Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, will publish Mike Rowe’s THE WAY I HEARD IT, a companion to his popular podcast of the same name, it was announced today by Jennifer Bergstrom, Senior Vice President and Publisher.
THE WAY I HEARD IT will present thirty-five of Mike’s favorite stories from the podcast, accompanied by wholly original anecdotes and ruminations. The podcast features mysteries for the “curious mind with a short attention span”—tales about people you know, or should know, that are filled with facts, shocking twists and sharp turns that delight and surprise. Movie stars, Presidents, Nazis, and bloody do-gooders—they’re all here, waiting to shake your hand, hoping you’ll remember them. Delivered with Mike’s signature blend of charm, wit, and ingenuity, their stories are part of a larger mosaic: a memoir crammed with recollections, insights, and intimate, behind-the-scenes moments drawn from Mike’s own remarkable life and career.
“I told Mike Rowe that he was my ‘white whale,’” said Bergstrom. “Mike said, ‘Really? Do you know how that story ends?’ I laughed, and told him he could write whatever he wished. He did, and it’s terrific. Part Charles Kuralt, part George Carlin, Mike is a fresh and vibrant American voice—a one-of-a-kind storyteller. We’re thrilled to be publishing his first book.”
“I was flattered ten years ago, when Jennifer Bergstrom first asked me to write a book,” said Rowe. “Five years later, I was exhausted by her refusal to take ‘no’ for an answer. Five years after that, she finally wore me down. Writing this book was a thoroughly satisfying and deeply personal experience. According to Jennifer, so is reading it. I hope to God that she’s right.”
THE WAY I HEARD IT WITH MIKE ROWE is America’s #1 short-form podcast, with over 90 million downloads since its inception. Rowe is best known as the host and executive producer of the hit shows Dirty Jobs, Somebody’s Gotta Do It, and Returning the Favor. As CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, Mike has led the effort to help close America’s widening skills gap and granted millions of dollars in work ethic scholarships.
Bergstrom acquired world and audio rights from Mary Sullivan, President of Rowe’s company. Karyn Marcus, Senior Editor, will edit the book. THE WAY I HEARD IT is scheduled for publication on October 15, 2019. It will also be published simultaneously as an audiobook from Simon & Schuster Audio, read by the author.
