Choice Words with Samantha Bee

Choices We Made: Live in Fear or Love? (with Karamo)

15 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When Karamo was 15 years old, he came out as gay to his best friend. That didn’t stop her from convincing him to lose their virginity together and t...

Valentines or Galentines? (with Lane Moore)

08 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When Tinder first came out in 2012, former Cosmopolitan sex and relationships’ editor Lane Moore knew she needed to turn it into a comedy show. Now,...

Choices We Made: Stay Silent or Sue the Cops? (with Eric André)

01 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When comedian Eric André was boarding a flight in Atlanta, Georgia, he was “randomly” picked out of line by cops and searched for drugs. Instead ...

Better Choices in 2024: Glow or Burn Out? (with Tara Schuster)

25 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Author Tara Schuster grew up in a neglectful, abusive household where “things came to die,” as she puts it. After a suicidal episode at age 25, sh...

Better Choices in 2024: Logic or Emotion? (with Stephen Dubner)

18 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As the author and podcast host of “Freakonomics,” Stephen Dubner spends a lot of time thinking about and studying what goes into good decision-mak...

Better Choices in 2024: Sunday Supper or Taco Tuesday? (with Samin Nosrat)

11 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

When chef and cookbook author (“Salt Fat Acid Heat”) Samin Nosrat bought a house in Oakland, she aspired to host big Sunday dinners with friends. ...

Better Choices in 2024: Give Advice or Take It? (with Sarah Silverman)

04 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Let’s make better choices in 2024! But how? Is it about following good advice? Is there a scientific method? Can everyone do it? Each week in Januar...

Chicken or Fish? (with Chelsea Peretti)

14 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Comedian and actress Chelsea Peretti isn’t great at making choices. She likes to vacillate between different options, from acting in “Brooklyn Nin...

Gossip Girl or Too Cool for School? (with Penn Badgley)

07 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When actor Penn Badgley was offered the role of Dan Humphrey in “Gossip Girl,” he initially turned it down because it wasn’t interesting enough....

Keep Acting or Run for Political Office? (with June Diane Raphael)

30 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When President Trump was elected in 2016, comedian June Diane Raphael considered dropping everything (except her new baby) and running for local offic...

Listen Now: I Need To Ask You Something

23 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

We’re off this week but wanted to share a new Lemonada Media series with you that we know you'll love. It's called I Need To Ask You Something.We al...

Listen to Your Inner Voice or Suppress It? (with Raquel Willis)

16 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When author and activist Raquel Willis came out to her parents, they didn’t both react positively at first. While that was hard for her, she did not...

Star on Broadway or Bail? (with Ellie Kemper)

09 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When actress and comedian Ellie Kemper was supposed to make her Broadway debut a few months ago, she was so nervous she kinda hoped she’d get sick a...

Vote in the House of Representatives or Keep Talking to Sam? (with Rep. Ro Khanna)

02 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When Congressman Ro Khanna has a big decision to make, he wants to gather all relevant information and hear many differing opinions before he makes up...

To Post or Not To Post? (with Rachel Bloom)

26 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When Rachel Bloom was making a name for herself in comedy, she shared her life openly online. Then she became a mom and realized she wanted her daught...

Writing Books or Doing Standup? Or Podcasting? Or Producing? Or Acting? (with Phoebe Robinson)

19 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When Sam asked multihyphenate entertainer Phoebe Robinson what professional endeavor she’d pick if she could only choose one, Phoebe realized her an...

Comedy at 10am or 10pm? (with Maria Bamford)

12 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When comedian Maria Bamford recently did some shows in LA and New York, she decided to perform her set early in the morning. Despite some “goofballs...

Family Secrets or Big Reveal? (with Kerry Washington)

05 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When actress Kerry Washington’s parents told her a massive family secret five years ago, it shook her entire world. And despite being an extremely p...

Go Big or Stay Home? (with Senator Tina Smith)

28 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When Tina Smith was lieutenant governor of Minnesota, she was asked to fill the U.S. Senate vacancy created when Al Franken resigned in 2018. She’s ...

Live in Fear or Love? (with Karamo)

21 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When Karamo was 15 years old, he came out as gay to his best friend. That didn’t stop her from convincing him to lose their virginity together and t...

Stay Silent or Sue the Cops? (with Eric André)

14 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When comedian Eric André was boarding a flight in Atlanta, Georgia, he was “randomly” picked out of line by cops and searched for drugs. Instead ...

Live with Shame or Confront It? (with Ricki Lake)

07 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When Ricki Lake hosted her eponymous talk show in the 1990s, she wore hairpieces and extensions to hide the fact that her hair was thinning. After dec...

Stay in the White House or Binge HGTV? (with Alyssa Mastromonaco)

31 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When Alyssa Mastromonaco was Deputy Chief of Staff in the Obama Administration, there was a point in time when she was averaging two hours of sleep pe...

Ruby Tuesday or Drag Brunch? (with Bob the Drag Queen)

24 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When Bob the Drag Queen was broke and working at a Ruby Tuesday in Georgia, a theater friend offered to buy his ticket to New York City if he promised...

Do It All or Delegate? (with Governor Gretchen Whitmer)

17 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When Governor Gretchen Whitmer was at the start of her political career, she found herself caring for both her newborn daughter and her mother, who wa...

Listen Now: Hysteria

10 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Today as a special treat, we’re sharing an episode of Hysteria from Crooked Media featuring our very own Samantha Bee!    Each week on Hysteria, p...

Express Your Grief or Keep It In? (with Rob Delaney)

03 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When actor Rob Delaney’s two-and-a-half-year-old son Henry died, Rob decided to share his family’s experience with Henry’s illness and death wit...

Postal Uniform or Power Suit? (with Amber Ruffin)

27 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When Amber Ruffin was living in Omaha, Nebraska, she figured she’d stay there forever – carrying the mail, buying a home, and maybe doing some com...

Barnard or Big Screen? (with Greta Gerwig)

20 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When Greta Gerwig is directing a film, each choice feels like the next move in a dance. When she falls out of step, she just has to find the dance aga...

Brooklyn or Amsterdam? (with Michelle Buteau)

13 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When comedian Michelle Buteau saw elementary school kids practice an active shooter drill, she questioned whether or not America was the right place t...

Doting Housewife or Banned Author? (with Judy Blume)

06 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When Judy Blume was 22 years old, she decided to defy her husband’s orders and vote for John F. Kennedy rather than Richard Nixon. That tiny act of ...

Calm Extrovert or Manic Introvert? (with Betty Gilpin)

29 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When actor Betty Gilpin was simultaneously filming “Masters of Sex” and doing wrestling training to prepare for “Glow” (oh, and planning her w...

Actor or Lawyer? (with Uzo Aduba)

22 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When two-time Emmy-winning actor Uzo Aduba was in high school, she thought she was going to be a lawyer. Then her creative writing teacher asked her i...

Honest Conversations or Family Secrets? (with Laura Dern and Diane Ladd)

15 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When Laura Dern found out that her mother, Diane Ladd, had scarring on her lungs, the doctor told her to be gentle with her mom because she’d be dea...

America’s Sweetheart or Media Mogul? (with Katie Couric)

08 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When Katie Couric was leaving CBS News as the first solo female anchor of a nightly news broadcast on a major network, she read a handwritten note fro...

Stealing Cars or Sporting Goods? (with Judd Apatow)

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When Judd Apatow was in sixth grade, he knew he wasn’t like the other kids. While everyone else played sports, he would come directly home from scho...

Baby or Facelift? (with Rosie O'Donnell)

01 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

When Rosie O’Donnell chose to step away from her talk show after six successful seasons, her actor friends thought she was out of her mind. Sam asks...

Choice Words with Samantha Bee (Official Trailer)

25 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee is pro-choice. Yes, that one, but also others! Each week, Sam will sit down with people she admires to explore the biggest choices they’...

Coming Soon: Choice Words with Samantha Bee

03 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee is coming back! Starting this June, Sam will talk to celebrities, politicians, journalists, chefs, artists, and athletes about the big ch...

Full Release: Pamela Adlon

26 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

For the Season Two finale, Samantha Bee sits down with actor Pamela Adlon to talk about ending her show Better Things, why Mother's Day is the worst d...

Full Release: Elie Mystal

19 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with author, lawyer, and commentator Elie Mystal to talk about his new book "Allow Me to Retort," going to law school with Tom ...

Full Release: Michael Ian Black

12 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with actor, comedian, and author Michael Ian Black to discuss putting a strip mall on the moon, strategies for dealing with onl...

Full Release: Edi Patterson

05 Apr 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with one of the stars of The Righteous Gemstones, Edi Patterson! They talk about sexy church outfits, their favorite TV shows g...

Full Release: Sue Bird

29 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with WNBA star and style icon Sue Bird to talk about becoming an activist, why we'd all be better off if the WNBA was in charge...

Full Release: Ed Helms

22 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with actor Ed Helms to discuss their formative years on The Daily Show, his new show True Story, the importance of diverse writ...

Full Release: Chelsea Handler

15 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with comedian Chelsea Handler to talk about the questions they hate being asked, why she loves giving advice, starting therapy,...

