The Sam Sanders Show

To celebrate Thanksgiving, we’re sharing a special episode of Your Mama's Kitchen.  In the podcast, host Michele Norris and guests explore how our earliest culinary experiences shape our personal and professional lives. Plus, every guest shares a recipe for a favorite dish from their youth so you can taste a bit of their story. Sam was on the show recently where he took Michele and listeners back to his roots in Texas. Everyone in his house was a cook and there was a local "rabbit" man who sold all kinds of meat from his truck; including possum. Sam also opens up about a special moment he shared with his mom as she was recovering from a stroke, while cooking her special Smothered Chicken Recipe. 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.  

Join Katey Rich, an insightful awards editor at The Ankler, as she dissects the cultural impact of 'Wicked: For Good.' They discuss the film's massive marketing strategy and whether it signals a theatrical comeback or just a unique spectacle. Katey praises the performances of Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo while addressing mixed critical responses. They explore the film's queer themes and potential spinoffs, considering what this means for Hollywood's direction in serving diverse audiences. Will 'Wicked' redefine the cinematic landscape?

Danielle Pinnock, actor and comedian known for her role as Alberta on CBS's Ghosts and creator of the Body Courage project, shares her inspiring journey in the industry. She recounts nearly quitting before landing her breakthrough role and highlights her unconventional audition strategies. Danielle emphasizes the importance of representation in Hollywood, especially for Black stories, and discusses her innovative Body Courage project. Plus, she makes a compelling case for more all-Black holiday films, proving her passion for storytelling and inclusivity.

Baker Machado, a sports journalist and host at Front Office Sports Today, dives into the complex world of sports gambling. He explores how the 2018 Supreme Court decision legalized betting, influencing everything from college athletes to major leagues. Machado reveals how betting companies target fans and the ethical dilemmas surrounding sports advertising. He discusses real-life gambling scandals, the societal impact of betting culture, and the troubling rise of gambling addiction. His insights make for an eye-opening and thought-provoking conversation.

Samin Nosrat, chef and author of the best-selling cookbook Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat, opens up about her journey from acclaim to emptiness. She shares how the pressures of success led to deep personal struggles, transforming her view of food and community. Samin discusses the healing powers of weekly dinner rituals, emphasizing connection over culinary perfection. With practical tips for starting your own dinner gatherings, she reminds us that memorable meals are about people and joy, not just recipes.

Michael Lewis, renowned author of *Moneyball* and *The Big Short*, reflects on enduring lessons from the 2008 financial crisis. He discusses how complex mortgage bundling masked risk and shares surprising stories of Wall Street’s lost wisdom. Lewis evaluates the potential triggers for future crises, including crypto and AI, while emphasizing the societal impact of inequality and the importance of actionable optimism. He also candidly addresses the legal challenges in holding financial wrongdoers accountable and argues for reducing money's influence in politics.

Stand-up comedian Jay Jurden, known for his debut special *Yes, Ma'am* on Hulu, dives into his comedic journey and the art of crafting jokes. He discusses his unique take on humor, the thrill of dodging censors with risqué lines, and why he steers clear of Trump material. Jay shares insights on balancing personal experiences, like his open marriage, with broader societal commentary. He also addresses the importance of respecting audiences and critiques the industry, all while delivering plenty of laughs.

In this engaging conversation, Justin Richmond, a music journalist and host of Pushkin’s Broken Record, dives into the shocking absence of rap songs from Billboard's Top 40 for the first time in 35 years. They explore hip-hop's evolution and its influence across genres, comparing current trends with past musical shifts. Justin analyzes the appeal of artists like NBA YoungBoy and the implications of streaming on the rap landscape. Ultimately, he asserts that while rap faces challenges, it’s far from dead, encouraging listeners to support emerging talent.

Jazmyn W., a stand-up comedian and content creator, shares her hilarious and candid views on motherhood, dating, and life after divorce. She discusses the grind of modern comedy, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in her work, and her unabashed takes on reality dating shows, calling many contestants desperate for fame. Jazmyn also touches on TikTok's role in her career and expresses skepticism about AI in art, advocating for genuine human connections. With humor and raw honesty, she navigates the chaotic world of comedy and family.

In this discussion, videographer Luis Peña shares his insights on the debate surrounding Jaws as a horror film. He argues against its classification while Sam defends it passionately. The duo hashes out the differences between dread-focused horror and situations of inescapability. Luis reveals his picks for horror's Mount Rushmore, expressing love for films like Hereditary and Paranormal Activity. They also dive into the communal experience of horror and the resurgence of the genre, pointing out standout films from recent years.