Donate $13 (or more!) to help friend-of-the-pod and lifelong Swiftie Brandi get a new wheelchair van (aka her getaway car)! Donations can be sent directly to Brandi’s Venmo (@BrandiDHutch).

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theraswiftspod.substack.com

This week, we have the honor of talking with Brandi, a Swiftie and survivor of a life-changing car accident. She opens up about navigating life as a double amputee, the challenges of trauma and recovery, and the ways Taylor Swift’s music has carried her through. Join us for an emotional and uplifting conversation about healing, hope, and the transformative power of music.

Episode chapters:

* Introduction and Trigger Warning - 00:00

* Brandi's Swiftie Story - 02:15

* The Accident and Its Aftermath - 10:30

* Music as a Healing Tool - 20:45

* Advocacy and Disability Awareness - 30:00

* Reflections on Loss and Resilience - 40:15

* Conclusion and Gratitude - 50:00

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theraswiftspod.substack.com

Welcome back, TheraSwifties! In this episode, Lauren sits down with writer Julia Poet for a deeply personal and inspiring conversation about the way Taylor Swift’s music has shaped her life. Julia opens up about her experiences with grief, addiction, and complicated relationships — and how certain songs and albums became lifelines during her darkest moments. Together, they explore the healing power of music, the ways Taylor’s lyrics can feel like a mirror, and how our own stories often intertwine with the themes woven through her work.

Episode show notes:

* Follow Julia on Instagram

* Check out Julia’s website

Episode chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Julia Poet and Her Journey

01:00 Growing Up with Taylor Swift

03:00 Music as a Healing Tool

08:16 The Impact of 'Tortured Poets' on Grief

16:58 Exploring Themes of Addiction and Recovery

23:06 The Power of Grief and Healing in Music

23:12 Exploring Grief Through Music

24:09T he Feminine Experience in Taylor's Lyrics

25:05 1989 Taylor's Version: A Personal Connection

27:21 The Impact of Short Songs

29:21 Friendship Breakups and Emotional Healing

30:29 Memorable Concert Experiences

32:44 Personal Connections to Taylor's Albums

34:13 Controversial Album Opinions

36:26 The Evolution of Taylor's Music

38:22 Imagining a Conversation with Taylor Swift

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theraswiftspod.substack.com

In this special episode, we welcome acclaimed songwriter and educator Andrea Stolpe, known throughout the music industry for her profound ability to help songwriters find their unique voice. Join us as Andrea dives into Taylor Swift’s hauntingly beautiful song, "Epiphany." Through her expert analysis, Andrea explores the song's intricate structure and emotional depth, offering insights into how Taylor’s lyrics and music create this powerful narrative. Whether you're a songwriter or simply a music enthusiast, this episode promises to deepen your appreciation for the art of songwriting.

Episode show notes:

* Follow Andrea on Instagram

* Learn more about The EMC Institute

Episode chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Andrea Stolpe and Her Work

02:35 The Journey of Songwriting: Nashville to LA

05:11 Teaching and Community in Songwriting

07:56 Deep Dive into Taylor Swift's 'Epiphany'

10:31 Exploring the Emotional Depth of 'Epiphany'

12:53 The Art of Songwriting: Techniques and Insights

15:33 Prosody: The Connection Between Music and Lyrics

24:00 The Art of Dissonance in Music

24:51 Expressing Truth Through Art

25:48 The Power of Specificity in Songwriting

28:35 The Emotional Resonance of Lyrics

31:38 The Role of Pronouns in Connection

34:08 The Complexity of Songwriting

37:19 The Importance of Restraint in Music

40:05 Taylor Swift's Artistic Maturity

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theraswiftspod.substack.com

In this episode, Meredith interviews Crystal Haryanto, an economic consultant and author of the new book The Glory of Giving Everything: The Taylor Swift Business Model. They discuss the creation of Crystal’s course centered around Taylor Swift’s business strategy, the intersection of her artistry with public policy, and the unique relationship between Swift and her fans. Crystal shares insights from her upcoming book, which explores the business model behind Taylor Swift's success and the significance of giving in the creative process.

Episode show notes:

* Purchase Crystal’s book The Glory of Giving Everything: The Taylor Swift Business Model

Episode chapters:

00:00Introduction to Crystal Herrianto

01:58Crystal's Swifty Origin Story

05:32The Impact of Taylor Swift on Personal Growth

07:43Creating a Course on Taylor Swift

10:37 Exploring Taylor Swift Through Policy

13:51 Reflections on Taylor's Music and Ownership

17:04 Taylor Swift as a Billionaire with a Purpose

18:51 The Role of Fans in Taylor Swift's Success

20:34 Taylor Swift's Community Engagement and Activism

22:09 Taylor's Unique Business Model and Artistic Integrity

24:49 Marketing Genius: Storytelling and Engagement

29:58 Future Prospects: What’s Next for Taylor Swift?

33:39 The Glory of Giving Everything: Insights from Crystal's Book

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theraswiftspod.substack.com

In this episode, Lauren and Meredith chat with Rachel Feder and Tiffany Tatreau, the brilliant minds (and sisters!) behind Taylor Swift by the Book. They share how their Swiftie origin stories sparked their book, a literary deep dive into Taylor’s lyrics. From unpacking recurring themes in Taylor’s discography to celebrating the poetic brilliance of her songwriting, this conversation is a feast for fans who see Taylor as both pop icon and literary genius.

