Episodes
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"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!
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Follow us on social!
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Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!
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“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?
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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/@APTaylorSwiftInstagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwiftYouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwiftLink Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswiftBookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/aptsLibro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibroThis 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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Episodes manquant?
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“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/@APTaylorSwiftInstagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwiftYouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwiftLink Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswiftBookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/aptsLibro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibroAffiliate 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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“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/@APTaylorSwiftInstagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwiftYouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwiftLink Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswiftBookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/aptsLibro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibroAffiliate 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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“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/@APTaylorSwiftInstagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwiftYouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwiftLink Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswiftBookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/aptsLibro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibroAffiliate 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.
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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/@APTaylorSwiftInstagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwiftYouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwiftLink Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswiftBookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/aptsLibro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibroThis 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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“…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/@APTaylorSwiftInstagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwiftYouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwiftLink Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswiftBookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/aptsLibro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibroAffiliate 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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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/@APTaylorSwiftInstagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwiftYouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwiftLink Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswiftBookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/aptsLibro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibroAffiliate 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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"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/@APTaylorSwiftInstagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwiftYouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwiftLink Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswiftBookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/aptsLibro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibroAffiliate 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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"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
Follow us on social!
TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwiftInstagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwiftYouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwiftLink Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswiftBookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/aptsLibro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibroAffiliate 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.
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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
Follow us on social!
TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwiftInstagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwiftYouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwiftLink Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswiftBookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/aptsLibro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibroThis 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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“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:
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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
***
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
Follow us on social!
TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwiftInstagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwiftYouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwiftLink Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswiftBookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/aptsLibro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibroThis 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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"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”
Follow us on social!
TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwiftInstagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwiftYouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwiftLink Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswiftBookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/aptsLibro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibroAffiliate 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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“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
Follow us on social!
TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwiftInstagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwiftYouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwiftLink Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswiftBookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/aptsLibro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibroAffiliate 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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“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.
Subscribe to our Substack to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe
***
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”
***
Follow us on social!
TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwiftInstagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwiftYouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwiftLink Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswiftBookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/aptsLibro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibroAffiliate 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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“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
Alison Weir
“Wicked”
“A Chorus Line”
“Hamilton”
“Les Miserables”
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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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”
Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe
Follow us on social!
TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwiftInstagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwiftYouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwiftLink Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswiftBookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/aptsLibro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibroThis 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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“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.
Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe
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
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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
Follow us on social!
TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwiftInstagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwiftYouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwiftLink Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswiftBookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/aptsLibro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibroAffiliate 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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“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.
Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe
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
Mean Girls
Catcher in the Rye
The Aeneid, Virgil
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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”
Follow us on social!
TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwiftInstagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwiftYouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwiftLink Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswiftBookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/aptsLibro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibroAffiliate 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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"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
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:
[00:30] 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”
Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe
Follow us on social!
TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwiftInstagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwiftYouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwiftLink Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswiftBookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/aptsLibro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibroThis 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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"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:
“Blue Blood,” Craig Unger
“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”
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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?
Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe
Follow us on social!
TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwiftInstagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwiftYouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwiftLink Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswiftBookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/aptsLibro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibroThis 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.
- Montre plus
