The Story Song Podcast

Somebody bet on the bay! It’s time for the 75th episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts for their review of the 1975 classic, “Red Headed Stranger” by country music legend, Willie Nelson. In this episode, we’ll talk about traveling town criers, equine-based legal loopholes, and somebody named “Guitar Boogie.” Don’t be wild in your sorrow! Ride on again with THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Conti...

BONUS EPISODE: Hey, Mr. DJ, put a record on. In this minisode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts explore songs about DJs. Whether they are in da club or on da radio, we’ll discuss da relationship between the performer, the listener, the music, and the DJ — for better or for worse. Listen up to your local DJ, and join us for this special bonus episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Continue the conv...

Is it hot in here, or is it just this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST? Join your hosts for their review of the 1973 hard rock classic, “Smoke on the Water” by heavy metal pioneers, Deep Purple. We’re burning up for this episode, where we take a trip to the Lake Geneva shoreline to discuss Mick Jagger’s side gig, funky first responders, and Frank Zappa’s missed song opportunities — all with no su...

We’re mixing up a cauldron of fun in this Halloween episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts for their review of the 1964 rock and roll hit, “Love Potion Number Nine” by British Invasion band, The Searchers, written by legendary songwriters, Leiber and Stoller. In this episode, we explore the health and safety standards for kitchen-sink potions, real estate trends at 34th and Vine, and t...

We have something that we must tell: It’s time for another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts for their review of the 1985 #1 hit song, “Part-Time Lover,” by Grammy-winner, Stevie Wonder. In this episode, we learn about infidelity before smartphones, benefits packages for part-time lovers, and how to transmit a message in Morse code on a lamp. Don’t be a stranger by day — join us a...

Hello, hello there. This is THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Don’t worry about the cost. Join your hosts for their review of “Martha,” a classic story song from 1973 by Grammy-winning singer/songwriter, Tom Waits. In this episode, fight the tears as we discuss phone operators asked to go above and beyond, awkward coffee shop catch-ups, and Prohibition-era first dates. Pack away your sorrows and save them f...

You take one day off for Labor Day, and what do you get? This episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts for their review of the 1955 country standard, “Sixteen Tons,” written by Merle Travis and performed by Tennessee Ernie Ford. In this episode, we mine for gold in a song about coal by asking the hard-hitting questions — What are fists made of? At what age should you learn a trade? Is th...

Be our guest at the craziest party that could ever be on this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts for their review of the 1970 rock classic, “Mama Told Me (Not to Come),” by Three Dog Night. In this episode, we discuss so many things we ain’t never discussed before — tea parties, the scents of yesteryear, and Randy Newman. So grab your whiskey water or sugary tea and blast your radi...

Grab your helmet, because it’s time to coast into another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they review the 2006 skateboarding anthem “Kick, Push” by Grammy-award winning hip-hop artist, Lupe Fiasco. Come and skate with your hosts as they discuss where to take your date when it’s not really a date, how to get out of an engagement, and proper etiquette for security guards. So co...

Summer is coming. So call the captain ashore and leave your parents behind for another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they review the 1966 classic, “Sloop John B,” by legendary California rock band, The Beach Boys. In this episode, we discuss pet sounds, sloop jobs, and corn recipes. Don’t get all broke up, you can always go home with THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Continue the con...

Today is the day, my friend! Laugh away the hours with another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts for their review of the 1968 international hit,”Those Were the Days” by Mary Hopkin. Come reminisce about starry notions, la revolution, and an unknown producer named Paul McCartney. Don’t be like the lonely woman staring at a tavern door — come on in, raise a glass (or two), and join...

Breaker! Breaker! We’ve got a 20 on another terrific episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. This week, your good buddies review the 1975 crossover hit, “Convoy” by C.W. McCall, who is definitely a real person. In this episode, we dive into the CB culture to talk about bears, ducks, and pigs, only one of which is an actual animal. We also find out how bread can lead to a cultural phenomenon and the fut...

