The Sam Sanders Show

‘You Can See Everything’ has totally taken over our corner of the internet.

The new documentary about disgraced Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes has garnered plenty of critical acclaim and awards buzz. But it also ignited many questions about grift and glorifying bad behavior. Did directors Lance Oppenheim and Nathan Fielder exploit or absolve Holmes? Can you call the film a documentary? Did we really need another Elizabeth Holmes project? 

Sam chats with journalist Liz Plank about the film’s complicated gender dynamics around crime, power and victimhood. 

Check out Liz’s review of the film on her substack Airplane Mode.

The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

From plastic surgeries to public backlash, comedian Heather McMahan has laughed through it all. 

In her new standup special, Heather reflects on the unique experience of getting ‘cancelled’ online—something she went through last year after a golf tournament went awry. She tells Sam about finding humor in that moment and how it taught her to take better care of herself. 

Heather and Sam also poke fun at today's political climate and how people often assume she supports MAGA because, as she explains, “I'm blonde, I've got big boobs, I'm from Georgia,” when in reality she’s just a southern liberal. 

Heather McMahan’s new special 'By a Thread’ is streaming on Hulu.

The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Even the fashion industry can’t escape AI slop.

Fast fashion brands are using AI to pump out new looks and trends, and speed up production at unsustainable rates. It’s a business model that relies much more on algorithmic data than human design. Chances are you’ve even seen plenty of these products in your social media feeds.

Sam chats with fashion journalist Amy Odell, host of the ‘Back Row’ podcast, about AI’s influence in the industry and how we can all be better consumers. Plus, is high fashion on life support? Amy also breaks down the perils of luxury shopping today.

The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Betting has infiltrated nearly every part of our culture. 

Attending a sporting event? You’re surrounded by ads for DraftKings and FanDuel. Watching the Oscars? You can bet on that too. There’s even a market for betting on the upcoming midterm elections. No matter where you look, betting is everywhere. 

Sam is joined by tech journalist Max Read to unpack how gambling became omnipresent, how prediction markets are already influencing the entertainment we consume, and what we stand to lose as a culture in a world that rewards algorithmic slop.  

Max’s latest piece in the New York Times Magazine is titled “How Everything Became Gambling.” He’s also hosting the ‘Hard Fork’ podcast.

Check out more reporting in his ‘Read Max’ newsletter.

The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Recently, Sam watched 'The Social Reckoning,' the long awaited sequel to 2010’s 'The Social Network.'

It’s part of a long roster of tech villain films and documentaries coming out this fall that Sam finds annoying. The movies are long, the characters are underbaked, and by the end of the film he’s often left wondering … what did audiences get out of it? 

'Vulture' critic Angelica Jade Bastién joins Sam to unpack Hollywood’s obsession with big tech, how these films signal the industry’s return to whiteness, and what viewers should be asking themselves as they head to the theaters. 

The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Everyone is way past their ‘15 minutes of fame.’

In today's episode, Sam is joined by culture journalists Lindsey Weber and Bobby Finger, hosts of the ’Who? Weekly’ podcast to break down modern stardom.

From influencers, to actors, to pop stars — becoming famous has never been easier. But becoming a household name is nearly impossible. Together they unpack how the demise of monoculture has entirely changed the celebrity landscape, why pop stars can’t rely on chart success for mainstream fame, and how every celebrity is selling something … whether it’s a brand or themselves.  

Bobby and Lindsay also have a new book! It’s called ‘I Want To Be Famous: When Everybody And Nobody Is A Celebrity.’

PLUS! The Sam Sanders Show has been nominated for three Signal Awards! Vote for us below by October 15 to help us bring home the win.

Best Pop Culture Show

Best Video Podcast Episode

Best Pop Culture Episode with comedian Chris Fleming

In this episode, Sam asks: What even is a flop? And if a flop happens to the biggest movie star alive, is it actually something else altogether? 

We’re talking about Tom Cruise and his newest movie ‘Digger.’ Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu, this was supposed to be Tom’s ticket to finally win an Oscar…He has long been Hollywood’s biggest brand ambassador after all.

But then, the movie flopped. Hard. Critically and commercially. How did this happen? What does it mean? And what does it say about the state of the movie industry, and the state of the ‘movie star’ as we know it?

Sam dives into all of this with Amy Nicholson, film critic at the ‘Los Angeles Times’ and co-host of the ‘Unspooled’ podcast.

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.

Ten years ago, 'Moonlight' premiered in theaters with an entirely Black cast and a haunting queer story that captivated audiences. It quickly earned critical acclaim and won three Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Supporting Actor and Best Adapted Screenplay. 

Director Barry Jenkins joins Sam to celebrate the film’s enduring legacy. He also breaks down how the project reflects his own relationship with his mother, and shares a very touching story involving a bootleg 'Moonlight' DVD.

Plus, he reveals his surprising pop culture scriptures…Turns out, even Barry Jenkins can appreciate reality TV!

Also, to celebrate the film’s 10th anniversary, 'Moonlight' has been remastered in 4K, now showing in theaters nationwide.

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.

Sam is feeling sooo nostalgic this episode.

Flashback to 2012. Monoculture is omnipresent. ‘Scandal’ is on every Thursday night. Twitter is ablaze with reactions to the iconic Olivia Pope, played by Kerry Washington. Sam never misses an episode.

Flash forward to today, and Kerry now has a lot in common with Sam. She just launched a new podcast called Street You Grew Up On. The show revolves around one simple question — Can you tell me about the street you grew up on? Kerry explores the people, places, family stories, and defining moments that made them who they are.

She tells Sam all about launching the show and how interviewing relates to acting.

Plus, they get into all their memories of the Scandal era, today’s political climate and her favorite pop culture scriptures. 

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.

John Cho has portrayed plenty of lovable characters in Hollywood, but never a villain. 

In the new action thriller ‘Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother,’ John finally steps into that role as a violent evangelical pastor. His character is equipped with a cowboy hat, gold grills and huge guns. John spoke with Sam about preparing for the role, the importance of connection and how becoming a father changed the way he approaches his craft.

Plus, a decade after the viral #StarringJohnCho online moment, he gets real about diversity and representation in Hollywood today.

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.