Full Release Presents: The Deep Dive

08 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There's no new episode of Full Release today so in honor of International Women's Day check out another podcast we love with some very funny ladies, T...

Full Release: Jeff Goldblum

01 Mar 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with THE Jeff Goldblum to talk about returning to Jurassic Park, becoming a Prada model, moonlighting as a kids' piano teacher,...

Full Release: Stacey Abrams & Lara Hodgson

22 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with Stacey Abrams and Lara Hodgson to discuss their new book Level Up, sleeping in six minute increments, why we need more fem...

Full Release: Bonus- Listener Questions #20

18 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In a special President's Day bonus episode of Full Release, hear which former president Sam would most like to interview, what she'd do if one of her ...

Full Release: Bridget Everett

15 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with the very funny Bridget Everett to talk about learning to accept compliments, writing for other characters, and getting adv...

Full Release: Andrea Martin

08 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with legendary comedic actress and fellow Canadian Andrea Martin to discuss the variety shows they grew up with, TikTok comedia...

Full Release: Jonathan Van Ness

01 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with "Queer Eye" star and host of "Getting Curious" Jonathan Van Ness to discuss how The Golden Girls shaped their lives, the u...

Full Release: Sean Hayes

25 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with actor, producer, and fellow podcaster Sean Hayes to discuss the movies they've never seen, bringing back celebrity poker t...

Full Release: Ana Gasteyer

18 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with the hilarious Ana Gasteyer to discuss apartment rats, collaborating with friends, sharing a gynecologist, and the possibil...

Full Release: Bonus- Listener Questions #19

14 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In a special bonus episode of Full Release, Sam make some big predictions for 2022--will this be the year she takes up Olympic curling? Maybe!See omny...

Full Release: Happy 2022!

04 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee reminds you that it's time to take down your tree and also that she'll be back with new episodes on January 18th.See omnystudio.com/liste...

Full Release: Bonus- Listener Questions #18

31 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a special bonus NYE episode of Full Release, Sam says what she would put in a 2021 time capsule, what the midterms mean for the year ahead, and if ...

Full Release: David Sedaris

21 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with legendary writer and satirist David Sedaris to discuss his new book A Carnival of Snackery, picking up trash wherever he g...

Full Release: Bonus- Listener Questions #17

17 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a special bonus episode of Full Release, Sam spreads the holiday cheer and shares her favorite Christmas movies, when it's time to take down the tr...

Full Release: Phillip Picardi

14 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with Phillip Picardi, former Chief Content Officer of Teen Vogue and current host of "Unholier Than Thou" on Crooked Media to t...

Full Release: Fred Armisen

07 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with actor, comedian, and drummer extraordinaire, Fred Armisen to discuss returning to live comedy shows, performing for an aud...

Full Release: Bonus- Listener Questions #16

03 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a special bonus episode of Full Release, Sam throws her producer Adam a baby shower and answers all his newborn-related questions like how to stop ...

Full Release: Marc Maron

30 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with legendary comedian and podcaster Marc Maron and talks about driving in NYC, interacting with Instagram-live fans, the proc...

Full Release: Bonus- Listener Questions #15

19 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a special bonus episode of Full Release, Sam goes into extreme detail on why in another life she would be a house cat, her thoughts on hosting a da...

Full Release: José Andrés

16 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with chef and humanitarian José Andrés to talk about food insecurity, his new one billion dollar climate disaster fund, and i...

Full Release: Kal Penn

09 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with Kal Penn to discuss the importance of letter-writing even though it's not as fun as tweeting, what his parents now think a...

Full Release: Bonus- Listener Questions #14

05 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a special bonus episode of Full Release, Sam admits to knowing nothing about Marvel movies but everything about ice cream sandwiches, talks about h...

Full Release: Rep. Cori Bush

02 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with Congresswoman Cori Bush to discuss experiencing an insurrection three days into a new job, why Democrats so often need to ...

Full Release: Yamiche Alcindor

26 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with journalist, White House Correspondent for PBS NewsHour, and host of Washington Week Yamiche Alcindor to talk about waking ...

Full Release: Bonus- Listener Questions #13

22 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a special bonus episode of Full Release, Sam discusses starting a book club, why one day we'll miss Fox News, and why school boards need to start o...

Full Release: Rep. Adam Schiff

19 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with Congressman Adam Schiff to discuss his new book, Midnight in Washington, if he thinks President Trump will ever run again,...

Full Release: Adam Rippon

12 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with Olympian Adam Rippon to discuss how to choose the music for your figure skating routine, begging people not to vote for Bo...

