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
After receiving an invitation to an exclusive event featuring Jack White at Reverb in Chicago, Ryan hopped aboard a red-eye flight, made his way to Goose Island, and did what we've all been waiting more than a year for him to do: ask Jack White to be a guest on the podcast. Ryan is joined by the podcast's assistant editorial producer, and his wife, Amanda, to talk about the whirlwind trip to Chicago, meeting Jack White, and finding a way into his sold-out show at The Salt Shed. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Assistant Editorial Producer: Amanda Schultz Hey! Check out my review of Jack's new album 'Frozen Charlotte' and a tour of my personal White Stripes' vinyl collection, available only on our Patreon: Patreon.com/hardestpodtopod Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod
The Denial Twist was the third and final single from 2005's Get Behind Me Satan and the final White Stripes music video directed by Michel Gondry. Ryan and Josh discuss the demo recordings of the melody and piano riff captured on Jack White's handheld tape recorder, whether the song felt incomplete according to Pitchfork's review, and how the music video sparked the next chapter in the friendship between Jack, Meg, and Conan O'Brien. Josh Custodio is the host of the fantastic Wrestling Brain Twitch stream. His Patreon does not disappoint either. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Assistant Editorial Producer: Amanda Schultz Hey! Check out my personal White Stripes' vinyl collection, available only on our Patreon: Patreon.com/hardestpodtopod Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod
An interesting track off 2001's White Blood Cells, "Offend In Every Way" tells the akward teenage story of not being able to fit in anywhere while battling with imposter syndrome. Ryan and Kyle have a lively discussion about the themes of this song, how it works more as a diary entry of Jack White's younger life, and not a tale written in retrospect. Kyle Rosse is the host of the ' Hey Smiling Strange ' podcast and created Klubhouse - the version of fantasy football built around more trades, more decisions, more reasons to keep playing in October. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Assistant Editorial Producer: Amanda Schultz Hey! Check out my personal White Stripes' vinyl collection, available only on our Patreon: Patreon.com/hardestpodtopod Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod
One of the biggest and loudest White Stripes songs, and its about slowly becoming more and more like your partner! Ryan and Mike discuss this fantastic track off 2007's Icky Thump that took more than 15 tracks to record the album version. It immediately took on a life of it's own live, and both the White Stripes and Jack as a solo artist loved playing this song. Mike Noble plays bass in Hotel Mira . Listen to their latest album " Pity Party " and check them out this summer at a one of their festival gigs in western Canada and the western United States! Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Assistant Editorial Producer: Amanda Schultz Bonus content is available to our monthly backers at Patreon.com/hardestpodtopod Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod
Jack White's guitar playing can be summed up in two eras: before "Ball and Biscuit" and after "Ball and Biscuit." Ryan is joined by author and guitar historian Brad Tolinski to break down one of the White Stripes' defining songs. Jack and Meg finally took their shot at the blues, and the result was nothing short of monumental. Together, they explore, at the time, the band's unofficial rule against guitar solos, how Jack ultimately gave in to the temptation to let loose on guitar, and why "Ball and Biscuit" immediately became such a pivotal song for the White Stripes, and for Jack White's legacy as a guitarist. Brad Tolinski was the editor-in-chief of Guitar World magazine for over twenty-five years. He is also the author of Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen , and has a new book coming out July 23, 2026, Blow by Blow: The Jeff Beck Story . Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Assistant Editorial Producer: Amanda Schultz Bonus content is available to our monthly backers at Patreon.com/hardestpodtopod Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod
We've got money, and a little place to fight now. Rob Harvilla joins the show to discuss one of the White Stripes' biggest songs and most memorable music videos. Stuck all the way down at track 9 of 2003's Elephant , this song absolutely explodes off side 2 while Jack White tells the story of a young child who just can't find their place in a new family. Rob Harvilla hosts the incredible podcast 60 Songs That Explain The 90's ,. He is a senior staff writer at The Ringer and has been a professional rock critic for over two decades, writing for The Village Voice , SPIN , and Deadspin . Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Assistant Editorial Producer: Amanda Schultz Bonus content is available to our monthly backers at Patreon.com/hardestpodtopod Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod
Next week's episode and additional bonus content is currently available to our monthly backers at Patreon.com/hardestpodtopod The silly and adorable finale of 2003's Elephant is full of whimsy, colourful lyrics, and accusations of abusing painkillers! Brothers Matt and Charlie Kerr join Ryan this week to discuss the only The White Stripes song that featured someone other than Jack White and Meg White on lead vocals. They dive into the fun lyrics, how this song came to be, and how it stuck around to close out such a significant record. Charlie Kerr is the lead singer of Hotel Mira. Catch them on stage this summer across western Canada, Idaho, California, and Washington State. Matt drums in Terrifying Girls High School, and is a celebrated film producer. 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
He'd like to hypnotize you on the telephone... Ryan is joined by Dwight live in his backyard hammock as they discuss this fast and furious deep cut off 2003's Elephant. They discuss the original origin of the song, how they test drove a potential studio with this track, and it's short life as part of the White Stripes' live set. Editor's note: I was incorrect, Jack White WAS in The Hentchmen, playing bass on their 1998 album Hentch-Forth.Five. Be sure to check out Dwight performing with The Zolas on their upcoming tour, and be sure to listen to Dwi's latest album Holy Moly ! Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Assistant Editorial Producer: Amanda Schultz Exclusive bonus content is available to our monthly backers at Patreon.com/hardestpodtopod Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod
Ryan is joined by Ben Blackwell to discuss one of the White Stripes' biggest singles and share his experiences with the band as they wrote and recorded 2005's Get Behind Me Satan. Whether it's spilling the literal beans on the band's order at Xochimilco in Southwest Detroit, or how an A-list celebrity could have graced the vinyl cover of Get Behind Me Satan, Ben provides amazing insight into this era of the White Stripes. Ben Blackwell is the co-founder of Third Man Records and the official White Stripes archivalist. Be sure to catch The Dirtbombs playing with Iggy Pop in Oakland California at the Mosswood Meltdown , hosted by JOHN WATERS! Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Assistant Editorial Producer: Amanda Schultz Exclusive bonus content is available to our monthly backers at Patreon.com/hardestpodtopod Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod
Truth Doesn't Make a Noise needs to make MORE noise. An outstanding track that doesn't get nearly enough love! Gigi and Ryan discuss this album cut from 2000's De Stijl , comparing the Dutch art movement to the album it was named after. They explore the emotion behind the track, analyze the lyrics, and examine its influence on Jack White 's later career. Listen to Gigi Marie 's new single Used To Love and be sure to check her out live. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Assistant Editorial Producer: Amanda Schultz Exclusive bonus content is available to our monthly backers at Patreon.com/hardestpodtopod Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod
Jack and Meg pay their respects to Dylan with this deep cut b-side and live show staple. Ryan and Kaylie discuss this Dylan cover, it's storied live history, and how the band covering a Dylan song from '98 even impressed Nardwuar! 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 Assistant Editorial Producer: Amanda Schultz Exclusive bonus content is available to our monthly backers at Patreon.com/hardestpodtopod Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod
We'll you're pretty good sounding, for a song. Ryan and Adam sit down to discuss the first track off of De Stijl. They dive into the catchy hooks and the approach Jack White took to wrting the melody. They discuss the lyrics through 2025 eyes and ears, and wonder what the real story is behind that trendy American remix... Adam Vennendaal performs in the great band Girlfriends and Boyfriends based in Toronto, Ontario. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Assistant Editorial Producer: Amanda Schultz Exclusive bonus content is available to our monthly backers at Patreon.com/hardestpodtopod Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod
One of the most rambunctious songs off "a very brave record," or so the critics phrased it. "Red Rain" is one of the wildest songs in the Stripes' catalogue. The second-last track off 2005's Get Behind Me Satan , it's a loud, blistering song dripping in slide guitar, Meg's heaviest beats, and Jack's voice, hoarse from telling off the dishonest people around him at one point in time. 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
It's important to remember that Rude Rick runs the southwest side of Detroit. Ryan and Matt discuss an absolute banger of a White Stripes track: the bombastic tapestry that is Red Death at 6:14. They discuss the creation and structure of the song, the possible story behind the lyrics, and the unbelievable story of the distorted voice that starts the track. Recorded as an encapsulation of the early 2000s garage rock scene in Detroit, Red Death at 6:14 became an important part of Jack and Meg's catalogue. 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
Have we discovered the sister song to Dead Leaves and the Dirty Ground? Hotel Mira's Mike Noble joins Ryan to discuss the fourth and final single from 2003's Elephant. "There's No Home for You Here" is a standout track, capturing Jack and Meg's sound and their approach to songwriting while breaking many of the rules the band had followed on previous albums. While the song was the fourth single from the critically acclaimed album, some pushed for much bigger plans. Mike Noble plays bass in Hotel Mira . Listen to their latest album " Pity Party " and give them a follow. Check out our latest bonus episode reviewing the 2008 documentary "It Might Get Loud" exclusively at: Patreon.com/hardestpodtopod Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely
Seven Nation Army has been streamed over two billion times and chanted by millions at sporting events around the world. The song has entered the pantheon of folk music, and it all began at a soundcheck in Melbourne, Australia, with a disinterested Ben Swank. Steve Bays joins the show to discuss one of the most recognizable songs of the last quarter century. As an artist who also wrote some gigantic hits in the same decade, Steve shares his insight into creating hit songs, reacting to that success, and the challenges (and triumphs) that follow. Steve Bays is an outstanding producer and musician with bands like Fur Trade , and Mounties, he was also the frontman and one of the founding members of the iconic band Hot Hot Heat. Listen to our brand new bonus episode discussing Beyoncé's "Don't Hurt Yourself" featuring Jack White - 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
What would YOU Rita Hayworth do if you saw Rita Hayworth in a place so seedy? Brett Hornall returns to the podcast after being saddled with ' Who's A Big Baby ?' to discuss Take Take Take , one of the absolute gems off 2005's Get Behind Me Satan. From the unique structure of the song, the recording techniques, and the inspiration and impact that Rita had on the White Stripes. Brett 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 Listen to our brand new bonus episode discussing Beyoncé's "Don't Hurt Yourself" featuring Jack White - 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
You've probably read an article comparing a White Stripes song to Led Zeppelin. Well, this is the song. Ryan is joined by Chris Polinsky to discuss this track from 2000's De Stijl, and to dive into Chris's experiences with the band, from discovering and cheerleading their sophomore album, to getting the opportunity to photograph them before a pivotal 2000 show at New York City's Mercury Lounge. Chris also shares his experience working at Saturday Night Live, including a significant introduction to Jack and Meg White. Chris Polinsky is a photographer and creative based in California who captured the White Stripes on the De Stijl tour. 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
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
