AP Taylor Swift

Latest Episodes:

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

Show notes

“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

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

Show notes

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

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

Show notes

“…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

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

Show notes

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

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

Show notes

"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

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

Show notes

"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

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

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

Show notes

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

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

Show notes

“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”

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

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

Show notes

"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”

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

Show notes

“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

Harry Potter

Mad Men

Florence + the Machine

Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

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

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.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected