The Sam Sanders Show
The Sam Sanders Show from KCRW is your guide to entertainment. Find out what makes your favorite artists tick, dissect the trends that shape our culture, or just make sense of that random meme you can’t stop thinking about. Join us every week to unpack the pop culture we love.
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Sam Sanders is an award-winning podcast and radio host. He’s been named best podcast host by both The Ambies and the iHeart Podcast Awards. He was one of the founding hosts of The NPR Politics Podcast and the host who launched both It’s Been A Minute from NPR and Into It from Vulture.
Most Recent Episode
The Kardashians Are American Icons (Whether You Like It or Not)
The Kardashians are one of the most famous families of our modern era.
Since their hit reality TV show first debuted in 2007, the family has become synonymous with American culture. Their celebrity has only grown with each new beauty and fashion enterprise.
Author MJ Corey analyzes the family’s staying power in her new book Dekonstructing the Kardashians: A New Media Manifesto. She talks to Sam about how the family built their media empire, how Kim Kardashian normalized selling her own image and what it says about our digital age, and how the family mirrors our deepest fears.
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.
More Episodes
The Movies You Should Be Watching This Summer (From Prestige Junkie)
Today we’re bringing you an episode from our friends at Prestige Junkie.
Sam joins host Katey Rich to look ahead at this summer’s stacked box office lineup. From Christopher Nolan’s 'The Odyssey' and Spielberg’s 'Disclosure Day' to the movies you shouldn’t sleep on including Aleshea Harris’ directorial debut 'Is God Is' and Hannah Einbinder’s queer slasher film 'Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma.'
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.
Will You Be Jimmy O. Yang’s Friend?
Actor and comedian Jimmy O. Yang is full of contradictions.
On stage, he exudes a party guy vibe, always down for a good time. But in actuality, Jimmy is pretty serious. He edits his own stand-up specials and thinks a lot about starting a family.
Jimmy works through all of this in his comedy. He tells Sam how he learned English as a teenager, his favorite karaoke song, and how he’s actively trying to make new friends. His latest special ‘Finally Home’ is out now.
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The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.
Did Whitney Houston Sing Out Of Tune? w/ Wyclef Jean
We’ve got a very special episode for you today, featuring the legendary rapper and musician Wyclef Jean. Sam teamed up with Justin Richmond of the Broken Record podcast for this live conversation recorded at the On Air Fest.
Wyclef Jean may just be the most wide-ranging rapper, producer, performer, and composer of his time. As the lead producer and MC of Fugees, he helped craft their 1996 landmark album The Score, one of the best-selling hip-hop albums of all time. The following year he released his debut solo album, The Carnival, which included hits like “Guantanamera” featuring Celia Cruz, and the platinum-certified single “Gone Till November.”
As a writer and producer for other artists, Wyclef is behind Whitney Houston’s “My Love Is Your Love,” Santana’s chart-dominating “Maria Maria,” Shakira’s global smash “Hips Don’t Lie,” and Destiny’s Child’s breakout single “No, No, No.”
They get into what it was really like in the studio with Whitney Houston, how The Fugees shaped their sound while recording The Score, and the wisdom Wyclef would pass on to his younger self about what makes a great creative collaboration.
Check out more great interviews from Broken Record.
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The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.
Trixie Mattel Wants Us To Slow Down
Trixie Mattel might be one of the busiest women in show business.
Since she made a name for herself on 'RuPaul’s Drag Race,' she's starred in multiple TV shows, created a hit podcast, became a best-selling author, launched a cosmetics line and even opened her own motel.
But Trixie says all that work led to burnout. She tells Sam how she learned the importance of slowing down, why there would be no Trixie without 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,' and how she’s trying to be more present in gratitude.
Plus, Trixie reflects on the pop culture that keeps her grounded, including a favorite country music album and the comfort show she can always turn on.
Don’t miss Trixie at KCRW’s Summer Nights!
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The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.
Is Mariah Carey the Greatest American Songwriter?
