The Rowbo Show

#020 - From Quiet Quitting to Quiet Cracking

Elf Tree Publishing — Thu, 28 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0500

Mark and Joe hit the 20-episode milestone with a mix of reflection, fresh ideas, and their signature banter. Mark kicks things off by recapping standout Rowbo moments and introducing a new workplace trend to watch: “quiet cracking,” the cousin of quiet quitting.

From there, things get lively as Joe dives into Cracker Barrel’s controversial marketing changes—what they got right, what they cracked, and why it matters. Then the guys tackle a serious topic: driving high and DUI enforcement. How do police actually measure impairment, and what gray areas still exist?

Finally, it wouldn’t be The Rowbo Show without exploring big-picture themes. From the rise of AI to spoofing and beyond, Mark and Joe set the stage for what’s next.

A celebration, a conversation, and a look forward—Episode 20 captures exactly what The Rowbo Show is all about.

Hosts: Mark Rowbottom, Joe Moralez

Contact | mark@rowbottom.com

Website | rowboshow.com

Tues. 6:30 PM | WXRW 104.1 FM Riverwest Radio

Support the show with a Rowbo Show Mug

#019 - Dream Jobs & Scalped Tickets

Elf Tree Publishing — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Mark and Joe dive into the real dilemmas job seekers face—like whether to pursue a dream job after committing elsewhere, or how to navigate a salary negotiation when the clock (and your savings) are running out. Expect straight talk, practical advice, and a candid look at today’s career challenges.

Then it’s off to the ballpark, where the Milwaukee Brewers’ 12th straight win sparked burger bedlam and a marketing frenzy at George Webb’s. Mark and Joe even recorded live audio while trying to snag scalped tickets—bringing you right into the mix of chaos, comedy, and missed opportunities.

From career crossroads to baseball banter—it’s another instant classic Rowbo Show!

Hosts: Mark Rowbottom, Joe Moralez

Contact | mark@rowbottom.com

Website | rowboshow.com

Tues. 6:30 PM | WXRW 104.1 FM Riverwest Radio

Support the show with a Rowbo Show Mug

#018 - AI, Ghosting & Catfishing

Elf Tree Publishing — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Mark and Joe explore the uneasy parallels between today’s AI fears and the early days of electricity and natural gas—where unseen threats like electrocution and carbon monoxide mirrored the confusion we now face with modern tech. From spoofing and swatting to catfishing and “Coldplaygate,” this episode blends historical insight with present-day warnings. As always, objective stats meet subjective banter as Mark and Joe unpack the risks, realities, and responsibilities of our rapidly changing world.

Hosts: Mark Rowbottom, Joe Moralez

Contact | mark@rowbottom.com

Website | rowboshow.com

Tues. 6:30 PM | WXRW 104.1 FM Riverwest Radio

#017 - Interviewing Decoded

Elf Tree Publishing — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 18:30:00 -0500

Mark and Joe take listeners behind the scenes of the interview process—breaking down what works, what doesn’t, and what both candidates and employers get wrong. From confusing interview formats to red flags on both sides of the table, this episode explores how the process has evolved and where it still needs work. Whether you're looking to hire or hoping to land the job, this show is packed with practical advice, real-world stories, and classic Rowbo Show insight.

Hosts: Mark Rowbottom, Joe Moralez

Contact | mark@rowbottom.com

Website | rowboshow.com

Tues. 6:30 PM | WXRW 104.1 FM Riverwest Radio

24 Hour Bike Ride | Riverwest24

#016 - The Rowbo Rewind

Elf Tree Publishing — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 18:30:00 -0500

Mark and Joe take a pause this week to reflect on the journey so far—what The Rowbo Show is really about, and why it’s resonating with listeners. From spoofing scams and AI in hiring to fake job postings, interview disasters, burning Teslas, Waymo’s driverless cars, and the evolving workplace, they recap key highlights from the first 15 episodes. Along the way, they revisit memorable moments like the Costa Rica drug story, the rise of quiet quitting, and even smoking in the office in 1979. Joe gives listeners a peek behind the curtain into how the show is produced (plus some movie clip magic), and Mark shares a few fun facts—like the four most expensive colleges in the world. Whether you're a longtime listener or brand new to the show, this episode is a great way to catch up, laugh a little, and get to know what makes The Rowbo Show tick.

