It's Been a Minute

Weekly Wrap: "Game Of Chicken."

22 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Sam can't believe we made it this week with Haley Byrd (@byrdinator), congressional reporter for The Weekly Standard, and Lissandra Villa (@LissandraV...

Actress Niecy Nash on 'Claws'

19 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Best known for comedic roles in Reno 911, The Mindy Project, and HBO's Getting On, Niecy Nash stars in the TNT show Claws, a female-driven crime drama...

Weekly Wrap: "It Is Written."

13 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Sam esta bailando with Pop Culture Happy Hour host Linda Holmes (@lindaholmes) and NPR Politics Podcast host and congressional correspondent Scott Det...

The Stars of 'Vida'

12 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Sam chats with the two leads of the STARZ show 'Vida,' Melissa Barrera and Mishel Prada. They play two sisters who return home to their old east Los A...

Weekly Wrap: "Look Over There."

08 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

We gon' be alright with Sam and these two guests this week: Morning Edition and Up First host Steve Inskeep and CNN Politics Senior Writer Juana Summe...

Free Speech vs. Hate Speech

05 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Roseanne's tweet. NFL players kneeling. The President blocking people on Twitter. These stories are all about the same thing: what is free speech? Who...

Live in Chicago with Samantha Irby

01 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Here's a break from the news: Comedian and author Samantha Irby joins Sam live on stage at Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music in partnership with...

Comedian and "Opposition" Host Jordan Klepper

29 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The comedian talks to Sam about running his own show, lampooing fringe news, and why the nicest parts of him are from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Email samsa...

Weekly Wrap: "On Bended Knee."

25 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Sam is struck by two guests this week: Los Angeles Times reporter Laura Nelson, and senior writer at ESPN's "The Undefeated," Clinton Yates. They cove...

BØRNS: Glam, Sunshine, and 'Electric Love'

22 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Sam talks to singer Garrett Clark Borns in his Los Angeles studio on going from small town Michigan to playing at Coachella - TWICE. BØRNS' new album...

Weekly Wrap: "Just Say It."

18 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Sam's right over here with NPR reporters Vanessa Romo and Brakkton Booker wrapping up the week in news: one year into the Mueller investigation, the r...

How Ruth Bader Ginsburg Became 'Notorious RBG'

15 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In 'RBG,' filmmakers Julie Cohen and Betsy West chronicle the legacy of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. NPR's legal affairs correspondent N...

Weekly Wrap: "Where's My Money?"

11 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Sam's voice takes you there this week, with NPR Editor Arezou Rezvani and Los Angeles Times national correspondent Matt Pearce. Plus, the Iran Nuclear...

Jimmy O. Yang on 'Silicon Valley' and 'How To American'

08 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The comedian and actor talks to Sam about his immigrant experience and making it in Hollywood, which he writes about in a new book, "How To American: ...

Weekly Wrap: "Check The Tape."

04 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Sam lets the sunshine in with NPR Code Switch correspondent Karen Grigsby Bates (@karenbates) and NPR Embedded producer and reporter Tom Dreisbach (@T...

The Political 'Circus' of 2018

01 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Political strategists Mark McKinnon and Mike Murphy join Sam to talk about the 2018 midterms and Mark's Showtime series 'The Circus,' which he co-host...

Weekly Wrap: "He Is Perfect."

27 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Kanye's tweets, Emmanuel Macron's state visit, and Bill Cosby's guilty verdict, plus latest on Facebook and user privacy. From member station KQED in ...

Meg Wolitzer on "The Female Persuasion"

24 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Wolitzer's new novel is about women, misogyny, ambition, death, and the disillusionment of growing older. It's on virtually every must-read list this...

Weekly Wrap: "Who's In Charge?"

20 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

That Philadelphia Starbucks, Bey-chella, Nikki Haley, and a spotlight on Cuba and its new president. NPR Reporter and Codeswitch host Shereen Marisol ...

D'Arcy Carden From 'The Good Place'

17 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Actress and comedian D'Arcy Carden plays Janet - the AI personal assistant - on NBC's 'The Good Place.' But she still makes time to perform at the Upr...

Weekly Wrap: "On The Edge."

13 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Facebook, Syria, Michael Cohen, and voters. NPR's Sarah McCammon (@sarahmccammon) is in for Sam, and she's joined by All Things Considered host Mary L...

