The Sam Sanders Show

We’re taking a little break from the show week, but very excited to share an episode from the Normal Gossip podcast. It’s a hilarious show with a simple premise: listeners send in the strangest, juiciest gossip they’ve heard, then host Rachelle Hampton dishes it all out. In this episode, Sam and Rachelle break down a case of “accidental” love-bombing at a Colombian hostel. Enjoy! Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week.

Jeff Hiller, an actor and author best known for his role in HBO's Somebody Somewhere, shares his journey from a church kid in Texas to a queer icon in Hollywood. He and Sam discuss the struggles of growing up gay in conservative environments and how faith can clash with queerness. They highlight the need for authentic representation of queer individuals in media, particularly those with complex identities. Through humor and personal anecdotes, the conversation explores nostalgia, acceptance, and the journey toward embracing one's true self.

Cameron Esposito, a stand-up comic with a new special out, and Jay Jurden, a comedian who's written for Jon Stewart, join for a lively discussion on who should make the ultimate Queer Hollywood Mount Rushmore. They explore the significance of icons like RuPaul, Little Richard, and Janelle Monáe while debating the unexpected inclusion of Abraham Lincoln as a queer figure. The trio delves into powerful Pride anthems and what it means to be a queer icon today, all with humor and heartfelt reflections on representation in entertainment.

Join music journalist Jeff Weiss, author of 'Waiting For Britney Spears: A True Story, Allegedly,' and KCRW's Andrea Domanick as they dissect the tumultuous journey of Britney Spears. They reflect on her undeniable impact on pop culture, contrasting her rise with the relentless media scrutiny that shaped public perception. The duo also discusses the evolving nature of celebrity culture in the digital age, highlighting challenges faced by women in the spotlight and the urgent need for change in how we support artists.

Comedian Zainab Johnson, known for her standup special 'Hijabs Off,' delves into her experiences as a Black Muslim woman navigating comedy and identity. She discusses the significance of her special and the ongoing challenges of performing in a post-DEI Hollywood. The conversation touches on the rise of crowd work, the pressures of the comedy industry today, and the surprising role the Wayans family played in her career. Zainab humorously reflects on how existing as her true self feels radical in modern America.

Lizzie Bassett and Chris Winterbauer, co-hosts of the podcast What Went Wrong, dive into the chaotic world of Hollywood flops like Cats and Joker: Folie à Deux. They discuss the hubris that fuels these cinematic disasters and analyze the poor visual effects and rushed decisions that led to failure. The duo also highlights the accidental charm of Madam Web and the tumultuous production behind The Flash. Can the industry learn from its failures? Tune in to uncover the lessons hiding behind these infamous films.

The ice bucket challenge is back, Lady Gaga’s making dance-pop again, and everyone’s hoarding tinned fish. Could it all mean… a recession? Comedians Zach Zimmerman and Eliot Glazer join us to unpack the internet’s funniest (and eeriest) recession indicator memes — from “recession blonde” to layaway coachella tickets to the return of vampire movies. Then, the hot takes fly: Zach argues that daytime TV needs to be mean again (bring back the mess!), while Eliot questions the cult of Kylie Minogue and calls for Joy Behar to take over The View. 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.

After almost 20 years of box office dominance, is the Marvel Cinematic Universe starting to fall apart?  Sam dives deep into the highs and lows of Marvel with two sharp pop culture minds, Kyle Buchanan (NY Times) and Tracy Brown (LA Times), exploring what’s gone wrong in recent years — and whether Thunderbolts* marks a real reset or just more of the same. They dig into Marvel’s pivot to TV, the fatigue of endless interconnected stories, and what the MCU could learn from newer hits like Sinners. Plus, will video game adaptations become Hollywood’s next big hit? Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week.  

This episode is nothing but hot takes! In a world drowning in opinions, Sam and friends serve up their spiciest ones — the kind that spark debate, start drama, or are just too real to admit out loud. TV writer and producer Kara Brown (Swarm, She-Hulk, Grown-ish) joins to argue that spoilers aren’t actually bad — and she means it. But not so fast: Sam’s own team member and resident contrarian Beau Delmore steps in with the rebuttal. It’s heated. It’s hilarious. It’s your safe space for bad opinions. 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.  

Taylor Lorenz, a journalist at User Mag specializing in internet culture, and Lucas Shaw from Bloomberg, who covers the entertainment industry, dive into the changing landscape of entertainment amid current political shifts. They discuss Hollywood's retreat from trans narratives and the rise of conservative content online. The duo dissects how creators are shaping narratives and the backlash against diversity, particularly in Disney adaptations. They also highlight the impact of social media on audience preferences and the evolving dynamics of entertainment in a polarized environment.