The Sam Sanders Show

We’re so excited to be featured this month by Apple Podcasts’ Society & Culture.  This episode, comedian and TikTok star Rob Anderson brings back the '90s! From 'Boy Meets World’ to 'Baywatch', Rob unpacks the most absurd pop culture from the era. He even breaks down an exceptionally unhinged episode of 'Touched By An Angel’ featuring civil rights icon Rosa Parks. Through jokes, songs and recaps, he breaks down why the ‘90s are the perfect moment to look back on. He also explains our enduring need for nostalgia. Rob is currently touring his solo show, ‘Are You Afraid Of The '90s?’  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

After years of antisemitic comments, failed business deals and a failed Presidential run, Ye is making a comeback.  The artist, formerly known as Kanye West, recently apologized for his past behavior and released a new album. It’s his usual routine for new music releases. But this round was followed by two massive sold-out shows in Los Angeles. A myriad of fans and famous people were there to support. So, what does this comeback say about the state of celebrity and society? Sam breaks it all down with Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Aparna Nancherla is probably the funniest introvert doing comedy. Although Sam is a total extrovert, he’s admired her work for years.  She tells Sam how she got comfortable on stage and why stand-up is the perfect activity to combat shyness. They also break down the excessive demands of modern life, the internet surveillance state, and why we all need to log off and touch grass. Plus, she shares a 'vicious’ pop culture hot take.  Aparna's latest special ‘Hopeful Potato’ is out now. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Note: This episode contains spoilers!  A24’s ‘The Drama’ has pissed off many moviegoers.  The film, directed by Kristoffer Borgli, follows a newly engaged couple played by Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. The trailer gives rom-com vibes, until a shocking confession threatens to end their relationship. This movie (and the discourse around it) raises a lot of tricky questions: What does a movie studio owe to the public? How provocative should a mainstream film ever be? What kind of movie star is Zendaya? Sam dives into all of this with Amy Nicholson, film critic at the ‘Los Angeles Times’ and co-host of the ‘Unspooled’ podcast. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

  We’re breaking down one of the most important film genres ever on the show today…The classic Romantic Comedy! Because rom-coms always make us feel better, even the ones that haven’t aged well.  Sam is joined by two lovebugs to create a (not quite) definitive list of the greatest rom-coms of all time. Liz Plank, author and host of the ‘Boy Problems’ podcast, and Ryan Mitchell, entertainment journalist and co-host of the ‘High Key’ podcast.  Together, they unpack the most rewarding life lessons from the best rom-coms in Hollywood history. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week.  

Swedish pop star Robyn has just released a new album, after almost eight years since her last one. ‘Sexistential’ mixes themes of motherhood and maturity with classic club beats. Sam breaks it all down with Jia Tolentino, staff writer at ‘The New Yorker,’ who recently profiled Robyn for the magazine. She explains what the new songs say about heartbreak, sexuality and the uncertainty of our modern times. Plus, they dive into Robyn’s origin story and how she’s managed to stay relevant after three decades in the music business. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

A great piece of pop culture often includes cheating scandals, obsessed fans and some serious competition. We’re not talking about 'The Real Housewives'… But the NYT Games app! Everdeen Mason leads the Games Team at 'The New York Times.' She tells Sam about what goes into making Wordle, Connections, The Crossword and so much more. She also breaks down the challenge of keeping millions of players satisfied. Plus, Everdeen shares what she really thinks about cheating at Wordle.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

It’s been a bad week for ‘The Bachelorette’ franchise.  For the first time in the show’s history, ABC pulled the plug on its new season just days before it was set to air. The move came after a 2023 video surfaced of the show’s star — Taylor Frankie Paul of ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ fame — physically assaulting her then boyfriend.  Could this scandal mark the end of the already struggling franchise? And what does it say about the future of the reality genre? Sam talks it out with Vulture’s TV critic Kathryn VanArendonk. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Chris Fleming’s comedy is unlike anyone else working right now. His act is equal parts stand-up and interpretative dance. He's constantly moving, grooving and writhing all over the stage. It’s all on full display in his new HBO special ‘Chris Fleming: Live at the Palace’. He spoke with Sam about embracing imperfection on stage, and how he uses movement to become a ‘spectacle.’ Chris also shares how his supportive family helped him find his purpose —  creating joy through stand-up.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

'KPop Demon Hunters' is officially an Oscar-winner. The beloved movie took home the trophy for Best Animated Feature at Sunday’s ceremony. The film's popular anthem 'Golden' won Best Original Song, the first K-pop song to ever win an academy award. Songwriter Mark Sonnenblick helped write 'Golden' and many other songs in the film. He spoke with Sam last fall all about bringing them all to life and why music is so vital to great storytelling.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

A twisted new horror film is being described as a mix between 'The Substance' and 'Mean Girls.' Sam can’t stop thinking about it. 'Slanted' follows an insecure Chinese American teenager who desperately wants to fit in, but faces constant bullying and discrimination. Then she finds a drastic solution — ethnic modification — surgery that makes her appear white. Pale skin, blue eyes and blonde hair included.  Amy Wang wrote and directed the wildly brutal movie. She tells Sam how the script was inspired by her own experiences living in Australia with her Chinese immigrant family. She also explains why satire and body horror were the perfect combo to tell this story. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

It’s almost Oscars weekend, so we’re hanging out with the man behind some of the wildest moments in the ceremony’s history. Comedian Bruce Vilanch spent 25 years writing for the Oscars. He crafted jokes for legendary hosts like Whoopi Goldberg, Steve Martin, Billy Crystal and more. He spoke with Sam last year about his experiences in the job and his advice for aspiring comedy writers.  Bruce Vilanch’s book is called: It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time: The Worst TV Shows in History and Other Things I Wrote Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind-the-scenes stuff from every interview each week.  

