AP Taylor Swift

E56: Guest Episode - DJ Louie XIV

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Episode Highlights:

[01:09] Introducing “my tears ricochet” and our initial thoughts

[07:25] “I didn’t have it in myself to go with grace”

[11:22] “Look at how my tears ricochet”

[18:05] “You know I didn’t want to have to haunt you”

[25:23] “When I’d fight you used to tell me I was brave”

[29:45] “And I can go anywhere I want, just not home”

[37:15] “You had to kill me but it killed you just the same”

[41:44] What might it mean for tears to ricochet?

[45:24] The purpose of the song

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

Greek Mythology and Taylor Swift: Exploring connections between Greek Mythology and Taylor's Lyrics Jun 04, 2025

“Fatefully, I tried to pick my battles 'til the battle picked me” This week, we're resisting our episode on Greek Mythology, where we dive into the timeless influence of Greek mythology in Taylor Swift's music by exploring connections between Taylor's songs and classic Greek myths. Jodi finds links between Demeter and Persephone’s sorrow in The Hymn to Demeter and the Folklore song"My Tears Ricochet.” Maansi shows us how "Long Story Short” sounds like Odysseus recounting his epic journey as he returns home. And Jenn gets into the ancient story of the Labyrinth and how it reflects themes of self-discovery and transformation in "Labyrinth." Is Taylor Swift a modern-day Homer? Listen and find out!

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Mentioned in this episode:

Mythology, Edith Hamilton

The Iliad, Homer

The Odyssey, Homer

Metamorphoses, Ovid

Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan

E44: Metaphors + “The Tortured Poets Department”

E22: Mastermind

Homeric Hymns

The Hymn to Demeter

Hadestown (musical)

Hercules (Disney animated film)

E54: One Year Anniversary of AP Taylor Swift

Circe, Madeline Miller

Fantasyland by Kurt Andersen

The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell

Stephen Fry’s Mythos, Heroes, and Troy

Episode Highlights:

[02:15] Introduction to Greek Mythology

[09:01] "my tears ricochet" folklore

[15:22] "long story short" evermore

[32:52] "labrynth" Midnights

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

Bonus: And Then It Was Bought By Her: Taylor Swift Owns Her Masters May 30, 2025

“The best things that have ever been mine… finally actually are.” It’s Taylor Independence Day! In this special bonus episode, we, your hosts of AP Taylor Swift, discuss the (surprisingly emotional) breaking news of Taylor Swift's acquisition of her original masters. We share our first reactions and the significance of this moment in Taylor's career, and then (in true AP Taylor Swift style) dive into the rhetoric of Taylor's letter announcing the news, analyzing her personal style and the deeper meanings behind her words. We take a second to touch on Taylor’s humor and then get to the big news about the Reputation album and speculate on the future of Taylor's re-recordings and music. Finally, we touch on the reactions of the Taylor Swift fan community to close out the show.

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Mentioned in this episode:

The Great Gatsby

E77: Historical Criticism

E27: Poetic Repetition

E11: Marxist Theory

[00:17] Breaking News: Taylor Swift's Masters Acquisition
[02:00] Emotional Reactions and Reflections
[04:52] Analyzing Taylor's Letter: A Personal Touch
[09:42] The Memories. The Magic. The Madness.

[15:30] What About Rep TV?

[24:07] Starting a Conversation Around Owning Your Masters

[26:22] Fan Reactions to the Announcement

[29:17] Closing Thoughts and Future Insights

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E91: Everything You Lose Is a Step You Take: A Deep Dive into “You’re On Your Own, Kid” May 28, 2025

“You've got no reason to be afraid.” This week, we’re going line by line through a fan favorite, “You're On Your Own Kid” (Midnights 2023). Join us as we explore the title's significance and the evolution of the speaker's perspective throughout the song, touching on themes of agency, personal growth, and the role of seasons and senses in the narrative. From feeling alone to embracing one's strength and support system, this week’s detailed analysis will take you on the transformative journey that is this incredible song.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Game of Thrones

Kingdom of Heaven

Mean Girls

Cinderella, Brothers Grimm

Miss Americana

Little Women

Episode Highlights:

[01:08] Who is the “you” in the title?

[03:09] “Summer went away,” the season of the youth

[07:26] Agency and growing up

[22:30] Comparing choruses

[29:14] ”Something they can’t take away,” a turning point

[37:45] The purpose

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E90: The Art of Taylor Swift’s Storytelling: Narratology Explained May 21, 2025

“Once the flight had flown…” Taylor Swift is a master storyteller, but how does she tell those stories? In this week’s Show & Tell episode, we’re talking all about Narratology. We break down the structure behind the storytelling, unpacking flashbacks, fast forwards, stream of consciousness, and first-person limited narration through three brilliant Swift tracks. From fairy tale distortion in “Is It Over Now?”, a murder mystery arc in “No Body, No Crime,” to the heart-tugging Bildungsroman of “You’re On Your Own, Kid,” this episode explores the how behind the heartbreaks, twists, and self-discoveries. Whether you're into literary theory, folklore, or just love a well-crafted bridge, you’ll leave this episode with a deeper appreciation for Taylor’s evolving narrative toolkit—and maybe a few English class flashbacks of your own.

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Mentioned in this episode:

White Lotus

E51: All Too Well (10 Minute Version)

Mrs. Dalloway, Virginia Woolf

Dracula, Bram Stoker

The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien

Beauty and the Beast

Sleeping Beauty

Alice and Wonderland

Snow White

Doctor Who

E78: Tim McGraw Deep Dive

Harry Potter

Great Expectations, Charles Dickens

Jane Eyre, Charlotte Brontë

***

Episode Highlights:

[01:13] Intro to narratology

[05:25] “Is It Over Now?” 1989 (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)

[19:34] “No body, no crime” evermore

[32:20] “You’re on You’re Own, Kid” Midnights

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Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com

Affiliate Codes:

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E89: Deep Dive - Florida!!! From “The Tortured Poets Department” May 14, 2025

“You can beat the heat, if you beat the charges too.” Is Florida!!! the wildest track on The Tortured Poets Department? In this chaotic, heartfelt, and unfiltered episode, we break down Taylor Swift’s "Florida!!!" line by line—from the millennial whiplash of “my friends all smell like weed or little babies” to hurricane metaphors, fugitive fantasies, and haunted mansions.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Florida by Lauren Groff

The Haunted Mansion (Disney)

The Good Place (NBC)
Sweet Home Alabama
Mean Girls

Pocahontas

Rippling corporate espionage case

***

Episode Highlights:

[03:00] Let’s start with the title

[06:45] “My friends all smell like weed or little babies”

[10:03] “Your home’s only a town you’re just a guest in”

[16:33] “Hurricane with my name when it came”

[21:15] “Yes I’m haunted but I’m feeling just fine”

[29:58] The bridge - remember, there are two speakers!

[39:26] The purpose

**

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Affiliate Codes:

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Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E88: Dance in a storm: From 'Fearless' Rain to ‘Florida!!!’ Hurricanes, Weather as a Literary Device in Taylor Swift’s music May 07, 2025

“He was sunshine, I was midnight rain.” Dive into how Taylor Swift masterfully uses weather imagery - from romantic rain in 'Fearless' to metaphorical storms in 'Midnight Rain' and destructive hurricanes in 'Florida!!!' (feat. Florence Welch). Join us for an exploration of meteorological metaphors in Swift's songwriting across different eras.

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Mentioned in this episode:

King Lear

The Great Gatsby

Wuthering Heights

E13: Metaphors (“Clean”)

E10: Deep Dive - Red

Florida

***

Episode Highlights:

[01:15] Intro to rain songs and weather

[07:34] “Fearless,” Fearless

[18:18] “Midnight Rain,” Midnights

[30:35] “Florida!!!” The Tortured Poets Department

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E87: Deep Dive - “Say Don’t Go” Apr 30, 2025

“I said I love you, you say nothing back.” This week, we're deep diving into "Say Don't Go," from 1989 (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault). Picking up from last week's circus-themed episode, we unravel how Taylor crafts a lyrical nightmare of helplessness, packed tight with metaphors and rhetorical questions that leave listeners suspended in emotional free fall.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Six The Musical
The Break-Up (2006 film)

Mad Men

The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center

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Episode Highlights:

[03:09] “Oh no, oh no, I’m unarmed”

[07:36] “I’m standing on a tightrope, alone”

[14:56] “Why’d you have to lead me on?”

[21:44] “And I’m yours but you’re not mine”

[32:10] “Why’d you have to make me want you”

[42:42] “But you won’t…”

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E86: Under the Big Top — Taylor Swift and the Circus Metaphor Apr 23, 2025

“I was tame, I was gentle til the circus life made me mean.” This week on AP Taylor Swift, we delve into the recurring motif of the circus in Taylor Swift’s discography. From the tightropes of emotional vulnerability to the grand illusions of public persona, we analyze how Taylor employs circus imagery to convey themes of performance, control, and otherness.

This episode includes discussions on the historical exploitation within circus culture, including forced labor, racism, and animal cruelty. For more information, we recommend the article from the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the podcast Circus Stories for firsthand accounts.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Circus Stories Podcast

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen

The Night Circus

The Phantom of the Opera
The Prestige (2006 film)
Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Disney’s Dumbo and Bambi

60 - Witches

61- Deep Dive “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me”

The Second Sex

Great Expectations

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Introduction to the circus metaphor in literature and music
[10:50] “Say Don’t Go” 1989 (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)
[24:53] “…So It Goes” reputation
[33:26] “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?” The Tortured Poets Department

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E85: Karma Is My Boyfriend? Unpacking Taylor Swift's Song "Karma" Apr 16, 2025

“Me and Karma vibe like that.” This week on AP Taylor Swift Podcast we dive deep into “Karma” from Midnights and its surprising literary connections. Continuing from last week's exploration of Emily Dickinson, we unravel how Taylor Swift plays with themes of fate, justice, and reincarnation in this song. We analyze the song's vivid metaphors, from keeping your side of the street clean to flexing like a goddamn acrobat—wait, but who’s flexing? Plus, we debate whether Taylor herself becomes karma by the song’s end and what that means for her storytelling.

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Mentioned in this episode:

***

Episode Highlights:

[01:46] What is Karma?

[07:08] “You’re talking shit for the hell of it”

[10:21] “I keep my side of the street clean”

[18:01] “Karma is my boyfriend, Karma is a god”

[22:51] “Spider boy, king of thieves”

[30:20] “Ask me why so many fade but I’m still here”

[35:50] “Karma’s gonna track you down”

[44:44] The purpose of “Karma”

E84: Is Emily Dickinson Taylor Swift’s Literary Twin? Comparing Emily Dickinson with Karma, Evermore & More Apr 09, 2025

“And I was catching my breath, barefoot in the wildest winter…” What happens when a 21st-century American poet meets a 19th-century one? In this Show & Tell episode, we explore the literary lineage between Taylor Swift and Emily Dickinson—two iconic writers whose work spans centuries but shares unmistakable DNA (literally—did you know they might be distant cousins?!). From slant rhymes and stylized punctuation to themes of isolation, longing, and hope, we unpack the poetic parallels between Dickinson’s timeless verses and Taylor’s lyrics. In true Show & Tell fashion, each of us brings a favorite Dickinson poem paired with a Swift song that touch on shared motifs such as separation, isolation, and hope. Tune in to find out which modern-day Taylor tracks sound like 19th-century poetry—and why we think Emily might vibe with Evermore.

