THREE YEARS!!! In today’s bonus episode, which is also our longest episode ever, your hosts finally work through the first ever Taylearning Listener Mailbag. Over the past few months, you have submitted your best questions for us to answer. Some are about Taylor, some are about us, some are somehow about both! What songs would we erase from existence? Is THAT situationship over for good? What makeup brands do we swear by? If Taylor’s songs were people, who would be friends and who would be enemi...
Jun 11, 2025•2 hr 2 min•Ep. 131
The post heard ‘round the world: Taylor Swift now owns the masters to her first six albums! This contentious battle, which resulted in the birth of the “Taylor’s Version” project, waged on for six years before finally officially coming to a conclusion on May 30, 2025. In this bonus emergency episode, Dani & Olivia return from their seasonal break to bring to you immediate thoughts, some fun stats about the initial impact of the announcement, and what we might be looking to in the future for ...
May 31, 2025•30 min•Ep. 130
For literally years now, we’ve been quoting Rob Sheffield on this podcast. Rob, who is perhaps best known for his work writing for Rolling Stone, is both a long-time fan and professional critic of Taylor Swift. He also is a self-proclaimed fan of Taylearning…so we had to get him on the podcast! Tune into this hefty TL4 Season Finale to hear us interview Rob about his life, opinions, observations, and his new book - “Heartbreak Is the National Anthem: How Taylor Swift Reinvented Pop Music.” The n...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 54 min•Ep. 129
Taylor Swift has had many fellow famous “BFFs” in her years of being in the public eye. However, one of them has been there since almost the very beginning - Selena Gomez: actress, pop star, philanthropist, producer, and businesswoman. Since meeting in 2008, Taylor and Selena, or “Taylena,” have been mostly inseparable, as far as public friendship connections go. They consistently bring up one another, post each other on social media, and support one another’s projects. In this penultimate episo...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 39 min•Ep. 128
We all know someone who has become so lost in their [toxic] relationship that they cut off other loved ones. In today’s ‘Dear Taylistener’ episode - our advice column miniseries where we use Taylor Swift songs as a source of wisdom - our listener writes to us about being on the receiving end of the social chop when her close guy friend cuts her off to appease his new girlfriend. It can be difficult to convince others that your cross-gender friendship is solely platonic, but it can be even harder...
Apr 23, 2025•59 min•Ep. 127
For her entire professional career up until the transition between 1989 (2014) and Reputation (2017), Taylor had a predictable schedule of releasing a new album every two years. But 2016 was different, as we saw the ostensible cancellation of Taylor and her subsequent reclusivity. As a result, we got one of the most iconic and fabled pieces of lost media: Taylor Swift’s “missing” album from 2016. Nicknamed “Karma” by Swifties, the existence of this album is hotly debated, and there are good argu...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 126
It’s time for the song that features the namesake of this miniseries to have its moment in the sun: This Is Me Trying. This track, an underrated gem from 2020’s ‘folklore,’ features Taylor singing from multiple devastating perspectives. She acts as the mouthpiece for a melancholic alcoholic, a regretful burnout, and a despondent suicidal person. Through these lyrics, she tells the story of how hard it is to simply try for some people. Sometimes, your best looks like hell to everyone else, and no...
Apr 09, 2025•56 min•Ep. 125
The time has come for the final installment of the Eras Tour Post Mortem miniseries. We know, we’re sad too. But it has been four months since Taylor left the Eras stage for the final time, which has given us ample opportunity to analyze what were the highest highs and the lowest lows of the 21-month-long tour! After calling out on Instagram and scouring the web, we learned what Swifties from all over the world took away from the tour, both positive and not-so-positive. Join us as we close this ...
Apr 02, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 124
Two words: Lead. Singles. But what is a lead single, you may ask? It’s typically a carefully selected track from an upcoming album designed to both lend itself to potential commercial success AND give you a taste of what’s to come from an artist. Taylor Swift has 11 albums, thus she has 11 lead singles to chat about! Some were released in advance of an album, some were released alongside an album. Some were acclaimed and beloved, some were criticized and ridiculed. In today’s episode, Dani &...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 123
In 2006, Taylor released her debut album. On that album, she gave us “Tied Together with a Smile”, a sincere and heartbreaking song about a girl who struggles to hide her pain behind a fake smile. Today, your hosts dissect this track in our very first song analysis from Debut! Taylor has given us a lot of insight into this tragic tune, so tune in as we break it all down in this installment of the ‘Mental Cages’ miniseries. Head to taylearningpodcast.com NOW to get yourself some limited edition T...
