The Sam Sanders Show
KCRW & Sam Sanders
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. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. 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...
Author Torrey Peters: “Transness is an Invitation”
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
Mar 21, • 54:14
Did Streaming Destroy the Movie Star? Paul Scheer & Amy Nicholson on Hollywood’s Big Shift
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 Hollywo
Mar 14, • 56:42
Reality TV’s Biggest Issues with Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay & Super Fan Ryan Bailey
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
Mar 7, • 53:54
Oscars Bonus: Why Are Hollywood 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 hair stylist’s fault. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam
Mar 1, • 15:22
The Hipster Grifter Speaks: Kari Ferrell on Scamming & Redemption
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 ge
Feb 28, • 49:16
Caroline Rose: The Album You Won’t Find on Spotify
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
Feb 21, • 59:51
Who 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 f
Feb 14, • 52:04
Should the Oscars Even Exist? with The Big Picture Hosts Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins
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
Feb 7, • 57:17
Sam Sings! with Celebrity Vocal Coach Doug Peck
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
Jan 31, • 51:33
TikTok's Rise, Fall & Messy Future
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
Jan 24, • 47:12
2025’s Pop Culture Forecast
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 An
Jan 17, • 52:47
Checking in from Los Angeles
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.
Jan 10, • 2:28
Rachel Bloom Confronts Grief with a Heckler Named Death
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 sce
Jan 3, • 49:25
How 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.
Dec 27, 2024 • 1:09:25
Jessica Williams Talks Therapy and Life Lessons
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 Prod
Dec 20, 2024 • 59:42
The Evolution of Pop Music with Diallo and LUXXURY
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.
Dec 13, 2024 • 59:28
Kendrick vs. Drake to Wicked: 2024 unpacked
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
Dec 6, 2024 • 57:16
How to be your own best life partner with Author Meghan Keane
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 beh
Nov 29, 2024 • 52:01
Why Matt Rogers Calls Himself the Prince of Christmas
Today on the show, Sam gets into the Christmas spirit with comedian and actor Matt Rogers. You know him as one of the hosts of the hit podcast Las Culturistas with his friend Bowen Yang. He’s also known as the self-declared Prince of Christmas, after making one of the funniest holiday comedy albums ever — Have you heard of Christmas. His holiday tour begins next month with dates across the country. Sam and Matt chat about how capitalism inspired his Christmas spirit and break down the pop cultur
Nov 22, 2024 • 57:11
This is Why Ronny Chieng Believes in America
Sam Sanders talks with comedian and actor Ronny Chieng to discuss his journey in American comedy, his role in Hulu’s Interior Chinatown, and the complex relationship between identity and humor in Hollywood. As they delve into the highs and lows of political satire, Ronny shares his unique global perspective, shaped by years spent across multiple countries. The conversation covers the evolution of comedy in the face of today’s divisive politics, the impact of Asian representation in media, and th
Nov 15, 2024 • 56:43
Inside 2024’s Tech Revolution with Journalists Taylor Lorenz & Elise Hu
In this episode, we dive into the biggest tech stories of 2024, exploring how technology reshaped culture in surprising ways. From Hollywood to social media, AI is transforming creative industries, while TikTok continues redefining what it means to be an influencer. We also discuss Elon Musk’s impact on online communication and why social media feels less fun than it used to. Joining the conversation is tech journalist Elise Hu, host of TED Talks Daily and Taylor Lorenz, author of "Extremely Onl
Nov 8, 2024 • 50:14
From Indie Videos to Hollywood Hits: Alvarez & Koenig on “English Teacher”
This week on the show, Sam sits down with Brian Jordan Alvarez and Stephanie Koenig, the creative forces behind the new hit show English Teacher. Created by Alvarez, the show features both him and Koenig as high school teachers in Texas, with each of them also taking on writing roles. But this isn’t your typical sitcom. With razor-sharp writing, English Teacher dives into big topics—guns, drag queens, and queer identity—all with a subversive, hilarious twist. The pair also share their journey fr
Nov 1, 2024 • 45:56
Roy Wood Jr: Finding Comedy in Political Chaos
Comedian Roy Wood Jr. joins Sam to discuss why he believes comedy is a form of journalism and how humor can help us cope with today’s political chaos. Roy reflects on his time at The Daily Show, his experience hosting CNN’s Have I Got News For You, and the challenge of finding laughter amidst absurdity. Plus, they 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
Oct 25, 2024 • 57:07
Pop Culture Can Help the Climate w/ Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson
Sam sits down with author and marine biologist Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson to explore her inspiring new book, What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures. Dr. Johnson offers a refreshing take on the climate crisis, imagining a future shaped by Hollywood, pop culture, poetry, and joy. Together, they discuss 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 interv
Oct 18, 2024 • 53:52
Monét X Change: Drag, Politics, and Opera
Monét X Change, RuPaul’s Drag Race alum, opera singer, and co-host of Sibling Rivalry, joins The Sam Sanders Show to discuss her journey from church kid to drag queen and how it still influences her work. She talks about DRAG PAC, her political action committee fighting for drag and trans rights, and her new foray into performing R&B. Plus, she plays "I-CON or I-CAN’T" on some pop culture hot topics. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week.
Oct 11, 2024 • 54:18
Sasheer Zamata: Queerness, Witches, and 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. She also sticks around to dive into some unexpected topics: artificial intelligence, the band Oasis, and... WHIPPETS! Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter (KCRW.com/SamSanders) to get behind the scenes stuff from
Oct 4, 2024 • 52:25
Joel Kim Booster: Sex, Wealth, and the Comedy Grind
Joel Kim Booster dives into the wardrobe choices on "Loot," his on-screen chemistry with Maya Rudolph, and how the show tackles real-world issues like the unhoused crisis. He also talks about the portrayal of wealth on television and his discomfort with glamorizing billionaires. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter (KCRW.com/SamSanders) to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.
Oct 4, 2024 • 51:35