Awards season in Hollywood is in its final stretch. The suspense is rising. The Oscars are imminent. The ceremony is always full of glitz and glamour, but for years it’s been plagued by disappointments. Long and boring broadcasts. Unjustified snubs. Clunky skits and speeches. Despite it all, Sam loves to watch, but he has some ideas to fix Hollywood’s biggest night. Joining the show are two entertainment journalism heavyweights: Jacqueline Coley is awards editor at Rotten Tomatoes and host of Seen on the Screen with Jacqueline Coley. Clayton Davis is chief awards editor at Variety where he also hosts the Awards Circuit Podcast. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. And remember to take our survey! We want to know more about you and what you love about the show.   The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Looksmaxxing. Mogging. Clavicular.  There’s an alarming new figure (and vocabulary) taking over influencer culture. What does it all mean for the current internet? Here to explain is author and artist John Paul Brammer, who recently wrote about this for Playboy Magazine. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. And remember to take our survey! We want to know more about you and what you love about the show.   The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Kate Hudson has always loved acting, but she feels the most like herself when she’s singing.  It’s how she landed her role in the musical drama ‘Song Sung Blue.’ She stars alongside Hugh Jackman as performers in a Neil Diamond tribute band. She’s now nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance. Kate tells Sam about how Quincy Jones encouraged her to sing as a kid and how she finally found the courage to share her voice.  Kate also gets real about growing up in a famous family and the difficulties of working in Hollywood. Plus, she explains why she will always be grateful for the romantic comedies of her past. “I walk down the street and I connect with girls from 13 years old right now to 70 years old. And I did that because I made movies that might not have necessarily got me nominated, but it's made people feel happy.” Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. And remember to take our survey! We want to know more about you and what you love about the show.   The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

From the Billboard charts to the Oscars, K-Pop is bigger than ever in Hollywood. Along with its global domination, there’s a dark side to the genre. Blatant appropriation of Black American culture. K-Pop stars caught using racial slurs. Fandoms torn apart over anti-Black racism. So, how should we all be thinking about K-Pop in 2026? Sam poses that question to Dr. Sarah Olutola, novelist and professor at Lakehead University. Her research centers on pop culture, Black culture and K-Pop. They examine the history, geopolitics and future of a global system largely built off Black American art. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. And remember to take our survey! We want to know more about you and what you love about the show.   The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders   

Today we’re sharing Sam’s episode from This Is Uncomfortable. The show is all about life and how money messes with it. Sam joins host Reema Khrais to answer listener questions about finances and dating. They tackle issues with scammers, secret investments, and polyamorous partners.  Remember to take our survey! We want to know more about you and what you love about the show.   Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Comedian and actor Ms. Pat kinda does it all.  She performs standup, hosts her own podcast and created the acclaimed sitcom The Ms. Pat Show on BET+. The series is known for mixing a laugh track with real issues like racism, sexual assault and immigration.  A recent episode follows Ms. Pat’s family as they help a young kid hide from ICE agents, while the show’s fictional President comes to town. Chaos ensues, but the story demonstrates Ms. Pat’s sharp ability to use humor as a vehicle to talk about pain.  She tells Sam about the pushback she got from the network’s parent company over the episode and why she will never be silenced. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. And remember to take our survey! We want to know more about you and what you love about the show.   The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

The moment is Mormon. From The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, to The Bachelorette, to popular TikTok accounts like Ballerina Farm, women of the LDS faith are dominating pop culture right now.  Sam breaks it all down with author and journalist Bridget Read. Her latest piece for New York Magazine is titled: Under The Mormon Influence. Bridget unveils the ‘receipts, proof, timeline…everything’ behind this phenomenon. Plus, could all this new attention radically change the religion and its followers? Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. Please consider taking our survey! We want to know more about you and what you love about the show.   The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Director Nia DaCosta has done it all. Horror, period drama, and even a Marvel blockbuster. Through it all, Nia is always asking: What does it mean to be human? Her latest films Hedda and 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple are no different.  She tells Sam about how horror themes mirror the real world, how she found her voice as one of the few Black women directors in the business, and why she’s not interested in teaching white people about race through her films.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. And remember to take our survey! We want to know more about you and what you love about the show.   The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

As awards season grinds on, we're revisiting a topic that really irks Sam – bad wigs on the big screen. Why do sooo many wigs look so wrong? Here to break down what’s going on is Hollywood hairstylist and wigmaker Dawn Dudley. Her work has been seen in A Star is Born, Rob Zombie’s The Munsters, HBO’s Westworld and tons more. She breaks down what’s really happening on Hollywood sets and says it’s often not the hairstylist’s fault.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. And please take our survey! We want to know more about you and what you love about the show.   The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Actor and comedian Sherry Cola often finds wild parallels between the characters she plays on screen and her personal life, including her new role in the hit dramedy Shrinking.  She breaks down how the show normalizes therapy with humor, what she’s learned from years of therapy, and why she picks roles that break the stereotype of the model minority. She also shares how playing a queer character in Freeform’s Good Trouble helped her finally come out to her parents.  Plus, how Sherry’s early career on the radio prepared her for the big screen.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. And remember to take our survey! We want to know more about you and what you love about the show.  The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

From the Grammys to the Super Bowl, this is Bad Bunny’s world… We’re just lucky to live in it. But his presence goes far beyond music.  Dr. Nate Rodriguez, professor of journalism and media studies at San Diego State University, teaches a course all about Bad Bunny’s influence on media, identity and global culture. Sam and Dr. Nate dive into the contrast of Bad Bunny’s success, while ICE is flooding American cities. They also discuss what the NFL gains from broadcasting his message to the world.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Today we’re sharing Sam’s episode from The Assignment with Audie Cornish. This year marks a milestone for Millennials: the youngest of the cohort finally turns 30. So what comes next for the first generation of true digital natives now that they have achieved “unc” status? Audie talks with Sam Sanders about the generation that watched media transform from Buzzfeed quizzes into AI slop. They also discuss Millennial activism taking over the generation’s Instagram feed as ICE protests continue in Minneapolis.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Should I have kids? Is there still enough time? Does time even matter? Comedian George Civeris is grappling with a lot of life’s big questions lately.  He explores all of this in his latest standup special A Sense Of Urgency. He also chats with Sam about making jokes when the world is on fire and his own (sort of) immigrant experience as a gay millennial. Plus, they dive into his hottest takes on The Real Housewives, lost monoculture and gay vacation destinations. Check out George’s podcast Straightio Lab. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Everyone is well aware of Heated Rivalry’s immense popularity. The gay hockey romance seduced the masses in ways we haven’t seen in years… Maybe decades? The show even has a following in Russia, where queer media is outlawed. Russian journalist Mikhail Zygar is familiar with that climate. He was exiled in 2022 when he came out as a gay and married his now husband. Mikhail recently wrote about the parallels between the show and his own life for Vanity Fair. He tells Sam about what it all means for state repression, freedom and hope for LGBTQ+ Russians.   Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Today we’re sharing an episode from KCRW’s Question Everything. What happens when TikTokers replace TV hosts and interviewers, and presidential candidates start begging to be on their shows? Question Everything host Brian Reed sits down in a Brooklyn wine shop with four of the internet’s biggest creators: Caleb Simpson, who gets people on the street to take him up to their apartments; Julian Shapiro-Barnum who interviews kids on Recess Therapy; Anania Williams of the LGBTQ quiz show Gaydar; and Jack Coyne, host of the music game show Track Star. Their videos reach more people than many major news outlets. But who gets control over what they run? When is money changing hands? What do they do when politicians like Kamala Harris and RFK Jr. come calling? A frank conversation about the blurry grey area between this new form of entertainment and journalism. Check out the Substack, with more reporting on the war over truth, free speech, and tech’s role in it all. Question Everything is a production of KCRW and Placement Theory.

