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PODCAST

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 forSam’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

society & culture

All Episodes

38:39

The Kardashians Are American Icons (Whether You Like...

The Sam Sanders Show ·

2026/05/22

The Kardashians are one of the most famous families of our modern era.Since their hit reality TV show first debuted in 2007, the family has become synonymous with American culture. Their celebrity has only grown with each new beauty and fashion enterprise. Author MJ Corey analyzes the family’s staying power in her new bookDekonstructing the Kardashians: A New Media Manifesto. She talks to Sam about how the family built their media empire, how Kim Kardashian normalized

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31:18

The Movies You Should Be Watching This Summer (From...

The Sam Sanders Show ·

2026/05/19

Today we’re bringing you an episode from our friends at Prestige Junkie.Sam joins host Katey Rich to look ahead at this summer’s stacked box office lineup. From Christopher Nolan’s 'The Odyssey' and Spielberg’s 'Disclosure Day' to the movies you shouldn’t sleep on including Aleshea Harris’ directorial debut 'Is God Is' and Hannah Einbinder’s queer slasher film 'Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma.' Sign up forSam’s Newsletter to

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53:55

Will You Be Jimmy O. Yang’s Friend?

The Sam Sanders Show ·

2026/05/15

Actor and comedian Jimmy O. Yang is full of contradictions.On stage, he exudes a party guy vibe, always down for a good time. But in actuality, Jimmy is pretty serious. He edits his own stand-up specials and thinks a lot about starting a family. Jimmy works through all of this in his comedy. He tells Sam how he learned English as a teenager, his favorite karaoke song, and how he’s actively trying to make new friends. His latest special ‘Finally Home’ is out

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47:54

Did Whitney Houston Sing Out Of Tune? w/ Wyclef Jean

The Sam Sanders Show ·

2026/05/12

We’ve got a very special episode for you today, featuring the legendary rapper and musician Wyclef Jean. Sam teamed up with Justin Richmond of the Broken Record podcast for this live conversation recorded at the On Air Fest.Wyclef Jean may just be the most wide-ranging rapper, producer, performer, and composer of his time. As the lead producer and MC of Fugees, he helped craft their 1996 landmark album The Score, one of the best-selling hip-hop albums of all time. The

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48:04

Trixie Mattel Wants Us To Slow Down

The Sam Sanders Show ·

2026/05/08

Trixie Mattel might be one of the busiest women in show business.Since she made a name for herself on 'RuPaul’s Drag Race,' she's starred in multiple TV shows, created a hit podcast, became a best-selling author, launched a cosmetics line and even opened her own motel. But Trixie says all that work led to burnout. She tells Sam how she learned the importance of slowing down, why there would be no Trixie without 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show,' and how she’s trying

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27:59

Is Mariah Carey the Greatest American Songwriter?

The Sam Sanders Show ·

2026/05/05

Mariah Carey has more No. 1 hits than any other American artist to date.“Fantasy,” “Vision of Love,” and “We Belong Together” have all landed at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. Part of the magic is in her voice, but it’s also in her songwriting — a skill that has too often been overlooked. Music journalistDanyel Smith interviewed the artist for The New York Times’ list of “The 30 Greatest Living American

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33:23

Did the ‘90s Kill Feminism?

The Sam Sanders Show ·

2026/05/01

Despite everyone’s nostalgic feelings for the ‘90’s, it was undoubtedly a complicated time for women. Feminism was alive and well at the start of the decade, but author Sophie Gilbert explains how the movement’s energy collapsed into a problematic media storm that still lingers today. She chronicles the decline through the ‘90s pop culture that shaped women from the Riot Grrrl movement, to the Spice Girls, and beyond in her book 'Girl on Girl: How

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32:34

Is the Met Gala Still Relevant?

The Sam Sanders Show ·

2026/04/28

Models, designers, celebrities and Anna Wintour will soon gather for fashion’s biggest night: The Met Gala. But this year’s event has already spawned protests and boycotts.Sam breaks it all down with fashion and culture journalistAmy Odell, host of the 'Back Row' podcast and newsletter. They look at how sponsors Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez could be overshadowing the gala’s purpose and ask if the event is more out-of-touch than ever before. Plus, Amy explains

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50:12

Is Monoculture Back!? A Pop Culture Check-In w/...

The Sam Sanders Show ·

2026/04/24

There’s no denying 2026 has been chaotic — but what about pop culture?Hunter Harris and Peyton Dix (hosts of Lemme Say This) join Sam to break down the biggest moments of the year so far — and what they reveal about where culture is headed. From reality TV dominating the conversation to debates about monoculture, celebrity overexposure, and what actually breaks through now, they unpack what’s working, what’s not, and why everything feels louder

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22:57

Was Justin Bieber’s Coachella Set Lazy… or Genius?

The Sam Sanders Show ·

2026/04/21

Justin Bieber headlined Coachella with a stripped down set that quickly divided the internet. While other artists had intricate sets, Justin sang on a mostly empty stage with nothing but a laptop. If you thought his set was lazy, 'The New Yorker' critic Vinson Cunnighman says you’re missing the point. Vinson joins Sam to talk about Bieberchella, what Justin was trying to convey about fame and loneliness, and asks how authentic do fans really want their pop stars to

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44:53

Why Do We Still Love the ‘90s?

