The Swiftologist vs. Encore

Olivia Rodrigo's new Christmas song has the internet debating songwriting credits (again), and I'm bringing Taylor Swift and Beyoncé into the conversation.Plus, the microaggressions on Real Housewives of New York, my take on the Alex Cooper–Sofia Franklyn fallout, and the books I loved so much I'm buying physical copies.Let’s get into it.Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspodhttps://queenthings.substack.com/Join the conversation:TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmillerIG:⁠@kjmillerGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/200570826-kj-millerReferences:Take Me Home (4 Christmas), by Olivia Rodrigo:https://open.spotify.com/album/50o3Wm98DQENFLiiX3zd5BChristmas Wrapping, by The Waitresses:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nud2TQNahaUOliva Rodrigo’s Christmas Song Sounds Familiar…On Purpose:https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/crje55yzjw47oInterpolation:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/InterpolationRJ Rokosz’s Take:https://www.tiktok.com/@rjrokosz/video/7705432203198614814?lang=enSam Murphy’s Take:https://www.tiktok.com/@popsamcam/video/7706195770113936671?lang=enWood x I Want You Back Mashup:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gNOsaNGVL4&list=RD8gNOsaNGVL4&start_radio=1Charlie Puth’s Take on Interpolation:https://www.youtube.com/shorts/EV_ebogpoXoThe Billboard Article on Interpolation:https://www.billboard.com/pro/taylor-swift-wood-song-copy-charlie-puth-interpolation/Real Housewives of NY:https://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-new-york-cityDaddy Issues, By Sofia Franklyn:https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Daddy-Issues/Sofia-Franklyn/9781668239568The Books I’m Buying:Atmosphere, by Taylor Jenkins Reid:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/646858/atmosphere-a-gma-book-club-pick-by-taylor-jenkins-reid/Blood Over Bright Haven, by M.L. Wang:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/755073/blood-over-bright-haven-by-m-l-wang/Kin, by Tayari Jones:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/635411/kin-oprahs-book-club-by-tayari-jones/The Correspondent, by Virginia Evans:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/755600/the-correspondent-by-virginia-evans/Mad Mabel, by Sally Hepworth:https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250284549/madmabel/Good People, by Patmeena Sabit:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/777077/good-people-by-patmeena-sabit/You Deserve to Know, by Aggie Blum Thompson:https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250892034/youdeservetoknow/Yellowface, by R.F. Kuang:https://www.harpercollins.com/products/yellowface-r-f-kuang?variant=42521319702562Score, by Kennedy Ryan:https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/kennedy-ryan/score/9781538769652/Love by the Book, by Jessica George:https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250282545/lovebythebook/The Great Alone, by Kristin Hannah:https://kristinhannah.com/books/the-great-alone/Take What You Can, by Naima Coster:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/762376/take-what-you-can-a-gma-book-club-pick-by-naima-coster/Funny Story, by Emily Henry:https://www.emilyhenrybooks.com/books/funnystoryTomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, by Gabrielle Zevin:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/690750/tomorrow-and-tomorrow-and-tomorrow-by-gabrielle-zevin/We Don’t Talk About Carol, by Kristen L. Berry:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/771526/we-dont-talk-about-carol-by-kristen-l-berry/Bad Words, by Rioghnach Robinson:https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250431295/badwords/Into The Blue, by Emma Brodie:https://www.vintagebooksandwine.com/item/Y10lLSQ5wzP40aXAt0dsww

I almost never talk politics on this show, but today I MUST.Then: I’m back in the comments from last week’s Capitalist in Chief episode, responding to some of my favorites, including a few that had me typing with my chest.Let’s get into it.***Sign Up Here for the Queen Reads Book Club!***https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-reads-book-club-tickets-2003004241606Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspodhttps://queenthings.substack.com/Join the conversation:TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmillerIG:⁠@kjmillerGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/200570826-kj-millerReferences:Queen Reads Book Club Sign Up Link:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-reads-book-club-tickets-20030042416062026 Election Coverage:https://apnews.com/hub/electionsHistoric Firsts of the 2026 Midterm Elections:https://www.cnn.com/2026/11/04/politics/historic-firsts-2026-electionDillyDilly’s post about the election:https://www.tiktok.com/@officialdillydilly/video/7704212907168386334?_r=1&_t=ZT-9B81ZfYtJ0vElection Night at UT Austin:https://www.tiktok.com/@boisydboi/video/7704235742414834975?_r=1&_t=ZT-9B81Rbm77EbDr. Abdul El-Sayed’s Victory Speech:https://www.tiktok.com/@therecount/video/7704211830402518303?_r=1&_t=ZT-9B81RD69slSMy TikTok on the Victory Speech:https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7704317675492756749?q=iam_kjmiller&t=1793816274984Ro Khanna’s comments about Progressive Candidates:https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/usa-news/ro-khanna-says-progressive-agenda-can-win-anywhere-after-abdul-el-sayeds-michigan-victory/AOC’s comments about the Michigan race:https://abcnews.com/Politics/abdul-win-michigan-win-alexandria-ocasio-cortez-outlines/story?id=137033194

