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Vibe Check

Author: Zach Stafford, Saeed Jones, Sam Sanders

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A weekly podcast where Sam Sanders, Saeed Jones, and Zach Stafford make sense of what’s going on in news and culture – and how it all feels. Vibe Check is your favorite group chat, come to life.

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181 Episodes
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Add Some Whiskey to It

Add Some Whiskey to It

2025-09-1759:241

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Saeed talk about the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.------------------------------------------------------Recommendations:SAM REC 1: The Fleetwood Mac Universehttps://open.spotify.com/prerelease/5TJZm01vY10HOaVriweTuD?si=rr9hcXhzTIGJKazbsraowA&nd=1&dlsi=e8f56dd082834194https://open.spotify.com/album/5FIN8pyPVx8ggNs5jQ86Re?si=AVcbJFcqRXywsS5CGUyVOQ&nd=1&dlsi=73c76dc3a93d42d4https://open.spotify.com/episode/5eD4OtdWa2rmxrNGZD5hjz?si=uhOKe5lsS_CiEjmKTgFlPg&nd=1&dlsi=1b26f7ec1cea42d2SAM REC 2: Al Green’s live concert performance in Tokyoyoutube.com/watch?v=pYTyWYa7jd4&feature=youtu.beSAEED REC 1: The PittSAEED REC 2: “You Are Here” by Mira Jacob from THE PEOPLE’S PROJECT You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.Get your Vibe Check merch at www.podswag.com/vibecheck.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Put Our Cracker Back!

Put Our Cracker Back!

2025-09-1056:382

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach talk about Trump and ICE’s “Operation Midway Blitz”, the MTV VMAs, and why music videos don’t have the cultural impact that they used to. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.------------------------------------------------------Recommendations:SAM: SPLITSVILLE ZACH: TWINLESS Order Saeed’s new book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-people-s-project-poems-essays-and-art-for-looking-forward-maggie-smith/22401036 You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.Get your Vibe Check merch at www.podswag.com/vibecheck.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach talk about influencers getting paid for promoting political messaging, and a job listing for The Cutting Room Floor that has sparked outrage. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.------------------------------------------------------Recommendations:ZACH: “Essex Honey” by Blood Orange SAEED: “Let Them Not Say” by Jane Hirshfield SAM: “My Once-in-a-Million-Years Love Story” by Elizabeth Gilbert in NEW YORK MAGAZINE, followed by “Elizabeth Gilbert’s Latest Epiphanies” by Jia Tolentino in The New Yorker Pre-order Saeed’s new book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-people-s-project-poems-essays-and-art-for-looking-forward-maggie-smith/22401036TikTok about The Cutting Room Floor job: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayte.lisbeth/video/7543301328055913742?_r=1&_t=ZP-8zG5OHzWQEZ You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.Get your Vibe Check merch at www.podswag.com/vibecheck.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach talk about Serena Williams using and boosting GLP-1 weight loss drugs. And the changes COVID brought to us after five years later.  ----------------------------------------------------Recommendations:ZACH:  CAN I BE FRANK and TA-DA! both Off-BroadwaySAEED: DIJON - Absolutely (Film)SAM: “I'm Dating a Man Who’s Married" by Aaron Smith You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.Get your Vibe Check merch at www.podswag.com/vibecheck.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach talk about Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent social media tactics against Trump. Then, they each talk about their end of summer protocols. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.------------------------------------------------------Recommendations:ZACH: ScandalSAEED: Part 1 of  “I Must Become A Menace to My Enemies” by June JordanSAM: Make It Ours: Crashing the Gates of Culture with Virgil Abloh by Robin Givhan You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.Get your Vibe Check merch at www.podswag.com/vibecheck.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach talk about Instagram’s new map feature and the lack of privacy with technology. Then, they discuss how strict emotional boundaries may tie into the loneliness epidemic. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.------------------------------------------------------Recommendations:ZACH: KPop Demon HuntersSAM: Weapons You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.Get your Vibe Check merch at www.podswag.com/vibecheck.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Bellissimo, Baby