Mar 19, 2025•51 min•Ep. 122
From 2009-2010, Taylor Swift embarked on her first ever headlining tour: The Fearless Tour! Later in 2010, “Journey to Fearless” would be released- a docuseries all about the tour and the steps Taylor took to get there. This episode features Dani and Olivia a) talking about the reception and impact of The Fearless Tour, and b) going through each scene of the series to talk through the story it tells. Go back in time with us, head first and fearless! Head to taylearningpodcast.com NOW to get your...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 121
It has been nearly three months since the final bow of ‘The Eras Tour,’ but we will do anything we can to make it live on. This includes the continuation of our Eras Tour Post Mortem series, in which your hosts dissect tour details! In this requested episode, Dani & Olivia go through the many outfits Taylor wore on stage during tour (including alterations and capes, she wore ~100 outfits!) to decide their favorite and least favorites for each era. They also talk fan favorites, iconic outfit ...
Mar 05, 2025•57 min•Ep. 120
Taylor once admitted to being lost in the labyrinth of her mind- but what exactly does that mean? In today’s episode, Olivia & Dani continue the Mental Cages miniseries to break down “Labyrinth” from “Midnights.” This song - which is a divisive song amongst the Swiftie fandom - has Taylor opening up about her anxiety concerning falling in love after everything she has been through. But, as with all Taylor Swift songs, there is more to the story than what we see on the surface! Join us as we ...
Feb 26, 2025•45 min•Ep. 119
IMPORTANT UPDATE: Due to unforeseen circumstances, Taylgate Takeovers has rescheduled all tour dates to 2026. Let’s face it: we are all constantly on the hunt for the high we felt during The Eras Tour. The magic was felt in each city from the days leading up to a show all the way through walking out of the stadium. Lucky for us, there is someone actively working to recreate this magic- and she’s sharing it with Swifties all across North America! Joining us today is Karla, CEO of “Taylgate Takeov...
Feb 19, 2025•40 min•Ep. 118
Like Taylor, we’ve spent the past 5+ months religiously following and rooting for the Kansas City Chiefs. Unfortunately, our joy crumbled alongside KC’s offensive line at the Super Bowl this past Sunday. So let’s talk through our sorrows, chat about the season, and we humbly ask your forgiveness for our sadness. Head to taylearningpodcast.com NOW to get yourself some limited edition Tipsy Swifties merch! We are still fighting to get our Instagram back! Please help us by going to @taylearningpodc...
Feb 12, 2025•21 min
Since 2008, Taylor Swift has been considered a perennial Grammy threat in the music industry. But with 58 total Grammy nominations and 14 total wins, can she truly be considered a “Grammy Darling?” Your hosts are going back in time to dive into this question! This episode, recorded and released off the heels of the 67th Grammy Awards, has Dani & Olivia going over every single nomination - wins AND losses - Taylor Swift has ever received from The Recording Academy. Who won? Who did people thi...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 116
If you look up “who is Taylor Swift’s best friend?”, you will receive a handful of answers. One of those answers is stylist Ashley (Ash) Avignone. Way back in 2008, Taylor met Ashley through a famous mutual friend. Seventeen years later, and their friendship is still going strong! Tune into this installment of “The Squad” miniseries to hear all about the long-standing friendship between Taylor and Ashley. And trust us…if you don’t recognize her name, you almost certainly know her face. Head to t...
Jan 29, 2025•52 min•Ep. 115
It’s time! After months of collecting YOUR hottest takes about The Eras Tour, your hosts are here to talk about them over alcoholic beverages. In today’s return of the fan favorite “Tipsy Swifties” miniseries, guest host Rebecca guides Olivia & Dani through each hot take, and your girls have to drink if they agree! With over 150 submissions and countless drinks later, we’re proud to present today’s fun (and undeniably controversial) episode. Grab your favorite drink and play along! Head to t...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 49 min•Ep. 114
From the outside looking in, becoming a Taylor Swift fan seems like an almost insurmountable challenge. With nearly two decades of lore and hundreds of songs in her discography, it’s no secret that the path to becoming a Swiftie can be daunting. Where should someone begin? In this episode, Dani & Olivia seek to help you answer that question! This “crash course” was designed with potential Swifties in mind and acts as an overview of need-to-know information to catch anyone up and bring them i...
Jan 15, 2025•57 min•Ep. 113
There is much debate about if Taylor Swift’s 2024 topped her groundbreaking 2023. Today, your hosts return from their holiday break to tackle that question! In this episode, Olivia & Dani continue their yearly tradition of giving you a “Taylor Wrapped” of sorts, talking through a timeline of Taylor’s highlight reel of 2024. Additionally, they top it off by recapping the accuracy of their 2024 predictions and cementing their 2025 predictions. So tell us- what is your biggest Taylor prediction...
