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

Episode 187 - The GRAMMY Museum provides the ultimate Taylor Swift Experience. On Episode 187 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast, your hosts, Adam and Diane, visit the very special Taylor Swift exhibit at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles, California. We know that not many Swifties will make it all the way to California to see this exhibit, so it is our goal this episode to make you feel like you were there! We discuss the pieces Taylor chose to include in the displays and the unique interactive activities at the exhibit. After listening to the episode and viewing the photos and videos from the exhibit below, which piece of the exhibit would you take home with you? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Enjoy the show!

The Taylor Swift Experience will be at the GRAMMY Museum until October 4th, 2015.

Highlights from Episode 187 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast
Main Discussion: The Taylor Swift Experience at the GRAMMY Museum
– We recorded on location in Los Angeles, CA after visiting the Taylor Swift exhibit at the GRAMMY Museum.
– Fun fact: Taylor’s exhibit takes up 1/3 of the GRAMMY museum. (1/3 is pretty close to 13, eh?)
– You know you’re famous when they put your street clothes on display at a museum.
– Even Baby Taylor had a knack for business and the creative. (Her snowman artwork is to die for!)
– Adam tells you about the most underrated part of the museum that no one is talking about. Like, ever.

Other Topics:

– Adam has a joke. Adam has joke (oh no).
– The 1989 World Tour is going to Singapore and China!
– Did you love Taylor’s acoustic version of “Holy Ground”? I’m not crying, you are.
– Swifties are listening to “Hurricane’ by Bridgit Mendler.
– Clarkie the pup shares what he thinks of Taylor Swift! (woof)

Calendar
– July 6: The 1989 World Tour – Ottawa, ON, Canada
– July 7: The 1989 World Tour – Montreal, QB, Canada
– July 10 & 11: The 1989 World Tour – East Rutherford, NJ
– July 13 & 14: The 1989 World Tour – Washington, DC
– July 18 & 19: The 1989 World Tour – Chicago, IL

Episode 186 - When Taylor Swift speaks, Apple listens. Early on June 21st, Taylor Swift posted a letter on Tumblr asking Apple to reconsider its compensation structure during the 3 month free trial period for the upcoming Apple Music streaming service. During Apple Music’s 3 month free trial period, Apple said they would not pay the artist, a point Taylor Swift strongly disagreed with. However, by the power of Swift and concerned artists everywhere, APPLE AGREED TO CHANGE THEIR MODEL! This is a huge victory for Taylor and artists everywhere who deserve to be fairly compensated for their art. 

But…. that awkward moment when you record a podcast after Taylor wrote her letter to Apple but moments before Apple announced their decision. Cue immediately out-of-date podcast episode. Still though, in Episode 186, Adam and Diane get to debate between Apple vs. Taylor, and discuss the big questions in the music industry right now: How should artists be compensated? Who should compensate them? Even though Apple now sided with Taylor Swift, the compensation discussion is still an important discussion to have. Let us know what you think in the comments below. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights from Episode 186 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast

Main Discussion: “To Apple, Love Taylor”

– Taylor has been pushing Music Has Value since she wrote her Wall Street Journal editorial last summer.

– We learned with Spotify that if Taylor doesn’t agree with a music streaming service’s compensation structure, she’s out.

– “We don’t ask you for free iPhones. Please don’t ask us to provide you with our music for no compensation.” BOOM.

– The Apple fanboy in Adam has a hard time deciding whether or not to side with Team Apple or Team Swift (Spoiler alert: Apple is Team Swift).

– The big question: Does a music streaming service’s promotion of the artist count as compensation?

– If Taylor can influence the largest company on the planet, what else is she capable of? 

Other Topics:

– Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there, including Scott Swift!

– Echosmith, Rachel Platten, Cara Delevingne, and Mariska Hargitay surprised the crowd at the 1989 World Tour stop in Philadelphia!

– OK! Magazine needs to stop their disgusting, misogynistic articles right now. #Feminism

– You know you’re a Swifty when there was never a more perfect time to wear your TEAM TAYLOR jersey. 

