Carefree Highway Revisited

Gordon Lightfoot is one of the greatest folk-rock artists of all time. And now there’s a podcast celebrating and discussing his work, song by song. It’s called Carefree Highway Revisited, and every episode, your host (that’s me, Mike Messner) will examine one of Gordon’s songs with the help of a special guest! So if that’s your cup of tea, give us a listen and give us a follow. We’ll see you on the Carefree Highway!

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Carefree Highway Revisited
Carefree Highway Revisited
I'll Tag Along (CHR S4 E2)
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Your Host

Mike Messner

By day, Mike is a history and ethnic studies teacher; by night he’s a husband to Nancy, his wife of 21 years, and a father to Stephen, a high school sophomore.

All Public Episodes

I'll Tag Along (CHR S4 E2)
/In this episode, Mike Messner and his 5-time guest, Michael Howitt, examine what was at one time thought to be Lightfoot’s very last recorded song from the East of Midnight album (1986). EXTENDED EDITIONS To hear the Extended and Bonus Episodes of our shows: Subscribe to FM+ : Click the subscribe button in Apple Podcasts or sign up here. Join …
Whisper My Name (CHR S4 E1)
In this episode, Mike welcomes fellow Lightfoot fan and frequent CHR guest Adele Chalifoux to discuss this song from the 1980 Dream Street Rose album. EXTENDED EDITIONS To hear the Extended and Bonus Episodes of our shows: Subscribe to FM+ : Click the subscribe button in Apple Podcasts or sign up here. Join FM Premium: Get an FM+ Subscription plus …
If Children Had Wings (CHR S3 E20)
In this episode, Mike welcomes fellow Lightfoot fan Hank Battle to discuss this song from the 1978 Endless Wire album. This is the free version of the show. If you’d like to hear the rest of this conversation – along with all of our other extended and bonus episodes – become an FM Plus Subscriber. Sign up in Apple Podcasts …
Somewhere USA (CHR S3 E18)
In this episode, Mike welcomes fellow Lightfoot fan Jean-Paul de Gaye from Perth, Australia to discuss this song from the 1974 Sundown album. This is the free version of the show. If you’d like to hear the rest of this conversation – along with all of our other extended and bonus episodes – become an FM Plus Subscriber. Sign up …
Minstrel of the Dawn (CHR S3 E17)
In this episode, Mike welcomes fellow Lightfoot fan and frequent CHR guest Deb Radwan to discuss this song from the 1970 Sit Down Young Stranger album. EXTENDED EDITIONS To hear the Extended and Bonus Episodes of our shows: Subscribe to FM+ : Click the subscribe button in Apple Podcasts or sign up here. Join FM Premium: Get an FM+ Subscription …
Now And Then (CHR S3 E16)
In this episode, Mike welcomes fellow Lightfoot fan John Kolaga from Buffalo, NY to discuss this song from the 1975 Cold On The Shoulder album. EXTENDED EDITIONS To hear the Extended and Bonus Episodes of our shows: Subscribe to FM+ : Click the subscribe button in Apple Podcasts or sign up here. Join FM Premium: Get an FM+ Subscription plus …
Peaceful Waters (CHR S3 E15)
In this episode of Carefree Highway Revisited, host Mike Messner and his guest Will Kruger discuss “Peaceful Waters” from the 1966 Lightfoot! album. This is the free version of the show. If you’d like to hear the rest of this conversation – along with all of our other extended and bonus episodes – become an FM Plus Subscriber. Sign up …
Heaven Help The Devil (CHR S3 E14)
In this episode of Carefree Highway Revisited, first-time guest Derek Buckley joins Mike to discuss this song from the 1982 Shadows album. You’ll also hear from fellow podcasts Writing the West, Mostly Folk Podcast, In The President’s Service and Firebreathing Kittens. We’re a proud member of The FM Podcast Network. EXTENDED EDITIONS To hear the Extended and Bonus Episodes of …
The Mountains and Maryann (CHR S3 E13)
