The Story Song Podcast

Don’t wipe off that grin — it’s time for another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Lend your hosts a hand as they review the 1981 pop hit “In the Air Tonight” by drummer-turned-singer, Phil Collins. In this episode, we discuss the genesis (get it?) of Phil Collins’ solo career, life inside an urban legend, and which gobo pattern is the best to shame a murderer. So remember, remember, don’t worry,...

Would you like another episode? Is that what you’re trying to tell me? Well, here’s to you! Look around you, all you see is another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Laugh about it, shout about it, and join your hosts as they stroll around the grounds to review the 1968 classic “Mrs. Robinson” by folk duo Simon and Garfunkel. Here’s a little bit about this episode for your files: we discuss impra...

What’s that up ahead in the distance? Is it the mission bell you hear? No! It’s another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts as they review the classic 1977 mega-hit, “Hotel California” by legendary American country-rock band, Eagles. Not THE Eagles…Eagles. This episode kicks off our Summer of Symbolism as we discuss colitas and coladas, heaven and hell, and whether it's enough alrea...

Look! Under that tree! Wouldn’t you know it? It’s another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they review the 1972 soft rock hit “Diary” by Bread. Stroll with us through the arboretum of love to learn the best methods for hiding personal correspondence, proper punctuation for pop songs, and musical legend, Kojak. Baby, you’re-a gonna want to listen to this episode of THE STORY SO...

All aboard for another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts as they review the 1973 R&B classic, “Midnight Train to Georgia” by the legendary Gladys Knight and the Pips. In this episode, everybody’s talking about “Midnight Train to Georgia.” Everybody, “Midnight Train to Georgia,” “Midnight Train to Georgia.” So, let’s talk about “Midnight Train to Georgia.” Join us as we visit a sim...

Picture the scene — we’ve got your ticket to another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they review the 1982 rock classic, “Juke Box Hero” by Foreigner. In this episode, live out your sock hop dreams as we blow you away with our discussion about advances in umbrella technology, the nicest ways to tell someone that they should probably take guitar lessons, and important town issu...

BONUS EPISODE: Hey ChatGPT! Please tell me about the podcast "The Story Song Podcast": Sure! "The Story Song Podcast" is a podcast that analyzes and discusses the stories behind popular songs. Each episode focuses on a different song and its lyrics, exploring the plot and characters within the song's narrative. Hosts Rachel O'Conner, Michael Gazen, and Dan McArdle use their backgrounds in music, t...

Rise-rise and shine-shine. It’s time for another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST that will make everything brighter than Doris Day (if that’s even possible). Join your hosts for their review of the 1984 pop classic, “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” by Wham!. In this episode, we jitterbug our way through the 80s as we discuss your uncle’s most reliable car, a classic photo-documentary series about 1...

Are you blu? Well, listen to this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, and you’ll be beaming, just beaming. Join your hosts for their review of the 2001 hit, “Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops!)“ by Blu Cantrell. In this episode, we go buck wild as we discuss revenge blouses, gradually disappearing furniture, and magical stores with multiple departments. So grab Sole and Mia and listen to this episode of THE S...

Hey there. What’s it like in this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST? You’ll have to give it a listen. Join your hosts as they review the 2006 pop-rock hit, “Hey There Delilah” by Plain White T’s. We’re by your side as we take in the bright city lights, go shopping for novelty t’s, and discuss cutting-edge 2006 technology. Take a plane. Take a train. Take a car. Walk if you have to, but listen to t...

Dang me, it’s another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they review the 1965 country crossover classic, “King of the Road” by singer/songwriter Roger Miller. Hop a boxcar to Bangor as we traverse the smoke-filled country with the best hobo around. In this episode, we learn the hobo code and get tips for party planning with 50 Cent, living like a king on just four bits a day, an...

Come along for a visit to another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Learn from your hosts’ knowin’ as they take you walkin’ through their review of the 1968 hit, “Son of a Preacher Man,'' by Dusty Springfield, from the classic Dusty in Memphis album. In this episode, we gathered ‘round and started talkin’ about preachers who make house calls, sinful swing sets, and retirement plans for henchmen....

