On Brand with Nick Westergaard Taylor's Version, Pt 4: Swifties & Storytelling
In this episode of On Brand: Taylor’s Version, we’re joined by Ann Handley — Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Chief Content Officer of MarketingProfs, and one of IBM’s ‘7 people shaping modern marketing.’ Ann brings not just her marketer’s eye but also her mom’s heart to the Swiftiverse. We’ll explore how Taylor’s storytelling fuels parasocial relationships, why The Eras Tour transformed casual fans into rabid ones, and what smart marketers can learn from the savviest hitmaker of our time.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
- How Taylor Swift’s storytelling makes the personal feel universal—and what marketers can borrow from that.
- Why parasocial relationships don’t have to be clinical, and how Taylor transforms them into community.
- The genius of anticipation, reveals, and Easter eggs in building long-term fan trust.
- What the Eras Tour can teach marketers about creating inclusive, unforgettable experiences.
- How Ann Handley’s own fandom grew from casual listener to full-on Swiftie devotion.
Episode Chapters
- (00:00) Intro
- (01:20) Swiftie Story Prompts and the Tortured Poets Era
- (03:14) Standing Up as a Swiftie
- (05:40) Taylor as Writer, Storyteller, and Cultural Icon
- (08:07) Making the Personal Universal
- (11:00) Marketing Lessons from Taylor Swift
- (19:25) The Eras Tour as Community Experience
- (29:41) The Taylor Songs and Albums That Make Ann Smile
About Ann Handley
Ann Handley is a Wall Street Journal bestselling author, digital marketing pioneer, and Chief Content Officer at MarketingProfs. Named by IBM as one of seven people shaping modern marketing, Ann is a trusted voice on content, storytelling, and building authentic connections with audiences. She is the author of Everybody Writes, now in its second edition, and a frequent keynote speaker at marketing and business events worldwide. Through her popular newsletter, Total Annarchy, and her leadership at MarketingProfs’ B2B Forum, she continues to inspire marketers to approach their work with clarity, creativity, and heart.
What Taylor Era Has Made Ann Smile Recently?
Ann lights up when she talks about Taylor Swift’s most recent projects—The Tortured Poets Department and Midnights. She especially loves “Fortnight,” with its Post Malone collaboration and typewriter aesthetics (a nod to her own collection of typewriters), and “Mastermind” from Midnights, which she admires for its playful storytelling. For Ann, these albums are on constant repeat, blending artistry, narrative, and joy in ways that fuel both her fandom and her creative spirit.
Links & Resources
- Connect with Ann on LinkedIn
- Check out her website and newsletter
- Speaking of connecting with community, don’t miss the MarketingProfs B2B Forum
Listen & Support the Show
- Watch or listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, Amazon/Audible, TuneIn, and iHeart.
- Rate and review on Apple Podcasts and Spotify to help others find the show.
- Share this episode — email a friend or colleague this episode.
- Sign up for my free Story Strategies newsletter for branding and storytelling tips.
On Brand is a part of the Marketing Podcast Network.
Until next week, I’ll see you on the Internet!
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