The Sam Sanders Show

Audie Cornish, journalist and host of The Assignment who previously anchored at CNN and reported for NPR. They trace millennials from BuzzFeed quizzes to algorithm-driven feeds. They talk about how platform design changed attention and activism. They discuss phone video’s role in police accountability and why some organizing moves offline.

Comedian George Severus, known for sharp observational standup and the Stradio Lab podcast, wrestles with aging, queerness and whether to have kids. He talks timing in comedy, his immigrant outsider lens, the loss of shared pop culture, and why Real Housewives keep pulling us in. Quick, funny, and reflective.

Everyone is well aware of Heated Rivalry’s immense popularity. The gay hockey romance seduced the masses in ways we haven’t seen in years… Maybe decades? The show even has a following in Russia, where queer media is outlawed. Russian journalist Mikhail Zygar is familiar with that climate. He was exiled in 2022 when he came out as a gay and married his now husband. Mikhail recently wrote about the parallels between the show and his own life for Vanity Fair. He tells Sam about what it all means for state repression, freedom and hope for LGBTQ+ Russians.   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.  

Jack Coyne, creator of Trackstar, hosts music-based street game shows. Ananiya Williams, host of Gaydar, is a Black trans creator covering queer culture. Julian Shapiro-Barnum, creator of Recess Therapy, interviews kids and sparks viral moments. They talk about creators replacing traditional interviewers, politicians chasing creator reach, the economics and ethics of paid bookings, and where entertainment and journalism blur.

Raphael Saadiq, acclaimed singer-songwriter and producer behind Tony! Toni! Toné! and hits for Beyoncé and Solange, plus an Oscar nomination. He recounts writing the bluesy “I Lied To You” for Sinners, his quick write with Ryan Coogler, the golden rule for scoring films, memories of making “Untitled” with D’Angelo, and how his bass-first approach shapes his work.

Ashley Carman, a Bloomberg reporter who covered Spotify from its Stockholm HQ, explains why the platform is facing a cultural reckoning. Short takes cover reduced royalties via audiobook bundling, AI-generated and “perfect fit” tracks, controversial ads and artist backlash. They also tackle Spotify’s push into video, discovery tweaks like Discovery Mode, and whether the service can stay relevant to Gen Z.

Join film critics Amanda Dobbins and Sean Fennessey as they dive into the intriguing landscape of the 2026 awards season. They candidly discuss the evolving role of the Oscars, potential snubs, and the impact of industry mergers on filmmaking. Discover their predictions for box office trends, the emergence of internet-born stars like Zendaya, and the shifting dynamics of moviegoing. Plus, get the scoop on under-the-radar hits like 'Train Dreams' and the buzz around the controversial 'Marty Supreme.' It's a lively look at the future of film!

In this lively discussion, Elias Leight, a music business reporter for The Wall Street Journal, examines the curious trend of young people shying away from dancing due to social media fears. He highlights how this phenomenon affects live performances and artists' interactions with audiences. The conversation covers the clash between TikTok choreography and spontaneous dancing, the impact of societal pressures on personal expression, and the potential of phone-free shows to revive the dance floor vibe. Practical tips for reinvigorating the groove wrap up their engaging chat.

Dan Harris, a former ABC News anchor and mindfulness advocate, dives into the power of pop culture as a source of healing and connection. He reflects on how 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off' teaches impermanence and the joy of letting go. Music like Fleetwood Mac's albums evokes deep family memories, while Aretha Franklin’s 'Amazing Grace' reconnects listeners to their roots. Dan also shares practical tips for sticking to New Year’s resolutions, emphasizing small goals and self-compassion for meaningful change.

Today we’re sharing Sam’s episode from One Song.  Is Dreams what it sounds like when personal chaos becomes collective brilliance? Recorded live at On Air Fest at KCRW, Sam joins hosts Diallo and LUXXURY to break down this Fleetwood Mac classic. Together, they dive into the Rumours-era drama and unravel why the magic of Dreams feels both intensely personal and universally resonant. If you like this episode, be sure to check out One Song on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 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.