The Taylor Seminars
A podcast studying the impact of Taylor Swift through hour-long seminars hosted by Hannah and Exquisite. Each episode provides a track-by-track analysis of songs from Taylor Swift's albums. Currently focusing on "The Life of a Showgirl," having completed discussions of TTPD and Midnights. The show blends music analysis with cultural commentary.
Episodes
We're So Glad Taylor Took Us to Cleveland!
We had SO MUCH FUN talking about "Cleveland!", the second of four tracks on Taylor Swift's "The Encore: The Life of a Showgirl." And within this fun, celebratory song, we see the showgirl burst to life. Exquisite and Hannah also connect the song to "Blank Space" and "The Albatross." She takes us to Cleveland! and we love it here!Also, we hope you enjoy t
We Kick It With Patient Zero on The Taylor Seminars
We had A LOT to say about the "Patient Zero," the first of four tracks on Taylor Swift's "The Encore." We see Taylor baring her soul, not just to the audience, but to another woman who is in the same predicament she was once in. We go through the song, line by line, seeing how ill the singer was but also how she's willing to help the woman who is now in her shoes. The,
We Have an Important Announcement: We're Ready to Analyze "The Encore"
Exquisite and Hannah are up at the magenta sunrise to do a quick analysis of all the songs on "The Encore:" Patient Zero, Cleveland!, Pink Clouding, and Babylon. This is the perfect way for you to orient yourself to the new tracks by getting some insight into the subjects of each song and how it connects to the rest of the Tayuniverse.
P.S. Sorry we kept saying "crimson sunrise&quo
We're Getting Ready for Taylor Swift's "The Encore"
Looks like we're going to have to step out of the "folklore" woods for a few weeks and head back to the stage for "The Encore." Here's a quick preview of our upcoming schedule and our initial thoughts on this new deluxe edition of "The Life of a Showgirl" and what we think of the new tracks:1. Patient Zero2. Cleveland!3. Pink Clouding4. BabylonEnjoy the episod
Hear us out with "exile" from "folklore" with The Taylor Seminars
Two people who love analyzing Taylor Swift songs together discuss two people who can never be together in this episode of "The Taylor Seminars." Exquisite and Hannah talk about "exile," track 4 of "folklore," to see how the two people are on completely opposite poles and compare it to a different song where a disagreement was resolved. Enjoy the episode? Buy us a cup
We Had a Marvelous Time with "the last great american dynasty" | The Taylor Seminars
There's a reason Taylor Swift submitted "the last great american dynasty" to qualify for her historic induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Class of 2026: It's a masterpiece. From the songwriting to the production to the vocal performance, it's a perfectly crafted song that showcases Taylor Swift's genius. Plus, it has one of Taylor's favorite songwriting techn
We love "cardigan" and said it's our favorite
We're back for an extralong episode to talk about cardigod, aka "cardigan," track 2 from Taylor Swift's AOTY-winning album "folklore. Tune in as we go line-by-line and crash out (several times) as we talk about the themes of youth, remembrance, the concept of "knowing," and, of course, reference a lot of other Taylor Swift songs. And you definitely want to tune in
The Greatest Opening Track of All Time is "the 1"
We're kicking off our folklore track-by-track series with Track 1: "the 1." This song invites us into Taylor Swift's fictional universe with one deceptively simple question: If one thing had been different, would everything be different today?Join Exquisite and Hannah as they dive into "the 1" line by line, unpacking the song's nostalgia, regret, missed timing, and
We Head Into the Woods of Taylor Swift's "Folklore"
Exquisite and Hannah return from summer break to start their discussions of the tracks of "folklore." They talk about the themes of the album, the inspiration, and the sounds as they prep to go track-by-track starting next week.They also take a few detours to talk bout the adventures Taylor herself has gone on during the summer of 2026. And we're back with video! Let us know how you like it (or if
"It's Time to Go" and Leave the evermore era
We've (finally) reached the final bonus track from evermore, "It's Time to Go," written by Taylor Swift and Aaron Dessner. We talk about what we love about the song (the verses) and how it fits into the selling of Taylor Swift's original work.Thank you so much for joining us on this incredible journey! Folklore to come soon! Enjoy the episode? Support The TaylorSeminars on Ko-fi! ❤️
We're "Right Where You Left Me"
We come to the first of two bonus tracks on evermore by Taylor Swift: "Right Where You Left Me." Join Exquisite and Hannah as they thaw out the girl who's been sitting cross-legged in the dim light and help her out of the restaurant. Want to support Exquisite on her journey to becoming a professor? Donate here: https://gofund.me/ceaf3b27dEnjoy the episode? Support The
