Vibe Check

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.

Are You a Good Witch, or a Bad Witch?

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

11-20
58:15

Democracy TBD

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. 

11-13
56:49

One Hell of a Contradiction

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

11-06
52:56

New Fear Unlocked featuring Tommy Vietor

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) 

10-30
01:05:25

That’s the 1, 2 Step

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

10-23
01:04:23

If You See Us, No You Didn’t!

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

10-16
57:01

The Vibe Coven

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

10-09
01:02:02

Justice for Pluto!

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 

10-02
59:09

I Have A Dream

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

09-25
01:08:52

High, Low, Fast, and Slow

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about Trump and Vance’s false claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. Then, they answer a listener’s advice question about sex. 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 linkPrevious episode discussing allegations against DiddyRecommendations:SAM: Florida Wata - Swamp Session from Doechii SAEED: “In Any Event” by Dorianne Laux ZACH:  Dawn Richard’s “Quiet In A World Full of Noise” out on October 4th

09-18
59:18

Put the NyQuil Down

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach discuss the first Presidential debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump. 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: Strange DarlingSAEED: “Evil” by Langston HughesZACH: Chimp Crazy

09-11
51:35

Do Some Witch Sh!t

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about the current state of the Presidential race, and they officially put buzzwords “Brat” and “Demure” to rest. 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 Guardian: I'll be so proud when my daughter is president and runs a corrupt oligarchyRecommendations:SAM: Short n' Sweet by Sabrina CarpenterSAEED: Ode to Lithium #600 by Shira ErlichmanZACH: KAOS on Netflix

09-04
01:02:44

Two Ladies and A Mutha featuring Elise Hu

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach talk to TED Talks Daily host Elise Hu, about her new book, “Flawless: Lessons in Looks and Culture from the K-Beauty Capital”. Elise gave her thoughts on body modification, digital culture setting beauty standards, and more. Then, a TED Talk from Doctors Lindsey and Lexie Kite about how body image obsession can impact mental health.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.------------------------------------------------------Elise’s Recommendation:Sugarcane

08-28
54:36

The Fruitcake Factory featuring Laci Mosley

On this live episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach talk about Ozempic and how it is changing the world. Then, they talk to Scam Goddess podcast host, Laci Mosley, about some of the biggest scams in history. This episode was recorded in Los Angeles at The Ford Amphitheatre.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.

08-21
01:02:24

Feeling Very Demure featuring Sofia Nelson

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach talk about the latest updates in politics. Then, Zach has an insightful conversation with former close friend of JD Vance – Sofia Nelson.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.

08-16
01:04:26

Ask Us Literally Anything!

On this first-ever “Ask Us Anything” style episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach answer some of your burning questions about their personal lives, friendships, careers, and 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.

08-14
55:56

Let’s Get to the Word

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach share more of their favorite modern scriptures –  the literary works that they frequently turn to.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. ------------------------------------------------------Modern Scriptures:ZACH: “Godspeed” by Frank OceanJames Baldwin being interviewed in the Village Voice in 1984 in a piece titled ”Go the Way Your Blood Beats,” when asked about queerness in regards to race.SAM: Let the Record Show: A Political History of ACT UP New York, 1987–1993 by Sarah SchulmanCue the Sun! The Invention of Reality TV by Emily Nussbaum [Chapter 3: The Betrayal (about An American Family)]Alone in Miami by Remi WolfSAEED: “Flood” by Kim Addonizo from her book TELL MESULA by Toni Morrison

08-07
38:02

Things Are Getting Weird

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about their current obsession - the 2024 Olympics, and the Democratic party’s latest campaign tactic against Trump and Vance. 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. ------------------------------------------------------RECOMMENDATIONS:SAM: Charm by ClairoSAEED: Devotion by Ocean Vuong from NIGHT SKY WITH EXIT WOUNDSZACH: Love Island on USA Season 6

07-31
58:00

Hold Onto Your Wigs

Joe finally did it! On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Zach and Saeed talk about Vice President Kamala Harris’ path to presidency, misogynoir and a new feeling of hope. 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. ------------------------------------------------------RECOMMENDATIONS: SAM: Childish Gambino's album – Bando Stone & the New World ZACH: The Boyfriend on NetflixSAEED:  Gregory Orr – I Want to Go Back

07-24
01:05:03

Do It While It’s Still Legal

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach talk about Donald Trump’s unexpected running mate decision, and they offer a listener advice on feeling survivor’s guilt. 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. ------------------------------------------------------RECOMMENDATIONS:SAM: The Other Two on MAX ZACH: Sort Of on MAX Sam’s interview with Sarah Schneider and Chris Kelly

07-17
52:46

Jejj

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

08-15 Reply

Steven Maurice

sam listens to @searchengineshow too

05-30 Reply

Steven Maurice

but why?

09-01 Reply

E P

988 is a national number now, thankfully.

01-18 Reply

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