Returning the Favor
Facebook Watch To Be Determined Adventure
4 Seasons · 80 Episodes · Premiered April 16, 2012
Follow host Mike Rowe as he travels the country in search of remarkable people making a difference in their communities. Returning the Favor gives back to those who pay it forward with humor, heart and surprise. Because one good turn deserves another.
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Seasons & Episodes
Season 1
10 episodes
E01
Operation Combat Bikesaver
Tue, Aug 29 2017 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike Rowe visits a garage in Indiana to surprise Jason, a former Army engineer who runs a therapeutic bike building program for veterans.
E02
Donovan Discovers
Tue, Aug 29 2017 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike swings by Albuquerque, New Mexico to see Donovan, a young man who used to be homeless, but now makes soaps for the homeless.
E03
Girls Build
Tue, Sep 5 2017 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the team pop into Portland Oregon to surprise Katie Hughes, a female carpenter who created and runs an incredible skills trade camp for young girls.
E04
Raising the Roughriders
Tue, Sep 12 2017 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the crew visit Long Island to honor Bryan Blomquist, a sled hockey coach who goes above and beyond for his adaptive athletes.
E05
Loving You Through It
Tue, Sep 19 2017 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike stops by a Chula Vista salon to visit Snooky, a hairdresser who restores beauty and confidence to female cancer patients.
E06
A Hero's Retreat
Tue, Sep 26 2017 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the RTF team head out to Rome, Maine to reward US Army Veteran Travis Mills, who has founded a retreat for wounded combat veterans and their families.
E07
Feeding the First Responders
Tue, Oct 3 2017 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and his crew head west to Black Diamond, Washington to reward Mamma Ginger and the Soup Ladies; a volunteer organization feeding home cooked meals to first responders on the front lines.
E08
The Music Man
Tue, Oct 10 2017 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the crew are in Richmond, CA to learn more about music teacher Tim Wilson and the inspiring band program he created.
E09
Pens and Pencils All in a Rowe
Tue, Oct 17 2017 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
This week on a very special Bring-Your-Parents-To-Work-Day episode of Returning the Favor...Mike picks up his parents; John and Peggy in his hometown of Baltimore, Md to surprise former teacher Melissa Badeker, founder of the Baltimore Teachers Supply Swap.
E10
Wedding Dress Rescue
Tue, Oct 24 2017 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the crew are in Glen Burnie, Maryland to meet an amazing seamstress, Denise Simmons, who came to the rescue of 80+ brides when a national bridal retail store suddenly closed its doors.
Season 2
31 episodes
E01
The Cop Who Saved Christmas
Tue, Dec 19 2017 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
On a very special holiday episode of Returning the Favor: Mike and his jolly crew of producers bring the North Pole to sunny Panama City, Florida in hopes of surprising the Salvage Santa (Mike Jones). A local hero, who spends all year refurbishing old bikes out of his tiny Santa workshop and distributes them to children during the holidays.
E02
The Community Responds
Tue, Dec 26 2017 12:00 PM GMT+0000
10 min
While hard at work on the road shooting season 2 of Returning the Favor, Mike takes a moment to check back in on Katie Hughes, an honoree from season one who is introducing young girls to the trades in hopes of narrowing the skills gap.
E03
John's Dirty Job
Tue, Jan 2 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
10 min
While on the road shooting season 2 of Returning the Favor, Mike takes a break to surprise John Middleswarth, a former truck driver from Zebulon, North Carolina who is doing his part to make sure that the streets and parks in his town stay clean.
E04
Donovan Update
Tue, Jan 9 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
10 min
While back on the road shooting season 2 of Returning the Favor Mike sends a team to Albuquerque, New Mexico to help an overwhelmed Donovan Smith (Season 1) finish his final 200 soap orders that poured in after Mike rallied the RTF community to support him several months back.
E05
One Mom's Mission
Tue, Jan 16 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
10 min
This week the RTF team heads over to Pleasant Grove, Utah to Return the Favor to a woman named Jazmine Edwards who runs a boutique called U.G.L.Y's closet: an incredible resource for single mothers.
E06
Gratitude is on the Menu
Tue, Jan 23 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
10 min
The RTF team heads South to Jackson, Tennessee to learn more about Amy Crenshaw and the ComeUnity Cafe; a local staple that feeds patrons regardless of if they can afford it or not.