In this episode of Carefree Highway Revisited, Mike Messner and guest Michael Howitt discuss this song from Gordon’s 1969 Did She Mention My Name album. You’ll also hear from fellow podcasts Oldie But A Goodie, Books Boys, Firebreathing Kittens and All Those Years Ago. We’re a proud member of The FM Podcast Network EXTENDED EDITIONS To hear the Extended and …
Tattoo (CHR S3 E12)
In this episode of Carefree Highway Revisited, Mike Messner and guest Jeff Coast discuss this song from Gordon’s 1983 Salute album. EXTENDED EDITIONS To hear the Extended and Bonus Episodes of our shows: Subscribe to FM+ : Click the subscribe button in Apple Podcasts or sign up here. Join FM Premium: Get an FM+ Subscription plus video interviews, blog posts, …
Waiting For You (CHR S3 E11)
What are you waiting for again? In the latest episode of Carefree Highway Revisited, Mike Messner and his returning guest Adele Chalifoux discuss Waiting for You from the 1993 album of the same name. You’ll also hear from fellow podcasts Oldie But a Goodie, Books Boys, All Those Years Ago, and Victorian Periodical Parade. EXTENDED EDITIONS To hear the Extended …
Pussy Willows Cat Tails, Part 2 (CHR S3 E10)
Let’s ring in the new year! In the latest episode of Carefree Highway Revisited, Mike Messner and his guest Jack Ward conclude their discussion of Pussy Willows and Cat Tails from the 1967 album, Did She Mention My Name. You’ll also hear from fellow podcasts How Good It Is, Books Boys, All Those Years Ago, and The Paranormal Son. (Part …
Pussy Willows Cat Tails, Part 1 (CHR S3 E09)
In this first of a two-part series, MIke Messner and his guest Jack Ward discuss this song from the 1967 album, Did She Mention My Name. You’ll also hear from fellow podcasts How Good It Is, Back to the Eighties, All Those Years Ago, and The Paranormal Son. EXTENDED EDITIONS To hear the Extended and Bonus Episodes of our shows: …
Too Late For Prayin' (CHR S3 E08)
In this episode, Kevin and Erin Hester join Mike to discuss Too Late for Prayin’, from the 1974 Sundown album. You’ll also hear from fellow podcasts Writing The West, Back to the 80s. How Good It Is and The Paranormal Son. EXTENDED EDITIONS To hear the Extended and Bonus Episodes of our shows: Subscribe to FM+ : Click the subscribe …
Summer Side of Life (CHR S3 E7)
In this episode, Ed Lewek returns as Mike’s guest to discuss Summer Side of Life, from the 1971 album of the same name. You’ll also hear from fellow podcasts Mostly Folk Podcast, Writing The West, Back to the 80s and 20 Minute History. EXTENDED EDITIONS To hear the Extended and Bonus Episodes of our shows: Subscribe to FM+ : Click …
In this episode, host Mike Messner and guest Quinton Paul Kuntz (making his second appearance on the show) discuss “Cherokee Bend” from the Cold On The Shoulder album, released in 1975. You’ll also hear messages from fellow podcasts In The President’s Service, Mostly Folk Podcast, Writing the West and Back to the ’80s. Youtube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLiQhF_2CbM Sources: The Way West: …
Walls (CHR S3 E5)
In this episode, host Mike Messner and his guest, Clover Cameron, discuss “Walls” from Gordon Lightfoot’s second album, The Way I Feel. You’ll also hear from fellow podcasts Victorian Periodical Parade, Firebreathing Kittens, In The President’s Service and Mostly Folk Podcast. EXTENDED EDITIONS To hear the Extended and Bonus Episodes of our shows: Subscribe to FM+ : Click the subscribe …
Hi'Way Songs (CHR S3 E4)
In this episode, host Mike Messner and his guest, Tim Golding, discuss “Hi’Way Songs” from Gordon Lightfoot’s eighth album, Old Dan’s Records. You’ll also hear from fellow podcasts Firebreathing Kittens, In The President’s Service, the Mostly Folk Podcast and Writing the West. EXTENDED EDITIONS To hear the Extended and Bonus Episodes of our shows: Subscribe to FM+ : Click the …
Top Lightfoot Covers: Glenn Nelson & Mike Messner (CHR S3 E2)
