The Story Song Podcast

Turn the radio on, turn the radio up for this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they review the 1994 #1 pop-rock hit, “Stay (I Missed You),” by Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories. In this episode, we’ll discuss the invention of glasses, feline-centric music videos, and rare opportunities to play the banjo. So STAY, listen hard, and pay attention to this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST....

The bell just rang for period one, and that means it’s time for another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they review the 2003 alternative rock song, “Hackensack,” by Fountains of Wayne. Get back to Hackensack (you’ll take the PATH and transfer to Jersey Transit at Secaucus) and learn every fun fact about the city of Hackensack, which we think was named after the song. And if y...

BONUS EPISODE: Hello to you, our trusted friends. Have some joy and fun in the sun with this classic episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they revisit their review of the 1973 #1 hit song, “Seasons in the Sun” by Terry Jacks — a song that sounds like it might be about summer. Can a happy-sounding song be really, really sad? Did the Beach Boys make the best decision of their career...

Busted flat in Baton Rouge? Waiting for a train? Looking for that home? Well you’ve found it with this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they review the 1971 classic, “Me and Bobby McGee” written by SSP patron saint, Kris Kristofferson, and performed by rock legend, Janis Joplin. In this episode, we’ll thumb our way across the country in the least logical direction possible to...

BONUS: Beat the summer heat with this classic episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they revisit their review of the 1960 summer staple, “Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini” by Brian Hyland. Soak in all the summer fun while we discuss oversized novelty swimsuit cover-ups, mean girls who can count to four, and shame-induced hypothermia. So get out of the locker and sli...

It’s time for the 90th episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts as they read into every word Gotye says in their review of his 2012 international hit song, “Somebody That I Used to Know” (featuring Kimbra). In this episode, we discuss drama-fueled dinner parties, the logic of reverse gaslighting, and rock stars with secret identities. So collect your records, change your number, and list...

Welcome to 55 Secret Street and another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your host for their review of the Grammy-nominated 1984 dance hit, “The Glamorous Life” performed by Sheila E. and written by legendary singer/songwriter Prince. In this episode, we discuss how to beat the heat in your warmest coat, finding a date on double-coupon day at the lingerie store, and fifty shades of brown se...

It’s your fun day because you get to listen to another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts for their review of the 1986 pop hit, “Manic Monday,” performed by The Bangles and written by the artist formerly known as Christopher, but mostly known as legendary singer/songwriter Prince. In this episode, we discuss Rudolph Valentino and his logical 1980s successors, the gradual realizatio...

Have U been trying 2 have fun no matter what U do? This episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST can help! Join your hosts for their review of the 1990 pop hit, “Nothing Compares 2 U” performed by Sinéad O’Connor and written by the legendary singer/songwriter, Prince. In this episode, we discuss outdoor dining for one, questionable medical advice, and where all the flowers have gone. So go out every nigh...

The flies are buzzin’ about this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts for their review of the classic country ballad, “Angel from Montgomery,” performed by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Bonnie Raitt, and written by legendary singer/songwriter, John Prine. In this episode, we fly from Montgomery to outer space to discuss our new coworker, Jeff; 1960s crypto; unnecessary stage musicals;...

Stop slam dancing and give this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST a chance. Travel ‘round the world, just you and your hosts, as they review the 1988 punk classic, “Punk Rock Girl,” by The Dead Milkmen. You’ll feel rich as the Duke of Earl as we discuss hot iced tea, beach-related intellectual property, and that embarrassing moment when you realize that you left the price tag on your new hat. So d...

Hey you guys! It’s us. Your friends at THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts for their review of the 1981 synth-pop hit, “Don’t You Want Me,” by British new wave group, The Human League. Whether you’re a waitress in a cocktail bar or a musician in a hospital, this is the episode for you! In this episode, we’ll unbox uninterested elevator operators, Hollywood royalty, and a sci-fi board game that...

Don’t just sit there by your radio! Put another nickel in — in the nickelodeon, and enjoy this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts for their review of the 1976 song, “She Loves to Hear the Music” by singer, songwriter, and Australian icon Peter Allen (written by Peter Allen and Carole Bayer Sager). In this episode, we’ll discuss who is hot, who will make it, who will not, and Beetho...

