Vibe Check

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach discuss the eventful weekend from the TikTok chaos to navigating the inauguration. Then, they reflect on the power of being bored with those close to you. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.  You can now get direct access to the group chat! Find us on Patreon at patreon.com/vibecheck.    Vibe Check listeners can now get a free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck. ------------------------------------------------------RECOMMENDATIONS:SAM:1. Martyr - Kaveh Abkar2. One of Them DaysZACH:1. Paris is Burning2. The Queen3. P.S. Burn This LetterSAEED: 1.The Hum by Maggie Smith2. Another Last Call: Poems on Addiction and Deliverance - edited by Kaveh Abkar and Paige LewisMerch: www.podswag.com/vibecheck

On this bonus episode of Vibe Check, Sam speaks to Maurice Mitchell, National Director of the Working Families Party. They talk about why Maurice isn't deterred by the 2024 Presidential election, why the WFP believes in building power from the bottom up, the current economic climate, and much more. We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.  You can now get direct access to the group chat! Find us on Patreon at patreon.com/vibecheck.    Vibe Check listeners can now get a free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck. ------------------------------------------------------https://workingfamilies.org/You can find Working Families Party on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/workingfamilies/ Merch: www.podswag.com/vibecheck

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach talk about the devastating fires in Southern California. Then, they speak with former incarcerated firefighter, Royal Ramey, about his experiences in an inmate fire camp. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod. You can now get direct access to the group chat! Find us on Patreon at patreon.com/vibecheck.   Vibe Check listeners can now get a free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck. ------------------------------------------------------RECOMMENDATIONS:SAM: Acts of Faith by SAULTZACH: Bad Bunny’s new album Debí Tirar Más Fotos Atlas Obscura featuring ZachThe Forestry and Fire Recruitment ProgramRoyal Ramey x TED Fellows  Merch: www.podswag.com/vibecheck

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach discuss the U.S. Surgeon General’s call for cancer warning labels on alcohol. They also dive into the cultural obsession of surveilling others online. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod. You can now get direct access to the group chat! Find us on Patreon at patreon.com/vibecheck.   Vibe Check listeners can now get a free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck. ------------------------------------------------------RECOMMENDATIONS:SAM: 1. “Dylan’s Gospel” by The Brothers And Sisters2. BrickSAEED: 1. “Man on the TV Say” by Patricia Smith 2. Get Millie BlackZACH: 1. Edges of Ailey at the Whitney Museum in NYC2. STILL/HERE Merch: www.podswag.com/vibecheck

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach reflect on some of the biggest news and culture moments of 2024. Then, they talk about what habits they’re leaving behind, and set their intentions for the new year.We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.You can now get direct access to the group chat! Find us on Patreon at patreon.com/vibecheck. Vibe Check listeners can now get a free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.------------------------------------------------------Merch: www.podswag.com/vibecheckSaeed’s Substack

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach chat with famed astrologer, Chani Nicholas, about astrology 101. Then, she reads the birth chart for each host, and forecasts the general vibe of 2025.We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.You can now get direct access to the group chat! Find us on Patreon at patreon.com/vibecheck. Vibe Check listeners can now get a free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.------------------------------------------------------Merch: www.podswag.com/vibecheck

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed speaks to British-Palestinian author, Isabella Hammad, about her book, Recognizing the Stranger: On Palestine and Narrative. They discuss the Israel-Hamas war, student activism, and much more.We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.You can now get direct access to the group chat! Find us on Patreon at patreon.com/vibecheck. Vibe Check listeners can now get a free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.------------------------------------------------------Merch: www.podswag.com/vibecheck

