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★★★★★

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31 reviews

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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

Kim Wilde "Kids in America"

2026/10/01

Theo tells the story of English pop/rock singer Kim Wilde's oft-covered, surprisingly American 1981 global new wave anthem. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Citizen King “Better Days (And the Bottom Drops Out)"

2026/09/01

Michael tells the story of the Milwaukee alternative rock/hip-hop band’s groovy 1999 underdog anthem. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Champs “Tequila!"

2026/08/12

Theo tells the story of the Los Angeles sax-led rock-n-roll band’s spirited 1958 semi-instrumental chart-topper. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Butthole Surfers “Pepper"

2026/07/07

Michael tells the story of the Texas experimental, exhibitionist rock band’s 1996 improbable modern rock chart-topper. [WARNING: This episode contains suggestive themes and strong sexual content. Listener discretion is advised.] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael Sembello “Maniac"

2026/06/05

Theo tells the story of the Philadelphia singer/songwriter/guitarist/producer’s 1983 movie soundtrack smash. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Afroman “Because I Got High” LIVE!

2026/05/19

Recorded in front of a live audience at Get Tight Lounge in Richmond VA, Theo tells the story of the Hattiesburg-via-Los Angeles rapper and singer’s token, tokin’ 2000 hit in our 100th episode. [Warning: This episode contains explicit language and suggestive themes. Listener discretion is advised.] Line production: Max Wasserman Audio Mix: Jonathan Waller at Overcoast Music & Sound MC: Travis Tucker Live sound production and recording: Cam Peters Production assistance: Fig Vishton Special thanks to Little Amps Coffee Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Portugal. The Man “Feel It Still” (w/ Spencer Dukoff)

2026/03/05

Michael tells the story of the Alaska alternative rock band’s inescapable, politically subversive 2017 smash. Writer/podcaster/activist Spencer Dukoff joins the conversation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.

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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