Vibe Check

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. 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.

Episodes

June 11, 2025 52 mins

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 Vib...

Mark as Played

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.com

We 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/vi...

Mark as Played

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 GianArthur

SAEED: “Blue Porsche” by Alex Dimitrov from ECSTASY 

ZACH: MATRIARCH by Tina Kn...

Mark as Played
May 21, 2025 50 mins

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 Playlist

ZACH: Overcompensating on Amazon Prime

------------------------------------------------------

Live Shows...

Mark as Played

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: Andor

ZACH: Thunderbolts 

SAEED: “43” by Robin Coste Lewis

-----------------------------------------...

Mark as Played

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 everyth...

Mark as Played

On this special episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach give their takes on the 2025 Met Gala. But first, Zach chats with Chioma Nnadi, Head of Editorial Content at British Vogue and host of The Run Through with Vogue. They talked about Black dandyism, André Leon Talley, and more.

------------------------------------------------------

Loved Zach’s chat with Chioma Nnadi? Dive deeper into the world of Vogue with The Run-Through wi...

Mark as Played
April 30, 2025 57 mins

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach discuss Trump’s first 100 days in office. Then, they talk about the kick-off of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour, and dynamic concert ticket pricing. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.

------------------------------------------------------

Recommendations:

 

SAM: Sarah Vaughn’s 1981 Beatles cover album

ZACH: Real Women Have Curves on Broadway

SAEED: “The Endlessness” by Ad...

Mark as Played
April 23, 2025 54 mins

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach chat about Ryan Coogler’s box office hit, “Sinners”, and the conversation it has sparked. Then, they talk about money dysmorphia and “boom boom” culture. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.

------------------------------------------------------

Recommendations:

 

SAM: Jay Jurden is Holding Space

ZACH: The Pitt on MAX

SAEED: “Meditations in an Emergency” by Cameron Awkwa...

Mark as Played
April 16, 2025 52 mins

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach discuss the Blue Origin Feminist Stunt and all things Coachella. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.

------------------------------------------------------

Recommendations:

 

SAM: G20 on Amazon Prime Video, and The Group Chat series on TikTok

ZACH: ‘Dying For Sex’ (on HULU) starring Michelle Williams 

SAEED: “Whitey on the Moon” by Gil Scott-Heron

You can find everythin...

Mark as Played

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach discuss the stock market crashing, Trump's tariffs, and the #Handsoff protests that swept the globe on April 5th. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.

------------------------------------------------------

Recommendations:

SAM: Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT, and the Race that Will Change the World by Parmy Olson | Sam's conversation with Sarah Schulman

ZACH: Mid-Century Moder...

Mark as Played
April 2, 2025 56 mins

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about season three of “The White Lotus", and the “sin” of empathy. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.

------------------------------------------------------

Recommendations:

SAM: This American Life - Heretics

ZACH: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson by Tourmaline [Pre-Order]

SAEED: “Enter Military Songs” by Dalia Taha

You can find everything Vibe Check rela...

Mark as Played
March 31, 2025 31 mins

On this episode of Vibe Check’s mini-series - Hey, Sis: A Vibe Check Series, Zach has a chat with writer, activist, and filmmaker, Tourmaline. They talk about her new book, “The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson”, finding your worth in history, the current state of trans rights, and more.

You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.com

We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitc...

Mark as Played

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about the impact of economic protests, fitness influencer culture, and the social trend of disordered living. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.

------------------------------------------------------

Recommendations:

SAM: The Sam Sanders Show ft. Torrey Peters // The Residence on Netflix

ZACH: Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen

SAEED: “Per Aspera” from I Ho...

Mark as Played
March 19, 2025 55 mins

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about America’s current relationship with the world, and what may be the start of a Democratic civil war. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.

 

Recommendations:

SAM: Stag Dance by Torrey Peters + Black Bag (the movie)

ZACH: Adolescence on Netflix 

SAEED: Poem for the Reader by Alex Dimitroff

You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vi...

Mark as Played
March 17, 2025 38 mins

On this episode of Vibe Check’s mini-series - Hey, Sis: A Vibe Check Series, Saeed has a chat with writer and historian, Imani Perry. They talk about her new book, “Black in Blues: How a Color Tells the Story of My People”, the importance of self-regard, spirituality, and more.

You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.com

We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and ke...

Mark as Played
March 12, 2025 50 mins

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach discuss Mahmoud Khalil being arrested on the Columbia University campus. Then, they talk about the reality of a romantic future for young Americans. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.

------------------------------------------------------

Recommendations:

SAM: “Paradise” on Hulu

ZACH: “With Love, Meghan” on Netflix 

You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official ...

Mark as Played
March 5, 2025 36 mins

On this episode of Vibe Check, Zach, