John Mellencamp | Club Random with Bill Maher

[@timothykelly5588]

for good or bad, the older guests are WAAAY more interesting than the young ones

[@aristotle736]

For good. Only for good. Nothing bad about listening to those with wisdom and experience.

[@bobnuttall1266]

I agree and I'm 72 so I know everything,or did for awhile.

[@Daniel-fd3wp]

They Disagree on lots of topics. But at the same time crack each other up laughing non stop including myself.

[@alexanderstefanov6474]

Vivek was entertaining, in the same way mentally ill people can be entertaining

[@ChazeGeyer]

And Joni Michell’s lyrics which were more like poetry said “the more you learn the less you know”

[@derekgraves5911]

2 things are well known about my fellow Hoosier, Mr. Mellencamp, who comes from just up the road from me. 1. That he makes great music and puts on a fine show. 2. That he is a narrow minded horses ass and most people cant stand his company. He continues to prove both statements to be true.

[@Simon-talks]

yep. and a communist

[@willardswelding7243]

I am not surprised. I have been in really good bands all my adult life. I have always said that the best thing about being in a band is working with talented musicians, and the worse thing about being in a band is working with talented musicians.

[@sirskorge]

33 mins in and he is full of shit. I'll skip this one.

[@Horologybiz]

I liked him up until this interview. It's amazing how money can keep a person from growing. Is the fighting stuff all an act--probably. John--cut back on the smoking, and coke. I still want to believe there's a guy I respect under all that BS.

[@Mozart1220]

@@Simon-talks LOL!!! Yeah, any NON FASCIST must be a "communist". Did he "fall in love" with Kim Jun Un? Nope, that was trump.

[@The_Real_JerBear]

The irony of John never seeing "Footloose" but his song "Hurts So Good" was featured in the scene where Rusty and Willard were dancing in the bar. 🤣🤣🤣

[@jeffmiller3555]

Can someone buy Bill a pair of ice tongs !!

[@deb9806]

He never notices when the guest looks at his hands grabbing the ice and did he wash them ; )

[@anneturner2759]

😂😂😂

[@rufisdodd4318]

OMG yes!

[@hollygolightly7475]

I know! And how come he wasent lighting his blunts?

[@KittyCarlile-490]

Maybe take him to aa

[@ethanwagner5603]

"Just to shut you up and set you on the right path"... kapow The story about his dad was touching. I love how Bill then tries to explain how he views people from that part of Indiana. But that is ok, John sets him straight.

[@billriddle9215]

You can tell John wanted to smack the shit out of Bill a few times..he does need a good ass kicking.

[@will-i-am386]

How did he set him straight?

[@ethanwagner5603]

@@will-i-am386 he shut up for a second (one of the few times Bill does) and actually listened to the story and explained that his dad didn't wear over-alls and carry a pitch-fork. Rather, he wore a suit. What a wonderful interview. No one gets all access Mellencamp.

[@will-i-am386]

@ethanwagner5603 so obviously, you are a John fan and don't watch Bill. He didn't shut him up. it's called having a conversation, which he does every week multiple times. John M came out looking like just another uneducated thinker, but to each their own. I see nowhere he was set straight on anything.

[@navvet7949]

Race race race race....who wants to FRUCKING RACE??!!! Sooooo tired of racing every time I turn on the TV/phone/EVERYTHING!

[@elissalaurin1955]

Hysterical, Bill and John, one of the best Club Random Podcasts I've seen! Love Bill Maher❣️

[@sonnyd72]

2 guys hashing it out not agreeing on everything and still friends! We need more of you both in this country! Great watch! We need to see more of this! Bill & John show!!

[@M_2Gon]

Exactly, I’ve been saying this for years , I have a few friends that are the way opposite with me on views and we will hash it out and two min later we are still friends , “agree to disagree “ 🤷‍♂️💯

[@markrosado8]

Yeah. John denies climate change, something near and dear to Bill's heart and he barely challenged him on it. I've seen Bill lose his shit on other people for even mildly suggesting that climate change might be exaggerated. Bill was way too easy on him. But Bill is a scatter brain that can't stay on topic for more than 10 seconds. He asks a question then cuts off the answer before any real point is made. He either answers his own questions or totally shifts to a different one.

[@purpleschmurple4384]

Always loved John Mellencamp. This was another great podcast. I love the banter between them. I love how they can have completely different personal experiences and opinions and just discuss it and move on.

[@Bongofurry]

You love everything

[@femalehuman7074]

I heard mellencamp on WTF. I'm glad to be able to see him be interviewed instead of just hear him, because he comes off as such an asshohe. He actually pretty lovable when it comes down to it. I was surprised to hear he came from money in Indiana, and fully went to college and graduated. Though he told Bill that it was HIS perception of him as being from a poor small town simple lif-- Let's get real mellencamp. it is 100% how you projected yourself in your music and videos. I love the dynamic between these two. I enjoyed this thoroughly!

[@sevans606]

How long until Bill mentions never having gotten married and not having kids

[@ZillaMesh]

He sure seems to feel like he has to defend it a lot, doesn't he? Guilt does that to people 😂.

[@nickherriott4795]

Almost made it to 5 min. 😂

[@flowerdoodle2438]

Looks like about 6 min 😂

[@El666Incubo]

Usually a bit before he brings up Trump and tries to get his guest to disavow him.

[@mrviggomartin]

😂😂😂👍

[@aromaathome]

Absolutely one of the best Club Random episodes. As a teenager in the 80’s, John (Cougar) Mellencamp was the shit to us! ❤️❤️❤️

[@Eyereole]

And he’s still the Cougar! … whether he wants to be or not! 😂

[@bobtillman5769]

Yup. Scarecrow is still to this day one of my favourite albums!

[@hollygolightly7475]

He’s still so cute!!

[@mikewhite4560]

WAS? IS?

[@Loralarify]

Yep..and I still love him!

[@itsjustme8554]

I really appreciate John's father still being around in his 90s. I'm a 42 year old woman and my father passed away on Sept. 25th from prostate cancer. He was 78. Even though we didnt always get along or understand each other, I still had love for him. I still cared about him although I admit I did feel the opposite at times and to me, for good reasons. Even still I can't believe he's gone. I mean... I know he's gone and it's forever but at least he's out of his pain and suffering. I miss him and it's hard. I know it's not their faults, but he had other kids I wasn't aware of during my childhood. Technically, but only because of what my parents would say to each other. I wasn't really told in a direct way about these other older siblings. One of them was a child they had to give up, and the other was a child my father had from a previous marriage. I thought I was an only child right before I had younger siblings so it did confuse me and I felt bad about it. Its hard to explain. That was one of the many reasons my childhood felt like the Twilight Zone. I just felt like my dad had this sort of strange double life even though being divorced with kids from previous marriages or given up etc is Not a "double life," it still felt like it to me. I know this is all random and inappropriate but I do that sometimes. His child from a previous marriage who I never met an my parents didn't really tell me about expected me to let her come to my home to visit him. She seemed like she was expecting me to let her in my familys home even though we havent met for four decades. She wanted to visit my father because he was terminal. I get she had a right to see him but it was not right whatsoever that my parents... my father... made it appear like I was an only child until my brother came along and youngest sister. She asked if his grandchildren could visit but I literally had no idea he had grandkids. Me being put in that strange situation wasn't fair to me and that was the tip of the iceburg. I was also a special ed student and never got diagnosed growing up. He showed his love in other ways... gifts on special occasions and drives to and fro (I have a rare disorder) I know I was being selfish with how I felt about my older siblings and about his grandchildren, but he and my mother did put me in a weird spot. I don't owe anyone anything. I was born with a rare genetic disorder, was in special ed, was abused on and off by toxic people. She's the last person I owe considering how bad my life has been since birth. It does rub me the wrong way with how my father handled things but still... I do miss him regardless because he was in my life so much. Sometimes we can have mixed feelings. Its not always black and white with our parents. Anyway, even still... I appreciate it when peoples parents make it into their 90s.

[@mariamaria2751]

Ppl rarely appreciate their parents until they are gone

[@jr.6199]

Talk this out many times over with a good friend or a therapist, not in Comments...

[@roboct6]

I have been a fan of John Mellencamp since the early 80s and I probably learned more about him in this 2 hour conversation with you than I have with any other interview with him I’ve seen. I got to eavesdrop on two friends sitting around shooting the shit and occasionally going deep on a topic or two. Very interesting and fun.

[@letsridehard]

Did you also learned how much of a virtue signaler and ignorant he is ?? Stating that 1% or 2% of blacks are better off than slavery?

[@jake1776]

Since you are a fan, ask Mellencamp for some of his wealth since he loves communism so much.

[@jeffstein3267]

Me too. This was great!

[@genoangelica1354]

Keep your politics to yourself I just lost all respect to the man who doesn't stand for national anthem is he was videotaped at arena ain't that America what a sellout

[@gailpauly6045]

Is it just me or is Bill as stoned as I am?

[@JB-3794]

Bill Maher, Thanks for Club Random. It's the best thing to listen to at work, where I do a sorting job that requires no concentration.

[@tonymoran9794]

That was fun guys, thanks for letting me sit and listen in.

[@CamanoRick]

What a great podcast. Where else would we ever be able to watch / listen to such a conversation with such an idol of our youth? John Mellencamp was big part of the soundtrack of my youth. His were some of the most defining songs of the American experience during the 70's, 80's. Set the mood, set the tone for so many car rides, so many parties, so many moments. Many of my "favorite of all time" songs are from John Mellencamp - I know I'm not alone. To be able to listen to such a laid back, real conversation is freaking awesome. I've always thought "these guys are like the friends I went to high school and college with. So much in common. Thank you Bill!

[@FromTheRightAngle]

I think you are off by at least 10 years there, bub.

[@CamanoRick]

Thanks, bub.

[@djjdnewyork1]

John Mellencamp is one of those singers that doesn't leap to mind as most people's "favorite singer," but anytime you hear a song of his on the radio (or whatever current mode works), you cannot turn the dial, to use outdated verbiage. That guy's several hit songs are monsters. Pink Houses is a solid top-ten songs choice.

[@63LIONHEART]

Paper and Fire, hits the spot.

[@TheBo]

Authority Song all the way

[@laureencriss8220]

Speak for yourself, lol

[@djjdnewyork1]

Yeah, I was, ya cretin. @@laureencriss8220

[@leom7]

​@@TheBohell yeah, i play it every other gig

[@MikesOrganicVideos]

This was the BEST Club Random in a LONG time. John really surprised me. Not what you'd expect. This was fun.

[@JasonDelves-cw8zs]

Bro, i was going to write that too! Wasn't expecting it either

[@Brandon-tk2rw]

I know, I love Club Boomer also! It's like Estrogen for the ears! please get more delusional old small dudes talking about subjects they clearly have only a surface-level understanding of. I never went to community college, but this podcast gives me the sense that I'm listening to the 3rd or 4th smartest kids in a poli sci class talking to each other before they go back home, where they will continue not reading books, but also be defensive about being profoundly misinformed.

[@vaskylark]

I guess his image isn't the same as the truth because several years ago my eldest daughter who is a serious brainiac (she holds two Masters and Phd in science and is a geneticist now and just made me a first time Grandma!) called me one night and asked me "Do you know who John Mellencamp is?" Being a teenager of the 80's I got very excited because he was allover radio and MTV so I was like, "Of course!" then started rattling off his songs that she had probably heard. As part of her academic scholarship she had to do assistant teaching and tutoring underclassmen and she was tutoring his son. Not only did she say the son was super nice and not arrogant or stuck up (he played football if I recall) but she also spoke to the Dad, Mellencamp himself, who was super thankful to her for tutoring his son. She was kind of shocked he was so famous because he just seemed like a super caring father, not a famous rock star at all LOL I was like, well that makes me feel good because I bought several of his records so it was money well spent. I don't think young people today know just how HUGE he was back in the 80's and 90's.

[@MikesOrganicVideos]

@@vaskylark Very good to hear. Thanks for sharing that.

[@jackstevenson4679]

John is a great story teller and an awesome guest…he and Maher bounce off each other really well. Both old assholes 😂. Really enjoyed this one. Enjoy watching two friends just talk shit to each other. The new album is superb by the way.

[@depsny]

Fun fact: my father was John's chimney sweep. He happened to be at the house working when John was putting the final touches on the Scarecrow album. Ive always been a fan of his music.

[@juicebox853]

I would have jumped off the roof if I hat to listen to "sucking on chili dogs behind the tasty freeze."

[@Gracchus66]

wrong album@@juicebox853

[@SquashBlossom62]

😆😆😆

[@user-mz1kt6iz4e]

@@juicebox853 Not on 'Scarecrow', so not likely you'd be hearing it just then.

[@ChristopherMcCarron]

RIP Jim! Ye Olde Chimney Sweep

[@zakkjagneaux2600]

I was 7 in 85 and already playing guitar and in love with music and football . I always equated artist by region . Bruce out in Jersey , Mellencamp Midwest corn fields , and Bryan Adams in Canada . They were all kind of the same tilt with their own regional flavors . And all their music has stood test of time . That time frame of “pop” music will never be eclipsed . Turn on the station and hear Journey , Genesis , Madonna , MJ , Police , VH and ZZ , just legendary stuff . Nowadays , top 40 is absolute shit . Kinda mirrors the state of the country in a weird simplified way ..

[@maturanita]

Jeez Zak! What a spot on assessment. I was 11 in 85, final furlongs of me childhood had begun. Not an American, but I used to visit on a regular basis and couldn’t agree more

[@zakkjagneaux2600]

@@maturanita Thanks . I mean the feel of Pink Houses and Born in the USA had the same sorta plight . As a kid I thought they were thump your US chest songs , but would later learn different . Adams Summer 69 to Bruce’s Thunder Road , coming of age . I really like some of Johns latest work , Save Some Time to Dream and Longest Days . I’m a forty something year old former 0311 Marine, subsequently tattooed father of 2 boys now . I still get Johnny Cougars words ..

[@maturanita]

@@zakkjagneaux2600 Semper Fidelis mate, always. I am a former soldier myself, when I inhabited a young kid’s body back in 1992. Escuela de Lanceros, Melgar, Colombia.

[@writeJANTYRATLIFF4President24]

Bob Marley?- Caucasian much?

[@markhernden9472]

You're not kidding today's Top 40 is shit. 99% of it is actually annoying to hear. No guitars, laptop generated "beats", dominated by the vocal, no bridge, too quick to get to the chorus which is repeated too often. Just not catchy or memorable.

[@terrywilliams8779]

I went to VU where John went in the 70’s! I just love listening to him talk! I’d love to sit and chat with him! Love Mellencamp!!

[@JerryCherryBand]

Before I watch now I just want to say John Cougar Mellencamp one of the best songwriters ever.

[@JavaJohnVideo]

before I watch, I bet bill doesn't pull any of his suck my dick jokes w john!

[@tahkilla]

He’s as cool as The Rolling Stone

[@writeJANTYRATLIFF4President24]

Bob Marley, Jackson Browne, Garcia/Hunter, Peter Tosh, Vincente Fernandez, Javier Solice, Fry/Henley, John Denver, Billy Joel, Winston Rodney, McCartney/Lenon, Taupin/John, Cougar-Mellencamp, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Stevie Nicks, Adele, Sting, Janis Joplin, Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Bono/The Edge, Alicia Keys, Mark Knopfler, Marvin Gaye, Springsteen, Hugh Mundell, Ziggy Marley, Louis Armstrong, Tracy Chapman, Bowie,......?

[@lolodee3528]

I was prepared to not like this. Mind changed. I don’t like his songs. Take or leave.

[@stephenthestoryteller3139]

Hell Yeah 🙌

[@sellingpeck]

I just love the eclectic group of guest he has.

[@rickyiglesias5384]

I love this friendship. These two give each other so much shit and it's all in fun.

[@willardswelding7243]

Mr. Maher, way to go! I am 60 years old and have been in bands all my adult life and Mr. Mellencamp is one of my favorites. The two of you could very well go on the road as Oscar and Felix. When I watched it I was either transfixed or laughing. Mostly laughing. “Now that’s entertainment.” I want you to know that even though you and I may not see eye to eye on everything, you make me feel like I could sit down and have a great conversation because you are fair and open minded.

[@grbenway]

But could you do it without kicking his ass? I couldn't

[@heureuxpourtoujours]

Good listener Bill even with Johns random comments….

[@goldent4419]

Man!! This is one for the books. One of the best shows ever!!

[@writeJANTYRATLIFF4President24]

Sort of

[@mikewhite4560]

Mellencamp is ALWAYS 1 for the BOOKS 😊

[@barbaraangele8615]

John was a genuine treat! Thank you.

[@lavararrington9007]

I think my opinion on Mellencamp changed five different times in the first 30 minutes, and I think that's why I love these interviews.

[@RachelJane101]

Yes I found him likeable but then also irritating.

[@robertreel71]

@@RachelJane101I think that’s him in a nutshell.

[@Rhezoloution]

Mellencamp can be classified as a “straight shooter” they can be brutally honest and sometimes irritating. Overall I like him as he is.

[@pe5208]

Wow, I think this is the best club random interview Bill's done. Probably because he let the guest talk more than usual. What a great conversation!

[@andrewflanders262]

I noticed that too, I guess Bill must really respect him... even though he disrespected him a good number of times.

[@dranderson6071]

I’d say John didn’t let Bill do his usual bs.

[@bobkattner9226]

John doesn’t take bs from anyone

[@debbietrabeau3764]

Bill’s not smoking pot either.

[@ChazeGeyer]

YES! People who say Bill over talks guests must admit it’s the guests with little real flavor, he didn’t interrupt Cube, Mellencamp or Peterson there’s a reason …

[@cal2218]

He still touches his belt buckle in the monologue...I had to go check😂

[@purpleschmurple4384]

Thanks for saving me a chore 😂

[@rainmanjr2007]

Best episode so far. By far. So proud of John for asking about Bill's belt buckle. I thought he was just keeping his hand out of the pocket. In general I feel that I understand Bill a bit better. Here's a movie, Bill: Reds, with Warren Beatty. I'll give Bill 1964 but Philip Roth wrote one from the Jewish perspective as The Flying Nazi became POTUS. Of course Marx was morose. He saw injustice all around him and wanted to liberate everyone from these conditions. Like his solution or not the experience was kind of morose so led him to philosophy.

[@tombryan1]

John is the liberal version of a crazy grandpa at the holiday table

[@willardswelding7243]

That’s what makes it entertaining. He reminds me of my 64 year old brother who was a green beret for 29 years and yet is a very narrow liberal.

[@HH-gv8mx]

I never heard him talk before. I didn’t realize how nuts he was.

[@jforte41176]

moronic!!! He is like talking to an mega republican

[@miguelwc]

I don't know about that... when he kept saying... "... it's the goment!" over and over...

[@CarterKey6]

@@HH-gv8mxlol right he’s a boomer still trying to be cool.

[@recherche4528]

Bill mentioned Henry Bushkin’s book on Johnny Carson. I was intrigued & picked it up. Fantastic read which I finished in one sitting. Highly recommend.

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

I read it years ago because I was a fan of Carson's, but man, he was an ass.

[@Loralarify]

This, and the chat with John Waters are the best two Bill has done. Someone who challenges him.. how refreshing.

[@bainbasinger8548]

your so pretty...@Loralarify,,,,,Loralarify ,love that name tooo,,!!!!!

[@GOLDENFLYWARRIOR]

And for me....this was the WORSE of the Club Random with Bill Maher. Mellencamp is TOO DRY and never even laughs.

[@whiskeysquiker]

Unemployment figures only include those who collect a check. Not those who have been unable to get a job and benefits ran out. THEREFORE STATS ARE HIGHER.

[@whiskeysquiker]

Also, the violence problem is part SENSATIONALIZING these shootings and I noticed it during columbine. Literally a month of constant coverage and several more of heavy coverage. Stop making stupid people infamous and giving sick mental cases grand ideas. But I agree with showing it at an age appropriate time. It, at the very least, will give an enormous respect for the capability of wielding such a weapon. THIS is the problem. There is a huge disconnect between cause and effect. We effectively have not done the things we believe fucked us up in our childhoods during their upbringings and given them "better childhoods" but some of that traumatic shit made us tough. Made us grow up. Made us cynical and scrutinizing. Suspicious. Gave us drinking issues and shitty coping mechanisms, definitely, but made us bulletproof in other areas. We knew how to take care of ourselves early on because we had to. Our folks worked and a nanny was not a word in our vocabulary. Our spawn have no idea because they were not allowed to ride their bikes further than eye shot. We found our friends by the pile of bikes in so and so's yard 2.5 miles away from our own. We were not allowed to hang at home or we were given chores but had to be back by streetlights or we were grounded doing chores anyway. And they have had technology from day one. Some even phones since they were old enough to push buttons. . And when I hear gen Z say they hate America and I question their phrasing to assume they mean the government and they say NO, they actually hate this country, it's obvious they have no idea what the fuck they are talking about and we missed the mark by a fucking lot. I asked my kid if she would say that in front of a homeless veteran that came back from war having witnessed unspeakable horror and even participated, coming back messed up in the head likely causing their homelessness, would she repeat those words out loud for them to hear while they ask for change for a meal and when she replied yes, I was sickened. I am the grand daughter, step daughter, cousin and niece of several vets and somehow my own child has no connection to the meaning of our flag. I am 100% taking accountability for my part in this, but even with mine in college now, she still lives with me so I am doing what I can to correct some things without being pushy about it. Teaching by example and being vocal about it. Otherwise, it will have the opposite outcome in major rebellion since she's 20 and knows all. But wow. Boy did I drop the ball. All of her friends share the same or similar beliefs, to boot. Which leads me to think... So we didn't pay enough attention to what they were learning in school, as well. I felt like I didn't have room to be too overbearing, though, since she was an A student. I gave her space as she grew and gave me no reason to be nosy. It was a respect for boundaries well earned, but only to an extent since I am her mother and responsible for her well-being, obviously, but still. Bit of a fumble on the academic front, I think. But I always did tell her to learn everything to pass the tests, but take everything that isn't math and science (to an extent) with a grain of salt because it's all subjective to the spin of the instructor. QUESTION EVERYTHING INCLUDING AUTHORITY. And when she was stubborn AF and drove me batshit, I didn't try too hard to correct it out of her because I knew it would serve her well in adulthood, and to this day she doesn't do anything she doesn't want to do. That includes drinking and drugs. STILL straight edge in 3rd year of college. (Took up weed in senior year of HS, but all things considered, I see that as therapeutic given the anxiety she inherited. And doesn't go crazy with it.) She works full time, does school full time, and pays her way except room and utilites. Small inconveniences for huge victories. Not all was screwed up. But there are glaring holes in her worldview, no doubt. So yes, show them. Stop sheltering them when it is appropriate to do so. And don't hold back. Or they will learn it incorrectly or from some skewed point of view like their own and I'm not certain they were actually taught HOW to think but rather told WHAT to think. I know. TL;DR.

[@youtuber6185]

But if you include people who are applying and actually want to work then it’s probably accurate. So that kinda negate your point

[@jr.6199]

​@@whiskeysquikerwhy are you sharing this here? Tell a therapist or a good friend. Educate your self, read up on how to parent well but dont stop with the first book that agrees with you... when your kid has to make their own way in the world, maybe then they will learn respect instead of her arguing with a parent just to be argumentative. Marijuana is still a drug and if she is not 26 yet she should not be on that drug, till the cerebral cortex is formed fully at mid 25+yo.

[@JO-fw5wi]

What a great conversation. I enjoyed every minute.

[@melb4jd245]

When are you going to have Roseanne Barr on your show? I would like to see that. My C.R. interview fav’s: Jordan Peterson Woody Harrelson Kid Rock Billy Corgan David Spade Dr. Phil Gene Simmons Some of these guys I never realized were so cool. And then some I’ve been fans of for a long time. Now, there are some interviews that were hard to watch and then some that I just don’t want to watch because I have no desire to know what those people are saying.

[@sarkisianhavens]

Welcome to KZbin?

[@sethgardner1184]

Jon Hamm is my favorite. I’ll be sure to watch those that you listed. Thank you!

[@ThisWholeWorld100]

Would love to see those.

[@kevinmiller8924]

You can see Bill really likes Mellencamp. I don't think he has ever talked to anyone on Random for almost 2 hours.

[@marcgoldman8085]

Mellencamp has been one of the best interviews, simply for his ability to balance Bill's need to overpower conversation and be the smartest guy in the room. John takes no shit from Bill. Great listen.

[@marinagallant1847]

Mellencamp is an interviewer's challenge. The stupid comments by Bill is astounding. His use of logical fallacies is ridiculous.

[@michaelb.3982]

Kid Rock was better, and he has a million more views..

[@barbaralewis9628]

Sometimes, an intelligent person comes across as arrogant when that is not their intention. It might be more about the perception of others when around people who seem to know 'stuff' than it is about a knowledgeable or reasonably well-educated person's personality.

[@jeremyperry5831]

Thanks to Mellencamp for finally bringing up the constant belt buckle grabbing.

[@lolodee3528]

I nearly fell outta my chair-John is the ONLY one to broach that. It kinda bugged me-it looked like he was raising or lowering a volume?! Or controlling a teleprompter; just like John said.

[@jstmichele]

It’s not a buckle belt grabbing, he puts his thumb on his buckle and he pokes himself above his penis. It’s absolutely bizarre. He’s been doing it for years and it’s usually something he does when he’s expecting the audience to laugh. It’s almost like a soothing tick that he does when he thinks he’s landed a joke well. Watch the other fingers poke in right above his penis.

[@jopo7996]

I like John Mellencamp, because he's down to earth. He seems like the type of guy that was born in a small town.

[@rievans57]

Very down to earth.

[@loosidfreedom]

You can live and breathe in a small town

[@debbiebasche5337]

That's probably where they'll bury him...

[@will-i-am386]

Definitely small town education

[@patrickwoods2213]

He's not that nice. I have someone in my family that knew his granddaughter - she said he was a jerk. Same thing has been said about him from many others in Bloomington, IN, where people have run into him in public.

[@MelissaMinton1]

Just want to say this man has been my favorite singer since I was a little girl. My real dad was from union city, Indiana. I grew up listening to John Cougar/Mellencamp and wishing I could have him singing in my front room everyday. I bought his records and have listened to him since. Still impressed by anyone who knows him, appreciates, and interviews or plays his music. What a treat this interview was for me. Thanks Bill.❤

[@weightingforamiracle]

Wow. Enjoyed every minute. So casual laid back,yet witty and sharp commentary on society. John so down to earth, and knew exactly how to get a humorous reaction from Bill. Best episode I’ve watched so far. There was great chemistry, The way John could make Bill (and me) laugh was priceless.

[@AceMcSch00ly]

Mellencamp is a legend, he's really good to his fans too. Sent him a album once and he signed it for me and sent it back got it in a frame to this day.

[@Simon-talks]

just not the part where he's a communist

[@ThisWholeWorld100]

You mean his handlers did.

[@willardswelding7243]

@@ThisWholeWorld100cynical, like John.

[@Loralarify]

How cool is that!?

[@ThisWholeWorld100]

but likely true@@willardswelding7243

[@Seesuns]

This was a entertaining two hours. John is a good storyteller. I wish he would of talked more about his 80 acre property on lake Monroe.

[@JacobSchwarzinger]

As a nameless, faceless person who compiles data for local government, thanks for standing up for non-partisan civil servants, Bill. 34:57

[@writeJANTYRATLIFF4President24]

Irie' (!)

[@writeJANTYRATLIFF4President24]

Right On (!) (Oregon expression :))

[@WalkingmanPattaya]

I thank you for your service more than that other branch of government that everyone always thanks. Respect

[@AdamJonGillard]

thank you for your service to the community bro!

[@conantheagrarian]

lessgo jacob! keep the toilets flushing? what a COMPLIMENT.😊

[@4thand133]

Check it out Goin' to work on Monday Check it out Got yourself a family Check it out All utility bills have been paid You can't tell your best buddy That you love him So check it out Where does our time go Check it out Got a brand new house in escrow Check it out Sleepin' with your back To your loved one This is all, we have learned About happiness Probably my favorite Mellencamp lyrics, pure poetry and so true.

[@heureuxpourtoujours]

One of the best! Hope the very real down to earth JM returns soon!😂Hillarious. Bill listens well and respectfully doesn’t miss a beat.

[@ChazeGeyer]

People who have lived a long life simply have more to evoke. Remember John, although I was lost in the World of Bowie & New Wave. Time has been kind to John! Great conversation Bill!

[@anneturner2759]

Love these real conversations! Thank you Bill

[@vh8584]

It’s easy to be a liberal when you are rich, you can afford the food and gas prices, you can afford the higher interest rates. It’s easier to be a liberal when you are rich cause then as these two can sit on their high horses and their holier than thou attitudes, and judge the other people who doesn’t believe in their beliefs. I used to be a huge fan of Melloncamp in the 80’s, however his last ten -twenty years his arrogant liberal rhetoric is more than I can deal with.

[@Flexicon9]

"I thought it was just you and The Beatles!" Priceless.

[@jasonberezny9705]

I love hearing his stories. Like lyrics to a song.🤘✌️❤️

[@Simon-talks]

just not the part where he's a communist

[@cheriequinlan9444]

Not sure why half the people, in the comments are even listening to this podcast. I am certainly no progressive but I find the honesty from Bill. very refreshing. If you don't like what you're hearing, just choose differently! You're not being held hostage.

[@stephenfiore9960]

…I’m far right, Bill is far left, I love him because he is 100% free speech (unlike the woke left)

[@ddthor]

Masterclass by John in how to deal with Maher. Funny episode.

[@LeonardoGrigio]

Very well said! I thought the same thing.

[@gagewesterhouse9558]

John is the biggest moron Bill has ever had on this show.

[@dyan1965]

He's not kidding about kids not knowing anything. I was asked yesterday if December 12th was in winter.. They had no idea when the seasons changed or Sunmer and Winter Solstice. WHAT!! Don't parents teach their kids anything? Teachers never taught me that my dad did!! Parents need to start teaching their kids since our schools don't.

[@williambartholmey5946]

I don't think that's a very fair example. I bet plenty of boomers would snap answer that it's winter since December is thought of a winter month.

[@susans654]

I'm not disagreeing with you but I'll also point out that I swear the majority of Americans think summer starts around Memorial Day when the weather gets warm when in reality it starts the third week of June. And I disagree with Bill that kids don't know their SS # -- they have to use it so often that they definitely have it memorized. They need it to apply for jobs, college, credit cards, etc. so they learn it quickly.

[@teresaparnham9780]

Yes, I conure, but often parents don't know much because we've been expecting more fom schools in the last seventy years while at the same time giving them less money and resources. So, not surprising that general knowledge among the general population seems to be declining. Some people are indeed stupid, but I think most are just undereducated and not taught thinking skills in early education. We are getting what we've paid for.

[@remoevans7847]

@@teresaparnham9780The problems with the education system is not lack of funding. Education is not and never been the goal, blind loyalty and obedience is.

[@charlesezell7043]

Become a teacher.

[@deansparks6753]

I wish they’d have spent time talking about his art. If you haven’t seen any of John’s paintings google it. As an artist myself he was a huge inspiration to me. Incredible painter.

[@ptturboe5792]

It sucks.

[@deansparks6753]

@@ptturboe5792 quite the art critic.

[@musicfanhawk4523]

​@@ptturboe5792you are wrong

[@jeannestrauss946]

John & Bill are hilarious together!😂

[@MrReb8567]

Bill all the shows are great but this one might be the best . Y’all had me laughing 😂 out loud

[@fredwilliams7893]

John is one of the few rock stars from 30 plus years ago that still seems cool and hasn't gone woke! Walls come tumbling down is such a bad ass song!

[@Anthony__420]

Describe woke?

[@badapple65]

@@Anthony__420 someone that is directed daily, weekly, on what the new assignment is to push as normal and to act outraged over while calling the right, that has the same beliefs as 4 decades ago that THEY have become extremists. Pushing ideas outside the norm while pretending that they are normal ideas.

[@Anthony__420]

@@badapple65 by whom? Fox News? News Max? Just wondering cause they mostly spread lies. Fox just paid about a billion dollars to dominion for spreading falsehoods and Now my pillow and Rudi are being sued too. Anyone who gets involved with trump loses Bigley

[@friedricengravy6646]

Woke ? U mean someone who is not homophobic, not racist, not a bigot? Not some one who bitches about using a preferred pronoun or wearing a mask during a pandemic?? Maybe someone who sees culture, like life, as something progressive in place of stagnant?? Yeah. When JM recommends the Communist Manifesto & enters a liberal level that Bill cant deal with, Id say thats enough to earn his woke credentials lol. 😄lol

[@TheMotownPhilly]

Did you not watch the Interview?? John is most definitely a liberal and leans to woke. I actually don't want to listen to his friggin music anymore after this interview. Fake ass country boy, liberal...it gets worse and worse the more he talks

[@jenniferh8961]

Love John taking Maher to task!

[@dejaesharp]

Hey!! We do John's Lawn care in Bloomington. I live in Bedford, so when he says after you leave Bloomington, it becomes semi-normal, he be right! Awesome show fellas

[@javierbarrucz7755]

JOHN MELLENCAMP YOU MAKE COMMOM SENSE.

[@roxannekeomaka4754]

Wish Bill could get the great Bob Dylan on. The best song writer of the 20th century. He’s still relevant

[@stephenfiore9960]

….That would be awesome. Not many interviews out there that I know of

[@stephenfiore9960]

…Him & Paul McCartney

[@audreydakin8130]

I’m from London, ON. In the early 80’s John opened for the Beach Boys at a concert at our university football field. He was so mad he was opening for the Beach Boys that he thru his drum set and microphone into the audience. So, he does have a temper. Witnessed it. He had to come back that winter and do a free concert.

[@billstevenson74]

I was at the free concert in London, ON. Piccadilly Palace, I believe the place was called. Went with a group from Polygram Records. Mellencamps record label at the time.

[@writeJANTYRATLIFF4President24]

Beach Boys

[@audreydakin8130]

@@billstevenson74 I remember that. The Piccadilly Palace…. Wow that’s a long time ago! Lol

[@elizabethmcleod246]

I was there to! What year was that? I can’t remember. Thank you ,

[@erikcareswell6768]

Lolz I love how Bill keeps asking John if he has experienced basic common experiences, like Lord Of The Flies and The Odd Couple, and John responds like 'yeah Bill.. I was on earth back then too' lolz HUGE massive John Cougar fan. Some of my best moments in my life had a Cougar song spinning in the background. One of the hawtest young (both of us) make out nights ever... Jack n Diane on the radio. First cover songs I learned for bands I was in.. Hurts So Good, Jack n Diane, PInk Houses... maaan so many great tracks! Thanks for everything John! Cheers!

[@amyd8029]

So glad John called Bill out on his constant use of the word “p--ssy”

[@jothanankrogh]

Bill Maher gets the best guests to tell them all about Bill Maher for two hours

[@johncummings5350]

You're right..... and nobody wants to hear about it.

[@sherri8245]

The guy literally just compared the terrible hardships and awfulness of slavery to playing sports? This guy's so out of touch it's just sad. To think I wasted money on your concerts. Ugh.

[@stephenfiore9960]

….I don’t think you took it the right way. We would have to hear the whole song

[@jesuskristoSD]

I love Chico stories. I always laugh so hard when Bill brings up Chico.

[@mkatepaski9947]

Bill did not interrupt, good job, more like this.❤

[@deb9806]

He really likes him. Bill is in a bubble, John is too but more aware of outside his bubble

[@hollygolightly7475]

He wasent smokin maybe it makes him chatty

[@donnaperry4839]

I love John so much!!! ❤

[@andrewmiles9216]

I don’t reckon any guest has yet kept Billy so honest, and thinking deeper, as John Mellencamp in this here episode . Far out, this is an awesome sitdown. Mellencamp is on the money-really dig where is coming from. He says what me be thinking. Makes me feel normal. Thanks guys, PS you won’t believe the shit that’s going on down here in Australia… On second thoughts, (yeah you would). Listening to Mellencamp is a reminder that thinking for oneself and being an individual is probably the only way you can change the world, even if you’re not a superstar. Thanks again boys.. respect 🥛🥛🥛

[@ThisWholeWorld100]

Look at his interview with Dan Crenshaw then, where Bill had no answers and just diverted to the next narrative.

[@andrewmiles9216]

@@ThisWholeWorld100 will do , thx

[@gardenbun]

I found myself smiling widely through this entire interview. So much fun. I'll bet John M has stories for days.

[@maryhalverson5713]

With a guest like Mellencamp, Bill should just listen.

[@maryhalverson5713]

So authentic and still full of life.

[@tundrawomansays694]

Read his book. Or listen to it. There’s nothing about the guy that isn’t authentic and his stories are freakin’ epic.

[@maryhalverson5713]

@@tundrawomansays694 No wonder his girlfriend enjoys "tolerating" him. Nothing beats authenticity.

[@AnneLeighton]

He came across as a truth serum.

[@srocklund]

Love you John Mellencamp saw you in stockholm fantastic gig

[@ehguy3628]

John Mellencamp - A good example of what Elvis Presley once said in an interview. There's the man and the music. John is a Great singer, songwriter and musician. But Hooo Leeee jaded and narrow minded are also traits that he proves his excellence in.

[@dbrice71]

One of the best Club Random episodes so far.

[@betsybabf748]

One of my favorite quotes I heard JM say, "At 18, I knew everything. At 35, I realized I didn't know a damn thing."

[@courtnayzeitler8564]

He still doesn’t. Saw him for the 3rd time in Nashville, had to walk out because I thought I had paid for a concert, but it was just an old man with a stupid lecture in his mouth.

[@ptownscribe1254]

Not a particularly original thought. The question is, does being beaten up/down by adult life for nearly 20 years lead to genuine wisdom that surpasses the clarity and life-affirming idealism that came before. "Hold onto 16 (18) as long as you can! ..."

[@writeJANTYRATLIFF4President24]

Yes Bill reflect on your stand up to add to quality,,,,,, it's thrilling, of course, thanks for Real Time and Club Random 😊

[@dawnstone610]

John is a rock guy I loved from the 70s and I agree that his life was what rock was all about and we loved it.

[@castle4640]

Great episode, great conversational chemistry. Less women young enough to be Bill's granddaughters, more Mellencamps please.

[@pokerbosscycler]

wow john on fire to challenge bill on a lot of american matters. bill i think helped john know alot more.

[@jasonberezny9705]

These 2 need to start a podcast together!🤣

[@jodycarrithers6160]

@1:05:28 BRAVO, Bill Maher, absolutely, its NOT just the GUNS. Thank you for stating the obvious and being truthful about this aspect!

