AP Taylor Swift

"The Life of a Showgirl" Album Release Reactions

"But you don't know the life of a showgirl, babe." Join us for our immediate reactions to Taylor Swift's The Life of a Showgirl album! We break down our first impressions track by track, exploring the sophisticated lyricism hidden beneath high-energy pop production, the album's theatrical motifs, and how Taylor uses the showgirl concept as both performance and vulnerability. From the literary references in "Fate of Ophelia" to the musical callbacks throughout, we discuss how this album ties together themes from across Taylor's discography while introducing bold new perspectives on fame, relationships, and growing up in the spotlight.
Mentioned in this episode:
Hamlet 
Macbeth
Dante’s Inferno
Rapunzel fairy tale
Elizabeth Taylor
Jackson 5 
George Michael
The Godfather 
Scandal (TV show)
Episode Highlights: 
[00:30] Our initial reactions to “The Life of a Showgirl”
[07:39] Fate of Ophelia - Shakespeare references and literary vibes
[12:28] Elizabeth Taylor - Loneliness of fame and purple eyes
[14:34] Opalite - ABBA vibes and haunted houses
[17:42] Father Figure - Industry power dynamics and masculinity
[21:42] Eldest Daughter - Track 5 emotions and millennial core
[27:06] Ruin the Friendship - High school storytelling and Abigail callback
[30:55] Actually Romantic - Diss track energy but supportive message
[34:39] Wi$h Li$t - Evolving desires and life phases
[40:02] Wood - Adult themes with childhood superstitions
[45:03] Canceled! - Something wicked this way comes
[47:54] Honey - Terms of endearment and passive aggression
[52:00] The Life of a Showgirl - Behind the scenes vs performance
 
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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.

E102: Taylor Swift Parallels: Connecting the Dots Between Unexpected Song Pairings

"What if I told you none of it was accidental?" This week, you’re getting six show-and-tell songs instead of three! In this episode, we explore the concept of parallel songs in Taylor Swift's discography, focusing on thematic and lyrical connections between pairs of songs. We discuss the similarities between the carefree hangout vibes of “22” and the more mature perspective of letting loose in “Bejeweled”; the contrasting views of fate in “Invisible String” and agency in “Mastermind”. And, we take a technical lens to the songs “Labyrinth” and “You're Losing Me”, highlighting how they embody experiences of love and loss.
Subscribe for free to get episode updates or upgrade to paid to get our After School premium content: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe. After School subscribers get monthly bonus episodes, exclusive content, and early access to help shape future topics!
Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com 
 
Mentioned in this episode: 
Eras Tour Surprise Song Mashup TikToks
Love Story Deep Dive 
***
 
Episode Highlights: 
[00:22] Introduction to Parallel Songs
[04:00] Exploring “22” (Red)  and “Bejeweled” (Midnights)
[12:09] Contrasting “Invisible String”(folklore) and “Mastermind” (Midnights)
[19:57] Analyzing “Labyrinth” (Midnights) and “You're Losing Me” (Midnights (from the vault))
Follow AP Taylor Swift podcast on social! 
TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwift
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Link Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswift
Bookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/apts
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Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com 
Affiliate Codes: 
Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off! 
Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro
This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E101: Magic, Madness, Heaven, Sin: A Line-by-Line Analysis of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space”

"Nice to meet you, where you been? I could show you incredible things..." In this deep dive episode, we dissect one of Taylor Swift's most iconic satirical masterpieces. From the enchanted references that bookend her career to the Shakespeare allusions hidden in plain sight, we explore how "Blank Space" operates as both brilliant satire and surprisingly authentic commentary on complex womanhood. Join us as we unpack the magic, madness, heaven, and sin of a song that dared to ask: what if we owned the narrative instead of fighting it?
Subscribe for episode updates and After School premium content: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe. After School subscribers get monthly bonus episodes, exclusive content, and early access to help shape future topics!
Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com
Mentioned in this episode:
A Midsummer Night's Dream, William Shakespeare
Pretty Little Liars (TV series)
The Office (TV series)
Wife of Bath from The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer
Episode Highlights:
[02:29] Diving into “Blank Space” 
[08:15] “New money, suit and tie” - character analysis 
[15:27] Analyzing the chorus
[22:31] Shakespearean references 
[28:50] “Cherry lips, crystal skies” vs. “stolen kisses, pretty lies” 
[35:25] "I get drunk on jealousy"
[38:44] Bridge analysis: "Boys only want love if it's torture" 
[44:59] Getting into the purpose of “Blank Space” 
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Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com
Affiliate Codes:
Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!
Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro
This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E100: Taylor Swift Songs That Transcend Time - Blank Space, New Romantics, The Man

