Older & Wilder

Older & Wilder


TayLore and Ophelia 101

August 28, 2025

We recorded this episode BEFORE the engagement announcement. See our emergency episode on the Taylore podcast feed.


Diving into Taylor Swift Theories and Origins


In this episode of Older and Wilder, Joy and Claire delve into the fascinating world of Taylor Swift, discussing her career, cultural impact, and fan theories. They explore various topics including Taylor's transition from country to pop and Taylor's business acumen in marketing and branding. The hosts also engage in a detailed discussion about the symbolism of Ophelia from Hamlet and its potential connection to Swift’s latest album cover. They touch upon the fan-driven conspiracy theories and the phenomenon of Easter eggs in Taylor Swift’s work, providing insights into the singer's strategy and the fervor of her dedicated fanbase.


03:06 Taylor Swift: A Deep Dive

04:23 Claire's Pop Culture Preferences

06:03 Taylor Swift's Evolution and Impact

10:02 Personal Taylor Swift Stories

23:13 Taylor Swift's Business Acumen

26:31 The Evolution of Taylor Swift's Concerts

27:32 Taylor Swift's Intimate Fan Engagements

28:33 Maintaining an Approachable Image

30:11 Taylor Swift's Strategic Marketing Genius

31:16 Ophelia Symbolism in Taylor Swift's Work

35:47 Analyzing Taylor Swift's Easter Eggs

49:50 Theories and Speculations