The Sam Sanders Show

Beyoncé just wrapped her Cowboy Carter era, which saw an acclaimed world tour, historic Grammys wins, and a lot of backlash. So what does her massive crossover really mean for country music and its politics? Writer and cultural critic Tressie McMillan Cottom joins Sam to unpack whether or not country music still has a race problem (spoiler alert: it does), the reaction to Beyoncé’s success in the genre, and if Cowboy Carter truly opened doors for Black artists. Plus, Tressie argues there actually is a song of the summer… if you’re paying attention.  Feeling a bit of déjà vu? You’re not imagining things, country music is a cherished topic for Sam and Tressie. 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.  

In this engaging discussion, Anne Helen Petersen, writer of the Culture Study newsletter and host of the Culture Study podcast, sheds light on the concept of 'Feminist Exhaustion'—the burnout women face from unmet feminist promises. She critiques how pop culture shapes our views on empowerment, citing examples from shows like Scandal and Girls. The conversation also navigates shifting identities from girlboss to tradwife, exploring how future generations can reshape feminism and foster authentic representation in media.

Anyone else exhausted? 

Linda Holmes, an NPR pop culture correspondent and author, joins Ronald Young Jr., host of Leaving the Theater, to dissect the ups and downs of 2025's entertainment landscape. They tackle the escapism found in films and series, from the witty critiques in 'The Studio' to the gripping narratives of thrillers like 'Drop.' Expect fresh takes on the importance of representation in Hollywood and humorous reflections on reality TV's allure with 'Love Island.' Plus, they brainstorm an intriguing concept for a new series, 'Black Lotus.'

Atsuko Okatsuka, a comedian renowned for weaving family trauma into her performances, dives deep into her wild childhood experiences, including being kidnapped by her grandmother. She discusses her new Hulu special, 'Father', where she navigates themes of marriage and mental illness. From trying to hire a sex worker for her mom to the chaos of bathing her elderly grandmother, Atsuko masterfully blends humor and authenticity. Her journey highlights the resilience of family and the art of turning sadness into laughter.

Today we’re sharing an episode from our friends at The Big Flop! Every week, the show unpacks pop culture’s most fascinating flops, frauds, and fiascos. In this episode, host Misha Brown throws back to Woodstock '99 with Sam and Lindy West (Text Me Back!). The music fest was meant to commemorate the original 1969 festival with “three days of peace and music” but instead became "three days of rage and chaos." If you thought Fyre Fest was bad… At least it wasn’t actually on fire!  Listen to The Big Flop on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week.  

Allison Williams, acclaimed actress known for her roles in HBO's Girls and the horror hits Get Out and M3GAN, dives into her captivating career path. She discusses the allure of playing morally complex characters and reflects on her latest film, M3GAN 2.0, exploring its commentary on AI and parenting. The conversation also touches on the cultural resurgence of Girls, how Gen Z perceives it, and the psychological depth of her roles. Plus, there’s a fun twist imagining a comedy-horror remake of Carrie with a Girls flair!

We’re taking a little break from the show week, but very excited to share an episode from the Normal Gossip podcast. It’s a hilarious show with a simple premise: listeners send in the strangest, juiciest gossip they’ve heard, then host Rachelle Hampton dishes it all out. In this episode, Sam and Rachelle break down a case of “accidental” love-bombing at a Colombian hostel. Enjoy! Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week.

Jeff Hiller, an actor and author best known for his role in HBO's Somebody Somewhere, shares his journey from a church kid in Texas to a queer icon in Hollywood. He and Sam discuss the struggles of growing up gay in conservative environments and how faith can clash with queerness. They highlight the need for authentic representation of queer individuals in media, particularly those with complex identities. Through humor and personal anecdotes, the conversation explores nostalgia, acceptance, and the journey toward embracing one's true self.

Cameron Esposito, a stand-up comic with a new special out, and Jay Jurden, a comedian who's written for Jon Stewart, join for a lively discussion on who should make the ultimate Queer Hollywood Mount Rushmore. They explore the significance of icons like RuPaul, Little Richard, and Janelle Monáe while debating the unexpected inclusion of Abraham Lincoln as a queer figure. The trio delves into powerful Pride anthems and what it means to be a queer icon today, all with humor and heartfelt reflections on representation in entertainment.