John Mellencamp

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.

John Mellencamp, the Grammy-winning legend known for his classic rock hits and vibrant artwork, discusses a range of compelling topics. He shares his journey through addiction and the turning point at age 21 that led him to sobriety. Mellencamp reflects on the emptiness that sometimes accompanies fame and his evolution towards humility. He critiques the food industry and opens up about health, including his heart attack and the importance of a mindful diet. The conversation also touches on nostalgia, songwriting, and his upcoming Greatest Hits tour.

John Mellencamp, singer-songwriter behind heartland rock classics and founder of Farm Aid. He reminisces about small-town fights and early meetings with Donald Trump. Conversations jump between touring and setlists, memory lapses about his own songs, the limits of celebrity activism, and why writers write toward who they want to be.