Hosts: Mark Rowbottom, Joe Moralez

Contact | mark@rowbottom.com

Website | rowboshow.com

Tues. 6:30 PM | WXRW 104.1 FM Riverwest Radio

24 Hour Bike Ride | Riverwest24

#015 - Diamonds and Duds

Elf Tree Publishing — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 18:30:00 -0500

In this episode of The Rowbo Show, Mark and Joe kick things off with a real-world look at selling a small business—highlighting a $50,000 offer to find a buyer for a blueberry farm. Mark offers a free consultation to the farm owner and shares insights on how to evaluate and approach the sale of an active business. The conversation then turns back to the evolving role of AI—this time touching on its influence in recruiting, résumé writing, and even the diamond industry. From lab-grown gems to the ethical concerns surrounding blood diamonds, Mark and Joe explore how technology is reshaping age-old industries. They also dive into a father’s concern over his daughter’s $18,000 investment in an online cybersecurity certification—and what students today should know about education and career planning in the AI age. It’s another packed episode full of real talk, modern dilemmas, and the unexpected intersections between tech and work.

Hosts: Mark Rowbottom, Joe Moralez

Contact | mark@rowbottom.com

Website | rowboshow.com

Tues. 6:30 PM | WXRW 104.1 FM Riverwest Radio

24 Hour Bike Ride | Riverwest24

#014 - The Rise of Quiet Quitting

Elf Tree Publishing — Tue, 24 Jun 2025 18:30:00 -0500

In this episode of The Rowbo Show, Mark and Joe take a closer look at the rising trend of quiet quitting—where employees stay on the job but mentally check out. From doing the bare minimum to avoiding extra responsibilities, quiet quitting has become a modern response to burnout, disengagement, and shifting workplace values. We explore its impact on productivity, company culture, and long-term retention—and more importantly, what leaders can do to re-engage their teams. Whether it’s a cry for better work-life balance or a warning sign of deeper issues, this episode breaks down the causes, consequences, and solutions behind the quiet quitting movement.

Hosts: Mark Rowbottom, Joe Moralez

Contact | mark@rowbottom.com

Website | rowboshow.com

Tues. 6:30 PM | WXRW 104.1 FM Riverwest Radio

24 Hour Bike Ride | Riverwest24

#013 - Fake Jobs & Real Risks

Elf Tree Publishing — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 18:30:00 -0500

This week, Mark and Joe follow up on the counter-offer conversation with stories and insights from listeners. Then they pull back the curtain on a hidden truth in the job market: not all job postings are real. With 39% of companies admitting to publishing fake listings in the past year, it’s more than just misleading—it’s strategic data harvesting. From collecting your email and employment history to selling your info, some postings are just bait. Learn how to spot the signs of a fake job ad and protect yourself in a marketplace where data is currency and not every opportunity is what it seems.

Hosts: Mark Rowbottom, Joe Moralez

Contact | mark@rowbottom.com

Website | rowboshow.com

Tues. 6:30 PM | WXRW 104.1 FM Riverwest Radio

24 Hour Bike Ride | Riverwest24

#012 - The Counter-Offer Trap

Elf Tree Publishing — Tue, 10 Jun 2025 18:30:00 -0500

In this episode of The Rowbo Show, we dive into the high-stakes world of counter-offers—what they really mean, and why they’re often more trap than triumph. Mark shares two powerful stories from his career that reveal the very different outcomes candidates and companies can face when a counter-offer is on the table. From legal pitfalls to emotional missteps, we explore the real consequences of “taking the bait” and the risks that come with reversing course after accepting a new role. Backed by surprising statistics and grounded in real-world experience, this episode offers practical advice and candid insight for anyone navigating a career move. Tune in live on WXRW 104.1 FM Riverwest Radio or catch the replay on Spotify and your favorite streaming platforms.

Hosts: Mark Rowbottom, Joe Moralez

Contact | mark@rowbottom.com

Website | rowboshow.com

Tues. 6:30 PM | WXRW 104.1 FM Riverwest Radio

#011 - Digital Dangers and the Rise of AI

Elf Tree Publishing — Tue, 27 May 2025 18:30:00 -0500

In this episode of The Rowbo Show, Joe and Mark explore the unsettling and rapidly evolving world of AI and its growing impact on our daily lives. Mark shares a bizarre—and disturbingly real—spoofing experience that highlights just how vulnerable we all are in this digital age. From the personal dangers of swatting, spoofing, and doxing, to the broader implications of AI-driven hiring tools, the conversation turns to Workday’s recent discrimination class action suit and what it reveals about bias in automated resume screening. It’s a timely and eye-opening discussion about technology, safety, and the fine line between innovation and intrusion.

