Anything But Toto

Anything But Toto
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Anything But Toto is a pop culture and current events podcast. Join Bianca and Julian as they dig into music, movies, TV, news, and celebrity gossip. You never know who or what will be discussed next, but rest assured, this is a Toto-free space.

  1. JAN 26

    Ep. 28: “Ruminating Ruminating” - A Review of Lily Allen’s West End Girl

    Bianca and Julian are back with their first episode of 2026....which ironically is a deep dive into one of the most talked-about pop releases of 2025: Lily Allen’s West End Girl. The episode opens with some scene-setting - pop music predictions for 2026 (is 2010s nostalgia closer than we think?), plus an explanation of the Khia Asylum and who currently resides there. From there, the focus turns to West End Girl, Lily Allen’s viral fifth studio album, which has already been compared to such classics as “Jolene,” “You Oughta Know,” and “You’re So Vain.” Bianca and Julian revisit Lily’s career and public image, from her early hits and tabloid notoriety to her lasting influence on the pop girls of the 2020s. They also discuss her marriage to David Harbour - including that unsettling AD house tour - before moving into a track-by-track breakdown of the album. Along the way, they propose a central idea: that West End Girl is built around a tension between the classical and the contemporary, reflected in its themes, sound, and packaging. The conversation broadens to include the history of concept albums and what it means for a pop record to be this cohesive. Why don't more celebrities talk about mortgages? What the hell is a "medicator"? Did Lily rip of this show's theme song?! Listen to find out! Email us: anythingbuttoto@gmail.com Theme music by: Daniel Konikoff

    2h 5m

  2. 12/20/2025

    Ep. 27: "Wrapped it Up and Sent It" - Why "Last Christmas" is a Timeless Pop Song

    Join Bianca and Julian for their final episode of 2026, as they unwrap a Christmas classic: “Last Christmas" by Wham! In this holiday send-off, they tackle a few burning questions: Why is this song so infectious? Why does it feel timeless decades later? And why has it been copied so endlessly? They dig into the influences and science behind George Michael’s hit, breaking down its composition, arrangement, and production choices that give the song its staying power. From there, they branch out into four (…maybe five) tracks clearly inspired by “Last Christmas,” exploring how the song's DNA and tricks pop up in several hits from artists of different genres.  As part of the conversation, Bianca and Julian wrestle with the cringe factor of Christmas music, the enduring power of Eurovision-style pop, and the influence of opera in pop music. They also discuss holiday movies, upcoming film releases they’re excited about, and the shocking, deeply sad news of Rob and Michele Reiner’s tragic deaths. So pour some mulled wine, embrace the minor-key melancholy, and get ready for one last festive deep dive before the year wraps. Happy Holidays and New Year from Bianca and Julian! Thanks for a great year! Email us at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com Theme music by Daniel Konikoff

    1h 1m

  3. 11/30/2025

    Ep. 26: "It's Getting Better All the Time" - Our Top Paul McCartney Beatles Songs

    Join Bianca and Julian as they drop the needle on a topic near and dear to their hearts—a deep dive into their top 10 (…okay, 11) Paul McCartney Beatles songs. For lifelong Beatles fans, this episode hits close to home. They trace their personal histories with the band, reflect on the Beatles’ towering cultural legacy, and revisit their experiences seeing Paul live—including the recent Hamilton, Ontario show. Along the way, they break down what truly defines a "Paul song" versus a "John song." Then comes the main event: a guided tour through their chosen tracks, complete with the writing backstories, lyrical themes, melodic signatures, arrangements, and production details that make these songs classics. So tune up your Höfner, comb your hair forward, and get ready for 2.5 hours of terrible Paul impressions.  Email us at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com Theme music by Daniel Konikoff

    2h 25m

  4. 10/08/2025

    Ep. 25: “The Fate of a Showgirl” – A Review of Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl

    Sequins shimmer, spotlights glow, and Bianca and Julian are ready to take centre stage with another in-depth conversation—a three-hour deep dive into Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl. For the first time in Anything But Toto history, they’re reviewing a second album by the same artist. And with Taylor’s latest release stirring up plenty of discourse, there’s no shortage of opinions. This isn’t just any pop album: it’s a polarizing pivot that trades in the soft indie dream-pop of Jack Antonoff for the punchy, radio-ready precision of Max Martin. But does the swap pay off? Taylor herself called Showgirl a focused, autobiographical statement—a spiritual successor to 1989 and Reputation. Bianca and Julian put that claim to the test, unpacking the album’s concept, lyricism, melodies, and the glossy production from Martin and Shellback. But they don’t stop at the tracklist: the duo dives into Taylor’s history, politics and business decisions, and the Life of a Showgirl theatrical event. So sit back, don your sequins and feather headpiece, and take a peek behind the curtain. Email us: anythingbuttoto@gmail.com Theme music by: Daniel Konikoff

