Best Zainab Johnson Podcasts (2025)

1
Zainab Johnson: Is It Still Radical Just to Exist? 51:01

5d ago51:01

51:01

Comedian Zainab Johnson joins Sam for a smart, funny, and unfiltered conversation about identity, comedy, and power. They dive into her standup special Hijabs Off (now on Prime Video), where Zainab explores what it means to be Black, Muslim, and a woman in America — and why that trifecta still feels radical. She opens up about performing in a post-…

1
Can Hollywood Learn from Its Biggest Bombs? 52:11

12d ago52:11

52:11

Some movies are so bad, they become iconic. Think Cats, Joker: Folie à Deux, Madame Web, and The Flash—massive flops that cost studios millions and spark endless debate. Sam breaks down why these high-profile films failed – and whether Hollywood is learning anything from its most embarrassing box office bombs. Lizzie Bassett and Chris Winterbauer o…

1
Is Pop Culture in a Recession? Hot Takes Round 2 53:23

19d ago53:23

53:23

The ice bucket challenge is back, Lady Gaga’s making dance-pop again, and everyone’s hoarding tinned fish. Could it all mean… a recession? Comedians Zach Zimmerman and Eliot Glazer join us to unpack the internet’s funniest (and eeriest) recession indicator memes — from “recession blonde” to layaway coachella tickets to the return of vampire movies.…

1
Has Marvel Lost Its Magic? 50:58

26d ago50:58

50:58

After almost 20 years of box office dominance, is the Marvel Cinematic Universe starting to fall apart? Sam dives deep into the highs and lows of Marvel with two sharp pop culture minds, Kyle Buchanan (NY Times) and Tracy Brown (LA Times), exploring what’s gone wrong in recent years — and whether Thunderbolts* marks a real reset or just more of the…

1
Are Spoilers Actually Bad? And More Pop Culture Hot Takes 1:07:32

1M ago1:07:32

1:07:32

This episode is nothing but hot takes! In a world drowning in opinions, Sam and friends serve up their spiciest ones — the kind that spark debate, start drama, or are just too real to admit out loud. TV writer and producer Kara Brown (Swarm, She-Hulk, Grown-ish) joins to argue that spoilers aren’t actually bad — and she means it. But not so fast: S…

1
Is Entertainment Moving to the Right? 50:18

1M ago50:18

50:18

How is entertainment changing with our current political moment? Hollywood networks are scrapping trans storylines, DEI pipelines set up after 2020 are shutting down, and the conservative universe is thriving online. Are big studios chasing Donald Trump voters like the last time he was elected? Or is the chokehold of social media influencing how ev…

1
How Did Marsai Martin Conquer Child Stardom? 56:34

2M ago56:34

56:34

Marsai Martin became a star at just 9 years old on Black-ish. Now 20, she’s holding her own opposite Viola Davis in the new action thriller G20. Sam talks with Marsai about growing up in Hollywood, why she avoids “Black pain” roles, and how her Texas upbringing keeps her grounded. Plus, her mom Carol joins the conversation to share the family value…

1
The Dark Side Of The Perfect Playlist 51:32

2M ago51:32

51:32

For millions of people, the soundtrack of their lives is curated by Spotify. The streaming giant has made it easier than ever to listen to music, but journalist Liz Pelly argues that it’s also devalued music in our culture and the artists who make it. Her new book is called Mood Machine: The Rise Of Spotify And The Costs Of The Perfect Playlist. Li…

1
Why Do We Love Bad TV? 56:41

2M ago56:41

56:41

The Star Wars Holiday Special, The Brady Bunch Variety Hour, and Rob Lowe singing with Snow White at the Oscars have gone down in history as some of the worst TV ever made. Bruce Vilanch is the man behind them all. He recounts his biggest TV flops in his new book It Seemed Like a Bad Idea at the Time. Sam chats with Bruce about how those infamous T…

1
Is Gender Just a Story? 54:14

2M ago54:14

54:14

With her debut novel Detransition, Baby, Torrey Peters made history as the first openly trans writer to be published by a major publishing house. Now, she’s back with a new book that makes the case that we’re all living the trans experience. It’s called Stag Dance, and it challenges how we think about gender and explores transness not as an identit…

