122. How Tori went from Swiftie Skeptic to Superfan with Special Guest Victoria Garrick Browne | Financial Feminist

Intro

In this episode of the “Financial Feminist” podcast, host Tori Dunlap is joined by special guest Victoria Garrick Browne to discuss their journey from being skeptics to becoming superfans of Taylor Swift. They explore the societal conditioning that affects women’s perceptions of successful women, the economic impact of Taylor Swift’s tours, and the importance of celebrating talented women without judgment. They also touch on the media’s portrayal of women, the challenges faced by working parents, and the power of Taylor Swift’s music in challenging gender stereotypes. Join Tori and Victoria as they dive into the world of Taylor Swift fandom and its broader implications.

Main Takeaways

Society’s Perception of Successful Women

• Society conditions women to believe in scarcity mindset and competition among women.
• Internalized misogyny can affect how women view other successful women.
• The impact of Taylor Swift’s journey can teach us about our treatment of women and how we view individuals in society.

Taylor Swift’s Economic Impact

• Taylor Swift’s impact on the economy is significant, with her tours generating billions of dollars in indirect economic impact.
• The opening night of her tour in Glendale, Arizona brought in more revenue for local businesses than the Super Bowl held in the same stadium.
• Taylor Swift surpassed Elton John by making over a billion dollars in touring revenue and shared $55 million in profit with her crew.

Media Portrayal of Women

• Women are often criticized and scrutinized more than men in the public eye.
• The media’s portrayal of women can lead to negative perceptions and fatigue towards them.
• Respecting and appreciating talented women, such as Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo, can lead to a shift in perspective.

Taylor Swift’s Journey and Music

• Taylor Swift started as a country star and successfully transitioned to pop music.
• Her albums Fearless, Speak Now, Red, and 1989 were important milestones in her career.
• Taylor Swift’s songs are often wrongly assumed to be only about relationships, but she has many songs that tackle various themes.

Challenges Faced by Women

• Women are put in boxes and judged more harshly than men in their personal and professional lives.
• It’s important to celebrate women who choose different paths in life without judgment.
• Society needs to support non-compensated working parents better.

Women Empowerment and Comparison

• Comparing women to each other is a common problem in society.
• Everyone is on their own path and should not be compared to others.
• Male artists are viewed as individuals while female artists are often compared to each other.

Taylor Swift’s Concert Experience

• Taylor Swift’s concerts are more like theatrical productions than traditional concerts.
• Concerts can solidify someone’s fandom for an artist.
• Taylor Swift’s performing routine is a mystery, but it’s impressive how she consistently gives the same energy every night.

Taylor Swift’s Impact on Fans

• Taylor Swift’s music has been popular among fans of all ages, with many recalling their first experience listening to her songs.
• Some fans admit to having internalized misogyny towards Swift in the past, but have since recognized the value of writing about personal experiences and trauma in music.
• Attending Taylor Swift’s concert can solidify someone’s fandom and even convert skeptics into dedicated fans.

Summary

Society’s Perception of Successful Women

Society conditions women to believe in scarcity mindset and competition among women, leading to internalized misogyny that affects how women view other successful women. Taylor Swift’s journey serves as a reminder of our treatment of women and the need to celebrate their achievements without judgment.

Taylor Swift’s Economic Impact

Taylor Swift’s impact on the economy is significant, with her tours generating billions of dollars in indirect economic impact. Her ability to surpass revenue milestones and share profit with her crew highlights the economic power of successful women in the entertainment industry.

Media Portrayal of Women

Women are often subjected to harsh criticism and scrutiny in the media, leading to negative perceptions and fatigue towards them. Respecting and appreciating talented women like Taylor Swift and Olivia Rodrigo can help challenge these negative perceptions and shift societal perspectives.

Taylor Swift’s Journey and Music

Taylor Swift’s career journey, from country to pop music, showcases her versatility as an artist. Her albums Fearless, Speak Now, Red, and 1989 mark important milestones in her musical evolution. Contrary to misconceptions, Taylor Swift’s songs cover a wide range of themes beyond relationships.

Challenges Faced by Women

Women face unique challenges, including societal judgment and limited support for non-compensated working parents. It is crucial to recognize and support women who choose different paths in life without judgment or limitations.

Women Empowerment and Comparison

The tendency to compare women to each other is a common problem in society. Recognizing that everyone is on their own unique path and should not be compared to others is essential for fostering empowerment and equality. Female artists, like Taylor Swift, should be celebrated as individuals rather than constantly compared to each other.

Taylor Swift’s Concert Experience

Taylor Swift’s concerts go beyond traditional performances and offer theatrical productions that solidify fans’ devotion and convert skeptics. Her consistent energy and dedication to delivering memorable experiences to her audience remain a mystery, but it is undoubtedly impressive.

Taylor Swift’s Impact on Fans

Taylor Swift’s music resonates with fans of all ages, with many recalling their first experience listening to her songs. Some fans admit to initially harboring internalized misogyny towards her, but have since recognized the value of personal storytelling in music. Attending Taylor Swift’s concerts can solidify someone’s fandom and even convert skeptics into dedicated fans.

Conclusion

The journey from skeptic to superfan of Taylor Swift highlights the societal conditioning and internalized misogyny that affect women’s perceptions of successful women. Taylor Swift’s impact on the economy, her ability to challenge gender stereotypes through her music, and the challenges faced by women in various aspects of life all contribute to a larger conversation about women’s empowerment and equality. By celebrating talented women without judgment, we can create a more inclusive and supportive society.