“You set up a paint set in the kitchen and you’re talking to me” What happens when we view Taylor Swift’s music through the lens of other female artists, particularly painters? In this Summer favorite repeat, we explore the work of three iconic women in art and connect their paintings to Taylor Swift’s songs. From the intimacy of motherhood in Mary Cassatt’s work, to the surrealism of Remedios Varo, to the medieval renderings of Hildegard von Bingen, we discuss how these themes appear in both art and Taylor’s songwriting. Listen to hear how artist reframes familiar Swiftian themes like mother‑daughter bonds, dream‑logic escapism, and spiritual longing through paint, not lyrics.

Since this is a visual episode, check out the full video episode on YouTube or Spotify!

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Mentioned in this episode:

Mary Cassatt, Wikipedia

De Young Museum, “5 Things to Know About Impressionist Mary Cassatt”

Mary Cassatt – Bathing the Young Heir (1890-1891)

The Dutch House, Ann Patchett

Surrealism and the Art of Remedios Varo

Starmaker, Remedios Varo (1958)

Hildegard von Bingen

Hildegard von Bingen's Physica

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Episode Highlights:

[00:19] This week’s topic: Famous female painters

[01:09] Mary Cassatt and “The Best Day”

[13:40] Remedios Varo and “This Is Me Trying”

[26:58] Hildegard von Bingen and “Guilty as Sin”

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• Link Tree →linktr.ee/aptaylorswift
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• Libro.fm → tinyurl.com/aptslibro

Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com

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.

"Don't blame me, love made me crazy. If it doesn't, you ain't doing it right." This week, we're deep diving into "Don't Blame Me" from the reputation album. We explore the song's gospel influences, religious imagery, and transformation themes as we analyze Taylor's most unhinged declaration of love. From poison ivy to daisies, from halos to falling from grace, join us as we unpack this intoxicating Taylor Swift tale of desire, addiction, and spiritual transcendence.

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Mentioned in this episode:

E94: Show and Tell - Frankenstein

The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald

Paradise Lost, John Milton

Ellie Goulding - "Love Me Like You Do"

50 Shades of Grey

Rocky Horror Picture Show

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Episode Highlights:

[02:02] - “Don’t blame me, love made me crazy”

[09:00] - “I’ve been breaking hearts a long time”

[13:07] - “For you I would cross the line”

[22:40] - “My name is whatever you decide”

[33:08] - “I get so high, everytime you’re touching me”

[41:25] - Purpose of the song

Follow AP Taylor Swift podcast 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

Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com

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.

“I don’t trust nobody and nobody trusts me.” In this episode, we're diving into one of literature's most enduring classics: Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. From Victor's scientific ambition to the creature's desperate search for companionship, we explore how Taylor's lyrics illuminate the Gothic themes of isolation, creation, and the consequences of playing God. Join us as we examine "Don't Blame Me," "Look What You Made Me Do," and "False God" through the lens of literature's first science fiction novel—and discover why this 1818 masterpiece feels more relevant than ever in our age of artificial intelligence.

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

Stay up to date at aptaylorswift.com

Mentioned in this episode

• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
• Paradise Lost by John Milton
• Young Frankenstein (Mel Brooks film)
• Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë
• The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
• E7: Ecocriticism
• The Handmaid's Tale

***

Episode Highlights:

[1:45] Quick overview of Frankenstein

[8:00] “Don’t Blame Me” reputation

[15:56] “Look What You Made Me Do” reputation

[30:24] “False God” Lover

Follow AP Taylor Swift podcast 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

Contact us at aptaylorswift@gmail.com

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.