"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   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.

"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 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.

"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”  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.

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! 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.

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.

"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.

"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.

"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.

"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.  

“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.

"I love you, ain't that the worst thing you ever heard?" This week, we're diving deep into Taylor's ultimate summer anthem and Eras Tour favorite: "Cruel Summer" (Lover 2019). We unpack whether this song is about a problematic love interest or the speaker's own internal struggle with anxious attachment and self-imposed drama. The track brilliantly captures the gap between our cool, collected external personas and the chaotic thoughts running through our heads when we're falling for someone but trying to play it casual. Join us as we go line-by-line through one of Taylor's most iconic bridges and explore why "HE LOOKS UP GRINNING LIKE A DEVIL" resonates so deeply with fans. Whether you've screamed along at the Eras Tour or you're just discovering this track, this episode offers fresh insights into Taylor's masterfully crafted exploration of facades, vulnerability, and the relief that comes with finally being honest about your feelings. Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com    Mentioned in this episode:  “Cruel Summer” Bananarama The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald Romeo and Juliet A Midsummer Night's Dream  Attached   ***   Episode Highlights:  [01:03] How we do a deep dive  [03:51] “Fever dream high in the quiet of the night” [08:27] “Devils roll the dice, angels roll their eyes” [10:03] The chorus [16:13] “Hang your head low in the glow of the vending machine” [22:03] “Cut the headlights, summer’s a knife” [26:33] “I’m drunk in the back of the car”  [31:05] “He looks up grinning like a devil” [37:20] 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.

"Freedom felt like summer then on the coast." What happens when we explore Taylor Swift's music through the lens of summer? In this episode, we explore how summer functions both as a setting and a symbol in Taylor's songwriting. From the cruel intensity of forbidden love to nostalgic August romances and the catastrophic blues of heartbreak, we explore how Taylor uses summer to capture everything from youthful freedom to emotional devastation. Join us as we discuss "Cruel Summer," "august," and "Hits Different" to uncover why summer hits different in Taylor's discography. Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com Mentioned in this episode: The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald A Room with a View, E.M. Forster Harry Potter A Midsummer Night's Dream, William Shakespeare My Antonia, Willa Cather EXX: Fall Songs  E31: Shakespeare  Grease The Summer I Turned Pretty White Houses, Vanessa Carlton What Happened to Goodbye, Sarah Dessen A Wrinkle in Time, Madeleine L'Engle Episode Highlights: [01:12] Introduction to Summer in Literature[08:11] "Cruel Summer" Lover[17:03] "august" folklore[30:11] "Hits Different" Midnights 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.  

July 31st is Harry Potter’s birthday, so why not celebrate with a repeat of our favorite Harry Potter Holiday Special episode!? This week, let your inner Swifties and Potterhead unite as we discuss the crossovers between Harry Potter and Taylor Swift’s lyrics. Jenn imagines “Look What You Made Me Do” as Snape’s song to Voldermort. Jodi makes the case that “Lover” perfectly captures Lavender Brown’s feelings toward Ron. And Maansi envisions “You’re On Your Own Kid” as an anthem about Harry Potter’s arc throughout the entire series. Whether you’re a fan of the books, the movies, or both, we fully dork out on this episode. Join us!

“You set up a paint set in the kitchen and you’re talking to me” What happens when we view Taylor Swift’s music through the lens of other female artists, particularly painters? In this Summer favorite repeat, we explore the work of three iconic women in art and connect their paintings to Taylor Swift’s songs. From the intimacy of motherhood in Mary Cassatt’s work, to the surrealism of Remedios Varo, to the medieval renderings of Hildegard von Bingen, we discuss how these themes appear in both art and Taylor’s songwriting. Listen to hear how artist reframes familiar Swiftian themes like mother‑daughter bonds, dream‑logic escapism, and spiritual longing through paint, not lyrics. Since this is a visual episode, check out the full video episode on YouTube or Spotify! Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com    Mentioned in this episode:  Mary Cassatt, Wikipedia De Young Museum, “5 Things to Know About Impressionist Mary Cassatt” Mary Cassatt – Bathing the Young Heir (1890-1891) The Dutch House, Ann Patchett  Surrealism and the Art of Remedios Varo Starmaker, Remedios Varo (1958) Hildegard von Bingen Hildegard von Bingen's Physica   ***   Episode Highlights:  [00:19] This week’s topic: Famous female painters  [01:09] Mary Cassatt and “The Best Day” [13:40] Remedios Varo and “This Is Me Trying” [26:58] Hildegard von Bingen and “Guilty as Sin” 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.

