Episodes

In the season finale of Carefree Highway Revisited, returning guest Carole Navarro and I finish our discussion of “Cold Hands From New York” from the Back Here On Earth album. This part of the conversation examines the song’s place on the 1968 album Back Here on Earth, its sparse musical arrangement, and why it remains one of the hidden treasures of Lightfoot’s catalog. Have a great summer! We'll see you in September 2026 for an examination of "Couchiching" with my guest Glenn Sherman.

In this Artist Profile episode of Carefree Highway Revisited, Mike Messner concludes his conversation with Ward Cornforth, the leader of the Toronto-based Gord's Gold Trubute show. Our conversation includes: The songs that are included in the performance at presewnt, and what songs might be coming up in future shows The responsibility of keeping Lightfoot’s music alive for new generations What Ward hopes Gordon himself might have noticed if he had attended one of his concerts More about War...

In this episode of Carefree Highway Revisited, returning guest Carole Navarro and I explore “Cold Hands From New York,” an overlooked early song by Gordon Lightfoot. Together they discuss the song’s vivid portrait of New York City, its themes of loneliness and human connection, and the way Lightfoot balances hope and disillusionment through powerful imagery and storytelling. Written during a 1967 trip to England when Lightfoot was attempting to overcome a bout of writer’s block, the song paint...

In this Artist Profile episode of Carefree Highway Revisited, Mike Messner welcomes Ward Cornforth, the leader of the Toronto-based Gord's Gold Trubute show. Our conversation includes: The members of the band Ward's other tribute project, dedicated to Johnny Cash The way the band covers Lightfoot's material The responsibility of keeping Lightfoot’s music alive for new generations What Ward hopes Gordon himself might have noticed if he had attended one of his concerts. More about Ward and ...

In this special episode of Carefree Highway Revisited, Mike Messner welcomes Nova Scotia musician John Gracie to discuss his Gordon Lightfoot tribute collection, “A Gentle Homage.” John reflects on how he first discovered the music of Gordon Lightfoot, his experiences seeing Lightfoot perform live, and the qualities in Gordon’s songwriting that continue to resonate with him as both a listener and performer. The conversation explores: Why Lightfoot’s songs are difficult to imitate authenticall...

In this episode of Carefree Highway Revisited, Mike Messner and returning guest Barbara J. take a deep dive into “Carefree Highway,” one of the signature songs by Gordon Lightfoot. Together we explore the song’s Arizona-inspired origins, its themes of memory and lost love, and the emotional tension between freedom and loneliness that runs throughout the lyrics. Our conversation also highlights the song’s iconic musical arrangement, Terry Clements’ guitar work, and why “Carefree Highway” remains...

In Part 2 of this two-part conversation, Mike Messner and returning guest Martin Brandt conclude their discussion of “The House You Live In” by Gordon Lightfoot. This episode explores the song’s reflections on fame, failure, temptation, honesty, and adult responsibility. Mike and Martin unpack Lightfoot’s advice-filled lyrics while also discussing the track’s musical structure, live history, and why it remains one of the most thoughtful songs from the Summertime Dream album. Together, Part...

In this episode of Carefree Highway Revisited, Mike Messner is joined by returning guest Martin Brandt for Part 1 of a two-part discussion on “The House You Live In” by Gordon Lightfoot. Together they explore the song as a reflection on life, responsibility, and personal values — unpacking its opening lines as a kind of guide for navigating adulthood. The conversation touches on themes of courage, timing, empathy, and the importance of building a life rooted in compassion. With personal co...

Host Mike Messner welcomes returning guest Deb Radwan for her ninth appearance on the show to explore “Summertime Dream,” from the 1976 album of the same name by Gordon Lightfoot. Together they discuss the song’s themes of work, love, and the simple joys of stepping away from daily routines. The conversation explores the imagery of rural life, working-class communities, and the restorative power of nature that runs through the lyrics. Mike and Deb also examine the song’s place within the Summ...

In this episode of Carefree Highway Revisited, I’m joined once again by Buffalo-based Lightfoot fan John Kaloga for a deep dive into one of the most ambitious compositions in the catalog of Gordon Lightfoot: “Seven Island Suite.” John and I begin with our initial reactions to the song and what makes it such a compelling listen. From there, we explore the origins and inspiration of the song, the song’s vivid imagery (fiery autumn haze, fallen leaves, beds of boughs, etc), and discuss the tensi...

