Best Justin Lester Podcasts (2025)

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442: Salena Zito—America's Journalist 1:38:20

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6d ago1:38:20

1:38:20

Salena Zito is a prolific author, award-winning reporter, and our great friend. No one knows the heartland like Salena, and she’s here to discuss the future of AI and the energy needed to pursue it, the sudden resurgence of interest in the skilled trades and how Pennsylvania is helping lead the way, and her brand-new book, Butler: The Untold Story …

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441: Jillian Michaels—Keeping It (Very) Real 1:26:02

20d ago1:26:02

1:26:02

Jillian Michaels is a renowned fitness expert, television personality, podcaster, and bestselling author known most for her role on The Biggest Loser. She has built a global brand around health, wellness, and personal empowerment through fitness. Big thanks to our terrific sponsors ZipRecruiter.com/Rowe Post a job for FREE. K12.com/ROWE Find a tuit…

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440: David Mamet—Whore That I Am 1:47:01

25d ago1:47:01

1:47:01

Arguably America’s greatest living playwright, David Mamet, drops by to discuss movies, theater, philosophy, and his new book, The Disenlightenment: Politics, Horror, and Entertainment, in which he offers sharp insights into American culture, politics, and the art of storytelling. WARNING: THIS EPISODE IS MARKED EXPLICIT as the language gets quite …

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439: Codie Sanchez Wants to Make You Financially Free 1:39:30

1M ago1:39:30

1:39:30

New York Times bestselling author Codie Sanchez has a background working in finance but gave up Wall Street for Main Street. She is a blue-collar entrepreneur and investor known for buying and growing “boring” cash-flow businesses like laundromats and car washes. She founded Contrarian Thinking to help others achieve financial freedom through uncon…

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438: Jan Jekielek—The Terrible Truth About China 1:29:21

2M ago1:29:21

1:29:21

Jan Jekielek is a senior editor with The Epoch Times and host of “American Thought Leaders.” He has extensively covered the issue of forced organ harvesting in China, particularly concerning Falun Gong practitioners. It is estimated that 60,000 to 100,000 organs annually have been involuntarily extracted from political prisoners in China. Jan’s inv…

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437: Neal McDonough—Clear the Mechanism 1:30:50

2M ago1:30:50

1:30:50

437: Neal McDonough—Clear the Mechanism The perennial character actor villain turned leading man drops by to talk about the first film where he finally gets to kiss the girl at the end, The Last Rodeo—and that girl is played by his wife, Ruvé. Coincidence? Not a chance. That’s the only way Neal would do it. Neal also discusses how he secured a retu…

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436: Garry Ridge—Any Dumbass Can Do It 1:08:09

2M ago1:08:09

1:08:09

Once named one of Inc. magazine’s 10 most admired CEOs, Garry led WD-40 for 25 years. At that time, his leadership and positive corporate culture grew WD-40 into one of the world's most recognized and well-loved brands. In this episode, Garry discusses how he achieved this and why he detailed it in his book, Any Dumbass Can Do It. Many thanks to ou…

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435: Josh Smith & Bayard Winthrop—Shut Up and Make It! 1:32:44

2M ago1:32:44

1:32:44

Amid the tariff wars, Mike sits down with two men whose businesses are NOT affected by foreign supply chains. Josh is a master bladesmith and founder of the Montana Knife Company, and Bayard is founder and CEO of American Giant. Both men are uniquely positioned to discuss the benefits and pitfalls of making products entirely in the United States. B…

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434: Sarah Yourgrau—People You Should Know 1:30:51

2M ago1:30:51

1:30:51

You may know Sarah as the on-camera producer from Facebook’s Returning the Favor with Mike Rowe. She is also a two-time Emmy-winning storyteller, social anthropologist, founder and CEO of Common Ground Studios, and the absolute cheeriest person you’ll ever meet! Sarah talks with Mike about their new show, People You Should Know, which will premiere…

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433: Coffee with Mom—That Toy Really Sucks 1:07:44