Keep it 100 with Brigid Kaelin: The Sounds of "evermore"
Can you believe it's been 100 episodes of "The Taylor Seminars?" To celebrate, we invited musician Brigid Kaelin, a Kentucky-based songwriter, instrumentalist, composer, author, and artist. You may know her from her viral videos on Instagram & TikTok breaking down the songwriting of "The Fate of Ophelia," "Father Figure," and more!!!For this episode, Brigid joined us to talk about the sounds o
This Episode Will Be for "Evermore"
We've made it to the closing track of Taylor Swift's evermore album. In this song, Swift uses imagery in powerful ways to show the depths of despair. And then, in the tumultuous bridge, we hear her find hope and the ability to get back up. Join Exquisite and Hannah as they celebrate this gorgeous title track. NOTE: This is our 99th episode!!! Tune in next time for a special guest!! Want to support
We Celebrate Taylor Swift the Songwriter
In this bonus episode, we talk about how Taylor Swift has been named one of the "30 Greatest Living American Songwriters" by The New York Times Magazine. As part of the feature, she participated in a 30-minute interview detailing her process, which is a treasure trove of information for people who are obsessed with her songwriting--including Exquisite and Hannah. Join them as they dissect the inte
We Want Taylor Swift's "Closure"
It's time for "closure," track 14 from Taylor Swift's evermore album. This song is full of "spite, tears, beers, and candles" and Exquisite and Hannah absolutely love it. Join us to hear how Taylor uses imperfect rhymes and imagery to convey her pettiness and persistent anger at someone who has wronged her so deeply.Want to support Exquisite on her journey to becoming a professor? Donate here:
"Marjorie" is Alive in Our Head
We arrive at "Marjorie," track 13 from Taylor Swift's evermore album. One of the highlights of her discography, this track is a beautiful tribute to her grandmother, who played a significant role in Taylor's journey to becoming the superstar she is today. Join Exquisite & Hannah as they talk about guilt, grief, hope, and remembrance. Want to support Exquisite on her journey to becoming a prof
"Long Story Short" It Was a Fun Time
"Long Story Short" from Taylor Swift's evermore album brings us back to Taylor's personal perspective. With a drive beat and a fun vocal performance, this song showcases her sharp pen and clear-eyed perspective. Join Exquisite and Hannah as they analyze the song structure, addressees, and connections to "Call It What You Want," "Peace," and more. Want to support Exquisite on her journey to becomin
Takes Us to Know "Cowboy Like Me"
One of the clear highlights of Taylor Swift's discography is "Cowboy Like Me," the 11th track of evermore. This love song contains beautiful storytelling of two con artists who crash into each other at a party and find a love that they'll have to "pay for." Exquisite and Hannah analyze how Taylor teases the listener so they don't know if the couple ends up together until the very end. Want to supp
Now We're Covered in "Ivy"
There's no question that "Ivy" is one of Taylor Swift's best-written tracks ever. Track 10 of evermore showcases Swift's songwriting prowess and her Gothic sensibilities as she tells the story of a woman caught between ice and fire. In fact, you might even say she has created a haunting narrative. We hope you enjoy our interpretation of "ivy," and hope you take a closer look at this lyrical master
We're on a Bench in "Coney Island"
We're in the thick of the evermore woods now with track 9, "Coney Island." (But first, we do a slight detour back to "Dorothea"). This song is heavy on the "wonder" motif that's found throughout Taylor Swift's discography, and the themes of regret and lost youth are connected to other heartbreaking songs in her discography, including "How Did It End," "Peter," and "Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus
Hey, "Dorothea," We Stop and Think About You
We come to "Dorothea," track 8 of Taylor Swift's evermore. This highly underrated song is connected to so many others in Swift's discography--and it's not just "'tis the damn season," which shares the same two characters. We see the motifs of waiting and hometowns and past loves in songs such as "Peter," "the 1," "Midnight Rain," and .... "Ruin the Friendship"?! Be sure to tune in as Exquisite and
There is Happiness Because of "Happiness"
We're so happy to talk about "Happiness," the 7th track of Taylor Swift's Evermore? This song is filled with beautiful imagery and incredible diction choices that put you in the mind of the protagonist who is grieving the loss of a relationship that she thought would never see a sunset. There are attempts to be "above the trees" but when she thinks back at the painful times, she expresses "fury."
