AP Taylor Swift

E41: Toxic Relationships + “The Tortured Poets Department”

"Mr. Steal Your Girl, then make her cry." This summer, we’re bringing you Summer School! Each week, we’ll revisit a topic from this past season within the context of songs from Taylor Swift’s latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department.” This week we’re covering the topic of toxic relationships from Episode 5. 
 
Mentioned in this episode: 
Episode 5: Toxic Relationships (Apple | Spotify) 
Mary Shelley and Percey Shelley’s Relationship tl;dr 
Frankenstein, Mary Shelley
The Lottery, Shirley Jackson
Frozen
Wicked
The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
Episode 25: Pride and Prejudice (Apple | Spotify) 
 
***
Episode Highlights: 
[00:19] Welcome to Summer School
[02:45] “The Tortured Poets Department”
[08:46] “But Daddy I Love Him” 
[13:52] “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me”
[20:14] “I Can Fix Him (No Really I Can)”
[23:45] “loml”
[26:46] “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived”
 
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Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe
 
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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.

E40: Deep Dive - Paris

Like we were in Paris. This week we’re over-analyzing Taylor Swift's song “Paris” from the album Midnights. We explore the imagery and metaphors used in the lyrics, like “stumbled down pretend alleyways” and how that relates to what it’s like to be early on in a relationship. Are they really in Paris? What does it mean to be “in Paris”? Why does she choose “Paris” and not another city? What makes “Paris” different? We try and unpack it all!
 
Mentioned in this episode: 
Midnight in Paris 
Peter Pan, JM Barrie
Practical Magic
Isn’t It Romantic?
 
***
Episode Highlights: 
[01:40] How we do a deep dive 
[5:00] “Drew a map on your bedroom ceiling”  
[8:53] “Like we were in Paris”
[12:48] “Levitate above all the messes made”
[19:47] “I want to brainwash you into loving me forever”
[27:17] “My love, we were in Paris”
[30:04] The purpose of the song
 
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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.

E39: Show and Tell - Cities

The lights are so bright, but they never blind me. This week we’re taking a tour of Taylor Swift’s favorite cities to sing about. We explore the personification of different cities, and how Taylor uses these cities to tell her stories. In this episode, we’re covering “Welcome to New York” from 1989, “London Boy” from Lover, and “Paris” from Midnights. 
 
Mentioned in this episode: 
The City, Langston Hughes 
The Raven, Edgar Allen Poe
Mrs. Dalloway, Virginia Woolf 
Mrs. Dalloway’s Map of London
Jodi's London Boy Map of London
 
***
 
Episode Highlights: 
[1:03] Introduction to Cities 
[2:38] “Welcome to New York” 1989
[27:54] “London Boy” Lover
[46:16] “Paris” Midnights
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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.
 

E38: Deep Dive - The Archer

Who could ever leave me, darling? But who could stay? Love or hate The Archer (Lover 2019), we all agree that we have no idea what this song is about. Such an obscure song calls for a proper, literary style close reading. Join us as we go line by line to understand what Taylor is trying to say with the obscure lyrics of this incredibly poetic song.
Mentioned in this episode: 
Tom Cruise movies
Smart Bitches, Trashy Books 
Marvel’s Avengers: End Game
Black Widow 
The Odyssey, by Homer 
Iron man
Full House (1987)
Michael Scott, The Office (2005)
Peter Pan, by JM Barrie
Nietzsche
“Anti-hero,” Midnights (2022)
Jane Eyre
Into the Woods
Selena
Mean Girls the Musical 
Barbie
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***
Episode Highlights: 
[01:43] Baseline: How we all feel about The Archer
[03:17] Combat, I'm ready for combat: What’s it mean
[11:28] I jump from the train, I ride off alone
[21:42] Backtrack: Who left? Who should stay?
[28:00] Unpacking the phrase “cut off my nose”
[32:18] Invisible smoke & all of my heroes
[40:24] I, They, You - who’s seeing through her?
[48:50] Pulling together the bridge
[56:26] Our final thoughts
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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.

E37: Show and Tell - Surrealism

I don't need your closure. In this week’s episode, we discuss the art style of surrealism and explore how it relates to Taylor Swift. Abby Aleksinas, of @arthistoryabby on TikTok, joins us to help us understand how visual arts can connect to music. We dive into “The Archer” from Lover, then we look at “closure” from evermore, and wrap it up with “Lavender Haze” from Midnights. Join us as we dive into the unconventional pairings, unexpected imagery, and use of surrealism to convey emotions and create a dreamlike atmosphere!
Mentioned in this episode: 
@arthistoryabby
The Surrealist Manifesto 
Duma Key by Stephen King 
To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf 
The Infernal Desire Machines of Dr. Hoffman by Angela Carter
Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte 
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***
Episode Highlights: 
[00:29] Introduction to Surrealism
[01:15] Art History with Abby
[20:15] “The Archer”
[32:17] “closure”
[43:20] “Lavender Haze”
 
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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.

E36: Deep Dive - King of My Heart

Salute to me I’m your American Queen. In this episode, we deep dive into Taylor Swift's song “King of My Heart” from reputation. Join us as we discuss the power dynamics and military references in the song, as well as themes of wealth, luxury, and the British Royal Family. We even attempt to dissect how the music changes to reflect the song’s themes and lyrics. We’re left wondering: is this just a schoolgirl crush? Infatuation? Or the love of the speaker’s life, the end of all the endings? Tune in and find out! 
 
Mentioned in this episode: 
King Arthur
"You’re Losing Me"
Marxist Theory Episode
Switched on Pop (Book) 
Switched on Pop (Podcast) 
Satire Episode 
“Satisfied,” Hamilton
 
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***
Episode Highlights: 
[1:50] How we do a deep dive 
[4:06] “Salute to me I’m your American Queen”
[9:23] “All the boys and their expensive cars”
[11:00] How the music changes to reflect the song’s lyrics
[13:47] “Now you try on calling me baby…”
[20:37] “Is this the end of all the endings?”
[29:23] What is the purpose of the song?
Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe
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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.
 

Bonus: "The Tortured Poets Department" at The Eras Tour Reaction

Try and come for my job. We’ve got a special episode to discuss “The Tortured Poets Department” songs that Taylor Swift added to The Eras Tour setlist this weekend. We share our reactions and observations about the changes like the visuals in “But Daddy I Love Him,” the levitating platform in 'Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?' and how “So High School” feels like “Fearless”- era Taylor. We cover the UFO effects in “Down Bad” and how “Fortnight” mirrors the music video. Finally, we have to talk about the epic marching band in “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived,” and the Clara Bow and “A Chorus Line” references in “I Can Do It With A Broken Heart.” The TTPD section of the Eras tour is an emotional, fun, and powerful journey in The Eras Tour! 
 
Episode Highlights:
[03:20] First reactions to the changes
[06:32] “But Daddy I Love Him”
[10:25] “So High School”
[11:43] “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me”
[16:10] “Down Bad”
[20:18] “Fortnight”
[24:51] “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived”
[27:47] “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart”
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***
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Follow us on social! 
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Link Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswift
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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.

E35: Show and Tell - Royalty

How the kingdom lights shined just for me and you. Hear ye! Hear ye! This week’s show and tell topic is “Royalty!” We explore the historical and religious roots of royalty, and its portrayal in fantasy literature, and high school. Maansi discusses “Long Live” from Speak Now (Taylor’s Version). Jodi brings in “Castle's Crumbling” Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault).  And finally,  Jenn shares “King of My Heart” from Reputation.
 
Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe
 
Mentioned in this episode: 
The Lord of the Rings 
Newsies
The Plantagenets by Dan Jones 
Le Morte D’Artur by Thomas Malory 
The Last Kingdom on Netflix 
Beowulf 
Robin Hood 
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
Throne of Glass series 
Frozen (Disney film)
 
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: 
[00:01:00] Introduction to Royalty
[00:04:58] “Long Live” Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)
[00:26:32] “Castle's Crumbling” Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)
[00:48:22] “King of My Heart” Reputation
 
Follow us on social! 
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Link Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswift
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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.

E34: Deep Dive - I Know Places

They are the hunters we are the foxes, and we run.  This week we’re covering “I Know Places” from 1989 (Taylor’s Version). Who’s running? Why are they running? What are the places they’re trying to get to? Does she actually know a place to hide? This is a dark and anxious song and we have questions! We explore how Taylor Swift uses metaphors to help make the relationship she’s singing about relatable. Then we examine how the music changes between the verses and the choruses, from anxious and scared to romantic and beautiful. And we’re left trying to answer the question: is this a reliable narrator? Tune in to find out!
 
Mentioned in this episode: 
Fall episode
Metaphors episode
Pirates of the Caribbean
Friends
“Wonderland” episode
Zootopia
The Diary of Anne Frank
Star Wars: Rogue One
AIDA, Original Broadway Cast Recording 
The Audacity of Hope
Marxist episode
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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: 
[01:15] How we do a deep dive
[04:30] “It’s a scene and we’re out here in plain sight”
[09:01] “Baby…I know places we won’t be found”
[16:30] “Just grab my hand and don’t ever drop it”
[21:52] Is there a bridge?
[28:48] What’s the purpose of the song?
 
Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe
 
Follow us on social! 
TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwift
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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.
 

E33: Show and Tell - Animal Studies

Now it’s too late for you and your white horse. What do white horses, foxes, vultures, and wolves all have in common? They all show up in our favorite Taylor Swift songs! This week, we’re looking to understand how Taylor Swift uses animals in her lyrics, through the lens of animal studies! Jenn takes us back to medieval times to help us understand the origins of the white horse and what that means for “White Horse” (Fearless, 2008). Then Jodi talks to us about the many connotations associated with foxes and vultures, which are referenced in “I know places,” (1989, 2014). And finally, Maansi talks us through the song “Daylight” (Lover, 2014) where there are implications of the animalistic concept of hibernation, and also references to wolves. 
Mentioned in this episode: 
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling 
The Hobbit & Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkein 
The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkein
Rapunzel by the Brothers Grimm 
Mythology by Edith Hamilton
Hercules the Disney film
Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (the film) 
BBC’s In Our Time - Chivalry episode 
BBC’s You’re Dead to Me 
Shakespeare’s Sonnets
Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott
Le Morte D’Artur by Sir Thomas Malory
Lancelot: The Knight of the Cart by Chretien de Troyes
The Templar Knights by Dan Jones 
Alison Weir Books  
Zootopia 
Mary Poppins 
Brer Rabbit
Disney’s Robin Hood
The Dark Knight 
Spiderman 
Beowulf 
The Wolf of Wall Street
Twilight 
Once Upon a Time 
Little Red Riding Hood by the Brothers Grimm
The Three Little Pigs
Looking for an audio book? Check out our Libro.fm playlist https://tidd.ly/47uhRVI
***
 
Episode Highlights: 
[01:12] Introduction to Animal Studies
[03:36] White horses in “White Horse,” Fearless, 2008
[23:05] Foxes & vultures in “I know places,” 1989, 2014 
[38:19] Wolves in “Daylight,” Lover, 2019
 
Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe
 
Follow us on social! 
TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwift
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Libro.fm → https://tidd.ly/47uhRVI
 
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.