Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast | reputation | 1989 | Red | Speak Now | Fearless | Taylor Swift

Episode 81 - An EXCLUSIVE interview with 50% of Liv Spencer, Jen Knoch. Jen and her friend, Crissy Calhoun, are the dynamic writing duo behind the Taylor Swift biography, Taylor Swift: The Platinum Edition. Jen tells us why she decided to write a biography about Taylor Swift and how this biography offers insight other Taylor Swift biographies lack. We also put Jen to the test in a round of Taylor Swift trivia with facts taken from her own book! We hope you enjoy listening to the interview as much as we enjoyed recording it. Happy listening!

Highlights from Episode 81 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast

- Scott Borchetta gives Swifties an update on when we can expect Taylor's "Sweeter Than Fiction" to be released. 

- Sami gives us the weekly RED Tour Wrap-Up from @TSwiftonTour.

- We interview one of the authors, Jen Knoch, of Taylor Swift: The Platinum Edition, who happens to be a huge Swifty!

- She also writes Taylor Swift fanfiction on wattpad.com/livspencer about the stories behind each track on RED!

- The most interesting thing Jen learned about Taylor in the research process? How incredibly determined she's been since the tender age of 13. 

- See how well you do against Jen, the Taylor Swift biographer in a round of Taylor Trivia! Spoiler alert: all the answers can be found in Taylor Swift: The Platinum Edition

- Be sure to pick up Taylor Swift: The Platinum Edition!. Check it out on Amazon.com or from Barnes & Noble.

- You know you're a Swifty when you make Diane explain what a simile and a metaphor is using the song "Red."

- You know how Taylor Swift is feeling 22? Well, Emily's Army is feeling "Lost at 17."


Episode 80 - UNEDITED

Because one Taylor Talk episode a week isn't enough... we've recorded a special mid-week episode just for you! In this unplanned, unedited version of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast, we answer some listener ask.fm questions as well as cover Taylor's CMA nominations. And since Adam doesn't tend to pay attention to what his co-hosts are saying, we hope you will. Happy listening!  

Highlights from Episode 80 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast

- Never done before - We just hit the "record" button and let it go!  No editing, no script, but all the fun!

- What Taylor song is the most relatable in our lives right now?

- FYI: Diane is not related to JLo.

- What are our least favorite Taylor Songs?

- Adam is never in the mood for slow songs. Like ever.

- The pessimists on the show don't think Taylor will win that many CMA awards. Unfortunately. 

- We rehash the time old question: is Taylor still country?

- Be sure to send your Adam is so vain submissions to Diane (@notadumblond9)


Episode 79 - 

This week in Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast, we speculate on potential new Taylor Swift content for the fall. In the past, Taylor has released new albums in even years (ex. 2010, 2012) and gone on tour in odd years (ex. 2011, 2013). However, even in the odd years, she releases new content such as "Journey to Fearless," the Fearless Platinum Edition CD, and the Speak Now World Tour CD + DVD. In this episode, we theorize what Taylor could release this year... perhaps she'll even take the RED Tour to the big screen? Listen up to find out our thoughts and be sure to leave us some of your own in the comments below!

Highlights from Episode 79 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast
- Adam notes how strange some radio DJ's introduce Taylor Swift
- Make sure you check out the video of Taylor's week at the Staples Center that includes interviews and performances from Cher Lloyd, Sara Bareilles, Tegan & Sara, Ellie Goulding, and Jennifer Lopez.
- Sami gives us the weekly RED Tour Wrap-Up from @TSwiftonTour.
- Taylor Swift tours in odd years, but she also typically releases new content. Can we expect some more RED content?
- We discuss the alleged RED Platinum Edition pictures that are floating around tumblr (including the image with two #18 track listings).
- Rumor: a Platinum edition of RED could include the 10 minute version of "All Too Well," but it might just sound like a diary entry.
- Could Taylor take RED to the big screen? Steve wants to dress up for the midnight premiere.
- Note: this entire conversation is educated speculation. We aren't privy to any "inside information," unfortunately.
- You know you're a Swifty when you not only have Taylor related dreams, but you have Taylor related nightmares too. Especially if your name is Adam.
- What are Swifties listening to? Delta Goodrem, a singer/songwriter from Australia.
- We give a special shout-out to Australian Swifties for being awesome!


