Afleveringen

  • E42: Ecocriticism and

    E42: Ecocriticism and "The Tortured Poets Department"

    · AP Taylor Swift

    “A hurricane with my name when it came.” On today’s Summer School episode, we’re going back to Episode 7: Ecocriticism. We’ll cover how Taylor Swift uses nature language, imagery, and metaphors to capture the feelings and emotions she’s trying to convey in her songs on “The Tortured Poets Department.” From exploring nature vs cities, the idea of the civilized vs uncivilized, and ecofeminism, “The Tortured Poets Department” has a lot for us to work with!

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Episode 7: Ecocriticism

    Outlander

    Witches, Midwives and Nurses

    Peter Pan

    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:

    [02:20] Florida!!! “You can beat the heat”

    [07:58] Clara Bow “Picked like a rose”

    [12:43] I Hate It Here “I will go to secret gardens in my mind”

    [16:23] The Prophecy “So I look to the sky and said”

    [22:22] Peter “Promises ocean deep”

    [27:49] Robin “Dragonflys above your bed”

    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/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.

  • E41: Toxic Relationships + “The Tortured Poets Department”

    E41: Toxic Relationships + “The Tortured Poets Department”

    · AP Taylor Swift

    "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”

    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

    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/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.

  • Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?

    Klik hier om de feed te vernieuwen.

  • E40: Deep Dive - Paris

    E40: Deep Dive - Paris

    · AP Taylor Swift

    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

    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

    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/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.

  • E39: Show and Tell - Cities

    E39: Show and Tell - Cities

    · AP Taylor Swift

    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

    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

    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/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.

  • E38: Deep Dive - The Archer

    E38: Deep Dive - The Archer

    · AP Taylor Swift

    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 moviesSmart Bitches, Trashy Books Marvel’s Avengers: End GameBlack Widow The Odyssey, by Homer Iron manFull House (1987)Michael Scott, The Office (2005)Peter Pan, by JM BarrieNietzsche“Anti-hero,” Midnights (2022)Jane EyreInto the WoodsSelenaMean Girls the Musical Barbie

    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:

    [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

    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/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.

  • E37: Show and Tell - Surrealism

    E37: Show and Tell - Surrealism

    · AP Taylor Swift

    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:

    @arthistoryabbyThe Surrealist Manifesto Duma Key by Stephen King To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf The Infernal Desire Machines of Dr. Hoffman by Angela CarterWuthering Heights by Emily BronteJane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

    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:

    [00:29] Introduction to Surrealism

    [01:15] Art History with Abby

    [20:15] “The Archer”

    [32:17] “closure”

    [43:20] “Lavender Haze”

    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/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.

  • E36: Deep Dive - King of My Heart

    E36: Deep Dive - King of My Heart

    · AP Taylor Swift

    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

    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:

    [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

    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/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.

  • Bonus:

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

    · AP Taylor Swift

    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”

    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

    ***

    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/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

    E35: Show and Tell - Royalty

    · AP Taylor Swift

    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:

    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:

    [00:01:00] 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!

    TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwiftInstagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwiftYouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwiftLink Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswiftBookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/aptsLibro.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

    E34: Deep Dive - I Know Places

    · AP Taylor Swift

    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

    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:

    [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/@APTaylorSwiftInstagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwiftYouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwiftLink Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswiftBookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/aptsLibro.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

    E33: Show and Tell - Animal Studies

    · AP Taylor Swift

    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. TolkeinRapunzel by the Brothers Grimm Mythology by Edith HamiltonHercules the Disney filmLord of the Rings: The Two Towers (the film) BBC’s In Our Time - Chivalry episode BBC’s You’re Dead to Me Shakespeare’s SonnetsIvanhoe by Sir Walter ScottLe Morte D’Artur by Sir Thomas MaloryLancelot: The Knight of the Cart by Chretien de TroyesThe Templar Knights by Dan Jones Alison Weir Books Zootopia Mary Poppins Brer RabbitDisney’s Robin HoodThe Dark Knight Spiderman Beowulf The Wolf of Wall StreetTwilight Once Upon a Time Little Red Riding Hood by the Brothers GrimmThe 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/@APTaylorSwiftInstagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwiftYouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwiftLink Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswiftBookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/aptsLibro.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.

