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Join Sara and Laura as they do deep dives into the Tay-lore of individual Taylor Swift songs, react to new releases, discuss Taylor in the news, and overall just chat about all things regarding our Pop Queen Lord and Savior, Taylor Alison Swift. Each episode also touches on food in some way - It could be a recipe pairing for a song, deciding what kind of pizza each album would be, or trying to figure out why Taylor gets that Milk Bar cake for her birthday each year, so be sure to bring your appetite!</p>
There would not be TTPD without its tongue-in-cheek title track! In today’s episode, Laura and Sara unpack the lyrics of “The Tortured Poets Department” and analyze how the song lays the groundwork for listeners to understand the gravity of Taylor’s “cyclone” relationship with her fellow tortured poet. Taylor’s self-awareness and sense of humor shines in this one! Who else is gonna TROLL you like Taylor?! P.S…. Stay tuned at the end of this episode, because the ladies are sharing a snippet of their newest Patreon episode unpacking the lyrics of “Maroon”!
Chapters
(00:00) Intro & What’s On Our Plates
(09:07) Taylor Updates
(16:53) TTPD Introduction
(22:00) Our Initial Impressions
(25:02) The Folklore Of TTPD
(34:10) Verse 1: Matty's Old Interviews On Typewriters, Taylor's Sense Of Humor, Familiarity
(41:36) Chorus 1: Dylan Thomas & Patti Smith, "Just Kids" References To Youth & Nostalgia
(46:48) Verse 2: "Chocolate" & Charlie Puth, Tattooed Golden Retriever, Similar Dread, Cyclone As Chaos, Were Taylor & Matty Coding Each Other Into Their Songs
(58:45) Chorus 2: Trolling, Tongue in Cheek Playfulness
(01:02:03) The Diabolical Bridge: Unpacking The Role Of Mutual Friends, "Mutual Manic Phase," Wedding Rings & How This Song Lays The Groundwork For The Rest of TTPD
(01:13:21) Chorus 3 & Outro, Production Notes & Noting The Lack Of Poetic Lyricism
(01:19:21) This Song As A Recipe & Our Ratings
(01:23:38) Signing Off & Patreon Snippet
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Links Referenced
Taylor Swift’s Ex Matty Healy Praised Charlie Puth in Resurfaced Tweet From 2018
Please make sure to subscribe and leave a review. If you’d like to reach out to send in a question or comment, please do so via any of these platforms:
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On Friday, May 30th, 2025, Taylor announced to the world that she FINALLY owns all her old masters! In today’s “emergency pod,” Laura and Sara unpack just how special and important this news is, starting with a great deep dive into the history behind Taylor’s journey with Big Machine, departing ways with Scott Borchetta, Scooter’s purchase and the betrayal that is/was to her, and sooooo much more. And of course, our girls love to clown, so you can expect a nice little clown session about some easter eggs she’s hidden in her letter to her fans!
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction
(01:56) Personal Reactions to the Announcement
(08:47) The Impact of Taylor's Music Ownership
(10:59) Taylor's Music Chart Numbers
(15:20) The Journey to Taylor Regaining Her Masters
(50:02) Taylor's Triumph: Owning Her Masters Again
(54:44) Taylor's Announcement Letter
(59:04) The Impact of the Eras Tour
(01:09:08) The Future of Rep TV & Debut
(01:27:03) The Potential for a Documentary & Some Clowning
(01:34:08) This Announcement As A Recipe & Signing Off!
SUPPORT US ON PATREON! Show us some love and get monthly bonus episodes and first dibs on upcoming episode ideas. We’d be enchanted to have you join our Swiftie community!
