The Sam Sanders Show

Jad Abumrad, radio and podcast producer behind Fela Kuti: Fear No Man, explores the life and music of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. He traces Fela’s musical evolution, the Shrine and Kalakuta Republic, and how Afrobeat fused danceable grooves with direct political confrontation. They ask why modern pop rarely mirrors that fearless protest spirit.

Today we’re sharing Sam’s episode from the How To! Podcast.  Sam is many things: journalist, podcaster, pop-culture obsessive, and a familiar voice from public radio. He’s also “quite possibly the world’s most hesitant homeowner.” Sam wants to fix up the house he recently bought, but three things are holding him back: First, he doesn’t have a clue where to start. Second, he’s not very handy. And third, he’s intimidated by the thought of talking with contractors (who might discover the first two things about him). In the first episode of a two-part series, host Carvell Wallace brings on home improvement expert and bestselling author Mercury Stardust (aka The Trans Handy Ma’am) to guide Sam in conquering his fears. Mercury’s latest book is Safe and Sound: A Renter-Friendly Guide to Home Repair.  Ready for part 2? This conversation continues with How To Take Charge of Home Repair. 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.  

Today we’re sharing Sam’s episode from Life in Seven Songs.  Sam grew up strictly Pentecostal in Texas. Non-religious music was forbidden in his house – so Sam got resourceful, smuggling CDs into the house in his underwear and watching MTV in secret. At 18 years old, just as he was getting ready to leave for Stanford, Sam’s life was turned upside down. Both of his parents suffered major health crises in the span of a few months, resulting in Sam becoming their caregiver. Years later, Sam would face another devastating double-whammy with the death of his mother followed a month later by a crushing breakup. Sam opens up about the music that carried him through – from Janet Jackson videos to soaring gospel tunes to revenge-fueled breakup anthems – and why today, he’s savoring the freedom he’s been chasing his whole life. If you like this episode, be sure to check out Life in Seven Songs 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.  

Reanna Cruz, a music journalist and producer at Switched on Pop, dives deep into the state of pop music in 2025. She argues that much of the mainstream sound felt stale, often recycling the 2000s vibe. They discuss standout artists like Bad Bunny and the impact of AI on production, making songs less innovative. Reanna highlights emerging talent like PinkPantheress for transforming retro influences into fresh sounds. Amidst industry shifts and stagnant charts, she urges listeners to explore beyond the mainstream to find exciting new music.

In this engaging conversation, Grammy-winning jazz singer Samara Joy, celebrated for her album Portrait, shares her journey from gospel roots to jazz stardom. She reflects on discovering jazz in high school, the influence of her family's 'Godmobile,' and how her faith molded her artistry. Samara discusses the pressures of early Grammy success and passionately expresses her concerns about AI in music. With insights on creative independence and contemporary inspirations, she emphasizes that her music will remain deeply human.

Join Sam as he chats with Avery Trufelman, a podcast host and journalist renowned for exploring fashion and material culture. They dive into the chaotic world of holiday gift guides, discussing the overwhelming pressure of consumerism and the quest for meaningful gifts. Avery shares insights on the significance of local recommendations and the intersection of military influence in outdoor apparel. Their conversation also touches on the transformative impact of clear affiliate practices and the importance of building community through gift-giving.

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.

In this insightful discussion, Alex Abad Santos, a culture writer at Vox known for his sharp analysis of queer representation in media, reflects on the vibrant year for queer entertainment. They dive into HBO’s Heated Rivalry, exploring its appeal and underlying themes. The duo also debates the complexities of representation in Hollywood, examines both positive and negative cultural shifts, and celebrates moments like Brokeback Mountain's re-release, while pondering the industry's future for queer narratives. This conversation is both entertaining and thought-provoking!

Dive into the creative mind of Ruth E. Carter, a two-time Academy Award-winning costume designer celebrated for her iconic work in films like Malcolm X and Black Panther. She shares her unique process of blending history with horror in her recent film, Sinners. Ruth discusses the importance of representing Black stories in her designs and the challenges of limited representation in Hollywood. Through mentoring, she emphasizes an abundance mindset, encouraging new Black designers to find their voice in the industry. Fashion, for her, is a powerful storytelling tool.

In this discussion, Andrew R. Chow, a technology correspondent for Time, explores the rise of AI in the music industry. He unpacks the emergence of AI artists like Solomon Ray and how they are charting across genres. Andrew dives into the legal and ethical issues surrounding AI-generated music, including copyright concerns. He highlights how listeners can differentiate between human and machine-made music and emphasizes the importance of supporting live artists over AI impersonators.