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The Sam Sanders Show

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KCRW & Sam Sanders

It’s about the things we obsess over in our free time: TV and movies, music and celebrities, internet and memes, and the people who make it. No topic is too big or small. And nothing’s off limits. The Sam Sanders Show from KCRW – your weekly destination for all things fun. 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.

#8

Inside 2024’s Tech Revolution with Journalists Taylor Lorenz & Elise Hu

In this episode, we dive into the biggest tech stories of 2024, exploring how technology reshaped culture in surprising ways. From Hollywood to social media, AI is transforming creative industries, while TikTok continues redefining what it means to be an influencer. We also discuss Elon Musk’s impact on online communication and why social media feels less fun than it used to. Joining the conversation is tech journalist Elise Hu, host of TED Talks Daily and Taylor Lorenz, author of "Extremely Online: The Untold Story of Fame, Influence, and Power on the Internet." Together, they unpack the year’s most significant tech developments, debate whether the AI hype is worth it, and ponder the future of platforms that shape our lives. Sign up for [Sam’s Newsletter] (https://www.kcrw.com/culture/shows/the-sam-sanders-show) to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions. ... Read more

08 Nov 2024

50 MINS

50:14

08 Nov 2024

#7

From Indie Videos to Hollywood Hits: Alvarez & Koenig on “English Teacher”

This week on the show, Sam sits down with Brian Jordan Alvarez and Stephanie Koenig, the creative forces behind the new hit show English Teacher. Created by Alvarez, the show features both him and Koenig as high school teachers in Texas, with each of them also taking on writing roles. But this isn’t your typical sitcom. With razor-sharp writing, English Teacher dives into big topics—guns, drag queens, and queer identity—all with a subversive, hilarious twist. The pair also share their journey from creating indie comedy videos online to finally breaking through in Hollywood. Sign up for [Sam’s Newsletter] (https://www.kcrw.com/culture/shows/the-sam-sanders-show) to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions. ... Read more

01 Nov 2024

45 MINS

45:56

01 Nov 2024

#6

Roy Wood Jr: Finding Comedy in Political Chaos

Comedian Roy Wood Jr. joins Sam to discuss why he believes comedy is a form of journalism and how humor can help us cope with today’s political chaos. Roy reflects on his time at The Daily Show, his experience hosting CNN’s Have I Got News For You, and the challenge of finding laughter amidst absurdity. Plus, they play a game inspired by Roy’s new show. Sign up for [Sam’s Newsletter] (https://www.kcrw.com/culture/shows/the-sam-sanders-show) to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions. ... Read more

25 Oct 2024

57 MINS

57:07

25 Oct 2024

#5

Pop Culture Can Help the Climate w/ Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

Sam sits down with author and marine biologist Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson to explore her inspiring new book, What If We Get It Right?: Visions of Climate Futures. Dr. Johnson offers a refreshing take on the climate crisis, imagining a future shaped by Hollywood, pop culture, poetry, and joy. Together, they discuss how creativity and optimism can help us reframe environmental challenges and inspire collective action. Sign up for [Sam’s Newsletter] (https://www.kcrw.com/culture/shows/the-sam-sanders-show) to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions. ... Read more

18 Oct 2024

53 MINS

53:52

18 Oct 2024

#4

Monét X Change: Drag, Politics, and Opera

Monét X Change, RuPaul’s Drag Race alum, opera singer, and co-host of Sibling Rivalry, joins The Sam Sanders Show to discuss her journey from church kid to drag queen and how it still influences her work. She talks about DRAG PAC, her political action committee fighting for drag and trans rights, and her new foray into performing R&B. Plus, she plays "I-CON or I-CAN’T" on some pop culture hot topics. Sign up for [Sam’s Newsletter] (https://www.kcrw.com/culture/shows/the-sam-sanders-show) to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions. ... Read more

11 Oct 2024

54 MINS

54:18

11 Oct 2024

#3

Sasheer Zamata: Queerness, Witches, and Disney

We launched two episodes today! Don’t miss our episode with Joel Kim Booster, also in your feed. Sasheer Zamata stops by to chat about her role in the hit Disney+ series "Agatha All Along," queerness in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and how her time working at Disney parks shaped her career. She also sticks around to dive into some unexpected topics: artificial intelligence, the band Oasis, and... WHIPPETS! Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter ( [KCRW.com/SamSanders] (http://kcrw.com/SamSanders) ) to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions. ... Read more

04 Oct 2024

52 MINS

52:25

04 Oct 2024

#2

Joel Kim Booster: Sex, Wealth, and the Comedy Grind

Joel Kim Booster dives into the wardrobe choices on "Loot," his on-screen chemistry with Maya Rudolph, and how the show tackles real-world issues like the unhoused crisis. He also talks about the portrayal of wealth on television and his discomfort with glamorizing billionaires. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter ( [KCRW.com/SamSanders] (http://kcrw.com/SamSanders) ) to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sam Sanders show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions. ... Read more

04 Oct 2024

51 MINS

51:35

04 Oct 2024

#1