We Won't Let Up On "No Body No Crime"
We are back to talking Evermore (again) with one of the more fun songs on the album, "No Body, No Crime." Taylor goes back to her country roots for this song in which women get revenge after being wronged--as they should! Join Exquisite and Hannah as they breeze through this song. Want to support Exquisite on her journey to becoming a professor? Donate here: https://gofund.
Now the Music Video is "Opalite"!
Let's talk about the music video for "Opalite," track 3 on The Life of a Showgirl. Exquisite and Hannah discuss how Taylor Swift brilliantly captured the essence of the song and flexed her prowess as a director. We see a beautiful three-act structure with tons of symbolism and beautiful imagery. Join us for this Showgirl bonus episode!Want to support Exquisite on her journey to becoming a professo
"Tolerate It" Should Be Celebrated
We are back to talking Evermore (finally), and we're back with one of Taylor's most devastating songs: "Tolerate It." And you better sit down for this one. This song follows a woman who is completely overlooked by her (much older) partner, a story that has been told and retold both in literature and in Taylor's own discography. We travel to songs from "All Too Well" to "Dear John" to "Better Man"
Why Taylor Deserved to be Inducted into the Songwriter's Hall of Fame
Taylor Swift has been named as part of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, entering in her first year of eligibility! The Taylor Seminars wanted to congratulate her by going through the list of five songs she submitted for consideration:"All Too Well (10 Minute Version")"Love Story""Blank Space""Anti-Hero""The Last Great American Dynasty"Our hosts Exquisite & Hannah go through each song in chronolog
Now YOU Know "The Life of a Showgirl"
We've reached the last track on Taylor Swift's, The Life of a Showgirl, the title track "The Life of a Showgirl". This closer features Sabrina Carpenter as "Kitty", and Exquisite and Hannah unpack Kitty's relationship with the song's protagonist. We hope you've enjoyed our journey through this album!Want to support Exquisite on her journey to becoming a professor? Donate here: https://g
Redefine All Of Your Blues with "Honey"
It's time for the sweetest song on Taylor Swift's, The Life of a Showgirl, "Honey". This underrated gem is full of beautiful sentiment, growth, and a lot of sensuality. Exquisite and Hannah also connect this song to many other Taylor Swift songs, including "Call It What You Want." Want to support Exquisite on her journey to becoming a professor? Donate here: https://gofund.me/ceaf3b27d
It's Time for Our "An End of an Era" Recap
It's 2026, and for our first episode of the year, we're doing a special recap of "The End of an Era" docuseries on Disney+. Exquisite & Hannah condensed their thoughts into one hour-long episode, where they discuss what stood out, moments that were inspiration, and what made them cry. We're so grateful for this little community here. We'll be back next week to continue our The Life of a Showgi
Good Thing We Like the Song "CANCELLED!"
