Newsletter for Episode 7
The obligatory Taylor Swift episode
What if Taylor Swift’s entire catalog isn’t autobiography, but fiction? In this week’s episode, we explored a theory that Swift might be music’s greatest storyteller rather than its most confessional diarist. We learned about the legendary songwriter Dennis Linde who created an entire fictional town for his country hits. And, how that might be exactly what Taylor is doing. Plus: why we might be entering a golden age of music born from political upheaval, and whether taking your time between albums (looking at you, Cardi B) beats the constant content churn.
What did we cover this week?
The Fiction Writer Theory: Taylor Swift’s Narrative Craft
The episode explores the idea that Taylor Swift operates more as a fiction writer than an autobiographical songwriter, similar to how country songwriter Dennis Linde created an entire fictional universe called “Lindeville” for his songs.
Artists often blur the line between personal experience and fictional storytelling to create more universal, relatable work while maintaining privacy.
Learn More:
Music as Social Commentary: Art Born from Political Upheaval
The discussion highlights how periods of political and social turmoil historically generate powerful, transformative music and art, with predictions that the current era will produce similarly significant creative work.
Artists process collective trauma and social change through their work, often creating their most meaningful output during challenging times.
Political Action Steps:
Support Arts Funding: Contact your representatives to support the National Endowment for the Arts. Find your representative at house.gov
Vote in Local Elections: Arts funding often starts locally. Register and check your voter registration at Vote.org
Support Independent Artists: Use platforms like Bandcamp where more revenue goes directly to artists
Join or Donate to: Amplifier Foundation - Supporting art as activism
Learn More:
Career Reinvention in Your 30s: The Transformation Decade
We explored how people’s 30s often mark a watershed moment for reinvention: changing careers, reassessing relationships, and discovering authentic identity after years of uncertainty.
Personal growth often accelerates in your 30s as you develop clearer boundaries, self-awareness, and willingness to pursue fulfillment over convention.
Learn More:
Quality Over Quantity: Cardi B’s Album Strategy
The episode argues that Cardi B’s approach of releasing albums every several years with high quality output proves more effective than constant content production.
Strategic patience and quality control can yield better artistic and commercial results than rushing to meet content demands.
Learn More:
Beyoncé vs. Taylor Swift: Approachability vs. Aspiration
Beyoncé’s brand is an interesting contrast of unattainable excellence and empowerment with Taylor Swift’s relatable vulnerability and accessibility. Both approaches successfully connect with audiences.
Different artists succeed by offering different emotional experiences—some make fans feel seen in their struggles, others make them feel powerful beyond their limitations.
The Business of Fame: Vegas Residencies and Career Longevity
The conversation explores how Las Vegas residencies represent both stability for artists with families and potentially a shift in career phase, though opinions differ on whether this signals decline or evolution.
Long-term career sustainability for performers increasingly means finding alternatives to constant touring that allow for personal life balance.
Media References
Music:
“Burning Love” - Elvis Presley (written by Dennis Linde) - Spotify
“Goodbye Earl” - The Chicks (written by Dennis Linde) - Spotify
“Callin’ Baton Rouge” - Garth Brooks (written by Dennis Linde) - Spotify
“All Too Well (10 Minute Version)” - Taylor Swift - Spotify
“Cat’s in the Cradle” - Harry Chapin - Spotify
Folklore - Taylor Swift - Apple Music
Evermore - Taylor Swift - Apple Music
TV/Film:
Grey’s Anatomy - Streaming on Hulu
Sinners (2024) - Starring Hailee Steinfeld
Podcasts:
Las Culturistas - with Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers - [Available on all podcast platforms]
New Heights - with Jason and Travis Kelce - [Available on all podcast platforms]
Episode Link & CTA
Click through here to find the full episode and follow on other platforms. Or feel free to listen below on Apple, Spotify, or Youtube.
Connect with us:
Instagram: @takeitpersonalpod
TikTok: @takeitpersonalpod
Have thoughts on our Taylor Swift theory? We want to hear them! Tag us on social media or leave a comment on YouTube.
Take It Personal is a weekly podcast exploring culture, politics, and the stories that shape our lives. Hosted by Will, Jamie, and Steph.