Calendar

– June 21: The 1989 World Tour – Amsterdam

– June 23: The 1989 World Tour – Glasgow, Scotland, UK

– June 24: The 1989 World Tour – Manchester, UK

– June 27: The 1989 World Tour – London, UK

– June 29 & 30: The 1989 World Tour – Dublin, Ireland

Episode 185 - Taylor Talk gives you everything and nothing. Just kidding. We give you a new episode, of course! In Episode 185 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast, your hosts delve into the narrative complexity that is “I Wish You Would.” Taylor Swift wrote this song with Jack Antonoff, and they were inspired by the John Hughes movies of the 1980s. Which movie does this song remind you of? What’s your favorite lyric in the song? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights from Episode 185 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast

Main Discussion: “I Wish You Would” Song Analysis

– Fun fact: Taylor wrote this song based on a track Jack Antonoff gave her.

– Why does 2AM seem to constantly re-appear in Taylor’s songs?

– Serious question: why can’t this girl pick up the phone and tell him what she never said?

– We analyze her most creative lyric: “We’re a crooked love, in a straight line down.”

– Diane realizes something mid-episode that changes EVERYTHING!

– Check out Steve’s “I Wish You Would” Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/stevesplaylist/playlist/524ypzVyWk9fkBKdcr47Gg

Other Topics:

– New Taylor Talk t-shirts are available for a limited time only! Shop at Taylortalk.org/store

– So far, Taylor has had Dan Reynolds of Imagine Dragons and Little Big Town as surprise guests on tour!

– Remember: you MUST go visit Taylor Nation Headquarters if you attend a concert!

– Swifties (and Taylor Swift) are listening to “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten.

– The Swifties and Taylor are also listening to Kelsea Ballerini! Check out her interview with us on Taylor Talk Episode 178. 

Calendar

– June 8: The 1989 World Tour – Charlotte, NC

– June 9: The 1989 World Tour – Raleigh, NC

– June 12 & 13: The 1989 World Tour – Philadelphia, PA

– June 19 & 20: The 1989 World Tour – Cologne, Germany.

Episode 184 - 1989 TOUR SPOILERS GALORE! In Episode 184 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast, Adam and Diane bring you their review of Taylor Swift’s 1989 Tour. After seeing the show at Rock In Rio in Vegas and in Bossier City, Louisiana, we wanted to give you our initial impressions of Taylor’s new show. We discuss the setlist in detail, Taylor’s elaborate costumes, dancers, and more. If you haven’t seen the show yet and don’t care about being spoiled, listen up! And if you have seen the show, what did you think? Enjoy the episode!

Highlights from Episode 184 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast

Main Discussion: 1989 World Tour Initial Review

– If you want to stay 1989 Tour spoiler-free, do not listen to this episode!!

– We go song by song and describe each performance of 1989.

– Which song stole the show?

– If you’ve seen the 1989 tour, did anything disappoint you?

– Remember: you MUST go visit Taylor Nation Headquarters if you attend a concert!

Other Topics:

– Taylor Swift broke a VEVO record with most views in a single day for “Bad Blood”!! (We’re not surprised though).

– We think we may have figured out what “on D like DOC” means in Kendrick Lamar’s “Bad Blood” rap. Maybe.

– You know you’re a Swifty when you make up choreography for every song off 1989 and you’re essentially an official tour dancer.

– Swifties are listening to “Shut Up and Dance” by Walk The Moon. 

Calendar

– May 30: The 1989 World Tour – Detroit, MI.

– June 2: The 1989 World Tour – Louisville, KY.

– June 3: The 1989 World Tour – Cleveland, OH.

– June 6: The 1989 World Tour – Pittsburgh, PA.

Episode 183 - The “Bad Blood” Music Video SIZZLES!Taylor Swift set the Swifty fandom on fire with her world premiere of the “Bad Blood” music video at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards. Full of cameos from her best friends, sexy action sequences, and a remix with Kendrick Lamar, Taylor delivers one of her best music videos to date. What are your thoughts on the music video? What do you think of Kendrick Lamar’s rap? Let us know! Hope you enjoy the episode!