E07
Thank You for Your Service
Tue, Jan 30 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
10 min
The Returning the Favor team heads down to Davidson, NC to thank Dan Berei, a U.S Army veteran who started Combat Flags, an operation inspired by America's combat soldiers and the struggle they continue to endure.
E08
A Square to Spare
Tue, Feb 6 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
10 min
This week the RTF team are in Lawrenceville Georgia to meet Kendall Robinson a young woman who has taken it upon herself to make sure that her community has access to toilet paper.
E09
Sleep in Heavenly Peace
Tue, Feb 13 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the team are back honoring amazing Americans with full episodes of "Returning the Favor!" This week the team stops into Twin Falls, Idaho to meet Luke Mickelson who started Sleep in Heavenly Peace, an organization whose mission is to ensure that no child in their town ever has to sleep on the floor.
E10
Against All Odds
Tue, Feb 20 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the crew head to the Big Apple to learn more about Goldin Martinez and his program Get Focused; a movement designed to empower young people to read through exercise.
E11
The Garage of Blessings
Tue, Feb 27 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the crew head over to Oak Harbor, Washington to learn more about Kristina Miller and the Garage of Blessings; a local donation based garage that was started to help "serve those who have a need" in her Washington community.
E12
Alton's Toy Story
Tue, Mar 6 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the team are in West Jordan Utah to return the favor to Alton Thacker a 82 year old man who started Tiny Tim's Foundation; a workshop that has produced over 800,000 toy cars for children all over the world.
E13
Tough Love
Tue, Mar 13 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the crew are in Lancaster County PA to learn more about Carol Stark AKA the Crazy Lady, a woman who goes above and beyond to help local children who have fallen through the cracks.
E14
Serving Up Second Chances
Tue, Mar 20 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the crew head south to San Antonio, Texas to meet up with Alice "Ma" Harper at Ma Harper's Creole Kitchen. For the last 25 years, Ma has been serving up award winning gumbo to the locals as well as second chances to the formerly incarcerated, who otherwise would have nowhere else to turn for employment and guidance.
E15
Bully Rehab
Tue, Mar 27 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the crew are in Yuma Arizona to meet Carlos Flores, a remarkable man who started BRAG, a bully rehab awareness gym that is doing its part time to combat the bullying epidemic.
E16
Soldier Dogs
Tue, Apr 3 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the team head to Woodbridge, Virginia to meet Chris and Amanda Baity who run Semper K9, an organization that is rescuing dogs and Veterans.
E17
Rebuilding the Big Easy
Tue, Apr 10 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the team head south to Louisiana to learn more about Dwayne "Prince" Holmes and his organization Youth Rebuilding New Orleans, a youth-based non-profit that is rebuilding their community by purchasing and repairing blighted homes devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
E18
Honoring the Brave
Tue, Apr 17 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
This week the RTF team is in Prescott, Arizona to honor Deborah Pfingston & Roxanne Warneke and The Wildland Firefighter Guardian Institute. A group of women who are doing everything in their power to improve wild land firefighting practices, in hopes of avoiding tragedy.
E19
Adah's Dirty Laundry
Tue, Apr 24 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the team drop into South Carolina in hopes of Returning the Favor to Adahlia Nix, a remarkable young woman who organizes a weekly laundry service for those in her Greenville community that are struggling to make ends meet.
E20
All the Shingle Ladies
Tue, May 1 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the crew are in Forest City, North Carolina to learn more about the Women Roofers, a collective of tenacious women of a certain age, who are making an impact by fixing roofs for local residents in need.
E21
The Girl Who Feeds the Hungry
Tue, Jun 19 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the team are back on the road! This week traveling to Mount Olive, North Carolina to surprise thirteen-year-old Mackenzie "Kenzie" Hinson who established the Make A Difference Food Pantry in an effort to fight hunger in her home town.
E22
Grounds of Love
Tue, Jun 26 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the crew head west to North Bend, Washington to surprise Kristin Zuray and her organization, the Trail Youth, a local non profit using coffee, donuts & love to positively impact the lives of local teens in Washington State.
E23
Saving Kids on the Farm
Tue, Jul 3 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the gang swing into Springfield, Ohio to return the favor to Debbie McCullough and Cathy Tofstad; two best friends who run the On the Rise Farm, a local non profit organization serving at-risk youth in Clark County through hard work, compassion and work ethic.
