An Honest Man’s Podcast Talkin’ Mellencamp

Don and Mike take an in-depth look at the new John Mellencamp lyric book, which was released today (September 29) and can be ordered here: https://store.johnmellencampart.com/products/john-mellencamp-the-song-book-50-years-of-song-and-poetry

Don and Mike look back on the end of The Dancing Words Tour, preview Farm Aid 2026, and discuss a possible no hits, all deep-cuts theater tour in 2027 that has been discussed inside the Mellencamp organization.

Don and Mike have both witnessed John Mellencamp's 2026 Dancing Words Tour in person, and it's spectacular. In this episode, they break down the much-speculated setlist song by song and offer their insights into what may be Mellencamp's greatest tour ever.

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."

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."

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."

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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

Don and Mike go beyond the hits and select their favorite Mellencamp deep cuts - songs that aren't widely known, but that all Mellencamp fans need to seek out.

Don and Mike create a potential setlist for the 2026 Dancing Words Greatest Hits Tour. What songs will John and the band play? What songs would Don and Mike like to hear?

John Mellencamp fans Don Wilson - lead singer of the Mellencamp tribute band Mellencougar - and Mike Rainey discuss the upcoming Dancing Words Greatest Hits that is set to begin in July 2026. Don and Mike break down what hit songs from Mellencamp's extensive catalog be may played this summer, and which songs they don't think will make the cut.