Raphael Saadiq has been influential to the music industry since he burst onto the scene with his group Tony! Toni! Toné! — since then he’s produced hits with artists like Beyoncé and scored countless film and TV projects.  He’s now nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song for his blues anthem “I Lied To You” from the blockbuster film Sinners. He breaks down what went into creating the song, his connection to director Ryan Coogler and his golden rule for making music for movies.  Plus, Raphael remembers his late friend D’Angelo and shares the story behind their iconic song “Untitled (How Does It Feel).” Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

There’s a little trend that’s gaining a lot of traction… Many people are leaving Spotify – and making a fuss on their way out.  They’re angry at the platform and the algorithm. They’re angry with how it pays artists. Some users are very angry about the ads Spotify runs. It’s quite the vibe shift for the world’s largest music streaming service. Sam breaks it all down with Bloomberg’s Ashley Carman who recently reported from Spotify’s headquarters in Stockholm. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

It’s officially awards season in Hollywood – with endless red carpets, secret ballots, snubs, scandals… and vibes that feel increasingly weird. Joining Sam to check-in on the health of the movie industry are two of the sharpest cinephiles in the game. Amanda Dobbins and Sean Fennessey, hosts of The Big Picture podcast. They unpack the drama shaping this year’s hottest races and break down this era of dramatic mergers, shrinking monoculture, and box office uncertainty.  Plus, a round of bold predictions for 2026 and a few under-the-radar films you’ll want to catch up on ASAP. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Consumed by a fear of looking bad on camera, dance floors across the country are filled with young people standing still. It suddenly seems everyone is too scared to let loose and move to the rhythm. Artists like Tyler, The Creator and Kaytranada have recently called out their crowds for rigid behavior. Sam breaks it all down with Elias Leight, reporter covering the music business for The Wall Street Journal. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

It’s a new year, so how about some timeless pop culture to lift our spirits? Music that heals, TV shows that inspire joy, movies that create everlasting memories. Sam describes these as Modern Scriptures – the stuff that we can return to again and again to help us stay grounded, centered and connected. Joining Sam for this is meditation and mindfulness expert Dan Harris. He hosts the popular podcast 10% Happier. Dan shares the pop culture that always boosts his mental health and gives advice on how to make your New Year’s resolutions stick.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Today we’re sharing Sam’s episode from One Song.  Is Dreams what it sounds like when personal chaos becomes collective brilliance? Recorded live at On Air Fest at KCRW, Sam joins hosts Diallo and LUXXURY to break down this Fleetwood Mac classic. Together, they dive into the Rumours-era drama and unravel why the magic of Dreams feels both intensely personal and universally resonant. If you like this episode, be sure to check out One Song on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

There was a time when popular music was inseparable from civil rights and civil unrest. But today, very few popular songs reflect the grievances seen in the streets.  Fela Kuti is an artist who wasn’t afraid to make protest music. Known as the father of Afrobeat, his music became the soundtrack for social change in his native Nigeria.  He’s the focus of the new podcast Fela Kuti: Fear No Man created by Jad Abumrad. He tells Sam about the lasting impact of Kuti’s work, his complicated history, and asks… why are musicians today so afraid to get political?  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Today we’re sharing Sam’s episode from the How To! Podcast.  Sam is many things: journalist, podcaster, pop-culture obsessive, and a familiar voice from public radio. He’s also “quite possibly the world’s most hesitant homeowner.” Sam wants to fix up the house he recently bought, but three things are holding him back: First, he doesn’t have a clue where to start. Second, he’s not very handy. And third, he’s intimidated by the thought of talking with contractors (who might discover the first two things about him). In the first episode of a two-part series, host Carvell Wallace brings on home improvement expert and bestselling author Mercury Stardust (aka The Trans Handy Ma’am) to guide Sam in conquering his fears. Mercury’s latest book is Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair.  Ready for part 2? This conversation continues with How To Take Charge of Home Repair. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Today we’re sharing Sam’s episode from Life in Seven Songs.  Sam grew up strictly Pentecostal in Texas. Non-religious music was forbidden in his house – so Sam got resourceful, smuggling CDs into the house in his underwear and watching MTV in secret. At 18 years old, just as he was getting ready to leave for Stanford, Sam’s life was turned upside down. Both of his parents suffered major health crises in the span of a few months, resulting in Sam becoming their caregiver. Years later, Sam would face another devastating double-whammy with the death of his mother followed a month later by a crushing breakup. Sam opens up about the music that carried him through – from Janet Jackson videos to soaring gospel tunes to revenge-fueled breakup anthems – and why today, he’s savoring the freedom he’s been chasing his whole life. If you like this episode, be sure to check out Life in Seven Songs wherever you get your podcasts.   Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Even though 2025 gave us big albums from artists like Lady Gaga and Bad Bunny, did pop music fall short overall?  Sam breaks down the year’s hits and misses with Reanna Cruz, music journalist and producer at Switched on Pop. Why does everything sound like it’s stuck in the 2000s? Who are the artists actually pushing boundaries? And is there anything to look forward to in the new year?   Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. NOTE: The Sam Sanders team is taking a short break for the holidays. We’ll be back with a new episode January 2.  The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Grammy winner Samara Joy is a jazz prodigy, but her singing is rooted in gospel music.  She tells Sam about discovering jazz in high school, her family’s famous Godmobile, and how faith shaped the artist she is today. Plus, why her music will never be touched by AI.  Samara Joy’s latest album Portrait is out now. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Tis’ the season! It’s that time of year when we’re bombarded by gift guides. Something for your partner, your friends, White Elephant gifts, and the always daunting task of getting something for your parents. It seems like every year we’re expected to GIVE so much.  Sam breaks down the gift guide overload with Avery Trufelman, host of the Articles of Interest podcast, a show all about what we wear. Together, they offer some thoughts on how to survive the craze of consumerism this holiday season.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

