That’s What People Say (ooh ooh). In this deep dive episode, we get into the groove of Taylor Swift's “Shake It Off” from her album 1989 (Taylor’s Version). We start by discussing how the song acts as a strategic move by Swift to rebrand herself as a pop artist and connect with a larger audience. We look at how Taylor addresses the haters and criticisms she’s received over the years through her lyrics. And we make the case that this is not a simple song–it’s a therapeutic anthem of resilience, empowerment, and growth. Jodi and Jenn get flashbacks to grad school thinking about this song, and Maansi…well, listen to hear what Maansi really thinks about this song. 

Mentioned in this episode: 

“Shake It Off”

How Taylor Swift Made Me a Better Marketer

The Spare

Clare @colormelovely

Mean 

TIME Person of the Year profile

Risky Business, the rock band at Ross

Mean Girls

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Episode Highlights: 

[02:15] How “Shake It Off” fits into Taylor’s musical catalog 

[07:01] “It’s gonna be alright” 

[10:44] Taylor as a marketing GENIUS

[16:41] “I stay out too late”

[22:52] Looking at this song 10 years later

[30:30] Was there another option as the first single?

[37:25] The purpose of the song

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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.