Mariah Carey has more No. 1 hits than any other American artist to date.
“Fantasy,” “Vision of Love,” and “We Belong Together” have all landed at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Part of the magic is in her voice, but it’s also in her songwriting — a skill that has too often been overlooked.
Music journalist Danyel Smith interviewed the artist for The New York Times’ list of “The 30 Greatest Living American Songwriters.” Sam caught up with Danyel to talk about Mariah Carey’s songwriting and sampling prowess, the systemic disrespect for Black women in music, and how Mariah cemented her place in music history.
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The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.
Did the ‘90s Kill Feminism?
Despite everyone’s nostalgic feelings for the ‘90’s, it was undoubtedly a complicated time for women.
Feminism was alive and well at the start of the decade, but author Sophie Gilbert explains how the movement’s energy collapsed into a problematic media storm that still lingers today.
She chronicles the decline through the ‘90s pop culture that shaped women from the Riot Grrrl movement, to the Spice Girls, and beyond in her book 'Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves.’
“At the beginning of the '90s, third wave feminism was very much alive. Anita Hill was testifying in Congress, it was the ‘Year of the Woman.’ You had Riot Grrrl, you had all this energy and this momentum behind trying to make things better for women,” Sophie explains. “And then over the course of the decade, it just kind of flatlined.”
Sophie talks to Sam about her book, how feminism is more fractured than ever, and how the extreme caricatures of women we see today aren’t that different from the tropes of women in the ‘90s.
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The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.
Is the Met Gala Still Relevant?
Models, designers, celebrities and Anna Wintour will soon gather for fashion’s biggest night: The Met Gala. But this year’s event has already spawned protests and boycotts.
Sam breaks it all down with fashion and culture journalist Amy Odell, host of the 'Back Row' podcast and newsletter. They look at how sponsors Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez could be overshadowing the gala’s purpose and ask if the event is more out-of-touch than ever before. Plus, Amy explains fashion's new 'gilded age.'
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The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.
Is Monoculture Back!? A Pop Culture Check-In w/ ‘Lemme Say This’
There’s no denying 2026 has been chaotic — but what about pop culture?
Hunter Harris and Peyton Dix (hosts of Lemme Say This) join Sam to break down the biggest moments of the year so far — and what they reveal about where culture is headed.
From reality TV dominating the conversation to debates about monoculture, celebrity overexposure, and what actually breaks through now, they unpack what’s working, what’s not, and why everything feels louder than ever.
Plus: Zendaya’s takeover, Timothée Chalamet discourse, Olympic breakout stars like Alysa Liu, and our enduring obsession with ‘Heated Rivalry.’
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.
Was Justin Bieber’s Coachella Set Lazy… or Genius?
Justin Bieber headlined Coachella with a stripped down set that quickly divided the internet.
While other artists had intricate sets, Justin sang on a mostly empty stage with nothing but a laptop. If you thought his set was lazy, 'The New Yorker' critic Vinson Cunnighman says you’re missing the point.
Vinson joins Sam to talk about Bieberchella, what Justin was trying to convey about fame and loneliness, and asks how authentic do fans really want their pop stars to be?
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 We Still Love the ‘90s?
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.
Is Kanye Forgiven?
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.
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The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.
Aparna Nancherla: Should We All Ditch the Internet?
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.
Want to Cancel ‘The Drama’? You’re Missing the Point
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.
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The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.
What Are The Best Rom-Coms Ever?
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.
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Can Robyn Teach Us To Love Again (and again and again)? w/ Jia Tolentino
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.
How Did Wordle Become a Pop Culture Icon?
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.
Can Reality TV Survive This?
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: Is Comedy His Love Language?
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.
How Did K-Pop Make Hollywood History?
'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.
What If You Could Change Your Race? w/ Amy Wang
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.
Bruce Vilanch: What Makes an Oscars Host Funny?
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
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Can The Oscars Be Fixed?
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.
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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.
Who is Clavicular?
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.
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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: Who Gets to Be Taken Seriously?
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.