E24
Beauty and the Beets
Tue, Jul 10 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the Crew are in sunny Miami, Florida this week to meet Asha Loring, a remarkable young woman who's organization Health in the Hood is not only improving the lives of food dessert residents but also improving the physical landscape of the hometown.
E25
The Can Lady
Tue, Jul 17 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the team speed into Indianapolis, Indiana to meet up with Mary Stumpp and The Can Lady Project: a recycling initiative that donates field trips and supplies to teachers in local Indianapolis schools... all funded by, you guessed it, cans! Since its inception the project has generated over $60K in donations.
E26
To Serve and Protect
Tue, Jul 24 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the team swing into to Canton Ohio, home of the football hall of fame, to get to know Officer LaMar Sharpe and the "Be a Better Me Foundation" a movement that encourages and empowers inner city youth by providing access to positive role models.
E27
Veterans Helping Veterans
Tue, Jul 31 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
This week the RTF crew heads to Conesus, New York to meet up with Justin Cogswell; the founder of Operation Build Up: a Veteran run non-profit that assists local Veterans in need of transportation by giving them refurbished vehicles.
E28
Food 4 Kids
Tue, Aug 7 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
This week the Returning the Favor team heads into the Granite State, to meet Isidro Rodriguez, an incredible young man who is raising funds to clear student lunch debt in his Haverhill, New Hampshire, community.
E29
In Memory of Ian
Tue, Aug 14 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the team head to Encinitas, California to meet John & Alison Barry who after the tragic passing of their son Ian, decided to start Rollin' From The Heart: A foundation that uses skateboarding as a vehicle to help empower and invigorate at risk youth in the community.
E30
An American Second Chance
Tue, Aug 21 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
This week we're back in Mike's hometown of Baltimore, Maryland to shine the spotlight on Project Jumpstart: A pre-apprenticeship training program that provides a fresh start to low-income city residents who want to enter the construction trade.
E31
Standing with Coal Country
Tue, Aug 28 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
We're pulling out all the stops for the season finale! Returning the Favor alumni Kenzie Hinson and the Women Roofers meet up with Mike and the crew in the heart of coal country - Welch, West Virginia to surprise Linda McKinney of Five Loaves and Two Fishes Food Bank: an organization that helps feed thousands of struggling residents each year.
Season 3
23 episodes
E01
Saving Our Veterans
Tue, Nov 27 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the team kick off season three with a trip to Wyandotte, Michigan, to meet Ann Rudisill, a spitfire Vietnam War era Veteran who started Downriver for Veterans, an organization that provides a wide range of assistance to local Veterans in the Wyandotte community.
E02
Coach of the Year
Tue, Dec 4 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Batter up! This week Mike recruits the St. Louis Cardinals to help return the favor to a Missouri coach who provides free sporting equipment to kids.
E03
A Leader with (Lawn) Care
Tue, Dec 11 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the team race to the Motor City to honor Eric Miller, a man who runs a youth leadership training program that provides free lawn care services to veterans.
E04
The 89-Year-Old Golfer!
Tue, Dec 18 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike tees off with an 89-year-old golfer who's found a way to share his love of the sport by building a course where the community can play for free.
E05
A Firefighter Christmas
Tue, Dec 25 2018 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
It's a hero's Christmas morning as Mike and the team head to Texas to honor a local volunteer fighter, Blake "PeeWee" Henson and his band of brothers, the Texas Firewalkers.
E06
Fences for Fido
Tue, Jan 1 2019 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
The team heads to Oregon to meet an incredible group of volunteers who are helping turn dog chains into dog shelters.
E07
The Weights Veterans Carry
Tue, Jan 8 2019 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
This week the team is in Texas to meet Justin "Boflex" Bohannon, an Army Veteran who is lifting up Veterans with PTSD through fitness.
E08
Fighting for the Trades
Tue, Jan 15 2019 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
This week we are in Colorado to thank shop teacher Dave Franks and honor his efforts to bring shop class back to schools.
E09
The Bra Fairy
Tue, Jan 22 2019 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Snow falls on the Nation's Capitol as the team attempts to reward Dana Marlow; a woman who collects and distributes bras and hygiene products to women in need.
