‘Dirty Jobs’ host hopes new film helps Americans choose gratitude
‘Dirty Jobs’ host hopes new film helps Americans choose gratitude
Our Sunday Visitor recently enjoyed the opportunity to converse with Mike Rowe, the famous creator and presenter of “Dirty Jobs” and ex-QVC host. Mike is getting ready for the debut of “Something to Stand For,” a new film that focuses on patriotism that arrives in theaters June 27. “A blend of intrigue and historical elements,” the original film showcases a series of narratives that emphasize the essence of American independence. In this discussion, Mike shares insights into the motivation for his movie, the significance of storytelling in engaging with viewers, and his perspectives on the function of gratitude in society.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Our Sunday Visitor: How much of the dimming of patriotism that we’re seeing is because people don’t have that get-out-there spirit you seek to encourage in “Dirty Jobs”? In this new film, are you intentionally looking to inspire people to go out, have conversations and discover our history?
Mike Rowe: The straightforward response is yes, but that doesn’t encompass the full picture. The reality is, I’ve discovered over time that possessing a message and a mission holds significance. However, in this world and medium, you lack the liberty to simply present your message as if an audience is eager to listen. Most individuals aren’t interested in a lecture; they don’t want a sermon. You must share a narrative. If you can’t engage a crowd, you will never motivate them or uplift them. While those aspects are essential, they ultimately take a backseat to the narratives themselves.
I never aimed to create a film. I began crafting these narratives seven or eight years back for a podcast, primarily as a way to occupy myself during extended flights and while dining in roadside diners throughout the nation. My goal was to emulate the style of Paul Harvey’s classic program, “The Rest of the Story.” These brief mysteries designed for inquisitive minds with fleeting attention spans started developing, and a podcast gained momentum. Then, when someone presented the concept for a movie, the question wasn’t which stories to select; it was more about the right occasion to choose.
Our Sunday Visitor: What guided the selection process of the stories for your film? There are many hundreds of stories you could have chosen that highlight the enterprising spirit of American patriotism. How did you come up with this set?
Rowe: Once more, I want to be completely transparent; I didn’t actively seek out the narratives for the film. I have approximately 250 narratives that I penned, and I selected nine of them that I felt aligned seamlessly with American independence. The tales featured in this movie are each around 8 or 9 minutes in duration.
It’s challenging to characterize the film. It’s not exactly a documentary since I’m seated on a stage addressing an unfilled theater. It’s somewhat misleading to label it as a significant motion picture in the typical Hollywood manner. We have 300 performers involved, but they don’t actually converse with one another. There’s no dialogue. They’re present to contribute to making these narratives vivid.
We didn’t shoot this in LA or New York: Every actor in the film hails from Oklahoma, and all the crew members are from Oklahoma as well. It became quite evident early on that these were heartfelt stories, and capturing them in the heartland felt appropriate.
Our Sunday Visitor: Could you say a little more about what you’re trying to recover exactly by telling these stories?
Rowe: The analogy I employ centers around connection. We are either linked or unlinked. When “Dirty Jobs” was launched, it served as a homage to my grandfather, who only completed the seventh grade but achieved great success as an electrician and builder. I aimed to pay tribute to him with a program he would identify as work. I also aimed to reestablish my connection to aspects I had lost touch with. “Dirty Jobs” was an enhanced experience that permitted me to gain hands-on experience as an apprentice in different roles, which felt personal and perhaps slightly self-serving. However, the reality that others discovered topics within the show to share with their children and appreciate labor was a wonderful added benefit.
Our Sunday Visitor: As a priest, I’m very concerned about increasing secularism in the United States. It seems that losing transcendental aspirations like patriotism maps onto this trend. Do you agree with that, and are there other things we should be on the lookout for?
Rowe: I also concur. Furthermore, besides worship and everything else, there’s another crucial aspect that occurs within a church: the egalitarian spirit. Within a church, distinctions of class or ethnicity hold no significance. We require venues where individuals can assess their community members in ways that go beyond worldly trivialities. Our nation requires organizations like the Boy Scouts, Future Farmers of America, 4-H, Rotarians, Lions clubs, churches — all of it. These are instances where we blend into the mixture. Our nation must attain that consistently on a daily or weekly scale on a small scale.
Our Sunday Visitor: What do you hope people walk away with from your film?
Rowe: In addition to being amused, I believe it’s appreciation. Out of all the virtues, the most advantageous one to the greatest number at any specific time is a feeling of thankfulness. Numerous issues arise from insufficient appreciation. If we are unable to recognize the daily wonders surrounding us, we will struggle to admire what our founders achieved. Thankfulness is a decision, and if the film encourages individuals to make that decision, it will be positive in every aspect.