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Mentioned in this episode:

The Letters of Emily Dickinson

The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson’s Hope is the Thing with Feathers

They Put Us Far Apart (Poem 474)

It Was Not Death, for I Stood Up (Poem 355)

Message in a Bottle – Taylor Swift

Evermore – Taylor Swift
Karma – Taylor Swift
Beauty and the Beast (live-action & Broadway versions)
Hamilton

Taylor Swift by the Book
Ancestry.com – Taylor & Emily’s distant cousin connection
Emily Dickinson Museum
Tikvah (Hebrew word for hope)

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Episode Highlights:

[06:26] “Message in a Bottle” + they put us far apart

[16:03] “Evermore” + It was not death, for I stood up

[29:31] “Karma” + Hope is a thing with feathers

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Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E83: Taylor Swift Is Funnier Than You Think | "Thug Story," SNL, and Her Best Joke Songs Apr 02, 2025

“It’s a thug story tell me can you handle that” In honor of April Fool’s Day, we’re diving into Taylor Swift’s funniest, most unexpected performances — from self-parody and satire to flat-out absurdity. This week, we explore Thug Story (2008), her 2009 SNL monologue, “Monologue Song (La La La)”, and the 2021 SNL Three Sad Virgins sketch to understand how Swift uses humor to subvert expectations, reclaim her narrative, and show off her impeccable comedic timing.

Plus: why baking cookies is the running gag that won’t quit, what a “benign violation” is, and whether “Cats” was actually meant to be a comedy.

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Mentioned in this episode:

“Thug Story” feat. T-Pain (CMT Awards, 2009)

Taylor Swift’s 2009 SNL Monologue Song (la la la)
Please Don’t Destroy - Three Sad Virgins (ft. Taylor Swift) - SNL 2021
Only Murders in the Building (Hulu)
What’s So Funny? The Science of Why We Laugh by Giovanni Sabato
Anatomy of the Gag by Václav Havel

Comedy Book: How Comedy Conquered Culture by Jesse David Fox
Nanette by Hannah Gadsby (Netflix)
APTS E19: Satire

***

Episode Highlights:

[04:03] “Thug Story”

[11:04] “Monologue Song (La La La)”

[23:29] “Three Sad Virgins”

Follow AP Taylor Swift podcast on social!

Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E82: Deep Dive - Guilty as Sin? Mar 26, 2025

“What if he’s written “mine” on my upper thigh” This week we dive into “Guilty as Sin?” from The Tortured Poets Department. We explore how Taylor Swift uses religious metaphors, what the imagery of cages and wolves might mean, the complexities of fantasies, desires, and moral dilemmas, particularly in the context of relationships and societal expectations. Just another light episode from your unofficial Professors of Taylor Swift!

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Mentioned in this episode:

The Downtown Lights by The Blue Nile (1989)

Beauty and the Beast (Disney)
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
Song of Solomon (Hebrew Bible)
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

***

Episode Highlights:

[00:18] "Guilty as sin?"

[05:50] "Am I allowed to cry?"

[10:34] "Crashing into him tonight, he's a paradox."

[18:33] "What if he's written 'mine' on my upper thigh — only in my mind?"

[28:30] "I keep these longings locked"

[40:00] "What if I rolled the stone away? They’re gonna crucify me anyway."

[45:00] “I choose you and me — religiously.”

[50:41] The purpose of the song

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Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com

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Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E81: Show and Tell - Paintings by Female Artists Mar 19, 2025

“You set up a paint set in the kitchen and you’re talking to me” What happens when we view Taylor Swift’s music through the lens of female artists? In this week’s Show & Tell episode, we explore the work of three iconic women in art—Mary Cassatt, Remedios Varo, and Hildegard von Bingen—and connect their paintings to Taylor Swift’s songs. From the intimacy of motherhood to the surreal exhaustion of creating something greater than yourself, to the struggle of questioning authority, we discuss how these themes appear in both art and Taylor’s songwriting.

Since this is a visual episode, check out the full video episode on YouTube or Spotify!

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Mentioned in this episode:

Mary Cassatt, Wikipedia

De Young Museum, “5 Things to Know About Impressionist Mary Cassatt”

Mary Cassatt – Bathing the Young Heir (1890-1891)

The Dutch House, Ann Patchett

Surrealism and the Art of Remedios Varo

Starmaker, Remedios Varo (1958)

Hildegard von Bingen

Hildegard von Bingen's Physica

***

Episode Highlights:

[00:19] This week’s topic: Female Artists

[01:09] Mary Cassatt and “The Best Day”

[13:40] Remedios Varo and “This Is Me Trying”

[26:58] Hildegard von Bingen and “Guilty as Sin”

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Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E80: Deep Dive - Mirrorball Mar 12, 2025

“I’ll show you every version of yourself tonight” In this episode, we delve into Taylor Swift's song 'mirrorball' from Folklore, exploring its themes of identity, reflection, and the performance of femininity. We discuss the significance of the mirror ball as an object that always shows a reflection. We also touch on the song's structure, the emotional nature of the lyrics, and the implications of the 'hush' in the chorus. It’s a loaded episode that takes us to the societal pressures on women to perform and ultimately leads us to ask the question, “are we all mirrorballs?”

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***

Episode Highlights:

[01:15] How we do a deep dive

[01:33] What is a mirrorball?

[08:41] “You’ll find me on my tallest tiptoes”

[15:01] “I can change everything about me to fit in”

[23:10] “Hush”

[27:38] The bridge

[39:38] The purpose

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Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E79: Show and Tell - Feminist Theory Mar 05, 2025

"Girls go out and have your fun, then they hunt and slay the ones who actually do it." What does it mean to view Taylor Swift's music through a feminist lens? On this week’s show and tell episode, we look at three songs from the lens of Feminist Theory—"Mean," "Nothing New," and "Mirrorball"—to examine how they critique patriarchal expectations, the limitations placed on women, and the struggle for self-definition. From the societal obsession with youth and likability to the emotional labor of constantly adjusting to fit in, this discussion unpacks the deeper layers of feminist literary criticism embedded in Swift’s songwriting.

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Mentioned in this episode:

E70: Harry Potter Holidays Special Episode

- Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
- Middlemarch, George Elliot

Mean Girls

- Unlikable Female Characters by Anna Bogutskaya
- The Handmaids Tale, Margaret Atwood

Hamlet

Romeo and Juliet
Grease
It’s a Man’s (Celluloid) World: Portrayals of Female Characters in the Top Grossing U.S. Films of 2022, Dr. Martha M. Lauzen San Diego State University
Britney Spears, Circus

***

Episode Highlights:

[01:36] Introduction to Feminist Theory

[04:12] “Mean”

[17:17] “Nothing New”

[30:35] “Mirrorball”

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Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com

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Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E78: Deep Dive - Tim McGraw Feb 26, 2025

“When you think Tim McGraw, I hope you think of me” This week on AP Taylor Swift, we’re going line by line through “Tim McGraw”—the debut single that introduced Taylor Swift to the world. From the country music storytelling structure to the nostalgic time loop embedded in the lyrics, we explore every lyrical shift, hidden meaning, and emotional evolution in the song.

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Mentioned in this episode:

The Last Song

Dirty Dancing

The Summer I Turned Pretty

Grease

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before

The Good Place

Anita de Monte Laughs Last – Xochitl Gonzalez

***

Episode Highlights:

[00:55] How we do a deep dive

[02:07] “He said the way my blue eyes shined…”

[05:32] “And I was right there beside him all summer long”

[07:55] “When you think Tim McGraw”

[12:40] “September saw a month of tears”

[18:34] “And there’s a letter left on your doorstep / And the first thing that you’ll read”

[21:40] “... I said, that's a lie”

[27:12] The purpose of the song

Follow AP Taylor Swift podcast on social!

Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com

Affiliate Codes:

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Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E77: Show and Tell - Historical Criticism Feb 19, 2025

You need to calm down, but we know it’ll be hard becausein this episode, we are diving into historical criticism! We explore the context in which Taylor’s songs were created, starting with “Tim McGraw,” the first Taylor Swift single of all time. We then transition into the world of Lover with “Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince” and “You Need to Calm Down.” Join us as we explore how looking at the historical context of these songs helps deepen our understanding and appreciation of Taylor’s music!

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Mentioned in this episode:

Tim McGraw - She’s My Kind of Rain

Tim McGraw - Live Like You Were Dying

E11: Show and Tell - Marxist Theory

Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Grease the film

Barbie the film

Mean Girls the film

***

Episode Highlights:

[00:40] Introduction to Historical Criticism

[4:58] “Tim McGraw” from Debut

[16:37] “Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince” from Lover

[29:47] “You Need to Calm Down” from Lover

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Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E76: Deep Dive - “You Are In Love” Feb 12, 2025

“You can hear it in the silence.” This week on AP Taylor Swift, we deep dive into “You Are In Love” from Taylor Swift’s album 1989. We break down how Taylor captures the essence of love—not through grand gestures but instead through small, intimate moments: a look across a room, coffee at midnight, and the silence that says it all. We explore the significance of mundane details throughout the song and discuss its lyrical structure, poetic devices (like spondees!), and why the most profound emotions often have no proof, just feelings.

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Mentioned in this episode:

TIME Magazine, 2023 Person of the Year

Stars Around My Scars

Troilus and Cressida

West Side Story

Pride and Prejudice

Mad Men

E5: Toxic Relationships

So It Goes

Slaughterhouse-Five

Love Actually

***

Episode Highlights:

[01:38] “One look, dark room”

[10:00] “Coffee at midnight”

[18:49] “You can hear it in the silence”

[20:18] “You keep his shirt, he keeps his word”

[24:50] “He is in love”

[30:39] “And so it goes”

[39:40] The purpose of the song

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Affiliate Codes:

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Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E75: Show and Tell - Romantic Love Feb 05, 2025

“One single thread of gold tied me to you” This week on AP Taylor Swift, we are kicking off Valentine’s season with a show and tell on Romantic Love. ❤️ We explore how Taylor writes about romantic love—from the grand, sweeping gestures to the small, intimate moments that define a true connection. We break down three iconic songs— “You Are in Love”, “Lover”, and “Invisible String”—examining how each Taylor Swift song captures different facets of romantic relationships.

This week’s episode is sponsored by the new book “Stars Around My Scars: The Annotated Poetry of Taylor Swift” written by Dr. Elly McCausland, out now wherever books are sold.

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Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Stars Around My Scars

E5: Toxic Relationships

E70: Harry Potter Holiday Special

***

Episode Highlights:

[07:16] “You Are In Love” 1989

[13:40] “Lover” Lover

[25:18] “Invisible String” folklore

Follow AP Taylor Swift podcast on social!

Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E74: Deep Dive - Maroon Jan 29, 2025

“So scarlet it was, maroon.” What’s the true meaning behind Taylor Swift’s “Maroon”? This week on AP Taylor Swift podcast, we dive into the shades of red, love, and memory that define this “Midnights” favorite. We explore how Taylor uses colors to capture the complexity of relationships—the highs, the heartbreaks, and the legacy they leave behind. Listen as we unpack the layers of this fan-favorite track.