Episode 78 - 

This week in Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast, Adam, Maya, Diane, and Steve discuss one of Taylor's earlier songs: "Tied Together With A Smile." Taylor wrote this song when she was in high school for a friend who had an eating disorder. She paired a soothing melody with beautiful lyrics to create an incredibly uplifting song, even though the subject matter is a downer. Despite the heavy song topic, your hosts never fail to provide you with laughs and lively discussions about Taylor's f-bomb at the VMAs, Harry Styles, and future Taylor & Ed Sheeran collaborations. Enjoy the show!

Highlights from Episode 78 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast
- Coming Soon: a new Taylor Swift song! Stay tuned for more details.
- Ed Sheeran clears up why Taylor dropped the f-bomb in a conversation with Selena Gomez at the VMAs.
- Sami gives us the weekly RED Tour Wrap-Up from @TSwiftonTour.
- Even though Taylor Swift and Harry Styles are never ever getting back together, are they cordial?
- Tied Together with a Smile. Proof Taylor Swift doesn't just write about romantic relationships.
- Adam encourages Steve to write a song about Taylor Swift.
- You know you're a Swifty when you want to trade in the penny for a thirteen dollar bill.
- Adam and Maya launch into an impromptu debate: will Taylor and Ed Sheeran do another collaboration?
- Swifties are listening to "Fools" by Lauren Aquilina


Episode 77 -- 

This week in Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast, a friend of the show, Taylor (@Taylorr_GC) joins us from the land down under for Episode 77 to discuss the song “Sparks Fly.” Many of Taylor’s singles, like Sparks Fly don’t do nearly as well in Australia as they do in the United States… why? We analyze the potential reasons for this as well as the creation of “Sparks Fly”: from a sixteen-year old Taylor’s daydream to a fiery, powerful showstopper. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights from Episode 77 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast
- Taylor (@Taylorr_GC) from Australia joins us this episode.
- FYI: We only have two XL Taylor Talk shirts left
- A listener sends Adam a joke, so it’s actually funny.
- Taylor Swift broke the record for the most sold out shows at the Staples Center!
- Taylor wins the VMA for Female Music Video of the Year!
- Diane answers the age old question: what is the difference between jelly and jam?
- Harry Styles is cool with Taylor writing a song about him, if she hasn’t done so already.
- Sami gives us the weekly RED Tour Wrap-Up from @TSwiftonTour.
- Tell Me Why: What is your response to people who insult Taylor because of her relationships?
- Don’t make an Aussie mad… they’ll throw a boomerang at you.

Main Discussion of Episode 77 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast: “Sparks Fly” song analysis
- Country music may not be as big in Australia as it is in the United States… is that why some of Taylor’s songs aren’t as popular?
- Fans loved “Sparks Fly” when Taylor performed it live, so she put a version of the song on Speak Now. We compare the original with Taylor’s revision.
- Adam denies all the potential innuendos in this song, but Steve sees sparks fly whenever Jake Owen smiles ;)
- Adam’s so vain, he thinks “Sparks Fly” is about him.

- Steve teaches the youngins about 8 tracks.
- You know you’re a Swifty when you think of creative ways to compliment people on their Keds.
- What are Swifties Listening To? “Get Your Shine On” by Florida Georgia Line
- Am I (Diane) the only one who didn’t know “Get Your Shine On” was about moonshine…? Awkward.
- Aww… Nobody in Australia ever says “throw another shrimp on the barbie.”

Direct download: Episode_77_-_Sparks_Fly_-_Taylor_Talk_-_The_Taylor_Swift_Podcast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:04am PDT

Episode 76 - I Almost Do 

One of our favorite guest hosts, Eric from the All Guys Episode, joins us for Episode 76 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast to discuss one of the most poignant songs off the RED album, “I Almost Do.” Despite the sad nature of this week’s song discussion, we share some laughs over listeners’ creative mini-segment submissions and engage in a heated debate over what qualifies as being a true member of the Swifty community. Happy listening :)

In Episode 76 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast
- Listeners of the show sent in some pictures of Taylor in her glasses. Check em out!
- Be sure to watch the 2013 MTV VMAs! It will air this upcoming Sunday, August 25th 9pm. Taylor is nominated for Video of the Year and Best Female Video for “I Knew You Were Trouble.”
- We gasp at absurd ticket prices.
- Eric, our guest host, has listened to Taylor’s albums since the last time he was on! He’s more qualified as a host now.
- Tell Me Why: Do you think it’s okay to dislike some of Taylor’s stuff and still be a Swifty? Also, do you think that people should “leave” the Swifty community if they begin to dislike Taylor’s newer music as it evolves and her style changes, or stick around just in case?
- OMG! Adam hates cats! Don’t tell Meredith….
- Eric calls “I Almost Do” a ‘sleeper hit’ and it’s his favorite on the album.
- Taylor brings up a powerful point in this song… even after a break up and you don’t talk anymore, you still know the person.
- The lyrics are simple, but effective. All the hosts can relate to it in some way.
- Maya says “I Almost Do” is the phase of moving on where you tell all your friends you’re fine, but you go home at night and stare at your phone… it’s the stage of the break-up you go through alone.
- Why does Taylor change the ending to “I hope sometimes you wonder about me”?
- You know you’re a Swifty when your mom has a talk with you about your obsessive Taylor Swift podcast… oh wait.
- Swifties are listening to “The Heart of Dixie” by Danielle Bradbery
- In honor of Eric’s podcast, Mugglecast’s 8 year finale episode, our WWTD is Harry Potter themed!
- Adam’s so vain he thinks all podcasts are about him.

Direct download: Episode_76_-_I_Almost_Do_-_Taylor_Talk-_The_Taylor_Swift_Podcast.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:36am PDT

Episode 75 - Will Swifties Ever Outgrow Taylor? 

In Episode 75 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast, Adam, Diane, and Steve discuss whether or not we will ever outgrow Taylor Swift. Spoiler alert: the answer is no! Duh! Listen up for countless reasons why Taylor Swift will always hold a special place in our hearts, as well as RED Tour updates, mini-segment fun, and more! Enjoy!

In Episode 75 of Taylor Talk: the Taylor Swift Podcast:

- Adam starts off the episode with a trivia question: which one of Taylor Swift's videos stars a former Tennessee Titans football player? Stay tuned because the answer is at the end of the episode!

- Taylor should take performance notes from The Script

- Want to know what's on Taylor Swift's bucket list? See the Marie Claire article "What's on: Taylor Swift" to find out! 

- Taylor Swift wears contacts? And glasses?

- Bowling for Soup admits they want to live like Award Show Taylor Swift.

- Taylor Swift won two Teen Choice Awards: Choice Female Country Artist and Choice Country Song for "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together"

- We shamelessly ask you to vote for Taylor in the MTV VMAs! Monday, August 12th is the LAST day to vote!!

- Steve likes to pretend Taylor Swift wrote "Hey Stephen" about him

- Diane is going to feel 22 on August 15th! You can wish her a happy birthday via twitter @notadumblond9.

- We answer some questions from ask.fm/taylortalk13 in our new segment: Tell Me Why.

- Do you think one day when we grow up we will stop liking Taylor Swift? Short answer... no!

- Adam relates this question to Harry Potter... because he relates everything to Harry Potter :)

- There's so much nostalgia associated with being a Swifty. We're always going to like her music, but maybe for a different reason in the future.