Son of a gun. It’s time for a yacht party and another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they gavotte through their review of the 1972 classic, “You’re So Vain” by Grammy- and Academy Award-winning singer/songwriter, Carly Simon. In this episode, we discuss the usual suspects as we unravel a musical mystery and an apricot scarf. So put some clouds in your coffee, call your Learj...

BONUS EPISODE: We’re still in Candletop. Although we’re not sure if it’s in Georgia or Tennessee. This minisode continues the 100th-episode celebration of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts for their conversation about the 1981 film, The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia, which is VERY loosely based on the 1972 song. The force is strong with this movie — it will take you by surprise and ma...

BONUS EPISODE: Let’s return to Candletop as we continue our 100th-episode celebration! In this classic episode, your hosts revisit the very first episode EVER of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, and the original review of Vicki Lawrence’s 1972 story song classic, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia.” Hear how the show has evolved, and find out how consistent we are with theories about the Amos boy, L...

BONUS EPISODE: Happy New Year from THE STORY SONG PODCAST! It’s time for our annual end-of-year special Bonus Episode! Start 2023 with your hosts as they reflect on the episodes from 2022 and play some SSP-based games!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a special holiday episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST — are you listening? Frolic and play with your hosts as they review the Christmas standard, “Winter Wonderland,” written by Richard B. Smith and Felix Bernard, and recorded by almost everybody. Be happy tonight — listen to this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Happy holidays! Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on soci...

What's doin’, Wo? It’s the 100th episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, that’s what’s doin’! Join your hosts as they return to Candletop for an all new discussion about the first song they ever reviewed, and maybe the greatest story song of all time. In this special episode, we’ll revisit and re-review the song that started it all, the #1 hit from 1972, “The Night the Lights Went Out in Georgia,” by T...

You are listening on your phone to the podcast that tells the story of the songs that tell a story. That’s right, it’s time for another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts as they review the 1987 classic, “Tom’s Diner,” by fast-folk icon Suzanne Vega, and its 1990 hit remix by DNA. In this episode, we’ll discuss breakfast friends, New Yorker superpowers, and the movie stars you real...

You’re welcome. Pour a cup of cold tea and enjoy this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they stan Dido and review her 2000 hit single, “Thank You.” In this special Thanksgiving episode, we’ll discuss financial mistakes at bachelorette parties, the literal crumbling of the British housing market, and, of course, schadenfreude. So ignore those rain clouds, push through the door,...

Darkness falls across the land. Something evil’s lurking in this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts for their Halloween spooktacular review of the record-breaking hit, “Thriller,” by little-known artist Michael Jackson. In this episode, we save you from the terror and discuss adoption drives for things with 40-eyes, New Year’s Eve horror marathons, and the Vincent Price/Phyllis Dil...

Baby, you’re missing something if you don’t listen to this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they do the best they can to review a little ditty called “Jack & Diane,” the 1982 hit by John Mellencamp. In this episode, we let it rock and let it roll while we discuss the power of a small-town football star, debutante field trips to the big city, and proper etiquette at five-star r...

BONUS EPISODE: On September 26, Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets brought the Echoes Tour to the historic Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York. In this special episode, your hosts discuss an amazing night of classic songs.  PLUS, Dan talks to bassist and co-lead vocalist Guy Pratt about the tour and his prolific career, which includes work with Pink Floyd, Michael Jackson, and Madonna.  Check...

Filled with sadness? Filled with gloom? Don’t wait in the darkness of your lonely room — listen to this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts for their review of the classic 1970 hit, “Band of Gold'' by Freda Payne, written by legendary songwriters Holland-Dozier-Holland. In this episode, we’ll discuss record-breaking time between “I Do” and “I Don’t,” advance bookings for multiple ho...

“Here” is another episode of the podcast where we can kick it and just listen to some music with a story — like we usually do. In this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts review the 2015 pop/R&B hit, “Here” by singer/songwriter Alessia Cara. In this episode, we’ll discuss pre-pandemic social distancing anthems, playact a fancy dinner party, and solve the mystery of the girl in the kitche...