AP Taylor Swift

AP Taylor Swift Podcast
  • 4.8 (41)
  • MUSIC COMMENTARY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
AP Taylor Swift

AP Taylor Swift is the podcast for Swifties with English degrees (or those who over-analyze everything). Each episode, we dive into a deep-reading of Taylor Swift’s lyrics to uncover the literary themes, references, and inspirations behind the songs to better understand and interpret why Taylor’s songs resonate so deeply with fans. Join every Wednesday as an english professor, a grad student of liberal arts, and a psych major–all Swifties, naturally–explore Taylor Swift in a way that would make your English teacher proud. Stay up to date: APTaylorSwift.com Subscribe to get new episode updates and our Extra Credit: 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

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    E77: Show and Tell - Historical Criticism

    You need to calm down, but we know it’ll be hard because in this episode, we are diving into historical criticism! We explore the context in which Taylor’s songs were created, starting with “Tim McGraw,” the first Taylor Swift single of all time. We then transition into the world of Lover with “Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince” and “You Need to Calm Down.” Join us as we explore how looking at the historical context of these songs helps deepen our understanding and appreciation of Taylor’s music!    Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com    Mentioned in this episode:  Tim McGraw - She’s My Kind of Rain  Tim McGraw - Live Like You Were Dying  E11: Show and Tell - Marxist Theory Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder Grease the film Barbie the film  Mean Girls the film ***   Episode Highlights:  [00:40] Introduction to Historical Criticism  [4:58] “Tim McGraw” from Debut [16:37] “Miss Americana and the Heartbreak Prince” from Lover  [29:47] “You Need to Calm Down” from 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.

    48 min

  2. FEB 12

    E76: Deep Dive - “You Are In Love”

    “You can hear it in the silence.” This week on AP Taylor Swift, we deep dive into “You Are In Love”  from Taylor Swift’s album 1989. We break down how Taylor captures the essence of love—not through grand gestures but instead through small, intimate moments: a look across a room, coffee at midnight, and the silence that says it all. We explore the significance of mundane details throughout the song and discuss its lyrical structure, poetic devices (like spondees!), and why the most profound emotions often have no proof, just feelings.  Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com    Mentioned in this episode:  TIME Magazine, 2023 Person of the Year Stars Around My Scars Troilus and Cressida West Side Story Hamilton Pride and Prejudice Mad Men E5: Toxic Relationships So It Goes Slaughterhouse-Five Love Actually   ***   Episode Highlights:  [01:38] “One look, dark room” [10:00] “Coffee at midnight” [18:49] “You can hear it in the silence” [20:18] “You keep his shirt, he keeps his word” [24:50] “He is in love”  [30:39] “And so it goes”  [39:40] 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.

    48 min

  3. FEB 5

    E75: Show and Tell - Romantic Love

    “One single thread of gold tied me to you” This week on AP Taylor Swift, we are kicking off Valentine’s season with a show and tell on Romantic Love. ❤️ We explore how Taylor writes about romantic love—from the grand, sweeping gestures to the small, intimate moments that define a true connection. We break down three iconic songs— “You Are in Love”, “Lover”, and “Invisible String”—examining how each Taylor Swift song captures different facets of romantic relationships.   This week’s episode is sponsored by the new book “Stars Around My Scars: The Annotated Poetry of Taylor Swift” written by Dr. Elly McCausland, out now wherever books are sold.  Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com    Mentioned in this episode:  Stars Around My Scars Romeo and Juliet E35: Royalty  Jane Eyre E73: Color  E5: Toxic Relationships Harry Potter E70: Harry Potter Holiday Special   ***   Episode Highlights:  [07:16] “You Are In Love” 1989 [13:40] “Lover” Lover [25:18] “Invisible String” folklore  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    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.

    40 min

  4. JAN 29

    E74: Deep Dive - Maroon

    “So scarlet it was, maroon.” What’s the true meaning behind Taylor Swift’s “Maroon”? This week on AP Taylor Swift podcast, we dive into the shades of red, love, and memory that define this “Midnights” favorite. We explore how Taylor uses colors to capture the complexity of relationships—the highs, the heartbreaks, and the legacy they leave behind. Listen as we unpack the layers of this fan-favorite track.   Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com    Mentioned in this episode:  E73: Show and Tell - Color The Big Lebowski E66: Deep Dive - Holy Ground  The Wizard of Oz Van Gogh’s faded colors Harry Potter Every color referenced in Maroon Eats, Shoots, and Leaves   ***   Episode Highlights:  [02:00] “When the morning came” [08:30] “your roommate’s cheapass screwtop rosé”  [12:53] “The burgundy on my cheeks” [23:56] “When the silence came”   [25:06] Our “ah ha” moment [30:39] “the rubies that I gave up” [38:07] 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.