Bellissimo, Baby

2025-08-0601:02:273

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach chat about Sex and the City’s reboot, And Just Like That…, and hate-watching TV shows. Then, they answer two listener questions. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.------------------------------------------------------Recommendations:ZACH: The Hunting Wife on Netflix SAEED: “Cage” by Rigoberto GonzalezSAM: Learning the Boots On The Ground line dance------------------------------------------------------Saeed’s Poem: Self-Portrait as Hereboy, Sethe’s Dog in Beloved You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.Get your Vibe Check merch at www.podswag.com/vibecheck.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On this episode of Vibe Check, Zach speaks with journalist and activist, Afeef Nessouli, about his recent experience in Gaza. Then, Sam, Saeed, and Zach discuss Sydney Sweeney’s new American Eagle ad, and how pop culture is leaning conservative. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.------------------------------------------------------Recommendations: ZACH: “Actual Life” by Fred Again SAEED: “My life as china” by Evie Shockley from The New BlackSAM:  Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams + Articles of Interests Podcast Organizations recommended by Afeef: https://glia.org/https://linktr.ee/thesameerproject You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.Get your Vibe Check merch at www.podswag.com/vibecheck.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
This week, we’re airing a conversation from the Forever35 podcast where Sam joins former Vibe Check guest, Elise Hu, and her co-host, Doree Shafrir. They talk about self-care, the hack of using “I feel” statements, realizing that some hills are not worth dying on, and more. You can listen to Forever35 wherever you get your podcasts! Follow the show on Instagram (@Forever35Podcast). You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.Get your Vibe Check merch at www.podswag.com/vibecheck.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Ladies and Labubus

Ladies and Labubus

2025-07-1601:05:332

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach talk about the MAGA rebellion, the Jeffrey Epstein files, and the new Superman movie. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.------------------------------------------------------Recommendations: SAM: LoganSAEED: In the chemo room, I wear mittens made of ice so I don’t lose my fingernails. But I took a risk today to write this down.ZACH: Invincible on Amazon Prime  You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.Get your Vibe Check merch at www.podswag.com/vibecheck.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Everybody Say Love

Everybody Say Love

2025-07-0901:05:551

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach discuss the Big Beautiful Bill. Then, they talk about the reality tv show Love Island. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.------------------------------------------------------Recommendations: SAM: Toni Morrison’s speech to Howard University students  on fascism and racism. SAEED: “In the Mornings, I Scroll My Way Back into America” by Franny Choi from their 2019 book Soft Science.ZACH: Be Like Others (2008) a documentary directed by Tanaz Eshaghain  You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.Get your Vibe Check merch at www.podswag.com/vibecheck.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Time Flies, Boo

Time Flies, Boo

2025-07-0201:05:251

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach reflect on what life has taught them in the past month. Then, they talk about the state of Americana. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.------------------------------------------------------Recommendations: SAM: MY FACE HURTS FROM SMILING by LizzoSAEED: “Tired of Love Poems” by Megan FernandesZACH: Brokeback Mountain directed by Ang Lee  You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.Get your Vibe Check merch at www.podswag.com/vibecheck.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Men on Film

Men on Film

2025-06-2550:23

On this live episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach share their WorldPride-themed modern scriptures. Special thanks to the team at Sixth & I in Washington D.C., and Pop Culture Collaborative!------------------------------------------------------You can watch the full video from this episode here: www.youtube.com/sixthandi You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.Get your Vibe Check merch at www.podswag.com/vibecheck.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On this live episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach chat with poet and activist, Danez Smith, about their career journey, afro-pessimism, the balance of grief vs joy, and more. Special thanks to the team at the LA Times Festival of Books and USC!------------------------------------------------------“Poetry Loves You” merch and more, available at www.podswag.com/vibecheck You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.Get your Vibe Check merch at www.podswag.com/vibecheck.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The New Boston Tea Party

