The Story Song Podcast

Hey, you. Get your damn hands out of the wedding cake, and listen to this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they discuss the 1977 classic, “Alison” by singer/songwriter, Elvis Costello. Our aim is true as we discuss the power of pork pie hats, the dreaminess of daytime dresses, and the songs that there’s no reason to do. So, don’t get too sentimental. Put out the big light and...

This ain't no disco. It ain't no country club either. It’s a dive bar that’s also a carwash. And it’s another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they discuss the 1994 pop hit, “All I Wanna Do” by singer/songwriter, Sheryl Crow. In this episode, we’ll discuss flooring options for less-than-classy drinking establishments, dogs that are also cars, and Abe Vigoda. So get a good earl...

BONUS EPISODE: Places, please! It’s time to take your seats for THE STORY SONG PODCAST presents: Jukebox Musical! In this premiere episode, your hosts are joined by special guest, Michele Laikowski to devise a musical based on the most popular songs of Canadian alternative rock band Barenaked Ladies. You’ve heard us tell the story of the songs that tell a story. Now hear us tell a story WITH the s...

We ain’t slowing down! It’s time for another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts (and society) as they obsess over the 2014 country hit, “Girl Crush” by Little Big Town. In this episode, we’ll discuss sexy guffaws, Costco perfume deals, and beverage-based song inspiration. Admit it, we have the magic touch and everything you want. So, listen to this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST...

Man, it’s pouring — with another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts as they discuss the 1972 hit “It Never Rains in Southern California” by singer/songwriter Albert Hammond OBE. In this episode we’ll talk of opportunities, TV breaks, and movies. We’ll also discuss the vast East Coast network of commuter rails, Sky Mall splurges, and the stories you tell on every major holiday. So d...

Hello, Friend. We’ve got what you need — another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they discuss the 1989 classic “Just a Friend” by hip-hop legend, Biz Markie. In this episode, we’ll discuss the following situations: proper pant sizing, very specific instructions for filling out paperwork, and blah-blah-blah. So, raise the red flag, come to the picture booth (knock before you e...

BONUS EPISODE: HEY! MISTER! We’re still in paradise, continuing the 125th-episode celebration of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts for their conversation about the alternate version of “I’ve Never Been to Me,” with its original lyrics recorded in 1994 by Hollywood legend, Howard Keel. This version tells a VERY different story, in which no one moves like Harlow. In this minisode, we’ll take a...

HEY! LADY! I’ve no doubt you’ve dreamed about the 125th episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Well, now you can join your hosts as they return to paradise to revisit and re-review one of the greatest story songs ever — Charlene’s 1977 single (and 1982 hit), “I’ve Never Been to Me.” This time around, we delve deeper and ask the questions we ain’t s’posed to, like: how do you avoid your cousin’s new gi...

Open up your eager eyes and see another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Come out of your cage and join your hosts for their review of the 2003 Billboard top-10 hit, “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers. In this episode, we’ll swim through sick lullabies and discuss overindulging on college booze, the consequences of improper theatrical costume etiquette, and a legendary synth-pop trio turned duo. Ho...

Right now, you’re probably wondering if it’s time for the next episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Right now, it IS time for the next episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Right now, join your hosts as they review the 2006 crossover hit, “Before He Cheats” by country superstar, Carrie Underwood. Right now, we’ll discuss sexy billiards, trashy karaoke, and fancy bathroom cosmetics. So don’t think twice...

BONUS EPISODE: Secret, secret! We’ve got a secret! And that secret is that it’s time for another classic episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts as they revisit their review of the 1983 futuristic classic “Mr. Roboto” by Styx. Come sail away, revisit this sci-fi hit, and listen to our discussion of robot carcasses, subtly symbolic names, and unnecessary anger at Styx. You know it’s Styx...

It’s January, but we’re still in the holiday spirit! Keep the holiday season going with the Songfacts Fourth Annual Holiday Songs Special. Every year, our friends at the Songfacts Podcast ask the hosts at the Pantheon Podcast Network to discuss their favorite holiday songs. Hear from your hosts at THE STORY SONG PODCAST and from the hosts of other podcasts on the Pantheon Podcast Network. Happy Ho...

