Welcome to The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates Interview Series.

She’s a global phenomenon, a cultural icon, and now… an economic case study. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour wasn’t just a concert—it was a movement. It shattered records, raked in over $1 billion in revenue, and gave cities across the world a much-needed financial boost. But this story goes deeper than ticket sales and glittering stadiums.

This is about the power of one woman to disrupt entire industries. From her fight against Spotify’s streaming royalties to her battle for ownership of her own music, Taylor Swift has consistently challenged the norms of the music business—and won. And now, her record-breaking tour has helped spark a Department of Justice antitrust lawsuit against Ticketmaster and Live Nation.

But what does it all mean? For the music industry, for local economies, and for the way we view power in the hands of superstars? To answer those questions, we’re joined by Smithsonian Associate Dr. Kara Reynolds, an economist from American University, whose expertise lies in analyzing economic inequality, market power, and the fascinating world of superstars.

Dr. Kara Reynolds will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up for a full presentation titled: Swiftnomics: The Economics of Taylor Swift. But we have Smithsonian Associate Dr. Kara Reynolds today for a brief tasts of what’s to come. A self-proclaimed Swiftie, Smithsonian Associate Dr. Kara Reynolds takes us behind the scenes of the Eras Tour’s financial ripple effects and breaks down what Swift’s singular influence tells us about the economics of music, gender discrimination, and the forces shaping the modern entertainment industry.

So, sit back and get ready. Because this is not just about Taylor Swift—it’s about the bigger picture of how art, economics, and justice collide. I’m Paul Vogelzang, and this is the Not Old Better Show."

My thanks to Smithsonian Associate Dr. Kara Reynolds for her generosity and time. Dr. Kara Reynolds will be appearing at Smithsonian Associates coming up for a full presentation titled: Swiftnomics: The Economics of Taylor Swift.My thanks to the Smithsonian team for all they do to support the show.

Smithsonian Associates is celebrating its 60th Anniversary, and 2025 will be filled with great episodes and interviews…check back here often. My thanks to Sam Heninger and Miranda Heninger for all they do to support the show. My thanks to you our wonderful audience here on radio and podcast. Be well, be safe and let’s talk about better. The Not Old Better Show, Smithsonian Associates interview series on radio and podcast.

https://smithsonianassociates.org/ticketing/programs/swiftonomics

Melissa E. Anderson, "Inland Empire" (Fireflies Press, 2021)