It's time for "CANCELLED!" Track 10 on Taylor Swift's, The Life of a Showgirl. This song fully embraces theatricality as its protagonist revels in her perceived wickedness and embrace of those rejected by the public for "one single drop." While Hannah and Exquisite may not have the same opinion when it comes to how much they like the song, they both agree with how infectiously fun the performance
"Wood" is Taylor at her Cocky-est (Re-upload)
We're so happy that we've reached "Wood," Track 9 on Taylor Swift's, The Life of a Showgirl. This song combines the joy of "Opalite" and the sweetness of "Wi$h Li$t" to create an infectious song that creates innuendos that make Hannah and Exquisite cackle. We also reference Taylor's poem "If You're Anything Like Me."Want to support Exquisite on her journey to becoming a professor? Donate here:
Boss Up, Settle Down, and Listen to our Wish List Episode
We've reached Track 8 on The Life of a Showgirl, "Wi$h Li$t," which Taylor Swift has called one of her favorite tracks on the album — and it's easy to see why with her phenomenal vocals and underrated clever lyrics. Join Exquisite and Hannah as they groove to the beat and say how much they love Taylor's performance, especially on the word "wow." And, stick around for the end to hear what's on Exqu
Want to Analyze "Actually Romantic"? Stop Talking Dirty to Me!
Taylor Swift leans into her Mean Girl persona with "Actually Romantic," Track 7 ofhe Life of a Showgirl, In this episode, Hannah & Exquisite talk about how this song isn't about punching down but about hitting back in the pop arena. It's also a song about letting the haters know that we appreciate all their kind and overwhelming attention. Want to support Exquisite on her journey to becoming
Our Advice on "Ruin the Friendship"
We've reached one of the highlights of The Life of a Showgirl, "Ruin the Friendship." Are you ready to go back to high school with us? Taylor Swift returns to her old high school in Nashville to paint us a picture of what it's like to choose cautious discretion over inconvenient risk—and she realizes it's not worth it. Join Exquisite and Hannah as we drive shotgun with our hair undone in this podc
We're Never Gonna Let "Eldest Daughter" Down
We've reached the Track 5 on The Life of a Showgirl, "Eldest Daughter." Track 5s are known as Taylor's most vulnerable album tracks, and so Exquisite and Hannah spend time carefully uncovering the overwriting and cringe allegations. Hint: They're both true—but Taylor does it on purpose. There's a method to her madness, and it leads to one of the best bridges she's eve
We Protect the "Father Figure"
Track 4 on The Life of a Showgirl, "Father Figure," is one of Taylor's strongest songs on the album, and so Exquisite and Hannah take extra time to delve into every single detail on this album. This song is the perfect example of the type of songwriting Taylor said she wanted to create: folklore-type storytelling with an infectious pop melody. Here, we clearly see Taylor fully embodying a characte
Now this Ep is "Opalite" (Oh, oh, oh, oh) (Reupload)
"Opalite" from The Life of a Showgirl is infectiously comforting, full of advice that lifts you up up up up! Join Exquisite and Hannah as they discuss track 3 and how its advice shows Taylor's growth from reliving bad habits to realizing that she makes her own sunshine—and so can you! Want to support Exquisite on her journey to becoming aprofessor? Donate here: https://gofund.me/ceaf3b27d
Elizabeth Taylor is forever in our minds
Elizabeth Taylor from “The Life of a Showgirl” is full of references to the famous actress, but it’s also full of confidence from Taylor Swift herself. Join Exquisite and Hannah as they discuss this standout track 2. Want to support Exquisite on her journey to becoming a professor? Donate here: https://gofund.me/ceaf3b27dEnjoy the episode? Support The Taylor Seminars on Ko-fi! ❤️
We Keep It 100 with "The Fate of Ophelia"
We're SO back with Track 1 of The Life of a Showgirl: "The Fate of Ophelia." With references to Shakespeare and Taylor Swift's own "The Albatross," this glorious song is a triumphant return to Taylor's bright pop creativity while also retaining the lyrical and storytelling strengths she has cultivated throughout her career. Join Exquisite and Hannah as they analyze this song line by line. We can't
How to Love "The Life of Showgirl"
We dive deeper into The Life of a Showgirl as Taylor pulls back the curtains via her album poem and Showgirl film. In fact, we think getting the right context for this album is crucial to truly appreciating it. So listen in as Exquisite and Hannah read and analyze the poem and discuss "The Fate of Ophelia" music video. (You can read the entire poem here.) Join us next time as they discuss Track 1.