Episode show notes:

* Buy Taylor Swift by the Book today!

* Follow Rachel and Tiffany on Instagram.

Episode chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Taylor Swift by the Book

01:59 Swiftie Origin Stories

06:14 The Creative Process Behind the Book

10:11L iterary Analysis of Taylor Swift's Work

17:27 Thematic Elements in Swift's Music

23:03 Taylor's Version: Reclaiming Her Masters

27:49 The Aesthetic of the Book

33:18 Future of Taylor Swift's Music and Potential Sequels

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theraswiftspod.substack.com

In this heartfelt and high-energy episode, we’re joined by Rachel — aka @happinessforswift on Instagram — for a deep dive into her Swiftie origin story and the joyful, creative life she’s built around it. Rachel opens up about how Taylor Swift’s music has supported her mental health, sparked her artistic expression, and shaped her dreams of becoming an elementary school teacher (yes, Taylor-themed classroom décor included!). We talk about the wild world of Swiftie merch collecting, what it’s like connecting with Taylor Nation, and how Rachel channels her fandom into her love of baking and community-building. This episode is a warm hug for anyone who’s ever found themselves, healed themselves, or dreamed a little bigger because of Taylor Swift.

Show notes:

Follow Rachel (@happinessforswift) on Instagram

Episode chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Rachel and Her Journey as a Swiftie

04:51 The Evolution of Rachel's Instagram Account

09:45 Taylor Swift's Impact on Rachel's Mental Health

12:05 The Role of Music in Adolescence

19:02 Merchandise Wars: The Competitive Nature of Swiftie Culture

22:50 Interactions with Taylor Swift and Taylor Nation

28:08 Baking Dreams: Rachel's Culinary Aspirations

32:46 Future Aspirations: Teaching and Inspiring Others

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theraswiftspod.substack.com

What happens when four Swiftie therapists walk into a podcast? In this special crossover episode, Lauren and Meredith team up with Ashleigh and Kati (hosts of the podcast TheraTay) for a rich conversation about healing, heartbreak, and the deep emotional resonance of Taylor Swift’s music. Together, they unpack the soulful ache of “The Prophecy,” explore how open-ended questions unlock hidden truths in therapy, and reflect on what it means to long for something more — in love, in life, and in ourselves. This episode is a celebration of vulnerability, desire, and the kind of community that makes it safe to feel it all.

Episode show notes:

* Follow TheraTay on Instagram

* Listen to TheraTay on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theraswiftspod.substack.com

In this episode, we’re joined by writer and passionate Swiftie Elizabeth Richardson to talk about her upcoming novel TRAD — a sharp, thought-provoking take on the tradwife trend. We dive into her writing process, the messy business of deconstructing religion, and what it means to be a woman in a culture obsessed with nostalgia and control. Along the way, we explore how Taylor Swift shapes the cultural conversation around femininity and feminism. Plus, Elizabeth gives us a behind-the-scenes look at launching a debut novel. Swiftie writers, you don’t want to miss this episode!

Episode show notes:

* Donate to the GoFundMe for Aaliyah

* Follow Elizabeth on Instagram

* Subscribe to Elizabeth’s newsletter

Episode chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Elizabeth Richardson and Her Work

01:28 The Concept Behind 'Trad' and Its Inspiration

04:45 Exploring the Themes of Online Identity and Celebrity

08:29 The Complexity of Deconstruction and Personal Narratives

11:58 The Impact of Social Media on Authenticity

16:37 Navigating Tradwife Culture and Feminism

19:19 The Modern TradWife Phenomenon

22:23 Exploring Gender Roles and Nostalgia

26:03 Taylor Swift as a Cultural Touchstone

29:00 Navigating Political Divides in Personal Relationships

33:45 Navigating Political Ideologies and Personal Beliefs

35:10 The Complexity of Changing Minds

36:14 The Impact of Social Media on Public Perception

38:01 Silence as a Form of Power

40:15 The Fascination with Celebrity Publicists

45:36 The Future of Writing and Storytelling

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theraswiftspod.substack.com

In this episode, Lauren talks with Maddy, founder of Foolery — a Swiftie merch brand turned political platform. Maddy shares how her love for Taylor Swift inspired a business rooted in community, creativity and activism. We explore how fandom can fuel political action, why accessible advocacy matters, and how art (and merch!) can spark real change. From mutual aid to local organizing, this conversation is a rallying cry for Swifties ready to make an impact.

Show notes:

* Check out Foolery’s amazing merch

* Follow Foolery on Instagram

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Foolery and Maddy's Journey

03:07 Maddy's Connection to Taylor Swift

06:30 The Birth of Foolery: From Passion to Business

09:06 Transitioning to Full-Time Entrepreneurship

11:50 Political Engagement Through Merch

17:41 Creating a Community for Swifties and Activism

19:11 Navigating Fame and Political Responsibility

22:11 Art as a Political Tool

24:35 Community Engagement and Activism

27:49 Overcoming Barriers to Political Participation

30:37 Finding Your Advocacy Lane

32:43 Local Action in a Global Context

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theraswiftspod.substack.com