Highlights from Episode 183 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast

Main Discussion: “Bad Blood” Music Video

– Uh oh… Selena Gomez is the backstabbing friend in this video!

– Could Taylor’s transformation into a fighting powerhouse represent her personal transformation in the 1989 album?

– So many cameos… but we missed Meredith and Olivia!

– Why do you think the story of the video took place in London?

– “We was on D like DOC” — Diane needs a translation.

– Taylor’s favorite Kendrick Lamar song makes an appearance. I see what you did there. 

Other Topics:

– Taylor’s Rock in Rio performance was different than any performance we’ve seen before (more details to come).

– How do you hold 8 Billboard Music Awards at once? #TaylorSwiftProblems

– If you like us, rate us on iTunes at TaylorTalk.org/iTunes!

Calendar

– May 20th: The 1989 World Tour kicks off in the US in Bossier City, Louisiana.

– May 22nd: The 1989 World Tour continues in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Episode 182 - We’re sure the 1989 Tour is flawless, but we don’t know yet. Don’t worry — Episode 182 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast is spoiler free! We want to hold off having a tour discussion until after we have seen the show, so in the meantime, enjoy a song analysis of “Enchanted.” Taylor writes a lot of songs about love, and in “Enchanted,” Taylor writes about having a crush on someone but not doing anything about it. I’m sure we can all relate. Enjoy the episode, enjoy the puns, and be sure to share your thoughts with us! Happy listening!

Highlights from Episode 182 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast

Main Discussion: “Enchanted” Song Analysis

– “Enchanted” is another example of Taylor Swift as a wordsmith genius.

– Why did Taylor choose the word “wonderstruck” for her perfume?

– Adam’s so vain, he probably thinks this song is about him.

– Is “Enchanted” a realistic or fairytale take on love?

– Why didn’t Taylor tell him she was enchanted to meet him? Oh, the agony!

– Steve connects this song to “The Story of Us” and “Wildest Dreams,” but you could really connect anyTaylor song. 

Other Topics:

– The Bad Blood music video will premiere on May 17th!!

– Check out the preview of Taylor’s interview in Elle Magazine, “Taylor Swift Has No Regrets.”

– Fun fact: Xfinity, the 1989 tour sponsor, is offering a bunch of behind-the-scenes features and a chance to meet Taylor!

Calendar

– May 15th: Taylor Swift performs at Rockin Rio in Las Vegas, NV.

– May 17th: The Billboard Awards air on ABC at 8/7c.

– May 20th: The 1989 World Tour kicks off in the US in Bossier City, Louisiana.

– May 22nd; The 1989 World Tour continues in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Episode 181 - Welcome to the 1989 World Tour… it’s been waiting for you! Well, almost! Since the 1989 World Tour is just days away, your hosts Adam, Steve, and special guest Agustin of The Swift Agency bring you their tour predictions. Remember that we have NO inside information. We’re just fans, like you, who are SUPER excited for the 1989 World Tour! What songs would you like to see on tour? How do you think Taylor will perform them? We’d love to hear your tour predictions! Enjoy the show!

Highlights from Episode 181 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast

Main Discussion: 1989 World Tour Predictions

– Since Agustin loves Taylor’s element of surprise, he hopes he’s way off on his tour predictions!

– Which song off 1989 do you think will be cut from the setlist?

– We visualize “Welcome to New York” as the tour opener.

– How will Taylor bring her popular singles, like Blank Space, to the stage?

– “Pretty much everything from the 80’s went out of style though.” – Quotes by Steve

– Agustin has an amazing idea to get the fans involved (and onstage!) during the 1989 tour.

– What special thing do you think Taylor will do on the b-stage? (covers? old songs?)

– We hope new country artist Kelsea Ballerini will be a special guest on the 1989 tour! (check out her interview on Taylor Talk Episode 178)

Other Topics:

– I might still be crying over Mama Swift’s speech before giving Taylor her ACM Milestone award…

– Glamour UK has a new guest editor for June 2015… Taylor Swift! Her issue is on newsstands on April 30th.