This year saw some pretty spectacular pop culture moments… but there’s a few we hope to never see again.  We’re breaking down the best and worst of 2025, from blockbuster hits like KPop Demon Hunters and Sinners, to the rebirth of rock with bands like Geese.  Sam takes on this big task with help from Traci Thomas, host of The Stacks podcast, and Franklin Leonard, founder of The Black List. One thing they all agreed on? Ms. Rachel just might be this year’s unsung hero. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

HBO’s new gay romance series Heated Rivalry has the internet… feeling things. It tells the steamy story of two feuding hockey players who secretly desire (and devour) each other. The series rounds out a long list of queer pop culture moments from 2025. Alex Abad Santos, correspondent at Vox, joins Sam to look back on it all.  From I Love LA to the re-release of Brokeback Mountain, they break down the Year in Queer entertainment, and ask what representation in media can still accomplish today. They also look at the shifting landscape of Hollywood studios. What could it all mean for future queer representation? Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter makes people look good on the big screen — especially Black people.  She’s the mind behind the costumes for countless iconic films including Malcolm X, Do The Right Thing, the Black Panther franchise, and arguably the biggest movie this year… Sinners.  Sam chats with Ruth about the literal blood and sweat that goes into her designs, the first garment she ever made, and working as one of the few Black costume designers in Hollywood.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week.  

Solomon Ray is the hottest new voice in Gospel music, but there’s a catch. He’s not real.  Sam chats with Andrew R. Chow, a correspondent for Time where he covers technology. They break down the rise of AI in the music industry and how human artists are fighting back. Are streamers doing anything to filter out tracks made by machines? What can listeners do to avoid AI slop? Plus, why it’s getting harder to identify if a song is human made or not.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

To celebrate Thanksgiving, we’re sharing a special episode of Your Mama's Kitchen.  In the podcast, host Michele Norris and guests explore how our earliest culinary experiences shape our personal and professional lives. Plus, every guest shares a recipe for a favorite dish from their youth so you can taste a bit of their story. Sam was on the show recently where he took Michele and listeners back to his roots in Texas. Everyone in his house was a cook and there was a local "rabbit" man who sold all kinds of meat from his truck; including possum. Sam also opens up about a special moment he shared with his mom as she was recovering from a stroke, while cooking her special Smothered Chicken Recipe. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Now that Wicked: For Good is finally in theaters, has the industry been changed for the better?  NOTE: This episode contains hot takes and spoilers. Sam breaks it all down with Katey Rich, awards editor at The Ankler, and host of the Prestige Junkie podcast and newsletter. They dive into the memes, the money, and star power that created the biggest Broadway adaptation ever. Plus, what do all the mixed reviews mean for the film’s awards potential (looking at you, Ariana!) and what’s next for the Oz Cinematic Universe? Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Danielle Pinnock got her big break in the wildly popular sitcom Ghosts. But just before she landed that role, she nearly quit acting. She tells Sam how a ton of hard work (and a little bit of lying and scamming) finally got her noticed. Danielle also breaks down why she continues fighting for Black stories and body acceptance in Hollywood. Plus, her latest hot take gets us in the mood for the holiday season. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Sports betting is a billion dollar industry chock full of scandals.  Journalist Baker Machado breaks down how gambling has infiltrated sports from the collegiate to professional level, how players get involved, and how betting companies push fans into spending money they often can’t afford to lose. Spoiler alert: it’s all legal.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Samin Nosrat found a love for cooking through working in acclaimed restaurants and visiting kitchens around the world. She became a star after releasing her hit cookbook Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat – which also became a Netflix series. But to her surprise, all that success left her feeling empty.  Sam chatted with Samin in her ‘secret garden,’ surrounded by kumquats, limes and passion fruit. She broke down how hard it was to recover in the spotlight, and how she learned to embrace life’s pleasures. Plus, she dishes on the healing powers of dinner parties and gives advice for pulling them off yourself. Samin Nosrat’s new book is called Good Things. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Author Michael Lewis is best known for writing Money Ball, Liar's Poker and The Big Short, his seminal book about the 2008 financial crisis that later became an Oscar-winning film. He sat down with Sam for a recent Live Talk Los Angeles event to celebrate the 15 year anniversary and new audio book of The Big Short. They revisit the biggest lessons from 2008 and reflect on what’s changed —and stayed the same— in finance, society and entertainment since then. Plus, he shares what’s making him happy during these tumultuous times. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Comedian Jay Jurden loves seeing just how far he can push a joke.  In his debut special, Yes Ma’am, Jay makes fun of everyone from millennials to Kid Rock to his own open marriage. Sam chats with Jay about his writing process, why you won’t hear a single Trump joke in his set, and why every comedian who has ever made fun of you might owe you money.  Jay Jurden’s debut special Yes Ma’am is out now on Hulu.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

For the first time in 35 years, there are no rap songs in Billboard’s Top 40. Is hip-hop in trouble?  Sam breaks down what it all means with Justin Richmond, music journalist and host of Pushkin’s Broken Record podcast. The two chat about the warning signs that might have led to this moment, how hip hop has evolved, and how Black music continues to influence artists across genres today.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Comedian Jazmyn W. pokes fun at everything from being a single mom to dating post-divorce. It’s part therapy, part life advice, and 100% real. She chats with Sam about why she isn’t afraid to be honest in her stand up, the realities of working as a comedian and content creator, and why even though she has over a million followers on TikTok, she couldn't care less if the app shuts down. Plus, Jazmyn’s hot take on reality dating shows.   Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Surprise! From now on you’ll be getting double the Sam in your feed every week.  In today's episode...When Sam placed Jaws on our Horror Movie Mt. Rushmore our videographer, Luis Peña, had A LOT to say. Sam and Luis duke it out and find out once and for all what actually makes a horror movie a horror movie.   The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