E10
Every Kid Deserves a Birthday Party
Tue, Jan 29 2019 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike is in Pittsburgh this week to surprise Megs Yunn, a woman who is making sure that every child in the city of Pittsburgh is celebrated on their birthday.
E11
The Mother Saving the South Side
Tue, Jun 4 2019 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the crew head to the Windy City to Return the Favor to LaTanya Johnson, an incredible woman who created a free after school program for children in her community in hopes of breaking the cycle of crime and violence that is currently plaguing the area.
E12
An 82-Year-Old Small Town Hero
Tue, Jun 11 2019 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Everything is bigger in the great state of Texas, including the do-gooders! This week, Mike and the team honor 82-year-old Barney C Jones, a man who has devoted his life to serving seniors in his small town of Royse City.
E13
Shoes for Kids
Mon, Jun 17 2019 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the team lace up their boots and ride into Houston to Return the Favor to Alisa Ward and her organization that provides new shoes to children who are living in poverty throughout their home state of Texas.
E14
A Big Guy with a Big Heart
Mon, Jun 24 2019 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
It's tornado season in Oklahoma as Mike and the team storm into town to meet Adam Ely, a larger than life disabled veteran who is traveling around his community repairing vehicles for folks that are experiencing hard luck.
E15
Gold Star Mom
Mon, Jul 1 2019 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike, the crew and Mike's parents are sweating it out in sunny Florida this week and meet Kelly Kowall, an inspiring Gold Star Mother who created a military retreat that provides veterans and military families a tranquil place to heal upon returning home from the battlefield or losing a loved one in the service.
E16
Giving Back: One Man's Fight Against Homeless
Mon, Jul 8 2019 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
In this episode of RTF, Mike and the crew head to Spokane, WA to spend time with Rick Clark: a formerly homeless do-gooder who hit the reset button and is now giving back by providing backpacks filled with resources to those in need.
E17
The Firefighters Fiercest Fight
Mon, Jul 15 2019 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Grab your beads and beignets! Mike and the team are in the Big Easy this week to meet "Chuckles", AKA T.J. Maury, a superhero firefighter with a heart of gold who laughs in the face of adversity as he battles the biggest villain of his life, stage three colon cancer.
E18
The Kitchen Table
Mon, Jul 22 2019 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the team are in Rochelle, Illinois to break bread with Carolyn Brown, owner of "The Kitchen Table" a pay-what-you-can restaurant that provides home-cooked meals to folks in her community that have fallen on hard times.
E19
A Snake Hunter
Mon, Jul 29 2019 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Things get a little swampy down in the Everglades as Mike and the crew return the favor to Tom Rahill of the Swamp Apes: An organization that not only helps veterans struggling with PTSD, but assists in the removal of invasive species from the area.
E20
A Forgotten Neighborhood Fights Back
Mon, Aug 5 2019 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
It's hammer time! Mike and the crew head to Louisiana to meet the Hammer of Hollygrove-Dixon, Miss Brenda Lomax-Brown, a 73-year-old firecracker of a woman, who is doing everything in her power to improve the conditions of her forgotten New Orleans neighborhood.
E21
The NJ Woman Who Will Never Forget
Mon, Aug 12 2019 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the team find themselves a stone's throw from New York City, in the suburbs of New Jersey to surprise Megan McDowell: the founder of Heartworks: an organization of female Do-Gooder's helping local families to heal in times of grief, illness or injury. This incredible initiative was born out of the kindness shown to her family after losing a loved one in the attacks that took place on September 11, 2001.
E22
Pin-Ups for Vets
Mon, Aug 19 2019 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
It's time to strike-a-pose! Mike and the team (bathing) suit up to meet Pin-Up for Vets founder Gina Elise, who created a non-profit organization that empowers female veterans through makeovers and photoshoots. The organization then uses those photos to create a calendar which helps Gina raise funds for VA hospitals nationwide.
E23
One Soldier's Inspiration to Serve
Mon, Aug 26 2019 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
The Returning the Favor Effect Page comes to life when Mike and the team find themselves in the Heart of Dixie to meet MSgt. Rob Dinsmore - a 30-year retired Air Force Veteran who was inspired to help local Alabama vets suffering from PTSD after watching the premiere episode of Returning the Favor: Operation Combat Bikesaver.
Season 4
16 episodes
E01
A Bicycle Built for Blue
Mon, Jan 13 2020 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike Rowe straps on his helmet and pedals to Minneapolis, Minnesota to meet Officer Mike Kirchen, a bike cop who is bridging the gap between his local police department and the community they serve.
