Talkin’ Mellencamp! New Podcast before the 2026 Tour

Episode 13 - Mellencamp in the Movies

Don and Mike discuss the three movies John has starred in along with his numerous contributions to movie soundtracks. As a bonus, they share a complete version of the ultra-rare title track Mellencamp wrote and performed for the 2017 American war drama "The Yellow Birds."

Episode 12 - Mellencamp in the 90's

Don and Mike discuss and break down John's output during the 1990's - a decade in which Mellencamp himself says his records were "uneven."

Episode 11 - An In-Depth Look at the Lost Masterpiece "Orpheus Descending"

Don and Mike take a song-by-song look into Mellencamp's latest release - 2023's "Orpheus Descending," which was named after a Tennessee Williams play and takes a dark look at the state of the nation while featuring some of Mellencamp's finest songwriting. Added bonus: A previously unreleased live version of album's lead track "Hey God."

An Honest Man's Podcast Episode 10 - Scarecrow vs. Born In The USA

Don and Mike compare and contrast Mellencamp's 1985 opus "Scarecrow" with Bruce Springsteen's 1984 mega-hit "Born In The USA," as they examine the similarities and differences between these two masterworks and the respective tours that followed. They also explore the amazing friendship that John and Bruce have developed over the past seven years.  

An Honest Man's Podcast Episode 9 - The Top 10 Mellencamp Tours

What are the best tours John Mellencamp and his band ever embarked on? Don and Mike provide their top 10 list, complete with setlist highlights and interesting facts you won't find anywhere else. 

An Honest Man's Podcast Episode 8 - A Deep Dive Into "American Fool"

Don and Mike go track-by-track through John's 1982 mega-hit album "American Fool," which went to No. 1, contained three huge hit singles, and was that year's best-selling album. Join us as we present several sound bytes of Mellencamp talking about the songs on this album, go in-depth into the songs that didn't make the final version of "American Fool," present the never-before heard original track list for the album, and offer up a rare acoustic version of the key album track "Thundering Hearts."  

An Honest Man's Podcast Episode 7 - Under The Covers

Don and Mike discuss their favorite cover songs by John Mellencamp. From folk songs, hard rock, gospel, soul, R&B, and much more, Mellencamp has covered a wide swath of musical ground in his 50-year career. This episode breaks down Mellencamp's eclectic musical tastes and gives hard-core and casual fans alike some terrific tunes to seek out.

An Honest Man's Podcast Episode 6 - The Pat Peterson Interview

Don and Mike visit with long-time Mellencamp band member Pat Peterson, who contributed her soulful background vocals to John's band for nearly a quarter century (1982-2006). Find out how Pat joined the Mellencamp band, her favorite moments in the studio and on stage with John, which song she inspired John to write, what she is up to today, and much more. 

An Honest Man's Podcast Episode 5 - The John Mellencamp/George Green Collaboration

Don and Mike discuss the recent release of the previously unheard 1977 Mellencamp outtake "I Just Wanna Be Black" and then dive deep into the songs that John co-wrote with his childhood friend George Green, a supremely gifted lyricist.

An Honest Man's Podcast Episode 4 - Songs Inspired By The Midwest

Don and Mike break down the Mellencamp songs most inspired by John's Midwest roots.