You Wanted a Hit!

By Michael Smith & Theo Beidler

A discussion of unlikely, perplexing, and positively bizarre hit songs that swept the nation, and often the world. Have you ever heard a classic song and thought, "why on Earth was this popular?" Or "... more

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FAQs about You Wanted a Hit!:

How many episodes does You Wanted a Hit! have?

The podcast currently has 102 episodes available.

You Wanted a Hit! episodes:

March 05, 2026 Portugal. The Man “Feel It Still” (w/ Spencer Dukoff)
Michael tells the story of the Alaska alternative rock band’s inescapable, politically subversive 2017 smash. Writer/podcaster/activist Spencer Dukoff joins the conversation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 48min
February 06, 2026 Soft Cell “Tainted Love” (w/ Peter Leonard of Little Amps Coffee)
Theo tells the story of the Leeds synth-pop duo’s 1981 cover of the multiple-versioned Northern Soul tune. Peter Leonard of Little Amps Coffee joins the conversation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 34min
January 23, 2026 t.A.T.u. “All the Things She Said"
Michael tells the story of the teenage Russian pop-rock duo’s controversial 2002 worldwide phenomenon, back in the pop-culture forefront due to its inclusion in the hit Canadian drama series Heated Rivalry. [WARNING: This episode contains accounts of manipulation, coercion, and suggestive imagery involving minors. Listener discretion is advised.]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 28min
December 23, 2025 ‎Vince Guaraldi Trio “Christmastime Is Here” / “Linus & Lucy"
Theo tells the story of the jazz pianist and his band’s unlikely, ubiquitous Christmas classic and the TV special that it soundtracked.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 1min
December 06, 2025 The Juliana Hatfield Three “My Sister” (w/ Tawny Newsome)
Michael tells the story of the Boston singer/songwriter’s deceptive Alternative Rock chart-topper. Actor/comedian/writer/musician Tawny Newsome joins the conversation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 26min
November 26, 2025 Re-Hit: Arlo Guthrie "Alice's Restaurant" (w/ Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie)
In light of legendary WMMR DJ Pierre Robert’s recent passing and the spirit of the season, we revisit Theo telling the story of wry American folk prince Arlo Guthrie's long-winded 1967 talking-blues epic Thanksgiving classic “Alice’s Restaurant." Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie joined the conversation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1h 5min
November 13, 2025 Gordon Lightfoot “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"
Theo tells the story of the Toronto troubadour’s 1976 historical folk-rock ballad about the Great Lakes disaster of the same name.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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1h 19min
October 30, 2025 Toadies "Possum Kingdom" Part 2
2 of 2 parts: Michael tells the story of the Fort Worth alternative band's creepy, cult-ish 1994 rock radio staple.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
57min
October 24, 2025 Toadies "Possum Kingdom" Part 1
1 of 2 parts: Michael tells the story of the Fort Worth alternative band's creepy, cult-ish 1994 rock radio staple.

[WARNING: This episode contains historical depictions of gruesome and graphic violence. Listen discretion is advised.]
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
54min
October 10, 2025 Chuck Mangione "Feels So Good"
Theo tells the story of the Rochester flugelhorn player's super smooth 1977 jazz-pop crossover sensation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 27min

FAQs about You Wanted a Hit!:

How many episodes does You Wanted a Hit! have?

The podcast currently has 102 episodes available.

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