'This Is Us' Star Chrissy Metz

10 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Chrissy Metz currently plays Kate on the hit NBC show 'This Is Us.' But for years, she was an agent doing auditions on the side, just trying to catch ...

Weekly Wrap: "Been Here Before."

06 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A migrant caravan, Scott Pruitt, James Brown, edible glitter, and 'Jesus Christ Superstar.' NPR 'Embedded' host Kelly McEvers (@kellymcevers) and Wash...

Tim Robbins on HBO's 'Here and Now'

03 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The Oscar-winning actor stars in a new HBO drama that follows one multicultural family's struggle to navigate American life post-election-2016. Tim al...

Weekly Wrap: "The Long Shadow."

30 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Hacking for bitcoin, Stormy Daniels, privacy on Facebook, and sliceable ketchup. NPR Business Reporter Alina Selyukh (alinaselyukh) and Vanessa Romo (...

Zach Braff and Alex Blumberg on 'Alex, Inc.'

27 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Zach Braff's character in the new ABC sitcom 'Alex, Inc.' is based on Alex Blumberg, who founded the podcast company Gimlet Media, and chronicled it i...

Weekly Wrap: "Data. Data. Data."

23 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Cambridge Analytica, sanctuary cities, Blockbuster, and the Backstreet Boys. New York Times immigration reporter Caitlin Dickerson (@itscaitlinhd) and...

Jennifer Palmieri On 2016 And Lessons For The First 'Madam President'

20 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Hillary Clinton's former Communications Director dishes about the 2016 campaign and its aftermath in a new book written as an open letter to the futur...

Weekly Wrap: "Epic Eye Roll."

16 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The revolving door at the White House, an irritated Chinese reporter, "norms- engineering," and an unexpected guest at a pro-hockey game. NPR's Invisi...

Momofuku Chef David Chang's 'Ugly Delicious' Food

13 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Fried butterball potatoes. Tapioca lo mein. Crispy pork belly. Those are just a few of the items on the menu at majordōmo, the new restaurant from ch...

Weekly Wrap: "It's All Connected."

09 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Tariffs, day-cares, and laughing Alexas. Senior early childhood reporter for KPCC Priska Neely (@priskaneely) and NPR Business Correspondent Sonari Gl...

'Atlanta' Star Brian Tyree Henry

06 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

He plays Alfred "Paper Boi" Miles on FX's Atlanta. He's also starred in the original Broadway cast of The Book of Mormon and HBO's Vice Principals, an...

Weekly Wrap: "No, You Can't."

02 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

It's Sam's first show in LA, and it's Oscar weekend. Variety/Access Live contributor Audrey Cleo (@audreycleo) and Wall Street Journal reporter Erich ...

'Black Panther' with Glen Weldon and Evan Narcisse

27 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Sam talks about the success of Black Panther and where Hollywood goes next with writer Glen Weldon (@ghweldon) from NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour and E...

Weekly Wrap LIVE: "Kids Will Lead."

23 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The Parkland shooting, a wrap on the 2018 Olympic Games, and the mood at the Conservative Political Action Conference. Sam looks back at the week's ne...

Journalist Ann Curry On Dramatic Reunions, #MeToo, and 'Today'

20 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Ann Curry, journalist and former host of Today on NBC, hosts a new PBS series called We'll Meet Again, documenting dramatic reunions of people whose l...

Weekly Wrap: "All Over Again."

16 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Music from Black Panther, the Pyeongchang Olympics, and a new champion show-dog. Sam looks back at the week's news and more with NPR International Cor...

'Love and Marriage in Mumbai'

13 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In honor of Valentine's Day this week, a look at what happens AFTER you get married. Sam talks to PBS reporter and author Liz Flock about her new book...

Weekly Wrap: "Hey, Big Spender."

09 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Space Jam, another government shutdown, military parades, and stock shock. Sam looks back at the week's news and more with New York Times reporter Sop...

Congressman Beto O'Rourke

06 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke) is a rising star in the Democratic party hoping to unseat Republican Senator Ted Cruz, which would make him the first Dem...

Weekly Wrap: "Did It Matter?"