[@jayweiss4378]

This conversation had it all! Very funny, entertaining and informative….💥👏

[@anonymousperson7889]

Are you kidding me? They need to take this drunk nonsense down. 1% percent of black people in America have good lives? What in the racist , im white and better bullshit is this?

[@NolaChick82]

I love how it seems the majority of people in the comments hate-watch this podcast, myself included.

[@matthewcurry3565]

Hello fellow cringe detectors 👋

[@xneapolisx]

Bill is such a dweeb (Johny Carson was cool to him? What' Bill 95 years old??), how can one NOT hate watch? 😅

[@casvicpoqzan1955]

I watch for the guests and the inevitable TDS meltdowns by Bill.

[@clarkpalace]

I read the comments. There is no such thing as tds

[@writeJANTYRATLIFF4President24]

Logical fallacy

[@westnewwest4325]

Grew up with Mellencamp. Saw him in the 80's. Saw him 4 years ago. Always turn him up when his songs come on the radio. Awesome to see this. 'The phone is for my convenience, not someone else's'. I say the same to people who let the phone control them, just not even close to being so eloquent.

[@michaelbeasley5783]

He is a solid musician, no doubt. A good lyricist.

[@jeffsmith8737]

His mother should have swallowed him ! I hope he don’t have any more kids

[@michaelweber5702]

I don't agree with John Mellencamp a lot but I sure can't help liking him . He's a grateful and kind thoughtful man ...

[@mikewhite4560]

And you DON'T AGREE with WHAT? Interested 😅

[@morbidmanmusic]

Thaougtful yet you disagree with him. That's in conflict.

[@willardswelding7243]

@@morbidmanmusicnot necessarily. I think you can disagree and be disagreeable.

[@willardswelding7243]

Then you can disagree and not be disagreeable.

[@the_muddy_waters]

She had a dream And boy it was a good one So she chased after her dream With much desire But when she get too close To her expectations Well the dream burned up Like paper in fire... Great Conversation with one of the great songwriters of our time!!!

[@craig2e46]

I love Mellencamp's stories. He likes to tell stories during his concerts to, pretty cool. Seems like a real down to earth kind of guy. He is right about most of what he's saying here or at lest I agree with him.

[@jamescole8355]

Bologna

[@SavoirRare]

I can’t wait until Bill has Don Henley on and regales him with how much he loves “Love Rules” from the Fast Times At Ridgemont High soundtrack.

[@maridambrosio523]

No. John is wonderful. Nice to have diversity. thx again Bill for a top shelf guest

[@jbank2393]

I don't know who's side to be on! I go back and forth. What a great and entertaining podcast! Laughed my ass off.

[@malachi-]

The joke there is, you never had to pick a side in the first place.

[@bonniejanedrake7303]

It was so funny! 😂

[@jeaninemartin]

Loved the podcast!! It was really neat to see that streak of optimism in Bill when he was defending the government. That surprised me because I thought Bill was mostly negative. Without optimism, our lives are darker. Loved JCM but didn’t know he was so disagreeable. Loved that he called Bill on his language with the “p” word. Sometimes when Bill throws all the crass words in he sounds like a little boy trying to fit in with the older boys. His vocabulary was sorely lacking when he interviewed Sharon Osborne. That doesn’t do his high IQ justice.

[@HuatulcoGuy]

Lately I struggle to continue watching anything with Bill, but this was a great interview!

[@nealkelly9757]

Is he not woke enough for you?

[@HuatulcoGuy]

@@nealkelly9757 Bill has created a comfortable bubble for himself to live in. Nothing wrong with that, but he is too lazy to step out of it to actually take a look now and then. But he certainly has opinions about what is going on around him.

[@lisalarson9860]

I’ve loved John’s music ever since I saw him in Bury St. Edmunds in England!!! He opened for the John Miles Band as Johnny Cougar - my first concert way back in the 70’s ❤❤❤

[@Gracchus66]

Yeah I get it, I like the Club Random, candid discussions with all kinds of cultural icons and otherwise, and Bill’s predictable viewpoints and whatnot ( I tune in avidly every week). And I know Bill’s not a journalist and all that. But seriously whether you like him or not JM is one of the most significant and iconic songwriters and popular music purveyors of the past 30 -40 years or so. It’s a real shame he wasn’t asked more about that, about his processes and musical/artistic life.

[@alifan44]

Maher is at his lightweight interviewer best here. He did not prepare for this interview (other than gathering plenty of ice cubes). He asked and talked about plenty of whatnot.

[@TheSands83]

Who cares about that?

[@debbysimon120]

My dad and I watched Johnny Carson every night. He was the best, the funniest show. Good memories.

[@oceanbnd]

I never got to see Johnny as a kid, because my folks were strict about us being in bed for school. I remember listening to it some nights to sleep. Today I can watch many of those Carson shows I missed. In doing so, I respectfully disagree with you that he was the funniest. He was funny in his monologs and with his guests occasionally, some great interviews, but his skits,,,, not always that funny or even good.

[@jeannestrauss946]

Best memories of my dad & I:staying up to watch Johnny Carson💕💕

[@aristotle736]

​@@oceanbndHe eas the funniest for his time given America's taste in those days. But I agree that the skits were hit or miss .Not his wheelhouse.

[@anneturner2759]

@@jeannestrauss946yes !

[@anneturner2759]

@@jeannestrauss946yes , after three manhattans ! 😂

[@missiestricklin3364]

I am so happy to have found this. I’m just trying to picture which bar he was at in Vincennes. There used to be a lot of them.

[@cherylm1764]

One of my favorite Club Random episodes ever.