The Sam Sanders Show ·

2026/04/17

We’re so excited to be featured this month by Apple Podcasts’ Society & Culture. This episode, comedian and TikTok starRob Anderson brings back the '90s! From 'Boy Meets World’ to 'Baywatch', Rob unpacks the most absurd pop culture from the era. He even breaks down an exceptionally unhinged episode of 'Touched By An Angel’ featuring civil rights icon Rosa Parks. Through jokes, songs and recaps, he breaks down why the ‘90s are the perfect moment

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25:24

Is Kanye Forgiven?

The Sam Sanders Show ·

2026/04/14

After years of antisemitic comments, failed business deals and a failed Presidential run, Ye is making a comeback.The artist, formerly known as Kanye West, recently apologized for his past behavior and released a new album. It’s his usual routine for new music releases. But this round was followed by two massive sold-out shows in Los Angeles. A myriad of fans and famous people were there to support. So, what does this comeback say about the state of celebrity and society

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36:52

Aparna Nancherla: Should We All Ditch the Internet?

The Sam Sanders Show ·

2026/04/10

Aparna Nancherla is probably the funniest introvert doing comedy. Although Sam is a total extrovert, he’s admired her work for years.She tells Sam how she got comfortable on stage and why stand-up is the perfect activity to combat shyness. They also break down the excessive demands of modern life, the internet surveillance state, and why we all need to log off and touch grass. Plus, she shares a 'vicious’ pop culture hot take. Aparna's latest special ‘Hopeful

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37:50

Want to Cancel ‘The Drama’? You’re Missing the Point

The Sam Sanders Show ·

2026/04/07

Note: This episode contains spoilers!A24’s ‘The Drama’ has pissed off many moviegoers. The film, directed by Kristoffer Borgli, follows a newly engaged couple played by Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. The trailer gives rom-com vibes, until a shocking confession threatens to end their relationship. This movie (and the discourse around it) raises a lot of tricky questions: What does a movie studio owe to the public? How provocative should a mainstream film ever

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39:32

What Are The Best Rom-Coms Ever?

The Sam Sanders Show ·

2026/04/03

We’re breaking down one of the most important film genres ever on the show today…The classic Romantic Comedy! Because rom-coms always make us feel better, even the ones that haven’t aged well.Sam is joined by two lovebugs to create a (not quite) definitive list of the greatest rom-coms of all time. Liz Plank, author and host of the ‘Boy Problems’ podcast, and Ryan Mitchell, entertainment journalist and co-host of the ‘High Key’

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25:22

Can Robyn Teach Us To Love Again (and again and...

The Sam Sanders Show ·

2026/03/31

Swedish pop star Robyn has just released a new album, after almost eight years since her last one. ‘Sexistential’ mixes themes of motherhood and maturity with classic club beats.Sam breaks it all down with Jia Tolentino, staff writer at ‘The New Yorker,’ who recently profiled Robyn for the magazine. She explains what the new songs say about heartbreak, sexuality and the uncertainty of our modern times. Plus, they dive into Robyn’s origin story and

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51:10

How Did Wordle Become a Pop Culture Icon?

The Sam Sanders Show ·

2026/03/27

A great piece of pop culture often includes cheating scandals, obsessed fans and some serious competition. We’re not talking about 'The Real Housewives'… But theNYT Games app!Everdeen Mason leads the Games Team at 'The New York Times.' She tells Sam about what goes into making Wordle, Connections, The Crossword and so much more. She also breaks down the challenge of keeping millions of players satisfied. Plus, Everdeen shares what she really thinks about cheating

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43:35

Can Reality TV Survive This?

The Sam Sanders Show ·

2026/03/24

It’s been a bad week for ‘The Bachelorette’ franchise.For the first time in the show’s history, ABC pulled the plug on its new season just days before it was set to air. The move came after a 2023 video surfaced of the show’s star — Taylor Frankie Paul of ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ fame — physically assaulting her then boyfriend. Could this scandal mark the end of the already struggling franchise? And what does it say

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49:31

Chris Fleming: Is Comedy His Love Language?

The Sam Sanders Show ·

2026/03/20

Chris Fleming’s comedy is unlike anyone else working right now. His act is equal parts stand-up and interpretative dance. He's constantly moving, grooving and writhing all over the stage.It’s all on full display in his new HBO special ‘Chris Fleming: Live at the Palace’. He spoke with Sam about embracing imperfection on stage, and how he uses movement to become a ‘spectacle.’ Chris also shares how his supportive family helped him find his

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23:51

How Did K-Pop Make Hollywood History?

The Sam Sanders Show ·

2026/03/17

'KPop Demon Hunters' is officially an Oscar-winner. The beloved movie took home the trophy for Best Animated Feature at Sunday’s ceremony. The film's popular anthem 'Golden' won Best Original Song, the first K-pop song to ever win an academy award. Songwriter Mark Sonnenblick helped write 'Golden' and many other songs in the film. He spoke with Sam last fall all about bringing them all to life and why music is so vital to great storytelling. Sign up forSam’s

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