Hosts: Mark Rowbottom, Joe Moralez

MAY 30TH | 5PM — 7PM

TICKETS | RIVERWEST BOAT GALA

Contact | mark@rowbottom.com

Website | rowboshow.com

Tues. 6:30 PM | WXRW 104.1 FM Riverwest Radio

#010 - The Clock is Ticking: PTO, Bereavement, and Hiring Pitfalls

Elf Tree Publishing — Tue, 20 May 2025 18:30:00 -0500

In this episode of The Rowbo Show, Mark shares the story of his fifth and final interview with GE Medical Systems back in 1988—a process that ultimately led to a great job offer, but not without a few bumps along the way. His experience highlights how extended interview processes can leave candidates feeling indifferent or disillusioned, even when the outcome is positive. From there, Mark and Joe dive into a discussion about modern workplace policies, including the pros and cons of Unlimited Paid Time Off (UPTO), how bereavement pay works, and the implications of arbitration clauses in employment agreements. It’s a thoughtful look at what today’s benefits and policies really mean for both employees and employers.

Hosts: Mark Rowbottom, Joe Moralez

MAY 30TH | 5PM — 7PM

TICKETS | RIVERWEST BOAT GALA

Contact | mark@rowbottom.com

Website | rowboshow.com

Tues. 6:30 PM | WXRW 104.1 FM Riverwest Radio

#009 - Drugs and Drug Testing in 2025

Elf Tree Publishing — Tue, 13 May 2025 18:30:00 -0500

In this episode of The Rowbo Show, Mark and Joe tackle the complex topic of drug use—both legal and illegal—and how it impacts hiring and workplace safety. From protecting company image to ensuring employee well-being, we explore the challenges employers face when substance use enters the equation. The conversation crosses state lines, highlighting how drug laws vary and why caution is key when traveling with legal substances. Mark also shares stories from his recent trip to Costa Rica with his daughters, adding a unique twist to the discussion. It’s a candid and timely conversation you won’t want to miss.

Hosts: Mark Rowbottom, Joe Moralez

TICKETS | RIVERWEST BOAT GALA

Contact | mark@rowbottom.com

Website | rowboshow.com

Tues. 6:30 PM | WXRW 104.1 FM Riverwest Radio

#008 - Riding with Rowbots

Elf Tree Publishing — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 18:30:00 -0500

In this episode of The Rowbo Show, Mark takes us on a spontaneous adventure during a visit to Arizona, where he hitches a ride in a fully driverless WAYMO vehicle. With curiosity in full gear, he puts the experience—and the technology—under the microscope, even calling customer support to ask the tough questions most riders wouldn’t think to ask. We dive into the implications of this cutting-edge "Robo" (not Rowbo!) service and explore how it’s reshaping the future of transportation. What does it mean for traditional ride-share drivers? Is this a safer, more affordable solution—or just the beginning of another wave of job displacement? Buckle up for a lively, eye-opening ride through the world of autonomous vehicles, automation, and the rapidly changing road ahead.

Hosts: Mark Rowbottom, Joe Moralez

Contact | mark@rowbottom.com

Website | rowboshow.com

Tues. 6:30 PM | WXRW 104.1 FM Riverwest Radio

#007 - Time Matters

Elf Tree Publishing — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 18:30:00 -0500

In this episode of The Rowbo Show, we shine a light on the often-overlooked power of the cover letter and why embracing the “imperfect candidate” can lead to exceptional hires. We dive into the unrealistic expectations of so-called “unicorn searches” and discuss the importance of flexibility—both for job seekers and hiring managers—in today’s fast-moving employment landscape. With time at a premium, we explore why it’s crucial to keep positive interviews moving forward and how delays in extending offers can cost companies top talent. We wrap things up by talking about what it really means to guarantee that people matter—and how to make meaningful, lasting hires that elevate teams and culture. It’s a thoughtful, practical conversation filled with real-world insights for both employers and job hunters alike.

Hosts: Mark Rowbottom, Joe Moralez

Contact | mark@rowbottom.com

Website | rowboshow.com

Tues. 6:30 PM | WXRW 104.1 FM Riverwest Radio

#006 - The Do's and Don'ts of Resume Writing

Elf Tree Publishing — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 18:30:00 -0500

In this week’s episode of The Rowbo Show, we take a nostalgic and insightful look back at Mark’s job search journey in the 1980s. From handwritten cover letters to formal responses from companies, we read actual letters Mark received—some inviting him to move forward in the hiring process, others politely declining. It's a fascinating glimpse into how much the job hunt has evolved. We also dive into resume best practices, discussing the importance of tailoring your resume for each position, keeping it concise and factual, and ensuring your contact info is up to date. Plus, we talk about how AI and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) are shaping the way resumes are reviewed today. To top it off, Mark shares a memorable story from December 7th, 1981, about his time as an escort monitor for the University of Minnesota Police Department—and how he played a key role in saving the entire program. It’s a reflective, informative, and entertaining episode packed with timeless career wisdom.

