The Sam Sanders Show
KCRW & Sam Sanders
The Sam Sanders Show from KCRW is your guide to entertainment. Find out what makes your favorite artists tick, dissect the trends that shape our culture, or just make sense of that random meme you can’t stop thinking about. Join us every week to unpack the pop culture we love.
Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week.
Sam Sanders is an award-winning podcast and radio host. He’s been named best podcast host by both The Ambies and the iHeart Podcast Awards. He was one of the founding hosts of The NPR Politics Podcast and the host who launched both It’s Been A Minute from NPR and Into It from Vulture. He currently co-hosts Vibe Check.
Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week.
Sam Sanders is an award-winning podcast and radio host. He’s been named best podcast host by both The Ambies and the iHeart Podcast Awards. He was one of the founding hosts of The NPR Politics Podcast and the host who launched both It’s Been A Minute from NPR and Into It from Vulture. He currently co-hosts Vibe Check.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jul 24, 2025 • 4min
Checking in from the public media dumpster fire
Anyone else exhausted?
Jul 18, 2025 • 54min
What’s Worth Watching (and Skipping) in 2025 So Far?
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.'
Jul 11, 2025 • 54min
Can Atsuko Okatsuka Turn Family Trauma Into Comedy Gold?
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.
Jul 4, 2025 • 43min
Woodstock '99: Mosh Pit at the Apocalypse with Sam Sanders and Lindy West (From The Big Flop)
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.
Jun 27, 2025 • 51min
Is Allison Williams Afraid of Her Own Movies?
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!
Jun 20, 2025 • 53min
A United Nations of Red Flags (From Normal Gossip)
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.
11 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 54min
Jeff Hiller: Can Faith And Queerness Coexist?
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.
Jun 6, 2025 • 50min
Who’s On Your Queer Hollywood Mount Rushmore?
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.
May 30, 2025 • 50min
What happened to Britney Spears and the Millennial Dream?
Join music journalist Jeff Weiss, author of 'Waiting For Britney Spears: A True Story, Allegedly,' and KCRW's Andrea Domanick as they dissect the tumultuous journey of Britney Spears. They reflect on her undeniable impact on pop culture, contrasting her rise with the relentless media scrutiny that shaped public perception. The duo also discusses the evolving nature of celebrity culture in the digital age, highlighting challenges faced by women in the spotlight and the urgent need for change in how we support artists.
May 23, 2025 • 51min
Zainab Johnson: Is It Still Radical Just to Exist?
Comedian Zainab Johnson, known for her standup special 'Hijabs Off,' delves into her experiences as a Black Muslim woman navigating comedy and identity. She discusses the significance of her special and the ongoing challenges of performing in a post-DEI Hollywood. The conversation touches on the rise of crowd work, the pressures of the comedy industry today, and the surprising role the Wayans family played in her career. Zainab humorously reflects on how existing as her true self feels radical in modern America.