BONUS EPISODE: Drop the ball and pick up the champagne, it’s the start of another year! Happy Special Episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts for their annual end-of-year Bonus Episode as Dan, Michael, and Rachel ring in the new year with a look back at their 2023 episodes and some friendly competition. Happy New Year from THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Continue the conversation; follow THE ST...

Happy holidays! Don't mess around with those silly toys — enjoy this special holiday episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST while you're drinking down your wine. Join your hosts for their review of the 1977 Christmas rock classic, “Father Christmas” by The Kinks. In this episode, we get into the holiday spirit as we discuss practical gifts to start a small business, large-lapeled leisure suits for chil...

Hey, sweet, sweet thing. You don’t have to go incognito and hide your Bette Davis eyes to get a hold of this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they review the 1973 classic rock hit, “No More Mr. Nice Guy” by Alice Cooper (the band and also the person). In this episode we’ll discuss early-morning auditions, talent competitions for varsity lettermen, and big red dogs. So put down...

Come and knock on our door…and then break it down. It’s time for another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts as they review the 1997 hit, “The Old Apartment” by Canadian alternative rock band, Barenaked Ladies. In this episode, we’ll discuss the perils of being an upstairs neighbor, getting a degree in directing from West Beverly High, and nostalgic B&Es. So, tear the phone out of t...

You may have lost your shaker of salt, but you found another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Change your latitude and join your hosts for their tribute to singer, songwriter, and vibesetter, Jimmy Buffett, as they review his 1977 beachy classic, “Margaritaville.” In this episode we’ll party with Truman Capote, discuss all-inclusive squatter’s rights, and become our best Buffett. So grab a fancy...

Everything is getting kind of groovy in this special Halloween episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they review the Halloween (or at least Halloween-adjacent) 1967 hit, “Spooky” by Classics IV. In this episode, we’ll discuss how scary indifference can be, which future-classic movies are worth changing plans for, and the benefits of naming your band after its greatest hits album. T...

BONUS EPISODE: Is there a Halloween version of a Christmas carol? In this spooky season minisode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, we’re having a very serious Halloween party. Join your hosts as they create a binding, definitive list of the eight songs that belong in the Halloween song canon. We’ll explain Halloween to visitors from outer space, avoid songs that are genuinely upsetting, and later, go clu...

BONUS EPISODE: Something’s out there! It’s a classic episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they revisit their review of the 1980s new wave classic, “99 Luftballons” (and its English version, “99 Red Balloons”) by German band, Nena. We’ll revisit this international hit and discuss the German translation for James T. Kirk, multilingual evil clowns, and trust issues with our computer...

Who’s ready for a good cry and another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST? Join your hosts for their review of the 1963 classic, “Puff, the Magic Dragon” by legendary folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary. In this episode, we’ll travel by pirate ship to a land called Honah Lee, where we’ll frolic in the autumn mist and discuss fancy stuff, like recent trends in the magical-cave real estate market, necessa...

Don’t miss the boat — it’s time to go for broke with another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts for their review of the 1977 pop-rock hit, “Lido Shuffle” by singer-songwriter, Boz Scaggs. In this episode, we be running to discuss appropriate paper stock options for announcing local ordinances, retirement plans for fancy criminals, and brooding Uncle Boz on a bench. Lido’s for the m...

You’ve been looking around awhile, we’ve got something for you — another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts as they conclude the Summer of Symbolism with their review of the 1971 hit, “Brand New Key” by singer/songwriter, Melanie. In this episode, we’ll tighten up our skates and discuss stalking options for non-drivers, ice cream truck-powered music festivals, and OPS (Other People...

Weight just a minute! It’s another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts as they review the 1968 classic “The Weight” by influential rock band, The Band. In this Summer of Symbolism episode, we pull into Nazareth to get CPR certified, look for a mattress sale, and shop for a bag big enough for your burdens. So feed Jack the dog (when you can), catch a cannonball, and come on let’s go...

BONUS EPISODE: Drums Please! Now that summer’s here, it’s time for V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N and a special Minisode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts as they explore songs about summer. Whether the weather’s fine or it’s a cruel summer, we'll hop in a jalopy, stretch right up and touch the sky, and travel to Philly, the city, and the drive-in. So, come on, come on, and dance all night to these summ...