Ball and Biscuit ft. Brad Tolinski

Jack White's guitar playing can be summed up in two eras: before "Ball and Biscuit" and after "Ball and Biscuit." Ryan is joined by author and guitar historian Brad Tolinski to break down one of the White Stripes' defining songs. Jack and Meg finally took their shot at the blues, and the result was nothing short of monumental. Together, they explore, at the time, the band's unofficial rule against guitar solos, how Jack ultimately gave in to the temptation to let loose on guitar, and why "Ball and Biscuit" immediately became such a pivotal song for the White Stripes, and for Jack White's legacy as a guitarist. Brad Tolinski was the editor-in-chief of Guitar World magazine for over twenty-five years. He is also the author of Eruption: Conversations with Eddie Van Halen, and has a new book coming out July 23, 2026, Blow by Blow: The Jeff Beck Story. Hosted and produced by Ryan Schaap Artwork: Catlin Likely Assistant Editorial Producer: Amanda Schultz Bonus content is available to our monthly backers at Patreon.com/hardestpodtopod Buy me a coffee: buymeacoffee.com/hardestpodtopod LinkTree: linktr.ee/hardestpodtopod