02 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Grammys Gonna Grammy, the State of the Union, and the state of pro football on Super Bowl weekend. Sam looks back at the week's news and more with NPR...

Carrie Brownstein On The 'Portlandia' Final Season

30 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Carrie Brownstein was a member of indie rock band Sleater-Kinney for years before starring in and co-executive producing Portlandia. But the award-win...

Weekly Wrap: "The Whole Map."

26 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Laurel Wamsley (@laurelwamsley), reporter for NPR's breaking news blog The Two-Way, and NPR Business Reporter Alina Selyukh (@alinaselyukh) join Sam t...

#MeToo in Politics: Then and Now

23 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Sam talks with NPR legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg and PBS White House Correspondent Yamiche Alcindor about sexual assault and harassment i...

Weekly Wrap: "War of Worlds."

19 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Recode Senior Editor Tony Romm (@TonyRomm) and CNN Politics Senior Writer Juana Summers (@jmsummers) join Sam to talk about the week that was: Hawaii'...

New Yorker Editor Kevin Young on 'Hoaxes, Post-Facts, and Fake News'

16 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Young, poetry editor of The New Yorker, has written a book about 'fake news' before President Trump co-opted the term. It's called "Bunk: The Rise of ...

Weekly Wrap: "Forests And Trees."

12 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Washington Post reporter Dan Zak (@MrDanZak) and New York Times White House correspondent Katie Rogers (@katierogers) join Sam to talk about the week ...

'Bachelor' Producer Elan Gale Thinks 'You're Not That Great'

09 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

"You're Not That Great" is a self-up send-up by Gale, Executive Producer of The Bachelor and The Bachelorette. He talks to Sam about the book, The Bac...

Weekly Wrap: "Resolve To Unplug."

05 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

NPR's All Things Considered and Embedded host Kelly McEvers (@kellymcevers) and Codeswitch reporter Karen Grigsby Bates (@karenbates), join Sam to tal...

Congressman Will Hurd on Party Divisions, the GOP, and 2018

02 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Texas Republican Will Hurd represents the 23rd district — a sprawling, diverse district bigger than dozens of states — which Hillary Clinton won i...

A Special Year-End Edition

29 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Pop Culture Happy Hour host Linda Holmes (@nprmonkeysee), NPR congressional correspondent Susan Davis (@DaviSusan), and R. Eric Thomas (@oureric), pla...

Stuart Murdoch and Sarah Martin of Belle And Sebastian

26 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The indie band Belle and Sebastian is out with a trio of EPs called "How To Solve Our Human Problems." Members Stuart Murdoch and Sarah Martin talk to...

Weekly Wrap: "They're Not Done."

22 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

NPR reporter Camila Domonoske (@camilareads) and Lauren Ober (@OberandOut), host of WAMU's The Big Listen, join Sam to talk about the week that was. W...

'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' Star Rachel Brosnahan

19 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

You might know actress Rachel Brosnahan from her supporting role on Netflix's House of Cards a few years back. Now she's back as the fast-talking 1950...

Weekly Wrap: "Tell It All."

15 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Bloomberg retail reporter Sarah Halzack (@sarahhalzack) and Derek Thompson (@DKThomp), writer and senior editor at The Atlantic, join Sam to talk abou...

Matt Bellassai on Viral Fame, Internet Culture, and Why 'Everything Is Awful'

12 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Professional pessimist Matt Bellassai (@MattBellassai) launched a comedy career doing viral videos for Buzzfeed. Now he's got a new book and performs ...

Weekly Wrap: "Up In Smoke."

08 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah Kliff (@sarahkliff), Vox senior policy correspondent and host of the Vox podcast 'The Impact,' and NPR film critic Bob Mondello (@Bob_Mondello) ...

Journalist Dan Rather on Trump, Patriotism, and 'What Unites Us'

05 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Veteran journalist Dan Rather thinks the U.S. is facing an 'existential crisis,' but one the country can survive. His new book is called What Unites U...

Weekly Wrap: "Keep It Coming."

01 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Sam is joined by Jody Avirgan (@jodyavirgan) from 538 Politics and ESPN's '30 for 30' podcast series, along with Brittany Luse (@bmluse), co-host of G...