Links Referenced
There's Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift Leaves Big Machine, Signs New Deal With Universal Music Group
Big Machine’s Scott Borchetta Fires Back at Taylor Swift, Reveals Deal Memos
Taylor Swift & Scooter Braun’s Feud: A Timeline
Sally’s Baking Addiction Funfetti Cake
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(RECORDED BEFORE TAYLOR’S 5/30 ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT HER BUYING BACK HER MASTERS!) What’s an unsolved Taylor Swift mystery that keeps you up at night?! Sara and Laura certainly have a longggggg list… and they’ll unpack them all in this episode! From NiceBoy Ed, Karma: The Lost Album, Midnights Mayhem upside down phones, 1989 Double Album, “The Man” wall, and so much more, the ladies will sift through each unanswered theory and attempt to unpack all of the Easter Eggs Taylor has left behind!
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction & What's On Our Plates
(13:28) Taylor Updates (recorded before Taylor’s 5/30 announcement!)
(21:48) Taylor Swift's Easter Eggs and Numerology
(31:06) Karma: The Lost Album Theory
(41:24) "The Man" Wall
(47:38) 1989 Double Album
(50:53) Karma Coffee Cup / Release Restructuring Thanks To TTPD
(54:43) The Mystery of 'Slut' Featuring The 1975
(59:52) Midnights Mayhem: Upside Down Phone & Unraveling the Aesthetic Choices
(01:04:41) Costume Mysteries from The Eras Tour
(01:08:40) Cardiff Picture
(01:09:39) The Reputation Eye Theory
(01:12:59) The Enigma of Nice Boy Ed
(01:18:05) The Olivia Rodrigo and Taylor Swift Fallout
(01:34:15) The Bitter-Sweet Reality of Taylor's Masters
(01:39:54) Taylor's Roman Empires As Recipes & Signing Off!
SUPPORT US ON PATREON! Show us some love and get monthly bonus episodes and first dibs on upcoming episode ideas. We’d be enchanted to have you join our Swiftie community!
Links Referenced
Zayn Malik interview: Taylor travels by suitcase
Lover Bodysuit Behind The Scenes
Jack Leopards & The Dolphin Club
Please make sure to subscribe and leave a review. If you’d like to reach out to send in a question or comment, please do so via any of these platforms:
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Truth, dare, spin… records? Taylor’s most rom-com-y song to date has Sara and Laura kicking their feet and giggling! The truth is, Taylor has never released a song quite this honestly lovestruck, and the girls are OBSESSED. This episode has Sara and Laura digging into Taylor’s use of high school as a grander metaphor, as well as a deep dive into Taylor’s unconventional high school experience. Travis Kelce / Tayvis fans… you’re going to love this one!
Chapters
(00:00) Intro & What's On Our Plates
(15:04) Taylor Swift Updates: Easter Eggs - AMA's, Karma, Public Outing In Philly
(25:14) Exploring 'So High School' - Song Overview
(27:25) Our Personal Associations with 'So High School'
(30:46) Folklore Of The Song: High School Crush, Travis Kelce, Taylor's Use Of High School As A Bigger Metaphor & Rom-Com Vibes
(53:38) Intro: High School Crushes
(55:29) Chorus 1: Older, Wiser, Bittersweet 16, Travis's Smile, High School Questions
(01:01:12) Post Chorus 1: American Pie / Early 2000's Culture, All-American Relationship, Playful & Spicy Interactions
(01:07:09) Verse 1: High School Games, Backseat Shenanigans
(01:13:22) Bridge: Risky High School Games, Grand Theft Auto, Naughty Flirtation
(01:22:35) Verse 2: Nods to Travis
(01:26:10) Outro: Spicy "Yeahs"
(01:28:32) Final Thoughts: We Have Never Gotten a Song Like This From Taylor Before
(01:32:43) Our Favorite Lyrics and Ratings
(01:34:07) This Song As A Recipe
(01:36:45) We Have a Patreon! & Signing Off!
SUPPORT US ON PATREON! Show us some love and get monthly bonus episodes and first dibs on upcoming episode ideas. We’d be enchanted to have you join our Swiftie community!
