Anything But Toto

Anything But Toto

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Anything But Toto episodes

  • Ep. 17: “Play My Music” - The Legacy of the Jonas Brothers

    Spring is in the air and Bianca and Julian are back with another nostalgia-fueled episode! This time, they’re diving into the history of one of their favourite artists, the Jonas Brothers - from their early days in New Jersey to Disney stardom, solo careers, and their 2019 reunion.

    They talk about their recent experience at the surprise Jonas Brothers show at Toronto’s Massey Hall, and share some truly puzzling stories:

    • The mysterious journey of Nick Jonas' Yankees cap
    • Julian’s obsession with their Gibson recording tour bus
    • How Bianca came to acquire a life-size cardboard cutout of Nick Jonas promoting his diabetes medication
    • Julian pretending to be a vlogger to avoid being mocked for going to a JoBros concert
    • They also discuss the band’s musical impact, misconceptions, and why they deserve more recognition.

      And don't miss their take on the Oscars:

      • Legacy awards vs. deserved awards
      • Anora’s sweep
      • Kieran Culkin's and Adrien Brody’s acceptance speeches
      • Tune in for a fun, nostalgic chat!

         

        Theme music by Daniel Konikoff

        2 hr 3 min
      • Ep. 16: “Good Luck, Babes!” Part 2 - Reviewing the 2025 Grammy Awards

        In their first episode of 2025, Bianca and Julian provide a full recap of the 2025 Grammy Awards - and let’s just say, it’s Anything But Boring! They dive deep into everything from the red carpet to the show itself, discussing the biggest winners and losers, their favorite performances, and the most shocking moments of the night. Did any of their predictions come true? Was it really a good idea to ask for donations in a room full of billionaires? And how is Drake feeling after Kendrick took home those major wins?

        But it’s not just all about the Grammys. Bianca and Julian also chat about some pressing non-music topics: the Southern California wildfires, the Jonas Brothers temporarily calling Toronto home, the looming Canada-US trade war, and the latest music they’re listening to and movies they’ve watched - including masterpieces like “Anora” and hot garbage like “Emila Perez.” Tune in for some hot takes.

         

        Theme music by Daniel Konikoff

        1 hr 26 min
      • Ep. 15: "Burning Bridges (And Middle Ates)" - 5 Perfect Song Bridges

        In their final episode of 2024, Bianca and Julian dive deep into the art of the bridge, breaking down five perfect examples and exploring how these essential song sections serve as both sonic and narrative connective tissue. This episode is a spiritual sequel to Episode 3’s Simply the Best, offering another dose of musical education - in this case, how bridges create shifts in mood, environment, and storytelling while enhancing the overall structure of a song. Artists featured include Chappell Roan, Frank Ocean, The Beatles, Klaatu, Taylor Swift, and many more!

         

        Also covered in this episode:

        • The Azealia Banks & Matty Healy X feud/lawsuit
        • Wicked and The Wizard of Oz
        • The Vanderpump Rules reboot
        • Rumours about a new Taylor Swift documentary
        • Tune in for our 2024 wrap up. And just like any good bridge, this episode will carry you straight into the new year (with plenty more Anything But Toto episodes to come)! 

           

          Email us at [email protected]

          Theme song by Daniel Konikoff

          1 hr 37 min
        • Ep. 14: "It’s Been a Long Time Coming" - Living The Eras Tour

          Bianca and Julian take you along on their wild ride at Taylor Swift’s The Eras Tour (Toronto, Night 3). They chat about everything from the pre-show excitement to the highlights of the night, sharing their favorite moments, surprises, and even a few critiques. From the magic of seeing Taylor live to Gracie Abrams as an opener, plus the whole ticket scam situation, they cover it all.

          They also dive into the “ticket gratitude” debate (little kids vs. lifelong fans), Rob Sheffield’s new book, Heartbreak is the National Anthem, the significance of the pre-show music, and the relationship between Taylormania and Beatlemania.

          But the heart of the episode comes in a 26-minute audio documentary where Bianca and Julian take you behind the scenes of their prep leading up to the show. You’ll hear about the outfits they designed, the vibes in Toronto on Day 1, and the excitement of arriving at the venue. There are even some audio snippets from the show itself—including Secret Songs—so you get a taste of the energy in the stadium. You’ll be enchanted to listen. 

           

          Email us at [email protected]

           

          Music by Daniel Konikoff

          1 hr 36 min
        • Ep. 13: "Good Luck, Babes!" - Discussing the Grammy Nominations

          Bianca and Julian step away from their usual programming for a quick but in-depth discussion of the 67th Annual Grammy nominations. They break down the big categories—Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Pop Duo/Group Performance, and Best Pop Vocal Album—and explore the logic behind the picks.

          Are politics driving some of the nominations (and snubs)? Are we stuck in algorithm-driven bubbles? What's going on with Jacob Collier's hair? We have a lot to discuss.

           

          Music by Daniel Konikoff

          1 hr 7 min
        • Ep. 12: "Midnight Memories" - Liam Payne and the One Direction Sound
          On October 16th, 2024, we tragically lost Liam Payne of One Direction after a fall from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. In this episode, Bianca shares her experiences as a 1D fanatic during the 2010s. Bianca and Julian then explore Liam's journey to stardom, his role in the group, and his solo career. They also delve into the unique sound of One Direction, highlighting the secret ingredient that made their music so special: Interpolation. Join us for an in-depth tribute to Liam Payne and the legacy of One Direction's music.
           