    3h 1m

  5. 09/26/2025

    Ep. 24: “Sugar Talking” - Sabrina, Oasis, and the JoBros Live

    Wedding bells may be ringing, but Bianca and Julian are the ones giving you a present - a jam-packed episode overflowing with hot topics and lively debates. They kick things off with a track-by-track review of Sabrina Carpenter’s Man’s Best Friend. From influences and songwriting to production choices and artwork, no detail goes untouched. But the real spark comes from their back-and-forth on Sabrina’s branding - does it elevate the music or work against it? It’s a spirited debate, fitting for a couple just days away from saying “I do.” Next, the episode shifts gears with an on-the-ground review of the Toronto stop of Oasis Live ‘25. Much like their Eras Tour episode, this segment doubles as a 20-minute audio documentary, complete with clips captured at the show for a true concert-night immersion. The conversation doesn’t stop there. Bianca and Julian dive into Sombr’s new album I Barely Know Her, offer constructive feedback on the Jonas Brothers’ Greetings From Your Hometown tour stop in Toronto, and briefly touch on Audrey Hobert’s Who’s the Clown?. Finally, they wrap things up with the most fitting topic: the engagement of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. It’s thoughtful, chaotic, celebratory, and very much a gift - from Bianca and Julian, straight to you. Email us at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com Theme music by Daniel Konikoff

    2h 26m

  6. 08/20/2025

    Ep. 23: “I’m That Guy” - A Review of Tyler, The Creator’s Don’t Tap the Glass

    In their first ever hip hop review, Bianca and Julian dive deep into Tyler, The Creator’s surprise release — the short, sharp, and wildly unpredictable “Don’t Tap the Glass.” At just 28 minutes, the album plays like a kaleidoscope of genre tropes, blending sincerity with satire in true Tyler fashion. But is it just a fun side project, or more evidence to support Bianca and Julian's Sad Boy Summer theory? Bianca and Julian trace the emotional undercurrents of the album, exploring how its tongue-in-cheek narrative style fits into their larger theory about masculinity, performance, and emotional dissonance in 2025’s musical landscape. Along the way, they open up about their own journeys into the world of alternative hip hop. Julian was once a hip hop producer? Bianca had one-sided beef with a music producer that wasn’t Finneas? You’ll have to listen to learn more! Plus quick takes on: Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl” and New Heights interview Chappell Roan’s “The Subway” The Jonas Brothers’ “Greetings from Your Hometown” — a brief, but honest, review of the pros and cons Theme music by Daniel Konikoff Email us at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com

    1h 10m

  7. 07/29/2025

    Ep. 22: “Baddies Get Saddies” - The Sound and Politics of Sad Boy Summer

    In Episode 22 of Anything But Toto, Bianca and Julian present a working theory: what if the end of Brat Summer and the rise of 2025’s “Sad Boy” music moment aren’t just musical trends — but symptoms of a bigger political and cultural shift?   They trace a narrative from the euphoric highs of 2024 — Charli, Sabrina, Chappell, Taylor, Beyonce, Billie, and Ariana — to a 2025 dominated by uncertainty, grief, and male uncertainty. As the Biden/Kamala era of feminist pop gives way to a new presidency built on macho bravado and male rage, pop culture enters a holding pattern: no song of the summer, no girlie anthems, just a flood of emotionally confused men with microphones.   From the softness of Justin Bieber’s Swag to Joe Jonas' post-divorce reflections, from Oasis’ brotherly reunion to Djo’s brotherly ballads — this episode digs into how masculinity is being redefined in the era of Trump. Is the music industry unintentionally staging a group therapy session for conflicted men?   Also covered in this episode: - Paul McCartney’s “Got Back” tour comes to Canada. - Kesha’s Toronto show - Bianca’s second interview with Beach Boys tour member, Matt Jardine - Ari Aster’s Eddington - Bianca and Julian’s rewatch/first viewing of Desperate Housewives   A season with no anthem and a whole lot of feelings — “Sad Boy Summer” is here, and it's saying more than we think. This is an episode you won’t want to miss.   Theme song by Daniel Konikoff   Email us at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com

    1h 21m

  8. 07/08/2025

    Ep. 21: "Sunshine Melancholy" Part 2 - How Brian Wilson Changed Pop Music (1966-1977)

    In Part 2 of their deep dive into the legacy of the Beach Boys' Brian Wilson, Bianca and Julian unpack how his post-Pet Sounds work helped shape entire branches of modern indie rock - including lo-fi, outsider music, dream pop, synth pop, and chillwave. Did Brian Wilson invent the first interactive/remix album? Was he behind one of the first children’s records by a major rock artist? And what’s considered his final masterpiece? All that and more in Anything But Toto Ep. 21! ICYMI: Check out Part 1 for a look at Brian’s groundbreaking work from 1961-1966. Also in this episode: Taylor Swift: reclaiming her masters and the directorial debut rumors Wicked for Good - will it be as good as the first installment? Sombr’s “We Never Dated” New singles from the Jonas Brothers and Sabrina Carpenter: a nod to the Bee Gees and Chappell Roan… or too close for comfort? Plus: Sabrina’s album cover controversy CW: This episode contains discussions of child abuse, mental illness, suicide, and substance use. Listener discretion is advised. Theme music by Daniel Konikoff Don't be a stranger! Email us at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com

    1h 21m
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About

Anything But Toto is a pop culture and current events podcast. Join Bianca and Julian as they dig into music, movies, TV, news, and celebrity gossip. You never know who or what will be discussed next, but rest assured, this is a Toto-free space.

Information

  • Creator
    Anything But Toto
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    Anything But Toto