1
Are Movie Stars Dead? 56:42

3M ago56:42

56:42

Are movie stars a thing of the past? Paul Scheer (actor, comedian) and Amy Nicholson (LA Times film critic) – co-hosts of the Unspooled podcast – join Sam to break down why Hollywood stopped making true stars. Gone are the days of Denzel, Julia, and Tom – now it’s all about franchises, streaming, and social media clout. So who’s to blame? Studio ex…

1
Is Reality TV Falling Apart? 53:54

3M ago53:54

53:54

Is reality TV in trouble? Seasons are shorter, fresh stars are hard to find, and production is down. Sam digs into the drama with Rachel Lindsay (former Bachelorette, host of Morally Corrupt and Higher Learning) and Ryan Bailey (host of So Bad It’s Good). They break down whether the reality TV bubble is bursting, how social media changed the game, …

1
Why Are Movie Wigs So Bad?! 15:22

3M ago15:22

15:22

This Oscars weekend we have a bonus episode on a topic that really irks Sam – bad wigs on the big screen. Here to break down what’s going on is Hollywood hairstylist and wigmaker Dawn Dudley. Her work has been seen in A Star is Born, Rob Zombie’s The Munsters, HBO’s Westworld and tons more. She breaks down what’s really happening on Hollywood sets …

1
The Hipster Grifter Speaks: Kari Ferrell on Scamming & Redemption 49:16

3M ago49:16

49:16

Kari Ferrell became a viral sensation in 2009 after her small time cons gained international attention. She was living in Brooklyn, working at Vice News when she was exposed and dubbed “The Hipster Grifter.” Sam chats with Kari about what led her to become a scammer, why the media became so obsessed and her road to redemption. Kari Ferrell’s new me…

1
Escaping Heartbreak with Musician Caroline Rose 59:51

3M ago59:51

59:51

Caroline Rose makes music that cuts deep, and their latest album, year of the slug, is no exception. Sam talks with the indie singer-songwriter about why this album isn’t on Spotify, the struggle of working-class musicians in today’s industry, and how rejecting major platforms is an act of artistic defiance. Plus, Caroline opens up about their past…

1
Who Belongs on Black Hollywood’s Mount Rushmore? 52:04

3M ago52:04

52:04

It’s Black History Month, and Sam is doing something a little different: building a Black Hollywood Mount Rushmore! Comedians and writers Yassir Lester and Garrick Bernard join Sam to debate which Black entertainers have left the biggest mark on the industry. Plus, the trio unpacks how the entertainment industry has evolved for Black creatives, the…

1
Should the Oscars Even Exist? with The Big Picture Hosts Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins 57:17

4M ago57:17

57:17

Sam’s hot take — it’s time to put an end to the Academy Awards. He lays out his case to Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins, hosts of The Big Picture podcast from The Ringer. They break down why the Oscars often reward the wrong films, prioritize campaigning over quality, and struggle to stay relevant in today’s entertainment landscape. Plus, how to …

1
Sam Sings! with Celebrity Vocal Coach Doug Peck 51:33

4M ago51:33

51:33

Instead of dishing on Grammys predictions, we’re taking singing lessons. Vocal coach Doug Peck has worked with Grammy winners like Billie Eilish, Paramore’s Hayley Williams, and Broadway legend Patti Lupone. What exactly does a vocal coach do, why does everyone in the biz have one, and how do you learn to sing like a star? Plus, listen to the very …

1
TikTok's Rise, Fall & Messy Future 47:12

4M ago47:12

47:12

The internet was in a frenzy over the short-lived TikTok ban. The app went down, then came back, and could still disappear again? Here to unpack what it all means for pop culture are two viral sensations, Franchesca Ramsey and Brandon Kyle Goodman. They’re both creators, podcasters, actors, and TV writers who had a lot to say about the internet and…

1
2025’s Pop Culture Forecast 52:47

4M ago52:47

52:47

It’s been a rough start to the year for everyone in Los Angeles so we invited some friends to help us get through it with laughter. Chelsea Devantez, host of the Glamorous Trash podcast, and comedian Erin Dewey Lennox. Together, we break down the pop culture we’re excited for in 2025 and what we’re leaving behind in 2024. If you need resources or y…

1
Checking in from Los Angeles 2:28

5M ago2:28

2:28

Due to the recent fires in Los Angeles, we’re postponing our episode this week. Sam and the KCRW team are safe. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by these devastating events. We’ll be back in your feed soon. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to keep in touch.

