For nearly fifteen years, Mike Wolfe has been the face of antique hunting on American television. As the creator and star of History Channel’s American Pickers, he invited millions of viewers to rummage through dusty barns and forgotten sheds, unearthing pieces of America’s industrial past. But behind the camera, Wolfe’s life has been far from a simple antique hunt. Between a high-profile divorce, the tragic loss of his co-host Frank Fritz, and a near-fatal car accident, Wolfe’s personal journey has been as compelling as any artifact he has ever found.
Recently, the question on every fan’s mind isn’t just about the next great “pick”—it’s about Mike Wolfe’s passion project and where he goes from here. This is the story of how Wolfe is steering his legacy back to its roots, transforming personal tragedy into a renewed focus on storytelling, preservation, and the open road.
From Reality TV to Real Life: The Trials Along the Way
To understand where Mike Wolfe is heading, we have to acknowledge the road he has traveled lately. The past few years have been tumultuous for the picker, marked by significant personal and professional upheaval.
The Financial Toll of Divorce
One of the most common searches regarding the star revolves around his split from his ex-wife, Jodi Faeth. After nearly a decade of marriage, the couple’s divorce was finalized in December 2021. Contrary to some exaggerated rumors, the financial settlement was substantial but specific. How much did Mike Wolfe pay his ex-wife? According to court documents, Wolfe was ordered to pay Jodi a lump sum of $5,228,878.73 to ensure an equitable division of marital property . In addition to this, he pays $2,100 a month in child support for their daughter, Charlie, and covers medical and dental insurance . The settlement also involved splitting royalties from the first ten seasons of American Pickers, ensuring a clean break as Wolfe moved forward with his business, Antique Archeology .
A Scary Incident on the Road
Given his love for vintage vehicles, it is ironic that one of the scariest moments of Wolfe’s life happened behind the wheel of one. In September 2025, fans were concerned when news broke about Mike Wolfe’s accident. The star was driving in Columbia, Tennessee, with his girlfriend, model and journalist Leticia Cline, when their vintage car was involved in a severe crash .
The images Wolfe shared on social media were jarring—a crumpled blue Impala with its hood destroyed and windshield smashed. While the car was a total loss, the human toll was even more frightening. Cline suffered serious injuries, including a broken jaw, broken ribs, and a collapsed lung, requiring surgery . Wolfe, expressing immense gratitude, credited their survival to “the grace of God.” The incident was a stark reminder of the fragility of life, a theme that resonates deeply with Wolfe’s appreciation for history and the stories that outlive us.
The “Frank Fritz” Question and the State of the Show
No discussion about Mike Wolfe is complete without addressing his former partner, Frank Fritz. Frank’s departure from the show due to health issues, and his subsequent passing in 2024, left a void in the Pickers family. This has led many to wonder, “Why was American Pickers canceled?” The simple answer is: it hasn’t been.
Despite a dip in ratings following Frank’s exit—with some episodes dropping below one million viewers for the first time in years —the show has proven resilient. The History Channel has recommissioned the series for multiple seasons, with Mike’s brother Robbie Wolfe and “Jersey Jon” Szalay joining the team . While the dynamic has changed, the show’s core mission of preserving history remains intact.
The Real Mike Wolfe: A Question of Faith and Identity
As a public figure, Wolfe keeps his private life relatively guarded, leading to curiosity about his personal beliefs. A frequently asked question is, “What is Mike Wolfe’s religion?” While Wolfe has not publicly aligned himself with a specific organized religion in interviews, those who know him describe a man with a deep spiritual connection to history and craftsmanship.
His “religion” often appears to be the preservation of the American story. In numerous interviews, he speaks about artifacts with a reverence usually reserved for religious relics, viewing them as tangible connections to the people who built America. His work is his ministry, and the road is his chapel. This secular humanism, focused on legacy and hard work, defines his worldview far more than any formal doctrine.
Back to Basics: Unveiling Mike Wolfe’s Passion Project
So, after the accidents, the divorce, and the changing of the guard on his TV show, what drives Mike Wolfe? What is the project that truly ignites his soul?
For Wolfe, the answer has always been storytelling. His passion project isn’t a new antique shop or a simple spin-off. It is a multimedia endeavor designed to take viewers deeper into the why of collecting.
“History’s Greatest Picks” and Beyond
In early 2025, Wolfe announced a new venture that perfectly encapsulates Mike Wolfe’s passion project: a show titled History’s Greatest Picks With Mike Wolfe . Unlike the “on-the-road” format of American Pickers, this series allows Wolfe to sit in the driver’s seat of history—literally and figuratively. The show delves into the stories behind the most iconic American artifacts, vehicles, and legends.
This project allows Wolfe to merge his two greatest loves: cinematic storytelling and mechanical history. It is less about the hustle of the pick and more about the reverence for the object. It’s a passion project because it strips away the reality-TV formula and focuses on the educational aspect that got him into picking in the first place.
The Move into Film
Wolfe is also expanding his horizon beyond the small screen. In 2025, he made his film debut in The Reckoning, signaling a desire to stretch his creative muscles . This move into acting and potentially producing narrative content suggests that Wolfe views his brand as evolving. He is no longer just the guy who finds things; he is the guy who tells stories about the people who made those things.
Antique Archeology: The Living Museum
Of course, his passion project also includes the physical spaces he curates. His stores in Nashville and Le Claire are more than retail outlets; they are manifestations of his philosophy.It’s a place where fans can touch the history they see on screen, bridging the gap between television and reality.
The Road Ahead
Life after Frank Fritz, after his accident, and after divorce is a new chapter for Mike Wolfe. He has found stability with Leticia Cline, who shares his adventurous spirit, and he has refocused his energy on projects that matter deeply to him.
While rumors of cancellation swirl around any long-running show, Wolfe remains a mainstay of the History Channel lineup. He has successfully transitioned from a picker to a preservationist, and now to a producer of historical content.
As Wolfe himself might say, the best pick is the one that tells the best story. And right now, his own story is the most interesting one of all.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mike Wolfe
1. How much did Mike Wolfe pay his ex-wife?
>>>>>>>>Mike Wolfe was ordered to pay his ex-wife Jodi Faeth a lump sum of approximately $5.23 million as part of their divorce settlement, along with monthly child support and a portion of past royalties .
2. What is Mike Wolfe’s religion?
Mike Wolfe has not publicly discussed his religious affiliation. His public persona suggests a deep passion for American history and craftsmanship, which many fans interpret as his primary spiritual focus.
3. Why was American Pickers canceled?
American Pickers has not been canceled. Despite rumors and a dip in ratings following Frank Fritz’s departure, the show continues to air and has been renewed for additional seasons on the History Channel .
4. What happened in Mike Wolfe’s accident?
In September 2025, Mike Wolfe and his girlfriend Leticia Cline were involved in a serious car accident in Columbia, Tennessee. While their vintage vehicle was totaled, they survived. Cline sustained significant injuries requiring surgery, but has since been on the road to recovery .