3M ago1:07:44

1:07:44

Peggy Rowe, a.k.a. Mike’s three-time NYT bestselling mom, is back for a check-in. In this episode you’ll hear about the horrors of hoarding, books you’ll never read, dancin’ chicken, crab pickin’, and a Mother’s Day story about a toy that really sucks! Big thanks to our terrific sponsors AuraFrames.com/Mike Use code: Mike to get $35 off their best-…

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432: Gene Simmons—The Sun Never Sets on Planet Cool 1:15:54

3M ago1:15:54

1:15:54

The multilingual, bass-thumping, capitalist dives into what made him fall in love with America, his unforgettable first job involving prosthetic testes, and the etymology of the word a**hole. It’s a free-wheeling discussion from Moses to Superman and everything in between. Shout out to our great sponsors ZipRecruiter.com/Rowe to try ZipIntro for FR…

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431: David Bahnsen—Poor Smart and Desperate 1:12:12

3M ago1:12:12

1:12:12

David Bahnsen is the founder, managing partner, and chief investment officer of The Bahnsen Group, which manages over seven billion dollars in assets. He’s also a podcaster, author, and Christian intellectual. His book, Full Time: Work and the Meaning of Life, is simpatico with Mike’s S.W.E.A.T. pledge.…

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430: Enrico Colantoni—The Balls on this Guy! 1:28:44

4M ago1:28:44

1:28:44

Award-winning actor and old friend Rico drops by for a hysterical, if not irreverent, hang with Mike and Chuck, friends he’s had for 40+ years. There is laughter; there are tears, and there is laughter that turns into tears. Warning: Don’t listen while drinking coffee in front of a computer.By They Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe

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125: Talia Lavin on Wild Faith and the Ritualized Violence of Evangelical Childhood 1:24:11

4M ago1:24:11

1:24:11

Talia Lavin joins the VCW to talk about her new book Wild Faith: How the Christian Right Is Taking Over America. We talk about the Satanic Panic, Dr. Dobson's influence in creating generations of evangelical families built on ritualized violence, and how that has led to so many Americans embracing authoritarianism. Follow her on Bluesky: @swordsjew…

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429: Gary Sinise—The Importance of Showing Up 1:15:07

4M ago1:15:07

1:15:07

The multi-award-winning actor, chronic philanthropist, and all-around outstanding human drops by to talk about his son, Mac Sinise, who sadly passed away January 5, 2024. Gary shares Mac’s story and the musical compositions he left behind, all of which can be found on Resurrection & Revival parts 1 and 2, which are available on vinyl here. The thre…

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428: Mike Albrecht—Got Wood? 1:19:12

4M ago1:19:12

1:19:12

As a logger and forester, Mike Albrecht knows a lot about wood. He is the two-time president of the American Loggers Council, and he’s on a mission to reintroduce America to one of its most abundant and reliable renewable resources—wood. Mike also speaks to how we can better manage our forests to prevent wildfires.…

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124: Katherine Stewart: Money, Lies, and God 1:09:05

4M ago1:09:05

1:09:05

Katherine Stewart (The Power Worshippers) returns to discuss her latest book Money, Lies, and God: Inside the Movement to Destroy American Democracy, which details the rise and increasing influence of anti-democratic forces on the right - who they are, who's funding them, and what they are doing to fundamentally reshape America. We talk about "cult…

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123: Our Favorite Movies of 2024 with Jeffrey Overstreet and Melissa Tamminga 2:40:00

5M ago2:40:00

2:40:00

Our 5th annual pre-Oscars look at at our favorite films of the past year is back and we managed to cover them all in only one (long) episode this time. Film critic, professor, and author Jeffrey Overstreet joins as usual, and we also have first-time VCW guest, film critic and programming director of The Pickford Film Center, Melissa Tamminga. We di…

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427: Carlos Whittaker—How Fast is Godspeed? 1:26:34

5M ago1:26:34

1:26:34

Carlos spent seven weeks without any screens—no phone, no computer, no TV. His newest book, Reconnected, documents that journey filled with monks, Amish, a bobcat, and lots of self-discovery.By The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe

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122: Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and DOGE with Tori Williams Douglass 1:23:14