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Mentioned in this episode:

E73: Show and Tell - Color

The Big Lebowski

E66: Deep Dive - Holy Ground

The Wizard of Oz

Van Gogh’s faded colors

Every color referenced in Maroon

Eats, Shoots, and Leaves

***

Episode Highlights:

[02:00] “When the morning came”

[08:30] “your roommate’s cheapass screwtop rosé”

[12:53] “The burgundy on my cheeks”

[23:56] “When the silence came”

[25:06] Our “ah ha” moment

[30:39] “the rubies that I gave up”

[38:07] The purpose of the song

Follow AP Taylor Swift podcast on social!

Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E73: "Maroon", "Red," "Daylight" - Show and Tell - Color Jan 22, 2025

“I once believed love would be black and white, but it’s golden.” In this week’s episode of AP Taylor Swift, we dive into the rich, poetic use of color in Taylor Swift's lyrics with a show and tell on…color! From "Red" to "Daylight" to "Maroon," we discuss how Taylor’s use of color evolves to reflect different stages of love and life.

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Mentioned in this episode:

E32: Deep Dive - Love Story

E9: Fall Songs

The Color Purple

Les Miserable, “Red and Black”

E10: Deep Dive - Red

Pop Sugar Article, 2019

The Outsiders

Every color referenced in Maroon

***

Episode Highlights:

[00:59] Adding color to today’s topic…color!

[05:04] “Red”

[12:47] “Daylight”

[22:46] “Maroon”

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Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com

Affiliate Codes:

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Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E72: Deep Dive - cardigan Jan 15, 2025

“When you are young they assume you know nothing.” This week on AP Taylor Swift we deep dive into “cardigan” from folklore. We discuss the song’s nostalgia for teenage love and explore what it means to feel like an old cardigan–is that a good thing? We connect the song to last week’s Peter Pan discussion and the “teenage love trilogy” with august and betty. Is "Cardigan" simply a story of love lost and regained, or is it a meditation on self-discovery and growth? Find out when you listen to this week’s episode

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Mentioned in this episode:

***

Episode Highlights:

[02:43] The “teenage love triangle” trilogy

[05:51] “Vintage tee, brand new phone”

[13:00] “And when I felt like I was an old cardigan”

[18:49] “Heartbeat on The Highline”

[23:52] “Once in twenty lifetimes”

[31:23] “I knew you…”

[36:25] “Cause I knew everything when I was young”

[45:00] The purpose of the song

Follow AP Taylor Swift podcast on social!

Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E71: Show and Tell - Peter Pan Jan 08, 2025

“Tried to change the ending, Peter losing Wendy.” This week on AP Taylor Swift podcast, we have a show-and-tell episode exploring “Peter Pan” and its influence on Taylor Swift’s music. We analyze three songs—“Innocent,” “Cardigan,” and “Peter”—uncovering connections between Taylor’s lyrics and Peter Pan’s themes of childhood, growing up, lost innocence, and the allure of staying young forever. From exploring Wendy's perspective as the “mother” figure to dissecting the complexities of Peter Pan syndrome, we delve into the literary and psychological depths of J.M. Barrie's classic tale and its resonance in Taylor Swift's lyrics.

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Mentioned in this episode:

***

Episode Highlights:

[01:07] Intro to Peter Pan
[08:31] “Innocent” Speak Now
[22:34] “Cardigan” folklore
[31:09] “Peter” The Tortured Poets Department

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Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

Holidays Show and Tell - New Year's Day Re-Release Jan 01, 2025

“I’ll be picking up bottles with you on New Year’s Day.” In honor of New Year’s Day we’re revisiting our 2023 Holidays episode. But…did we actually pick holiday songs? We start by defining what the “holiday season” even means in an attempt to answer the question. Jodi discusses “New Year’s Day,” with the thesis that it’s a song about the everyday, not necessarily the holidays. Jenn brings on the holiday melancholy with “champagne problems,” sparking a hot conversation about holiday engagements and the challenges of family gatherings during the holidays. And Maansi, naturally, shares “tis the damn season,” prompting a conversation about how we really feel about the holiday season and whether they “linger like bad perfume” for us. Are Taylor Swift holidays actually happy holidays? Listen and find out!

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Mentioned in this episode:

“Under the Tuscan Sun”

“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”

“Book Lovers,” Emily Henry

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” JK Rowling

“Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” film

“Inside Out”

***

Episode Highlights:

[01:13] How do we define the holiday season?

[05:52] “New Years Day” I’ll be picking up bottles with you

[22:20] “champagne problems” Your mom's ring in your pocket

[36:40] “‘tis the damn season” We could call it even

Follow AP Taylor Swift podcast on social!

Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E70: Show and Tell - Harry Potter Holiday Special Dec 25, 2024

“We can leave the Christmas lights up til January.” Tis the damn season, so we’re bringing you a Harry Potter Holiday Special episode! This week we do a special Show and Tell episode bringing together two of our favorite topics: Harry Potter and Taylor Swift’s lyrics. Jenn imagines “Look What You Made Me Do” as Snape’s song to Voldermort. Jodi makes the case that “Lover” perfectly captures Lavender Brown’s feelings toward Ron. And Maansi envisions “You’re On Your Own Kid” as an anthem about Harry Potter’s arc throughout the entire series. Whether you’re a fan of the books, the movies, or both, we fully dork out on this episode. Join us!

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Mentioned in this episode:

Harry Potter

Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma

TikTok creator who does “Harry Potter Characters as Taylor Swift Songs” Jake L @Jakobcl1989

***

Episode Highlights:

[01:30] Introduction to Harry Potter and Christmas

[05:25] “Look What You Made Me Do”

[13:30] “Lover”

[24:08] “You’re On Your Own, Kid”

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Affiliate Codes:

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E69: Deep Dive - my tears ricochet Dec 18, 2024

“I can go anywhere I want, just not home” This week on AP Taylor Swift, we take on “my tears ricochet,” the gut-wrenching Track 5 from “Folklore”. From its funeral imagery to what it means for a tear to “ricochet,” we explore themes of grief, regret, and power dynamics. Whether this song is about romantic heartbreak, a friendship gone sour, or even a toxic job, we explore why this song resonates so deeply with so many, and what it means for each of us.

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Mentioned in this episode:

E67: Greek Mythology

E54: Anniversary Episode

E32: Love Story Deep Dive

The Little Book of Shakespeare's Insults: The Bard's Best Barbs

Reputation album letter

Jane Eyre

The Phantom of the Opera

The Little Mermaid

E56: Guest Episode - DJ Louie XIV

***

Episode Highlights:

[00:35] Introducing “my tears ricochet” and our initial thoughts

[06:51] “I didn’t have it in myself to go with grace”

[10:48] “Look at how my tears ricochet”

[17:31] “You know I didn’t want to have to haunt you”

[24:49] “When I’d fight you used to tell me I was brave”

[29:11] “And I can go anywhere I want, just not home”

[36:41] “You had to kill me but it killed you just the same”

[41:10] What might it mean for tears to ricochet?

[44:50] The purpose of the song

Follow AP Taylor Swift podcast on social!

Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E68: Bonus Episode - Taylor Swift by the Book with Tiffany Tatreau and Rachel Feder Dec 13, 2024

“Don’t read the last page” This week we’re joined by Rachel Feder and Tiffany Tatreau, authors of the new release Taylor Swift By the Book. In their incredible new release, Rachel and Tiffany go song by song through Taylor’s discography and discover the literature behind the lyrics, from fairy tales to tortured poets. They join us to share what inspired them to write this book, the themes and narratives that came up most often in Taylor’s music, and so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Taylor Swift by the Book by Rachel Feder and Tiffany Tatreau

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

Florida by Lauren Groff

Shakespeare’s works, including Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet

The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Lady of Shalott, Alfred Tennyson

The Odyssey by Homer

Mary Wollstonecraft

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee

The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

Works of Plato

Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim

The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

***

Episode Highlights:

[00:58] Introduction to Taylor Swift by the Book

[9:36] The process of deciding what went into the book

[22:10] Taylor Swift and the poetess tradition

[37:08] Taylor Swift’s literary eras

[45:48] The songs that made Tiffany and Rachel swifties

Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe

Follow us on social!

Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E67: Show and Tell - Greek Mythology Dec 11, 2024

“Fatefully, I tried to pick my battles 'til the battle picked me” This week, we're diving into the timeless influence of Greek mythology in Taylor Swift's music by exploring connections between Taylor's songs and classic Greek myths. Jodi finds links between Demeter and Persephone’s sorrow in The Hymn to Demeter and the Folklore song"My Tears Ricochet.” Maansi shows us how "Long Story Short” sounds like Odysseus recounting his epic journey as he returns home. And Jenn gets into the ancient story of the Labyrinth and how it reflects themes of self-discovery and transformation in "Labyrinth." Is Taylor Swift a modern-day Homer? Listen and find out!

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Mentioned in this episode:

Mythology, Edith Hamilton

The Iliad, Homer

The Odyssey, Homer

Metamorphoses, Ovid

Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan

E44: Metaphors + “The Tortured Poets Department”

E22: Mastermind

Homeric Hymns

The Hymn to Demeter

Hadestown (musical)

Hercules (Disney animated film)

E54: One Year Anniversary of AP Taylor Swift

Circe, Madeline Miller

Fantasyland by Kurt Andersen

The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell

Stephen Fry’s Mythos, Heroes, and Troy

Episode Highlights:

[01:40] Introduction to Greek Mythology

[08:25] "my tears ricochet" folklore

[19:49] "long story short" evermore

[32:11] "Labyrinth" Midnights

Follow us!

Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com

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***

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E66: Deep Dive - Holy Ground Dec 04, 2024

“Back when you fit my poems like a perfect rhyme.” This week, we deep dive into Holy Ground from Taylor Swift’s album Red. We unpack the song’s themes of time, memory, and the contrast between New York City’s hustle and those still, reflective moments where we realize what truly matters. Is Holy Ground a nostalgic ode to a past relationship, a metaphor for personal growth, or both? Listen to find out!

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Mentioned in this episode:

Lauren Rowe @rowe.reads on Instagram

Scott Pilgrim vs The World

Let Go, Avril Lavigne Album

Avril Lavigne conspiracy theory

Fantasyland, Kurt Anderson

Tribeca’s Holy Ground in the 1700s

***

Episode Highlights:

[01:27] Reminiscing on our romance novels episode

[02:50] “I was reminiscing just the other day”

[08:40] “Back when you fit in my poems like a perfect rhyme”

[14:41] “Right there where we stood was holy ground”

[22:25] “And for the first time I had something to lose”

[32:22] “And I see your face in every crowd”

[34:48] “tonight I’m gonna dance for all that we’ve been through”

[44:15] The purpose of the song

Follow us on social!

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

E65: Show and Tell - Romance Novels featuring Lauren Rowe Nov 27, 2024

“I see Sparks Fly whenever you smile.” This week on AP Taylor Swift, we’re thrilled to welcome book content creator and Bookish Bestie Lauren Rowe (@rowe.reads) as we explore the romance novel-worthy worlds of Taylor Swift’s songs. We learn how Lauren reviews books and the connections between Taylor’s songs and romance novels. Then we break down the romantic themes and tropes in Sparks Fly, Holy Ground, Starlight, and Dress, drawing connections between Taylor's storytelling and beloved romance novel tropes like forbidden love, second chances, and enemies to lovers. We explore why Taylor’s songs resonate so powerfully with romance readers, how she creates vivid narratives through her lyrics, and why Swifties and romance lovers alike connect so deeply with stories of love, loss, and longing.

Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe

Mentioned in this episode:

Lauren Rowe @rowe.reads on Instagram

A Beautiful Work in Progress by Mirna Valerio

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

The Seven-Year Slip by Ashley Poston

The Dead Romanticsby Ashley Poston

Novel Love Storyby Ashley Poston

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

Sunday Morning by Jewel E. Ann

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

You’ve Got Mail

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

***

Episode Highlights:

[00:41] Introducing Lauren Rowe @rowe.reads

[07:29] How Lauren reviews books

[12:55] Parallels between Taylor’s marketing and book series marketing

[17:00] The song that made Lauren a Swiftie

[19:16] “Sparks Fly” Speak Now

[24:44] “Holy Ground” Red

[32:00] “Starlight” Red

[38:40] “Dress” Reputation

Follow us on social!

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E64: Deep Dive - Cowboy like me Nov 20, 2024

“I've got some tricks up my sleeve, takes one to know one.” This week, we’re deep diving a fan request, “Cowboy like me” (evermore 2020). We go line by line, exploring the use of stylistic choices like starting with the word 'and.' Join us as we delve into the narrative structure of the song and attempt to understand the characters in the song, debate the fun factor of airport bars, and try to figure out exactly what exactly Taylor means when she says “cowboy like me.”

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Mentioned in this episode:

E19: Show & Tell - Satire

Robin Hood

The Life and Adventures of Joquin Murieta by John Rollin (TW: violence, violence against women)

The Lone Ranger

White Collar

***

Episode Highlights:

[1:20] Introduction to “cowboy like me”

[3:30] “tennis court covered up with a tent-like thing”

[9:18] “sitting in an airport bar”

[13:45] Digging into the cowboy imagery

[22:33] The repeated stanzas

[30:25] “forever is the sweetest con”

[34:55] Getting into the purpose

Follow us on social!

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

E63: Show and Tell - Garden Songs Nov 13, 2024

“We can plant a memory garden.” This week we have a show and tell episode on garden songs, exploring the theme of gardens and flowers across Taylor Swift’s lyrics. From the haunting imagery in Ivy to the rich symbolism of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon in Cowboy Like Me, and the many different flowers in The Great War, we dig (get it?) into how Taylor uses garden and flower metaphors to evoke ideas of romance, loyalty, and loss.

Mentioned in this episode:

E7: S&T-Ecocriticism

The Bible

Lady Chatterley's Lover by D.H. Lawrence

The Secret Garden by Frances Burnett

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

E32: DD-Love Story

Gardens of Babylon Photo 1

Gardens of Babylon Photo 2

Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

Women in Love by D.H. Lawrence

Crimson Clover

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

In Flanders Fields by John McCrae

The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

The New Look on Apple TV+

***

Episode Highlights:

[03:56] “ivy” evermore

[16:42] “cowboy like me” evermore

[28:00] “The Great War” Midnights (3am Edition)

Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe

Follow us on social!

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

E62: Bookish Chat With Laura Bankers of Little Owlet Art Nov 08, 2024

Surprise! We have another exciting guest episode for you this week where we chat with Laura Bankers, who is a swiftie, book-lover, and an incredible artist who makes the cutest swiftie and bookish-themed stickers. Tune in to hear us talk about her business, inspiration, and community, and stick around for a special spin-the-wheel game at the end!

You can find Laura on Instagram with the handle @little.owlet.art, through her monthly newsletter, and on Etsy through her store LittleOwletArt.

Mentioned in this episode:

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

***

Episode Highlights:

[00:15] Meet Laura Bankers of LittleOwletArt

[5:13] Inspiration process

[7:30] TS Collab Wishlist

[11:45] Changed by the fandom

[13:22] Creating a community

[18:52] Books & Taylor Swift

[21:16] Game time! Spin the Wheel

[40:17] The song that made Laura a Swiftie

Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E61: Deep Dive - Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me Nov 06, 2024

"You don’t get to tell me about sad.” This week, we deep dive into Taylor Swift's song “Who's Afraid of Little Old Me” from The Tortured Poets Department. For this TTPD and Eras Tour favorite, we unpack the song’s references to fame, power dynamics, and female identity. We explore how this song brings up our experiences of passive-aggressive workplaces, and being asked to change our behavior to fit other’s expectations. It’s a meaty episode–listen and let us know what you think!

Mentioned in this episode:

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Edward Albee

Apex Predator, Mean Girls

E23: Mad Women

The Great Gatsby

Pirates of the Caribbean

Les Misérables

Wicked

Episode Highlights:

[01:52] How we do a deep dive

[03:19] Unpacking references in the song’s title

[07:49] “The who’s who of who’s that”

[13:01] “If you wanted me dead, you should have just said”

[18:56] “So I leap from the gallows”

[21:20] “At all costs, keep your good name”

[32:25] “So tell me everything is not about me”

[37:57] "That's why you're still singing along"

[42:39] The purpose of the song

[52:00] Listener homework!

Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

E60: Show and Tell - Witches Oct 30, 2024

“They’re burning all the witches even if you aren’t one.” Happy spooky season! This week, we dive into the topic of witches. From historical midwives to fantasy heroines, Taylor’s music has a little bit for everyone. In this episode, we look at the fiery witch imagery in “I Did Something Bad,” explore the visual choice of witchiness in “willow,” and discuss the fantasy of owning your power in “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me.” With plenty of Harry Potter references for all, this episode is perfect for the inner Hermione in us all. Because at the end of the day, aren’t we all just powerful witches who are also kind of giant nerds?

Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe

Mentioned in this episode:

E7: Ecocriticism

E23: Mad Women

E19: Satire

Pride and Prejudice

Witches, Midwives, and Nurses: A History of Women Healers by Barbara Ehrenreich and Deirdre English

E58: Show and Tell - Style

Willow Music Video

Outlander

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

E9: Fall Songs

Les Miserables

The Crucible

The Power, Naomi Alderman

Shit Cassandra Saw, Gwen E. Kirby

Jennifer’s Body

Great Expectations

Invisible Women, Caroline Criado-Perez

***

Episode Highlights:

[01:15] Introduction to Witches

[07:34] I Did Something Bad - “They’re burning all the witches even if you aren’t one”

[19:36] Willow - “Wait for the signal and I’ll meet you after dark”

[34:30] Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me - “So I leap from the gallows and I levitate down your street”

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

E59: Deep Dive - Vigilante Shit Oct 23, 2024

“Lately I’ve been dressing for revenge.” This week we deep dive Eras tour favorite Vigilante Shit from Taylor Swift’s album “Midnights.” We discuss the meaning of “vigilante,” how the song challenges traditional gender roles, and the many potential pop culture references and parallels that make the song fit into the broader cultural narrative of women reclaiming their power. Is "Vigilante Shit" a feminist anthem or just a really fun revenge fantasy? Listen and find out!

Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe

Mentioned in this episode:

The Little Rascals

The Lion King

Circe by Madeline Miller

The Incredibles

John Tucker Must Die

Pretty Little Liars

Chicago

White Collar

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

***

Episode Highlights:

[01:20] “Draw the cat eye sharp enough to kill a man”

[06:45] “They say looks can kill and I might try”

[12:24] “Don’t get sad, get even”

[21:36] “Ladies always rise above…”

[30:10] “I don’t dress for villains”

[38:20] The purpose of the song

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Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E58: Show and Tell - Style featuring Sarah Chapelle of Taylor Swift Style Oct 16, 2024

“We never go out of style.” This week we have a very special guest joining us to talk about Style. Yes, we’re interviewing Queen of Taylor Swift Style herself Sarah Chapelle! Sarah joins us to talk about her new book Taylor Swift Style, how her blog and commentary have evolved over the years, and how Taylor’s fashion and music work in tandem to communicate a message. Then we dive into a show and tell featuring three songs that address the idea of style in one way or another: “Style”, “Dress”, and “Vigilante Shit”.

Mentioned in this episode:

TaylorSwiftStyle.com

Taylor Swift Style Book

@TaylorSwiftStyled on Instagram

@taylorswiftstyle.com on TikTok

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Selkie Dress

“Call It What You Want” Necklace

Gucci Scarf

Taylor Swift Style Book Tour

Dame Mary Quant

Dressed to Kill Etymology

Elizabeth Holmes “So Many Thoughts” Blog

The Man Repeller

Invisible Women

History of the Cat Eye Liner

***

Episode Highlights:

[01:12] Interview with Sarah Chapelle of Taylor Swift Style

[31:50] “Style” 1989 (Taylor’s Version)

[44:00] “Dress” Reputation

[55:59] “Vigilante Shit” Midnights

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Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E57: Deep Dive - ...Question? Oct 09, 2024

“It’s just a question!” In this week’s episode, we do a deep dive into the ultimate rhetorical question song from Taylor Swift - “Question…?” from Midnights. We get into our own questions, such as who is the “I,” the “you,” and the “her” in the story? What were the miscommunications? Was this a one-night stand or a longer situationship? While we never get any answers to the questions asked within the song, you'll have to tune in to see whether we answer our own questions about “Question…?”

Mentioned in this episode:

“Don’t Stop Believing” by Journey

A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

The Ugly Truth (film)

Ted Lasso (tv show)

Notting Hill (film)

“Sk8er Boi” by Avril Lavigne

Bridgerton Season Two

Daisy Jones and the Six (book)

Daisy Jones and the Six (tv show)

Episode Highlights:

[00:30] Introduction to “Question…?”

[02:13] The characters in the song

[04:30] Starting with “I remember”

[09:17] Moving into the present tense

[16:20] The chorus of “Question…?”

[29:37] “Half moon eyes” and verse 2

[39:28] Politics and gender roles

[44:52] Who is “her” in this song

[56:06] The purpose of the song

Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe

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Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

***

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E56: DJ Louie XIV of Pop Pantheon Talks Taylor Swift and Pop Stars Oct 04, 2024

In our first guest episode this season, we welcome DJ Louie XIV of Pop Pantheon to talk all things pop and Taylor Swift. DJ Louie discusses how he analyzes pop music in his podcast, Pop Pantheon, and delves into Taylor Swift’s unique role within the pop music landscape. We discuss Taylor’s cultural impact, her mastery of storytelling, and the influence of Jack Antonoff on her music.

Mentioned in this episode:

Pop Pantheon Podcast

Follow DJ Louie XIV on Instagram

Follow DJ Louie XIV on Twitter

Follow Pop Pantheon on Instagram

E31: Shakespeare

E32: Love Story

***

Episode Highlights:

[4:04] Why is pop music so fun to overanalyze?

[6:11] How Taylor Swift fits into the pop music Landscape

[15:25] Taylor Swift as “basic savant”

[27:30] Folklore Evermore Reset

[30:00] Taylor’s artistic evolutions through her albums

[34:28] The Jack Antonoff Partnerships

[36:44] Tortured Poets and Lyrical Editing

[41:07] The pop music formula

Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

E55: Show and Tell - Rhetorical Questions Oct 02, 2024

“…Are you ready for it?” No but really, are you? Today we’re talking rhetorical questions. Why does Taylor use them? Does she use them expecting an answer? Are those a rhetorical question? (We’ll stop now…) We’re covering “Is It Over Now?” from 1989 (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault), “...Ready for it” from Reputation, and “Question…?” from Midnights. Tune in to see if we get any answers!

Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe

Mentioned in this episode:

Types of Rhetorical Questions

The Office

Parks and Recreation

Law and Order

Legally Blonde

What is a Rhetorical Question? A rhetorical question is an inquiry that ends in a question mark but is asked for effect rather than to elicit an answer. It’s often used in persuasive writing but is also common in everyday conversation.