BONUS EPISODE: Hey there, treetop lovers! It’s a two-for-the-price-of-one classic episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they revisit their reviews of two classics: “You Don’t Mess Around with Jim” and “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” by legendary singer-songwriter, Jim Croce. Learn what not to do to Superman’s cape, where to keep your extra razor, and what to do with missing puzzle pieces. P...

Wake up! It’s time for another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts for their review of the 1971 classic, “Maggie May” by rock legend, Rod Stewart. In this episode, we hide from the sunlight, renovate a dorm room, and find out that there’s a new England. So don’t be a second-class fool, collect your books, and let this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST keep you amused. Continue the c...

Do you hear the clock? That means it’s time for another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. At last, some good news! Join your hosts as they review the 1996 pop hit “You Were Meant for Me” by singer/songwriter/yodeler, Jewel. In this episode we discuss talking coffee, early-morning movies, and too many pancakes. Turn off the light, pick up those wet towels, put on your PJs, and hop into this episod...

Had enough of scheming? Ask yourself this question — are you ready for another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST? Join your hosts for their review of the 1986 synth-pop classic, “Opportunities (Let’s Make Lots of Money),” by dance-pop duo, Pet Shop Boys. In this episode, we discuss mobsters who work from home, beautiful dum-dums, and all of the dons. This episode has it all — brains, looks, brawn,...

BONUS EPISODE: Breaker! Breaker! We’re going to the movies! In this minisode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, your hosts explore the 1978 movie Convoy, which is based on the 1975 song, “Convoy,” which is based on the 1973 commercial for Old Home Bread. Find out what happens when your wedding photographer bails, whatever happened to the waitress from the truckstop, and whether a 2-hour movie would have b...

You’re so much more than kind to listen to this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they review the 1972 classic, “Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels)" by legendary singer-songwriter Jim Croce. In this episode, we discuss Jim’s matchbook collection, improv training for telephone operators, and why you’ve got to watch out for Ray. Well, let’s forget all that. Thank you for your...

Oh yeah, alright. THE STORY SONG PODCAST is back with its first new episode of 2022. We know how it feels — the waiting is the hardest part. Join your hosts for their review of the 1976 classic, “American Girl,” by Hall-of-Fame rockers, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. In this episode, we discuss tiny balconies in a great big world, butter substitutes, and scary cakes. Is there more to life than t...

BONUS EPISODE: Keep the party going with this classic episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they revisit their reviews of Lesley Gore’s classic hits, “It’s My Party” and its sequel, “Judy’s Turn to Cry.” Relive the rollercoaster ride of emotions that is Lesley’s birthday party. This party has everything — crying, fighting, cheating, and probably cake. Play all your records, keep da...

BONUS EPISODE: Happy New Year from THE STORY SONG PODCAST! It’s time for our annual end-of-year Bonus Episode, and this year, it couldn’t have happened without you! Join your hosts as they wind down the year with a mail bag full of questions, comments, and additional theories about your favorite story songs. THE STORY SONG PODCAST special New Year’s episode starts in 3…2…1…!   Find Dan’s Best Song...

BONUS EPISODE: Come reminisce with your old friends from THE STORY SONG PODCAST with another classic episode! Just in time for your holiday party, join your hosts as they have a party while revisiting their review of another, less festive party, the 1972 country rock song, “Garden Party,” by singer-songwriter, Rick “Ricky” Nelson and the Stone Canyon Band. This garden party has everything — Yoko,...

In the criminal justice system, reindeer are represented by two separate yet equally important groups. Join your hosts for a special holiday episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST as they review the 1984 Christmas hit, “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer” by Elmo & Patsy. In this episode, we’ll examine the suspicious circumstances around the mysterious demise of an inebriated matriarch, use mythical cr...

We knew a man — Bojangles — and he’s the subject of this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they talk of life, they talk of life — and the 1970 standard, “Mr. Bojangles,” by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. In this episode, we’ll discuss clickety-clacking, how to avoid small talk in a New Orleans prison cell, and we definitely won’t discuss dogs that up and died. Let go a laugh with...