476: Michael Cadenazzi—The Department of War is Hiring

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.

You can listen to 476: Michael Cadenazzi—The Department of War is Hiring online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

476: Michael Cadenazzi—The Department of War is Hiring is an episode from The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe by The Way I Heard It with Mike Rowe.

This episode is 01:35:47 long.

This episode was published on Mar 24, 2026.

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