From the Billboard charts to the Oscars, K-Pop is bigger than ever in Hollywood. Along with its global domination, there’s a dark side to the genre. Blatant appropriation of Black American culture. K-Pop stars caught using racial slurs. Fandoms torn apart over anti-Black racism.

So, how should we all be thinking about K-Pop in 2026? Sam poses that question to Dr. Sarah Olutola, novelist and professor at Lakehead University. Her research centers on pop culture, Black culture and K-Pop. They examine the history, geopolitics and future of a global system largely built off Black American art.

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The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders

Today we’re sharing Sam’s episode from This Is Uncomfortable.

The show is all about life and how money messes with it. Sam joins host Reema Khrais to answer listener questions about finances and dating. They tackle issues with scammers, secret investments, and polyamorous partners.

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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.

Comedian and actor Ms. Pat kinda does it all.

She performs standup, hosts her own podcast and created the acclaimed sitcom The Ms. Pat Show on BET+. The series is known for mixing a laugh track with real issues like racism, sexual assault and immigration.

A recent episode follows Ms. Pat’s family as they help a young kid hide from ICE agents, while the show’s fictional President comes to town. Chaos ensues, but the story demonstrates Ms. Pat’s sharp ability to use humor as a vehicle to talk about pain.

She tells Sam about the pushback she got from the network’s parent company over the episode and why she will never be silenced.

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And remember to take our survey! We want to know more about you and what you love about the show.

The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.