TheraSwifts

That Shimmering Light Back (TheraSwifts' Version)

In this Season Two finale of TheraSwifts, Meredith and Lauren share some big news about what’s next for the project. After 60 episodes, our beloved co-host Meredith is stepping into a new chapter of her life and will be leaving the podcast. This era, as we’ve known it, is ending. The duet is becoming a solo. Lauren and Meredith reflect together on the incredible growth of this community, everything they’ve built together, and the way Taylor’s music has held space for so many stories of loss, love, and resilience. And Lauren gives listeners an exciting sneak peek at what’s coming next for TheraSwifts: a new format, a new rhythm, and the same heart-centered mission to explore healing through the soundtrack of our lives. ✨ It’s a farewell to the version we’ve known… and the beginning of a whole new era. Episode show notes: * Check out our feature in People Magazine [https://people.com/swiftie-loses-both-legs-and-soulmate-in-car-accident-exclusive-11825244] * Donate to Brandi’s GoFundMe [https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-brandi-hutchinson-get-a-new-wheelchair-van] * Donate to Brandi via Venmo [https://account.venmo.com/u/BrandiDHutch] Episode chapters: 00:00 Season Two Finale: A Reflection 04:27 The Evolution of TheraSwifts 08:34 Community and Connection Through Music 13:05 Personal Stories and Their Impact 17:28 Navigating Life’s Challenges with Music 21:36 The Healing Power of Music 22:29 Navigating Trauma and Love 23:37 Endings, Beginnings, and Love Songs 24:58 Grief and Its Unending Nature 26:56 The Impact of Seasons on Emotions 28:28 Revisiting Vows and Self-Love 30:17 Cultural Connectivity Through Music 32:38 Shared Experiences in Music 35:36 The Joy of Collective Listening 37:56 Staying Tender Amidst Challenges This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theraswiftspod.substack.com [https://theraswiftspod.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Bad Blood (Michael's Version)

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of sexual assault, bullying, and trauma. In this powerful and heartfelt conversation, Michael shares how Taylor Swift’s music became both a mirror and a map for his healing. He opens up about surviving bullying and sexual assault in high school, the courage it took to seek therapy, and how certain lyrics helped him name what once felt unspeakable. For Michael, “Bad Blood” became more than a song—it was an anthem of survival, anger, and reclaiming power. Episode chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 04:15 Michael’s Personal Connection to Taylor Swift 08:30 Experiences of Bullying and Sexual Assault 16:18 Healing and Therapy Journey 23:23 Empowerment Through Storytelling 28:36 Reflections on Taylor Swift’s Impact This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theraswiftspod.substack.com [https://theraswiftspod.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Eros Tour (Adam's Version)

Adam Blum, Psy.D., is a clinical psychologist and co-author of Here I’m Alive: The Spirit of Music in Psychoanalysis. He has written and presented on psychoanalysis and the music of Björk, Kendrick Lamar, Stephen Sondheim, Frank Ocean, Michael Jackson, and of course, Taylor Swift. He teaches and supervises at the San Francisco Center for Psychoanalysis, where he serves on the committee for Dialogues in Contemporary Psychoanalysis [https://www.sfcp.org/2025-06-14-dialogues/], as well as the Psychoanalytic Institute of Northern California. He is in private practice in San Francisco. In this episode, Adam discusses his article The Eros Tour, which analyzes the Eras Tour Experience as a communal mourning process, as well as the essential musicality of the psyche and the psychoanalytic endeavor. Show notes: * Adam’s Book, Here I’m Alive [https://www.amazon.com/dp/0231209444?tag=&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1], co-authored with Dr. Peter Goldberg and Dr. Michael Levin * Adam’s website [https://adamblumpsyd.com/] * Adam’s Eros Tour Article [https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/BIMQCPPRCDCCSUQA8PME/full?target=10.1080/07351690.2025.2492547]: Episode chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Adam Blum and His Work 02:49 Taylor Swift: A Cultural Phenomenon 05:13 The Connection Between Music and Adolescence 07:21 The Weave: Music as a Shared Experience 09:43 The Role of Music in Healing and Mourning 12:11 The Impact of the Eras Tour on Fans 14:44 Music as a Mirror of Emotions 17:21 The Paradox of Music: Remembering and Forgetting 19:23 Adolescence and the Power of Music 21:35 Conclusion: The Lasting Impact of Music on Identity 23:48 The Emotional Resonance of Taylor Swift’s Music 26:21 Time, Memory, and the Power of Music 28:20 The Evolution of Taylor Swift’s Artistry 30:41 The Impact of Taylor’s Personal Life on Fans 32:51 The Role of Therapy in Celebrity Culture 35:11 The Enchantment of Taylor Swift’s Music 38:04 Taylor Swift as a Cultural Touchstone This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theraswiftspod.substack.com [https://theraswiftspod.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Best Day (Olivia and Alex's Version)

In this episode, Meredith sits down with mother–daughter Swifties Olivia and Alex to talk about the bond they’ve built through Taylor’s music. From Olivia’s lifelong connection to Taylor’s songs to the unforgettable moments they’ve shared together (yes, including meeting Taylor!), they reflect on how fandom can connect generations, create community, and spark joy for years to come. Episode show notes: * Follow Your Favorite Neighborhood Swiftie [https://www.facebook.com/people/Your-Favorite-Neighborhood-Swiftie/61560386611570/] on Facebook Episode chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Mother-Daughter Duo 01:13 Olivia’s Taylor Swift Origin Story 03:20 The Emotional Connection to Taylor Swift’s Music 06:55 The Universal Language of Taylor Swift’s Lyrics 08:37 Experiencing the Eras Tour 09:29 Meeting Taylor Swift: A Memorable Experience 16:06 The Impact of Taylor Swift on Family Dynamics 19:46 The Power of Music and Dance 21:27 Writing and Connection in the Swiftie Community 23:13 Music for All Ages: Taylor Swift’s Timeless Appeal 25:50 Growing with the Music: Personal Connections to Lyrics 28:45 Community and Kindness: The Swiftie Spirit 32:09 Admiration for Taylor Swift: Humility and Generosity 35:55 Creating a Swiftie Family: Shared Experiences and Traditions This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theraswiftspod.substack.com [https://theraswiftspod.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

This Is Me Trying (Grace's Version)

Trigger warning: This conversation includes discussions about suicide. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call 988 to connect with the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. In this moving conversation, Grace opens up about the profound grief of losing her best friend to suicide and the ways Taylor Swift’s music became a lifeline in her healing. Meredith and Grace explore how music can hold our emotions when words fall short, the importance of community in carrying us through loss, and the complicated realities of navigating grief. Episode chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Grace's Story 02:36 The Impact of Loss on Mental Health 05:03 Discovering Taylor Swift's Music 07:44 Healing Through Music and Community 10:23 The Significance of Specific Songs 13:07 Concert Experience and Emotional Connection 15:50 Navigating Grief and Acceptance 18:12 The Role of the Swiftie Community 20:37 Finding Meaning in Loss 23:17 Conclusion and Reflection 27:06 The Call of Life and Grief 27:38 The Power of Music in Healing 30:01 Celebration and Remembrance 32:14 The Intertwining of Love and Grief 34:50 Navigating Grief and Community Support 36:55 Cultural Attitudes Towards Grief 40:08 Understanding Suicide and Its Impact 43:05 The Fragility and Preciousness of Life 45:59 Personalizing the Grief Journey This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theraswiftspod.substack.com [https://theraswiftspod.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]