Shows
The Sam Sanders ShowAre We Living in a Feminist Dystopia?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.
T...2025-07-2549 min
The Sam Sanders ShowChecking in from the public media dumpster fireAnyone else exhausted? 2025-07-2504 min
The Sam Sanders ShowWhat’s Worth Watching (and Skipping) in 2025 So Far?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...2025-07-1853 min
The Sam Sanders ShowCan Atsuko Okatsuka Turn Family Trauma Into Comedy Gold?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. ...2025-07-1154 minThe Sam Sanders ShowWoodstock '99: Mosh Pit at the Apocalypse with Sam Sanders and Lindy West (From The Big Flop)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 wherev...2025-07-0442 min
The Parting Shot with H. Alan ScottEnd Credits: A Wild Week of Insane Headlines with KCRW's Sam SandersYou're not going to want to miss this one. Sam Sanders, the brilliant host of KCRW's pop culture podcast The Sam Sanders Show, joins Newsweek’s H. Alan Scott to help make sense of a truly chaotic week in news and entertainment. They unpack the complicated and stunning verdict in the Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial and what it means. Then, it's time for some news that has us buzzing: The Devil Wears Prada 2 is a go with the original cast! From one iconic diva to another, we break down the reviews and viral moments from Rachel Zegler's debut in Ev...2025-07-0346 min
The Sam Sanders ShowIs Allison Williams Afraid of Her Own Movies?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...2025-06-2751 minThe Sam Sanders ShowA United Nations of Red Flags (From Normal Gossip)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.2025-06-2052 min
The Sam Sanders ShowJeff Hiller: Can Faith And Queerness Coexist?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 Someb...2025-06-1353 min
The Sam Sanders ShowWho’s On Your Queer Hollywood Mount Rushmore?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.
...2025-06-0650 min
The Sam Sanders ShowWhat happened to Britney Spears and the Millennial Dream?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...2025-05-3049 min
The Sam Sanders ShowZainab Johnson: Is It Still Radical Just to Exist?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...2025-05-2351 min
The Sam Sanders ShowCan Hollywood Learn from Its Biggest Bombs?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...2025-05-1652 min
The Sam Sanders ShowIs Pop Culture in a Recession? Hot Takes Round 2The 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 Sa...2025-05-0953 min
The Sam Sanders ShowHas Marvel Lost Its Magic?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?
...2025-05-0250 min
The Sam Sanders ShowAre Spoilers Actually Bad? And More Pop Culture Hot TakesThis 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...2025-04-251h 07
The Sam Sanders ShowIs Entertainment Moving to the Right?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 Sand...2025-04-1850 min
The Sam Sanders ShowHow Did Marsai Martin Conquer Child Stardom?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 Sande...2025-04-1156 min
The Sam Sanders ShowThe Dark Side Of The Perfect PlaylistFor 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...2025-04-0451 min
The Sam Sanders ShowWhy Do We Love Bad TV?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 Li...2025-03-2856 min
The Sam Sanders ShowIs Gender Just a Story?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’...2025-03-2154 min
The Sam Sanders ShowAre Movie Stars Dead?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. 2025-03-1456 min
The Sam Sanders ShowIs Reality TV Falling Apart?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...2025-03-0753 min
The Sam Sanders ShowWhy Are Movie Wigs So Bad?!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 i...2025-03-0115 min
The Sam Sanders ShowThe Hipster Grifter Speaks: Kari Ferrell on Scamming & RedemptionKari 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...2025-02-2849 min
Where It All StartsWhy The Oscars “Never Get It Right”WAD is taking a break from the daily horror show that is political news to talk about the scandals plaguing another American institution: Hollywood. Specifically, the swirling controversies around this year’s Oscars race, which culminates Sunday at the annual Academy Awards ceremony. From ‘Emilia Perez’ going from a sure-fire Best Picture winner to cinematic albatross, to the use of AI in ‘The Brutalist,’ there’s been something for everyone to get mad at this year. Sam Sanders, host of KCRW’s ‘The Sam Sanders Show’ and ‘Vibe Check,’ explains why the Oscars are bad for America.And in headlines: Pro-misogyny influence...2025-02-2824 min
What A DayWhy The Oscars “Never Get It Right”WAD is taking a break from the daily horror show that is political news to talk about the scandals plaguing another American institution: Hollywood. Specifically, the swirling controversies around this year’s Oscars race, which culminates Sunday at the annual Academy Awards ceremony. From ‘Emilia Perez’ going from a sure-fire Best Picture winner to cinematic albatross, to the use of AI in ‘The Brutalist,’ there’s been something for everyone to get mad at this year. Sam Sanders, host of KCRW’s ‘The Sam Sanders Show’ and ‘Vibe Check,’ explains why the Oscars are bad for America.And in headlines: Pro...2025-02-2824 min