Links Referenced
Taylor Swift Sings About Wanting to Marry Travis Kelce in ‘So High School’
Travis Kelce Plays 'Kiss, Marry, Kill' With Taylor Swift
Recipe: Cherry-Vanilla Soda Syrup
Please make sure to subscribe and leave a review. If you’d like to reach out to send in a question or comment, please do so via any of these platforms:
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You can also follow Sara and Laura individually:
You… look… like… someone who’s not mentally prepared for this episode! Join Laura and Sara as they share a heartbreaking analysis of TTPD’s (technical) last track - “Clara Bow”! In this episode, Laura and Sara discuss how this song is one that ONLY could be written by Miss Swift. Her deep reflections on the music industry, femininity, hunger for fame and the repercussions of success hit deep. The girls call this “Nothing New” 2.0 and for good reason!
Chapters
(00:00) Intro & What's On Our Plates
(07:21) Taylor News & Updates
(17:11) Analyzing 'Clara Bow' and Its Significance
(19:58) Folklore Of The Song: The Music Industry Machine, Illusion of Fame, Weight of Celebrity
(31:33) Verse 1: The Original "It Girl," Earnest Hopes, "The Lucky One"
(45:24) Chorus 1: "The Suits" Dialogue, The Cost of Fame
(48:06) Verse 2: Stevie Nicks & Taylor's Friendship, Other Stevie Nicks Synchronicities, "Half Moonshine, Full Eclipse"
(58:11) Chorus 2: Complexities of Success, The Crown Is Stained With...?
(01:01:48) Bridge: No Quotation Marks, The Monster of Youth and Beauty, "Nothing New" Revisited
(01:08:45) Verse 3/Outro: The Cycle of Fame Continues
(01:16:01) Our Favorite Lyrics & Rating
(01:19:32) This Song As A Recipe
SUPPORT US ON PATREON! Show us some love and get monthly bonus episodes and first dibs on upcoming episode ideas. We’d be enchanted to have you join our Swiftie community!
Links Referenced
There's Nothing Like This: The Strategic Genius of Taylor Swift
Burnt Honey Cornbread with Brown Butter
Please make sure to subscribe and leave a review. If you’d like to reach out to send in a question or comment, please do so via any of these platforms:
email blankplatepod@gmail.com
leave a voicemail at (717) 382-831
Patreon (get bonus episodes and first dibs on episode ideas)
You can also follow Sara and Laura individually:
In this episode of Blank Plate, Laura and Sara analyze the veryyyyy subtle, yet in-depth TEA spilled in “Fresh Out The Slammer.” Without overt explanation, this song gives us Swifties a real look into where Taylor was coming from when navigating her metaphorical imprisonment in her past relationship, the emotional journey of breaking free, the hopefulness of new beginnings, and the significance of public versus private life in the context of Taylor's experiences. The gals had a blast with this one!
Chapters
(00:00) Intro & What's On Our Plates
(12:41) Taylor News & Updates
(34:46) Folk"lore" of the Song: Hopeful Beginnings, Jail Metaphors, The "In Summation" Clue
(44:16) Chorus 1: Newfound Freedom, Jail/Cage References from Reputation
(47:55) Verse 1: Lyrical Ties To Joe, Deep Unhappiness, Unfinished Business or Paranoia
(01:03:28) Chorus 2: Implied Interest
(01:04:56) Verse 2: Aftermath of the Relationship Ending, Who Is The Baby?!, Regaining Sense Of Self, Long-Held Longings
(01:17:36) Bridge & Outro: Porch Light, Cardigan & Peter Call Back, "So American" Reference
(01:26:46) Our Favorite Lyrics & Rating
(01:29:00) This Song As A Recipe
(01:31:18) Signing Off & Patreon Preview!
SUPPORT US ON PATREON! Show us some love and get monthly bonus episodes and first dibs on upcoming episode ideas. We’d be enchanted to have you join our Swiftie community!