We were all burned by the #GIRLBOSS era… just ask comedian Phoebe Robinson. Her latest standup special I Don’t Wanna Work Anymore gets into all the ways hustle culture made us all tired.  Phoebe and Sam break down the realities of the girlboss, trad wives and tired baddies everywhere. They also reflect on the legacy of her comedy podcast 2 Dope Queens, which she hosted with friend and fellow comedian Jessica Williams. Plus, Phoebe shares why it’s just too late for her to become a sugar baby.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Hallelujah! It's finally spooky season! Time to break down the very best of Hollywood horror. Joining the show are culture journalists Brittany Luse (host of NPR’s It’s Been a Minute) and Tre’vell Anderson (host of the film podcast SEATED).  They rank their favorite scary movies of all time and build the definitive Horror Movie Mount Rushmore. Can anything top Jordan Peele's Get Out? They also dive into the drama of celebrating Halloween while growing up Christian. Plus, pop culture hot takes! Swifties, you’ve been warned.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Maybe there actually was a song of the summer? At least if you’ve seen the hit movie KPop Demon Hunters. The film’s hottest song, Golden, has been dominating the Billboard Hot 100 charts since August. And it’s the most popular film to ever hit Netflix. Songwriter Mark Sonnenblick helped create the soundtrack’s major pop anthems. He talks about bringing them to life, his songwriting process, and why music is vital to great storytelling. Plus, he shares his hot take, all about another flashy musical…  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Ben Collins became CEO of The Onion after a long career working in traditional news, so he's got major thoughts about speaking truth to power. He breaks down the role of satire in our current politics and what journalism is getting wrong about free speech.  Ben also talks about relaunching The Onion’s print newspaper and why AI will never write a good joke. Plus, he shares his pop culture hot take.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Actor June Squibb became a Hollywood leading lady in her 90s, decades after she first began acting. She tells Sam about finding stardom in older age, her Broadway debut in Gypsy in 1959, and why it’s alright to bend the truth every now and then. They also discuss her latest starring role in Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut Eleanor the Great. The film follows June’s character, Eleanor, who gets swept up in a big lie... Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Zosia Mamet is known for her breakout role as Shoshanna in the millennial core HBO series Girls. She breaks down the show's lasting legacy, what her character would be up to today, and why younger generations are still connecting with the show.  Plus, Zosia’s new book of essays, Does This Make Me Funny?, gets candid about being a self-described “B-minus nepo baby” and what it's like to work with badly behaved bosses in Hollywood (it sucks).  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Anna Sale hosts one of our favorite podcasts (and probably yours too) Death, Sex & Money.   In honor of her show, Sam and Anna roundup their picks for the best movies, tv shows, music and books all about (you guessed it!) death, sex and money. Together they get into the timeless lessons on grief in The Lion King, why Bonnie Raitt’s catalog is the ultimate remedy for heartbreak, and some surprisingly racy Aretha Franklin lyrics. Plus, Anna shares where she found joy this summer. Want more of Anna Sale’s musings? Check out her Substack From Somewhere. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week! The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Pulitzer Prize–winning fashion critic Robin Givhan joins Sam to talk style, luxury, and legacy. Sam also asks the eternal question: which jeans should he wear—skinny, baggy, barrel, or wide leg? Robin offers sharp fashion advice and dives into her new book, Make It Ours: Crashing the Gates of Culture with Virgil Abloh. They unpack the rebellious influence of Virgil Abloh—the late visionary behind Off-White and the first Black designer to lead Louis Vuitton—and how he blurred the line between streetwear and high fashion. She also breaks down the biggest challenges in fashion today, from TikTok microtrends to whether “high fashion” still matters. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Why do bad lyrics happen to good people?  From ‘suckin' on a chili dog’ to ‘making love to his tonic and gin,’ even the biggest hits from our favorite artists can feature lyrical turns that make us feel quizzical, offended, or even downright nauseated. Sam joins Nate and Charlie, hosts of the Vulture music podcast Switched on Pop, to plumb the depths of the worst pop lyrics of all time—culled from hundreds of listener submissions—to categorize, historicize, and, perhaps, celebrate the art of the lyrical faux pas. Check out more episodes of Switched on Pop anywhere you get podcasts.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

BFF’s Lindy West and Meagan Hatcher-Mays (Text Me Back! Podcast) dive into what pop culture gets right (and wrong) about friendships.  The duo share their hot takes with Sam, make a case for renaming Love Island to Friendship Island, and ask if MTV’s The Real World ruined the country. Plus, should some problematic celebrities (cough *Cardi B* cough) get a pass for being too real?  Want more Lindy and Meagan? Check out their Substack for Text Me Back!  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Harriet Tubman… as a rap icon?  Bob the Drag Queen’s new book Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert reimagines the historical icon as an abolitionist rapper in present-day America. Bob tells Sam about Tubman’s radical impact on history and why he’s obsessed with her legacy. They dive into what freedom means in 2025. Plus, Bob shares hilarious impressions (Thanks, Obama) and his thoughts on today’s protest music.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Big Freedia is best known as the Queen of Bounce, but her new gospel album Pressing Onward showcases her holy roots.  She tells Sam about growing up as a young gay church kid in New Orleans, what moved her to make a gospel album, and how twerking and praising God go hand in hand. Plus, Big Freedia breaks down her iconic feature on Beyoncé’s 2016 hit single “Formation.”  Pressing Onward is out now.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Beyoncé just wrapped her Cowboy Carter era, which saw an acclaimed world tour, historic Grammys wins, and a lot of backlash. So what does her massive crossover really mean for country music and its politics? Writer and cultural critic Tressie McMillan Cottom joins Sam to unpack whether or not country music still has a race problem (spoiler alert: it does), the reaction to Beyoncé’s success in the genre, and if Cowboy Carter truly opened doors for Black artists. Plus, Tressie argues there actually is a song of the summer… if you’re paying attention.  Feeling a bit of déjà vu? You’re not imagining things, country music is a cherished topic for Sam and Tressie. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

This week, writer Anne Helen Petersen unpacks the idea of Feminist Exhaustion — a term she coined to describe the burnout, backlash, and disillusionment many women feel toward the hollow promises of modern feminism. Sam and Anne explore how pop culture shaped (and warped) our ideas of empowerment through shows like Scandal, Girls and basically every recent Nicole Kidman project. Plus, they dive into the evolution from girlboss to tradwife, and ask how future generations can redefine what feminism means. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Anyone else exhausted? 

