The Sam Sanders Show

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 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.  

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 hairstylist’s fault.  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.

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 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 conversation, indie singer-songwriter Caroline Rose shares insights into their latest album 'Year of the Slug' and why it’s missing from Spotify. Caroline discusses the struggles of working-class musicians and the importance of rejecting music platforms as an act of defiance. They reflect on their breakup album, 'The Art of Forgetting,' and its impact on processing grief. With emotional narratives and acoustic performances, Caroline emphasizes the power of music in navigating personal challenges and embracing genuine expression.

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 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.

Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins, hosts of The Big Picture podcast from The Ringer, dive into a fiery debate over the relevance of the Oscars. They argue that the Academy often rewards marketing over creativity and struggles to connect with today's audiences. Exploring innovative changes, they suggest a live elimination format for nominees and even reality TV-style engagement to spice things up. The conversation also touches on representation in Hollywood and why the Oscars need to evolve to remain significant in the ever-changing landscape of film.

Doug Peck, a celebrity vocal coach known for working with stars like Billie Eilish and Patti LuPone, shares his insights on the art of singing. He explains the role of vocal coaching in shaping artists' performances and the importance of emotional depth in music. The conversation dives into the balance of authenticity versus perfection, exploring the impact of auto-tune on modern sound. Sam surprises listeners with a musical moment, showcasing the playful connection between self-expression and coaching techniques.

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 a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

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 Animal Society Letters from Altadena: Wildfire Relief Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week.

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.