The Sam Sanders Show

In this insightful discussion, Alex Abad Santos, a culture writer at Vox known for his sharp analysis of queer representation in media, reflects on the vibrant year for queer entertainment. They dive into HBO’s Heated Rivalry, exploring its appeal and underlying themes. The duo also debates the complexities of representation in Hollywood, examines both positive and negative cultural shifts, and celebrates moments like Brokeback Mountain's re-release, while pondering the industry's future for queer narratives. This conversation is both entertaining and thought-provoking!

Dive into the creative mind of Ruth E. Carter, a two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer celebrated for her iconic work in films like Malcolm X and Black Panther. She shares her unique process of blending history with horror in her recent film, Sinners. Ruth discusses the importance of representing Black stories in her designs and the challenges of limited representation in Hollywood. Through mentoring, she emphasizes an abundance mindset, encouraging new Black designers to find their voice in the industry. Fashion, for her, is a powerful storytelling tool.

In this discussion, Andrew R. Chow, a technology correspondent for Time, explores the rise of AI in the music industry. He unpacks the emergence of AI artists like Solomon Ray and how they are charting across genres. Andrew dives into the legal and ethical issues surrounding AI-generated music, including copyright concerns. He highlights how listeners can differentiate between human and machine-made music and emphasizes the importance of supporting live artists over AI impersonators.

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, actor and comedian known for her role as Alberta on CBS's Ghosts and creator of the Body Courage project, shares her inspiring journey in the industry. She recounts nearly quitting before landing her breakthrough role and highlights her unconventional audition strategies. Danielle emphasizes the importance of representation in Hollywood, especially for Black stories, and discusses her innovative Body Courage project. Plus, she makes a compelling case for more all-Black holiday films, proving her passion for storytelling and inclusivity.

Baker Machado, a sports journalist and host at Front Office Sports Today, dives into the complex world of sports gambling. He explores how the 2018 Supreme Court decision legalized betting, influencing everything from college athletes to major leagues. Machado reveals how betting companies target fans and the ethical dilemmas surrounding sports advertising. He discusses real-life gambling scandals, the societal impact of betting culture, and the troubling rise of gambling addiction. His insights make for an eye-opening and thought-provoking conversation.

Samin Nosrat, chef and author of the best-selling cookbook Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, opens up about her journey from acclaim to emptiness. She shares how the pressures of success led to deep personal struggles, transforming her view of food and community. Samin discusses the healing powers of weekly dinner rituals, emphasizing connection over culinary perfection. With practical tips for starting your own dinner gatherings, she reminds us that memorable meals are about people and joy, not just recipes.

Michael Lewis, renowned author of *Moneyball* and *The Big Short*, reflects on enduring lessons from the 2008 financial crisis. He discusses how complex mortgage bundling masked risk and shares surprising stories of Wall Street’s lost wisdom. Lewis evaluates the potential triggers for future crises, including crypto and AI, while emphasizing the societal impact of inequality and the importance of actionable optimism. He also candidly addresses the legal challenges in holding financial wrongdoers accountable and argues for reducing money's influence in politics.

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.