The Hardest Podcast to Podcast

What would I liked to have been? Everything you hate! Gigi Marie returns to the podcast to discuss one of the best White Stripes songs of all time, "The Union Forever." This outstanding track is buried beneath the huge singles off 2001's White Blood Cells, but has recently taken on new life as a fiery protest song during Jack White's live shows. Let's dive into the imagery and dialogue from Citizen Kane, and consider just how much bigger this song could have, and should have been. Listen to Gigi Marie's new EP An Evening of Monster's Peace Theater and be sure to check her out live. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Assistant Editorial Producer: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

Are you seeing red now? Ryan sits down with Zach to discuss the first song in the White Stripes album discography. The welcome mat to the White Stripes listening experience, this song perfectly encapsulates Jack and Meg's magic. Loud Guitars and drums? Childlike imagery? Jimmy The Exploder has it and then some! Zach Butcher is based in Akron, Ohio, performs in the screamo/punk band The Jackal, and runs his DIY lable 'The Caller is in the House.' Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Intern: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

Without a doubt, the BEST final track on all six White Stripes albums. Melissa and Ryan discuss the powerful closer to 2001's White Blood Cells, share their thoughts on the lyrics and themes, and praise Jack and Meg for their harmonizing.  They also discuss Melissa's outstanding article "Searching for Meg White" for Elle Magazine and covering the the band's early days as the  staff music writer of Detroit's Metro Times. Melissa Giannini is a writer, editor, and editorial consultant in New York. She's also worked as an editor for Nylon and Spin. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Intern: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

Bring out your junk and we'll give it a home! Nate is back on the show to discuss all things Rag and Bone. From the song's fun and silly story to the catchy riff and choruses, this song almost didn't make 2007's Icky Thump but that last-minute decision proved to make the White Stripes' final album even more memorable. Listen to Nate's fantastic band Dead Summer and stream their latest single Melodramatic Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Intern: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

The White Stripes officially entered the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on November 8. Jack White took to the stage wearing red, white, and black for the first time in eighteen years and delivered a beautiful, heartfelt speech, including some comments from Meg, and a letter he had yet to send her. While Meg's absence was largely expected, it didn't stop some of the biggest names in music from showing their love and appreciation for the drummer. Ryan pens an essay sharing his thoughts on the ceremony and the Stripes' induction. Then, the podcast's assistant editorial producer, Amanda, joins the show for a few follow-up questions regarding the ceremony and the Stripes' impact that night. Finally, Ryan touches on "Slicker Drips," a quick and heavy banger on side two of the White Stripes' debut album. There's not a lot of meat on the bone, but we all know this podcast's format — one song a week! Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Assistant Editorial Producer: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

The two podcasts of the Jack White universe collide for a special cross-over episode you never thought you'd need! James and Paul Kaminski from The Third Men Podcast join Ryan to discuss their podcasting journeys, their respective fandoms, and of course, Hello Operator, the only single off the 2000 alum De Stijl album. A key staple in The White Stripes' legacy, "Hello Operator" is arguably the best example of their primal, stripped-down blues sound, complete with a Meg White "drum solo" and a harmonica break that comes blasting out of nowhere! Follow and listen to The Third Men Podcast - James and Paul have been covering all things White Stripes, Jack White, Third Man Records, and everything in between for nearly a decade!  Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Assistant Editorial Producer: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

Have you been to the broken bricks, girl? Ryan and Matt gather to break down Broken Bricks off their debut album. A rumpus, fast-paced punk track that's barely 1:45, and seemingly the only White Stripes original song with lyrics not written by Jack White. They discuss the poetry behind the song, it's big return as a Jack White solo live track, and much more!  Listen to Matt play drums in Terrifying Girls' High School , check out the Hot Action Podcast, and be sure to check out the film Thanks to the Hard Work of Elephants. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Assistant Editorial Producer: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

Meg steps up to the mic and delivers an absolute classic.  Alexis and Ryan dive into 'In the Cold, Cold Night', one of the White Stripes' quiet masterpieces in the midst of their loud and rowdy album Elephant. They discuss the simple and powerful story Meg sings, the raw and authentic recording at Toe Rag Studios, and the song's live history, which saw Jack call for Meg to come from behind her drum kit and sing at roughly 60% of all White Stripes shows. Alexis is the lead singer of Blood Diamond. Check out their latest single '2 Young 2 Die' and the great track 'So Fucking Happy'. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Assistant Editorial Producer: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

Tell 'em, Mort! John and Ryan dive into a deep cut off the White Stripes' 2003 album 'Elephant'. They discuss Little Acorns' serendipitous origins, and Jack and Meg decision to use the voice of a Detroit broadcasting legend on the track. John and Ryan then begin a spirited conversation about the band's approach to writing and recording. John hosts Blocked Party, the P.O.D. Kast, and What is...? A Jeopardy! Podcast. He also just wrote a book! "Curling Rocks!" is available October 14. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Assistant Editorial Producer: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

Do you do the Astro? We'll assume so. Dan Saraceni makes his second appearance on the podcast, discussing "Astro" off the White Stripes' 1999 debut album.  They discuss the song's incredibly catchy riff, it's unique lyrics that help profile the rivalry between Nikola Tesla and Thomas Edison, and talk about Jack White's love for their first album, and how much it sounds like Detroit. Dan hosts 'Islanders Anxiety', a podcast entering it's tenth season covering the New York Islanders.  Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Assistant Editorial Producer: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