"Don't blame me, love made me crazy. If it doesn't, you ain't doing it right." This week, we're deep diving into "Don't Blame Me" from the reputation album. We explore the song's gospel influences, religious imagery, and transformation themes as we analyze Taylor's most unhinged declaration of love. From poison ivy to daisies, from halos to falling from grace, join us as we unpack this intoxicating Taylor Swift tale of desire, addiction, and spiritual transcendence.   Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com    Mentioned in this episode:  E94: Show and Tell - Frankenstein The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald Paradise Lost, John Milton Ellie Goulding - "Love Me Like You Do" 50 Shades of Grey Rocky Horror Picture Show ***   Episode Highlights:  [02:02] - “Don’t blame me, love made me crazy” [09:00] - “I’ve been breaking hearts a long time” [13:07] - “For you I would cross the line” [22:40] - “My name is whatever you decide” [33:08] - “I get so high, everytime you’re touching me”  [41:25] - 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.

“I don’t trust nobody and nobody trusts me.”  In this episode, we're diving into one of literature's most enduring classics: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. From Victor's scientific ambition to the creature's desperate search for companionship, we explore how Taylor's lyrics illuminate the Gothic themes of isolation, creation, and the consequences of playing God. Join us as we examine "Don't Blame Me," "Look What You Made Me Do," and "False God" through the lens of literature's first science fiction novel—and discover why this 1818 masterpiece feels more relevant than ever in our age of artificial intelligence. Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com  Mentioned in this episode   Frankenstein by Mary Shelley Paradise Lost by John Milton Young Frankenstein (Mel Brooks film) Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien E7: Ecocriticism The Handmaid's Tale ***   Episode Highlights:  [1:45] Quick overview of Frankenstein [8:00] “Don’t Blame Me” reputation  [15:56] “Look What You Made Me Do” reputation [30:24] “False God” Lover 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.  

"It was rare, I was there, I remember it." As part of our summer vacation series, we're re-airing one of our most requested episodes! This was the song we'd wanted to analyze since day one: "All Too Well (10 Minute Version)." This isn't just any song analysis—it's a literary deep dive worthy of Taylor's most devastating masterpiece. We're each bringing you a different academic lens to understand what makes this 10-minute epic the storytelling tour de force that has Swifties screaming every word. From narrative structure to nature imagery to the hypnotic power of repetition, discover why this song isn't just a breakup anthem—it's a work of art that rivals the greatest literary achievements. Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com Mentioned in this episode: The Last Five Years E7: Ecocriticism E9: Fall Songs E27: Poetic Repetition Virginia Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway Begin Again 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.

“It isn’t love, it isn’t hate, it’s just indifference.” A little petty, a little philosophical, and exactly the right kind of opener for Lover. In this Deep Dive, we look at “I Forgot That You Existed,” a deceptively breezy track that becomes more interesting the longer you sit with it. We unpack the tonal misreadings this song often gets, the power of the shrug as both emotional and poetic posture, and why this opening song may be one of Taylor’s most sophisticated declarations of agency.  Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com  ***   Episode Highlights:  [02:30] “I Forgot That You Existed” as a glitter gel pen song [09:17] “In my feelings more than Drake, so, yeah” [16:03] “Free rent living in my mind” [22:02] “Laughed on the school yard as soon as I tripped up and hit the ground” [27:50] “Sent me a clear message” [32:52] 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.

”I haven’t decided yet, but I’mgonnagetyouback.” From ancient Greek epics to Mean Girls, revenge has evolved dramatically in literature, and Taylor Swift’s discography is no exception. This week on AP Taylor Swift, we explore how Taylor serves revenge with a smile, examining the sweet saccharine fantasy of ”Speak Now,” the cutting indifference of ”I Forgot That You Existed,” and the delicious ambiguity of ”I’m Gonna Get You Back.” Whether it’s ruining a wedding or simply moving on, we dive into how revenge fantasies reveal character, power dynamics, and the satisfying evolution from teenage retaliation to adult agency. Because sometimes the best revenge is living well; and sometimes it’s writing a song about forgetting someone exists.

“I can go anywhere I want, just not home” This week on AP Taylor Swift, we take on “my tears ricochet,” the gut-wrenching Track 5 from “Folklore”. From its funeral imagery to what it means for a tear to “ricochet,” we explore themes of grief, regret, and power dynamics. Whether this song is about romantic heartbreak, a friendship gone sour, or even a toxic job, we explore why this song resonates so deeply with so many, and what it means for each of us.   Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe Stay up to date: www.aptaylorswift.com    Mentioned in this episode:  E67: Greek Mythology E54: Anniversary Episode E32: Love Story Deep Dive  The Little Book of Shakespeare's Insults: The Bard's Best Barbs Reputation album letter Jane Eyre   The Phantom of the Opera The Little Mermaid Harry Potter E56: Guest Episode - DJ Louie XIV  ***   Episode Highlights:  [01:09] Introducing “my tears ricochet” and our initial thoughts [07:25] “I didn’t have it in myself to go with grace” [11:22] “Look at how my tears ricochet” [18:05] “You know I didn’t want to have to haunt you” [25:23] “When I’d fight you used to tell me I was brave” [29:45] “And I can go anywhere I want, just not home” [37:15] “You had to kill me but it killed you just the same” [41:44] What might it mean for tears to ricochet? [45:24] 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   ***   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.