Jacktical Magic
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.
Episodes
Cooper hates to be the bearer of bad news and Gordon Shumway (ALF) attempts to mount a long overdue comeback. Oh, and there's no episode this week.
Ask us anything or tell us a story!
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 y...
Men Without Hats' “Safety Dance” and Tom Petty's “Mary Jane’s Last Dance” compete in the eigth clash of the Jacktical Magic tournament.
Amelia and Cooper converse about subterranean intellectuals, a boy meeting a well-mannered gent, and a National Treasure- style treasure hunt.
Which song will be declared the winner and move one step closer to the title of having the most Jack FM energy? And will the Traveling Wilburys knoc...
Foo Fighters’ “Learn to Fly" and Cake's “Short Skirt/Long Jacket” go head to head in the seventh battle of the Jacktical Magic tournament.
Amelia and Cooper recall how much of an impact grunge music had on them growing up (none.) Amelia cancels Amazon, Cooper went to high school with a really neat individual named Chas, and they talk about the Popeye Movie Soundtrack for way too long.
Which song will be declared the winne...
Soft Cell’s “Tainted Love" and Blues Traveler's “Hook” settle their differences in our sixth matchup of the Jacktical Magic tournament.
Cooper finally decides to stand up to Amelia’s bullying. Cooper also demonstrates how every song ever has stolen from somebody named Pachelbel, and Amelia presents a psychological profile of a killer giving the law enforcement the runaround. Oh- and British people are being stupid again.
W...
In a very special episode of Jacktical Magic, The Black Crowes’ ”Hard to Handle" and Train’s “Drops of Jupiter” face off in our fifth matchup of the Jacktical Magic tournament.
Amelia and Cooper talk about the cutest scene in movie history, get into why everything sucked after 9/11, and Amelia shares how Drops of Jupiter relates to her own experience of grief.
Which song will be declared the winner and move one step forward to...
Beck’s “Loser” and Radiohead’s “Creep” face off in our fourth matchup of the Jacktical Magic tournament.
Amelia and Cooper bite off more than they can chew with these early songs from two massive artists. They also pitch a jingle for Rancho Cucamonga, spend a lot of time making fun of the Brits, and learn that you can’t get music in prison.
Which song will be declared the winner and move one step forward to the title of having the m...
Sheryl Crow’s “If it Makes You Happy” and Beastie Boys' “Fight for Your Right” face off in our third matchup.
Amelia and Cooper are back from the holiday break to discuss Sheryl's possible fetish, Beastie Boys' Texas roots, and do a lot of impressions of talk show hosts.
Which song will be declared the winner and move one step forward to the title of having the most Jack FM energy?
Your vote decides.
Staind’s “It’s Been Awhile” and 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 Dear 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.
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.
Whi...
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...
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