“I see Sparks Fly whenever you smile.” This week on AP Taylor Swift, we’re thrilled to welcome book content creator and Bookish Bestie Lauren Rowe (@rowe.reads) as we explore the romance novel-worthy worlds of Taylor Swift’s songs. We learn how Lauren reviews books and the connections between Taylor’s songs and romance novels. Then we break down the romantic themes and tropes in Sparks Fly, Holy Ground, Starlight, and Dress, drawing connections between Taylor's storytelling and beloved romance novel tropes like forbidden love, second chances, and enemies to lovers. We explore why Taylor’s songs resonate so powerfully with romance readers, how she creates vivid narratives through her lyrics, and why Swifties and romance lovers alike connect so deeply with stories of love, loss, and longing.

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Mentioned in this episode:

Lauren Rowe @rowe.reads on Instagram

A Beautiful Work in Progress by Mirna Valerio

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

E32: Love Story

A Cinderella Story

The Notebook

Always Be My Maybe

The Prince & Me

The Seven-Year Slip by Ashley Poston

The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston

Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston

It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

Sunday Morning by Jewel E. Ann

From Blood and Ash by Jennifer L. Armentrout

You’ve Got Mail

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

***

Episode Highlights:

[00:41] Introducing Lauren Rowe @rowe.reads

[07:29] How Lauren reviews books

[12:55] Parallels between Taylor’s marketing and book series marketing

[17:00] The song that made Lauren a Swiftie

[19:16] “Sparks Fly” Speak Now

[24:44] “Holy Ground” Red

[32:00] “Starlight” Red

[38:40] “Dress” Reputation

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Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

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.

“I've got some tricks up my sleeve, takes one to know one.” This week, we’re deep diving a fan request, “Cowboy like me” (evermore 2020). We go line by line, exploring the use of stylistic choices like starting with the word 'and.' Join us as we delve into the narrative structure of the song and attempt to understand the characters in the song, debate the fun factor of airport bars, and try to figure out exactly what exactly Taylor means when she says “cowboy like me.”

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Mentioned in this episode:

E19: Show & Tell - Satire

Robin Hood

The Life and Adventures of Joquin Murieta by John Rollin (TW: violence, violence against women)

The Lone Ranger

White Collar

***

Episode Highlights:

[1:20] Introduction to “cowboy like me”

[3:30] “tennis court covered up with a tent-like thing”

[9:18] “sitting in an airport bar”

[13:45] Digging into the cowboy imagery

[22:33] The repeated stanzas

[30:25] “forever is the sweetest con”

[34:55] Getting into the purpose

Follow us on social!

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• Instagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwift
• YouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwift
• Link Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswift
• Bookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/apts
• Libro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibro

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.

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

“We can plant a memory garden.” This week we have a show and tell episode on garden songs, exploring the theme of gardens and flowers across Taylor Swift’s lyrics. From the haunting imagery in Ivy to the rich symbolism of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon in Cowboy Like Me, and the many different flowers in The Great War, we dig (get it?) into how Taylor uses garden and flower metaphors to evoke ideas of romance, loyalty, and loss.

Mentioned in this episode:

E7: S&T-Ecocriticism

The Bible

Lady Chatterley's Lover by D.H. Lawrence

The Secret Garden by Frances Burnett

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

E32: DD-Love Story

Gardens of Babylon Photo 1

Gardens of Babylon Photo 2

Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

Women in Love by D.H. Lawrence

Crimson Clover

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

In Flanders Fields by John McCrae

The Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

The New Look on Apple TV+

***

Episode Highlights:

[03:56] “ivy” evermore

[16:42] “cowboy like me” evermore

[28:00] “The Great War” Midnights (3am Edition)

Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe

Follow us on social!

• TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwift
• Instagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwift
• YouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwift
• Link Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswift
• Bookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/apts
• Libro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibro

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.

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

"You don’t get to tell me about sad.” This week, we deep dive into Taylor Swift's song “Who's Afraid of Little Old Me” from The Tortured Poets Department. For this TTPD and Eras Tour favorite, we unpack the song’s references to fame, power dynamics, and female identity. We explore how this song brings up our experiences of passive-aggressive workplaces, and being asked to change our behavior to fit other’s expectations. It’s a meaty episode–listen and let us know what you think!

Mentioned in this episode:

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, Edward Albee

Apex Predator, Mean Girls

E23: Mad Women

The Great Gatsby

Pirates of the Caribbean

Les Misérables

Wicked

Episode Highlights:

[01:52] How we do a deep dive

[03:19] Unpacking references in the song’s title

[07:49] “The who’s who of who’s that”

[13:01] “If you wanted me dead, you should have just said”

[18:56] “So I leap from the gallows”

[21:20] “At all costs, keep your good name”

[32:25] “So tell me everything is not about me”

[37:57] "That's why you're still singing along"

[42:39] The purpose of the song

[52:00] Listener homework!

Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe

Follow us on social!

• TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwift
• Instagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwift
• YouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwift
• Link Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswift
• Bookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/apts
• Libro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibro

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.

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

“They’re burning all the witches even if you aren’t one.” Happy spooky season! This week, we dive into the topic of witches. From historical midwives to fantasy heroines, Taylor’s music has a little bit for everyone. In this episode, we look at the fiery witch imagery in “I Did Something Bad,” explore the visual choice of witchiness in “willow,” and discuss the fantasy of owning your power in “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me.” With plenty of Harry Potter references for all, this episode is perfect for the inner Hermione in us all. Because at the end of the day, aren’t we all just powerful witches who are also kind of giant nerds?

Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe

Mentioned in this episode:

E7: Ecocriticism

E23: Mad Women

E19: Satire

Pride and Prejudice

Witches, Midwives, and Nurses: A History of Women Healers by Barbara Ehrenreich and Deirdre English

Harry Potter

Willow Music Video

Outlander

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

E9: Fall Songs

Les Miserables

The Crucible

The Power, Naomi Alderman

Shit Cassandra Saw, Gwen E. Kirby

Jennifer’s Body

Great Expectations

Invisible Women, Caroline Criado-Perez

***

Episode Highlights:

[01:15] Introduction to Witches

[07:34] I Did Something Bad - “They’re burning all the witches even if you aren’t one”

[19:36] Willow - “Wait for the signal and I’ll meet you after dark”

[34:30] Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me - “So I leap from the gallows and I levitate down your street”

Follow us on social!

• TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwift
• Instagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwift
• YouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwift
• Link Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswift
• Bookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/apts
• Libro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibro

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.

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

“Lately I’ve been dressing for revenge.” This week we deep dive Eras tour favorite Vigilante Shit from Taylor Swift’s album “Midnights.” We discuss the meaning of “vigilante,” how the song challenges traditional gender roles, and the many potential pop culture references and parallels that make the song fit into the broader cultural narrative of women reclaiming their power. Is "Vigilante Shit" a feminist anthem or just a really fun revenge fantasy? Listen and find out!

Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe

Mentioned in this episode:

E58: Show and Tell - Style

The Little Rascals

The Lion King

Circe by Madeline Miller

The Incredibles

Mean Girls

John Tucker Must Die

Pretty Little Liars

Chicago

White Collar

Hamilton

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

***

Episode Highlights:

[01:20] “Draw the cat eye sharp enough to kill a man”

[06:45] “They say looks can kill and I might try”

[12:24] “Don’t get sad, get even”

[21:36] “Ladies always rise above…”

[30:10] “I don’t dress for villains”

[38:20] The purpose of the song

Follow us on social!

• TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwift
• Instagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwift
• YouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwift
• Link Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswift
• Bookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/apts
• Libro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibro

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

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.

“We never go out of style.” This week we have a very special guest joining us to talk about Style. Yes, we’re interviewing Queen of Taylor Swift Style herself Sarah Chapelle! Sarah joins us to talk about her new book Taylor Swift Style, how her blog and commentary have evolved over the years, and how Taylor’s fashion and music work in tandem to communicate a message. Then we dive into a show and tell featuring three songs that address the idea of style in one way or another: “Style”, “Dress”, and “Vigilante Shit”.

Mentioned in this episode:

TaylorSwiftStyle.com

Taylor Swift Style Book

@TaylorSwiftStyled on Instagram

@taylorswiftstyle.com on TikTok

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Selkie Dress

“Call It What You Want” Necklace

Gucci Scarf

Taylor Swift Style Book Tour

Dame Mary Quant

Dressed to Kill Etymology

Elizabeth Holmes “So Many Thoughts” Blog

The Man Repeller

Invisible Women

History of the Cat Eye Liner

***

Episode Highlights:

[01:12] Interview with Sarah Chapelle of Taylor Swift Style

[31:50] “Style” 1989 (Taylor’s Version)

[44:00] “Dress” Reputation

[55:59] “Vigilante Shit” Midnights

Subscribe to get new episode updates: aptaylorswift.substack.com/subscribe

Follow us on social!

• TikTok → tiktok.com/@APTaylorSwift
• Instagram → instagram.com/APTaylorSwift
• YouTube → youtube.com/@APTaylorSwift
• Link Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswift
• Bookshop.org → bookshop.org/shop/apts
• Libro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibro

Affiliate Codes:

Krowned Krystals - krownedkrystals.com use code APTS at checkout for 10% off!

Libro.fm - Looking for an audiobook? Check out our Libro.fm playlist and use code APTS30 for 30% off books found here tinyurl.com/aptslibro

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.