The New Boston Tea Party

2025-06-1158:023

On this live episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach talk about Patti LuPone’s one-sided beef with Audra McDonald, conservatism on Broadway, and the worldwide “sex recession”. Plus, they answer a few questions from the audience.  Special thanks to the team at WBUR in Boston!------------------------------------------------------“Leave It In, Shantel” merch and more, available at: podswag.com/vibecheck You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.Get your Vibe Check merch at www.podswag.com/vibecheck.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On this special episode of Vibe Check, Zach chats one-on-one with Tina Knowles about her family, her legacy, and her journey of self-discovery while writing her new memoir, MATRIARCH. You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.Get your Vibe Check merch at www.podswag.com/vibecheck.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach talk to Tim Miller, host of The Bulwark, about Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”, Andry José Hernández Romero’s wrongful deportation, and WorldPride 2025. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.------------------------------------------------------Recommendations: SAM: OK Lady by Roman GianArthurSAEED: “Blue Porsche” by Alex Dimitrov from ECSTASY ZACH: MATRIARCH by Tina Knowles ------------------------------------------------------Live Shows:Boston 5/30 + 5/31: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-wbur-festival-tickets-982066847377Washington DC 6/3: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vibe-check-live-tickets-1338524846849 You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.Get your Vibe Check merch at www.podswag.com/vibecheck.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The Original Sin

The Original Sin

2025-05-2156:102

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach discuss Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis, and how his staff covered up his declining health. Then, they react to the Nottoway Plantation fire. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.------------------------------------------------------Recommendations: SAM: Hillsong-core PlaylistZACH: Overcompensating on Amazon Prime------------------------------------------------------Live Shows:Provincetown 5/23: https://www.classy.org/event/friday-summer-salon-with-vibe-check-a-live-podcast-recording-at-fawc/e689085Boston 5/31: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-wbur-festival-tickets-982066847377Washington DC 6/3: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vibe-check-live-tickets-1338524846849 You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.Get your Vibe Check merch at www.podswag.com/vibecheck.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach discuss how Elon Musk is inflicting mass pollution on a Black neighborhood in Memphis, Tennessee. Then, they chat about new Netflix show, “The Four Seasons”. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.------------------------------------------------------Recommendations: SAM: AndorZACH: Thunderbolts SAEED: “43” by Robin Coste Lewis------------------------------------------------------Live Shows: Boston 5/31: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-wbur-festival-tickets-982066847377Washington DC 6/3: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vibe-check-live-tickets-1338524846849 You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.Get your Vibe Check merch at www.podswag.com/vibecheck.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach sit down with Senator Elizabeth Warren to talk about her political "conversion" story, President Trump's first 100 days in office, and some signs of hope to help us get through the rest of his term. Plus, what's keeping Sen. Warren's vibe right? ------------------------------------------------------Recommendations: SEN. ELIZABETH WARREN: Dogs. Shout to Bailey! You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.Get your Vibe Check merch at www.podswag.com/vibecheck.Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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Comments (11)

Steven Maurice

recommendations?

Aug 6th
Reply

Steven Maurice

being a better option than conservatives isn't good enough. being right isn't good enough when you're up against the richest people in the world in a well-oiled propaganda machine

May 22nd
Reply (1)

Jejj

💃🏼

May 8th
Reply

Jejj

🎺🎺🎺

Apr 5th
Reply

Jejj

The commentary helped me better appreciate the layers of that performance, I appreciate it!

Feb 10th
Reply

Jejj

Loved this format and learning more about each of the guys in this way!

Aug 15th
Reply

Steven Maurice

sam listens to @searchengineshow too

May 30th
Reply

Steven Maurice

but why?

Sep 1st
Reply (1)

E P

988 is a national number now, thankfully.

Jan 18th
Reply