Episodes

6d 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

Oct 14

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

Oct 7

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

Sep 30

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

Sep 19

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

Sep 10

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

Aug 26

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

Aug 19

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

Aug 12

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

Aug 5

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

Jul 29

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

Jul 22

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

Jul 15

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

Jul 1

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

Jun 24

Short song, long conversation. Ryan's joined in his little room with Andrew Zuber to discuss "Little Room", the short but impactful track off 2001's White Blood Cells. The two discuss the challenges and struggles of the creative process, and how the White Stripes carried this song with them for some of the biggest moments of their career as the band's popularity continued to rise. Ryan also suggests Jack White's inspiration for this simplistic song might be found in his favourite song, Son House's "Grinnin' in Your Face." You can listen to The Zubes each and every Wednesday on A.E. Double Dudes, available on the Wrestling Brain Twitch stream or podcast feed . 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

Jun 17

Alan Cross joins Ryan on this episode to discuss the title track off the White Stripes' final album, 2007's Icky Thump. They discuss the state of the band following the release of the Raconteurs' debut album 'Broken boy Soldiers', and look at why 'Icky Thump' was ultimately their final album following the grueling touring schedule they took on in 2007. They also reflect on the 2008 documentary "It Might Get Loud" and share their thoughts on Third Man Records in Nashville. You can listen to Alan Cross on The Ongoing History of New Music and Uncharted: Crime and Mayhem in the Music Industry 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

Jun 10

Girl, You Have No Faith in Medicine? Meg Has No Faith in Jack's Lyrics. Bryan Quinby joins us this week to talk about the frenetic track on 2003's "Elephant". The song is catchy, fast, and loud but almost did not see the light of day. They discuss Bryan's musical journey from Nu Metal to the White Stripes, look at the band's history in Columbus, and discuss Jack White's strange inspiration for a song that Meg, quite frankly, didn't like that much. Follow Bryan on Bluesky and listen to Guys: A Podcast About Guys and the P.O.D. Kast . 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

Jun 3

WAIT//LESS is fresh off opening for Jack White at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, BC. Allie Sheldan shares her band's story of getting hand picked by Jack White and all the positive things he is doing for up-and-coming bands. Ryan and Allie discuss "The Big Three Killed My Baby", one of the White Stripes' heavier tracks, a song of protest against the big three motor companies that built up and tore down Detroit, Michigan. Listen to WAIT//LESS ' latest single " Hot Girl " and look out for their debut album coming soon. 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

May 27

A simple and stripped-down tale of someone longing to help a woman in distress, Apple Blossom is still being performed live, twenty five years later. Fake Shark's lead singer Kevvy joins Ryan to discuss the song's simplistic recording in Jack White's living room, it's longevity in the White Stripes' live set, and it's second life after being featured prominently in Quentin Tarantino's 2015 film "Hateful Eight" Listen to Fake Shark 's new single " I'm With Stupid " and catch them on the Fake Bastards Tour with Johnny Manchild & The Poor Bastards across North America. 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

May 20

A live favourite and one of the best cover songs in the White Stripes' catalogue, and it's not "Jolene"?! Ryan and guest Jason Manning discuss the song brought to the table by Meg White, who felt the band should cover it, and how they turned the classic song written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David into something incredible, unique, and powerful. For the first time in this podcast's early existance, this episode has a lot to talk about regarding the official video for the song. Sofia Coppola's vision of Kate Moss pole dancing alone to this song came to life in 2003. For the past decade, Jason Manning has been a pillar of alternative rock radio in Vancouver. You can listen to him weekdays in Vancouver on 96.9 Jack FM 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

May 13

Clocking at 1:58 with a twenty-five second home recording intro, "Let's Build A Home" makes so much noise in so little time while leaving a lasting impression in the White Stripes' catalogue. Ryan and Dan discuss the adorable Gillis Family recording off the top of the song, count the song's lyrics (there aren't many), and look at the song's incredible live performance legacy. From Under Blackpool Lights to Late Night with Conan O'Brien to a bowling alley in Saskatoon, this rowdy track off 2000's "De Stijl" absolutely delivers. Dan hosts ' Islanders Anxiety', a podcast covering all-things New York Islanders from all angles. 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

May 6

A deep cut off side B of 2001's "White Blood Cells" is featured this week. Longtime broadcaster and music journalist Paul McLellan joins us to discuss "I Can't Wait." Ryan and Paul dive into the themes of the song, Meg White's sick snare drum fills, and what this song represents during a very important timeframe of the White Stripes' history. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Intern: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

Apr 29

Hotel Mira's Mike Noble joins this episode of the Hardest Podcast to Podcast to discuss "My Doorbell", the third track off 2005's "Get Behind Me Satan". But before we can discuss this song, we need to discuss The White Stripes being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, class of 2025, their first year of eligibility. Ryan and Mike discuss the song's simple but catchy structure, the incredible form it took live, and how versatile and malleable this timeless track became immediately upon release. The also cover the incredible performance of the song on Later with Jools Holland in 2007 that saw Jack White, Meg White, and Jools Holland give the song a whole new life. Mike Noble plays bass in the tremendous Hotel Mira . Listen to their new album " Pity Party " and catch them in a sold-out room across North America. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Intern: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

Apr 22

In this episode of the Hardest Podcast to Podcast, we are joined by Josh Custodio to discuss "Black Math", the second track off 2003's "Elephant". Ryan and Josh dive into the lyrics as Jack White sings about struggling to properly learn from teachers and authority figures. They also discuss the song's long-term live history, punk rock origins, and the song's relatively unknown official music video. Josh Custodio is the host of the fantastic Wrestling Brain Twitch stream , and his Patreon does not disappoint either. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Intern: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

Apr 15

The inaugural episode of The Hardest Podcast to Podcast has Hotel Mira 's Charlie Kerr joining Ryan Schaap to discuss "I'm Lonely (but I Ain't That Lonely Yet)", the quiet coda of 2005's Get Behind Me Satan. Charlie reflects on The White Stripes' impact on his writing and approach to music, while Ryan realizes his 17-year-old self wrote this song off far too quickly. This song showcases Jack White's storytelling while encapsulating a key part in The White Stripes' evolution. When you're done listening to this podcast, go listen to Hotel Mira's new album Pity Party . Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Intern: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

Apr 12

This is the Hardest Podcast to Podcast. Each Tuesday, host Ryan Schaap and a guest will dive into one random White Stripes song and shine a light on the band's catalogue. Every song will be covered on this podcast. All eighty-seven album songs, forty-two singles and b-sides. We'll even review the four remixes released by our favourite brother and sister duo from Detroit. What's our goal on this project? We're going to celebrate the band, and discover the impact they had on people. But we're really working towards something fun as we work to get Jack White himself to join the show and discuss three hand-picked songs. Some that define the band, others that are a bit-less celebrated, and we will work hard in our quest to have Jack join us and discuss each of them. That's right. This show's lofty goal is to have Jack White join the show not once, but three times. Seems like a fitting number. What songs are reserved for Jack? We'll never share that info. Well, there could be a hint here or there. Come along on this journey as we revisit and revel in all things White Stripes.