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.
Jacktical Magic
That Pan Flute CD We Got at the Local Fair
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
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 winner and move one step forward to the title of having the most Jack FM energy? And when is this voicemail going to wrap it up already?
Your vote decides.
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 your Jack FM stories, questions, memories, or music anecdotes to jackticalmagic@gmail.com.
Theme Song: ‘Heavenly Pop Hit’ by The Chills. Used with permission.
