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 88 episodes available.

You Wanted a Hit! episodes:

July 08, 2025 Discussion: Top Albums of 2025 So Far
Michael and Theo try something new and discuss their respective five favorite albums of the year thus far.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h
June 21, 2025 Harvey Danger "Flagpole Sitta" Part 2 (w/ Matt Gudernatch)
2 of 2 parts: Michael tells the story of the journalistic Seattle alternative rock band's snarky yet snappy 1997 smash. Actor, writer, and comedian Matt Gudernatch joins the conversation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 9min
June 13, 2025 Harvey Danger "Flagpole Sitta" Part 1 (w/ Matt Gudernatch)
1 of 2 parts: Michael tells the story of the journalistic Seattle alternative rock band's snarky yet snappy 1997 smash. Actor, writer, and comedian Matt Gudernatch joins the conversation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
52min
May 28, 2025 Jill Sobule "I Kissed a Girl"
Theo tells the story of the Denver singer-songwriter's witty, groundbreaking 1995 gay anthem
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 2min
May 08, 2025 Jimmy Dean "I.O.U."
Michael tells the story of the Texas singer/songwriter, actor, TV host, and meat purveyor's 1976 sentimental spoken-word ode to moms
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
59min
April 24, 2025 Frank & Moon Zappa "Valley Girl" (w/ Eliza Thorn)
Theo tells the story of the LA-via-Baltimore musical iconoclast and his daughter's 1982 novelty hit that forever changed American vernacular. Nashville singer/songwriter Eliza Thorn joins the conversation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 29min
April 01, 2025 Nada Surf "Popular" (w/ Sofia Loporcaro)
Michael tells the story of the New York City alternative rock band's 1996 sarcastic, spoken-word singalong. Podcaster and music journalist Sofia Loporcaro joins the conversation.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 23min
March 14, 2025 Fine Young Cannibals "She Drives Me Crazy"
Theo tells the story of the Birmingham, England pop rock band's genre-defying 1989 chart-topper
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 12min
March 06, 2025 Re-Hit: Buster Poindexter "Hot Hot Hot"
In light of David Johansen's passing earlier this week, we are revisiting our 2023 episode about his alter-ego's 1987 calypso crossover smash “Hot Hot Hot.”

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 10min
February 18, 2025 Deniece Williams "Let's Hear It for the Boy"
Michael tells the story of the Indiana singer's 1984 last-minute soundtrack smash
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
...more
1h 3min

FAQs about You Wanted a Hit!:

How many episodes does You Wanted a Hit! have?

The podcast currently has 88 episodes available.

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