Best aptaylorswift Podcasts (2025)

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Is It Over Now? Exploring Taylor Swift’s Use of Rhetorical Questions - Question, Ready For it, Is It Over Now 1:02:56

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1d ago1:02:56

1:02:56

"Are you ready for it?" In this episode, we dive into how Taylor masterfully uses questions not to seek answers, but to create dramatic effect, elicit emotional responses, and tell compelling stories. From the vulnerable yet cutting interrogation of "Is It Over Now?" to the confident invitation of "...Ready For It?" to the courtroom-style cross-exa…

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Tim McGraw: Deep Diving the Single That Launched Taylor Swift 40:00

8d ago40:00

40:00

"That's a lie." In this deep dive episode, we dissect "Tim McGraw" line by line, exploring how a teenage Taylor Swift crafted a deceptively complex narrative about young love, heartbreak, and the bittersweet nature of memory. From Chevy trucks and Georgia stars to little black dresses and faded blue jeans, we unpack the country iconography and exam…

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TS12 'The Life of a Showgirl' Album Breakdown: Taylor Swift Podcast Appearance, Album Track Analysis & Literary Connections 52:58

14d ago52:58

52:58

“And baby, that’s show business for you!❤️‍🔥” Taylor Swift just announced TS12, "The Life of a Showgirl," on the New Heights Podcast, releasing October 3rd! Join us for an emergency bonus episode as we break down the album announcement, analyze the track list through our literary lens, and discuss what this new era means for Taylor's artistic evolu…

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E97: Cruel Summer: Line-by-line through Taylor Swift’s summer anthem 44:56

15d ago44:56

44:56

"I love you, ain't that the worst thing you ever heard?" This week, we're diving deep into Taylor's ultimate summer anthem and Eras Tour favorite: "Cruel Summer" (Lover 2019). We unpack whether this song is about a problematic love interest or the speaker's own internal struggle with anxious attachment and self-imposed drama. The track brilliantly …

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E96: Cruel Summer, August, hits different: Taylor Swift Summer Songs Breakdown 40:00

22d ago40:00

40:00

"Freedom felt like summer then on the coast." What happens when we explore Taylor Swift's music through the lens of summer? In this episode, we explore how summer functions both as a setting and a symbol in Taylor's songwriting. From the cruel intensity of forbidden love to nostalgic August romances and the catastrophic blues of heartbreak, we expl…

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Happee Birthdae Harry: Swiftie Potterheads Unite 45:41

29d ago45:41

45:41

July 31st is Harry Potter’s birthday, so why not celebrate with a repeat of our favorite Harry Potter Holiday Special episode!? This week, let your inner Swifties and Potterhead unite as we discuss the crossovers between Harry Potter and Taylor Swift’s lyrics. Jenn imagines “Look What You Made Me Do” as Snape’s song to Voldermort. Jodi makes the ca…

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Mastermind in the Museum: Taylor Swift & Women Who Paint 42:49

1M ago42:49

42:49

“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 other female artists, particularly painters? In this Summer favorite repeat, we explore the work of three iconic women in art and connect their paintings to Taylor Swift’s songs. From the intimacy of motherhood in Mary…

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E95: Is "Don't Blame Me" Taylor's Most Unhinged Love Song? (Deep Dive) 53:09

1M ago53:09

53:09

"Don't blame me, love made me crazy. If it doesn't, you ain't doing it right." This week, we're deep diving into "Don't Blame Me" from the reputation album. We explore the song's gospel influences, religious imagery, and transformation themes as we analyze Taylor's most unhinged declaration of love. From poison ivy to daisies, from halos to falling…

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E94: Frankenstein - When Taylor Swift Meets Gothic Literature and Scientific Ambition 39:43

2M ago39:43

39:43

“I don’t trust nobody and nobody trusts me.” In this episode, we're diving into one of literature's most enduring classics: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. From Victor's scientific ambition to the creature's desperate search for companionship, we explore how Taylor's lyrics illuminate the Gothic themes of isolation, creation, and the consequences of p…

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All Too Well (10 Minute Version) - Three Literary Lenses on Taylor's Epic Masterpiece 56:22

2M ago56:22

56:22

"It was rare, I was there, I remember it." As part of our summer vacation series, we're re-airing one of our most requested episodes! This was the song we'd wanted to analyze since day one: "All Too Well (10 Minute Version)." This isn't just any song analysis—it's a literary deep dive worthy of Taylor's most devastating masterpiece. We're each brin…

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E93: I Forgot That You Existed 46:13

2M ago46:13

46:13

“It isn’t love, it isn’t hate, it’s just indifference.” A little petty, a little philosophical, and exactly the right kind of opener for Lover. In this Deep Dive, we look at “I Forgot That You Existed,” a deceptively breezy track that becomes more interesting the longer you sit with it. We unpack the tonal misreadings this song often gets, the powe…

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E92: Revenge Narratives in Taylor Swift's Songwriting 41:53