In this episode, Mike Messner and his guest Glenn Nelson each list their top 5 covers of Lightfoot songs by other artists. You’ll also hear from fellow podcasts Oldie But A Goodie, Victorian Periodical Parade, Firebreathing Kittens and In The President’s Service. EXTENDED EDITIONS To hear the Extended and Bonus Episodes of our shows: Subscribe to FM+ : Click the …
The Last Time I Saw Her, Part 2 (CHR S3 E1)
In the conclusion of their visit, host Mike Messner and his guest Chris Davis finish their discussion of this song from the Did She Mention My Name album in 1968. You’ll also hear from fellow podcasts All Those Years Ago, Books Boys, Victorian Pediodical Parade and Writing the West. EXTENDED EDITIONS To hear the Extended and Bonus Episodes of our …
In this episode, Mike Messner and his guest Chris Davis discuss “The Last Time I Saw Her” from the 1968 Did She Mention My Name album. You’ll also hear from fellow podcasts Books Boys, Sinister Story Hour, and Oldie But a Goodie — and a message from Kop’s Records of Toronto! (Part 1 of 2) YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i7wpPS_xwiM EXTENDED EDITIONS To …
Whispers of the North, Part 2
In the second half of our discussion, Adele Chalifoux and host Mike Messner complete their discussion of “Whispers of the North” from the 1983 Salute album. You’ll also hear from fellow podcasts Books Boys, All Those Years Ago, and Firebreathing Kittens, along with business partner Kopps Records. YouTube:https://youtu.be/cyCOnFvdTz8 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information …
Whispers of the North, Part 1
In our first episode following the death of our beloved Gordon, Adele Chalifoux and host Mike Messner discuss “Whispers of the North” from the 1983 Salute album. You’ll also hear from fellow podcasts Mostly Folk, Firebreathing Kittens, and Victorian Periodical Parade, along with business partner Kopps Records. This is Part 1 of a 2-part interview.YouTube:https://youtu.be/cyCOnFvdTz8 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy …
Announcement, 5-2-23
A brief statement on Gordon’s passing and the future of the podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information …
Saturday Clothes
In this episode, host Mike Messner and his guest Michael Hill (a native of Orillia, Ontario) discuss “Saturday Clothes” from the Sit Down Young Stranger album from 1970. You will also hear from Kopp’s Records, as well as fellow podcasts Oldie But A Goodie, Paranormal Son and Victorian Periodical Parade. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information …
Sixteen Miles (To Seven Lakes) (CHR S2 E15)
Anyone feel like riding a morning train? In this episode of Carefree Highway Revisited, Mike Messner and Will Kruger chat about Sixteen Miles to Seven Lakes, from the Lightfoot! album released in 1966.  This is the free version of the show. If you’d like to hear the rest of this conversation – along with all of our other extended and …
Interview with Richard Harison, Part 2 (CHR S2 E14)
In this episode, Mike concludes his time with Richard Harison, Gordon Lightfoot’s road manager for most of the 1970s. You’ll also hear from the How Good It Is podcast and Kopp’s Records of Toronto. Link to Richard’s book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Once-Upon-Red-Eye-Lightfoot/dp/1525554638 EXTENDED EDITIONS To hear the Extended and Bonus Episodes of our shows: Subscribe to FM+ : Click the subscribe …
Interview with Richard Harison, Part 1 (CHR S2 E13)
In this episode, you’ll hear the first part of Mike Messner’s interview with Richard Harison, former road manager for Gordon Lightfoot. Richard will discuss his book, Once Upon a Red Eye, and talk about some of his experiences with Lightfoot on the road and in the studio. This is the free version of the show. If you’d like to hear …
Sit Down Young Stranger
In this episode, Mike and his guest Gerald Kandestin discuss the title track from the 1970 album of the same name. This is the free version of the show. If you’d like to hear the rest of this conversation – along with all of our other extended and bonus episodes – become an FM Plus Subscriber. Sign up in Apple …
