Jacktical Magic cover art

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.

© 2026 Jacktical Magic Music Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Upstairs, Just Goonin'

    Upstairs, Just Goonin'
    Jan 17 2026

    Beck’s “Loser” and Radiohead’s “Fight for Your Right” 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 most Jack FM energy?

    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, questions, memories, or music anecdotes to jackticalmagic@gmail.com.

    Theme Song: ‘Heavenly Pop Hit’ by The Chills. Used with permission.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Tennessee's Polite Boy

    Tennessee's Polite Boy
    Jan 8 2026

    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.

    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, questions, memories, or music anecdotes to jackticalmagic@gmail.com.

    Theme Song: ‘Heavenly Pop Hit’ by The Chills. Used with permission.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 13 mins
  • The Eyebrow Ring Still Looks Good

    The Eyebrow Ring Still Looks Good
    Dec 18 2025

    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.

    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, questions, memories, or music anecdotes to jackticalmagic@gmail.com.

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