How George Washington Became George Washington | Jon Erwin #492 | The Way I Heard It

Everybody knows George Washington. Very few know how badly he failed before he became the man whose name we still invoke 250 years later. My next podcast guest is filmmaker Jon Erwin, who stopped by to talk about his new movie Young Washington. It’s not another history lesson. It’s the story of an ambitious 22-year-old who made some spectacular mistakes long before he became the indispensable man. Before long, we found ourselves talking about why failure is usually a better teacher than success and what it actually takes to become the sort of person other people are willing to follow.  The best stories don't tell you what to think. They simply make you curious enough to want to know more. This one did exactly that for me. As America celebrates its 250th birthday, this conversation reminded me that the best way to appreciate our history isn't to memorize it—it's to get curious about it.  Watch it and let me know what surprised you the most. I think you'll enjoy it. Young Washington is in theaters now. Get your tickets here. https://bit.ly/TWIHIYoungWashington #podcast #america #movie A special thanks to: Stand Together—a philanthropic community that helps America’s boldest changemakers tackle the root causes of our country’s biggest problems. Learn more about the people making a difference in their communities and how Stand Together supports their efforts: https://bit.ly/4gyfs4e Or subscribe for more stories of changemakers: @StandTogetherCC Army of Normal Folks—hosted by Bill Courtney, this podcast shines a light on everyday bloody do-gooders who take it upon themselves to make their communities a better place. Every episode proves what can happen when regular, like-minded people decide to attack a problem from the bottom up. Give it a listen by visiting: https://bit.ly/ArmyOfNormalFolksPodcast 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 Why George Washington? 04:57 Surviving success 14:17 The art of storytelling ️ 19:28 Stories of optimism 29:54 Where does the story begin? 35:07 A British Army Colonel 43:01 Washington's humility 48:33 Mount Vernon's order 56:57 Fairfax's influence 01:01:34 Slavery's omission 01:11:02 Jon’s grandfather 01:20:08 A nation of rebels 01:26:02 What is real leadership?