Advertise on podcast: The Hardest Podcast to Podcast

De Stijl was a landmark album for The White Stripes, but the band wasn't happy with how the finished product sounded—or with the added distractions of recording the record at Jack's house in southwest Detroit. Regardless, it was a pivotal album for the band and cracked open a whole new depth to Jack and Meg's ability to create music. Jason returns to the podcast to discuss this outstanding track from De Stijl, share his admiration for Jack White as an artist, and rave about last year's No Name tour. Jason Manning has been a fixture in Vancouver rock radio for a decade and can be heard weekdays on Jack 96.9 FM. Listen to our review of the 2002 documentary/concert video "Nobody Knows How to Talk to Children" - exclusively only at: Patreon.com/hardestpodtopod Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Intern: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

Seriously. Who is a big baby?? Ryan and Brett discuss this wild b-side to Blue Orchid. They talk about the creative freedom the White Stripes' success allowed them to embrace. Whether it was recorded at the beginning of a long recording day, or the end of a difficult one, very much is known about "Who's A Big Baby," and maybe there isn't much else to learn either. Brett Hornall  performs in the great sludge pop band The Vidos. Check out their latest single We Won't Waste Wine and their GREAT track The ICU

Conquest was the last single from 2007's Icky Thump and the final single ever released by the White Stripes Spike Eskin joins the show to discuss a now infamous incident involving an angry phone call from Jack White in Spain to his radio station following the decision to play Icky Thump two weeks before it's release date.  They discuss that era in music, radio, relevancy, and break down the band's cover of the Corky Robbins song dating back to the 1950's. Spike Eskin can be heard on Sports Radio 94WIP in Philadelphia. He is the co-host of the Rights To Ricky Sanchez Podcast covering the 76'ers, and the Carl Landry Record Club podcast. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Intern: Amanda Schultz Patreon: Patreon.com/hardestpodtopod Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

A song title so harsh that even one of Jack White's musical idols was taken aback. Ryan and Kaylie discuss one of the final singles released by the White Stripes. From the heavy county influence, to the tounge-twisting clever lyrics, they discuss a song that a preview of things to come in Jack White's solo career. Kaylie Russell is a musician and graphic designer based on the south coast of British Columbia. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Intern: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

The first single from 2001's White Blood Cells, and a live-show staple, "Hotel Yorba" is a beloved White Stripes track. Ryan is joined by his wife, Amanda, and his sister (also named Amanda) to discuss the song's sentiment, lyrical themes, and the accompanying video, which was the first produced by the duo. Finally, they touch on the importance of the song, which quickly became a favourite of the siblings, and how lyrics from the track found their way into Ryan's vows and a special moment shared with his wife on their wedding day. Amanda Schultz created Scene Change, a platform designed to help people in the entertainment industry articulate their skills and translate them to other industries. Ryan's sister Amanda does not have anything to plug (I think). Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Intern: Amanda Schultz Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod

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

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

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

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

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

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