2M ago41:53

41:53

"I haven't decided yet, but I'mgonnagetyouback." From ancient Greek epics to Mean Girls, revenge has evolved dramatically in literature, and Taylor Swift's discography is no exception. This week on AP Taylor Swift, we explore how Taylor serves revenge with a smile, examining the sweet saccharine fantasy of "Speak Now," the cutting indifference of "…

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“I Can Go Anywhere I Want, Just Not Home” — Taylor Swift & the Pain of “my tears ricochet” 56:39

3M ago56:39

56:39

“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…

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Greek Mythology and Taylor Swift: Exploring connections between Greek Mythology and Taylor's Lyrics 47:23

3M ago47:23

47:23

“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 Hym…

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Bonus: And Then It Was Bought By Her: Taylor Swift Owns Her Masters 33:14

3M ago33:14

33:14

“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 caree…

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E91: Everything You Lose Is a Step You Take: A Deep Dive into “You’re On Your Own, Kid” 45:31

3M ago45:31

45:31

“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 narrat…

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E90: The Art of Taylor Swift’s Storytelling: Narratology Explained 44:57

3M ago44:57

44:57

“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…

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E89: Deep Dive - Florida!!! From “The Tortured Poets Department” 50:37

4M ago50:37

50:37

“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 fantasie…

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E88: Dance in a storm: From 'Fearless' Rain to ‘Florida!!!’ Hurricanes, Weather as a Literary Device in Taylor Swift’s music 40:22

4M ago40:22

40:22

“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. Subsc…

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E87: Deep Dive - “Say Don’t Go” 50:13

4M ago50:13

50:13

“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 emotio…

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E86: Under the Big Top — Taylor Swift and the Circus Metaphor 48:31

4M ago48:31

48:31

“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 …

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E85: Karma Is My Boyfriend? Unpacking Taylor Swift's Song "Karma" 56:44

4M ago56:44

56:44

“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 …

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E84: Is Emily Dickinson Taylor Swift’s Literary Twin? Comparing Emily Dickinson with Karma, Evermore & More 42:16

5M ago42:16

42:16

“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…

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E83: Taylor Swift Is Funnier Than You Think | "Thug Story," SNL, and Her Best Joke Songs 35:28

5M ago35:28

35:28

“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 understa…

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E82: Deep Dive - Guilty as Sin? 1:00:08

5M ago1:00:08

1:00:08

“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 expec…

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E81: Show and Tell - Paintings by Female Artists 42:10

5M ago42:10

42:10

“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 i…

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E80: Deep Dive - Mirrorball 50:15

6M ago50:15

50:15

“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 emoti…

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E79: Show and Tell - Feminist Theory 44:29

6M ago44:29

44:29

"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, th…

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E78: Deep Dive - Tim McGraw 36:35

6M ago36:35

36:35

“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 evo…

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E77: Show and Tell - Historical Criticism 48:04

6M ago48:04

48:04

You need to calm down, but we know it’ll be hard because in 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 Nee…

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E76: Deep Dive - “You Are In Love” 48:11

7M ago48:11

48:11

“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 s…

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E75: Show and Tell - Romantic Love 40:23

7M ago40:23

40:23

“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”,…

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E74: Deep Dive - Maroon 51:05

7M ago51:05

51:05

“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. …

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E73: "Maroon", "Red," "Daylight" - Show and Tell - Color 34:09

7M ago34:09

34:09

“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. Subscribe to …

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E72: Deep Dive - cardigan 57:14

8M ago57:14

57:14

“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 a…

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E71: Show and Tell - Peter Pan 46:32

8M ago46:32

46:32

“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 innoc…

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Holidays Show and Tell - New Year's Day Re-Release 56:23

8M ago56:23

56:23

“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, …

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E70: Show and Tell - Harry Potter Holiday Special 45:38

8M ago45:38

45:38

“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 make…

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E69: Deep Dive - my tears ricochet 56:04

8M ago56:04

56:04

“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…

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E68: Bonus Episode - Taylor Swift by the Book with Tiffany Tatreau and Rachel Feder 52:12

9M ago52:12

52:12

“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 ins…

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E67: Show and Tell - Greek Mythology 46:42

9M ago46:42

46:42

“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 Rico…

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E66: Deep Dive - Holy Ground 55:03

9M ago55:03

55:03

“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 meta…

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E65: Show and Tell - Romance Novels featuring Lauren Rowe 48:07

9M ago48:07

48:07

“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 th…

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E64: Deep Dive - Cowboy like me 43:09

9M ago43:09

43:09

“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, deb…

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E63: Show and Tell - Garden Songs 46:07

10M ago46:07

46:07

“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 Tay…

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E62: Bookish Chat With Laura Bankers of Little Owlet Art 44:26

10M ago44:26

44:26

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! Y…

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E61: Deep Dive - Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me 55:39

10M ago55:39

55:39

"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 workpl…

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E60: Show and Tell - Witches 45:43

10M ago45:43

45:43

“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,” an…

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E59: Deep Dive - Vigilante Shit 41:53

10M ago41:53

41:53

“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 wo…

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E58: Show and Tell - Style featuring Sarah Chapelle of Taylor Swift Style 1:13:47

11M ago1:13:47

1:13:47

“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 com…

Aptaylorswift Podcasts