5M ago1:23:14

1:23:14

In our first episode since November, Tori Williams Douglass returns to the VCW hall to talk about *gestures wildly* allllll that, with a particular emphasis on the stated goal of the Trump administration to destroy Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, and their efforts thus far to do that. Follow Tori on Bluesky: @toriglass.bsky.social Listen to her p…

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426: Tim Allen Loves the Ballet 2:03:53

5M ago2:03:53

2:03:53

It’s a compelling hang with the iconic comedian, actor, and renaissance man who takes a deep dive on a myriad of topics, including philosophy, physics, and fire prevention. His new sitcom, Shifting Gears, can be seen on ABC Wednesdays at 8PM.By The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe

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425: Darrell Lester—The Eight Letter F Word 1:29:49

5M ago1:29:49

1:29:49

Former vice president of marketing at Publishers Clearing House, Darrell Lester, tells the inside story of how PCH started as a mom & pop shop, meteorically rose to one of the most beloved companies in America, and then was nearly destroyed by bad press and lawsuits because of greed. Darrell witnessed it all and chronicled it in his book, Downfall …

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424: Anson Frericks—Last Call for Bud Light 1:17:28

5M ago1:17:28

1:17:28

As President of Anheuser-Busch Sales and Distribution, Anson had a front-row seat to witness how and why Bud Light lost its position as the most popular beer in America (as well as $30 billion in market cap) by changing its focus from shareholder profits to stakeholder capitalism and partnering with Dylan Mulvaney. His new book, Last Call for Bud L…

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423: Alex Epstein—On Littering and Underpants 1:31:48

6M ago1:31:48

1:31:48

Alex Epstein is back! He’s a philosopher and energy expert who argues that "human flourishing" should be the guiding principle of energy and environmental progress.By The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe

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422: Darnell Epps—Where There’s a Pulse There’s a Purpose 1:25:34

6M ago1:25:34

1:25:34

Darnell is the founder and CEO of Thurgood Industries, a career-building platform for skilled workers. He shares his amazing story of how he grew up in New York public housing, served 17 years in prison, and went on to graduate from Yale Law School the same year he received a diploma in manufacturing technology and machining from Lincoln Tech.…

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421: Edward Ring—What to do About Bass 1:09:18

6M ago1:09:18

1:09:18

Edward is the co-founder and director of water and energy policy for the California Policy Center. He’s written voluminously on how to fix California’s problems, and he has lots of thoughts about the Los Angeles wildfires: why they happened, who is getting it right, and who is getting it wrong.By The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe

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420: Coffee with Mom—Merry Freakin’ Christmas! 1:00:43

7M ago1:00:43

1:00:43

Peggy Rowe, a.k.a. Mike’s mom, a.k.a. America’s grandmother is not one for excessive cursing… usually. In this episode, however, she makes an exception. Expect tales from the home, cultural appropriation karaoke, and janky Christmas wishes. This cup of coffee will not disappoint.By The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe

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419: Quentin Schultze & NEW STORY—The Story of His Life 1:36:06

7M ago1:36:06

1:36:06

We begin with a mystery for the curious mind with a short attention span and we conclude with the story of Christmas, the way I heard it. The guest is Quentin Schultze and his book can be found here.By The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe

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418: David Alan Arnold—Dead Man’s Curve 1:26:34

7M ago1:26:34

1:26:34

Multiple Emmy-winning aerial photographer David Alan Arnold has shot World Series, Super Bowls, X-Games, commercials, and movies. But he truly earns his paycheck risking his life on television shows like Survivor, Amazing Race, and especially Deadliest Catch, the show he worked on with Mike Rowe. Dave and Mike share true stories of harrowing flight…

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417: Nikki Stratton—All the Gallant Men 1:26:00

7M ago1:26:00

1:26:00

Nikki Stratton is the granddaughter of Pearl Harbor survivor Donald Stratton. Donald was a sailor aboard the ill-fated USS Arizona on December 7, 1941, and wrote the book All the Gallant Men to recount the event. Nikki is the sponsor of the soon-to-be-commissioned nuclear submarine SSN Arizona. Every ship in the US Navy has a female sponsor who has…

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121: Sanctuary and Immigration in Trump's America with Sergio Gonzalez and Lloyd Barba 1:01:48

7M ago1:01:48

1:01:48

Sergio Gonzalez and Lloyd Barba stop by the VCW to talk about their new podcast series Sanctuary: On the Border Between Church and State, which is part of the Axis Mundi network. We talk about the immigration crisis and how the US government has, historically, been a contributing factor. We discuss Sanctuary cities as well as religious sanctuary. F…

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416: Nathan Walters—So You Want to be a Builder 1:02:03

8M ago1:02:03

1:02:03

Oklahoma builder Nathan Walters discusses his unlikely journey to owning his own building business, the virtues and pitfalls of college vs. on-the-job training, and what he’s doing in Oklahoma to encourage high schoolers to consider the trades.By The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe

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415: Ronda Paulson—Drinking from a Firehose 1:07:50

8M ago1:07:50

1:07:50

Ronda and her husband Corey founded Isaiah 117 House to provide a safe and loving home for children awaiting placement in the foster care system. Isaiah 177 House was featured on Mike’s Facebook show, Returning the Favor. Ronda tells how her appearance on the show affected her mission, her life, and especially her health.…

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120: Knock at the Sky: Liz Charlotte Grant 1:17:56

8M ago1:17:56

1:17:56

Award-winning author Liz Charlotte Grant joins the VCW hall to discuss her new book "Knock at the Sky" (out January 7, 2025 from Eerdmans). We talk about her faith journey, Biblical inerrancy including the 1978 Chicago Statement of Inerrancy and why she wanted to write a book about Genesis. You can order the book by Liz Charlotte Grant right here: …

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414: Rob Lowe was Here… Literally! 1:23:42

8M ago1:23:42

1:23:42

The ‘80s brat-pack teen idol drops by to share tales from his amazing life in film and TV and explain why he loves doing his gameshow The Floor and his podcast Literally!By The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe

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119: Well That Sucked. Election Debrief With Paul and Billie Hoard 1:19:11

8M ago1:19:11

1:19:11

Returning guests Dr. Paul Hoard and Billie Hoard share with us their thoughts and feelings on the recent presidential election and our serious concerns regarding the future of the country, in particular the existential threat to trans people and other marginalized people. Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second pod…

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413: Clinton Romesha—It Doesn’t Get Better 1:27:19

8M ago1:27:19

1:27:19

In 2009, Clint was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle of Kamdesh during the Afghan War, which he recalls in his book, Red Platoon: A True Story of American Valor, a New York Times bestseller. For Veterans Day, Clint shares his insights into why his outpost was a deathtrap, his efforts to prevent veteran suicide, and his su…

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118: April Ajoy Helps Us Handle Our Election Anxiety 1:11:37

8M ago1:11:37

1:11:37

A special election day 2024 edition of the VCW Podcast! Podcaster and content creator April Ajoy joins us to discuss her brand new book "Star-Spangled Jesus: Leaving Christian Nationalism and Finding a True Faith". We talk about her personal faith story and how her faith has evolved over time. We also make election 2024 predictions! Buy April's boo…

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412: Coffee with Mom—Pimping Out Your Brothers for Halloween with Peggy Rowe 1:00:58

9M ago1:00:58

1:00:58

Three-time NYT Bestselling author a.k.a. Mike’s mom checks in to share tales from Rowe Halloween’s gone by.