Picking up where Part 1 left off, my guest Jack Ward and I continue digging into this song from the Don Quixote album (1972). Our discussion explores: The contrast between city winters (“brown and gritty” streets) and the purity of small-town or rural life How the song’s narrator balances obligations to family with a deeper romantic pull Why “Alberta Bound” feels like both a confession and a quiet resolution The song’s surprising failure as a single despite the succes...

In this episode, host Mike Messner and his guest, Jack Ward from Nova Scotia, begin their discussion of this song from the 1972 Don Quixote album. You'll also hear from podcasts 250 And Counting, In The President's Service, Back to the Eighties and Oldie But A Goodie. https://youtu.be/gV1rtBnCeiw?si=8hBUJgYpO8V_bULu www.lightfootpodcast.com

The meeting of the Mikes concludes, as Mike Messner and his guest, Mike Fornes of Gordon Lightfoot Tribute, discuss the group's performance content and their plans for the new year. You'll also hear from fellow podcast Mostly Folk Podcast and a word about a new fantasy novel by Rob Perrier. (Part 2 of 2)

It's the meeting of the Mikes, as Mike Messner and his guest, Mike Fornes of Gordon Lightfoot Tribute, discuss the group's mission and formation. You'll also hear from fellow podcasts How Good It Is and In The President's Service. (Part 1 of 2)

In this episode of Carefree Highway Revisited, Mike Messner and his guest, Tim Golding of Mechanicsberg, PA discuss this song from the 1975 Cold On The Shoulder album. You'll also hear from fellow podcasts How Good It Is, Firebreathing Kittens and Mostly Folk Podcast, and about a novel by acclaimed author Rob Perrier.

In this episode, host Mike Messner and his guest Will Kruger (making his fourth appearance on the show) discuss this song from the Lightfoot! album (1966). You'll also hear from fellow podcasts How Good It Is (which Mike is pleased to be joining), Firebreathing Kittens, and Back to the '80s, and you'll also hear about a fantasy book recently published by acclaimed author Rob Perrier.

In this episode, host Mike Messner and his guest Jeffrey Coast discuss this song from the 1983 Salute album. You'll also hear from fellow podcasts Paranormal Son, All Those Years Ago, Books Boys and Oldie But A Goodie.

In this episode, Mike Messner and his guest, Derek Buckley discuss this song from the 1993 album Waiting for You. This is Derek's second appearance on the show; he hails from Spokane, WA. You'll also hear from fellow podcasts How Good It Is, Back To The '80s, and Firebreathing Kittens, and you'll also hear about a newly published book by acclaimed author Rob Perrier!

In this episode, Mike Messner concludes his conversation about this song from the 1982 Shadows album with Jerre Haskew of Chattanooga, TN, and Jerre speaks of his admiration for the bluegrass artists Billy Strings.

In this episode, Mike and his guest, Jerre Haskew of Chattanooga, Tennessee, discuss this song from the 1982 Shadows album -- and Jerre talks about his own journey in the music business. You'll also hear from fellow podcasts 250 And Counting, Back to the 80s, Writing the West and Musical Murders Podcast. (Part 1 of 2)

In this episode of Carefree Highway Revisited, host Mike Messner and his guest Gerry Kandestin, from Montreal, Quebec, discuss this song from the 1968 album Did She Mention My Name?. You'll also hear from fellow podcasts Oldie But a Goodie, 250 and Counting, Back to the '80s and Writing the West.

In this episode of Carefree Highway Revisited, host Mike Messner and his guest Adele Chalifoux, from Quipawa, Ontario, discuss this song from the 1967 album The Way I Feel. You'll also hear from fellow podcasts In the President’s Service, Oldie But a Goodie, 250 and Counting and Writing the West.

In the Season 5 premiere of Carefree Highway Revisited, host Mike Messner and his guests Kevin and Erin Hester, from Bettendorf, Iowa,conclude their discussion of "Miguel" from the 1971 Summer Side of Life album. You'll also hear from fellow podcast Firebreathing Kittens and a book recommendation from Mike.

In this episode, Mike Messner and his guests Kevin and Erin Hester, from Bettendorf, Iowa, discuss this track from the 1971 Summer Side of Life album. You'll also hear from fellow podcasts In The President's Service, Mostly Folk, 250 And Counting, and Dylan Primer.