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★★★★★

from

31 reviews

Description

A discussion of unlikely, perplexing, and positively bizarre hit songs that swept the nation, and often the world. Have you ever heard a classic song and thought, "why on Earth was this popular?" Or "How did this even get played on the radio?" Well, we're here to answer these questions for you. Each episode we will explore the backstory, creation, and success of one unlikely smash hit. The catch? Only one host knows which song will be the topic. Hosted by music fanatics and pop culture enthusiasts Michael Smith and Theo Beidler. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Check latest episodes from You Wanted a Hit! podcast

Soft Cell “Tainted Love” (w/ Peter Leonard of Little Amps Coffee)

2026/02/06

Theo tells the story of the Leeds synth-pop duo’s 1981 cover of the multiple-versioned Northern Soul tune. Peter Leonard of Little Amps Coffee joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

t.A.T.u. “All the Things She Said"

2026/01/23

Michael tells the story of the teenage Russian pop-rock duo’s controversial 2002 worldwide phenomenon, back in the pop-culture forefront due to its inclusion in the hit Canadian drama series Heated Rivalry. [WARNING: This episode contains accounts of manipulation, coercion, and suggestive imagery involving minors. Listener discretion is advised.] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‎Vince Guaraldi Trio “Christmastime Is Here” / “Linus & Lucy"

2025/12/23

Theo tells the story of the jazz pianist and his band’s unlikely, ubiquitous Christmas classic and the TV special that it soundtracked. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Juliana Hatfield Three “My Sister” (w/ Tawny Newsome)

2025/12/06

Michael tells the story of the Boston singer/songwriter’s deceptive Alternative Rock chart-topper. Actor/comedian/writer/musician Tawny Newsome joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Re-Hit: Arlo Guthrie "Alice's Restaurant" (w/ Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie)

2025/11/26

In light of legendary WMMR DJ Pierre Robert’s recent passing and the spirit of the season, we revisit Theo telling the story of wry American folk prince Arlo Guthrie's long-winded 1967 talking-blues epic Thanksgiving classic “Alice’s Restaurant." Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie joined the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gordon Lightfoot “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald"

2025/11/13

Theo tells the story of the Toronto troubadour’s 1976 historical folk-rock ballad about the Great Lakes disaster of the same name. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toadies "Possum Kingdom" Part 2

2025/10/30

2 of 2 parts: Michael tells the story of the Fort Worth alternative band's creepy, cult-ish 1994 rock radio staple. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Toadies "Possum Kingdom" Part 1

2025/10/24

1 of 2 parts: Michael tells the story of the Fort Worth alternative band's creepy, cult-ish 1994 rock radio staple. [WARNING: This episode contains historical depictions of gruesome and graphic violence. Listen discretion is advised.] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chuck Mangione "Feels So Good"

2025/10/10

Theo tells the story of the Rochester flugelhorn player's super smooth 1977 jazz-pop crossover sensation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dave "Baby" Cortez "The Happy Organ"

2025/09/22

Michael tells the story of the Detroit singer/songwriter/organist's 1958 instrumental chart-topper Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Geggy Tah "Whoever You Are"

2025/09/05

Theo tells the story of the California experimental rock duo's 1996 funky, feel-good driving song. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dire Straits "Sultans of Swing" (w/ Steve Sladkowski of PUP)

2025/08/07

Michael tells the story of the English band's 1978 breakout pub-rock hit. Steve Sladkowski, lead guitarist of PUP, joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spin Doctors "Two Princes"

2025/07/24

Theo tells the story of the jammy New York pop-rock band's inescapable 1991 smash. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Discussion: Top Albums of 2025 So Far

2025/07/08

Michael and Theo try something new and discuss their respective five favorite albums of the year thus far. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Harvey Danger "Flagpole Sitta" Part 2 (w/ Matt Gudernatch)

2025/06/21

2 of 2 parts: Michael tells the story of the journalistic Seattle alternative rock band's snarky yet snappy 1997 smash. Actor, writer, and comedian Matt Gudernatch joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast reviews

Read You Wanted a Hit! podcast reviews

5 out of 5

31 reviews

★★★★★

Shiv1600 2023/10/04

The best podcast!

I’ve had more drive time in my schedule recently and I’ve been listening to more YWAH. As a disclaimer, I am a good friend of the makers of this show....

★★★★★

alexagk 2022/12/20

Straight Bangerz

I found this podcast when my friend Alex was a guest on it recently and I’ve never been more excited to discover a podcast, it’s my dream theme. I lov...

★★★★★

pooruglyhappy 2021/04/05

This Belongs in Your Regular Pod Rotation

If you’re reading this you probably already listen to several podcasts. It might even be a big deal to subscribe to a new one. I get it. There are onl...

★★★★★

STSarraf 2021/03/21

Chart topper!

Smart, funny, and important retrospectives on songs that will forever be stuck in our heads. The world was begging for this podcast; thank you Michael...

★★★★★

jackson.emily89 2021/03/17

You’re gonna want to subscribe ✅

Fun topic, excellent banter, expertly produced. We're spreading the word 👍🏼👍🏼

★★★★★

Scroticus Mayarnagard 2021/03/11

Not too sexy for this podcast

Interesting subject matter that’s well researched with clever delivery

★★★★★

Kyle Garchar 2021/03/11

Entertaining pop culture commentary and great storytelling

This podcast is a great take on the question “What were we thinking?” The first episode was a great introduction to the podcast, and I’m excited to ...

★★★★★

joeyems 2021/03/11

This POD a hit

Must listen for any music enthusiast, trivia aficionado, and everyone in between. Content is wonderfully curated and well researched, banter and aside...

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