Hosts: Mark Rowbottom, Joe Moralez

Contact | mark@rowbottom.com

Website | rowboshow.com

Tues. 6:30 PM | WXRW 104.1 FM Riverwest Radio

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#005 - Interview Gaffes

Elf Tree Publishing — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 18:30:00 -0500

In this week’s episode of The Rowbo Show, we dive into the crucial topic of interview preparation. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a first-time job seeker, we’ll share practical tips on how to make a lasting impression. Plus, we’ve gathered some of the most bizarre but true stories from recruiters about interviews gone wrong. We also take a moment to recap a few things from last weeks episode. It’s a must-listen for anyone looking to level up their interview game while enjoying some jaw-dropping recruiter stories!

Hosts: Mark Rowbottom, Joe Moralez

Contact | mark@rowbottom.com

Website | rowboshow.com

Tues. 6:30 PM | WXRW 104.1 FM Riverwest Radio

#004 - Emerging Trends in Education

Elf Tree Publishing — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 18:30:00 -0500

This week on The Rowbo Show, we dive into the emerging trends in education and how they’re shaping the workforce of the future. From shifts in hiring practices to the evolving skills employers seek, we explore what these changes mean for both job seekers and businesses. We also share listener feedback on their own hiring experiences and take a moment to rant about college sports—specifically, the players now benefiting from the new NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) legislation, which allows athletes to be compensated for their personal brands. On a more serious note, we address the recent vandalism of Tesla vehicles and dealerships, discussing why it’s crucial to remain emotionally neutral, especially when it comes to politics. It’s an episode packed with timely insights and spirited discussions that you won’t want to miss.

Hosts: Mark Rowbottom, Joe Moralez

Contact | mark@rowbottom.com

Website | rowboshow.com

Tues. 6:30 PM | WXRW 104.1 FM Riverwest Radio

#003 - Methods of Communication

Elf Tree Publishing — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 18:30:00 -0500

In this week’s episode of The Rowbo Show, we explore the evolving landscape of communication in 2025. Texting might be convenient, but it’s no substitute for a real conversation—especially when urgency is involved. We discuss why relying on just one form of communication can lead to misunderstandings and why using multiple channels can make all the difference. Mark also shares a few wild personal stories: from test driving a car with an 83-year-old bad driver, to an awkward dinner date with someone obsessed with texting, and even a bizarre encounter with a man eating a rat in New York City. It’s an entertaining, insightful episode that highlights the importance of clear communication in today’s fast-paced world.

Hosts: Mark Rowbottom, Joe Moralez

Contact | mark@rowbottom.com

Website | rowboshow.com

Tues. 6:30 PM | WXRW 104.1 FM Riverwest Radio

#002 - Unemployment Shame

Elf Tree Publishing — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 18:30:00 -0500

In this week’s episode of The Rowbo Show, we dive into a topic that many people face but few openly talk about: the imaginary shame of unemployment. Join us as we challenge the negative stigma often attached to being between jobs and discuss why it’s essential to embrace this phase as part of the larger career journey. Unemployment isn’t a setback—it’s an opportunity. We explore the surprising benefits of this time off, from recharging your mental and emotional batteries to reevaluating your goals and passions. Whether you’ve recently lost a job or are simply in transition, we’ll share how to turn unemployment into a period of personal growth and renewal, so you’re better prepared for your next opportunity. Tune in for an uplifting conversation that reshapes how we think about this critical phase of life and encourages listeners to embrace the race, rather than fear it.

Hosts: Mark Rowbottom, Joe Moralez

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Contact | mark@rowbottom.com
Website | rowboshow.com
Tues. 6:30 PM | WXRW 104.1 FM Riverwest Radio

#001 - The Rowbo Reboot

Elf Tree Publishing — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 20:30:00 -0600

The Rowbo Show is back with a fresh reboot! In this episode, we introduce our new co-host, Joe Moralez, and dive into the updated show format. Together, we explore the ins and outs of the job search process, offering valuable tips and resources for landing your next career. Plus, we take a closer look at drug testing policies and how certain companies may discriminate during hiring. Tune in for an insightful and thought-provoking discussion!

Hosts: Mark Rowbottom, Joe Moralez

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Contact | mark@rowbottom.com
Website | rowboshow.com
Tues. 6:30 PM | WXRW 104.1 FM Riverwest Radio