1
Rachel Bloom Confronts Grief with a Heckler Named Death 49:25

5M ago49:25

49:25

In early 2020, comedian and actor Rachel Bloom faced life-changing extremes: the birth of her first child and the loss of collaborator Adam Schlesinger to COVID in the same week. In her Netflix special Death, Let Me Do My Special, Bloom processes these losses in a way that caught Sam’s attention, making his favorite comedy special of the last year.…

1
How To Talk To Yourself When Things Suck (from 10% Happier with Dan Harris) 1:09:25

5M ago1:09:25

1:09:25

Today we’re sharing an episode from our friends at 10% Happier with Dan Harris featuring our own Sam Sanders. Sam shares how he’s been dealing with grief over the last year, what it looks like to maintain a relationship with someone even after they’ve died, and what death has taught him about living a good life. If you like what you hear, check out…

1
Jessica Williams Talks Therapy and Life Lessons 59:42

5M ago59:42

59:42

Jessica Williams plays a shrink on TV, but we’d pay money to have her be our therapist IRL. From her time on The Daily Show, to playing a therapist on Apple TV+’s Shrinking, and what it was like to freeze her eggs, the comedian and actor shares life lessons with us. And does a cold plunge count as self-care? We play a game to find out. Sign up for …

1
#26 How Does Max Fosh DODGE So Many Cease and Desist Letters? 20:06

6M ago20:06

20:06

Max Fosh is the ultimate prankster. How does he get away with all of his shenanigans? He doesn't. He has received more cease and desist letters than almost anyone ever will. Today I get to pick his brilliant brain and have a laugh together on the podCARst. Enjoy! Max Fosh in Funny Uber Rides: https://youtu.be/_TWOqwp_jFE?si=DhNPUXCdWzIPE5oH Max Fos…

1
The Evolution of Pop Music with Diallo and LUXXURY 59:28

6M ago59:28

59:28

Diallo and LUXXURY, hosts of the One Song podcast, help us recap the year in pop music. We talk about Drake’s beef with Universal, the evolution of sampling in the music industry, and the most slept-on artists of 2024. Plus, we discuss why the Grammys rarely get things right and launch The Sammies™ to set the record straight. Sign up for Sam’s News…

1
Kendrick vs. Drake to Wicked: 2024 Unpacked 57:16

6M ago57:16

57:16

2024 delivered endless pop culture phenomena from Brat Summer to Wicked’s box office domination. Traci Thomas, host of The Stacks podcast, and Franklin Leonard, founder of The Black List, help us reflect on the year's defining moments. We rehash Kendrick and Drake’s beef, discuss Wicked’s cultural impact, and debate if monoculture still exists. Sig…

1
Be Your Own Best Life Partner with Meghan Keane 52:01

6M ago52:01

52:01

Society places marriage on a pedestal, from Hollywood romcoms to Disney movies, often leaving singlehood overlooked. Journalist Meghan Keane, author of Party of One: Be Your Own Best Life Partner, explores society’s deep-rooted myths about romance and shares her own journey in embracing singlehood as a fulfilling choice. We talk about reclaiming ha…

1
Matt Rogers, Prince of Christmas 57:11

6M ago57:11

57:11

Get into the Christmas spirit with comedian and actor Matt Rogers! When he’s not co-hosting his hit podcast Las Culturistas, he’s touring the country as the Prince of Christmas. We talk about his iconic holiday comedy album, Have You Heard of Christmas?, and break down the pop culture news of the moment. His holiday tour begins next month with date…

1
#25 Convincing Harry Mack to Go Skydiving With Me 19:18

6M ago19:18

19:18

Harry Mack, the king of freestyle rap, is today's podCARst guest! I try to convince him to go skydiving with me as well as sharing a mutual appreciation for Marc Rebillet and Larry David! And yes, of course, the episode concludes with a legendary freestyle. Enjoy! Harry Mack in Funny Uber Rides: https://youtu.be/wfZfRD-4t-M Harry Mack 2025 Tour: ht…