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed, Sam and Zach chat about the internet’s reaction to Luigi Mangione, suspect in the United Healthcare shooting. Plus, they discuss LGBTQ+ rights under a second Donald Trump presidency and a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod or TikTok @vibecheckpod. You can now get direct access to the group chat! Find us on Patreon at patreon.com/vibecheck. Vibe Check listeners can now get a free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.Merch: www.podswag.com/vibecheck------------------------------------------------------RECOMMENDATIONS:SAM: The Wonder of Stevie podcast, Lost Notes: 1980 - Ep 1. Stevie WonderZACH: Anatomy of Lies doc on PeacockSAEED: “A Poem of Friendship” by Nikki Giovanni, Wild Card podcast with Nikki Giovanni

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach share their thoughts on if smartphones and social media are negatively impacting the youth. They also talk about Billboard’s list of greatest pop stars of the 21st century, and whether Beyoncé or Taylor Swift deserved the #1 spot. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.You can now get direct access to the group chat! Find us on Patreon at patreon.com/vibecheck. Vibe Check listeners can now get a free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.------------------------------------------------------RECOMMENDATIONS:SAM: “Piano & A Microphone 1983” by PrinceZACH: Casting JonBenet filmThe Sam Sanders Show: Inside 2024’s Tech Revolution with Journalists Taylor Lorenz & Elise Hu Merch: www.podswag.com/vibecheck

On this episode of Vibe Check, Zach speaks with civil rights attorney and trans rights activist, Chase Strangio. They discuss his upcoming court case - United States v. Skrmetti, which focuses on trans youth in Tennessee being denied access to gender affirming care.We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.You can now get direct access to the group chat! Find us on Patreon at patreon.com/vibecheck. Vibe Check listeners can now get a free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.------------------------------------------------------Chase Strangio on InstagramMerch: www.podswag.com/vibecheck

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach offer advice on preparing for a potentially rocky holiday season.We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.You can now get direct access to the group chat! Find us on Patreon at patreon.com/vibecheck. Vibe Check listeners can now get a free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.------------------------------------------------------Zach x Kimberly DrewZach x Jenna WorthamSam x Emily KingMerch: www.podswag.com/vibecheck

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach discuss Trump’s controversial cabinet appointments. Then, they talk about the press tour for the new movie, Wicked. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.You can now get direct access to the group chat! Find us on Patreon at patreon.com/vibecheck. Vibe Check listeners can now get a free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.------------------------------------------------------RECOMMENDATIONS:SAM: Sometimes by BilalSAEED: “Missed Time” by Ha JinZACH: The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions by Larry Mitchell Merch: www.podswag.com/vibecheck

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about the aftermath of the election, what to expect moving forward, and what they’re doing to take care of themselves. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.You can now get direct access to the group chat! Find us on Patreon at patreon.com/vibecheck. Vibe Check listeners can now get a free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.------------------------------------------------------RECOMMENDATIONS:SAM: Dance Yourself Clean (Song) and Sound of Silver (Album) by LCD SoundsystemZACH: Notting Hill and Zach’s guest appearance on Love To See ItSAEED: My Project 2025by Saeed Jones After Maggie SmithI am having more sex. I am louder when I have sex.I am asking more questions. I am asking questions like “why?” and “what happened to make you feelthat way?” and “do you feel safe here?”and “what can I do to help you feel safehere?” I know I like to talk; I love the soundof my own voice, but I’m going to shut upand listen more. Clearly, I haven’t heardall that’s been said. I am protecting myself.I am pulling up the drawbridge. I’m askingBlack women to pull up the drawbridge.I’m Whitney Houston in the last verseof “It’s Not Right, but It’s Okay.” I’m paying my light bill and taking careof my babies. I’m in the bath tubcovered in bubbles and surroundedwith candles and good wine and I wishFrank Ocean or Bill Withers or Frank Oceanand Bill Withers were in the bathtubwith me but their voices will do. I ampulling the voices of people I desireand love and trust and worry overinto me. I am inviting them into the brightdark of my soul. I am gonna live foreverbecause all the money I touch looks at meand says e pluribus unum, out of many,one. I am the water Jesus drank in the desert.I am god talking to herself. I am evictingAmerica from my body and making roomin the borders of my black bad bitch bodyfor everyone I was sent into this lifeto love loudly. 

