The Sam Sanders Show

Solomon Ray is the hottest new voice in Gospel music, but there’s a catch. He’s not real.  Sam chats with Andrew R. Chow, a correspondent for Time where he covers technology. They break down the rise of AI in the music industry and how human artists are fighting back. Are streamers doing anything to filter out tracks made by machines? What can listeners do to avoid AI slop? Plus, why it’s getting harder to identify if a song is human made or not.  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.

To celebrate Thanksgiving, we’re sharing a special episode of Your Mama's Kitchen.  In the podcast, host Michele Norris and guests explore how our earliest culinary experiences shape our personal and professional lives. Plus, every guest shares a recipe for a favorite dish from their youth so you can taste a bit of their story. Sam was on the show recently where he took Michele and listeners back to his roots in Texas. Everyone in his house was a cook and there was a local "rabbit" man who sold all kinds of meat from his truck; including possum. Sam also opens up about a special moment he shared with his mom as she was recovering from a stroke, while cooking her special Smothered Chicken Recipe. 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 Katey Rich, an insightful awards editor at The Ankler, as she dissects the cultural impact of 'Wicked: For Good.' They discuss the film's massive marketing strategy and whether it signals a theatrical comeback or just a unique spectacle. Katey praises the performances of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo while addressing mixed critical responses. They explore the film's queer themes and potential spinoffs, considering what this means for Hollywood's direction in serving diverse audiences. Will 'Wicked' redefine the cinematic landscape?

Danielle Pinnock got her big break in the wildly popular sitcom Ghosts. But just before she landed that role, she nearly quit acting. She tells Sam how a ton of hard work (and a little bit of lying and scamming) finally got her noticed. Danielle also breaks down why she continues fighting for Black stories and body acceptance in Hollywood. Plus, her latest hot take gets us in the mood for the holiday season. 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.  

Sports betting is a billion dollar industry chock full of scandals.  Journalist Baker Machado breaks down how gambling has infiltrated sports from the collegiate to professional level, how players get involved, and how betting companies push fans into spending money they often can’t afford to lose. Spoiler alert: it’s all legal.  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.  

Samin Nosrat found a love for cooking through working in acclaimed restaurants and visiting kitchens around the world. She became a star after releasing her hit cookbook Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat – which also became a Netflix series. But to her surprise, all that success left her feeling empty.  Sam chatted with Samin in her ‘secret garden,’ surrounded by kumquats, limes and passion fruit. She broke down how hard it was to recover in the spotlight, and how she learned to embrace life’s pleasures. Plus, she dishes on the healing powers of dinner parties and gives advice for pulling them off yourself. Samin Nosrat’s new book is called Good Things. 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.  

Author Michael Lewis is best known for writing Money Ball, Liar's Poker and The Big Short, his seminal book about the 2008 financial crisis that later became an Oscar-winning film. He sat down with Sam for a recent Live Talk Los Angeles event to celebrate the 15 year anniversary and new audio book of The Big Short. They revisit the biggest lessons from 2008 and reflect on what’s changed —and stayed the same— in finance, society and entertainment since then. Plus, he shares what’s making him happy during these tumultuous times. 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.  

Stand-up comedian Jay Jurden, known for his debut special *Yes, Ma'am* on Hulu, dives into his comedic journey and the art of crafting jokes. He discusses his unique take on humor, the thrill of dodging censors with risqué lines, and why he steers clear of Trump material. Jay shares insights on balancing personal experiences, like his open marriage, with broader societal commentary. He also addresses the importance of respecting audiences and critiques the industry, all while delivering plenty of laughs.

In this engaging conversation, Justin Richmond, a music journalist and host of Pushkin’s Broken Record, dives into the shocking absence of rap songs from Billboard's Top 40 for the first time in 35 years. They explore hip-hop's evolution and its influence across genres, comparing current trends with past musical shifts. Justin analyzes the appeal of artists like NBA YoungBoy and the implications of streaming on the rap landscape. Ultimately, he asserts that while rap faces challenges, it’s far from dead, encouraging listeners to support emerging talent.

Jazmyn W., a stand-up comedian and content creator, shares her hilarious and candid views on motherhood, dating, and life after divorce. She discusses the grind of modern comedy, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in her work, and her unabashed takes on reality dating shows, calling many contestants desperate for fame. Jazmyn also touches on TikTok's role in her career and expresses skepticism about AI in art, advocating for genuine human connections. With humor and raw honesty, she navigates the chaotic world of comedy and family.