  • Bonus:

    Bonus: "The Tortured Poets Department" Album Release Recap

    · AP Taylor Swift

    All’s fair in love and poetry. The long-awaited album The Tortured Poets Department is officially out, and of course, we have thoughts! This bonus episode strays from our usual format to bring you as comprehensive of an overview as we can provide in one (rather long) episode. Be warned: you won’t find speculation about Taylor’s love life here. True to our usual content, we focus on the lyrics, the themes, and the literary choices Taylor makes to better understand what this album is all about. Join us as we give our first reactions, talk about Taylor’s “In Summation poem,” and briefly dissect a handful of songs that stood out to each of us.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Check out our “The Tortured Poets Department” Booklist on Bookshop.org/APTS

    E29: Show and Tell - Aestheticism

    E27: Show and Tell - Poetic Repetition

    E23: Show and Tell - Mad Women

    E7: Show and Tell - Ecocriticism

    Bonus: "The Tortured Poets Department" Announcement

    E32: Deep Dive - Love Story

    Episode Highlights:

    [02:48] Our initial album reactions

    [17:22] “In Summation” Poem overview

    [29:53] Is this what we expected TTPD to be?

    [38:16] loml

    [44:39] I Can Do It With a Broken Heart

    [53:24] So High School

    [56:34] Florida!!!

    [59:20] Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?

    [01:05:04] Down Bad

    [01:13:28] So Long, London

    [01:18:27] But Daddy I Love Him

    [01:27:00] How Did It End?

    [01:37:49] The Manuscript

    [01:46:08] What do we think the album is about?

    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

    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/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.

  • E32: Deep Dive - Love Story

    E32: Deep Dive - Love Story

    · AP Taylor Swift

    You were Romeo, I was a Scarlet Letter. This week we’re covering an oldie but goodie–Taylor Swift’s “Love Story”, from Fearless (Taylor’s Version). In this very narrative-driven song, we get a chance to explore who the protagonists are and what they’re trying to say about their love “story. We explore why Taylor Swift references high school favorites “Romeo and Juliet” and “Scarlet Letter,” and what those metaphors may mean. The “Scarlet Letter” reference makes us look at this song from a whole new lens, forcing us to look at pronouns, verb tenses, and points of view–we promise you’ll never hear this song the same way again.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Love Story, Fearless (Taylor’s Version)

    Romeo and Juliet

    Titanic

    The Notebook

    Tarzan of the Apes

    Tim McGraw

    Enchanted

    Pride and Prejudice

    Cinderella

    How I Met Your Mother

    Scarlet Letter

    Easy A

    I Did Something Bad

    Jane Eyre

    Emma

    & Juliet

    Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead

    Don’t Matter, Akon

    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:

    [1:30] How we do a deep dive

    [08:19] “You’ll be the prince and I’ll be the princess” The fairytale references

    [14:50] “I was a Scarlet Letter” What this reference may mean

    [20:32] “All that’s left to do is run” Where it all takes a turn

    [28:42] “When I met you on the outside of town” We approach the bridge

    [41:11] What we think the purpose of “Love Story” really is

    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/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.

  • E31: Show and Tell - Shakespeare

    E31: Show and Tell - Shakespeare

    · AP Taylor Swift

    Fever dream high in the quiet of the night. What’s an AP class without a not-so-brief discussion about Shakespeare? Join us as we compare Taylor Swift to William Shakespeare, and find out why we think Shakespeare may have been the original pop star of his day. Shakespeare’s plays remain so relevant even today, so it’s only natural that Taylor Swift would find ways to allude to his works in her music. In this Show & Tell, we each pick one Shakespeare play and a Taylor Swift song that we feel best references and represents that play. Maansi ties Romeo & Juliet to “Love Story” (Fearless 2008), Jenn talks us through Julius Caesar references in “Bad Blood” (Reputation 2017), and Jodi draws parallels between Midsummer Night’s Dream and “Cruel Summer” (Lover 2019). We really put the AP in APTS with this discussion so push up your reading glasses, dust off your old Shakespeare text books, and get ready to get nerdy with us!

    Mentioned in this episode:

    William Shakespeare

    The Tempest, William Shakespeare

    The Canterbury Tales, Geoffrey Chaucer

    Come Clean, Hilary Duff

    Romeo and Juliet, William Shakespeare

    Love Story, Fearless 2008

    William Shakespeare’s Romeo + Juliet, 1996 film version

    Romeo and Juliet, 1968 film version

    Jenn’s Zac Efron version of 1960 Romeo and Juliet

    West Side Story

    Bad Blood, Reputation 2017

    Shakespeare Birth Trust TL;DR

    Folger Shakespeare Library

    Julius Caesar, William Shakespeare

    Julius Caesar, Performed at the Globe Theater, 2015

    Bridgerton

    Shakespeare in a Divided America, by James Shapiro

    A Midsummer Night’s Dream, William Shakespeare

    A Midsummer Night’s Dream 1999 film version

    Cruel Summer, Lover 2019

    Affiliate Codes:

    Bookshop.org - Use code APTS at checkout for 10% off. Limited time offer. Expires April 10, 2024!

    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:

    [01:00] Shakespeare: The original pop artist

    [09:38] Romeo & Juliet’s Love Story

    [30:34] Julius Caesar’s Bad Blood

    [51:06] Cruel Midsummer Night’s Dream

    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/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.

