1 Cor. 16:13).

You can catch Mike Rowe’s “Something to Stand For” by streaming through Angel Studios. Click here to learn more.

Image credit: Mike Rowe