476: Michael Cadenazzi—The Department of War is Hiring
From The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe by The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe
March 24, 2026 · 1h 36m · Episode 476
About this episode
Mike Rowe interviews Michael Cadenazzi about rebuilding America's industrial workforce and its implications for national security.
What does it take to rebuild America's industrial backbone—and who's actually going to do the work? Mike sits down with Michael Cadenazzi, Assistant Secretary of War for Industrial Base Policy, to discuss his role at the Department of War (DOW) and his mission focused on restoring the muscle behind America's might. Cadenazzi makes the case that while the U.S. still produces world-class engineers and cutting-edge weapons designs, there's a growing gap where it matters most—the skilled workforce needed to actually build them. From welders and machinists to technicians and fabricators, he argues the country's strength depends on rebuilding the trades that turn ideas into reality. It's a candid conversation about work, purpose, and why the future of national security may hinge less on innovation—and more on the people willing to pick up the tools and get it done. Many thanks to our excellent sponsors PureTalk.com/Rowe Choose a wireless company who shares YOUR values. GoodRanchers.com Use code MIKE for $25 off your first order and FREE meat for life. MDriveForMen.com Use code ROWE for 20% off your first order. American-Giant.com/MIKE Use code MIKE to get 20% off your order.
People in this episode
Host: Mike Rowe
Guest: Michael Cadenazzi
Topics covered
- industrial policy
- skilled workforce
- national security
- trades
- engineering
- manufacturing
Keywords
- industrial backbone
- workforce
- national security
- trades
- engineering
- manufacturing
- Department of War
Sponsors
PureTalk, Good Ranchers, MDrive, American Giant
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Department of War
Places: U.S.
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