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Why A Children’s Cartoon Terrifies Critics | Connor Boyack #488 | The Way I Heard It

2026-06-11 Entertainment
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Mike Rowe
Mike Rowe
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Description

There’s a guy named Connor Boyack who sells children’s books about economics. I know. At first glance, that sounds about as exciting as a documentary on drying paint, but before you roll your eyes and click away, consider this: Connor has sold more than 7 million books. His cartoon series, Tuttle Twins, has become one of the most popular shows on Angel Studios. And somewhere out there, a nine-year-old girl is correcting economists on the radio because she learned about inflation from one of his stories. That got my attention. So did the fact that Connor was a lousy student. His worst subjects were English, history, and economics. Years later, he’d written enough books to shock his former English teacher into silence. These days, he spends his time teaching kids about free markets, critical thinking, unintended consequences, entrepreneurship, and why a pencil might be one of the most miraculous objects in your house. Among other things, we also get into why so many young people are questioning college, why Connor believes America won’t be saved in Washington, D.C., and plumbers. Specifically, why so many people seem horrified by the idea that someone who once fixed toilets might someday be qualified to run something important. Connor has some thoughts on that. So do I. If you’ve ever wondered why some ideas stick, why some people become successful despite every indication they shouldn’t, or why a children’s book about a food truck can spark a family conversation that lasts for years, pull up a chair. This one surprised me. #podcast #children #america 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 Knobel Tennessee Whiskey, try it now: https://bit.ly/KnobelSpiritsxTWIHI 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 Meeting Connor Boyack ️ 05:59 Persuasion & authenticity 11:02 Our education system 16:52 The effect on adults 27:56 The importance of the family dinner table ‍‍‍ 33:57 Politics & culture ️ 41:11 Critical thinking 46:12 Working in kids literature 51:18 Working with Angel Studios 01:02:42 We need to focus on state policy 01:14:04 The concept of school choice 01:20:12 Origin of the Tuttle Twins name 01:30:38 The importance of a generalist

Top Comments (10)

@unclemartin62 2026-06-11

Awesome interview. Our education system needs to be completely rebuilt and go back to the fundamentals. I'm in my 60's and I remember saying the pledge of allegiance each morning before school started. I saw when I was in the 7th grade that not every kid was cut out for college. Now they want everyone to go but not to benefit the kid but to benefit the school.

65 14 replies
@MountainGhoti 2026-06-11

Families first. Everything else follows. God bless these men and those who support them.

39
@dcarts5616 2026-06-12

Mike Rowe is a national treasure.

28
@MDAdams72668 2026-06-11

I am old, I see what we have lost in my lifetime, and I am concerned for the future. As such, I have bought my grandchildren(18mo. and 2mo.) the Tuttle Twins books in the hopes that at least some of the seeds will grow. Thank you, Conner

24
@donnaross4363 2026-06-12

The education system is failing our children. It prepares them for nothing. Vo tech and trade schools are invaluable yet dismissed.

20 1 replies
@katmmcdonald 2026-06-11

My kids love the Tuttle Twins. Books and Show.

19
@rich8304 2026-06-11

Interest exposes aptitude exposes purpose.

14
@InsideKarensHead 2026-06-12

I admit I don't usually stay and listen/watch entire podcast episodes often...but here I am still engaged at 1:34:00...enjoyable. Constant catch of my attention. Sweet!

14
@marenmacmichael6988 2026-06-12

This is the first time I willingly watched through a commercial. Thank you for the singing, Mike. And thank you for interviewing Connor Boyack. My kids are huge fans (as are their parents). I loved this interview and am now going to look into Praxis for our 23 year old.

13
@RA-go4zq 2026-06-12

I admire Connor Boyack’s work. I’m one of those adults mentioned who learned things for the first time when I had my kids read Tuttle Twins.

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