
The Sam Sanders Show from KCRW is your guide to entertainment. Find out what makes your favorite artists tick, dissect the trends that shape our culture, or just make sense of that random meme you can’t stop thinking about. Join us every week to unpack the pop culture we love.
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Sam Sanders is an award-winn... more
| Publishes | Twice weekly | Episodes | 80 | Founded | a year ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | TV & FilmSociety & Culture | |||

There was a time when popular music was inseparable from civil rights and civil unrest. But today, very few popular songs reflect the grievances seen in the streets. Fela Kuti is an artist who wasn’t afraid to make protest music. Known as the father... more
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... more
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.... more
Even though 2025 gave us big albums from artists like Lady Gaga and Bad Bunny, did pop music fall short overall? Sam breaks down the year’s hits and misses with Reanna Cruz, music journalist and producer at Switched on Pop. Why does everything sound... more
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I found this podcast through the “Question Everything” podcast. I’m so happy that I did! Sam Sanders seems like someone I’d wish to be friends with. He’s so intelligent, brilliant, and he keeps it light and fun. Every episode I’ve listened to has taught me a lot, while keeping me interested. I’m hooked! Keep it up!
I missed Sam in my ears! You need (need) Sam Sanders in your life for the joyful, challenging, sharp, and insightful interviewer he is. He’s a necessary voice in the pod-o-sphere for the time we are living in; exceptional variety of topics invoices and you will always learn something!
Loved it so much this week. Love your annual pop culture reviews every year that I’ve listened to you Sam! Missing this year tho? Come see me in the good light. Life changing film that will stay with my forever
I’ve been listening to Sam since his days on the NPR politics podcast and now love the Sam Sanders Show. He’s a phenomenal host and interviewer, weaving together emotional depth, thoughtful cultural commentary, poignant questions, and joy. Truly the best of the best in the podcast industry.
I have followed Sam from NPR to Vibecheck to this and he is amazing! A gifted interviewer in the vein of Terri Gross. Keep on keepin’ on!
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
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Apple Podcasts | #214 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
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This show serves as a vibrant exploration of the ever-evolving landscape of pop culture, leveraging engaging conversations to decode what drives artists and influences entertainment trends. With a focus on diverse topics ranging from the state of music, especially pop and jazz, to significant cultural phenomena like queer representation and the impact of AI on creativity, the content is both insightful and relatable. The host, who is an acclaimed journalist, often invites a mix of established and emerging personalities from the music and entertainment industries to discuss their journeys, challenges, and the cultural significance of their work. This unique blend of thought-provoking discussion and heartfelt storytelling is likely to resonat... more
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These podcasts share a similar audience with The Sam Sanders Show:
1. Vibe Check
2. It's Been a Minute
3. Pop Culture Happy Hour
4. Culture Study Podcast
5. Keep It!
The Sam Sanders Show launched a year ago and published 80 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on The Sam Sanders Show include:
1. Mercury Stardust
2. Reanna Cruz
3. Samara Joy
4. Avery Trufelman
5. Traci Thomas
6. Franklin Leonard
7. Alex Abad Santos
8. Ruth E. Carter
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.