The Sam Sanders ShowEscaping Heartbreak with Musician Caroline RoseCaroline 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.” 2025-02-2159 min
The Sam Sanders ShowWho Belongs on Black Hollywood’s Mount Rushmore?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 wee...2025-02-1452 min
The Sam Sanders ShowShould the Oscars Even Exist? with The Big Picture Hosts Sean Fennessey and Amanda DobbinsSam’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 Sa...2025-02-0757 min
Scam GoddessScams Hitting the Slopes w/ Sam SandersJournalism genius and podcast favorite Sam Sanders (Vibe Check, The Sam Sanders Show on KCRW) joins Laci to take down the latest scam hitting the ski slopes. While they may not agree on taking a spin on the ski lift, they’re both all in for cozying up with drinks by the fire and rocking those snow bunny fits. Today’s scheme has it all—Jay Peak, a snowy retreat just 20 minutes from Vermont; Green Cards; mountain makeovers; a man with chilling, soul-piercing eyes; Resorts World; and a sprawling biotech facility set to produce advanced medical devices from dialysis machine...2025-02-041h 19
The Sam Sanders ShowSam Sings! with Celebrity Vocal Coach Doug PeckInstead 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 Sa...2025-01-3151 min
The Sam Sanders ShowTikTok's Rise, Fall & Messy FutureThe 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 Sand...2025-01-2447 min
The Sam Sanders Show2025’s Pop Culture ForecastIt’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...2025-01-1752 minThe Sam Sanders ShowChecking in from Los AngelesDue 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.
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2025-01-1002 min
The Sam Sanders ShowRachel Bloom Confronts Grief with a Heckler Named DeathIn 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...2025-01-0349 minThe Sam Sanders ShowHow To Talk To Yourself When Things Suck (from 10% Happier with Dan Harris)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.2024-12-271h 09
The Sam Sanders ShowJessica Williams Talks Therapy and Life LessonsJessica 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.
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The Sam Sanders Show is a productio...2024-12-2059 min
Taylor Lorenz’s Power UserWhat defined the internet in 2024?2024 was wild! "Brain rot" was the Oxford word of the year. TikTok's days away from being banned. The CostCo Guys and the Hawk Tuah girl were everywhere. Taylor is joined by Sam Sanders, host of the Sam Sanders Show on KCRW to break down the biggest online moments of 2024.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices2024-12-1939 min
The Sam Sanders ShowThe Evolution of Pop Music with Diallo and LUXXURYDiallo 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.
2024-12-1359 min
The Sam Sanders ShowKendrick vs. Drake to Wicked: 2024 Unpacked2024 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.
2024-12-0657 min
10% Happier with Dan HarrisHow To Talk To Yourself When Things Suck | Sam SandersNew episodes come out every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday for free, with 1-week early access for Wondery+ subscribers. --- Smart strategies that emerged from a brutal year. Sam Sanders is an award-winning reporter, radio host and podcaster. He co-hosts the podcast Vibe Check with Zach Stafford and Saeed Jones. He also currently hosts The Sam Sanders Show from KCRW. Check out the album he mentioned in the episode, Caroline Rose’s The Art of Forgetting. This is part 2 in a 3-part series we’re running on gri...2024-12-041h 05
The Sam Sanders ShowBe Your Own Best Life Partner with Meghan KeaneSociety 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 Produ...2024-11-2952 min
The Sam Sanders ShowMatt Rogers, Prince of ChristmasGet 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.
2024-11-2257 min
The Sam Sanders ShowWhy Ronny Chieng Believes in AmericaComedian 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.
2024-11-1556 min
The Business'English Teacher' creators on the perfect office comedy setting (from The Sam Sanders Show)Brian Jordan Alvarez and Stephanie Koenig made the jump from YouTube to Hulu's 'English Teacher.' Introducing a KCRW original podcast we think you'll enjoy, The Sam Sanders Show. Watch the full episode on YouTube or follow the show here. 2024-11-1245 min
The Sam Sanders ShowInside 2024’s Tech Revolution with journalists Taylor Lorenz & Elise HuTechnology 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...2024-11-0850 min
The Sam Sanders ShowBrian Jordan Alvarez and Stephanie Koenig Break Through HollywoodBrian 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.
2024-11-0145 min
The Sam Sanders ShowRoy Wood Jr Says Comedy is JournalismComedian 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.
2024-10-2557 min
The Sam Sanders ShowClimate Change Needs Hollywood and HopeWhat 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 Prod...2024-10-1853 min
The Sam Sanders ShowMonét X Change: Drag, Politics, and OperaMonét 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...2024-10-1154 min
Slate ConversationsI Spread A Rumor That Alienated My Friends and Mentor. Help!In this episode, Sam Sanders (host of The Sam Sanders Show from KCRW) sits in as Guest Prudie with Slate’s own Nadira Goffe to answer letters from readers about making amends after spreading gossip, trying to forgive your mother after years of rejection, managing social invitations when a couple in the friend group breaks up. Want more Dear Prudence? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Or...2024-10-1155 min
Slate CultureI Spread A Rumor That Alienated My Friends and Mentor. Help!In this episode, Sam Sanders (host of The Sam Sanders Show from KCRW) sits in as Guest Prudie with Slate’s own Nadira Goffe to answer letters from readers about making amends after spreading gossip, trying to forgive your mother after years of rejection, managing social invitations when a couple in the friend group breaks up. Want more Dear Prudence? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Or...2024-10-1155 min
Slate AdviceI Spread A Rumor That Alienated My Friends and Mentor. Help!In this episode, Sam Sanders (host of The Sam Sanders Show from KCRW) sits in as Guest Prudie with Slate’s own Nadira Goffe to answer letters from readers about making amends after spreading gossip, trying to forgive your mother after years of rejection, managing social invitations when a couple in the friend group breaks up. Want more Dear Prudence? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Or...2024-10-1155 min
Slate Daily FeedI Spread A Rumor That Alienated My Friends and Mentor. Help!In this episode, Sam Sanders (host of The Sam Sanders Show from KCRW) sits in as Guest Prudie with Slate’s own Nadira Goffe to answer letters from readers about making amends after spreading gossip, trying to forgive your mother after years of rejection, managing social invitations when a couple in the friend group breaks up. Want more Dear Prudence? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Or...2024-10-1155 min
Dear PrudenceI Spread A Rumor That Alienated My Friends and Mentor. Help!In this episode, Sam Sanders (host of The Sam Sanders Show from KCRW) sits in as Guest Prudie with Slate’s own Nadira Goffe to answer letters from readers about making amends after spreading gossip, trying to forgive your mother after years of rejection, managing social invitations when a couple in the friend group breaks up. Want more Dear Prudence? Subscribe to Slate Plus to immediately unlock weekly bonus episodes. Plus, you’ll access ad-free listening across all your favorite Slate podcasts. Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts by clicking “Try Free” at the top of our show page. Or...2024-10-1155 min
The Sam Sanders ShowSasheer Zamata on Disney Parks to Disney+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.
2024-10-0452 min
The Sam Sanders ShowJoel Kim Booster: Sex, Wealth, and ComedyJoel 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.
2024-10-0451 minThe Sam Sanders ShowThe Sam Sanders Show is out nowThe 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.
2024-09-2701 min
How’s Your Sex Life?You don’t need an orgasm to have good sex ft. Sam SandersSam Sanders, co-host of Vibe Check, drops in for our final episode of the season! Sam gives advice on disclosing STIs, separating sex from your self-worth, and he chats with Myisha about what he’s tired of hearing on first dates.
We’ll be back in the new year! Be sure to follow the show to be notified when new episodes drop. Got questions about solo sex, finding your sexual self, relationships, or friendship woes? Drop us an email at sexlife@kcrw.org. Be sure to include some background info and your question may be answered on the sho2023-12-2040 min
Aja's & Claire Simone's Ketch A Vibe Show !Jazzy The Gee & Urban Unrest Ketch A Vibe Show 694 .Shirkers Ft Ceeow. - Like Summer.Marvin Gaye & Paul Hardcastle. - Rainforest & What’s Going On. Summer Of Madness Mix.Kool & The Gang. - Summer Madness.Sarah Vaughn. - Summertime. UFO Remix.Katalyst, Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad. - Summer Solstice.Saib. - Summer In Rio.Garcia. - Summer Hill.Trog’low. - Summer Squall.Lonnie Liston Smith. - Summer Nights.Sam Sanders. - Summer Mist.Johnossi. - Summerbreeze.Koop. - Summer Sun.Groove 4 The Peop...2023-08-0555 min
Aja's & Claire Simone's Ketch A Vibe Show !Jazzy The Gee's & Urban Unrest Show for "Ketch A Vibe"Please welcome our very good friends Jazzy The Gee & Urban Unrest who are covering our show while we are away on holiday.Shirkers Ft Ceeow. - Like Summer.Marvin Gaye & Paul Hardcastle. - Rainforest & What’s Going On. Summer Of Madness Mix.Kool & The Gang. - Summer Madness.Sarah Vaughn. - Summertime. UFO Remix.Katalyst, Adrian Younge & Ali Shaheed Muhammad. - Summer Solstice.Saib. - Summer In Rio.Garcia. - Summer Hill.Trog’low. - Summer Squall.Lonnie Liston Smith. - Summ...2023-08-0555 min