Sam Sanders is an award-winning reporter, radio host and podcaster. He hosted the hit show Into It from Vulture. He was also a founding creator and host of NPR’s It’s Been a Minute and NPR Politics. He currently hosts The Sam Sanders Show from KCRW, and co-hosts Vibe Check from SiriusXM.
He has interviewed luminaries ranging from JLo to Maya Rudolph to Beto O’Rourke to Malcolm Gladwell. His writing has appeared in New York Magazine, Politico Magazine, and The Washington Post. Sam is proudly from San Antonio and currently lives in Los Angeles with his two pitbulls named Zora and Wesley. The three of them are always contemplating their next naps.
Who? Weekly
So many podcasts these days are focused on celebrity and the art of the celebrity interview. But my FAVORITE celebrity-themed podcast of all time never interviews celebrities, ever. And they only really talk about the ones who kind of aren’t famous enough to care too much about. For years, the motto of Who? Weekly has been “everything you need to know about the celebrities you don’t (know)” and more than any other show it’s been not just celebrity chat, but a meditation on what celebrity means and how it functions in this particular stage of American late-capitalism.
Why Won’t You Date Me? with Nicole Byer
The test of a true interviewer is to get your guest to say something they would have never, ever said out loud. Nicole Byer is a true interviewer. Most of you know her as a comedian and host of the Netflix hit Nailed It, but her show is all about love dating, and her guests’ romantic life is maybe my favorite part of her output. I can attest to her greatness because she had me on for an episode to air later this year, and before I knew it, I was telling her things I only tell my therapist. Her power! You will love this show.
FiveThirtyEight Politics
My theory on polls is that most poll results are used deceptively and incorrectly on most podcasts. Which is why FiveThirtyEight is such a balm. They’ve been at it now for years: taking this poll, that poll, ALL the polls, and breaking them down enough for laypeople like me to see the nuts and bolts and actually understand the numbers. They even have a name for it they use sometimes – The Pollercoaster. Hop on. You are in good hands with the team at FiveThirtyEight.
The Town with Matthew Belloni
No better industry podcast at the moment. And the chemistry between Matt Belloni and Lucas Shaw is quite, quite charming. Start with their “Winners and Losers of Hollywood Under Trump 2.0” episode if you aren’t already a listener.
Culture Study Podcast
I’ve been a big fan of Anne Helen Peterson for years, since I first discovered her amazing writing at BuzzFeed during that platform’s heyday. Seeing Anne Helene unleashed now on her pod (and very good Substack!) is a thing of beauty. The takes are always well-researched, and more than most hosts, Anne Helen is always in direct conversation with her audience, feeding off of them and their energy and questions. This is one of the smartest culture podcasts around. Check it out!
The Read
When I was just starting out as a podcaster, I’d listen to The Read and take notes on their delivery, because they were, and are, exactly how I want to sound as a host. Relaxed, wise, hilarious, and all with perfect comedic timing. And on top of all that, they really do give the best advice.
The Big Picture
A movie podcast where the hosts make me feel smarter about movies without making me feel DUMB in the process. I’ll ease into what feels like a very light and fun chat about a new movie, and then the hosts are making obscure references that let me know they really, really know what they’re talking about, in a way that expands my body of knowledge. But it’s never condescending, and it’s always fun!
Dear Prudence
I love advice podcasts. They never, ever get old to me. And this one is the OG. Host Jenee Desmond Harris is consistently firm but kind, and the rotating cast of guest hosts and contributors always meet the moment.
10% Happier with Dan Harris
A self-help show that also lets you see the messy parts. On top of always having amazing guests that can give you practical tips on living a better life, Dan is better than most at sharing how he makes his own life better, and how hard that can be. For instance, recently Dan talked at length about a big and stressful professional breakup with some long-time colleagues, and how he navigated it. It was some BTS he didn’t need to share, but I am so glad he did.
Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang
I mean, no words are necessary. This is one of the OG culture podcasts, and in my opinion, a cultural FORCE and touchstone. But in the last year or so, Matt and Bowen have been booking some truly incredible guests, (Tina Fey, Mariah Carey, Ariana Grande, I could go on!) which makes it all even sweeter.
Pocket Casts Blog 