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How One Funny Story Launched My Mom's Career In Her 80s | Peggy Rowe From #483 | The Way I Heard It

2026-05-11 Entertainment
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Mike Rowe
Mike Rowe
1.3m subscribers

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Description

A few years ago, my mom lost her purse in a Walmart parking lot. That sentence doesn’t sound like the beginning of an 80-million-view story, but here we are. In this clip, my mom and I chat in front of a live audience, and she explains how a missing blue purse, a half-deaf husband digging through trash cans, and a woman named Beverly somehow turned into the moment that launched her writing career. Honestly, I still can’t explain why this story hits people the way it does. Maybe it’s because everybody’s lost something important. Maybe it’s because my dad was literally sticking his head into Walmart trash cans listening for a ringtone he couldn’t hear. Or maybe it’s just because my mother tells the truth better than anyone I know. Either way, this is the story that led to three New York Times bestselling books, millions of readers, and one very unexpected second act. Also, if you’ve never heard my mother roast me in front of a live audience, you’re in for a treat. Watch this clip. Then watch the full episode. Trust me—the rabbit hole gets deeper. https://bit.ly/TWIHI483PeggyRowe #podcast #mom #funny My foundation is awarding millions of dollars in work ethic scholarships to men and women willing to learn a skilled trade. Apply now at: https://bit.ly/mrwscholarships If you like me, and even if you don't, subscribe to my channels and follow me. Much obliged. https://www.youtube.com/@therealmikerowe https://www.youtube.com/@therealmikeroweshorts https://www.youtube.com/@PYSKshow http://instagram.com/mikerowe http://facebook.com/TheRealMikeRowe https://twitter.com/mikeroweworks 00:00 Mom's big blue purse 02:24 The manager's office 05:00 Writing the story 06:31 The call from the publishers

Top Comments (10)

@dennislamers986 2026-05-11

Your mom can write but also can tell the stories to boot. She is a treasure and although I'm not a reader I could listen to you guys all day.

37
@brad_neal 2026-05-11

Well, now I see where you got your talent, Mike. What a hoot!

29
@ElainaReneeW 2026-05-12

Mike, your mother is absolute delight. Love how she tells a story and now I have things to go get to read. Thank you so much for sharing your mother with everyone. I was a bit down and bummed on my birthday (May 7) and just happened to stumble across your video where she unleashed the “A” word lol. Changed my entire mood and day. I truly am gratitude got that experience. I bet family time and holidays are a hoot with your mother. How I would enjoy just sitting with her and listening to her stories and life experiences. Thanks again Mike.

18
@johnr7456 2026-05-12

Your mom reminds me so much of my mom. I could witness things happen, but my story would be more about straight information. My mom would explain the exact same story, but with a gift that drew you in. Great "true" story tellers give you 100% accurate account of what happened, but they paint the human experience they had into the story. That is a 100% honest story and people need that. I hope your mom lives for a long time. The real problem is the story having only 80 million views

8
@loribeck7496 2026-05-12

Love your mom! And i love what you are doing for the younger generations!

10
@marileehamlin804 2026-05-12

Thanks for sharing your amazing, talented, delightful mother with us! I can't stop smiling!

11
@randallmallard2818 2026-05-11

My stories about my mom could fill a book. Life in Central Florida could fill another one. The point is this, taking time to listen and at least remembering is important. Folks are not immortal. But they can live on through the stories they're in.

26 1 replies
@billcarton7976 2026-05-27

TY Mike, your mom is great, now I know where you get your humor! Which is what sells you! It is especially incredible that she has done this in her later life! Never give up! Even elder people have usefulness, I can still garden and run 5k’s! Not bad for a retired journeyman electrician!

2
@mamaw9634 2026-05-12

Peggy is a #NationalTreasure ❤️❤️❤️

13
@sisterrachel8968 2026-05-14

Did what Beverly did. Found a purse in a buggy at Wal-mart, late at night. Carried it like I would carry a dead cat so the cameras would show I didn’t look inside it.

16 1 replies

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