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Jacktical Magic

Jacktical Magic

By: Amelia Scannell & Cooper Willis
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About this listen

Jacktical Magic is a deep dive into the strangest radio phenomenon in America: Jack FM — the station that claims to “play what we want,” yet somehow taps directly into our collective memory and delivers the most Jack FM vibes imaginable.


Hosts Amelia Scannell and Cooper Willis investigate how this format works, why these songs feel so instantly familiar, and what cultural forces shaped the playlists we all grew up with. They break down the hidden patterns, industry decisions, and historical moments behind the music — the same forces that created those unexpected, oddly satisfying transitions Jack FM is famous for. (If you’ve ever heard “Fly Away” sandwiched between “Tainted Love” and “Drops of Jupiter,” and thought, yeah, that tracks, this show is for you.)


At the center of the series is a 64-song tournament designed to find the most definitive Jack FM track of all time. Through music analysis, radio history, and cultural storytelling, Jacktical Magic offers an accessible, revealing look at why these songs endure — and what they say about us as listeners, consumers, and accidental archivists of a shared pop memory.


Whether you’re a lifelong radio fan or just curious about how certain songs become cultural fixtures, this podcast gives you a smart, compelling entry point into a world hiding in plain sight.

© 2025 Jacktical Magic Music Social Sciences
Episodes
  • The Eyebrow Ring Still Looks Good

    The Eyebrow Ring Still Looks Good
    Dec 18 2025

    Staind’s “It’s Been Awhile” faces off against Goo Goo Dolls “Slide,” face off in our second matchup.

    Amelia and Cooper discuss Jack FM’s diversity issues, sea shanties, and an impovised performance of Dean Evan Hanson. Oh- they also weigh in on what song had more Jack FM vibes.

    Which song moves on to Round 2, and where does Fred Durst enter the equation?

    Your vote decides.

    Cast Your Vote: Each week, vote for the song you think has the most Jack FM vibes at instagram.com/jackticalmagic/

    Call the Hotline: Tell us which song you think should win next week’s matchup. Leave a voicemail at (424) 666-1711.

    Email Us: Send your Jack FM stories, memories, or relevant anecdotes to jackticalmagic@gmail.com.

    Theme Song: ‘Heavenly Pop Hit’ by The Chills. Used with permission.
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Can’t Find a Bun Spot Anywhere

    Can’t Find a Bun Spot Anywhere
    Dec 9 2025

    The tournament begins. In our first matchup, Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Otherside” faces off against Lenny Kravitz’s “Fly Away,” two songs that deliver wildly different but unmistakably classic Jack FM energy.

    Amelia and Cooper break down why these tracks are cultural fixtures, how each one fits the Jack FM formula, and what makes this pairing the perfect way to kick off our 64-song bracket to find the most Jack FM song of all time.

    Which song moves on to Round 2?

    Your vote decides.

    Cast Your Vote: Each week, vote for the song you think has the most Jack FM vibes at instagram.com/jackticalmagic/

    Call the Hotline: Tell us which song you think should win next week’s matchup. Leave a voicemail at (424) 666-1711.

    Email Us: Send your Jack FM stories, memories, or relevant anecdotes to jackticalmagic@gmail.com.

    Theme Song: ‘Heavenly Pop Hit’ by The Chills. Used with permission.
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
  • A Museum is Just a Hall of Fame for Dinosaurs

    A Museum is Just a Hall of Fame for Dinosaurs
    Dec 9 2025

    In our debut episode, hosts Amelia Scannell and Cooper Willis introduce listeners to the world of Jack FM, the radio format known for unpredictable playlists, nostalgic hits, and the unmistakable “Jack FM energy” that defines its sound. We walk through how Jack FM started, why its mix of ’80s, ’90s, and 2000s rock and pop resonates so widely, and what makes these songs feel instantly familiar.

    This premiere also reveals all 64 songs in our tournament to determine the most Jack FM song of all time — a bracket built from decades of radio data, cultural trends, and listener instincts. If you’ve ever wondered why certain songs dominate adult hits radio, or why Jack FM’s playlists feel both chaotic and perfect, this episode sets the foundation.

    Cast Your Vote: Each week, vote for the song you think has the most Jack FM vibes at instagram.com/jackticalmagic/

    Call the Hotline: Tell us which song you think should win next week’s matchup. Leave a voicemail at (424) 666-1711.

    Email Us: Send your Jack FM stories, memories, or relevant anecdotes to jackticalmagic@gmail.com.

    Theme Song: ‘Heavenly Pop Hit’ by The Chills. Used with permission.
    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
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