Links Referenced
Taylor Swift Is Reportedly Already Working On New Music
Taylor Swift Issues Cease & Desist Letter To Kanye West
Please make sure to subscribe and leave a review. If you’d like to reach out to send in a question or comment, please do so via any of these platforms:
email blankplatepod@gmail.com
leave a voicemail at (717) 382-831
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You can also follow Sara and Laura individually:
Summary
Prepare to be devastated. Today, Laura and Sara are discussing one of Taylor’s most raw and vulnerable songs to date… The Prophecy. With witchy thunderstorms rumbling in the background, the ladies delve into the emotional depths of the song’s lyrics, exploring themes of loneliness, vulnerability, and the complexities of Taylor enduring hope and desperation, despite her losses. They discuss the symbolism of kneeling, the desire for connection, and the weight of expectations in relationships. We love Taylor for her vulnerability, and this song is proof that Taylor’s raw tenderness puts her in a league of her own.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction & What's On Our Plates
(08:10) Taylor Updates!
(18:09) Discussion on The Prophecy Song
(23:51) The Folk"lore" Of This Song
(30:42) Verse 1: "Full Throttle," The Burden of Success, Eve And Original Sin
(40:06) Pre-Chorus 1: Desperation, Loneliness
(43:24) Chorus 1: Prayer, Submissiveness, Begging and Predetermined Destiny
(48:46) Verse 2: Tarot, Witchy Associations, The Fools Journey, Lost Trust
(56:13) Chorus 2: Direct Requests, Desperation
(57:48) Bridge: Emotional Depletion, Waning Strength
(01:09:25) Chorus 3 & Post Chorus: History Repeating Itself
( 01:15:19) Our Favorite Lyrics, Rating & This Song As A Recipe
(01:20:15) Signing Off!
SUPPORT US ON PATREON! Show us some love and get monthly bonus episodes and first dibs on upcoming episode ideas. We’d be enchanted to have you join our Swiftie community!
Links Referenced
Selena & Benny’s “On Purpose” Interview
Stars Around My Scars: The Annotated Poetry of Taylor Swift
Classic Old-Fashioned Candy Apples
Please make sure to subscribe and leave a review. If you’d like to reach out to send in a question or comment, please do so via any of these platforms:
email blankplatepod@gmail.com
leave a voicemail at (717) 382-831
Patreon (get bonus episodes and first dibs on episode ideas)
You can also follow Sara and Laura individually:
Old habits die screaming… and Sara and Laura are BELTING out their mutual love for Taylor’s first track of TTPD’s Anthology. “The Black Dog” was an immediate hit for the ladies, so a deep dive into the song’s lore was well overdue! From a brief history of Swemo/ Taylor’s love for pop punk, unpacking The Starting Line’s implied hit, and allllllllllll the sleuthing to figure out what bar Taylor is referring to… we just don’t understand how anyone couldn’t LOVE this song! P.S. do you agree with Laura’s belief that this is a Matty song? CHIME IN!
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction to Blank Plate Podcast
(01:20) What's On Our Plates!
(11:01) Taylor News and Updates
(18:47) "The Black Dog" Intro & Explaining Taylor's Pen Categories
(25:09) Our Personal Associations With The Song
(29:56) Folk"lore" of 'The Black Dog'
(49:03) Verse 1
(55:31) Chorus 1
(01:03:17) Verse 2
(01:10:11) Chorus 2
(01:19:31) Bridge
(01:27:51) Chorus 3
(01:32:42) Music Theory Analysis
(01:37:39) Favorite Lyrics and Ratings
(01:41:55) This Song As A Recipe
(01:43:29) Sign-Off!
SUPPORT US ON PATREON! Show us some love and get monthly bonus episodes and first dibs on upcoming episode ideas. We’d be enchanted to have you join our Swiftie community!
