The Sam Sanders Show

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.  

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  

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.  

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.  

From The Real Housewives to The Jerry Springer Show, today’s episode is all about conflict through the lens of pop culture. Author and conflict facilitator Priya Parker joins Sam to explain why conflict is so vital to building healthy communities and relationships. She also breaks down the tactics we often see in the media, and how they can teach us to fight in healthier ways. Priya even encourages something we do on this show a lot…Sharing and defending Hot Takes! Priya’s new book The Art of Fighting: The Transformative Power of Conflict is available now. 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.  

Books are bringing people together this year in ways Sam has never seen before. There have been a handful of times in the last few months alone when it felt like he was in one giant book club with his friends, reading the same books, and having deep conversations. It made Sam ask himself … are books actually hot this year? Or should we believe the headlines that Western society is moving toward a post literate society?  To figure it out, Sam turns to his favorite book people Traci Thomas (The Stacks) and Greta Johnsen (Happy to Be Here). Together they get into the books everybody is reading this year, discuss why reading literacy is in danger, and make a case that there’s a book out there for everyone.  Plus, Traci and Greta share a few book recommendations to add to your reading list.  Books mentioned in this episode:  'John of John' by Douglas Stewart  'Strangers: A Memoir of Marriage' by Belle Burden 'Yesteryear' by Caro Claire Burke 'Kin' by Tayari Jones 'The Disappearers' by Marlon James  'The Great Wherever' by Shannon Sanders  'Sunrise' by Téa Obreht 'Unreasonable Women' by Justine van der Leun 'American Hagwon' by Min Jin Lee   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 Switched on Pop!   Sam believes in his heart that every song Cyndi Lauper has ever written is pop perfection.  Many fall for “Girls Just Want To Have Fun,” but his favorite song is the slow burner “All Through The Night,” save for one moment: the synthesizer solo. For Sam, this solo never fit in. In this episode of Switched on Pop, co-host Charlie Harding helps Sam investigate the source of his musical malady and uncovers how the ‘80s got its groove.  You can find Switched on Pop on your favorite podcast app and now on Netflix!  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 bringing you Sam’s episode of the Well Said podcast.  The podcast explores all things public relations, communications, and the ever-evolving media landscape. Hosts Pia Arthur and Kelly Cheeseman talk to Sam about his career, his philosophy for interviewing, how he tries to break free from perfectionism and why he stopped covering politics. Find Well Said on your favorite podcast app and on YouTube.  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.