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach share another installment of their modern scriptures, as they talk about works of art, literature, and pop culture that they turn to for inspiration.We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.You can now get direct access to the group chat! Find us on Patreon at patreon.com/vibecheck. Vibe Check listeners can now get a free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.------------------------------------------------------MODERN SCRIPTURES:SAMJP Brammer - Hola PapiHanif - A Little Devil In AmericaSAEED“Ode to My Blackness” by Evie Shockley (The New Black – 2011)“Ode to My Whiteness” by Sharon Olds (Odes – 2016)ZACH“Kiss of Life” by SadeSteel Magnolias (1989)Zach’s Guest DJ Song ListSam’s Guest DJ Song List

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach chat with special guest, podcast host Tommy Vietor (of Pod Save America & Pod Save the World), about the truths and anxieties of the upcoming election. Then, they discuss if celebrity involvement in politics actually makes an impact. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.You can now get direct access to the group chat! Find us on Patreon at patreon.com/vibecheck. Vibe Check listeners can now get a free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.To help get out the vote or volunteer in the coming days, head to votesaveamerica.com------------------------------------------------------Recommendations:SAM: English Teacher on FXSAEED: “the earth is a living thing” by Lucille CliftonZACH: Meli Beer (drinkmeli.com) 

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about why Harris and Trump are neck and neck in the polls. Then, they discuss the role religion is playing in the final weeks of the election. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.You can now get direct access to the group chat! Find us on Patreon at patreon.com/vibecheck. Vibe Check listeners can now get a free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.------------------------------------------------------Recommendations:SAM: The Tokyo Mass Choir singing GOSPEL MUSIC + Whitney Houston Freedom Concert (in limited Theaters)SAEED:  “Haiku Garden” by Harryette Mullen from Best American Poetry 2024ZACH: Celebrity Substitute on YouTube

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach talk about Black male voters being the scapegoats of this election cycle. Then, they talk about troubling TikTok findings. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.You can now get direct access to the group chat! Find us on Patreon at patreon.com/vibecheck. Vibe Check listeners can now get a free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.------------------------------------------------------Recommendations:SAM: CHARLI XCX Remix Album (and “Everything Is Romantic” Remix with Caroline Polachek)ZACH: The Apprentice (film) SAEED: Chainsaw by Marie Howe

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about hurricanes, and the misinformation that has been spread by politicians. Then, in the spirit of spooky season, they talk about our culture’s shifting relationship with witchcraft. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.You can now get direct access to the group chat! Find us on Patreon at patreon.com/vibecheck. Vibe Check listeners can now get a free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.------------------------------------------------------The Sam Sanders ShowVoter registration linkRecommendations:SAM: Call Her Daddy episode with Kamala HarrisSAEED:  “Love Poem” by Danez Smith – from their new book BLUFFZACH: Jinx Monsoon on the Witch Wave Podcast

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about Bowen Yang’s SNL sketch about Chappell Roan, and the conversation it has started about new-aged pop stars. Then, they discuss the different versions of masculinity that Tim Walz and JD Vance represent. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.You can now get direct access to the group chat! Find us on Patreon at patreon.com/vibecheck. Vibe Check listeners can now get a free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.------------------------------------------------------Voter registration linkRecommendations:SAM: Hope for Sale by ChiiildSAEED: [...] by Fady JoudahZACH:  Will & Harper on Netflix 

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach dive into the indictment of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and what it means for the future of hip-hop. Plus, the guys share their Fall intentions and a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod. You can now get direct access to the group chat! Find us on Patreon at patreon.com/vibecheck.  Vibe Check listeners can now get a free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations:SAM: Rejection by Tony TulathimutteSAEED: “Apologies to All the People in Lebanon” by June Jordan ZACH:  Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, Real Housewives of Salt Lake City  McSweeney’s - It’s Decorative Gourd Season, Motherfuckers by Colin Nissan