Types of Rhetorical Questions:

Anthypophora (hypophora): Involves asking a question in order to answer it immediately. In our animal studies episode, Jenn asked, “Did I make this song about something that personally interests me? Sure did”
Epiplexis: A rhetorical device in which one asks a question in order to admonish rather than receive an answer. Think Michael Scott, “why are you the way that you are?”
Erotesis: Positions the question in a way that elicits a strong reaction, either in agreement or rejection. However, this type of rhetorical question typically anticipates a negative response. it’s usually impossible to contradict.”How can segregation exist in the true Body of Christ?” - MLK

***

Episode Highlights:

[01:20] What are rhetorical questions?

[06:57] “Is It Over Now?” 1989 (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)

[26:39] “...Ready for it” Reputation

[44:48] “Question…?” Midnights

Follow us on social!

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E54: One-Year Anniversary of AP Taylor Swift Sep 25, 2024

Can we always be this close? We’re celebrating our first anniversary! This week we’re reminiscing about our first year of this podcast by talking about some of our favorite podcast moments in Year 1, and the songs we surprisingly haven’t covered yet. And we’re responding to listener requests, diving into specific lyrics requested by our dear listeners.

Mentioned in this episode:

Sisyphean task

Bookshop.org/shop/APTS

The Daily, “The Year of Taylor Swift”

E42: Ecocriticism + TTPD

Animal Theory Substack

E9: Fall Songs (aka Cornelia Street Moment)

E24: Deep Dive - Right Where You Left Me

E51: All Too Well (10 Minute Version) - Three Ways

All Too Well (10 Minute Version) Short Film

“Reformed Rake” trope

E33: Animal Theory

You Know How to Ball, I Know Aristotle on TikTok

Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe

***

Episode Highlights:

[01:38] Songs we surprisingly haven’t covered yet

[08:46] “My Tears Ricochet” Bridge

[19:20] “Robin”

[22:51] “Right Where You Left Me” pre-chorus

[26:45] “When your Brooklyn broke my skin and bones” All Too Well 10 Minute Version

[32:36] “Do you miss the rogue who coaxed you into paradise and left you there” Coney Island

[38:28] “We can’t make any promises now can we babe?” Delicate

[44:28] Season 2 sneak peek

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Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E53: Deep Dive - The Way I Loved You Sep 18, 2024

"I'm so in love that I acted insane." This week we dive into “The Way I Loved You.” One guy’s screaming and fighting, the other is sensible and incredible. We go line-by-line to identify who’s involved in this love triangle, the emotions behind the narrator’s dilemma, and why the narrator doesn’t seem to want the sensible, incredible, comfortable partner. Is this a lyrical analysis or a relationship analysis? Listen and find out!

Mentioned in this episode:

E52: Psychoanalytic Theory

The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

E25: Pride and Prejudice

Wuthering Heights by Charlotte Brontë

Matchmaker Maria

Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller

E5: Toxic Relationships

***

Episode Highlights:

[01:53] Rhetorical triangle reminder

[02:18] Who are the characters in the song?

[08:38] The role of the love triangle

[13:29] Who’s acting insane?

[19:12] “I’m perfectly fine” “I’m comfortable”

[26:28] “He can’t see the smile I’m faking”

[31:38] “You were frustrating, intoxicating”

[38:14] The purpose of the song

Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe

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Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E52: "Anti-Hero" "Look What You Made Me Do" "That's The Way I Loved You" - Show and Tell - Psychoanalytic Theory Sep 11, 2024

"I have this dream where I get older but just never wiser." In this episode, we use Psychoanalytic Theory to unpack the deeper meanings behind three of Taylor's songs: "That's The Way I Loved You," "Look What You Made Me Do," and "Anti-Hero." From our personal experiences to Freud’s writings, we explore how Taylor’s lyrics tap into the subconscious. Get ready to dive into the psyche of Taylor Swift's music!

Mentioned in this episode:

Sigmund Freud Reader

Civilization and Its Discontents

Carl Jung

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Miss Americana

Lizzie McGuire

Switched on Pop: Beyonce’s Country

E31: Show and Tell - Shakespeare

Victorian man meme

Anti-Hero Music Video (featuring Mary Elizabeth Ellis a.k.a. “The Waitress” from It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia)

Joseph Campbell: Hero With A Thousand Faces

***

Episode Highlights:

[00:57] Intro to Psychoanalytic Theory

[09:28] “The Way I Loved You” from Fearless

[24:04] “Look What You Made Me Do” from reputation

[44:29] “Anti-Hero” from Midnights

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Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E51: All Too Well (10 Min Version) - 3 Ways Sep 04, 2024

It was rare, I was there, I remember it. To kick off our second year (sophomore year?) of AP Taylor Swift, we’re tackling a song we have wanted to tackle since the very beginning: “All Too Well (10 Minute Version).” And to stay consistent with our Show & Tell format, we’re each bringing you a different lens through which we analyzed this song! Join us as we introduce you to narratology, revisit ecocriticism, and look for poetic repetition in this song to understand what makes it the epic favorite that we all know and love.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Last Five Years

E7: Ecocriticism

E9: Fall Songs

E27: Poetic Repetition

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

***

Episode Highlights:

[00:40] Our topic for the day: ATWTMV 3-ways

[1:27] A new lens: narratology

[13:03] A literary theory: Ecocriticism

[30:35] A literary device: Poetic Repetition

[44:40] Bringing all the theories together

Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E50: Cities + “The Tortured Poets Department” Aug 28, 2024

“So Long London.” In our final Summer School episode, we say so long to summer as we revisit Episode 39: Cities within “The Tortured Poets Department.” London, Destin, Manhattan, Los Angeles–we explore these cities' role in the album and why Taylor Swift may have chosen these specific cities to tell her stories.

Mentioned in this episode:

Episode 39: Show and Tell - Cities (Spotify | Apple)

A Very Potter Musical

Fry’s English Delight: Metaphors

“Florida,” Lauren Groff

Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic, Alison Bechdel

Fun Home: The Musical

Suffs

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

***

Episode Highlights:

[01:41] Introduction to Cities

[02:48] “So Long London”

[12:56] “Florida!!!”

[22:57] “Clara Bow”

[32:42] Summer School Extra Credit: “The Manuscript”

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E49: Poetic Repetition + "The Tortured Poets Department" Aug 21, 2024

"You look like..." We’re throwing it back to Episode 27: Poetic Repetition, but this time we’re doing it Summer School style and looking at poetic repetition in “The Tortured Poets Department.” We cover AP English favorites like anaphora, epimone, alliteration, and assonance. And, we explore how poetic repetition can emphasize something important, create feelings of dwelling, evoke religious or holy imagery, or taunt someone.

Subscribe to Substack to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe

Mentioned in this episode:

Episode 27: Poetic Repetition

Ted Lasso “Semantic Satiation” Episode

Episode 18: Death By A Thousand Cuts Deep Dive

***

Episode Highlights:

[00:51] What is Poetic Repetition?

[02:15] “The Tortured Poets Department”

[11:08] “So Long London”

[19:21] “Florida!!!!”

[27:18] "Clara Bow”

[30:11] “Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus”

[37:39] “The Prophecy”

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Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E48: Mad Women + “The Tortured Poets Department” Aug 14, 2024

“I was supposed to be sent away.” Today’s Summer School episode has us revisiting Episode 23: Mad Women (Spotify | Apple). We’ve discussed examples of mad women in Taylor’s Discography, but there hath been no woman scorned like the one in The Tortured Poet’s Department. After all, Taylor herself called it Female Rage: The Musical. But what about the other definitions of “madness” too? From the manic feeling of “Florida!!!” to the rage in “thanK you aIMee,” we get into it all in this week's episode!

Subscribe to our Substack to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe

Mentioned in this episode:

Episode 23 - Mad Women

Frankenstein by Mary Shelley

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

Mad Men

Florence + the Machine

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Crime and Punishment by Dsotevyskey

Donald Glover stand up about crazy exes

***

Episode Highlights:

[00:50] Introducing Mad Women

[02:20] Fortnight

[10:28] Florida!!!

[17:00] ThanK You aIMee

[29:03] I Look In People’s Windows

[37:28] The Prophecy

[42:50] Honorable Mentions

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Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E47: Pride and Prejudice + "The Tortured Poets Department" Aug 07, 2024

“Come one, come all, it’s happening again.”This week we’re going back to Episode 25 “Pride and Prejudice” to find parallels between the novel and “The Tortured Poets Department.” We analyze lyrics from some of our favorite TTPD songs and draw parallels to the story’s plot points, characters, and key relationships in Jane Austen’s novel.

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***

Mentioned in this episode:

Episode 25 “Pride and Prejudice”

Pride and Prejudice

***

Episode Highlights:

[02:29] “But Daddy I Love Him”

[10:59] “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart”

[16:56] “The Alchemy”

[25:58] “How Did It End?”

[32:57] “I Hate It Here”

***

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Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E46: Musicals + "The Tortured Poets Department" Jul 31, 2024

“Lights, Camera, B*tch, Smile!” This week we’re covering a podcast-favorite topic: MUSICALS! Other than calling “The Tortured Poets Department” Eras tour set “female rage the musical,” we compare songs to “Hamilton,” “Les Miserable,” “A Chorus Line,” “Waitress,” “Six,” and “Wicked!” Can you guess which songs map to which musicals?

Mentioned in this episode:

“Waitress”

Girls5Eva

“Six”

“The Other Boleyn Girl,” Phillipa Greggory

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

***

Episode Highlights:

[02:30] “Guilty as Sin”

[08:53] “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me”

[16:17] “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart”

[24:47] “The Black Dog”

[31:18] “How Did It End?”

[32:54] “Cassandra”

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E45: Satire + The Tortured Poets Department Jul 24, 2024

“She fell through the ice and came out alive.” Today’s Summer School episode has us revisiting Episode 19: Satire (Spotify | Apple). We explore how Taylor uses different types of Satire on the album as a way of adding exaggeration, emphasis, and impact to her storytelling.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Episode 19: Satire

Oxford Dictionary definition of Satire

SNL

1984, by George Orwell

Animal Farm, by George Orwell

A Modest Proposal, by Jonathan Swift

Love Story, Taylor Swift

Gilmore Girls

Mastermind, Taylor Swift

Blank Space, Taylor Swift

Forrest Gump

***

Episode Highlights:

[01:11] Introducing Satire

[03:37] But Daddy I love him

[12:06] I Can Do It With a Broken Heart

[17:54] The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived

[24:31] imgonnagetyouback

[31:40] The Bolter

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E44: Metaphors + “The Tortured Poets Department” Jul 17, 2024

“Did you have to beam me up?” Today’s Summer School episode has us revisiting Episode 13: Metaphors (Spotify | Apple). There’s no shortage of metaphors across "The Tortured Poets Department," from alien abduction and a city to prison and high school. We unpack some of the metaphors woven through the lyrics to better understand the songs and the album as a whole.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Episode 13: Metaphors (Spotify | Apple)

Episode 14: Deep Dive - Getaway Car (Spotify | Apple)

Samuel Taylor Coleridge, “Rime of the Ancient Mariner”

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

“Blue Blood,” Craig Unger

Catcher in the Rye

The Aeneid, Virgil

***

Episode Highlights:

[00:56] Introducing Metaphors

[01:55] Down Bad “Did you have to beam me up”

[09:10] So Long, London “So long, London, You'll find someone”

[15:01] Fresh Out The Slammer “Handcuffed to the spell I was under”

[20:08] The Albatross “I’m the Albatross”

[24:28] So High School “Bittersweet sixteen suddenly”

[33:33] Cassandra “I was in my tower weaving nightmares”

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E43: Marxist Theory + “The Tortured Poets Department” Jul 10, 2024

"The sickest army doll purchased at the mall." In this Summer School episode, we delve into Marxist Theory (Episode 11) and its application to “The Tortured Poets Department”. We explore themes of power dynamics, ownership, control, and escape. We’ll introduce topics like Marxist Feminism, repressive state apparatus, ideological state apparatus…just a super light topic for summer!