First Reaction to "The Life of a Showgirl"
The Life of a Showgirl is out! And Exquisite and Hannah are here with their initial reactions of the album. (Spoiler: They love it). Listen as they talk about the album overall and give their first impressions of each track in this short episode. But don't worry, they'll be back again to give more reactions after they both see the film.Want to support Exquisite on her journey to becoming a profess
The Overture to the Showgirl Era
It's now less than one week until "The Life of a Showgirl" drops, and Exquisite and Hannah are balls of anxiety. They drop in for a quick update to let you know our upcoming schedule. We can't wait to listen to this album with you!!!!!!!!!!!! Want to support Exquisite on her journey to becoming a professor? Donate here: https://gofund.me/ceaf3b27dEnjoy the episode? Support The Taylor Seminars
Marriage in the Taylor Swift Universe (Part 2)
To continue to celebrate the engagement of Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce, Exquisite and Hannah go through the theme of marriage (and separation) in Taylor's discography, from folklore to The Tortured Poets Department. (Check out our previous episode for Part 1!)Taylor Swift gives a more complex and nuanced view of long-term relationships through the safety of auto-fiction in folklore and evermor
Marriage in the Taylor Swift Universe (Part 1)
To celebrate the engagement of Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce, Exquisite and Hannah go through the theme of marriage in Taylor's discography, from Taylor Swift to Lover. (They would've kept going but the episode went too long.)Taylor Swift talks about this institution in myriad ways, whether daydreaming about it, taking inspiration from others' marriages, and creating fictionalized st
The Life of a Showgirl: A Closer Look
We're out of the haze and back under dazzling lights in this new episode of The Taylor Seminars, and we're ready to discuss more of this new universe Taylor is revealing, variant by variant. So yes, we talk about the covers, but we also talk about the feeling of accomplishment that comes with each performance, even if it's accompanied by exhaustion. We also apologize to evermore. So join Exquisite
We Welcome "The Life of a Showgirl"
Even though they predicted it, Exquisite and Hannah were shocked by the drop of TS12, aka The Life of a Showgirl. They interrupt this "evermore" season with their first reactions to the new album. Listen in to hear their overall thoughts and a track-by-track sort-of-rapid-fire impressions. Enjoy the episode? Support The Taylor Seminars on Ko-fi! ❤️ Follow us on Twitter:- @
Tis the Episode to Talk About "Tis the Damn Season"
One of the greatest holiday songs to come out this century, "Tis the Damn Season" from evermore is a Taylor Swift song that's a modern take on the classic story of returning to one's hometown--and all the complex feelings and love that we rediscover. This gorgeous song features hints from her past albums, like Fearless Taylor's Version and also looks forward to songs like &qu
We Excavate "Gold Rush"
What must it be like to write the hauntingly beautiful, "Gold Rush," track 3 of Taylor Swift's album evermore? Join Hannah and Exquisite as they mine the depths of this gorgeous song, including its fascinating song structure and the beauty of the rhymes. Enjoy the episode? Support The Taylor Seminars on Ko-fi! ❤️And don’t forget to join the conversation with #EvermoreSeminars on X/Twitter Follow
Let's Drink to Her "Champagne Problems"
Join Exquisite and Hannah as they discuss Eras-tour favorite "Champagne Problems" from Taylor Swift's album evermore. This track 2 features incredible storytelling from beginning to end, with a protagonist who wishes the best for her former partner while subtly disclosing that maybe he never really loved her--or knew her.Enjoy the episode? Support The Taylor Seminars on Ko-fi! ❤️And
Life was a "Willow" and We Bent Right To Its Wind
Join Exquisite and Hannah as they analyze Track 1 of Evermore , "Willow." This witchy track by Taylor Swift is filled with metaphors that remind us of so many of her past and future songs. (There's one connection that made Exquisite feel crazy!!!) Enjoy the episode? Support The Taylor Seminars on Ko-fi! ❤️And don’t forget to join the conversation with #EvermoreSeminars on X/Twitter