We’re halfway through the year, so it’s time for a pop culture check-in!  Sam is joined by two of your faves  — Linda Holmes (Pop Culture Happy Hour) and Ronald Young Jr. (Leaving the Theater, Weight For It) — to break down the best and worst of the year so far. From Sinners to The Studio to Love Island and the online discourse that kept us all talking. Plus, an epic fix for The White Lotus season four (you’re welcome).  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Atsuko Okatsuka’s comedy is bright and joyful, yet rooted in trauma. In this episode, she joins Sam to talk about her wild childhood, including being kidnapped by her grandmother, growing up undocumented in LA, and navigating her mother’s schizophrenia. They also talk about Atsuko’s new Hulu special Father, and what it reveals about marriage, mental illness, and emotional survival. Along the way, she explains why she calls herself the “father” in her relationship, how she tried to hire a sex worker for her mom, and what happened when she attempted to give her 91-year-old grandma a bath.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Today we’re sharing an episode from our friends at The Big Flop! Every week, the show unpacks pop culture’s most fascinating flops, frauds, and fiascos. In this episode, host Misha Brown throws back to Woodstock '99 with Sam and Lindy West (Text Me Back!). The music fest was meant to commemorate the original 1969 festival with “three days of peace and music” but instead became "three days of rage and chaos." If you thought Fyre Fest was bad… At least it wasn’t actually on fire!  Listen to The Big Flop on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week.  

Allison Williams became a millennial icon as Marnie on HBO’s Girls — but her second act is even more thrilling. From Get Out to M3GAN, she’s carved out a new space as a horror star and unexpected scream queen. In this episode, Allison joins Sam to unpack what draws her to morally messy characters, and why she keeps playing women we love to hate. They dive into her newest film, M3GAN 2.0, and what it says about AI, parenting, and the eerie ways tech is shaping our lives. Plus, a look back at Girls and why Gen Z has rediscovered it with fresh eyes. Is Allison in on the joke? Absolutely. And she’s got stories. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week.

We’re taking a little break from the show week, but very excited to share an episode from the Normal Gossip podcast. It’s a hilarious show with a simple premise: listeners send in the strangest, juiciest gossip they’ve heard, then host Rachelle Hampton dishes it all out. In this episode, Sam and Rachelle break down a case of “accidental” love-bombing at a Colombian hostel. Enjoy! Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week.

Actor Jeff Hiller opens up about his journey from church kid in Texas to queer fame in Hollywood. Jeff and Sam swap stories of growing up gay in conservative Christian spaces, where church was both a sanctuary and a source of shame. They unpack the complicated ways faith and queerness collide. They also break down how Hollywood struggles to tell stories about people who are queer, religious, working class — and simply human.  Jeff Hiller’s new memoir is called Actress of a Certain Age: My Twenty-Year Trail to Overnight Success. It details his breakout role on HBO’s Somebody Somewhere and why success approaching 50 feels better than he ever imagined. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

This week, we’re building the ultimate Queer Hollywood Mount Rushmore. Who belongs on the mountain of the most iconic LGBTQ+ entertainers in history?  Sam is joined by comedians Cameron Esposito and Jay Jurden for a fast, funny, and heartfelt debate covering everyone from RuPaul to Little Richard, Janelle Monáe to George Michael, and Abraham Lincoln. Yes, we put Lincoln on the list. No, we’re not taking it back. Along the way, they unpack what it really means to be a queer icon, reflect on Pride anthems, and make the case for queer space travel.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

We all know the saga of Britney Spears. Her meteoric rise, followed by a grim downfall and a troubling conservatorship. Her story captured a generation. But what does it say about America and ourselves? Sam reflects on it all with journalists Andrea Domanick and Jeff Weiss. They break down Britney’s impact on music, the tabloids that encroached on her private life and how she became a symbol for America’s downfall.  Jeff is the author of the new book Waiting For Britney Spears: A True Story, Allegedly. Andrea is a reporter and editor for KCRW and co-host of The Culture Journalist podcast.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Comedian Zainab Johnson joins Sam for a smart, funny, and unfiltered conversation about identity, comedy, and power.  They dive into her standup special Hijabs Off (now on Prime Video), where Zainab explores what it means to be Black, Muslim, and a woman in America — and why that trifecta still feels radical. She opens up about performing in a post-DEI Hollywood, navigating Islamophobia, and finding freedom in standup. They also unpack the rise of crowd work, the hustle of comedy today, and what it really takes to be heard.  Plus: Zainab shares the surprising story of how the Wayans family helped kick start her career. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week.  

Some movies are so bad, they become iconic. Think Cats, Joker: Folie à Deux, Madame Web, and The Flash—massive flops that cost studios millions and spark endless debate.  Sam breaks down why these high-profile films failed – and whether Hollywood is learning anything from its most embarrassing box office bombs. Lizzie Bassett and Chris Winterbauer of the What Went Wrong podcast join him to explore VFX disasters, star power misfires, and the curse of franchise fatigue. Why do these flops keep happening – can Hollywood learn anything from these box office disasters?  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

The ice bucket challenge is back, Lady Gaga’s making dance-pop again, and everyone’s hoarding tinned fish. Could it all mean… a recession? Comedians Zach Zimmerman and Eliot Glazer join us to unpack the internet’s funniest (and eeriest) recession indicator memes — from “recession blonde” to layaway coachella tickets to the return of vampire movies. Then, the hot takes fly: Zach argues that daytime TV needs to be mean again (bring back the mess!), while Eliot questions the cult of Kylie Minogue and calls for Joy Behar to take over The View. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

After almost 20 years of box office dominance, is the Marvel Cinematic Universe starting to fall apart?  Sam dives deep into the highs and lows of Marvel with two sharp pop culture minds, Kyle Buchanan (NY Times) and Tracy Brown (LA Times), exploring what’s gone wrong in recent years — and whether Thunderbolts* marks a real reset or just more of the same. They dig into Marvel’s pivot to TV, the fatigue of endless interconnected stories, and what the MCU could learn from newer hits like Sinners. Plus, will video game adaptations become Hollywood’s next big hit? Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week.  

