The Sam Sanders Show

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Let’s have a life-affirming party with Audie Cornish and Ari Shapiro!

The longtime friends and journalists join Sam to explain the latest entry in the pop lexicon: Blue Dot Fever. It’s not a disease, but the terminology behind a recent wave of cancelled concert tours. From Post Malone to the Pussycat Dolls, tickets aren’t selling like they used to. They break down what the phenomenon says about our current economics and culture.

Plus, they share their “Modern Scriptures,” the pieces of pop culture they can always count on to boost their spirits. Including a rapper’s inspiring message and a vintage poem that will bring all the feels.

Audie Cornish and Ari Shapiro’s new podcast from CNN is called Engagement Party.

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 of 'Pop Syllabus'!

No matter where you find yourself on the internet, celebrities’ lives are constantly in front of us, but who’s actually a star and who’s just famous?

Sam sits down with host Christiana Mbakwe Medina to play “star, celebrity, or famous person” and rates icons like Beyoncé to rising names like Sabrina Carpenter and Sydney Sweeney. Together, they break down what really makes someone last in pop culture.

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.

Margaret Cho is a trailblazer and ‘mother’ to your favorite comedians.

She burst onto the scene in the 90s performing at night clubs and later starred in the ABC sitcom 'All-American Girl', the first network show to center an Asian American family. Margaret reflects on the impact of her groundbreaking show, how she sees her role as a mentor for younger comedians, and why she’s still optimistic about comedy even as it swings to the right.

Plus, she shares how standup helped her get through a very intense rehab experience. Margaret Cho is also on tour! Her latest standup set is called Choligarchy.

Note: This episode includes conversations about suicide and addiction. Please take care while listening. If you or someone you know needs support, call or text 988.

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 recent collaboration with 'Switched On Pop.'

Jacob Collier is a rare musician. He’s been described as an ambassador of music, known for lushly orchestrated pieces with a myriad of collaborators. He’s also known for conducting the crowds of his live shows, turning the concert into a massive choir performance.

He did just that recently at On-Air Fest, with Charlie Harding, host of ‘Switched On Pop.’ Sam joined them both on stage to discuss the power of music, why we shouldn’t be afraid to sing, and the communal joy of harmonizing with others.

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.

The Kardashians are one of the most famous families of our modern era.

Since their hit reality TV show first debuted in 2007, the family has become synonymous with American culture. Their celebrity has only grown with each new beauty and fashion enterprise.

Author MJ Corey analyzes the family’s staying power in her new book Dekonstructing the Kardashians: A New Media Manifesto. She talks to Sam about how the family built their media empire, how Kim Kardashian normalized selling her own image and what it says about our digital age, and how the family mirrors our deepest fears.

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.