The Sam Sanders Show

Ben Collins, the CEO of The Onion and a former NBC News reporter, dives into the world of satire and its impact on democracy. He shares insights on journalism's struggles with free speech and discusses relaunching The Onion’s print newspaper. Ben argues that AI will never match human humor and reveals what makes a great joke. He reflects on satire's role in confronting power, offers perspectives on the changing media landscape, and shares his thoughts on pop culture, including a bold take on Joe Rogan.

June Squibb, a legendary actress known for her Oscar-nominated role in Nebraska, shares her journey to stardom in her 90s. She discusses her experience in Broadway's Gypsy, her latest film Eleanor the Great, and the ethical nuances of lying. June reflects on the diverse roles she's embraced, her thoughts on aging in Hollywood, and her conversion to Judaism. She emphasizes the importance of community and staying active, revealing that Pilates keeps her fit. This conversation is a delightful blend of wisdom, humor, and genuine life lessons.

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

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

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

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

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

Join Bob the Drag Queen, a New York Times bestselling author and RuPaul's Drag Race winner, as he hilariously reimagines Harriet Tubman as a rap icon in his new book. He discusses Tubman's powerful legacy and what freedom means today. Prepare for amusing impressions and insightful commentary on protest music and cultural icons. Bob dives into complex themes of racial identity and privilege, blending humor with deep reflections on social justice. This engaging conversation is a must-listen!

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

Tressie McMillan Cottom, a writer, cultural critic, and New York Times columnist, joins the discussion to unpack Beyoncé's impact on country music. They explore whether the genre still grapples with racial issues, highlighting historical barriers faced by Black artists. The conversation shifts to recent cultural changes and how diverse artists are reshaping the norms. Tressie also champions a standout summer hit, encouraging listeners to engage with music through dance and connection.