    51 min

  5. JAN 22

    E73: Show and Tell - Color

    “I once believed love would be black and white, but it’s golden.” In this week’s episode of AP Taylor Swift, we dive into the rich, poetic use of color in Taylor Swift's lyrics with a show and tell on…color! From "Red" to "Daylight" to "Maroon," we discuss how Taylor’s use of color evolves to reflect different stages of love and life.    Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com    Mentioned in this episode:  The Wizard of Oz Wicked The Great Gatsby The Scarlet Letter E32: Deep Dive - Love Story E9: Fall Songs The Color Purple Les Miserable, “Red and Black” E10: Deep Dive - Red Pop Sugar Article, 2019 The Outsiders Every color referenced in Maroon   ***   Episode Highlights:  [00:59] Adding color to today’s topic…color! [05:04] “Red” [12:47] “Daylight” [22:46] “Maroon”  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.

    34 min

  6. JAN 15

    E72: Deep Dive - cardigan

    “When you are young they assume you know nothing.” This week on AP Taylor Swift we deep dive into “cardigan” from folklore. We discuss the song’s nostalgia for teenage love and explore what it means to feel like an old cardigan–is that a good thing? We connect the song to last week’s Peter Pan discussion and the “teenage love trilogy” with august and betty. Is "Cardigan" simply a story of love lost and regained, or is it a meditation on self-discovery and growth? Find out when you listen to this week’s episode   Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com    Mentioned in this episode:  Harry Potter Lord of the Rings Peter Pan Hits Different The Hills Virginia Woolf e.e. cummings “My Cousin Vinny”  ***   Episode Highlights:  [02:43] The “teenage love triangle” trilogy [05:51] “Vintage tee, brand new phone” [13:00] “And when I felt like I was an old cardigan” [18:49] “Heartbeat on The Highline”  [23:52] “Once in twenty lifetimes”  [31:23] “I knew you…” [36:25] “Cause I knew everything when I was young”  [45:00] 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.

    57 min

  7. JAN 8

    E71: Show and Tell - Peter Pan

    “Tried to change the ending, Peter losing Wendy.” This week on AP Taylor Swift podcast, we have a show-and-tell episode exploring “Peter Pan” and its influence on Taylor Swift’s music. We analyze three songs—“Innocent,” “Cardigan,” and “Peter”—uncovering connections between Taylor’s lyrics and Peter Pan’s themes of childhood, growing up, lost innocence, and the allure of staying young forever. From exploring Wendy's perspective as the “mother” figure to dissecting the complexities of Peter Pan syndrome, we delve into the literary and psychological depths of J.M. Barrie's classic tale and its resonance in Taylor Swift's lyrics. Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com    Mentioned in this episode:  Peter Pan, JM Barrie Peter Pan (Play), JM Barrie Finding Neverland (Film) Finding Neverland (Musical) Peter Pan (1953)  Disney adaptation Peter Pan (2003) Peter Pan & Wendy (2023) Peter & the Starcatcher Hook Hymn to Demeter Lord of the Flies ***   Episode Highlights:  [01:07] Intro to Peter Pan [08:31] “Innocent” Speak Now [22:34] “Cardigan” folklore [31:09] “Peter” The Tortured Poets Department 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.

    47 min

  8. JAN 1

    Holidays Show and Tell - New Year's Day Re-Release

    “I’ll be picking up bottles with you on New Year’s Day.” In honor of New Year’s Day we’re revisiting our 2023 Holidays episode. But…did we actually pick holiday songs? We start by defining what the “holiday season” even means in an attempt to answer the question. Jodi discusses “New Year’s Day,” with the thesis that it’s a song about the everyday, not necessarily the holidays. Jenn brings on the holiday melancholy with “champagne problems,” sparking a hot conversation about holiday engagements and the challenges of family gatherings during the holidays. And Maansi, naturally, shares “tis the damn season,” prompting a conversation about how we really feel about the holiday season and whether they “linger like bad perfume” for us. Are Taylor Swift holidays actually happy holidays? Listen and find out!    Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com    Mentioned in this episode:  “Under the Tuscan Sun”  “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days”  “Book Lovers,” Emily Henry  “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” JK Rowling “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” film “Inside Out” ***   Episode Highlights:  [01:13] How do we define the holiday season? [05:52] “New Years Day” I’ll be picking up bottles with you  [22:20] “champagne problems” Your mom's ring in your pocket [36:40] “‘tis the damn season” We could call it even   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 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.

    56 min
See All (84)

4.8
out of 5
41 Ratings

About

AP Taylor Swift is the podcast for Swifties with English degrees (or those who over-analyze everything). Each episode, we dive into a deep-reading of Taylor Swift’s lyrics to uncover the literary themes, references, and inspirations behind the songs to better understand and interpret why Taylor’s songs resonate so deeply with fans. Join every Wednesday as an english professor, a grad student of liberal arts, and a psych major–all Swifties, naturally–explore Taylor Swift in a way that would make your English teacher proud. Stay up to date: APTaylorSwift.com Subscribe to get new episode updates and our Extra Credit: 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

Information

  • Creator
    AP Taylor Swift Podcast
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    84
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2024 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    AP Taylor Swift

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