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411: Tim Pearce—Accuracy Under Fire 1:23:55

9M ago1:23:55

1:23:55

LAPD and CRASH Unit veteran Tim Pearce shares stories of fighting gangs in South Central in a post-Rodney King world, including the tragic tale of his police officer wife being shot in the line of duty, which led him to invent an amazing life-saving device that simulates a gunshot wound, which he demonstrates on Chuck. Big thanks to our awesome spo…

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410: Nathan Fillion—Kind of a Big Deal 1:32:09

9M ago1:32:09

1:32:09

Star of TV shows The Rookie, Castle, and Firefly Nathan Fillion drops by to catch up with his old friend and ‘90s neighbor Mike Rowe. Nathan and Mike reminisce about a very steamy New York apartment, tooling around the snow-covered city with a mycologist’s daughter, and eating burritos served by Alan Tudyk. Nathan also shares his experience working…

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409: Dan Carlin & NEW STORY—A Perfect Hostage 1:42:54

9M ago1:42:54

1:42:54

After Mike recites a brand-new mystery for the curious mind with a short attention span, OG Podcaster and Hardcore History host Dan Carlin drops by to tell Mike what he got right, what he got wrong, and why our understanding of the subject of this mystery is so important to understanding the United States today.…

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117: Ministers of Propaganda: Scott M. Coley 1:10:49

9M ago1:10:49

1:10:49

Scott Coley joins the show to talk about his book Ministers of Propaganda: Truth, Power, and the Ideology of the Religious Right. We discuss the weaponization of the term "biblical", common sensism, the remarkable pivot of George Wallace, young earth creationism and more. Buy Scott's book: https://www.eerdmans.com/9781467466004/ministers-of-propaga…

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408: Matt Malone—From the Ground Up 1:20:30

9M ago1:20:30

1:20:30

Matt Malone is the CEO of Groundworks, one of the largest foundation repair and waterproofing companies in the United States. He’s also a self-described capitalist, but he practices a new version of the economic system, one that recently had him turn 5,500 Groundworks employees into part owners of the company.…

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116: Justin Gentry Has a Scidentity Crisis, Goes Home, and REVcovers 1:25:14

9M ago1:25:14

1:25:14

Justin Gentry joins the show to talk about his work as a former pastor and current co-podcaster (REVcovery Room, Scidentity Crisis, and Go Home Bible, You're Drunk), as well as helping organize the annual Content Warning event, coming to Atlanta next February. Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/vcwpod Dave's second podcast- "Does …

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407: Kat Timpf—Hot Soup Goes In Hot Takes Come Out 1:13:13

10M ago1:13:13

1:13:13

Co-host of the late-night hit GUTFELD! and New York Times bestselling author Kat Timpf has the distinction of being the most pregnant person ever to appear on TWIHI. She chats about the pitfalls of the “us or them” mentality that has hijacked the nation and shares personal stories of what led her to write her newest book, I Used to Like You Until… …

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115: Blake Chastain Goes Beyond #Exvangelical 1:13:33

10M ago1:13:33

1:13:33

Podcaster and originator of the exvangelical hashtag Blake Chastain returns to the VCW hall to talk about his new book Exvangelical and Beyond: How American Christianity Went Radical and the Movement That's Fighting Back. Buy Blake's Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/747796/exvangelical-and-beyond-by-blake-chastain/ Katelyn Beaty artic…

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406: Justin Folk—Am I Racist? 1:19:18

10M ago1:19:18

1:19:18

Director/Producer Justin Folk is best known for helming the 2022 hit documentary What is a Woman, starring Matt Walsh. Justin and Matt teamed up again for the follow-up, companion piece, Am I Racist? (now in theaters,) in which Matt goes on a diversity, equity, and inclusion journey and becomes a card-carrying DEI expert. Justin shares some behind-…

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405: Ken Coleman—Meet the Stoics 1:32:11

10M ago1:32:11

1:32:11

New York Times Bestselling author and broadcaster Ken Coleman is in the personal growth business. His books and show are designed to help people identify and embrace their true calling. Ken shares his personal story and gets Chuck to take his career assessment quiz to figure out what he’ll do once Mike fires him. Ken’s newest book is The Get Clear …

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404: Vinnie Tortorich—Talking Points and Scotch 1:42:07

10M ago1:42:07

1:42:07

The celebrity fitness trainer, author, and filmmaker drops by to put Mike and Chuck on his trademarked no sugar, no grains lifestyle. Along the way, he discusses the positive effects of eliminating processed foods on fertility, the fallacies of the food pyramid, and the million plus pounds of weight lost by the "Rowebies" following Vinnie's program…