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PODCAST

The Hardest Podcast to Podcast

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

music music history

All Episodes

54:25

White Stripes Enter the Rock Hall ... and Slicker Drips

The Hardest Podcast to Podcast ·

2025/11/12

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

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01:32:32

Hello Operator ft. The Third Men Podcast (Special...

The Hardest Podcast to Podcast ·

2025/11/04

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

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01:01:57

Broken Bricks ft. Matt Kerr (Terrifying Girls High...

The Hardest Podcast to Podcast ·

2025/10/21

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

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01:11:46

In the Cold, Cold Night ft. Alexis Young (Blonde...

The Hardest Podcast to Podcast ·

2025/10/14

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

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01:20:41

Little Acorns ft. John Cullen

The Hardest Podcast to Podcast ·

2025/10/07

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

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01:06:30

Astro ft. Dan Saraceni

The Hardest Podcast to Podcast ·

2025/09/30

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

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01:04:04

Bone Broke ft. Nate Prevedoros (Dead Summer)

The Hardest Podcast to Podcast ·

2025/09/19

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

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29:42

Signed D.C.

The Hardest Podcast to Podcast ·

2025/09/10

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

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01:14:07

Shelter of Your Arms ft. Arash Memarzadeh

The Hardest Podcast to Podcast ·

2025/08/26

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

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55:14

Who's To Say ft. Kirk Hamilton

The Hardest Podcast to Podcast ·

2025/08/19

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

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01:02:53

Aluminum ft. Jeff & Nathan Fox

The Hardest Podcast to Podcast ·

2025/08/12

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

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01:10:55

Screwdriver ft. Mike Noble (Hotel Mira)

The Hardest Podcast to Podcast ·

2025/08/05

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

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57:47

White Moon ft. Gigi Marie

The Hardest Podcast to Podcast ·

2025/07/29

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

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01:02:56

Jolene ft. Andrea Woo

The Hardest Podcast to Podcast ·

2025/07/22

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

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54:43

Little Cream Soda ft. Sam Phelps

The Hardest Podcast to Podcast ·

2025/07/15

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

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01:11:46

I Think I Smell A Rat ft. Matt Kerr

The Hardest Podcast to Podcast ·

2025/07/01

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

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48:56

Little Room ft. Andrew Zuber

The Hardest Podcast to Podcast ·

2025/06/24

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

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58:21

Icky Thump ft. Alan Cross

The Hardest Podcast to Podcast ·

2025/06/17

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

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01:21:16

Girl, You Have No Faith in Medicine ft. Bryan Quinby

The Hardest Podcast to Podcast ·

2025/06/10

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

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01:11:12

The Big Three Killed My Baby ft. Allie Sheldan...

The Hardest Podcast to Podcast ·

2025/06/03

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

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28 results

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