Mentioned in this episode:

Episode 11: Marxist Theory (Apple | Spotify)

Louis Althusser

Office Space

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***

Episode Highlights:

[00:30] Introduction to Marxist Theory

[04:07] “My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys”

[10:40] “Fresh Out the Slammer”

[15:25] “Florida!!!”

[20:25] “Guilty as Sin?”

[29:25] “I Hate It Here”

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

"The Last Great American Dynasty" Deep Dive - 4th of July Re-Release Jul 03, 2024

"I had a marvelous time." In honor of the 4th of July, we're re-releasing our deep dive on “The Last Great American Dynasty,” from folklore. Initially released in November 2023, in this episode our hosts expand on what we learned in our Marxist Criticism episode to take an even closer look at Rebekah Harkness, who she was, and why Taylor Swift wrote a song about her. What do Taylor and Rebekah Harkness have in common, besides owning the same home? Is Rebekah Harkness really “middle class”? How does Taylor build empathy for someone called “mad” and “shameless”? We had a marvelous time diving into this one!

Mentioned in this episode:

“Atlas Shrugged,” Ayn Rand

Rebekah Harkness NYT Obituary, June 1982

"Is There a Chic Way To Go?" Blue Bloods NYT Book Review, May 1988

The Humble Beginnings Of an Elegant Mansion, NYT July 1971

“Hamilton”

***

Episode Highlights:

[02:11] Who is Rebekah Harkness?

[06:24] How Taylor’s country storytelling roots enrich the story

[11:14] What is an “American Dynasty”?

[16:13] Who’s mad, Rebekah or the townspeople?

[25:45] What's the purpose of the song?

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E42: Ecocriticism and "The Tortured Poets Department" Jun 26, 2024

“A hurricane with my name when it came.” On today’s Summer School episode, we’re going back to Episode 7: Ecocriticism. We’ll cover how Taylor Swift uses nature language, imagery, and metaphors to capture the feelings and emotions she’s trying to convey in her songs on “The Tortured Poets Department.” From exploring nature vs cities, the idea of the civilized vs uncivilized, and ecofeminism, “The Tortured Poets Department” has a lot for us to work with!

Mentioned in this episode:

Episode 7: Ecocriticism

Outlander

Witches, Midwives and Nurses

Peter Pan

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***

Episode Highlights:

[02:20] Florida!!! “You can beat the heat”

[07:58] Clara Bow “Picked like a rose”

[12:43] I Hate It Here “I will go to secret gardens in my mind”

[16:23] The Prophecy “So I look to the sky and said”

[22:22] Peter “Promises ocean deep”

[27:49] Robin “Dragonflys above your bed”

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E41: Toxic Relationships + “The Tortured Poets Department” Jun 19, 2024

"Mr. Steal Your Girl, then make her cry." This summer, we’re bringing you Summer School! Each week, we’ll revisit a topic from this past season within the context of songs from Taylor Swift’s latest album,“The Tortured Poets Department.” This week we’re covering the topic of toxic relationships from Episode 5.

Mentioned in this episode:

Episode 5: Toxic Relationships (Apple | Spotify)

Mary Shelley and Percey Shelley’s Relationship tl;dr

Frankenstein, Mary Shelley

The Lottery, Shirley Jackson

Frozen

Wicked

The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

Episode 25: Pride and Prejudice (Apple | Spotify)

***

Episode Highlights:

[00:19] Welcome to Summer School

[02:45] “The Tortured Poets Department”

[08:46] “But Daddy I Love Him”

[13:52] “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me”

[20:14] “I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)”

[23:45] “loml”

[26:46] “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived”

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E40: Deep Dive - Paris Jun 12, 2024

Like we were in Paris. This week we’re over-analyzing Taylor Swift's song “Paris” from the album Midnights. We explore the imagery and metaphors used in the lyrics, like “stumbled down pretend alleyways” and how that relates to what it’s like to be early on in a relationship. Are they really in Paris? What does it mean to be “in Paris”? Why does she choose “Paris” and not another city? What makes “Paris” different? We try and unpack it all!

Mentioned in this episode:

Midnight in Paris

Peter Pan, JM Barrie

Practical Magic

Isn’t It Romantic?

***

Episode Highlights:

[01:40] How we do a deep dive

[5:00] “Drew a map on your bedroom ceiling”

[8:53] “Like we were in Paris”

[12:48] “Levitate above all the messes made”

[19:47] “I want to brainwash you into loving me forever”

[27:17] “My love, we were in Paris”

[30:04] The purpose of the song

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E39: Show and Tell - Cities Jun 05, 2024

The lights are so bright, but they never blind me. This week we’re taking a tour of Taylor Swift’s favorite cities to sing about. We explore the personification of different cities, and how Taylor uses these cities to tell her stories. In this episode, we’re covering “Welcome to New York” from 1989, “London Boy” from Lover, and “Paris” from Midnights.

Mentioned in this episode:

The City, Langston Hughes

The Raven, Edgar Allen Poe

Mrs. Dalloway, Virginia Woolf

Mrs. Dalloway’s Map of London

Jodi's London Boy Map of London

***

Episode Highlights:

[1:03] Introduction to Cities

[2:38] “Welcome to New York” 1989

[27:54] “London Boy” Lover

[46:16] “Paris” Midnights

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E38: Deep Dive - The Archer May 29, 2024

Who could ever leave me, darling? But who could stay? Love or hate The Archer (Lover 2019), we all agree that we have no idea what this song is about. Such an obscure song calls for a proper, literary style close reading. Join us as we go line by line to understand what Taylor is trying to say with the obscure lyrics of this incredibly poetic song.

Mentioned in this episode:

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***

Episode Highlights:

[01:43] Baseline: How we all feel about The Archer
[03:17] Combat, I'm ready for combat: What’s it mean
[11:28] I jump from the train, I ride off alone
[21:42] Backtrack: Who left? Who should stay?
[28:00] Unpacking the phrase “cut off my nose”
[32:18] Invisible smoke & all of my heroes
[40:24] I, They, You - who’s seeing through her?
[48:50] Pulling together the bridge
[56:26] Our final thoughts

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E37: Show and Tell - Surrealism May 22, 2024

I don't need your closure. In this week’s episode, we discuss the art style of surrealism and explore how it relates to Taylor Swift. Abby Aleksinas, of @arthistoryabby on TikTok, joins us to help us understand how visual arts can connect to music. We dive into “The Archer” from Lover, then we look at “closure” from evermore, and wrap it up with “Lavender Haze” from Midnights. Join us as we dive into the unconventional pairings, unexpected imagery, and use of surrealism to convey emotions and create a dreamlike atmosphere!

Mentioned in this episode:

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***

Episode Highlights:

[00:29] Introduction to Surrealism

[01:15] Art History with Abby

[20:15] “The Archer”

[32:17] “closure”

[43:20] “Lavender Haze”

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E36: Deep Dive - King of My Heart May 15, 2024

Salute to me I’m your American Queen. In this episode, we deep dive into Taylor Swift's song “King of My Heart” from reputation. Join us as we discuss the power dynamics and military references in the song, as well as themes of wealth, luxury, and the British Royal Family. We even attempt to dissect how the music changes to reflect the song’s themes and lyrics. We’re left wondering: is this just a schoolgirl crush? Infatuation? Or the love of the speaker’s life, the end of all the endings? Tune in and find out!

Mentioned in this episode:

King Arthur

"You’re Losing Me"

Marxist Theory Episode

Switched on Pop (Book)

Switched on Pop (Podcast)

Satire Episode

“Satisfied,” Hamilton

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***

Episode Highlights:

[1:50] How we do a deep dive

[4:06] “Salute to me I’m your American Queen”

[9:23] “All the boys and their expensive cars”

[11:00] How the music changes to reflect the song’s lyrics

[13:47] “Now you try on calling me baby…”

[20:37] “Is this the end of all the endings?”

[29:23] What is the purpose of the song?

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

Bonus: "The Tortured Poets Department" at The Eras Tour Reaction May 13, 2024

Try and come for my job. We’ve got a special episode to discuss “The Tortured Poets Department” songs that Taylor Swift added to The Eras Tour setlist this weekend. We share our reactions and observations about the changes like the visuals in “But Daddy I Love Him,” the levitating platform in 'Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?' and how “So High School” feels like “Fearless”- era Taylor. We cover the UFO effects in “Down Bad” and how “Fortnight” mirrors the music video. Finally, we have to talk about the epic marching band in “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived,” and the Clara Bow and “A Chorus Line” references in “I Can Do It With A Broken Heart.” The TTPD section of the Eras tour is an emotional, fun, and powerful journey in The Eras Tour!

Episode Highlights:

[03:20] First reactions to the changes

[06:32] “But Daddy I Love Him”

[10:25] “So High School”

[11:43] “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me”

[16:10] “Down Bad”

[20:18] “Fortnight”

[24:51] “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived”

[27:47] “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart”

Affiliate Codes:

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***

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E35: Show and Tell - Royalty May 08, 2024

How the kingdom lights shined just for me and you. Hear ye! Hear ye! This week’s show and tell topic is “Royalty!” We explore the historical and religious roots of royalty, and its portrayal in fantasy literature, and high school. Maansi discusses “Long Live” from Speak Now (Taylor’s Version). Jodi brings in “Castle's Crumbling” Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault). And finally, Jenn shares “King of My Heart” from Reputation.

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Mentioned in this episode:

The Lord of the Rings

Newsies

The Plantagenets by Dan Jones

Le Morte D’Artur by Thomas Malory

The Last Kingdom on Netflix

Beowulf

Robin Hood

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone

Throne of Glass series

Frozen (Disney film)

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***

Episode Highlights:

[00:01:00] Introduction to Royalty

[00:04:58] “Long Live” Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)

[00:26:32] “Castle's Crumbling” Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)

[00:48:22] “King of My Heart” Reputation

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E34: Deep Dive - I Know Places May 01, 2024

They are the hunters we are the foxes, and we run. This week we’re covering “I Know Places” from 1989 (Taylor’s Version). Who’s running? Why are they running? What are the places they’re trying to get to? Does she actually know a place to hide? This is a dark and anxious song and we have questions! We explore how Taylor Swift uses metaphors to help make the relationship she’s singing about relatable. Then we examine how the music changes between the verses and the choruses, from anxious and scared to romantic and beautiful. And we’re left trying to answer the question: is this a reliable narrator? Tune in to find out!

Mentioned in this episode:

Fall episode

Metaphors episode

Pirates of the Caribbean

Friends

“Wonderland” episode

Zootopia

The Diary of Anne Frank

Star Wars: Rogue One

AIDA, Original Broadway Cast Recording

The Audacity of Hope

Marxist episode

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***

Episode Highlights:

[01:15] How we do a deep dive

[04:30] “It’s a scene and we’re out here in plain sight”

[09:01] “Baby…I know places we won’t be found”

[16:30] “Just grab my hand and don’t ever drop it”

[21:52] Is there a bridge?

