The Hardest Podcast to Podcast

Oh when Christmas finally comes... Ryan is joined by our dear friend Mike Noble to discuss the White Stripes' only Christmas song, Candy Cane Children. Written and recorded in 1998, this is one of the earlier studio recordings of the band, capturing a raw and vulnerable rock-and-roll band from Detroit. They dive into the dark, twisted lyrics and themes and discuss the business of Christmas songs, and what they look for in songs for the holidays. Mike also makes an exceptional observation about the structure of this song, which is quite similar to one of their live set staples. Mike Noble plays bass in Hotel Mira. Listen to their new album "Pity Party" and catch them on their upcoming UK tour beginning January 28 at the The Horn in St Albans, England. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Intern: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

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

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