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
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.
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
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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.
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: 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.”
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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.
Would K-Pop Exist Without Black Culture?
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.
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The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders
Help! My dad is dating a scammer! (From This Is Uncomfortable)
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.
Ms. Pat: Can Laughter Save Democracy?
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.
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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.
How Did Mormon Moms Take Over Pop Culture?
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?
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The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.
Nia DaCosta: Why is Real Life Scarier Than Horror Films?
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.
Why Are Movie Wigs Still So Bad?!
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.
How Did Therapy Change Sherry Cola’s Comedy?
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.
Can Bad Bunny Save America?
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.
The Millennial Internet, from Buzzfeed Quizzes to Filming ICE
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.
George Civeris: Is this Gay Millennial Middle Age?
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.
How 'Heated Rivalry' Even Seduced Russia
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.