[28:48] What’s the purpose of the song?

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E33: Show and Tell - Animal Studies Apr 24, 2024

Now it’s too late for you and your white horse. What do white horses, foxes, vultures, and wolves all have in common? They all show up in our favorite Taylor Swift songs! This week, we’re looking to understand how Taylor Swift uses animals in her lyrics, through the lens of animal studies! Jenn takes us back to medieval times to help us understand the origins of the white horse and what that means for “White Horse” (Fearless, 2008). Then Jodi talks to us about the many connotations associated with foxes and vultures, which are referenced in “I know places,”(1989, 2014). And finally, Maansi talks us through the song “Daylight” (Lover, 2014) where there are implications of the animalistic concept of hibernation, and also references to wolves.

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for an audio book? Check out our Libro.fm playlist https://tidd.ly/47uhRVI

***

Episode Highlights:

[01:12] Introduction to Animal Studies

[03:36] White horses in “White Horse,” Fearless, 2008

[23:05] Foxes & vultures in “I know places,” 1989, 2014

[38:19] Wolves in “Daylight,” Lover, 2019

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

Bonus: "The Tortured Poets Department" Album Release Recap Apr 21, 2024

All’s fair in love and poetry. The long-awaited album The Tortured Poets Department is officially out, and of course, we have thoughts! This bonus episode strays from our usual format to bring you as comprehensive of an overview as we can provide in one (rather long) episode. Be warned: you won’t find speculation about Taylor’s love life here. True to our usual content, we focus on the lyrics, the themes, and the literary choices Taylor makes to better understand what this album is all about. Join us as we give our first reactions, talk about Taylor’s “In Summation poem,” and briefly dissect a handful of songs that stood out to each of us.

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out our “The Tortured Poets Department” Booklist on Bookshop.org/APTS

E29: Show and Tell - Aestheticism

E27: Show and Tell - Poetic Repetition

E23: Show and Tell - Mad Women

E7: Show and Tell - Ecocriticism

Bonus: "The Tortured Poets Department" Announcement

E32: Deep Dive - Love Story

Episode Highlights:

[02:48] Our initial album reactions

[17:22] “In Summation” Poem overview

[29:53] Is this what we expected TTPD to be?

[38:16] loml

[44:39] I Can Do It With a Broken Heart

[53:24] So High School

[56:34] Florida!!!

[59:20] Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?

[01:05:04] Down Bad

[01:13:28] So Long, London

[01:18:27] But Daddy I Love Him

[01:27:00] How Did It End?

[01:37:49] The Manuscript

[01:46:08] What do we think the album is about?

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Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E32: Deep Dive - Love Story Apr 17, 2024

You were Romeo, I was a Scarlet Letter. This week we’re covering an oldie but goodie–Taylor Swift’s “Love Story”, from Fearless (Taylor’s Version). In this very narrative-driven song, we get a chance to explore who the protagonists are and what they’re trying to say about their love “story. We explore why Taylor Swift references high school favorites “Romeo and Juliet” and “Scarlet Letter,” and what those metaphors may mean. The “Scarlet Letter” reference makes us look at this song from a whole new lens, forcing us to look at pronouns, verb tenses, and points of view–we promise you’ll never hear this song the same way again.

Mentioned in this episode:

Love Story, Fearless (Taylor’s Version)

Pride and Prejudice

Cinderella

How I Met Your Mother

Scarlet Letter

Easy A

I Did Something Bad

Jane Eyre

Emma

& Juliet

Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead

Don’t Matter, Akon

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***

Episode Highlights:

[1:30] How we do a deep dive

[08:19] “You’ll be the prince and I’ll be the princess” The fairytale references

[14:50] “I was a Scarlet Letter” What this reference may mean

[20:32] “All that’s left to do is run” Where it all takes a turn

[28:42] “When I met you on the outside of town” We approach the bridge

[41:11] What we think the purpose of “Love Story” really is

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E31: Show and Tell - Shakespeare Apr 10, 2024

Fever dream high in the quiet of the night. What’s an AP class without a not-so-brief discussion about Shakespeare? Join us as we compare Taylor Swift to William Shakespeare, and find out why we think Shakespeare may have been the original pop star of his day. Shakespeare’s plays remain so relevant even today, so it’s only natural that Taylor Swift would find ways to allude to his works in her music. In this Show & Tell, we each pick one Shakespeare play and a Taylor Swift song that we feel best references and represents that play. Maansi ties Romeo & Juliet to “Love Story” (Fearless 2008), Jenn talks us through Julius Caesar references in “Bad Blood” (Reputation 2017), and Jodi draws parallels between Midsummer Night’s Dream and “Cruel Summer” (Lover 2019). We really put the AP in APTS with this discussion so push up your reading glasses, dust off your old Shakespeare text books, and get ready to get nerdy with us!

Mentioned in this episode:

William Shakespeare

The Tempest, William Shakespeare

The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer

Come Clean, Hilary Duff

Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare

Love Story, Fearless 2008

William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet, 1996 film version

Romeo and Juliet, 1968 film version

Jenn’s Zac Efron version of 1960 Romeo and Juliet

West Side Story

Bad Blood, Reputation 2017

Shakespeare Birth Trust TL;DR

Folger Shakespeare Library

Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare

Julius Caesar, Performed at the Globe Theater, 2015

Bridgerton

Shakespeare in a Divided America, by James Shapiro

A Midsummer Night’s Dream, William Shakespeare

A Midsummer Night’s Dream1999 film version

Cruel Summer, Lover 2019

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***

Episode Highlights:

[01:00] Shakespeare: The original pop artist

[09:38] Romeo & Juliet’s Love Story

[30:34] Julius Caesar’s Bad Blood

[51:06] Cruel Midsummer Night’s Dream

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E30: Deep Dive - gold rush Apr 03, 2024

What must it be like to grow up that beautiful? In this episode, we deep dive into the beautiful “gold rush.” We dive into the historical context of the real-life gold rush and how the gold rush was presented to us as kids versus today as adults. Then, we dive into how the reality of history affects how we interpret this song. We also explore how fame or popularity connects to this song. Finally, we examine the siren call motif and the speaker's ultimate decision to resist the temptation of the gold rush. Ultimately, our takeaway is the importance of agency, boundaries, and the speaker’s decision to not engage with a gold rush.

Mentioned in this episode:

Oregon Trail (website)

Empty Mansions by Bell Deadman and Paul Clark Newell

Mean Girls

Harry Potter series

Mythology by Edith Hamilton

Glee

David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

Villette by Charlotte Bronte

“You’re Beautiful” by James Blunt

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***

Episode Highlights:

[05:15] - Introduction to historical context of the gold rush

[09:12] - The speaker’s perspective

[14:38] - The temptation to “jump in”

[24:08] - The siren call

[31:10] - The structure of the song

[38:52] - The convenience of a dream

[48:50] - Is this person worth it?

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E29: Show and Tell - Aestheticism Mar 27, 2024

Every bait and switch was a work of art. It’s time to get theoretical! In this week’s episode, we cover Aesthetic Theory–the experience of beauty, for the sake of beauty. Jodi starts us off quite literally with “Gorgeous” from reputation (2017). This prompts a discussion of “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde, and the similarities between the song’s obsession with the subject’s beauty, and the book’s fixation on the beauty and youth of Dorian Gray. Naturally, we talk about gender roles and the negative sides of focusing exclusively on a person’s beauty. Then, Jenn brings in “willow” from evermore (2020) as an example of a song that gave her an aesthetic experience. And Maansi brings it home with “gold rush,” also from evermore (2020), focusing on the detailed, artistic descriptions of beauty throughout the song.

Mentioned in this episode:

“The Picture of Dorian Gray,” Oscar Wilde

“The Giver,” Lois Lowry

“The Giver” movie

“Gorgeous,” reputation

“willow,” folklore

“gold rush,” folklore

The Aeneid, Virgil

The Pit and the Pendulum, Edgar Allen Poe

The Odyssey, Homer

Important definitions:

Aestheticism: aestheticism promoted an "art for art's sake" philosophy, celebrating beauty as free of moral or utilitarian considerations

Hedonism: the pursuit of pleasure; sensual self-indulgence.

Ekphrasis: the use of detailed description of a work of visual art as a literary device.

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***

Episode Highlights:

[01:10] Introduction to Aestheticism

[08:59] “Gorgeous,” reputation

[26:03] “willow,” evermore

[40:37] “gold rush,” evermore

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E28: Deep Dive - Shake It Off Mar 20, 2024

That’s What People Say (ooh ooh). In this deep dive episode, we get into the groove of Taylor Swift's “Shake It Off” from her album 1989 (Taylor’s Version). We start by discussing how the song acts as a strategic move by Swift to rebrand herself as a pop artist and connect with a larger audience. We look at how Taylor addresses the haters and criticisms she’s received over the years through her lyrics. And we make the case that this is not a simple song–it’s a therapeutic anthem of resilience, empowerment, and growth. Jodi and Jenn get flashbacks to grad school thinking about this song, and Maansi…well, listen to hear what Maansi really thinks about this song.

Mentioned in this episode:

“Shake It Off”

How Taylor Swift Made Me a Better Marketer

The Spare

Clare @colormelovely

Mean

TIME Person of the Year profile

Risky Business, the rock band at Ross

Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

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***

Episode Highlights:

[02:15] How “Shake It Off” fits into Taylor’s musical catalog

[07:01] “It’s gonna be alright”

[10:44] Taylor as a marketing GENIUS

[16:41] “I stay out too late”

[22:52] Looking at this song 10 years later

[30:30] Was there another option as the first single?

[37:25] The purpose of the song

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E27: Show and Tell - Poetic Repetition Mar 13, 2024

You go talk to your friends, talk to my friends, talk to me. Let’s get ready for "The Tortured Poets Department" and explore the concept of poetic repetition in Taylor Swift's songs. From understanding epizeuxis and anaphora to seeing how Taylor uses these devices in “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”’ “Shake It Off” and “This Love,” we discuss how repetition can seem deceptively simple while still communicating a clear message. Understanding the purpose of any text can help enrich your experience of that art, and this week’s episode helps us understand the power of some of Taylor’s less complicated lyrics. Tune into this week’s conversation to see why simplicity can be powerful, and perhaps we may even convince you to appreciate a song you don’t necessarily want to listen to on repeat.

Note: This episode was recorded before the "The Tortured Poets Department" announcement. We hope it helps us all prepare for the album!

Helpful definitions:

Epizeuxis (a.k.a. palilogia) - the immediate repetition of a word or phrase for rhetorical or poetic effect. For example, "the children squealed with glee, with glee” or “Shake it off, shake it off”

Anaphora - repetition of a word or expression at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect. For example, Lincoln's "we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground.” OR “Please don’t be in love with someone else, please don’t have somebody waiting on you.”