- "Taylor is a writer who tells stories. And stories live forever." - Adam Bromberg

- How can people relate to Taylor Swift if they haven't been in a relationship?

- You can enjoy music regardless if you can relate to the song or not. 

- We go through some awesome mini-segments!

- Steve and Adam should go on a bromantic man-date so Steve can tip the waiter $13.

- Adam has his own "You Know You're a Swifty When" moment!

- Foreign word of the day for Americans: "chemist" 

- For the people in long distance relationships, Swifties Are Listening to: "Gotta Get There" by Brett Eldredge. Brett Eldredge also opened for Taylor on the RED Tour!

- Adam's so vain... he probably thinks the email was about him. Or is it...?


Episode 74 - Sad Beautiful Tragic 

Hooray! After a several month hiatus, song analyses are back! In episode 74 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast, Adam, Diane, and Steve break down arguably the most underrated song on the RED album: "Sad Beautiful Tragic." In addition, we discuss Taylor Swift's recent articles in Rolling Stone and her drive to persuade Ed Sheeran to enter ice cream eating contests. We also launch a new segment, "Tell Me Why" that allows you to submit any Taylor-related questions via ask.fm/taylortalk13. We had a great time recording this one, and we hope you have an even better time listening to it! Enjoy :)

In Episode 74 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast:

- Adam starts off with a Stump the Hosts question for Diane and Steve... Did you know Gary Lightbody's voice is actually in two songs on the RED album? 

- You should go to hifromtaylor.com. Just do it. 

- On weekends, Taylor Swift encourages Ed Sheeran to enter ice cream eating contests. 

- Be sure to read Rolling Stone's extensive interview entitled "Backstage with Taylor Swift." Apparently Taylor notices all of your giant fan-made posters of Meredith ;)

- Rolling Stone ranked Taylor Swift as number 49 in "50 Greatest Live Acts Right Now."

- Don't forget to vote for Taylor in the Teen Choice Awards (it's the last week to vote) and the MTV VMAs!  Fun fact: Taylor Swift hasn't won a VMA since Kayne interrupted her... so let's make sure she wins this year!

- Taylor will perform on CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night To Rock hosted by Little Big Town. You can watch the taping on Monday Aug 12th at 8/7c on ABC.

- Diane rolls her eyes at the male egos on Taylor Talk.

- Taylor's best friend, Abigail Anderson, attended the Kansas City RED show.

- We launch a new segment *drumroll* "Tell Me Why"! You can leave us questions for this segment via ask.fm/taylortalk13.

- Main Discussion: "Sad Beautiful Tragic" song analysis

- The song analysis was a listener request from Maya, from Dec. 1st 2012. This just proves we keep your submissions... for a long time!

- Adam and Steve admit they don't like sad Taylor Swift songs. 

- Is this song appropriate to play at a funeral?

- Is this song related to "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together"? "Words, how little they mean when you're a little too late" = "He calls me up and he's like 'I still love you"

- Diane renames the song "Sad Quiet and Subtle"

- What's the deal with the train? We theorize it as a reference to the film, the Source Code.

- Taylor Swift did her own backup vocals on this song.

- Story of how the song was written: Taylor composed it on her tour bus, and her vocals from the original demo were used on the song because they sounded so pure & raw. 

- We analyze how this song fits into the relationship progression of the RED album's songs.

- You know you're a Swifty when... we go through some hilarious mini-segments from listeners!

- Adam scares everyone by threatening to get a giant Taylor related tattoo on his back. No. Just no. 

- What are Swifties Listening To? “Different” by Ximena Sarinana

- Adam's so vain... his ego is getting too big for this podcast. 