From medieval England to modern pop music, some things never change - women fighting for agency, authority, and the right to write their own stories. In this milestone 100th episode, we go full literary nerd and explore the surprising connections between Geoffrey Chaucer's iconic Wife of Bath from The Canterbury Tales and Taylor Swift's empowering anthems. By looking at Blank Space, New Romantics, and The Man, we examine how both the 14th-century literary character and the 21st-century pop star challenge societal expectations, manipulate narratives to their advantage, and advocate for women's autonomy in love and life. 
Subscribe for episode updates and After School premium content at aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe. 
After School subscribers get monthly bonus episodes, exclusive content, and early access to help shape future topics!
Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com
Mentioned in this episode:
The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer
The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger
Episode Highlights:
[1:10] Introduction to paid subscriber content announcement 
[2:55] Connecting Taylor Swift to The Canterbury Tales
[6:42] "Blank Space" 
[15:50] "New Romantics"
[25:00] "The Man"
Follow AP Taylor Swift podcast on social!
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YouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwift
Link Tree → linktr.ee/aptaylorswift
Bookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/apts
Libro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibro
Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com
Affiliate Codes:
Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!
Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro
This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

Medieval Reality TV aka "The Canterbury Tales" for Taylor Swift Fans (After School Paid Preview)

In this preview of our paid subscriber bonus episode, we’re diving deeper into The Canterbury Tales. Imagine Love Island but it's 1390, everyone's going on a religious road trip, and instead of coupling up, they're having a storytelling competition. That's The Canterbury Tales. Join us as we go a little deeper into Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales, exploring how this 14th-century masterpiece was the original "common people's literature" and why these 600-year-old stories feel surprisingly modern. Spoiler alert: there's a lot more butt-kissing and fart jokes than you'd expect from "classic literature” or Taylor Swift songs. 
If you enjoyed this sneak peek and want to hear the full episode plus additional monthly episodes of AP Taylor Swift After School, subscribe at aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe. 
Stay up to date with all episodes at aptaylorswift.com
Mentioned in this episode:
The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer
The Decameron, Giovanni Boccaccio
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, J.K. Rowling
Monsters: A Fan's Dilemma, Claire Dederer
Fourth Wing, Rebecca Yarros
Beowulf
Netflix's The Decameron (2024)
1972 Italian film adaptation of The Canterbury Tales
The Waiting Game, Nicola Clark
J. K. Rowling, Chaucer’s Pardoner, and the Ethics of Reading
Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe
Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com 
 
Follow AP Taylor Swift podcast 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
Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com 
Affiliate Codes: 
Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off! 
Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro
 
This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E99: “But Daddy I Love Him”: Sarahs, Hannahs, Taylor's Tale of Rebellious Love

"All the wine moms are still holding out…" This week, we're deep diving into "But Daddy I Love Him" from The Tortured Poets Department (2024). Join us as we unpack the unreliable narrator, explore the Southern Gothic imagery, and analyze how Taylor uses biblical references and small-town dynamics to tell a story about agency, choice, and breaking free from societal expectations. From the Sarahs and Hannahs clutching their pearls to the elders convening at city hall, this song creates a vivid world where love becomes an act of rebellion.
Subscribe for free to get episode updates or upgrade to paid to get our After School premium content: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe. After School subscribers get monthly bonus episodes, exclusive content, and early access to help shape future topics!
 
Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com 
Mentioned in this episode:
Beauty and the Beast
The Notebook
Gilmore Girls
Robert Burns
Hamlet
E2: Enchanted Deep Dive
E32: “Love Story” Deep Dive
 
***
 
Episode Highlights: 
[00:54] How we do a deep dive
[01:38] “I forget how the west was won”
[07:21] “Sarah’s and Hannahs’ in their Sunday best”
[11:30] “Too high a horse for a simple girl to rise above it”
[15:25] “Now I’m running with my dress unbuttoned”
[21:40] “Dutiful daughter, all my plans were laid”
[27:44] “The elders had convened down at the city hall”
[33:22] “I’ll tell you something right now, I’d rather burn my whole life down”
[44:40] “Scandal does funny things to pride”
[51:19] Purpose of the song 
Follow AP Taylor Swift podcast 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
Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com 
Affiliate Codes: 
Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off! 
Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro
 