Batter up! This episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST is a real home run. There are so many things your hosts want to say about “Your Love,” the 1986 hit single by The Outfield. In this episode, we discuss loneliness, baseball, and bands in space. Use your love for THE STORY SONG PODCAST to listen to this episode, and as you're leaving, please close the door. Continue the conversation; follow THE STOR...

You’re not imagining things, this really is a new episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. In this episode, your hosts review the timeless classic from 1971, “Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)” by legendary soul group, The Temptations. Join us as we blur the lines between reality and imagination; human and mannequin; and tender rhapsody and stalker anthem. So, get a comfortable seat in your win...

BONUS EPISODE: Oh. It’s you. We’re back with a worn out recording of a favorite episode. Or, what we like to call a classic episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Just in time for the beginning of the summer, your hosts are revisiting their review of a hit song that’s not actually about piña coladas. It’s the 1979 classic, “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” by singer-songwriter, and Tony Award-winning co...

Once upon a time, not so long ago...actually, RIGHT NOW! It’s another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. In this episode, your hosts review the 1980s classic, “Livin’ on a Prayer” by legendary rock band, Bon Jovi. Take a trip to New Jersey and visit the usual sights — a dock, a diner, and a pawn shop. Join us as we make it talk so tough, but in a Jersey whisper. We live for the fight, especially w...

Don’t hang up! This isn’t a prank, it’s another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts for their review of the 1999 pop-punk hit, “What’s My Age Again?” by blink-182. Learn some important life lessons, including how to prepare for a date in 1999, the best late 90s television shows to watch while on that date, and where to find a payphone to make prank phone calls after that date. Also...

So, here we are alone again, listener. It’s not too late in the game — come closer to happiness with this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts for their review of the 1993 #1 hit ballad, “Again” by pop superstar, Janet Jackson. This week we visit “Again” for the first time, interfere with our friends’ love lives, and audition for the part of Yoda. Let the memories come back to you in...

BONUS EPISODE: In this minisode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts explore how changing the singer changes the song. We’ll discuss songs and their gender-flipped covers, and how changing (or not changing) the lyrics can affect the story a song tells. Join us for this special bonus episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow...

Where you going to, my listener blue? I’m sure you’re not mistaken — it’s time for another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts for their review of the 1972 classic hit, “Taxi” by legendary singer-songwriter Harry Chapin. In this episode, we discuss ways to avoid conversation with talkative drivers, pity-tipping your ex, and unfulfilled dreams (because it’s a Harry Chapin song). Act...

Those aren’t sirens you’re hearing, it’s another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts for their review of the 1971 classic, “Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress” by British rock group, The Hollies. Get the answers to the burning questions — how tall is too tall?; Is your bootlegging friend a kind-hearted yeti?; Was Tinder invented in a speakeasy in the 1920s? Put on your FBI hat, get a...

BONUS EPISODE: In a little while from now, you’ll be listening to this classic episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. In honor of Saint Patrick’s Day, your hosts are revisiting their review of the 1972 hit, “Alone Again (Naturally)” by Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O’Sullivan. Don’t be left standing in the lurch, treat yourself to a bonus episode to THE STORY SONG PODCAST (naturally). Continue the c...

Believe the news — it’s time for another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts for their review of the hit 1983 power ballad “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” by Laura Branigan. In this episode, we discuss talkative townspeople, tennis mysteries, and baller album titles. We’ll also spend some time, love, and tenderness with Michael Bolton. Don’t cry. Don’t break down. Carry on,...

We’re back again (and again) with another dam episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts for their review of the 1985 country hit, “Highwayman,” by country music supergroup The Highwaymen (Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, and Kris Kristofferson). In our review of this classic by songwriting powerhouse Jimmy Webb, we’ll leave the cake out in the rain, discuss the danger of eatin...

You don’t have to go home, but you can always stay with THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts for their review of the 1998 alternative rock hit, “Closing Time” by Semisonic. In this episode, we’ll meet the bartender with all the catchphrases, take a look at the most 90s albums of all time, diagram a few sentences, and maybe throw you a Fastball or two. So, gather up your jackets, move it to the...