Episode 73

Taylor's so vain. She probably thinks this podcast is about her... oh wait. It is! lol. Join Adam, Diane, and Steve in brief but fun episode 73 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast as we discuss the new "Everything Has Changed" remix, Taylor's generosity, and RED Tour news. Happy listening! :)

In Episode 73 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast:

- Taylor Swift visited the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia with the Ryan Seacrest Foundation. Check out ryanseacrestfoundation.com for photos from the event.

- Adam wishes he could have gotten a $500 tip when he worked in food service. 

- Don't forget to vote for Taylor in the MTV VMAs!

- Did Taylor hint Carly Simon's special guest appearance on the RED Tour? 

- Main Discussion: We compare the original "Everything Has Changed" with the remix

- We theorize this remix could be the new US single

- How are they different musically? Lyrically? Why does Ed Sheeran suddenly have his own verse? 

- Adam admits he can't understand Ed Sheeran's British's accent... he needs a translation.

- Which do you prefer? Original or remix?

- Hey listeners, if you're going to see the RED Tour soon, let us know which version of the song Taylor & Ed perform on tour!

- "Everything Has Changed" the REMIX is now available on iTunes

- If Swifties Ruled the World, we wouldn't, obviously. Taylor (aka the Queen) would.

- We're all friends with Taylor Swift. She just doesn't know it yet... and that's not creepy at all.

- Swifties are Reading The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

- What are Swifties Listening to? the Lumineers.

- New Segment! "Adam is so vain because...." jk.


Episode 72 - Why Vote For Taylor? 

Every day you log online, you're faced with a choice: should I vote for Taylor Swift for fan voted awards or not? In this episode of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast, we discuss the nature of fan voted awards and the extent to which the award shows control who wins. But never fear, every vote for Taylor STILL matters! Our good friend Agustin from TheSwiftAgency.com joins Adam, Maya, and Steve for this entertaining and informative episode of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast. Enjoy!

In Episode 72 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast:

- Maya gives us her rainy adventure story seeing Taylor perform in Philly. 

- Agustin suggests we pick our battles and not send out death threats... We discuss Bad Kids Clothing using a list of Taylor alleged ex's as a tank top.

- Taylor teases us with the fifth album in Rolling Stone: "It's so overwhelming that when you're starting a project there are such endless possibilities if you're willing to evolve and experiment. If you're willing to become a different version of yourself, you can really go anywhere with it. And that's kind of where I am. The kind of the laboratory experimental stage of really catching onto a new thing that I'm liking.”

- Despite what we talk about in this episode, please continue to vote for Taylor in the <a href="http://www.teenchoiceawards.com" target="_blank">Teen Choice Awards</a> and the <a href="http://www.mtv.com/ontv/vma/" target="_blank">MTV VMAs</a>.

- Main Discussion: the Taylor Talk team breaks down what fan voted awards REALLY mean

- For the Teen Choice Awards, the fan vote just narrows down the five nominees down to four... the sponsors ultimately decide the winner.

- Is this deceiving? They lead you to believe that the award is purely fan voted. Not many fans would take the time to read the legal information to find out the truth.

- The disclaimer is there to protect the award show. In the end, the award show says they have the right to pick the winner.

- Should there make this information more public? Agustin thinks it would cost the award shows their popularity. 

- Maya admits if she ran an award show, she'd want control over what happens too. At the end of the day, the award show is a show. 

- Award shows are not created to recognize celebrities; the point of the show is to make money for the network. 

- THE BIG QUESTION: Why should fans vote if the vote doesn't really matter?

- Agustin says that your fan votes still help Taylor get recognized by the award show sponsors and the public. Voting for Taylor ALWAYS helps Taylor maintain visibility and relevance! 

- "I don't see many Maseratis, but when I do, I sing 'Red.'"

- You know you're a Swifty when you take creepy stalker pictures of old men with Taylor Swift license plates. 

- Adam almost forgot Journey to Fearless is on Netflix, but he does remember that "Long Live" makes him cry.  

- A round of Stump the Hosts turns into a round of Stump Agustin!