For "Evermore"
Step out of the labyrinth and into the witchy woods of Evermore in our latest season of "The Taylor Seminars." Exquisite and Hannah visit this beautiful album and discuss the themes and context around this beautiful album. Plus they share their favorite (and least favorite) tracks on the album. Enjoy the episode? Support The Taylor Seminars on Ko-fi! ❤️And don’t forget to join the conve
Meet Us at "The Alcott"
Taylor Swift was featured in the beautiful song "The Alcott" from The National's album First Two Pages of Frankenstein, and Exquisite and Hannah wanted to cover it. Why? Well because it's also connected to "Exile", "Coney Island," and "You're Losing Me." Join them on this episode that links us to the next series we'll be covering in the Taylo
This Episode "Hits Different"
We come to the close of Midnights by Taylor Swift with the bonus track "Hits Different." Exquisite and Hannah parse the lyrics of this descriptive song, especially the word-vomit-y bridge in this latest episode. Listen to these argumentative, antithetical dream girls!Enjoy the episode? Support The Taylor Seminars on Ko-fi! ❤️And don’t forget to join the conversation with #MidnightsSemin
"Dear Reader" and the Weight of Being the Brightest Star
Join Exquisite and Hannah as they discuss the closing track of Midnights by Taylor Swift, "Dear Reader." In this song that directly addresses her audience, Taylor drunkenly pours out her heart to us--strangers--AND pours the whiskey. Listen in as they connect this song to "This is Me Trying," "Mirrorball" and more. Enjoy the episode? Support The Taylor Seminars on Ko
"Would've, Could've, Should've" -- He Better Run
Join Exquisite and Hannah as they discuss Track 19 of Midnights by Taylor Swift: "Would've, Could've, Should've." They go through the lyrics to excavate the pain of the relationship and emphasize how young 19 really is (YES SHE WAS TOO YOUNG TO BE MESSED WITH!!!!)Enjoy the episode? Support The Taylor Seminars on Ko-fi! ❤️And don’t forget to join the conversation with #Midnig
Taylor Buys Back Her Masters and GLITCH
Exquisite and Hannah take a slight detour because the best glitch ever interrupted their plans: Taylor Swift buys back her masters. Hear them discuss the outcome and then get into the song "Glitch" by Taylor Swift from her album Midnights. Enjoy the episode? Support The Taylor Seminars on Ko-fi! ❤️And don’t forget to join the conversation with #MidnightsSeminars on X/TwitterFollow us on
We say "Hi" to "High Infidelity"
Join us as we discuss Track 17 of Taylor Swift's Midnights: "High Infidelity." This song is an explanation to a past lover, letting them know why she left the relationship. And in hindsight, we also see it was a warning or a threat to a present relationship.Enjoy the episode? Support The Taylor Seminars on Ko-fi! ❤️And don’t forget to join the conversation with #MidnightsSeminars on
Meet us in "Paris"
Join Exquisite and Hannah as they analyze "Paris", track 16 from Midnights. This beautiful love song tells a story that's set both indoors and outdoors. Join us for this fun episode. Enjoy the episode? Support The Taylor Seminars on Ko-fi! ❤️And don’t forget to join the conversation with #MidnightsSeminars on X/Twitter Follow us on Twitter:- @taylorsemina
When Sadness is "Bigger Than The Whole Sky"
Join us as Exquisite and Hannah discuss the heartbreaking "Bigger Than the Whole Sky" by Taylor Swift from Midnights. Taylor writes purposefully vaguely about a tragedy in a life and yet so specifically that she's able to put words to people's sadness--even when she says "no words appear before me in the aftermath." Enjoy the episode? Support The Taylor Seminars on Ko-
They Never Survived "The Great War"
Join Hannah and Exquisite as they discuss the first of Midnights 3am tracks. "The Great War" is a masterful self-written song that describes a tumultuous time in a couple's relationship that has a happy ending. But we see glimpses of other battles in the past and even foreshadowing of betrayal and heartache in the future.