E02
A Correction Officer's Tough Love
Mon, Jan 20 2020 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
In this episode of Returning the Favor, Mike Rowe and the team head to Peoria, Illinois to meet Carl Cannon, a former Corrections Officer who is focused on keeping youth out of prison.
E03
The Top Chef Delivering Joy
Mon, Jan 27 2020 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the team head to sunny Phoenix and drop into the Joy Bus Diner to grab a bite with Jennifer Caraway; a "rad" Chef who prepares and delivers free gourmet meals to homebound cancer patients in her community.
E04
The Cowboy Who Cares
Mon, Feb 3 2020 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the crew mount up and ride into Phoenix, Arizona to spend time on the Robinson Ranch and meet John Robinson - a modern day cowboy who is changing the lives of special needs children by introducing them to horse therapy.
E05
Amazing Grace and the Underdogs
Mon, Feb 10 2020 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the crew head to Atlanta to meet Grace Hamlin and the team leading W-Underdogs: an organization that pairs rescue dogs with at-risk children in order to empower the kids while simultaneously rehabilitating the dogs.
E06
Miracle for Moms
Mon, Feb 17 2020 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
In South Jordan, Utah, Mike and the crew return the favor to Tiani Shoemaker Clyde, a formerly single mother easing the burdens of other single parent families by surprising them with "little miracles".
E07
The Farmer Feeding the City
Mon, Feb 24 2020 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the team are in Indiana to meet '''the Punk Rock Farmer'' Jonathan Lawler, a produce farmer making incredible sacrifices to ensure hungry people in downtown Indianapolis have access to food.
E08
The Firefighter Providing Furniture
Mon, Mar 2 2020 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the crew touch down in Omaha, Nebraska to meet Drew Gerken, a firefighter who also helps families getting onto their feet by providing them with furniture and household items.
E09
The Woman Changing the Foster Care System
Mon, Mar 9 2020 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
This week, Mike Rowe and the team meet Ronda Paulson - the woman changing the foster care experience for children in Tennessee by way of her organization Isaiah 117 House.
E10
More Heart Than Scars
Mon, Mar 16 2020 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
In North Carolina, a courageous group of adaptive athletes led by Zack Paben shows @MikeRowe the ropes of how they overcome their obstacles with More Heart Than Scars.
E11
The Drummer Helping the Trades
Tue, Sep 8 2020 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Drumroll please as @Mike Rowe and the @Returning the Favor crew surprise Letitia Hanke and the Next Gen Trades Academy in Santa Rosa, CA. Letitia deferred her musical dreams and started a program to educate and train young women and men find gainful employment in the trades fields while also providing a workforce for local contractors.
E12
Tapping for the Troops
Tue, Sep 15 2020 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
@Mike Rowe and the crew head to Pahrump, NV to witness the hottest ticket in town! 95 year-old BJ Irwin and her dance troop the Nevada Silver Tappers: a sisterhood of women in their golden years who put on dance performances to raise money for military groups and local charities.
E13
Barney's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Tue, Nov 24 2020 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Grab the stuffing! It's a socially distant Thanksgiving Parade in honor of Barney Corrigan, a New Jersey man who converted his garage into a free food pantry to feed his neighbors who have been hit hard during the pandemic.
E14
The Baltimore Son Creating Change
Tue, Dec 1 2020 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
This Giving Tuesday, the crew heads to Mike's hometown of Baltimore, MD to give back to Dawod Thomas. Honoring the legacy of his dad, Dawod created My Fathers Plan, a youth-focused community cleanup program dedicated to cultivating change in the inner-city through community activism, tutoring and mentoring.
E15
Bringing Joy with Toys
Tue, Dec 22 2020 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
This Christmas, Mike and the team return a milestone favor to Ashlee Smith, a young woman from Reno, Nevada who has been providing toys and hope to children affected by disasters since she was 8 years old.
E16
The Motorcycle Racer Saving Animals
Tue, Dec 29 2020 12:00 PM GMT+0000
30 min
Mike and the @Returning the Favor crew surprise Shelina Moreda, a motorcycle racing/model/dairy farmer's daughter who is saving animals from the wildfires and other situations in Northern California.
Cast
Mike Rowe
as Host
