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Anything But Toto

Anything But Toto

By: Anything But Toto
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Anything But Toto is a pop culture and current events podcast. Join Bianca and Julian as they dig into music, movies, TV, news, and celebrity gossip. You never know who or what will be discussed next, but rest assured, this is a Toto-free space.Copyright 2025 All Rights Reserved Art Music Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Ep. 27: "Wrapped it Up and Sent It" - Why "Last Christmas" is a Timeless Pop Song
    Dec 20 2025

    Join Bianca and Julian for their final episode of 2026, as they unwrap a Christmas classic: “Last Christmas" by Wham!

    In this holiday send-off, they tackle a few burning questions: Why is this song so infectious? Why does it feel timeless decades later? And why has it been copied so endlessly?

    They dig into the influences and science behind George Michael’s hit, breaking down its composition, arrangement, and production choices that give the song its staying power. From there, they branch out into four (…maybe five) tracks clearly inspired by “Last Christmas,” exploring how the song's DNA and tricks pop up in several hits from artists of different genres.

    As part of the conversation, Bianca and Julian wrestle with the cringe factor of Christmas music, the enduring power of Eurovision-style pop, and the influence of opera in pop music. They also discuss holiday movies, upcoming film releases they’re excited about, and the shocking, deeply sad news of Rob and Michele Reiner’s tragic deaths.

    So pour some mulled wine, embrace the minor-key melancholy, and get ready for one last festive deep dive before the year wraps.

    Happy Holidays and New Year from Bianca and Julian! Thanks for a great year!

    Email us at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com Theme music by Daniel Konikoff

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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Ep. 26: "It's Getting Better All the Time" - Our Top Paul McCartney Beatles Songs
    Nov 30 2025

    Join Bianca and Julian as they drop the needle on a topic near and dear to their hearts—a deep dive into their top 10 (…okay, 11) Paul McCartney Beatles songs.

    For lifelong Beatles fans, this episode hits close to home. They trace their personal histories with the band, reflect on the Beatles’ towering cultural legacy, and revisit their experiences seeing Paul live—including the recent Hamilton, Ontario show. Along the way, they break down what truly defines a "Paul song" versus a "John song."

    Then comes the main event: a guided tour through their chosen tracks, complete with the writing backstories, lyrical themes, melodic signatures, arrangements, and production details that make these songs classics.

    So tune up your Höfner, comb your hair forward, and get ready for 2.5 hours of terrible Paul impressions.

    Email us at anythingbuttoto@gmail.com

    Theme music by Daniel Konikoff

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    2 hrs and 25 mins
  • Ep. 25: “The Fate of a Showgirl” – A Review of Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl
    Oct 8 2025

    Sequins shimmer, spotlights glow, and Bianca and Julian are ready to take centre stage with another in-depth conversation—a three-hour deep dive into Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl.

    For the first time in Anything But Toto history, they’re reviewing a second album by the same artist. And with Taylor’s latest release stirring up plenty of discourse, there’s no shortage of opinions. This isn’t just any pop album: it’s a polarizing pivot that trades in the soft indie dream-pop of Jack Antonoff for the punchy, radio-ready precision of Max Martin. But does the swap pay off?

    Taylor herself called Showgirl a focused, autobiographical statement—a spiritual successor to 1989 and Reputation. Bianca and Julian put that claim to the test, unpacking the album’s concept, lyricism, melodies, and the glossy production from Martin and Shellback. But they don’t stop at the tracklist: the duo dives into Taylor’s history, politics and business decisions, and the Life of a Showgirl theatrical event.

    So sit back, don your sequins and feather headpiece, and take a peek behind the curtain.

    Email us: anythingbuttoto@gmail.com Theme music by: Daniel Konikoff

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    3 hrs and 1 min
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