– You know your dad is a Swifty when he sings Taylor Swift while washing dishes. He thinks they’re finally clean…

– Swifties are listening to “Fly” by Avril Lavigne. 

Calendar

– May 5th: The 1989 World Tour kicks off in Tokyo, Japan!

– May 15th: Taylor Swift performs at Rockin Rio in Las Vegas, NV.

– May 17th: The Billboard Awards air on ABC at 8/7c.

– May 20th: The 1989 World Tour kicks off in the US in Bossier City, Louisiana.

Episode 180 - God Bless, Andrea Swift. This one’s for you. Episode 180 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast is dedicated to Mama Swift. Since Taylor announced this week that her mom had been diagnosed with cancer, we wanted to use this episode to honor Andrea.

We discuss “The Best Day,” the heartfelt song Taylor wrote for her mom back in 2007 as a Christmas surprise. What do you think of the song? Does it remind you of your childhood? We also want to encourage you, as the Swift family does, to have all to have your loved ones checked for cancer, just in case. For now, enjoy the episode and please keep the Swift family in your thoughts!

Highlights from Episode 180 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast

Main Discussion: “The Best Day” Song Analysis

– No one has impacted Taylor’s life more than her mother, Andrea Swift.

– Fun fact: Taylor gave this song & video to her mom as a Christmas present, and it took Mama Swift a while to realize that it was Taylor singing about her!

– Do you remember that childhood feeling that your parents could fix anything?

– Adam argues that Taylor plays around with perspectives in this song.

– Does this song remind you of your relationship with your mom?

Other Topics

– Keep Andrea, Taylor, and the rest of the Swift family in your thoughts. They have an important battle to fight.

– Taylor encourages us to be proactive about cancer by making sure our loved ones get checked. EDUCATE yourself at http://www.cancer.org/healthy.

– The 2015 Podcast Awards are this Tuesday, April 14th! You can watch the live stream at 6:00pm PST at PodcastOne.com.

– Taylor Swift is nominated for 14 Billboard awards! Did they nominate anyone else??

Calendar

– April 19: The 50th Annual ACM Awards will take place in Dallas, TX and broadcast live on CBS.

– April 26: The 2015 Music Radio Disney Music Awards will air on the Disney Channel at 8pm ET/PT.

Episode 179 - Bring on all the pretenders, we’re not afraid. In Episode 179 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast, we’re joined by our good friend, Agustin from theswiftagency.com, to discuss “Long Live,” one of Taylor Swift’s most powerful anthems. This song is both a celebration for her team and her fans. Our throwback to the Speak Now era comes at a perfect time too, because although Taylor is now a self-proclaimed pop artist, country music organizations, like the ACMs, keep honoring her with awards! It just goes to show that Taylor Swift left a strong legacy behind her in country music and will undoubtedly do the same for pop music. What do you think of “Long Live”? Would you put it on a greatest hits album for Taylor Swift? Feel free to share your thoughts. Enjoy the episode!

Highlights from Episode 179 of Taylor Talk: The Taylor Swift Podcast

Main Discussion: “Long Live” Song Analysis

– Who did Taylor write “Long Live” for? The fans, her team, or both?

– It’s impossible to read the lyrics to this song without singing them (have fun listening to Adam try).

– Who is the “you” in the song? Grant? Amos? Scott Borchetta?

– At Taylor’s 2009 CMA Entertainer of the Year win, a band of thieves in ripped up jeans got to rule the world.

– It’s okay if you need to excuse yourself and get a tissue while we talk about the bridge… 

Other Topics:

– Happy birthday Kenny Chesney! You get Taylor Swift at your concert as a present 

– Fortune names Taylor Swift as the greatest female leader in the world, but we already knew that.

– Country music just won’t stop giving Taylor awards, will they?

– Taylor surprised us all by performing backup guitar for Madonna’s iHeartRadio performance!!

Calendar

– As Agustin said, you can take the girl out of country, but you can’t take country out of the girl — the ACMS are honoring Taylor with a Milestone Award on April 19th.