1
Why Ronny Chieng Believes in America 56:43

6M ago56:43

56:43

Comedian Ronny Chieng believes America can survive another Trump administration. We talk about his role in Hulu’s Interior Chinatown, and the complex relationship between identity and humor in Hollywood. Plus, the impact of Asian representation in media, and the challenges— and freedoms — of creating authentic stories that resonate. Sign up for Sam…

1
#24 I Finally Met 'Ryan is Driving' 29:19

7M ago29:19

29:19

After a fun interaction with my Uber passenger in 2017, I explored the internet to see if anyone was uploading their Uber rides online. I found Ryan Is Driving, reached out to him for some pointers and he graciously replied! Since then I have always wanted to meet him, shake his hand and thank him for paving the way. Today is that day! Follow Ryan:…

1
Inside 2024’s Tech Revolution with journalists Taylor Lorenz & Elise Hu 50:14

7M ago50:14

50:14

Technology has reshaped culture in surprising ways this year from Hollywood to social media. Tech journalist Elise Hu, host of TED Talks Daily, and Taylor Lorenz, author of Extremely Online, help us unpack the year’s most significant tech developments. We get into whether the AI hype is worth it, ponder the future of platforms that shape our lives,…

1
Brian Jordan Alvarez and Stephanie Koenig Break Through Hollywood 45:56

7M ago45:56

45:56

Brian Jordan Alvarez and Stephanie Koenig are the creative force behind the new hit show English Teacher. The show features both him and Koenig as high school teachers in Texas dealing with guns, drag queens, and queer identity, all with a subversive, hilarious twist. We talk about their journey from creating indie comedy videos online to finally b…

1
#23 He Jumped off The Golden Gate Bridge and Survived (ft. Kevin Hines) 47:57

7M ago47:57

47:57

Kevin Hines' story is one of resilience, hope, and inspiration. At age 19, he survived a jump from the Golden Gate Bridge, defying all odds. A seal miraculously helped keep him afloat until the coast guard arrived, saving his life. In today's podCARst, Kevin shares his journey from that life-changing moment to his work in mental health awareness an…

1
Roy Wood Jr Says Comedy is Journalism 57:07

7M ago57:07

57:07

Comedian Roy Wood Jr. believes comedy is a form of journalism. We talk about his new CNN show Have I Got News For You, his time at The Daily Show, and the challenge of finding laughter amidst absurdity. Plus, we play a game inspired by Roy’s new show. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every interview each week. The Sa…

1
Climate Change Needs Hollywood and Hope 53:52

7M ago53:52

53:52

What if Regina George cared about climate change? That’s the question from author and marine biologist Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. Her new book, What If We Get It Right?, offers a refreshing take on the climate crisis imagining a future shaped by Hollywood, pop culture, poetry, and joy. We talk about how creativity and optimism can help us reframe…

1
#22 My Best Friend Asks Me Anything He Wants... (ft. Michael Kahan) 1:10:25

8M ago1:10:25

1:10:25

Michael Kahan is a screenwriter and podcast host with more than 250 episodes under his belt. He is a master conversationalist who has not only interviewed but gone VERY deep with some of Hollywood’s biggest stars on his own podcast, Funny In Failure. Michael just so happens to be one of my closest childhood friends. Who better to interview me than …

1
Monét X Change: Drag, Politics, and Opera 54:18

8M ago54:18

54:18

Monét X Change, co-host of Sibling Rivalry, RuPaul’s Drag Race alum, and opera singer dives into her journey from church kid to drag queen and how it still influences her work. We also talk DRAG PAC, her political action committee fighting for drag and trans rights, and her new foray into performing R&B. Plus, we rate pop culture hot topics in a ga…

1
Sasheer Zamata on Disney Parks to Disney+ 52:25

8M ago52:25

52:25

We launched two episodes today! Don’t miss our episode with Joel Kim Booster, also in your feed. Sasheer Zamata stops by to chat about her role in the hit Disney+ series "Agatha All Along," queerness in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and how her time working at Disney parks shaped her career. Plus, artificial intelligence, the band Oasis, and... WH…

