The Sam Sanders Show K-Pop, AI Slop & Ms. Rachel? 2025 Pop Culture Review
Dec 12, 2025
Traci Thomas, host of The Stacks, and Franklin Leonard, CEO of The Black List, dive into the biggest pop culture highs and lows of 2025. They discuss the controversy surrounding Diddy and Taylor Swift's latest works, and celebrate Olivia Dean's low-key charm and Cynthia Erivo's rising star. Franklin critiques AI's impact on creativity, while Traci champions Ms. Rachel as this year's unsung hero. Together, they create a pop culture Mount Rushmore, featuring Bad Bunny and the K-Pop phenomenon, among others.
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Enjoy Music Without The Backstory
- Traci Thomas recommended Olivia Dean for her pleasant, non-scrutinized musical vibe that suits everyday moments.
- Both guests said enjoying music without knowing an artist's backstory can preserve the pleasure.
Ambition Over Safe Pop
- Franklin praised Rosalía's Lux as ambitious, resisting safe pop to make a daring concept album.
- He framed such risks as essential to keep music inventive against AI and auto-tune trends.
Geese: Raw Rock That Divides Audiences
- Sam Sanders raved about Geese's raw rock energy and a singer who sounds possessed and furious.
- He described the music as abrasive for many but magical for fans who connect with it.