          "For the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam" - Louis Tomlinson.
           
          Also discussed:
          - The Dare, Beabadoobee, and Sabrina Carpenter live in Toronto
          - Oasis reunion tickets
          - Chappell Roan's festival cancellations
          - "Megalopolis" and "The Apprentice"
          - An interesting screening of Paul McCartney and Wings' "One Hand Clapping" concert film
           
          Email us at [email protected]
          1 hr 47 min
        • Ep. 11: "Take a Bite" - Beabadoobee, Clairo, and Sabrina

          Three album reviews for the price of one?! In this economy?! Join Bianca and Julian as they dive into the late-summer post-Brat wave of major album releases: Beabadoobee’s This is How Tomorrow Moves, Clairo’s Charm, and Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet. By examining these three albums, B and J explore the differences between “journey albums” and “vibe albums,” examining how each approach can either captivate listeners or fall flat. Listen to find out which is which! 

          But that’s just the start. This episode also covers a wide range of hot topics, including:

          - Maxxxine

          - The It Ends With Us and Blake Lively controversies

          - The Trump assassination attempt

          - Taylor Swift and the Vienna terror plot

          - Biden and Harris

          - Katy Perry’s “Woman’s World”

          - Chappell Roan’s warning to fans

          - Oasis’ reunion

          - The Dare

          - Addison Rae’s “Diet Pepsi”

          - Zane Lowe

          - Longlegs

          - Martin Scorsese

          - Girls

          - The Bear

           

          Got something to share? Email Bianca and Julian at [email protected]

          Theme song by Daniel Konikoff

           

          2 hr 39 min
        • Ep. 10: "Anything Brat Toto" - A Review of Charli XCX's Brat

          It's the 10th episode of Anything But Toto (woo!) and things are about to get a little bratty. Join Bianca and Julian as they dive deep into the album of the summer, Charli XCX's "Brat." They dissect the album's production, central concept, and themes, leading to an in depth conversation about anxiety and depersonalization, parenthood, 2000s nostalgia, grief, and passive aggressive friendships. Bookending Bianca and Julian's album review are these additional topics: 

          • Challengers, Saltburn, and the 2000s aesthetic
        • Ariana Grande’s “the boy is mine”
        • The music of Max Martin
        • Sabrina Carpenter’s “Please Please Please”
        • New Beatles biopic casting rumours
        • Normal People
        • Girls
        • Travis Kelce’s onstage appearance at the Eras Tour
        • The Charli XCX and Taylor Swift beef
        • How The 1975 influenced two of the biggest albums of the year
        • Gracie Abrams and Pop Girl Summer
        • Chappell Roan’s “Good Luck, Babe!”
        • The Idea of You
        • The King of Comedy
        • Lovelace
        • Theme song by Daniel Konikoff

          Stream "Time Machine" and "White Confetti" by Lucky Lansky HERE

          2 hr 42 min
        • Ep. 9: "Is It Casual Now?" - Chappell Roan, Ticketmaster, and Baby Reindeer

          After waxing poetic about Taylor Swift for 5 hours, followed by a brief break, Bianca and Julian are back with another action packed episode, covering several topics:

          - Gen Z pop girl revolution: Chappell Roan's "The Rise and Fall of a Midwestern Princess", Olivia Rodrigo's "Guts", and Sabrina Carpenter
          - Impact of Taylor Swift's "Cruel Summer"
          - Ticketmaster lawsuit and recent tour cancellations
          - Billie Eilish/Taylor Swift "one-sided" feud
          - Lana Del Rey and James Bond
          - The Beatles and Beach Boys Disney+ documentaries
          - Baby Reindeer, Fleabag, and The Jinx
           
          Want to share your thoughts? Email Bianca and Julian at [email protected]
           
          Music by Daniel Konikoff
          1 hr 24 min
        • Ep. 8: "Waxing Poetic" - Taylor Swift, The Poet
          In part two of their analysis of "The Tortured Poets Department," Bianca and Julian wax poetic about one of the most talked about aspects of the album - Taylor Swift as a poet. Is she a poet or just a phenomenal lyricist? What's the fine line between "poetry" and "lyrics"? This episode also dives into:
          - Reviews of the album
          - Taylor's high profile ventures into other art forms
          - The best way to listen to music
          - What makes a song effective (the "Full Package" argument)
          - Taylor's best and most questionable lyrics
          - Trimming (or waxing) this collection into a 13-song album
          - The purpose of double albums
           
          Want to watch our "Guilty as Sin?" music video/fan edit? Want to recommend some music to us or share your thoughts about the episode? Email us at [email protected]
           
          Spotify link to Bianca's single disc version of TTPD: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1dJnktwGEhKkr5FTzqp1ph?si=0ea583f3adc0492d&nd=1&dlsi=2d236ea2a4d3488b
           
          Music by Daniel Konikoff
          1 hr 52 min

        About Anything But Toto

        From the publisher's feed

        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,…

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