  • E30: Deep Dive - gold rush

    E30: Deep Dive - gold rush

    · AP Taylor Swift

    What must it be like to grow up that beautiful? In this episode, we deep dive into the beautiful “gold rush.” We dive into the historical context of the real-life gold rush and how the gold rush was presented to us as kids versus today as adults. Then, we dive into how the reality of history affects how we interpret this song. We also explore how fame or popularity connects to this song. Finally, we examine the siren call motif and the speaker's ultimate decision to resist the temptation of the gold rush. Ultimately, our takeaway is the importance of agency, boundaries, and the speaker’s decision to not engage with a gold rush.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Oregon Trail (website)

    Empty Mansions by Bell Deadman and Paul Clark Newell

    Mean Girls

    Harry Potter series

    Mythology by Edith Hamilton

    Glee

    David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

    Villette by Charlotte Bronte

    “You’re Beautiful” by James Blunt

    Affiliate Codes:

    Bookshop.org - Use code APTS at checkout for 10% off. Limited time offer. Expires April 10, 2024!

    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:

    [05:15] - Introduction to historical context of the gold rush

    [09:12] - The speaker’s perspective

    [14:38] - The temptation to “jump in”

    [24:08] - The siren call

    [31:10] - The structure of the song

    [38:52] - The convenience of a dream

    [48:50] - Is this person worth it?

    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/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.

  • E29: Show and Tell - Aestheticism

    E29: Show and Tell - Aestheticism

    · AP Taylor Swift

    Every bait and switch was a work of art. It’s time to get theoretical! In this week’s episode, we cover Aesthetic Theory–the experience of beauty, for the sake of beauty. Jodi starts us off quite literally with “Gorgeous” from reputation (2017). This prompts a discussion of “The Picture of Dorian Gray” by Oscar Wilde, and the similarities between the song’s obsession with the subject’s beauty, and the book’s fixation on the beauty and youth of Dorian Gray. Naturally, we talk about gender roles and the negative sides of focusing exclusively on a person’s beauty. Then, Jenn brings in “willow” from evermore (2020) as an example of a song that gave her an aesthetic experience. And Maansi brings it home with “gold rush,” also from evermore (2020), focusing on the detailed, artistic descriptions of beauty throughout the song.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” Oscar Wilde

    “The Giver,” Lois Lowry

    “The Giver” movie

    “Gorgeous,” reputation

    “willow,” folklore

    “gold rush,” folklore

    The Aeneid, Virgil

    The Pit and the Pendulum, Edgar Allen Poe

    The Odyssey, Homer

    Important definitions:

    Aestheticism: aestheticism promoted an "art for art's sake" philosophy, celebrating beauty as free of moral or utilitarian considerations

    Hedonism: the pursuit of pleasure; sensual self-indulgence.

    Ekphrasis: the use of detailed description of a work of visual art as a literary device.

    Affiliate Codes:

    Bookshop.org/ - Use code APTS until 4/10/24 for 10% off any order!

    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:

    [01:10] Introduction to Aestheticism

    [08:59] “Gorgeous,” reputation

    [26:03] “willow,” evermore

    [40:37] “gold rush,” evermore

    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/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.

  • E28: Deep Dive - Shake It Off

    E28: Deep Dive - Shake It Off

    · AP Taylor Swift

    That’s What People Say (ooh ooh). In this deep dive episode, we get into the groove of Taylor Swift's “Shake It Off” from her album 1989 (Taylor’s Version). We start by discussing how the song acts as a strategic move by Swift to rebrand herself as a pop artist and connect with a larger audience. We look at how Taylor addresses the haters and criticisms she’s received over the years through her lyrics. And we make the case that this is not a simple song–it’s a therapeutic anthem of resilience, empowerment, and growth. Jodi and Jenn get flashbacks to grad school thinking about this song, and Maansi
well, listen to hear what Maansi really thinks about this song.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    “Shake It Off”

    How Taylor Swift Made Me a Better Marketer

    The Spare

    Clare @colormelovely

    Mean

    TIME Person of the Year profile

    Risky Business, the rock band at Ross

    Mean Girls

    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:

    [02:15] How “Shake It Off” fits into Taylor’s musical catalog

    [07:01] “It’s gonna be alright”

    [10:44] Taylor as a marketing GENIUS

    [16:41] “I stay out too late”

    [22:52] Looking at this song 10 years later

    [30:30] Was there another option as the first single?

    [37:25] 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/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.

  • E27: Show and Tell - Poetic Repetition

    E27: Show and Tell - Poetic Repetition

    · AP Taylor Swift

    You go talk to your friends, talk to my friends, talk to me. Let’s get ready for "The Tortured Poets Department" and explore the concept of poetic repetition in Taylor Swift's songs. From understanding epizeuxis and anaphora to seeing how Taylor uses these devices in “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together”’ “Shake It Off” and “This Love,” we discuss how repetition can seem deceptively simple while still communicating a clear message. Understanding the purpose of any text can help enrich your experience of that art, and this week’s episode helps us understand the power of some of Taylor’s less complicated lyrics. Tune into this week’s conversation to see why simplicity can be powerful, and perhaps we may even convince you to appreciate a song you don’t necessarily want to listen to on repeat.