From 'Black-ish,' Jenifer Lewis: 'The Mother of Black Hollywood'

28 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In her new memoir, "The Mother of Black Hollywood," Jenifer Lewis chronicles a career that has spanned decades, from Broadway to the hit ABC show Blac...

A Thanksgiving Special

23 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Dan Pashman, host of the Sporkful (@TheSporkful), and a surprise special guest join the show — and three listeners share Thanksgiving horror stories...

Bill Nye On Fame, Family, and How He Became The 'Science Guy'

21 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The one and only Bill Nye the Science Guy (@BillNye) is the subject of a new documentary all about his life. He talks to Sam about the film, how he th...

Weekly Wrap: "Death And Taxes."

17 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Guest host Sarah McCammon (@sarahmccammon) talks with NPR newscaster Korva Coleman (@KorvaColemanNPR) and NPR Weekend Edition Sunday host Lulu Garcia-...

Comedian Iliza Shlesinger on 'Girl Logic'

14 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Iliza Shlesinger's (@iliza) new book, "Girl Logic: The Genius and the Absurdity," is her take on how women think. She and Sam talk about the book, her...

Weekly Wrap: "People Be Votin.'"

11 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Public radio reporter and Marketplace contributor Sally Herships (@sherships) and WNYC Reporter Sean Rameswaram (@rameswaram) join Sam to talk about t...

Taking Stock of Trump, One Year Since His Election

07 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Washington Post reporter Jenna Johnson (@wpjenna) and Michael D'Antonio, author of the biography "The Truth About Trump," join Sam to talk about the P...

Weekly Wrap: "Truth Will Out."

03 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Asia Correspondent Elise Hu (@elisewho) and Weekend Edition Editor Barrie Hardymon (@bhardymon) join Sam to talk through the week that was: Facebo...

Author Daniel Alarcón On His New Book And The Immigrant Experience

31 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Daniel Alarcón's (@DanielGAlarcon) new book of short stories, "The King Is Always Above The People," deals closely with immigration and the Latino ex...

Weekly Wrap: "Just Say No."

27 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

NPR White House correspondent Tamara Keith (@tamarakeithNPR) and All Things Considered host Ari Shapiro (@arishapiro) join Sam to talk through the wee...

Ashley Nicole Black From "Full Frontal" On Comedy, Improv, and Bridging Political Divides

24 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Ashley Nicole Black (@ashleyn1cole) gave up pursuing a PHD to make it in comedy. This year she won an Emmy for her work on "Full Frontal With Samantha...

Weekly Wrap: "All Of Us."

20 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

New York Magazine's Olivia Nuzzi (@Olivianuzzi) and The Atlantic's McKay Coppins (@mckaycoppins) join Sam to talk through the week that was: the healt...

Taran Killam On His New Film, Leaving SNL, And That Time Trump Hosted

17 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

SNL alum Taran Killam talks to Sam about his new action-comedy mockumentary Killing Gunther, which he directed and stars in alongside Arnold Schwarzen...

Weekly Wrap: "Not Functioning Legislatively"

13 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Washington Post blogger and columnist Alexandra Petri and Mike Pesca from Slate's The Gist podcast join Sam to talk through the week that was: the Har...

Facebook, Fake News, and Democracy

10 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Sam talks to journalist Max Read about his recent New York Magazine cover story, "Does Mark Zuckerberg Know What Facebook Is?" Max writes about Faceb...

Weekly Wrap: "Politics Over Empathy."

06 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

New York Times reporter Katie Rogers and Stephen Thompson from NPR Music and Pop Culture Happy Hour join Sam to talk through the week that was: the La...

Actor/Director John Carroll Lynch

03 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Google him. You know his face. John Carroll Lynch is one of the most recognizable character actors in Hollywood, and he's just directed his first film...

Weekly Wrap: "Back At It."

29 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

NPR newscaster Korva Coleman and NPR sports correspondent Tom "Yes, we do sports" Goldman join Sam to talk through the week that was: Puerto Rico, the...

'Insecure' Showrunner Prentice Penny

26 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Prentice Penny, showrunner for 'Insecure', joins Sam to talk about the HBO comedy series, which just wrapped its second season. They also discuss wha...

Weekly Wrap: "Where Is Elton?"

22 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

NPR congressional correspondent Susan Davis and Pop Culture Happy Hour host Linda Holmes join Sam to talk through the week that was: Mariah Carey natu...

