The Taylor Swift Interview (2026)

The New York Times Magazine surveyed over 250 music industry experts and brought together six of its own critics to rank the 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters. Among those honored was Taylor Swift. Popcast co-host and Times culture reporter Joe Coscarelli sat down with Swift in Los Angeles for a deep dive into her songwriting craft. Over the course of 30 minutes, she opens up about her creative process, the real stories behind her biggest hits, her obsession with a powerful “rant bridge,” and how living under constant public scrutiny influences the narratives she weaves into her music.