Jan 08, 2025•59 min•Ep. 112
After 21 months, 149 shows, hundreds of songs performed live, and millions of traded friendship bracelets, The Eras Tour finally came to its bittersweet end in Vancouver, Canada on December 8th. By way of luck, magic, and our good friend Rebecca, Olivia & Dani were able to attend closing night in person. The final show was emotional, heartbreaking, joyful, somber, sparkling, and perfect. Your hosts are honored to take you through the full experience of closing night, from standout moments to...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 111
The simplest answer to the question “what makes an era?” is: …an album. An album cycle makes an era. But is that the whole truth? In today’s special episode, Justice - your TayIntern - guest-hosts to walk us through each intricate detail that characterizes a musical era. Join Justice, Olivia, & Dani as we cap off The Eras Tour with a lesson on the art, marketing, and groupings of all of Taylor Swift’s iconic eras that have defined her career thus far. LINK TO 'ERAS TOUR HOT TAKES' SUBMISSION...
Dec 14, 2024•43 min•Ep. 110
The Eras Tour is over, and our episode is delayed, and Dani is here to tell you what’s going on! LINK TO 'ERAS TOUR HOT TAKES' SUBMISSION FORM: CLICK HERE! We are still fighting to get our Instagram back! Please help us by going to @taylearningpodcast_backup and following instructions on our first post. Instagram/TikTok/Bluesky: @TaylearningPodcast, @danielle_winchester, @olivia_kotarski Twitter (X): @Taylearning Email: taylearningpodcast@gmail.com Website: www.TaylearningPodcast.com...
Dec 11, 2024•3 min
In October of 2011, lifelong Swiftie and Journalism student Sarah Chapelle decided to combine her passions to create the blog “Taylor Swift Style.” This blog has since amassed hundreds of thousands of followers, all of whom eagerly await for Sarah to post outfit details, prices, and even dupes of Taylor’s latest look every time she steps in front of a camera. Today, Dani & Olivia are joined by Sarah - now a New York Times best selling author - to discuss her new book , Taylor’s oxymoronic sk...
Dec 04, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 109
With 14 Grammy Award wins and 58 nominations, it’s no secret that The Recording Academy is a fan of Taylor Swift- and she is a fan of theirs in return! But the perennial question remains: will Taylor succeed in this upcoming Grammy cycle? Today, your hosts do their best to put themselves in the shoes of a voting member of The Academy to make educated guesses about how things will shake out in each category Taylor is nominated for. LINK TO 'ERAS TOUR HOT TAKES' SUBMISSION FORM: CLICK HERE! We are...
Nov 27, 2024•57 min•Ep. 108
She hates it here, so she goes to secret gardens in her mind. The job of your hosts today is to find those secret gardens and take you along on the journey! In this installment of the fan fave ‘Mental Cages’ series, Olivia & Dani walk through TTPD’s “I Hate It Here”, a divisive and solemn track from ‘The Anthology’ half of the record. What does Taylor mean with the opening/closing lyric about a finance guy? What are the mid-sized city hopes and small town fears she is referencing? And what e...
Nov 20, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 107
Today, we revisit the “Fantasy Football” song draft miniseries to take on the most recent installment to the Taylorverse: ‘The Tortured Poets Department’! Dani is a shameful 1-3 in her song draft record, and Olivia is looking to pad her lead. Your hosts go back and forth to draft their strongest teams, but who will actually take the prize? Will Dani begin her redemption arc, or will Olivia skyrocket to 4-1? That, Taylisteners, is entirely up to you. Be sure to vote in the Spotify comments sectio...
Nov 13, 2024•51 min•Ep. 106
Throughout most of her long career, Taylor Swift was (in)famous for staying quiet politically. Some read this as apathy, some read it as calculating, and some went so far as to accuse her of being a secret alt-right icon. But in 2019, Taylor tore off the muzzle she had on herself and finally told the world her secret: she’s a Democrat. Her political affiliation and progressive ideology became a cornerstone of her ‘Lover’ era, and she has been open about her party alliance and voting habits ever ...
Oct 30, 2024•1 hr 57 min•Ep. 105
We’ll admit it: we were wrong. Well, kinda. In our initial ‘The Muses: Taylor Lautner’ episode from February of 2023, we made an assumption that Taylor Squared had fallen out of touch over the years and were no longer close. To our credit, that was true at the time. However, we couldn’t have predicted that in the following months, they’d reconnect and be closer than ever! In this episode, your hosts talk through everything that has happened between Taylor Swift & Taylor Lautner since we last...
Oct 23, 2024•45 min•Ep. 104
Hey hey hey! When it comes to Eras Tour tickets, have you been gettin' down and out about the liars and the dirty, dirty cheats of the world? Well, Catie & Marissa are here to help! In today’s special episode, Catie joins us to talk about the community she and Marissa have built that specializes in ticket reselling, scam spotting, and making a safe space in the Swiftie world online. Ticket scams can be found everywhere, but since their Facebook group’s inception in the Summer of 2023, there ...
Oct 16, 2024•49 min•Ep. 103
