Ryan Schaap
The Hardest Podcast to Podcast celebrates The White Stripes discussing one song at a time. The show is simple: one White Stripes song a week, at random. Ryan Schaap sits down with a guest host to cover one song and discuss its legacy and its role in the band's catalogue. Working hard to celebrate everyone's favourite duo, Jack White and Meg White. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork by Caitlin Likely
5d ago
We took the podcast to go bowling downtown at The Red Door. In what could only be described as the coolest collab in rock-and-roll history, The White Stripes wrote and recorded a song about pinball for Multiball — a zine devoted to rock and roll and pinball. Josh and Ryan discuss this absolute banger that flies under the radar in the Stripes' catalogue, featuring crushing beats, a heavy guitar riff, and lyrics that veer away from Jack and Meg's usual subject matter. Josh Custodio is the host of the fantastic Wrestling Brain Twitch stream. His Patreon does not disappoint either. This episode is available in video on our YouTube channel . 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
Dec 9
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
Dec 2
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
Nov 25
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
Nov 18
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
Nov 12
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
Nov 4
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
Oct 21
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