They both love money - but who loves it more?I'm finally (and somewhat unseriously) crowning the *TRUE* Capitalist in Chief. We’re grading them on four monetization strategies: music, live shows, products, and side hustles. Let's get into it.***Sign Up Here for the Queen Reads Book Club!***https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-reads-book-club-tickets-2003004241606Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspodhttps://queenthings.substack.com/Join the conversation:TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmillerIG:⁠@kjmillerGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/200570826-kj-millerReferences:Queen Reads Book Club Sign Up Link:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-reads-book-club-tickets-2003004241606Forbes List of Richest Self-Made Women in America 2026:https://www.forbes.com/lists/self-made-women/Tortured Poets Variants:https://radiox.cms.socastsrm.com/2025/01/15/taylor-swifts-tortured-poets-department-is-luminates-top-album-of-2024-in-u-s/?utm_source=chatgpt.comShowgirl variants:https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/music/story/2025-10-14/taylor-swift-the-life-of-a-showgirl-first-week-sales?utm_source=chatgpt.comCowboy Carter variants:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cowboy_Carter 

Is Miley a pop star if she won’t do what pop stars do?And, is Taylor a rude, fan-hating celeb?Plus, some DWTS drama, and a little Beyoncé to brighten your day.Let’s get into it.***Sign Up Here for the Queen Reads Book Club!***https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-reads-book-club-tickets-2003004241606Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspodhttps://queenthings.substack.com/Join the conversation:TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmillerIG:⁠@kjmillerGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/200570826-kj-millerReferences:Queen Reads Book Club Sign Up Link:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-reads-book-club-tickets-2003004241606Miley Cyrus at the Hollywood Bowl:https://variety.com/2026/music/news/miley-cyrus-fires-back-criticism-hollywood-bowl-concert-1236916307/Some Fan Reactions to the Show:https://www.tiktok.com/@iamerikdavid/video/7697670875469876493?_r=1&_t=ZT-9Ak2ZFSRK85https://www.tiktok.com/@itsalexmars/video/7697711477158841614?_r=1&_t=ZT-9Ak2T6SUIlJhttps://www.tiktok.com/@iamerikdavid/video/7698354553510481165?_r=1&_t=ZT-9Ak2bygUVH3https://www.tiktok.com/@_alyssayung_/video/7697636348269776159?_r=1&_t=ZT-9Ak2VyTqydxhttps://www.tiktok.com/@tylerjacksontippett/video/7698483827982880031?_r=1&_t=ZT-9Ak2awcYrPRSam Murphy on Miley Cyrus:https://www.tiktok.com/@popsamcam/video/7688440508095483166?lang=enTaylor performed at the Academy Museum Gala:https://variety.com/2026/film/news/taylor-swift-performance-academy-gala-five-songs-1236915817/Taylor at the Chiefs Game:https://www.tiktok.com/@maggiemaytok/video/7698439263515430174?_r=1&_t=ZT-9Ak2TjeJOfuVal’s DWTS comment:https://pagesix.com/2026/10/21/celebrity-news/val-chmerkovskiys-dwts-suspension-officially-lifted-after-carrie-ann-inaba-controversy/Midnight by Todrick Hall:https://www.midnightoffbway.com/Knowles - Rowland House:https://www.housingfinance.com/developments/knowles-rowland-house-opens-houstonDr. El-Sayed clips:https://www.tiktok.com/@abdulelsayed/video/7697811270816353549https://www.tiktok.com/@nowthisimpact/video/7694798938502614286?q=abdul%20al-sayed%20serious%20question&t=1792602228820Zara Larsson on Popcast:https://www.tiktok.com/@popcast/video/7697991780238658829?_r=1&_t=ZT-9Ak544Bf8dJThe Women by Kristin Hannah:https://kristinhannah.com/books/the-women/The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna:https://sangumandanna.com/irregular-witches

Kelly Clarkson’s toy store standoff just escalated...if you can believe it.Then: my Grammy predictions for Taylor’s chances, who I actually think should win Album, Record, and Song of the Year, plus a surprise from the country category. A little Broadway talk, and a hair extension story that’s got the internet finally agreeing on something. Let’s get into it.***Sign Up Here for the Queen Reads Book Club!***https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-reads-book-club-tickets-2003004241606Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspodhttps://queenthings.substack.com/Join the conversation:TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmillerIG:⁠@kjmillerGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/200570826-kj-millerReferences:Queen Reads Book Club Sign Up Link:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-reads-book-club-tickets-2003004241606The OSU Dance Team:https://www.tiktok.com/@universeofdance/video/7597262473993014558?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7693606776189928990My TikTok on the Grammys:https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7694752113993239821?lang=enArt of Play Interview on USA Today:​​https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTycSpRPj/Security Footage from Art of Play:https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTycAesVA/My TikTok about Kelly Clarkson:https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7695814245757259022Clip from Midnight:https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTy3KVBeG/Kristin’s Review of Midnight:https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTyWqswgo/$1k sew in vs. $4k sew in:https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTy3KtREw/https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTy3KKjPk/

