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The Socially Distanced Podcast was created by two pop culture-obsessed dads during COVID who decided to take their Facebook messenger conversations and turn them into a podcast. In 2022 they brought their friend, a pop culture-obsessed mom to the show, and things got even better!
Join hosts Amanda Rivas and Bill Bodkin as they discuss everything in the world movies, music, sports, television and pop culture — everything keeping them sane in this time of socially distancing. This podcast is powered by ThePopBreak.com.
In this episode of the Socially Distanced Podcast, hosted by Bill Bodkin, Amanda Rivas, and special guest host Podcast Director Alex Marcus, the team dives deep into Taylor Swift’s 12th studio album, The Life of a Showgirl.
Joined by guests from Rutgers University, including Aria Clarke, Jafraisey Garcia, and returning guest Yassmin Elmouzaieg, they analyze key tracks, lyrics, and the overall vibe of the album. Discussion points include the impact of Max Martin and Shellback’s return, the narrative intricacies of songs like ‘Ruin the Friendship’ and ‘Father Figure,’ and the playful depth of collaborations with Sabrina Carpenter.
The episode also touches on Taylor’s personal growth, her evolving music style, and the emotional resonance of tracks like ‘Eldest Daughter’ and ‘Actually Romantic.’ Concluding with a roundup of everyone’s favorite tracks and general impressions, this episode offers a comprehensive review for Swifties and casual listeners alike. And if you are wondering, they absolutely do go long on ‘Wood.’
In the Pre-Game, the panel provides some of the other pop culture giving them life this fall, including Lorde’s Virgin, the Tron: Ares Soundtrack by Nine Inch Nails, One Battle After Another, The Great British Baking Show, and revisiting the Twilight Saga.
00:00 Introduction and Host Introductions
02:01 Excitement for New York Comic-Con
06:05 Pre-Game: Current Pop Culture Favorites
15:28 Deep Dive into Taylor Swift’s New Album
37:22 Analyzing the Album’s Sound and Production
38:59 Discussing the Album’s Tracklist and Themes
40:59 Elizabeth Taylor: A Standout Track
42:55 The Lead Single: Fate of Ophelia
56:36 Father Figure: A Victory Lap
01:08:05 Track Five: Eldest Daughter
01:17:46 Debating Taylor Swift’s Love Life
01:22:16 Analyzing the Emotional Impact of ‘Ruin the Friendship’
01:33:22 Taylor Swift’s Pettiest Track Yet: ‘Actually Romantic’
01:41:17 The Controversial ‘CANCELLED!’
01:56:40 The Controversy Behind Taylor’s Cancellation
02:01:31 Analyzing ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ and Collaborations
02:12:26 Favorite Tracks and Overall Album Review
