AP Taylor Swift

E60: Show and Tell - Witches

“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”
 
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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.
 
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

E59: Deep Dive - Vigilante Shit

“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!
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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 
 
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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.

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

“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.

E57: Deep Dive - ...Question?

“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.

E56: DJ Louie XIV of Pop Pantheon Talks Taylor Swift and Pop Stars

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
 

E55: Show and Tell - Rhetorical Questions

“…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.

E54: One-Year Anniversary of AP Taylor Swift

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
 
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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.

E53: Deep Dive - The Way I Loved You

"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.

E52: "Anti-Hero" "Look What You Made Me Do" "That's The Way I Loved You" - Show and Tell - Psychoanalytic Theory

"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/@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.

E51: All Too Well (10 Min Version) - 3 Ways

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/@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.