• 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

    Harry Potter

    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”

    Follow us on social!

    • TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwift
    • Instagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwift
    • YouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwift
    • Link Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswift
    • Bookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/apts
    • Libro.fm → 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.

    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

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    46 mins
  • 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:

    E58: Show and Tell - Style

    The Little Rascals

    The Lion King

    Circe by Madeline Miller

    The Incredibles

    Mean Girls

    John Tucker Must Die

    Pretty Little Liars

    Chicago

    White Collar

    Hamilton

    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

    Follow us on social!

    • TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwift
    • Instagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwift
    • YouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwift
    • Link Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswift
    • Bookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/apts
    • Libro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibro

    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.

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    42 mins
  • 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

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

    Follow us on social!

    • TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwift
    • Instagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwift
    • YouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwift
    • Link Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswift
    • Bookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/apts
    • Libro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibro

    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.

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    1 hr and 14 mins
  • E57: Deep Dive - ...Question?
    Oct 9 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

    Follow us on social!

    • TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwift
    • Instagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwift
    • YouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwift
    • Link Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswift
    • Bookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/apts
    • Libro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibro

    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.

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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • E56: DJ Louie XIV of Pop Pantheon Talks Taylor Swift and Pop Stars
    Oct 4 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

    Follow us on social!

    • TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwift
    • Instagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwift
    • YouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwift
    • Link Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswift
    • Bookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/apts
    • Libro.fm → 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.

    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

    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
  • E55: Show and Tell - Rhetorical Questions
    Oct 2 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!

    • TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwift
    • Instagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwift
    • YouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwift
    • Link Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswift
    • Bookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/apts
    • Libro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibro

    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.

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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • 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

    Follow us on social!

    • TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwift
    • Instagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwift
    • YouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwift
    • Link Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswift
    • Bookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/apts
    • Libro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibro

    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.

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    48 mins
  • 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

    Follow us on social!

    • TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwift
    • Instagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwift
    • YouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwift
    • Link Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswift
    • Bookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/apts
    • Libro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibro

    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.

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    47 mins