A lot of men, none of them making it easy. We’re kicking off with your Swiftologist takes, digging into Pete Davidson’s foolish Variety interview, breezing through Eminem and Kid Rock "setting politics aside" for a new song, and, frustratingly, addressing the Cornell case. Let’s get into it. ***Sign Up Here for the Queen Reads Book Club!***https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-reads-book-club-tickets-2003004241606Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspodhttps://queenthings.substack.com/Join the conversation:TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmillerIG:⁠@kjmillerGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/200570826-kj-millerReferences:Queen Reads Book Club Sign Up Link:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-reads-book-club-tickets-2003004241606The Calamity Club, by Kathryn Stockett:https://www.lemuriabooks.com/The-Calamity-Club-Kathryn-Stockett-p/9781954118812.htmThe clip i posted about the Swiftologist’s Reaction to Encore:https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7691808989226519821RJ Rokosz’s Take on The Swiftologist:https://www.tiktok.com/@rjrokosz/video/7693237116825898271Pete Davidson’s Interview with Variety:https://www.tiktok.com/@varietymagazine/video/7691364891910737166?_r=1&_t=ZT-9AKb2DAxRQjEminem and Kid Rock:https://www.complex.com/music/a/will-lavin/eminem-kid-rock-friendship-politics-7-sins-new-trackJeremy Strong Interview with E! News:https://www.tiktok.com/@enews/video/7692982237607841054?_r=1&_t=ZP-9AKcdBwu2BjJack Edwards’ Video:https://www.tiktok.com/@jack_edwards/video/7693232179605703958?_r=1&_t=ZT-9AKd4YnYqvm

I sat down and reacted to the Swiftologist's reaction to Taylor's Encore tracks…I disagree with almost everything he says, but I don't think that means what you'd think it means.Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspodhttps://queenthings.substack.com/Join the conversation:TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmillerIG:⁠@kjmillerGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/200570826-kj-millerReferences:The Swiftologist Reaction Video to Encore:https://youtu.be/WAEf_KhiuyI?si=jxXRW_RzEVY0HMLzMetacritic:https://www.metacritic.com/

Ed Sheeran spoke out on stage, and I get into whether it really moves the needle. Then: the new Taylor Swift clues that have Swifties convinced something's dropping at the VMAs, and Jay-Z and Colin Kaepernick's very public back-and-forth about who really sold out. Let's get into it.Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspodhttps://queenthings.substack.com/Join the conversation:TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmillerIG:⁠@kjmillerGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/200570826-kj-millerReferences:Meredith Masony’s TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thats_inappropriate/video/7684044100189965599?_r=1&_t=ZT-99mVa2LOWmUEd Sheeran’s Opening Speech in Philadelphia:https://www.tiktok.com/@miraquetevi/video/7687426998360231199?_r=1&_t=ZT-99wpeWEcKdSEd Sheeran’s Closing Speech in Philadelphia:https://www.tiktok.com/@bridgetgoes/video/7687462005648788749?_r=1&_t=ZT-99wpgf01tUMThe Taylor Explainer:https://www.tiktok.com/@thetaylorexplainerTaylor Swift’s Website:https://www.taylorswift.com/read-my-letter/Taylor’s videos on Spotify:https://newsroom.spotify.com/2026-09-16/taylor-swift-music-videos-catalog-spotify/Nikki’s TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@nikkiking23/video/7688066826592341261?_r=1&_t=ZT-99wpchvQk85The Perilous Fight, By Colin Kaepernick:https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/colin-kaepernick/the-perilous-fight/9781538777879/Colin Kaepernick Interview with Time Magazine:https://www.tiktok.com/@time/video/7686572560879766798?_r=1&_t=ZT-99wphD4SuHGIced Coffee at Job Interviews:https://www.tiktok.com/@caitlinrecruiter/video/7686166507759455501?_r=1&_t=ZT-99wooBlnFYDMy Take on Iced Coffee at Job Interviews:https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7688000241294937357Blood Over Bright Haven, by M.L. Wang:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/755073/blood-over-bright-haven-by-m-l-wang/