Full Release: Bonus- Listener Questions #12

08 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a special bonus episode of Full Release, Sam regales with stories about her Daily Show audition, traveling for Full Frontal segments, and talking t...

Full Release: Stanley Tucci

05 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with actor, producer, author, and the internet's favorite bartender Stanley Tucci to discuss his new memoir, Taste, canning tom...

Full Release: Tarana Burke

28 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with activist, author, and founder of the Me Too movement, Tarana Burke to discuss her new memoir, Unbound, what it's like to ...

Full Release: Bonus- Listener Questions #11

24 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a special bonus episode of Full Release, Sam answers your best questions about math homework, almost getting sued for a field piece, and the best a...

Full Release: Ken Burns

21 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with legendary filmmaker Ken Burns to discuss his new project, Muhammad Ali, how to edit years worth of footage, the impact of ...

Full Release: Tig Notaro

14 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with comedian Tig Notaro to talk about loving old people, cats that nurse raccoons, and her new animated comedy special, Drawn....

Full Release: Bonus- Listener Questions #10

10 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a special bonus episode of Full Release, Sam answers more of your most pressing questions. Find out her take on Universal Basic Income, what she pu...

Full Release: Joseph Gordon-Levitt

07 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with Joseph Gordon-Levitt to discuss how making music has changed in their lifetimes, what happens when tech gets ahead of the ...

Full Release: Sara Schaefer

31 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with comedian Sara Schaefer to talk about releasing a book during a pandemic, her miniature comedy club the Haha Hole, and what...

Full Release: Bonus- Listener Questions #9

27 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a special bonus episode of Full Release, Sam gets you in the back-to-school spirit by answering your school questions! Find out what kind of high s...

Full Release: Jen Psaki

24 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki to discuss her favorite parts of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill (hint: it's not ...

Full Release: Bradley Whitford

17 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with Emmy-nominee Bradley Whitford to discuss how The West Wing became "progressive porn," who in the Trump administration he w...

Full Release: Bonus- Listener Questions #8

13 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a special spooky bonus episode of Full Release, Sam answers listener questions with a Friday the 13th twist. Listen to find out her greatest phobia...

Full Release: Secretary Pete Buttigieg

10 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to talk about the bipartisan infrastructure bill, electric vehicles,...

Full Release: Bonus- Listener Questions #7

30 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a special bonus episode of Full Release, Sam answers your pressing Olympics questions! Listen to learn about her ideal opening ceremony and if she ...

Full Release: The Menopause Manifesto w/ Dr. Jen Gunter

20 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a special episode, Samantha Bee welcomes Twitter's unofficial gynecologist, Dr. Jen Gunter, back to the show to discuss her new book, The Menopause...

Full Release: Bonus- Listener Questions #6

16 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a special bonus episode of Full Release, Sam answers listener questions and reveals why her Secret Service name would be Mom Jeans, how she's never...

Full Release: Rob Reiner

13 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with the legendary actor and director Rob Reiner to discuss when she saw This Is Spinal Tap with her grandmother, why Ted Cruz ...

Full Release: Roxane Gay

06 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with Roxane Gay, The New York Times best-selling author of Bad Feminist, to discuss everything from fixing your own plumbing, t...

Full Release: Bonus- Listener Questions #5

02 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a special bonus episode of Full Release, Sam spreads the patriotic cheer and gets you in the mood for the Fourth of July. This is truly podcasting ...

Full Release: Tim Gunn

29 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with fashion legend Tim Gunn to talk about how he ended up on TV, the message we all send with our clothes, and to finally sett...

Full Release: Padma Lakshmi

22 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with Padma Lakshmi to discuss the lasting impact of the pandemic on the restaurant industry, how to look at the immigrant exper...

Full Release: Bonus- Listener Questions #4

18 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a special bonus episode of Full Release Sam spills the T...V? Tune in to hear her answer some of your most pressing TV-related questions. See omnys...

Full Release: Charlotte Clymer

15 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with activist and writer Charlotte Clymer to discuss why the military has historically been a bellwether for equality, why Repu...

Full Release: Chris Bosh

08 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with retired basketball star and Hall of Fame inductee Chris Bosh to talk about his new book Letters To A Young Athlete and dis...

Full Release: Bonus- Listener Questions #3

04 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

In a special bonus episode of Full Release, Sam answers listener questions about interviewing people who don't like her (wow, rude!), being a boss-ass...

Full Release: Jaime Harrison

01 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Samantha Bee sits down with DNC Chair Jaime Harrison to discuss the plan for the--gulp--2022 midterms, how to build on Joe Biden's early success, and ...