Links Referenced
What it’s like inside The Black Dog, the London pub made famous by Taylor Swift
Electric Lady Studios pap outfits
The Black Dog Dolby Atmos Stems
Please make sure to subscribe and leave a review. If you’d like to reach out to send in a question or comment, please do so via any of these platforms:
email blankplatepod@gmail.com
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It’s another Taylor “Christmas” song that will wreck you… today Laura & Sara are doing a deep dive on “I Look In People’s Windows.” Even though it’s Taylor’s shortest song to date, ILIPW has MANY Easter Eggs hidden inside its devastating lyrics (including one that relates to “Champagne Problems” that has the girls hooked!). It’s also a big day because the ladies announce the launch of their Patreon - where YOU can support the podcast and get monthly bonus content! Hear a sneak preview at the end of this episode.
Chapters
(00:00) Intro
(01:05) What's On Our Plates
(14:31) Announcing Our Patreon!
(20:28) Taylor Updates
(32:11) Analyzing 'I Look in People's Windows'
(34:26) Our Initial Reactions
(37:41) Folk"lore" Of The Song: 5 Theories?!?
(43:38) Verse 1: "le petite morte," Champagne Problems connection
(50:15) Pre-Chorus 1: Thesis Statement, Simplicity
(51:58) Chorus 1: Simplistic Production, Tie-Back To "DBATC," "Midnight Rain," "Lover"
(01:00:12) Verse 2: The Birds, Overthinking, Lack Of Closure
(01:08:22) Pre-Chorus 2: The Ultimate OUCH
(01:10:44) Chorus 2: Haunting Production Details, Visualizing This As A Music Video, Taylor Using Christmas As A Metaphor For Normalcy
(01:18:39) Other Notes: Taylor's Shortest Song, A Bridge-less Taylor Song?
(01:20:28) Our Favorite Lyrics & Rating
(01:25:10) This Song As A Recipe
(01:28:26) Signing Off!
(01:30:57) Patreon Sneak Peak! Support Us On Patreon!
SUPPORT US ON PATREON! Show us some love and get monthly bonus episodes and first dibs on upcoming episode ideas. We’d be enchanted to have you join our Swiftie community!
Links Referenced
Kylie Kelce Remarks On Taylor’s Funfetti Pancakes
Explaining The Copyright Confusion
Please make sure to subscribe and leave a review. If you’d like to reach out to send in a question or comment, please do so via any of these platforms:
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Calling all new Swifties and Rep stans - today’s episode is reviewing all the lore that inspired Taylor’s most fierce album, Reputation. What made Taylor fall from grace in the court of public opinion? What the hell is Snakegate? What’s up with “the forgotten album” - Karma? Why did she fully disappear for a full year? Wait… who is Calvin Harris? Yup… this album has A LOT of lore to it. In anticipation of Reputation (Taylor’s Version), this is a great review sesh. Class is in session - here’s Reputation 101.
Chapters
(00:00) Introduction
(01:05) What's On Our Plates
(07:19) Taylor News & Updates
(16:17) Reputation 101: It's Release, Production, Singles & Collaborators
(22:18) Critical Reception: Mixed Reviews & Why Rep Is A Swiftie Favorite Now
(26:18) Our Personal Associations With The Album
(32:55) The Folk"lore" of Reputation: Post-1989 / Karma Era
(44:30) Snakegate: The Kanye Incident
(01:14:40) Taylor's "Getaway Car" Met Gala Moment, Leaning Into Feminine Rage
(01:23:58) All The Alcohol References
(01:30:32) Reputation Tour Highlights
(01:39:49) Our Favorite Rep Tracks & Rating
(01:44:28) This Album As A Recipe
(01:45:57) Signing Off!
Links Referenced
Laufey “A Night At The Symphony”: Spotify, Apple Music
Please make sure to subscribe and leave a review. If you’d like to reach out to send in a question or comment, please do so via any of these platforms:
email blankplatepod@gmail.com
leave a voicemail at (717) 382-831
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