She's a "Mastermind," Your Honor!
Exquisite and Hannah wrap up Track 13 of Midnights (the end of the standard album) with "Mastermind." This song mixes romanticism and manipulation to concoct the perfect closer (or is the closer?!?) that show how Taylor is clearly in control (or is she?!). Enjoy the episode? Support The Taylor Seminars on Ko-fi! ❤️And don’t forget to join the conversation with #MidnightsSeminars on X/Tw
You Need More Than "Sweet Nothing"
Come crash out with Exquisite and Hannah as they talk about "Sweet Nothing," Track 12 from Taylor Swift's Midnights album. They analyze it as what it was when it was first released--a beautiful love song about being safe with someone--and then analyze it in hindsight, when we realize that this is a love that's been forgotten deep inside a pocket. And then see the full culmination of their despair
"Karma" is Listening to the Taylor Seminars
Join Hannah and Exquisite as they discuss the personification of "Karma" on this week's episode of The Taylor Seminars. Track 11 of Midnights, "Karma" has Taylor feeling carefree and reaping the benefits of her hard-earned work--while admonishing those who are addicted to betrayal. And we'd love for you to share: what is your karma?Enjoy the episode? Support The Taylor
One Slip and Back into the "Labyrinth"
Join Hannah & Exquisite as they discuss the threads that connect the song "Labyrinth" from Taylor Swift's album Midnights with the story of the Minotaur. The bull-headed man, also known as Asterion, was trapped inside a maze--isolated and forever trapped and bred to be a monster who could never find love but only devour his victims. Does that sound similar to another self-profess
We let Taylor "Bejeweled"
Join us for one of Taylor's prettiest and sparkliest pop songs -- and best believe it's also a threat. Hannah and Exquisite discuss "Bejeweld," track 9 of Midnights in both its historical context and with 20/20 hindsight. Enjoy the episode? Support The Taylor Seminars onKo-fi! ❤️And don’t forget to join the conversation with#MidnightsSeminars on X/Twitter Follow us on Twitter:-
Joining Taylor on her "Vigilante Shit"
Join us this episode and come dressed for revenge as we're discussing "Vigilante Shit" from Taylor Swift's Midnights. We discuss the connections between this song and "No Body, No Crime," as well as other songs where Taylor has been provoked into action. And so join Exquisite and Hannah on this fun episode where we get to see how Taylor's self-written song is filled
Question...? What about One Million Questions???
Join Hannah and Exquisite as they connect "Question...?" from the album Midnights to other songs in the 1989-verse. Of course there is "Out of the Woods," but also "Is It Over Now?," "Now That We Don't Talk," "Slut!" and more!Enjoy the episode? Support The Taylor Seminars onKo-fi! ❤️And don’t forget to join the conversation with #MidnightsSemi
When "Midnight Rain" Leads to Late-Night Spiraling
What happens when Taylor Swift looks into the windows of the people in her past? She falls deep into a portal that exposes the cracks in her current life, where she has reached fame and yet realizes there are unfulfilled "what ifs." Follow Exquisite & Hannah as they unravel Track 6 of "Midnights", finding references to other songs like "Dorothea" and "Tis the
You're On Your Own, Kid (And Created a Legacy No One Can Undo)
On this episode, Hannah and Exquisite visit one of Taylor Swift's signature Track Fives: "You're On Your Own, Kid." Listen in as they trace how the song follows Taylor's growth from a young (precocious) child to her life in NYC to finally realizing that she's got something that no one can take away. Follow us on Twitter:- @taylorseminars
Snow on the Beach (Literally weird and beautiful)
There's something so magical about Track 4 of Midnights, "Snow on the Beach." It harkens back to so many of Taylor Swift's beautiful love songs such as "Call It What You Want" and "You are in Love." With beautiful detail and ethereal vocals, she truly captures a moment in which the speaker is not in control--rather they are caught completely unaware and now th
Taylor Swift Calls Herself the Problem in Anti-Hero (but is she?)