Ed Sheeran's tour is in chaos after dropping Macklemore, and I've got real problems with the statement he put out. Then: Taylor's Emmys sketch with Mariska Hargitay had Swifties convinced they'd cracked a code, Sydney Sweeney's new ad backlash, Jasmine Crockett's controversial call to honor Chris Brown, and a white news poll I need your take on. Let's get into it.Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspodhttps://queenthings.substack.com/Join the conversation:TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmillerIG:⁠@kjmillerGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/200570826-kj-millerReferences:Something We Said, by Elizabeth Stordeur Pryor:https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Something-We-Said/Elizabeth-Stordeur-Pryor/9781982154509Carrie Soto Is Back, by Taylor Jenkins Reid:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/646857/carrie-soto-is-back-by-taylor-jenkins-reid/Strangers, by Belle Burden:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/760850/strangers-by-belle-burden/Fruit Fly, by Josh Silver:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/826827/fruit-fly-by-josh-silver/Love You More, by Emily Giffin:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/723827/love-you-more-by-emily-giffin/Sydney Sweeny’s Novig ad:https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/sep/14/ariarne-titmus-comments-sydney-sweeney-sexualising-womens-sportMacklemore’s Statement:https://www.instagram.com/p/DdRdsy0m2HK/?hl=enNPR Article on Ed Sheeran’s Tour:https://www.npr.org/2026/09/16/g-s1-143549/ed-sheeran-tour-troubleEd Sheeran’s Statement:https://www.instagram.com/p/DdT-6KGAtuI/?img_index=1Jasmine Crockett Enters Chris Brown’s Music into Congressional Record:https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/chris-brown-backlash-jasmine-crockett-honor-response-1236341107/Taylor Swift Emmy’s Sketch:https://people.com/taylor-swift-makes-surprise-appearance-at-2026-emmy-awards-12121529Taylor Easter Eggs:https://www.tiktok.com/@almost50swifty/photo/7685772158492085534?_r=1&_t=ZT-99mVTx9eaNxMeredith Masony’s TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thats_inappropriate/video/7684044100189965599?_r=1&_t=ZT-99mVa2LOWmUTaylor Jenkins Reid:https://taylorjenkinsreid.com/Emily Giffin:https://www.emilygiffin.com/John of John, by Douglas Stuart:https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/John-of-John-(Oprahs-Book-Club)/Douglas-Stuart/9781668173732?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=24236596044&gbraid=0AAAAADv-uEmNU4vQRfzvLdCm7FxKbKBRi&gclid=CjwKCAjw_KjVBhAHEiwAnC0N9F1QUDBors9EQSYTytmVPA4jaMUnvQ_RJ_rTL5PK88TZE4K3G1fkwRoCIfUQAvD_BwE

P!nk is the latest artist doubling down on a bad take, and I'm getting all the way into my thoughts on it. Then: the real story behind Alix Earle and Alex Cooper's beef, now that Earle's finally addressed it on her Netflix show, plus who I think is winning the fight. And a little on North West headlining her own concert at 13. Let's get into it.Subscribe for monthly bonus episodes:https://www.patreon.com/c/queenthingspodhttps://queenthings.substack.com/Join the conversation:TikTok -@queenthingspod⁠,⁠ @iam_kjmiller⁠YouTube - www.youtube.com/@iamkjmillerIG:⁠@kjmillerGoodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/200570826-kj-millerReferences:My Episode on Lemme Fix It!:https://youtu.be/QH2EPEg9XyQ?si=QV0gzqJuyr5CTeH3Taipei Story, by R.F. Kuang:https://www.harpercollins.com/pages/taipei-storyI Hate It Here, by Taylor Swift:https://open.spotify.com/track/3hlGuz3loYoLfI3bpwieWq?si=834427d2ec0c4974Macklemore’s comments on Ed Sheeran’s Tour:https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cq5x3vjq06qoP!nk’s response and backlash:https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/celebrity/articles/pink-responds-backlash-over-post-135443983.htmlEarle Meets World:https://www.netflix.com/title/82085057My take on the latest Earle/Cooper beef:https://www.tiktok.com/@iam_kjmiller/video/7681789062889393422North West’s Solo Show in Chicago:https://www.xxlmag.com/north-west-debut-solo-show-chicago/https://www.theclassicrockstation.com/2026/09/08/north-west-performs-first-solo-live-show-at-the-vic-theatre-following-canceled-tour/Piercing On My Hand, by North West:https://youtu.be/gIJSjrpM32s?si=RElsiwRAQDRuNzVHGood People, by Patmeena Sabit:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/777077/good-people-by-patmeena-sabit/The Revelation of Dionne Daphne, by Mara Brock Akil:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/713565/the-revelation-of-dionne-daphne-by-mara-brock-akil/The Vanishing Half, by Brit Bennett:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/576782/the-vanishing-half-by-brit-bennett/The Bright Years, by Sarah Damoff:https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Bright-Years/Sarah-Damoff/9781668061459Fruit Fly, by Josh Silver:https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/826827/fruit-fly-by-josh-silver/