1
Joel Kim Booster: Sex, Wealth, and Comedy 51:35

8M ago51:35

51:35

Joel Kim Booster dishes on the wardrobe choices on "Loot," his on-screen chemistry with Maya Rudolph, and how the show tackles real-world issues like the unhoused crisis. We also talk about the portrayal of wealth on television and his discomfort with glamorizing billionaires. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every i…

1
The Sam Sanders Show is out now 2:24

8M ago2:24

2:24

The Sam Sanders Show from KCRW is your guide to entertainment. Find out what makes your favorite artists tick, dissect the trends that shape our culture, or just make sense of that random meme you can’t stop thinking about. Join us every week to unpack the pop culture we love. Sign up for Sam’s Newsletter to get behind the scenes stuff from every i…

1
#21 I Get Much Needed Therapy From Timm Chiusano 35:46

8M ago35:46

35:46

Timm Chiusano is a successful and humble executive who was co-founder to one of the most unique production & creative services teams ever built. I came across Timm's content on Tiktok and was immediately hooked to his storytelling and positive attitude towards making an impact in the workplace. Given his corporate experience, I seek out some much n…

1
#20 Hijabs Off ft. Zainab Johnson 37:30

9M ago37:30

37:30

I love the world of stand-up comedy and I admire those who pursue it as a career. My guest today is Zainab Johnson who released her first special on Amazon Prime recently. After watching it, I couldn’t get past how well she crafts a story and keeps you on the edge of your seat…all the meanwhile keeping you giggling. This is classy comedy! Whilst I …

1
#19 The Art of Manipulation - Becoming a Reality TV Star (Ft. Vicki) 20:06

9M ago20:06

20:06

Today’s guest is our beloved Vicki. She was my Uber passenger in 2019, we became friends and now she is a Funny Uber Rides regular! Vicki is working on becoming a reality TV star and in today's conversation we take a deep dive into what that means and how it requires manipulation. Follow Vicki: https://www.instagram.com/vickimosheim_ Enjoyed the po…

1
#18 An Unusual Meeting of the President of The United States ft. Daniel Mac 29:05

10M ago29:05

29:05

Today’s guest is Daniel Mac. He pioneered the now commonly used social media line “I love your car! What do you do for a living?” When I was a kid, my dad taught me that “you don’t know, if you don’t ask”. Daniel isn’t afraid to ask the question…and it has gotten his career to a pretty surreal place. I mean for goodness sake, the White House reache…

1
#17 My Longest Uber Ride Yet ft. Phoebe Condon 33:33

10M ago33:33

33:33

Phoebe was my Uber passenger in 2019 and became my dear friend. A little while ago I helped her move from Canberra to Brisbane and the trip ended up being an epic 15 hour cross-country deluxe Uber ride! Todays podCARst has a lot of standard childish humour from yours truly but I absolutely love where the conversation gets to in the 2nd half of the …

1
HonesTEA with Z - SPECIAL JFL 2022 LIVE! Featuring YAMANEIKA SAUNDERS 1:01:28

3y ago1:01:28

1:01:28

This is a special live episode taped in Montreal Canada during the 2022 Just For Laughs festival. Zainab was joined by hilarious comedian and friend Yamanieka Saunders to talk, artists cancelling shows due to mental health breaks, nudity, and bill etiquette when group dining. IF YOU WANT TO SEE MY STANDUP LIVE HERE ARE SOME UPCOMING SHOW DATES - FO…

1
#16 Diagnosed with HIV ft. Teri Kearns 46:08

3y ago46:08

46:08

Teri Kearns was an awesome Uber passenger of mine back in 2018. Last year she was diagnosed with HIV. The story of what came after this diagnosis is a mixture of shocking, stressful, terrifying and inspirational. If you watch the episode of Funny Uber Rides that Teri starred in, you will assume that she is somewhat of a party animal which may have …

1
#15 Olympic Diver Uses Hypnosis to Gain Competitive Edge ft. Brittany O’Brien 22:31

3y ago22:31

22:31

Brittany O'Brien represented Australia in the 2016 Rio Olympics, competing in the 10m platform diving event. I believe Brittany represents a new wave of top performing athletes. She has not only dedicated her life to diving but also documents the process as it is happening on TikTok. We, the viewer, get to witness Brittany's ups and downs in real t…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Zainab Johnson Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

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