ANOTHER job at the liquor store?! Damn! Nate Prevedoros sits down with Ryan to discuss one of the loudest and most chaotic tracks the White Stripes ever released. "Bone Broke" stands out as a powerful, frantic, and raw song from the band's only album recorded in a high-end studio. They cover the demo process, the first and only time the band ever did this, the evolution of the lyrics, and how the song perfectly represents not only the band's chemistry but also their ability to push a track to its absolute limit. Listen to Nate's fantastic band Dead Summer and stream their latest single Melodramatic Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Intern: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

Did you know about this song? Because up until a few weeks ago, Ryan certainly didn't! It's a solo episode this week. Ryan discovers this release from the eighth, subscribers-only Vault Package from summer 2011. Serving as the earliest 'studio' recording of the White Stripes ever released, their cover of Love's tragic ballad about drug addiction paints an incredible picture of Jack and Meg in the band's first few months. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Intern: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

There's a storm, it's coming all around... Ryan and Arash discuss one of the most obscure songs in the White Stripes' catalogue. Their 2005 cover of the Greenhornes' "Shelter of Your Arms" released earlier that same year, which saw the White Stripes record a track that was anything but striped-down or raw. They discuss Jack and Meg's unusual pivot towards more polished and produced music, and the what if scenario if their next album took this approach, as opposed to the "return to form" Icky Thump was promoted.  Follow Arash on social media and listen to him locally in Vancouver on Sportsnet 650. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Intern: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

Is this song a cover? Who's to say? Ryan and Kirk break down the White Stripes' cover of Blanche's "Who's To Say", the B-side of the "I Just Don't Know What to do With Myself" single. This song has been in the Jack White universe dating back to 1998 when Jack White and Blanche's Dan John Miller were members of Two-Star Tabernacle.  They look at the lyrical themes of the song and compare the Stripes' cover of Blanche's release to the demo recorded by Two-Star Tabernacle, each of which shine a different light on the story the narrator is trying to tell. Kirk Hamilton is the founder of the music blog 3 AM Revelations.  He also produces "Dungeon Punks" a punk rock TTRPG comedy podcast. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Intern: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

It's a weird one, but it goes hard! Depending on who you ask, Aluminum is the only instrumental song released by the White Stripes. A raw, gritty, and sonically uncomfortable track off 2001 White Blood Cells, Aluminum is a pure and authentic White Stripes track. Loud guitars, heavy drums, and some wild howls by Jack. Ryan, Nathan and Jeff discuss the White Blood Cells era White Stripes, their trip to Memphis to record the album on a budget, and how their breakout album was true to their core. You can listen to Nathan and Jeff go through every single song in Sloan's catalogue on the Sloan A to Z podcast. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Intern: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

Meg pointed at a screwdriver across the room and told Jack it would make a good song title.  Screwdriver is the topic of discussion this week. Hotel Mira's Mike Noble becomes the first two-time guest of the podcast as they dive into arguably the White Stripes' oldest songs. From its jam-session beginnings, to it being another one of the band's "North Star" live songs, this blues riff and simple but catchy lyrics have been at Jack's side ever since. Screwdriver has followed the band onto national television, countless releases, and still being performed live to this day. Mike Noble plays bass in the tremendous Hotel Mira. Listen to their new album "Pity Party" and catch them in a packed room on their upcoming North American tour beginning October 6 in Saskatoon, SK. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Intern: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

Ryan and Gigi discuss "White Moon", the beautiful piano track off 2005's Get Behind Me Satan. Only played four times live, there is one performance of the song that every fan remembers. Serving as the final scene of their 2010 documentary "Under Great White Northern Lights", the song and performance perfectly encapsulates all that is special about Jack and Meg White. Listen to Gigi Marie's new album All Things Night & Beautiful and be sure to check her out live. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Assistant Editorial Producer: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

The White Stripes' live staple. Their best cover, and perhaps the most important b-side in their discography? Andrea and Ryan discuss the White Stripes' cover of the Dolly Parton classic. They look at the song's history and origin, and marvel at the song's vulnerability. The Stripes' cover took on a new identity live and is the shining example of the band's creativity and sheer power. Based in Vancouver, BC, Andrea Woo reports extensively on substance use, mental health, and the intersection of health and climate change for the The Globe and Mail. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Assistant Editorial Producer: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

Little Cream Soda was one of the few premeditated things The White Stripes did, being their sixth and final "Little" song that found their way on each of their albums.  Ryan and Sam discuss Little Cream Soda's early origins on the Elephant tour, the song's abbreviated live history, and some of the lyrical themes in this heavy driving track by the White Stripes. They also discuss the Icky Thump-era White Stripes, and where they were at creatively entering their sixth album.  You can listen to Sam weekdays on X 92.9 FM in Calgary, Alberta. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Assistant Editorial Producer: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

Did trouble-making youth outside the gas station inspire this song? Yes. Yes they did. Hardcore drummer and film producer Matt Kerr joins the podcast to discuss "I Think I Smell A Rat" off of 2001's White Blood Cells.  The song is a live staple, a personal favourite of Jack White, and one of the most unique songs in the White Stripes' catalogue. Ryan and Matt discuss the song's origins as old interview quotes provide insight into the song.  Listen to Matt play drums in Terrifying Girls' High School , check out the Hot Action Podcast, and be sure to check out the fantastic film Riceboy Sleeps. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Assistant Editorial Producer: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod