Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast | reputation | 1989 | Red | Speak Now | Fearless | Taylor Swift – Details, episodes & analysis

Episode 205 - 

Join our hosts through an in-depth analysis of "Delicate" off of reputation. We discuss the clever way the sound of the song evolves alongside the lyrics, and as always, open your minds to the lyrics in a whole new way. 

Episode 205 is brought to you by BarkBox. Listen in for a VERY special offer just for Taylor Talk. listeners. If you love your dog, you'll listen to this episode!

It's a doggy sort of episode :-) 

Episode 204 - Don't blame this song on being what our panel unanimously agrees is the absolute BEST of the first four tracks off of Reputation. 

As a writer, Taylor expertly uses drugs as a metaphor to perfectly capture the anxiousness, excitement, nervousness, and overall craziness that is one's experience with true love. 

In the "darkest little paradise"...?? What's that, Taylor? An unmentionable place, perhaps? 

This song certainly has more than meets the eye... or rather, ear. Listen in as our hosts take an otherwise G-rated podcast into potentially R-rated territory.  

But hey.. Taylor wrote it. We just analyze it. 

Happy listening :-) 

Episode 195 - 

They just don’t make pop stars like Taylor Swift. In Episode 195 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast, we cover GQ Magazine’s “interrogation” of Taylor Swift. GQ’s journalist, Chuck Klosterman, holds nothing back when he asks Taylor the hardball questions about her songwriting, her fame, her public persona, and the most hitting, “Is thinking about [her] real life an essential part of appreciating [her] music?” Can Taylor Swift’s music be enjoyed if you know nothing about her? Can her songs stand alone without the megastar that is Taylor Swift behind them? The hosts give their perspective in the episode, but we want to hear yours. Leave your thoughts in the comments section. Enjoy the show!

Highlights from Episode 195 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast

Main Discussion: GQ Cover Article/Interview

– Taylor reveals her vision for the “Wildest Dreams” music video. Does this change your perception of the song?

– The music video idea was inspired by Ava Gardner’s Secret Conversations.

– “If you don’t take Swift seriously, you don’t take contemporary music seriously.”

– GQ claims Taylor’s 1989 could rival Michael Jackson’s Thriller if it had been released in the 1980s.

– Would Taylor’s music be popular if it wasn’t Taylor Swift behind it? What a blunt question.

– Taylor Swift is 25. But she is older than you. (but this is obviously true if you are under 25).

Other Topics:

– Taylor has been nominated for SIX AMA Awards! Vote now at ama.votenow.tv

– The 1989 World Tour continues to surprise with Ellie Goulding, Miranda Lambert, and Tove Lo as special guests.

– Join us for our fourth anniversary LIVE episode on YouTube.com/TaylorTalk13 on November 7th at 3pm PST / 6pm EST! (Find it in your time zone)

Calendar:

– October 27: The 1989 World Tour – Miami, FL

– October 31: The 1989 World Tour – Tampa, FL

Episode 194 - 

If Taylor Swift is taking a break, the story of us looks a lot like a tragedy now… This week, Taylor Swift slayed the fandom by telling NME, “I think I should take some time off. I think people might need a break from me.” Cue massive Swifty panic. However, in Episode 194, your hosts try to calm your fears. Taylor Swift usually takes a break after tours and before the next album, so this is normal. Right? What are your thoughts on Taylor Swift potentially taking a break? Share your thoughts by leaving us a comment below. Enjoy the episode!

This episode is brought to you by Audible.com. Go to Audible.com/Taylor for a free audio book of your choice!

Highlights from Episode 194 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast

Main Discussion: “Story of Us” Song Analysis

– Taylor’s discussion of Speak Now on her Grammy Pro special has us missing her Speak Now songs!

– Is Taylor’s concept for “The Story of Us” a little naive?

– Fun Fact: You can learn literary terms with Taylor Swift. And Taylor Talk.

– Miscommunication is the cause of all problems really.

– Steve uses the word “paradox” in a sentence and we’re all impressed.

– Friendly reminder to speak now instead of pretending this is nothing…

Other Topics:

– Check out Taylor’s mini-“Secret Session” with Grammy Pro!

– Taylor Swift graces the cover of GQ for the very first time.

– Taylor Swift says she’s going to take a break…? THIS IS NOT A DRILL.

– If Swifties ruled the world, we’d send all the media to a deserted island! Muahah.

– We get one of the nicest iTunes reviews ever. (Jk. They’re ALL SO NICE)

– Swifties are listening to “I Got the Boy” sung by Jana Kramer, written by Jamie Lynn Spears. 