Join us as we dive into one of Taylor Swift's most vulnerable tracks--and it was a single? Yes, "Anti-Hero" was one of Taylor Swift's most successful singles, going #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 8 weeks. And despite its synth beat and earworm chorus, it contains some of her most sad lyrics that are filled with self-loathing.Join Exquisite and Hannah as they talk about how Taylo
From "Burning Red" to "Maroon"
We dive into the next sleepless night, and we are transported into the Red era. But everything has changed as Taylor reexamines that "passionate as sin" relationship from new angles in Track 2 of Midnights, "Maroon."
This tumultuous love affair was chronicled throughout Taylor's fourth studio album, Red, especially in songs like "Red" and "All Too Well," which we definitely reference in this week
The Clock Strikes 12: The Prologue & Lavender Haze
We met Taylor at midnight, and we were in for an album filled with questions, regrets, self-loathing, hope, fear, anger, and everything in between. Exquisite & Hannah dive into the Midnight's prologue, searching for clues to why she wrote the album--and how it even impacted The Tortured Poets Department.
We also delve into the first track, "Lavender Haze," where they talk about
What Happens Before the Clock Strikes Midnight?
What if we told you we're going back to the Midnights era? For this season of The Taylor Seminars, we're going to examine the tracks of the 2024 Album of the Year Midnights by Taylor Swift.
But before we dive into the album, we need to do some context. That's why for this pre-Midnights episode, Exquisite and Hannah discuss two songs that have not been released on a Taylor Swift album: "Renegade,"
The Tortured Poets Department - The Aftermath
It's been an amazing 9-month journey we've been on with The Tortured Poets Department. We're off to one more trip to those shores with our recap episode, "The Aftermath." Listen in as Hannah and Exquisite share their final thoughts on the album (yes we include extra time on "So Long, London"), including what we would consider the "thesis statement" of the
The Manuscript aka GROWTH
We can't believe it either but we've reached the last track of The Tortured Poets Department: Anthology. That means we've reached "The Manuscript," a self-written closing track that truly helps wrap up this double album.
They talk about the song's connection to "All Too Well (10 Minute Version" and its connection to one of the grand themes of TTPD of loss of in
Robin (Happy Birthday, Taylor!!!)
As we near the end of The Tortured Poets Department: Anthology, Exquisite and Hannah analyze the beautiful and melancholy "Robin," in which Taylor sings to Robin (herself?) and how she wishes to help keep their innocence forever.
They talk about the song's connection to the theme of innocence and innocence lost, which is found throughout Taylor Swift's discography in songs such
"The Bolter" SHOULD Run!!!
This week, Exquisite and Hannah talk about the fairytale-esque "The Bolter" from The Tortured Poets Department: Anthology. This fantastical song follows the story of a girl who runs--but for good reason.
They talk about the song's connection to other Taylor Swift works, such as "Blank Space," "Right Where You Left Me," "It's Time To Go" and others!
"Peter" is a LIAR
Join Exquisite and Hannah as they discuss the melancholy and haunting "Peter" from The Tortured Poets Department: Anthology. They talk about yes, Peter from Peter Pan and Wendy, but also the implications of cedar, lamplight, and the important phrase "cause love's never lost when perspective is earned." And, of course, lots and lots of references to more Taylor Swift songs.
"Cassandra" was RIGHT
Join fellow Cassandras Exquisite and Hannah as they discuss how the protagonist of the song was 100% correct. They explain how her prophecies were used against her and isolated her, giving her trauma that revisits her again and again.
Join Exquisite & Hannah as they discuss "Cassandra" from The Tortured Poets Department: Anthology.
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