Epistrophe - repetition of a word or expression at the end of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect. For example, Lincoln's "of the people, by the people, for the people.” or “And it was enchanting to meet you / All I can say is it was enchanting to meet you”

Mentioned in this episode:

King Lear by William Shakespeare

Walden by Thoreau

Macbeth by William Shakespeare

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

Friends

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***

Episode Highlights:

[01:25] Introduction to Poetic Repetition

[06:43] “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” Red (Taylor’s Version)

[22:00] “Shake It Off,” 1989 (Taylor’s Version)

[40:45] “This Love,” 1989 (Taylor’s Version)

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E26: Deep Dive - Haunted Mar 06, 2024

"It’s coming over you like it was all a big mistake." In this week’s episode, we dive into the Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) classic “Haunted.” We discuss how Taylor Swift’s song captures the haunting and fragile nature of relationships, the devastation of loss, and the immediate aftermath of a breakup. In true form, we also tie the idea of a haunting break up back to our careers, and what it can feel like when you are constantly wondering “what if” about your past decisions. Whether you want some strong emotions or a bit of verb tense analysis, we get into it all in our conversation about “Haunted.”

Mentioned in this episode:

Broadway Sings Taylor Swift

Phantom of the Opera

Romeo and Juliet

Madeline

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

“The Crown” Netflix

"The Year of Taylor Swift” from The Daily

Slaughterhouse Five

Moulin Rouge

Looking for an audio book? Check out our Libro.fm playlist https://tidd.ly/47uhRVI

***

Episode Highlights:

[00:25] Introduction to "Haunted"

[02:35] The theme of haunting in Taylor’s music

[14:18] When you’re haunted by work or other relationships

[22:24] When you’re haunted by the “what if”

[37:56] The purpose of “Haunted”

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E25: Show and Tell - "Pride and Prejudice" Feb 28, 2024

All they keep asking me, is if I’m gonna be your bride. We’re a literary-focused Taylor Swift podcast, so it was only a matter of time before we brought Jane Austen into the mix. In this episode, we explore three songs in relation to Pride and Prejudice. Jenn focuses on the sisterly relationship between Elizabeth and Jane with “I’m Only Me When I’m With You.” Maansi zooms into the moment Darcy confesses his love to Elizabeth, only to be brutally rebuffed, with the song “Haunted.” And Jodi explores the connections between the societal pressure to get married in Pride and Prejudice and “Lavender Haze.” It is a truth universally acknowledged that any conversation on this podcast will find literary and pop culture references to Taylor Swift, and this episode is no different!

Mentioned in this episode:

Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen

“I’m Only Me When I’m With You,” Taylor Swift

& Juliet

The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Anne Bronte

“Haunted”, Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)

“Lavender Haze,” Midnights

Emma, Jane Austen

Bridgerton

Looking for an audio book? Check out our Libro.fm playlist https://tidd.ly/47uhRVI

***

Episode Highlights:

[01:14] Introduction to Pride and Prejudice

[05:39] “I’m Only Me When I’m With You” - Taylor Swift

[27:23] “Haunted” - Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)

[43:31] “Lavender Haze” - Midnights

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E24: Deep Dive - right where you left me Feb 21, 2024

Did you ever hear about the girl who got frozen? In this week’s deep dive episode, we discuss the evermore bonus track, “right where you left me.” We explore themes of feeling stuck, the haunting presence of the narrator, the plea for help, and how we see attitudes in the song mirrored in society. This beautiful and ultimately sad song also inspired a wide range of references from Elle Woods to Charles Dickens to Foucault. This song definitely has some layers, so join us as we unpack their meaning and ultimately try to get to the purpose of “right where you left me.”

Mentioned in this episode:

Arrested Development

Ghost (the movie)

School Spirit (show on Netflix)

"Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens

The Man Who Can’t Be Moved (song)

"The Notebook" by Nicholas Sparks

"The Picture of Dorian Gray" by Oscar Wilde

"The Age of Adelaide" (film)

"The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue"

"Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" by J.K. Rowling

Legally Blonde

The Last Five Years

"No Exit" by Jean-Paul Sartre

"1984" by George Orwell

"Discipline and Punish" by Foucault

"Fahrenheit 451" by Ray Bradbury

Jeremy Bentham’s body

Looking for an audio book? Check out our Libro.fm playlist https://tidd.ly/47uhRVI

***

Episode Highlights:

[0:35] - Introduction to “right where you left me”

[2:45] - Setting the scene of the song

[7:07] - Metaphorically and literally being stuck

[10:00] - The characters in this song

[17:50] - “the glass shattered on the white cloth”

[24:52] - The Panopticon and society’s expectations

[36:15] - Taylor’s use of “haunting” as imagery

[43:09] - The song as a metaphor for mental health

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E23: Show and Tell - Mad Women Feb 14, 2024

There’s nothing like a mad woman, what a shame she went mad. What better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than with some songs about women scorned? In this episode, we bring to you three songs that represent mad women. Maansi kicks off the discussion with the scornful, vengeful mad woman in “Better Than Revenge,” Jodi walks us through the woman who’s driven to insanity in “mad woman,” and Jenn wraps up the discussion with an example of the mad woman who is stuck in bonus track “right where you left me.” We close out the discussion by acknowledging how all of these songs are indicative of a movement that’s giving women everywhere the opportunity to reclaim the “mad woman” stigma.

Did we know this episode would drop on Valentine’s Day when we recorded it? No. Are we mad about it? Not at all!

Mentioned in this episode:

Hildegard of Bingen

Sigmund Freud

Mean Girls

“Before He Cheats,” Carrie Underwood

“Mama’s Broken Heart,” Miranda Lambert

“Jolene,” Dolly Parton

“Vigilante shit,” Taylor Swift

The Country of the Blind, HG Wells

Game of Thrones

Great Expectations, Charles Dickens

Mrs. Dalloway, Virginia Woolf

Pride & Prejudice, Jane Austen

Jane Eyre, Charlotte Bronte

The Female Malady, Elaine Showalter

Villette, Charlotte Bronte

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

Cinderella’s Sisters: A Revisionist History of Foot Binding, Dorothy Ko

“Mama’s broken heart,” Miranda Lambert

Looking for an audio book? Check out our Libro.fm playlist https://tidd.ly/47uhRVI

***

Episode Highlights:

[01:47] Intro to “mad women” & hysteria

[09:43] “Better than revenge,” Speak Now

[33:52] “mad woman,” folklore

[50:52] “right where you left me,” evermore

[1:13:02] Reclaiming the mad woman

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E22: Deep Dive - The Outside Feb 07, 2024

We’ve all been in a lot of lonely places. In this week’s deep dive, your hosts take you back to one of the original sad songs from Taylor’s debut album, “The Outside.” Perhaps more of a deep cut, this song cuts straight to the heart of what it feels like to be left out. Join us to discover what this song meant to us in our high school years vs today. We’ll explore how Taylor’s writing and musical styles may have changed, but she’s always known how to capture some of the most universal experiences, particularly for women! TW: We do discuss eating issues and disorders in this episode. We are fortunately recovered so the ultimate result is body positivity, but FYI!

Mentioned in this episode:

The Outside - the song

Pride & Prejudice

Lizzie McGuire

Untangled by Lisa Damour

Queen Bees & Wannabes

Looking for an audio book? Check out our Libro.fm playlist https://tidd.ly/47uhRVI

***

Episode Highlights:

[00:56] Introduction to “The Outside”

[02:59] Lizzie McGuire captures the spirit of “The Outside”

[09:11] Taylor references Robert Frost

[17:01] “I’ve never been on the outside”

[21:35] Is there a bridge in this song?

[24:09] Feeling on “the outside” when you start a new job

[30:48] The purpose of “The Outside”

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

Bonus - Taylor Swift's "The Tortured Poets Department" Announcement Analysis Feb 06, 2024

And so I enter into evidence…In this very special BONUS episode, your Unofficial Professors of Taylor Swift go deep into the artifacts that Taylor has released for her upcoming album, “The Tortured Poets Department.” From the album art, the title, and the poem, to the track titles, we discuss it all! Is this album going to be more intellectual or emotional? Is Taylor on defense or offense? How wrong will all of our predictions be when the album is actually released? Well, we give you our hypotheses for the first two questions, but we will all have to wait until April 19th to see how well this conversation ages!

Mentioned in this episode:

Euphues by John Lyly (origin of “all’s fair in love and war”)

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf by Edward Albee

Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

The Poetry of Dorothy Parker

Mythology by Edith Hamilton

Potter Puppet Pals: The Mysterious Ticking Noise

Tick, Tick…Boom! by Jonathan Larson, Directed by Lin Manuel Miranda

Looking for an audio book? Check out our Libro.fm playlist https://tidd.ly/47uhRVI

***

Episode Highlights:

01:08 - Analyzing the Album Cover

03:07 - The Title: "Chairman of the Tortured Poets Department"

07:12 - The Poem: "And So I Enter Into Evidence"

36:30 - All's Fair in Love and Poetry

45:36 - Tracklist Analysis

54:11 - The Back Cover Image

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E21: Show and Tell - Musicals Jan 31, 2024

If I was a [rich] man, I’d be the man. Curtain up! Light the lights! Today we are finally devoting an entire episode to one of our favorite topics: MUSICALS. Jenn identifies “The Outside,” from Taylor Swift, as the perfect song for the Phantom in Phantom of the Opera. (Never seen it? No worries, Jenn gives a full synopsis!). Then, Jodi finds parallels between “The Man” and “If I Were a Rich Man,” from Fiddler on the Roof. And finally, we can’t talk about musicals without Hamilton! Maansi brings it home by comparing “Midnight Rain” to “Satisfied,” and we wonder if (and when!) Lin Manuel Miranda and Taylor Swift will bring their lyrical genius minds together.

Mentioned in this episode:

“The Outside,” Taylor Swift, 2007

Phantom of the Opera Movie

Phantom of the Opera, Gaston Leroux Book

Phantom of the Opera: Live from London

“Musicals that wouldn’t exist if the man had just gone to therapy”

“The Man,” Lover, 2019

Fiddler on the Roof

“If I Were a Rich Man,” Chiam Topol, Fiddler on the Roof (1971)

“Midnight Rain,” Midnights, 2022

“Satisfied,” Hamilton

Singin’ in the Rain

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Looking for an audio book? Check out our Libro.fm playlist https://tidd.ly/47uhRVI

***

Episode Highlights:

[02:01] Curtain up: Introduction to Musicals

[06:47] “The Outside” and Phantom of the Opera

[23:34] “The Man” and “If I Was a Rich Man,” Fiddler on the Roof

[36:50] “Midnight Rain” and “Satisfied,” Hamilton

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This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E20: Deep Dive - Mastermind Jan 24, 2024

None of it was accidental. This week we’re going deep into Midnights favorite “Mastermind.” After looking at this Taylor Swift song from the perspective of satire in our previous episode, we take another look to examine what Taylor is actually “mastermind”-ing. Is it a relationship? Or is it a nod to her many (many) easter eggs she leaves her fans? Maansi explores how Taylor weaves strategic language into the lyrics to reclaim the idea that she’s “calculating.” Jodi finds connections to The Odyssey, Oedipus Rex, and Greek mythology to bring this to an AP-level conversation. And Jenn shares more context about why “all the wisest women had to do it this way,” has deep roots in literature and history. Join us as we unpack this cryptic and potentially Machiavellian song!

Mentioned in this episode:

TIME Magazine December 7, 1981 “Crazy Over Cats”

TIME Magazine Person of the Year 2023

Phantom Thread

Mythology, Edith Hamilton

The Odyssey, Homer, Emily Wilson translation

Oedipus Rex, Sophocles

Guys and Dolls

Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen

Founding Mothers, Cokie Roberts

RBG

Jackie

The Voices of Neims, Suzannah Lipscomb

Matilda, Roald Dahl

Harry Potter, JK Rowling

Broadway Sings