Calendar:

– October 12: The 1989 World Tour – Fargo, ND

– October 17: The 1989 World Tour – Dallas, TX

– October 20: The 1989 World Tour – Lexington, KY

– October 21: The 1989 World Tour – Greensboro, NC

– October 24: The 1989 World Tour – Atlanta, GA

Episode 193 - Taylor Swift’s got the moves like Jagger. In Episode 193, your hosts Adam, Diane, and Steve recap Taylor Swift’s 1989 World Tour Nashville stop as well as discuss Taylor’s revealing interview with Vanity Fair. The interview highlights Taylor’s response to the Apple Music incident, a potential Kayne-Taylor collaboration, and whose careers Taylor most admires. In the interview, Taylor still maintains that 1989 is her most “sonically cohesive” album. What do you think? Do you think 1989 is sonically cohesive or do some songs stick out more than others? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. Happy listening!

Highlights from Episode 193 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast

Main Discussion: Taylor Swift’s Vanity Fair Cover

– Tip: When a magazine says “Source close to Swift says…”, it’s a lie.

– Do you think 1989 is the most sonically cohesive album?

– Taylor gives us the behind-the-scenes account of the Apple Music incident in Vanity Fair.

– Unlike previous eras, Taylor now keeps up with the gossip surrounding her.

– What would a Kayne/Taylor collaboration sound like?

– Who Taylor admires says a lot about how she runs her business.

– Question for comments: which song on 1989 stands out and makes the album not perfectly sonically cohesive?

Other Topics:

– It’s the return of Stump the Host (can someone try to stump Diane for the next show?)

– Taylor did not hold back with surprise guests from the Nashville 1989 shows!!

– Ryan Adams’ 1989 cover album is now available. What did you think of it?

– You know you’re a Swifty when you have a Taylor Swift coloring book!

– Swifties are having a house party listening to “House Party” by Sam Hunt. 

Calendar:

September 28 – 1989 World Tour – St. Louis, MO

October 2 & 3 – 1989 World Tour – Toronto, ON

October 8 – 1989 World Tour – Des Moines, IA

October 9 – 1989 World Tour – Omaha, NE

Episode 192 - It’s Diane’s turn for Taylor Talk Classic… Out of the Woods! In Episode 192, the hosts relive how they marveled at the masterpiece that is “Out of the Woods,” a song off Taylor’s album, 1989, co-written by Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff. Taylor said this song is about the “fragility” of a relationship and tried to make the music match the frantic feeling of wondering if the relationship will end tomorrow or continue on. You know the hosts loved the song (now and forever), but what do you think? Feel free to share your thoughts. Happy listening!

Highlights from Episode 192 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast

Main Discussion: “Out of the Woods” by Taylor Swift and Jack Antonoff

– Jack Antonoff, co-writer, calls this song “one of the most important things I’ve ever been a part of.”

– What were your initial reactions when you heard the song? Diane’s was one word: WHOA

– We predict that Taylor Swift will single handedly revive the Polaroid brand.

– Is the chorus too repetitive? No. This is repetition with a purpose.

– We admire Taylor and Jack’s mastery of the English language. “Built to fall apart” is amaaaazing.

– What’s your favorite song lyric? Can you pick just one?

– We compare “Out of the Woods” to some of Taylor’s other songs. All Too Well 2.0 anyone?

– If Jack Antonoff and Taylor Swift can create a song like this when they’re so young, imagine what else they have in store for us down the road.

Episode 191 - Say you’ll remember me, even if it’s just pretend… Ladies and gentlemen, the music video you have been waiting for has arrived. The music video for “Wildest Dreams” is out now and it is absolute perfection!!! (You can hear the fangirl in my voice!) In Episode 191, your hosts Adam, Diane, and Steve break down the “Wildest Dream” music video thematically and discuss how the visual elements (Old Hollywood, Africa) relate to the story of the song. Since there was so much detail in this video, we’re sure we may have missed some moments, so let us know what your favorite parts were. What did you think of the video?  Happy listening!

Highlights from Episode 191 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast

Main Discussion: “Wildest Dreams” Music Video

– I think we can agree that this was the perfect video for the perfect song!!!

– The video took the lyric “even if it’s just pretend” and ran with it… Cue shattering heartbreak.

– How did Old Hollywood and shots of Africa contribute to the theme of the song?

– Steve notes Taylor’s strong resemblance to Ava Gardner. 

– All of Taylor’s proceeds from the music video will be donated to wild animal conservation efforts through the African Parks Foundation of America.

Other Topics:

– There were so many guests at Taylor’s five sold-out LA shows that it was hard to keep track. (Oops! We forgot America’s sweetheart, Ellen DeGeneres.)

– Nicki Minaj opened the MTV VMAs with Taylor Swift as her surprise guest! Looks like there’s no bad blood between them.

– And Video of the Year goes to…. Taylor Swift for “Bad Blood”!!!

Calendar

– September 4: The 1989 World Tour – Salt Lake City, UT

– September 5 & 6: The 1989 World Tour – Denver, CO

– September 9: The 1989 World Tour – Houston, TX

– September 11 & 12: The 1989 World Tour – St. Paul, MN

Episode 190 - Swifties, this week we bring you the first Taylor Talk Classic! As Adam so charismatically explains in this episode’s introduction, we have years worth of content we want to share with you (just in case you haven’t listened to every single episode!) Adam chose one of his favorites this week, the “All The Guys” episode, which was originally released in March 2013. Listen up to gain some insight on what it’s like to be a male Swifty. (And fun fact: this was Steve’s first Taylor Talk episode!) Enjoy!