Obama Speechwriter David Litt's "Hopey Changey White House Years"

19 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

David Litt was writing speeches for President Barack Obama when he was 24. His new book about the experience is called "Thanks, Obama: My Hopey Change...

Weekly Wrap: "Everything. Is. Fine."

16 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

NPR National Desk reporter Nate Rott and University of Montana journalism professor Jule Banville join Sam to talk through the week that was: fires, h...

The Russia Investigation and The President's Foreign Deals

12 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

New Yorker writer Adam Davidson and NPR national security correspondent Mary Louise Kelly join Sam to talk about a central question raised by Adam's r...

Weekly Wrap: "Chuck And Nancy."

08 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

NPR Science Desk producer Madeline Sofia and education reporter Claudio Sanchez join Sam to talk through the week that was: hurricanes and earthquakes...

Race, Identity, and Performance in Danzy Senna's 'New People'

05 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Sam talks to novelist Danzy Senna about her new book, 'New People,' and about race in America, why LA is boring in a good way, black identity, what wh...

Weekly Wrap: "Thoughts And Prayers."

01 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

New York Times reporter Katie Rogers and NPR film critic Bob Mondello join Sam to talk through the week that was: Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath, ...

'Trials of the Free Press'

29 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Anonymous wealth leveraged in court represents a new threat to journalism in Brian Knappenberger's Netflix documentary, "Nobody Speak: Trials of the F...

Weekly Wrap: "On And On."

25 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Planet Money correspondent Stacey Vanek Smith and "Rough Translation" host Gregory Warner join Sam to talk through the week that was: Afghanistan, the...

Inside 'The Onion'

22 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Sam visits the Chicago offices of the satirical news publication for a headline pitch meeting and conversations with Editor-In-Chief Cole Bolton, Exec...

Weekly Wrap: "Pick A Side."

18 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

NPR reporter Kirk Siegler and Southern California Public Radio reporter Priska Neely join Sam to talk through the week that was: Charlottesville and t...

Charlottesville and White People

15 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Sam talks to white people — and only white people — about Charlottesville. This episode: UVA history professor Grace Hale, NPR's Sarah McCammon, a...

Weekly Wrap: "Simmer Down, Now."

11 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

From WWNO in New Orleans, NPR Code Switch correspondent Gene Demby and Planet Money correspondent Noel King join Sam to talk through the week that was...

'SNL' Alum Sasheer Zamata

08 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Sam talks to comedian and former 'Saturday Night Live' cast member Sasheer Zamata about leaving the show, breakups, her new comedy special and variety...

Weekly Wrap: "Because Of You."

04 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Morning Edition host Rachel Martin and Stephen Thompson of NPR Music and Pop Culture Happy Hour join Sam to talk through the week that was: the speed ...

Lakeith Stanfield from 'Get Out' and 'Atlanta'

01 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Sam talks to actor Lakeith Stanfield about fidget spinning, meditating, loneliness, his character Darius on 'Atlanta,' growing up in California, worki...

Weekly Wrap: "This Feels Weird."

28 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

All Things Considered host Audie Cornish and Planet Money correspondent Ailsa Chang join Sam to talk through the week that was: health care, the Presi...

Zoe Lister-Jones on 'Band Aid'

25 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The first-time director and star of the CBS sitcom 'Life in Pieces' shot her new movie using an all-female crew. She talks to Sam about that, and abou...

Weekly Wrap: "Shoe's Gonna Drop."

21 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

NPR reporter Camila Domonoske and NPR editor Barrie Hardymon join Sam to talk through the week that was: Elon Musk, the President's New York Times int...

Producer/Songwriter Jeff Bhasker

18 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Sam talks to musician and record producer Jeff Bhakser about having a kid, settling down, working with Harry Styles (in Jamaica), what he learned work...

Friday Wrap: "Sir And Rumi."

14 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

NPR congressional correspondent Susan Davis and VICE News correspondent Evan McMorris-Santoro join Sam to talk through the week that was: Pitbull, Don...

'The Rise and Reign of the Unruly Woman'

11 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Sam talks to writer Anne Helen Petersen about her new book, "Too Fat, Too Slutty, Too Loud: The Rise and Reign of the Unruly Woman." They cover pop cu...