Sit Down Young Stranger (CHR S2 E12)
In this episode, Mike welcomes fellow Lightfoot fan Gerry Kandestin from Montreal, Quebec, to discuss this song from the 1970 album of the same name. EXTENDED EDITIONS To hear the Extended and Bonus Episodes of our shows: Subscribe to FM+ : Click the subscribe button in Apple Podcasts or sign up here. Join FM Premium: Get an FM+ Subscription plus …
In this episode, host Mike Messner and his guest, Eileen Masover, discuss this song from the 1993 “Waiting for You” album. This is the free version of the show. If you’d like to hear the rest of this conversation – along with all of our other extended and bonus episodes – become an FM Plus Subscriber. Sign up in Apple …
In this episode, Mike Messner has his second visit with Claude Call, host of the How Good It Is podcast, for a discussion of Gordon Lightfoot’s “If You Could Read My Mind” from his 1970 album of the same name. This is the free version of the show. If you’d like to hear the rest of this conversation – along …
In this episode, host Mike Messner and his guest, Michael Roth, discuss this selection from Gordon Lightfoot’s Back Here On Earth album of 1968 (and re-recorded for the compilation double album Gord’s Gold in 1975). This is the free version of the show. If you’d like to hear the rest of this conversation – along with all of our other …
In this episode, host Mike Messner and guest Kevin McClear conclude their discussion of this song from Lightfoot’s 1969 live album, Sunday Concert. This is the free version of the show. If you’d like to hear the rest of this conversation – along with all of our other extended and bonus episodes – become an FM Plus Subscriber. Sign up …
In this episode, host Mike Messner and guest Kevin McClear (in his second appearance on the show) discuss this song from Lightfoot’s 1969 live album, Sunday Concert. This is the free version of the show. If you’d like to hear the rest of this conversation – along with all of our other extended and bonus episodes – become an FM …
In this episode, host Mike Messner and his guest Jeff Coast (making his second appearance on the show) discuss Gordon’s song “Is There Anyone Home” from the Sundown album (1974).  This is the free version of the show. If you’d like to hear the rest of this conversation – along with all of our other extended and bonus episodes – …
Looking At The Rain
In this episode, Mike Messner and his guest, musician John McLachlan, examine this song from the 1972 Don Quixote album. This is the free version of the show. If you’d like to hear the rest of this conversation – along with all of our other extended and bonus episodes – become an FM Plus Subscriber. Sign up in Apple Podcasts …
Ghosts of Cape Horn
In this episode, host Mike Messner and his guest (and great friend and former college roommate) Dave Stewart discuss “Ghosts of Cape Horn,” from Gordon Lightfoot’s 1980 album Dream Street Rose. This is the free version of the show. If you’d like to hear the rest of this conversation – along with all of our other extended and bonus episodes …
Dreamland, Part 2
In this episode, host Mike Messner concludes his interview with Gary Luck and their discussion of “Dreamland” from Gordon Lightfoot’s 1978 album Endless Wire. This is the free version of the show. If you’d like to hear the rest of this conversation – along with all of our other extended and bonus episodes – become an FM Plus Subscriber. Sign …
Dreamland, Part 1
In this episode, Part 1 of 2, host Mike Messner and his guest, Gary Luck, discuss “Dreamland” from the Endless Wire (1978) album. This is the free version of the show. If you’d like to hear the rest of this conversation – along with all of our other extended and bonus episodes – become an FM Plus Subscriber. Sign up …
Carefree Highway Revisited
Carefree Highway Revisited
I'll Tag Along (CHR S4 E2)
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