Highlights from Episode 190 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast

Main Discussion: Taylor Talk Classic “All The Guys Episode”

– The guys discuss how they discovered Taylor Swift.

– How can male listeners relate to songs written from a female perspective?

– What’s it like being a guy in a predominantly female fanbase?

– Are you ever uncomfortable being a guy in a crowd of teenage girls at a Taylor Swift concert?

– Sponsorship from Diet Coke vs Covergirl: Why should a guy care who sponsors Taylor?

– Flash forward to 1989… we now have more gender neutral merchandise!

– Do you ever think Taylor unfairly represents males in her songs?

Other Topics:

– Our all-male panel discusses the highly controversial quote from Taylor Swift’s April 2013 Vanity Fair article:

“There’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help other women.”

– Find out why our male cast thinks this quote was taken out of context, who ACTUALLY said it and more.

– To keep in touch with our guys, follow them on Twitter: Agustin (@TheSwiftAgency), Eric (@Spielerman), and Steve (@SteveDitch)

Calendar

– August 17 & 18: The 1989 World Tour – Glendale, AZ

– August 21-22, 24-26: The 1989 World Tour – Los Angeles, CA

– August 29: The 1989 World Tour – San Diego, CA

Episode 189 - Dear Swifties, Taylor Swift reminds you to please try to never grow up. This past week, Taylor met her godson, Leo Thames, the son of Jaime King and Kyle Newman, and posted some adorable photos with him on Instagram. In honor of his birth, we discuss “Never Grow Up.” Although the song was never heavily promoted, “Never Grow Up” still continues to be a fan favorite for its poignant and nostalgic lyrics. (I’m not crying. You are.)

What do you think of “Never Grow Up”? Is Taylor mourning the loss of her childhood? How does she think we should try to never grow up? Can we? Leave your response in the comments. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights from Episode 189 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast

Main Discussion: “Never Grow Up” Song Analysis

– Thanks to listener Rachel for suggesting that we discuss “Never Grow Up” in honor of Taylor’s newborn godson. 

– Raise your hand if this song makes you miss your childhood…

– Taylor moved out in July… Leo Thames was born in July… Coincidence? I THINK NOT!

– Why does Taylor change from saying “you” to saying “I”? What’s the emotional impact of the pronoun shift?

– Want more “Never Grow Up”? Steve reminded us that we discussed it previously on Episode 107 for Taylor’s 24th birthday. 

Other Topics:

– Taylor Talk Challenge: how many months would it take us to get to Episode 1989?

– Vote for Taylor Swift in the MTV VMAs daily at mtv.com/ontv/vma. Sign up for email reminders from Taylor Nation.

– What would we do without Sami’s @TSwiftOnTour updates?

– You know you’re a Swifty when you buy a Taylor Swift coloring book!!

– We LOVE iTunes reviews! Leave us a review and we’ll read it on the show. 

Calendar

– August 4 & 5: The 1989 World Tour – Edmonton, AB – Rexall Place.

– August 8: The 1989 World Tour – Seattle, WA – CenturyLink Field.

– August 14 & 15: The 1989 World Tour – Santa Clara, CA – Levi’s Stadium.

– August 15: Diane turns…. 24. ugh.

Episode 188 - I was reminiscing just the other day… about doing a throwback song analysis that took me away! On Episode 188 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast, we discuss “Holy Ground,” a song from the RED album that we believe completes the growth/story arc from “Forever & Always,” to “Last Kiss,” and ending with “Holy Ground” (which are all songs rumored to be about the same person). “Holy Ground” is such a mature way to look at a past relationship. We can learn a lot from Taylor Swift.

What’s your take on the song? Particularly, what do you make of the lyric, “and I see your face in every crowd”? Post your thoughts in the comments below. Enjoy!

Highlights from Episode 188 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast
Main Discussion: “Holy Ground” Song Analysis
– Adam fanboys over Taylor’s use of the word “reminisce” in true English teacher fashion.
– What’s your interpretation of “New York Time”?
– Is the phrase “holy ground” a religious reference?
– Check out what Diane predicted about “Holy Ground” before the song was released: taylortalk.org/what-could-the-seven-known-red-songs-be-about-editorial (Do we like the blogs? Do we read the blogs?)
– Diane has a light bulb moment years in the making about the end of the song!
– No one can agree on what “And I see your face in every crowd” means. Thoughts?

Other Topics:

– A listener tries to Stump the Steve this episode (yea, Steve’s back!)
– Sami gives us a 1989 World Tour recap brought to you by @TSwiftOnTour
– We remind Adam how important it is to listen and not just talk…

Calendar
– July 24 & 25: The 1989 World Tour – Foxborough, MA
– August 1: The 1989 World Tour – Vancouver, BC