This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

E98: Taylor Swift's Unreliable Narrators: When You Can't Trust the Story - You Belong With Me, Mr. Perfectly Fine, But Daddy I Love Him

"You're on the phone with your girlfriend, she's upset..." Welcome to Season 3 of AP Taylor Swift! What happens when we can't trust the person telling the story? In this week's Show & Tell episode, we explore the concept of unreliable narrators through three Taylor Swift songs that demonstrate how perspective shapes truth. From teenage crush confessions to post-breakup rants to defiant love declarations, we examine how Taylor uses narrative techniques that make us question what's really happening beneath the surface of these seemingly straightforward stories.
Subscribe for free to get episode updates or upgrade to paid to get our After School premium content: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe. After School subscribers get monthly bonus episodes, exclusive content, and early access to help shape future topics!
 
Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com
Mentioned in this episode:
The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger
Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, Mark Haddon
Atonement, Ian McEwan
Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen
After Party (Apple TV+ series)
The Residence (Netflix) 
How I Met Your Mother (TV series)
E32: Love Story Deep Dive
Episode Highlights:
[01:22] Introduction to Unreliable Narrators[08:47] "You Belong With Me" (Fearless, 2008)[19:55] "Mr. Perfectly Fine" (Fearless Taylor's Version, 2021)[26:15] "But Daddy I Love Him" (The Tortured Poets Department, 2024)
 
Follow AP Taylor Swift podcast 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
Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com 
Affiliate Codes: 
Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off! 
Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro
 
This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.

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

"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-examination of "Question...?", we explore three distinct types of rhetorical questions and their power in songwriting. Join us as we discuss anthypophora, epiplexis, and erotesis to uncover why sometimes the most powerful answers are the ones left unspoken. 
..............................
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 
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.

Tim McGraw: Deep Diving the Single That Launched Taylor Swift

"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 examine how the meaning of key phrases shifts dramatically when we understand that the full timeline. Join us as we discover how Taylor's debut single established her as a master storyteller from day one, using nostalgic imagery and circular narrative structure to create a song that hits different every time you hear it.
Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe
Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com 
 
Mentioned in this episode: 
The Last Song 
Dirty Dancing
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Grease 
To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before 
The Good Place 
Anita de Monte Laughs Last – Xochitl Gonzalez
***
 
Episode Highlights: 
[00:55]  How we do a deep dive
[02:07] “He said the way my blue eyes shined…”
[05:32] “And I was right there beside him all summer long”
[07:55] “When you think Tim McGraw”
[12:40] “September saw a month of tears”
[18:34] “And there’s a letter left on your doorstep / And the first thing that you’ll read”
[21:40] “... I said, that's a lie”
[27:12] The purpose of the song
Follow AP Taylor Swift podcast on social! 
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
Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com 
Affiliate Codes: 
Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off! 
Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro
 
This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.
 

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

“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 evolution. From Shakespearean references in "The Fate of Ophelia" to the millennial energy of releasing on October 3rd (it's Mean Girls day!), we dive deep into the themes, collaborators, and visual storytelling of this highly anticipated album.
Subscribe for free to get episode updates or upgrade to paid to get our After School premium content: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe. After School subscribers get monthly bonus episodes, exclusive content, and early access to help shape future topics!
Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com
Mentioned in this episode:
William Shakespeare's Hamlet
Elizabeth Taylor Biography
Mean Girls (2004)
New Heights Podcast with Jason and Travis Kelce
Max Martin and Shellback Collaborations Playlist
Britney Spears, Circus Album
Cindy Sherman Photography
& Juliet Musical (Max Martin songs)
E31: Show and Tell - Shakespeare
E81: Show and Tell - Female Artists
E55: Rhetorical Questions Episode (Are You Ready For It)
 
***
Episode Highlights:
[00:27] Emergency bonus episode announcement
[03:30] First reaction to album cover reveal
[16:30] "The Fate of Ophelia" Shakespeare discussion
[26:00] How long has she be writing this album?
[33:00] Taylor's View of the Eras Tour
[46:00] Clowning for a hot second
[50:00] See you October 3rd!
 
Follow AP Taylor Swift podcast 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
Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com 
Affiliate Codes: 
Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off! 
Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro
 
This podcast is neither related to nor endorsed by Taylor Swift, her companies, or record labels. All opinions are our own. Intro music produced by Scott Zadig aka Scotty Z.