    Note: This episode was recorded before the "The Tortured Poets Department" announcement. We hope it helps us all prepare for the album!

    Helpful definitions:

    Epizeuxis (a.k.a. palilogia) - the immediate repetition of a word or phrase for rhetorical or poetic effect. For example, "the children squealed with glee, with glee” or “Shake it off, shake it off”

    Anaphora - repetition of a word or expression at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect. For example, Lincoln's "we cannot dedicate—we cannot consecrate—we cannot hallow—this ground.” OR “Please don’t be in love with someone else, please don’t have somebody waiting on you.”

    Epistrophe - repetition of a word or expression at the end of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses especially for rhetorical or poetic effect. For example, Lincoln's "of the people, by the people, for the people.” or “And it was enchanting to meet you / All I can say is it was enchanting to meet you”

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

    King Lear by William Shakespeare

    Walden by Thoreau

    Macbeth by William Shakespeare

    Mean Girls

    Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire by J.K. Rowling

    Friends

    Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist tinyurl.com/aptslibro

    Affiliate Codes:

    Libro.fm:

    Receive 2 audiobook credits for $14.99 USD with your first month of membership by using the code APTS - Redeem here or at tinyurl.com/aptslibro Get 30% off any audiobook from the AP Taylor Swift playlist with the code APTS30 - Audiobooks eligible for promo code found here: tinyurl.com/aptslibro

    ***

    Episode Highlights:

    [01:25] Introduction to Poetic Repetition

    [06:43] “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together,” Red (Taylor’s Version)

    [22:00] “Shake It Off,” 1989 (Taylor’s Version)

    [40:45] “This Love,” 1989 (Taylor’s Version)

    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/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.

  • E26: Deep Dive - Haunted

    E26: Deep Dive - Haunted

    · AP Taylor Swift

    "It’s coming over you like it was all a big mistake." In this week’s episode, we dive into the Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) classic “Haunted.” We discuss how Taylor Swift’s song captures the haunting and fragile nature of relationships, the devastation of loss, and the immediate aftermath of a breakup. In true form, we also tie the idea of a haunting break up back to our careers, and what it can feel like when you are constantly wondering “what if” about your past decisions. Whether you want some strong emotions or a bit of verb tense analysis, we get into it all in our conversation about “Haunted.”

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Broadway Sings Taylor Swift

    Phantom of the Opera

    Romeo and Juliet

    Madeline

    Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier

    “The Crown” Netflix

    "The Year of Taylor Swift” from The Daily

    Slaughterhouse Five

    Moulin Rouge

    Looking for an audio book? Check out our Libro.fm playlist https://tidd.ly/47uhRVI

    ***

    Episode Highlights:

    [00:25] Introduction to "Haunted"

    [02:35] The theme of haunting in Taylor’s music

    [14:18] When you’re haunted by work or other relationships

    [22:24] When you’re haunted by the “what if”

    [37:56] The purpose of “Haunted”

    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 → 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.

  • E25: Show and Tell -

    E25: Show and Tell - "Pride and Prejudice"

    · AP Taylor Swift

    All they keep asking me, is if I’m gonna be your bride. We’re a literary-focused Taylor Swift podcast, so it was only a matter of time before we brought Jane Austen into the mix. In this episode, we explore three songs in relation to Pride and Prejudice. Jenn focuses on the sisterly relationship between Elizabeth and Jane with “I’m Only Me When I’m With You.” Maansi zooms into the moment Darcy confesses his love to Elizabeth, only to be brutally rebuffed, with the song “Haunted.” And Jodi explores the connections between the societal pressure to get married in Pride and Prejudice and “Lavender Haze.” It is a truth universally acknowledged that any conversation on this podcast will find literary and pop culture references to Taylor Swift, and this episode is no different!

    Mentioned in this episode:

    Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen

    “I’m Only Me When I’m With You,” Taylor Swift

    & Juliet

    The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, Anne Bronte

    “Haunted”, Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)

    Hamilton

    Emma, Jane Austen

    “Lavender Haze,” Midnights

    Bridgerton

    Looking for an audio book? Check out our Libro.fm playlist https://tidd.ly/47uhRVI

    ***

    Episode Highlights:

    [01:14] Introduction to Pride and Prejudice

    [05:39] “I’m Only Me When I’m With You” - Taylor Swift

    [27:23] “Haunted” - Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)

    [43:31] “Lavender Haze” - 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 → 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.

  • Laat meer zien