BONUS EPISODE: Drop the ball and pick up the champagne, it’s the start of another year! Happy Special Episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts for their annual end-of-year Bonus Episode as Dan, Michael, and Rachel ring in the new year with a look back at their 2023 episodes and some friendly competition. Happy New Year from THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us on Twitter (@Story_Song), Instagram...

Happy holidays! Don't mess around with those silly toys — enjoy this special holiday episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST while you're drinking down your wine. Join your hosts for their review of the 1977 Christmas rock classic, “Father Christmas” by The Kinks. In this episode, we get into the holiday spirit as we discuss practical gifts to start a small business, large-lapeled leisure suits for children, and a very Kubrick Christmas. So, don’t be annoyed! Pick up your reindeer, and have a...

Hey, sweet, sweet thing. You don’t have to go incognito and hide your Bette Davis eyes to get a hold of this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they review the 1973 classic rock hit, “No More Mr. Nice Guy” by Alice Cooper (the band and also the person). In this episode we’ll discuss early-morning auditions, talent competitions for varsity lettermen, and big red dogs. So put down that paper, turn off your Spiders records, and listen to this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST....

Come and knock on our door…and then break it down. It’s time for another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts as they review the 1997 hit, “The Old Apartment” by Canadian alternative rock band, Barenaked Ladies. In this episode, we’ll discuss the perils of being an upstairs neighbor, getting a degree in directing from West Beverly High, and nostalgic B&Es. So, tear the phone out of the wall, get a bowl of Kraft Dinner, and find a spot on the newly cleaned floor to break into...

You may have lost your shaker of salt, but you found another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Change your latitude and join your hosts for their tribute to singer, songwriter, and vibesetter, Jimmy Buffett, as they review his 1977 beachy classic, “Margaritaville.” In this episode we’ll party with Truman Capote, discuss all-inclusive squatter’s rights, and become our best Buffett. So grab a fancy dessert and a frozen concoction, find your flip flop, and waste away with this episode of THE...

Everything is getting kind of groovy in this special Halloween episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they review the Halloween (or at least Halloween-adjacent) 1967 hit, “Spooky” by Classics IV. In this episode, we’ll discuss how scary indifference can be, which future-classic movies are worth changing plans for, and the benefits of naming your band after its greatest hits album. This episode will be haunting your dreams, so listen for Halloween. We won’t keep you guessing...

BONUS EPISODE: Is there a Halloween version of a Christmas carol? In this spooky season minisode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST, we’re having a very serious Halloween party. Join your hosts as they create a binding, definitive list of the eight songs that belong in the Halloween song canon. We’ll explain Halloween to visitors from outer space, avoid songs that are genuinely upsetting, and later, go clubbing with Santa and Liza. So grab a bite-size Snickers, put on your best disguise, and enjoy...

BONUS EPISODE: Something’s out there! It’s a classic episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Join your hosts as they revisit their review of the 1980s new wave classic, “99 Luftballons” (and its English version, “99 Red Balloons”) by German band, Nena. We’ll revisit this international hit and discuss the German translation for James T. Kirk, multilingual evil clowns, and trust issues with our computer overlords. This is what you’ve waited for, so super-scurry back to 99 Decision Street, and enjoy...

Who’s ready for a good cry and another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST? Join your hosts for their review of the 1963 classic, “Puff, the Magic Dragon” by legendary folk trio Peter, Paul and Mary. In this episode, we’ll travel by pirate ship to a land called Honah Lee, where we’ll frolic in the autumn mist and discuss fancy stuff, like recent trends in the magical-cave real estate market, necessary improvements to the works of Ogden Nash, and what’s Dorothy Kilgallen’s line. So, be brave,...

Don’t miss the boat — it’s time to go for broke with another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts for their review of the 1977 pop-rock hit, “Lido Shuffle” by singer-songwriter, Boz Scaggs. In this episode, we be running to discuss appropriate paper stock options for announcing local ordinances, retirement plans for fancy criminals, and brooding Uncle Boz on a bench. Lido’s for the money; he’s for the show. And that show is this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. We have great...

You’ve been looking around awhile, we’ve got something for you — another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts as they conclude the Summer of Symbolism with their review of the 1971 hit, “Brand New Key” by singer/songwriter, Melanie. In this episode, we’ll tighten up our skates and discuss stalking options for non-drivers, ice cream truck-powered music festivals, and OPS (Other People’s Shoes). So, ride by the house (night or day) — we should get together and listen to this...

Weight just a minute! It’s another episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts as they review the 1968 classic “The Weight” by influential rock band, The Band. In this Summer of Symbolism episode, we pull into Nazareth to get CPR certified, look for a mattress sale, and shop for a bag big enough for your burdens. So feed Jack the dog (when you can), catch a cannonball, and come on let’s go downtown on this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Say hey to Fanny for us. Continue the...

BONUS EPISODE: Drums Please! Now that summer’s here, it’s time for V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N and a special Minisode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST! Join your hosts as they explore songs about summer. Whether the weather’s fine or it’s a cruel summer, we'll hop in a jalopy, stretch right up and touch the sky, and travel to Philly, the city, and the drive-in. So, come on, come on, and dance all night to these summer songs, and sit back and unwind with this special Minisode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Continue...

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, and enjoy this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY...

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 impractical subscription services, Joe DiMaggio (most famous for his work as a coffee spokesman, and...

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 already with the summer of love. So call up the Captain and get Tiffany twisted as you check out (but...

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 SONG PODCAST! Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG PODCAST on social media. Follow us...

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 simpler place and time to discuss the least possible convenient transit schedules, superstar...

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 issues that get held up in red tape. Wipe away those stars from your eyes and come alive tonight with...

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, theater, and comedy to provide a unique perspective on the songs they cover. They approach each...

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 19th-Century taverns, and the eyeroll seen ’round the world. So let’s not fight, they can dance,...

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 STORY SONG PODCAST. It’s a shopping sensation! Continue the conversation; follow THE STORY SONG...

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 this episode of THE STORY SONG PODCAST. This one’s for you. Continue the conversation; follow THE...

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, and where to find the shortest, thinnest, grossest stogies. So stop pushing broom, and by all...

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. So get away again tonight and take time to make time to listen to this episode of THE STORY SONG...