This episode is nothing but hot takes! In a world drowning in opinions, Sam and friends serve up their spiciest ones — the kind that spark debate, start drama, or are just too real to admit out loud. TV writer and producer Kara Brown (Swarm, She-Hulk, Grown-ish) joins to argue that spoilers aren’t actually bad — and she means it. But not so fast: Sam’s own team member and resident contrarian Beau Delmore steps in with the rebuttal. It’s heated. It’s hilarious. It’s your safe space for bad opinions. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

How is entertainment changing with our current political moment?  Hollywood networks are scrapping trans storylines, DEI pipelines set up after 2020 are shutting down, and the conservative universe is thriving online. Are big studios chasing Donald Trump voters like the last time he was elected? Or is the chokehold of social media influencing how everyone else does business? Sam unpacks it all with two journalistic all-stars, Taylor Lorenz of User Mag and Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Marsai Martin became a star at just 9 years old on Black-ish. Now 20, she’s holding her own opposite Viola Davis in the new action thriller G20. Sam talks with Marsai about growing up in Hollywood, why she avoids “Black pain” roles, and how her Texas upbringing keeps her grounded. Plus, her mom Carol joins the conversation to share the family values that helped Marsai thrive in the spotlight. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

For millions of people, the soundtrack of their lives is curated by Spotify. The streaming giant has made it easier than ever to listen to music, but journalist Liz Pelly argues that it’s also devalued music in our culture and the artists who make it. Her new book is called Mood Machine: The Rise Of Spotify And The Costs Of The Perfect Playlist. Liz breaks down how the streaming service changed the music industry. Then, KCRW DJ and host Novena Carmel shares how she thinks about music in a world dominated by algorithms.  Catch Novena’s sets everyday on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic. Liz Pelly’s book Mood Machine: The Rise Of Spotify And The Costs Of The Perfect Playlist is out now.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

The Star Wars Holiday Special, The Brady Bunch Variety Hour, and Rob Lowe singing with Snow White at the Oscars have gone down in history as some of the worst TV ever made. Bruce Vilanch is the man behind them all. He recounts his biggest TV flops in his new book It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time. Sam chats with Bruce about how those infamous TV moments were made, how writing TV comedy has changed, and what it’s like to write for awards shows. Plus, Bruce shares advice for aspiring writers. It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time is out now.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

With her debut novel Detransition, Baby, Torrey Peters made history as the first openly trans writer to be published by a major publishing house. Now, she’s back with a new book that makes the case that we’re all living the trans experience. It’s called Stag Dance, and it challenges how we think about gender and explores transness not as an identity, but an invitation. Torrey and Sam dive into trans representation, the power of writing things that make people uncomfortable and how trans art can flourish, even in today’s political climate. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Are movie stars a thing of the past? Paul Scheer (actor, comedian) and Amy Nicholson (LA Times film critic) – co-hosts of the Unspooled podcast – join Sam to break down why Hollywood stopped making true stars. Gone are the days of Denzel, Julia, and Tom – now it’s all about franchises, streaming, and social media clout. So who’s to blame? Studio execs afraid to take risks? IP-obsessed filmmakers? Too many TikTok dance challenges? Sam, Amy, and Paul get into it all – and then put on their Hollywood exec hats to pitch their own foolproof plan to revive the capital-M Movie Star.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Is reality TV in trouble? Seasons are shorter, fresh stars are hard to find, and production is down. Sam digs into the drama with Rachel Lindsay (former Bachelorette, host of Morally Corrupt and Higher Learning) and Ryan Bailey (host of So Bad It’s Good). They break down whether the reality TV bubble is bursting, how social media changed the game, and why execs keep making the same mistakes. Plus, they dish on contestant horror stories and debate whether unionizing could save the industry.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

This Oscars weekend we have a bonus episode on a topic that really irks Sam – bad wigs on the big screen. Here to break down what’s going on is Hollywood hairstylist and wigmaker Dawn Dudley. Her work has been seen in A Star is Born, Rob Zombie’s The Munsters, HBO’s Westworld and tons more. She breaks down what’s really happening on Hollywood sets and says it’s often not the hairstylist’s fault.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Kari Ferrell became a viral sensation in 2009 after her small time cons gained international attention. She was living in Brooklyn, working at Vice News when she was exposed and dubbed “The Hipster Grifter.” Sam chats with Kari about what led her to become a scammer, why the media became so obsessed and her road to redemption. Kari Ferrell’s new memoir You'll Never Believe Me: A Life of Lies, Second Tries, and Things I Should Only Tell My Therapist is out now.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Caroline Rose makes music that cuts deep, and their latest album, year of the slug, is no exception. Sam talks with the indie singer-songwriter about why this album isn’t on Spotify, the struggle of working-class musicians in today’s industry, and how rejecting major platforms is an act of artistic defiance. Plus, Caroline opens up about their past breakup album The Art of Forgetting, how it helped Sam process his own grief, and what it means to truly move on. They also share exclusive acoustic performances of “conversations with shiv (liquid k song)” and “Tell Me What You Want.”  Check out year of the slug on Bandcamp.  Listen to 10% Happier with Dan Harris to hear more about Sam’s journey with grief.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

It’s Black History Month, and Sam is doing something a little different: building a Black Hollywood Mount Rushmore! Comedians and writers Yassir Lester and Garrick Bernard join Sam to debate which Black entertainers have left the biggest mark on the industry. Plus, the trio unpacks how the entertainment industry has evolved for Black creatives, the impact of strikes and streaming, and what it takes for rising stars — like Yassir and Garrick — to carve out a lasting legacy in Hollywood. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Sam’s hot take — it’s time to put an end to the Academy Awards. He lays out his case to Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins, hosts of The Big Picture podcast from The Ringer. They break down why the Oscars often reward the wrong films, prioritize campaigning over quality, and struggle to stay relevant in today’s entertainment landscape. Plus, how to make the hours-long ceremony actually fun. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Instead of dishing on Grammys predictions, we’re taking singing lessons. Vocal coach Doug Peck has worked with Grammy winners like Billie Eilish, Paramore’s Hayley Williams, and Broadway legend Patti Lupone. What exactly does a vocal coach do, why does everyone in the biz have one, and how do you learn to sing like a star? Plus, listen to the very end for Sam’s own musical surprise.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

The internet was in a frenzy over the short-lived TikTok ban. The app went down, then came back, and could still disappear again? Here to unpack what it all means for pop culture are two viral sensations, Franchesca Ramsey and Brandon Kyle Goodman. They’re both creators, podcasters, actors, and TV writers who had a lot to say about the internet and why Americans should party more. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

It’s been a rough start to the year for everyone in Los Angeles so we invited some friends to help us get through it with laughter. Chelsea Devantez, host of the Glamorous Trash podcast, and comedian Erin Dewey Lennox. Together, we break down the pop culture we’re excited for in 2025 and what we’re leaving behind in 2024.   If you need resources or you’re looking for ways to help those affected by the LA fires, visit kcrw.com/firehelp  Other resources mentioned in this episode: Best Friends Animal Society Letters from Altadena: Wildfire Relief Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week.

Due to the recent fires in Los Angeles, we’re postponing our episode this week. Sam and the KCRW team are safe. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by these devastating events. We’ll be back in your feed soon. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to keep in touch.    

In early 2020, comedian and actor Rachel Bloom faced life-changing extremes: the birth of her first child and the loss of collaborator Adam Schlesinger to COVID in the same week. In her Netflix special Death, Let Me Do My Special, Bloom processes these losses in a way that caught Sam’s attention, making his favorite comedy special of the last year. Rachel chats with Sam about her process and gives him advice on whether he should become a parent. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Today we’re sharing an episode from our friends at 10% Happier with Dan Harris featuring our own Sam Sanders.  Sam shares how he’s been dealing with grief over the last year, what it looks like to maintain a relationship with someone even after they’ve died, and what death has taught him about living a good life.  If you like what you hear, check out 10% Happier with Dan Harris wherever you get podcasts.

Jessica Williams plays a shrink on TV, but we’d pay money to have her be our therapist IRL. From her time on The Daily Show, to playing a therapist on Apple TV+’s Shrinking, and what it was like to freeze her eggs, the comedian and actor shares life lessons with us. And does a cold plunge count as self-care? We play a game to find out.    Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week.   The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Diallo and LUXXURY, hosts of the One Song podcast, help us recap the year in pop music. We talk about Drake’s beef with Universal, the evolution of sampling in the music industry, and the most slept-on artists of 2024. Plus, we discuss why the Grammys rarely get things right and launch The Sammies™ to set the record straight. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff every week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

2024 delivered endless pop culture phenomena from Brat Summer to Wicked’s box office domination. Traci Thomas, host of The Stacks podcast, and Franklin Leonard, founder of The Black List, help us reflect on the year's defining moments. We rehash Kendrick and Drake’s beef, discuss Wicked’s cultural impact, and debate if monoculture still exists.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Society places marriage on a pedestal, from Hollywood romcoms to Disney movies, often leaving singlehood overlooked. Journalist Meghan Keane, author of Party of One: Be Your Own Best Life Partner, explores society’s deep-rooted myths about romance and shares her own journey in embracing singlehood as a fulfilling choice. We talk about reclaiming happiness beyond romantic relationships, celebrating personal independence, and the bias against single people.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Get into the Christmas spirit with comedian and actor Matt Rogers! When he’s not co-hosting his hit podcast Las Culturistas, he’s touring the country as the Prince of Christmas. We talk about his iconic holiday comedy album, Have You Heard of Christmas?, and break down the pop culture news of the moment. His holiday tour begins next month with dates across the country.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Comedian Ronny Chieng believes America can survive another Trump administration. We talk about his role in Hulu’s Interior Chinatown, and the complex relationship between identity and humor in Hollywood. Plus, the impact of Asian representation in media, and the challenges— and freedoms — of creating authentic stories that resonate.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Technology has reshaped culture in surprising ways this year from Hollywood to social media. Tech journalist Elise Hu, host of TED Talks Daily, and Taylor Lorenz, author of Extremely Online, help us unpack the year’s most significant tech developments. We get into whether the AI hype is worth it, ponder the future of platforms that shape our lives, and discuss Elon Musk’s impact on online communication. Plus, why social media feels less fun than it used to.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Brian Jordan Alvarez and Stephanie Koenig are the creative force behind the new hit show English Teacher. The show features both him and Koenig as high school teachers in Texas dealing with guns, drag queens, and queer identity, all with a subversive, hilarious twist. We talk about their journey from creating indie comedy videos online to finally breaking through in Hollywood.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Comedian Roy Wood Jr. believes comedy is a form of journalism. We talk about his new CNN show Have I Got News For You, his time at The Daily Show, and the challenge of finding laughter amidst absurdity. Plus, we play a game inspired by Roy’s new show. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

What if Regina George cared about climate change? That’s the question from author and marine biologist Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. Her new book, What If We Get It Right?, offers a refreshing take on the climate crisis imagining a future shaped by Hollywood, pop culture, poetry, and joy. We talk about how creativity and optimism can help us reframe environmental challenges and inspire collective action. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Monét X Change, co-host of Sibling Rivalry, RuPaul’s Drag Race alum, and opera singer dives into her journey from church kid to drag queen and how it still influences her work. We also talk DRAG PAC, her political action committee fighting for drag and trans rights, and her new foray into performing R&B. Plus, we rate pop culture hot topics in a game of I-CON or I-CAN’T. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

We launched two episodes today! Don’t miss our episode with Joel Kim Booster, also in your feed. Sasheer Zamata stops by to chat about her role in the hit Disney+ series "Agatha All Along," queerness in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and how her time working at Disney parks shaped her career. Plus, artificial intelligence, the band Oasis, and... WHIPPETS! Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week.  The Sam Sanders show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

Joel Kim Booster dishes on the wardrobe choices on "Loot," his on-screen chemistry with Maya Rudolph, and how the show tackles real-world issues like the unhoused crisis. We also talk about the portrayal of wealth on television and his discomfort with glamorizing billionaires.  Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.  

The Sam Sanders Show from KCRW asks big questions – and offers hot takes – about the entertainment we’re obsessed with. Like, should the Oscars even exist? Are stadium concerts boring now? Should we be allowed to talk at the movie theater?  Join Sam and a bunch of comics, journalists and celebrities as they make sense of the zeitgeist… Or at least make fun of it. Listen to The Sam Sanders Show wherever you get your podcasts and on YouTube. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week.