The Sam Sanders Show

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.    

In early 2020, comedian and actor Rachel Bloom faced life-changing extremes: the birth of her first child and the loss of collaborator Adam Schlesinger to COVID in the same week. In her Netflix special Death, Let Me Do My Special, Bloom processes these losses in a way that caught Sam’s attention, making his favorite comedy special of the last year. Rachel chats with Sam about her process and gives him advice on whether he should become a parent. 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 insightful discussion, award-winning reporter Sam Sanders shares his personal journey with grief and the lessons it imparts. He reflects on maintaining connections with loved ones even after their passing, highlighting how grief coexists with joy. Sam emphasizes the transformative power of sorrow, echoing the complexities of human emotion in journalism. He also discusses the importance of self-talk and emotional processing as tools for healing, illustrating how memories can deepen over time and encourage personal growth.

Jessica Williams plays a shrink on TV, but we’d pay money to have her be our therapist IRL. From her time on The Daily Show, to playing a therapist on Apple TV+’s Shrinking, and what it was like to freeze her eggs, the comedian and actor shares life lessons with us. And does a cold plunge count as self-care? We play a game to find out.    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.