Real Time with Bill Maher Ep. #718: John Mellencamp, Chris Christie, Chrystia Freeland
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Feb 7, 2026 
Chrystia Freeland, Canadian politician and former finance minister, talks Indigenous policy, economics and Canada–U.S. relations. John Mellencamp, rock singer-songwriter and Hall of Famer, discusses songwriting, his hits and an upcoming tour. They touch on political accountability, protest culture, treaty-based remedies, and the intersection of art and politics in brisk, candid conversation.
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Forty‑Six Hits And A New Tour
- Mellencamp shares that he has 46 hit records and plans a long two‑and‑a‑half hour hits tour.
- He told stories about song origins like 'Jack and Diane' and its Broadway adaptation.
Artist Pushback Against Label Control
- John Mellencamp recounts resisting record-company meddling like forced name changes and song selection.
- He described letting labels test songs and sometimes being forced to include tracks he disliked.
Power Enables Systemic Abuse
- The Epstein files reveal systemic abuse facilitated by powerful men and enablers.
- Chrystia Freeland and guests stress this underscores the ongoing need for feminism and protection of young women.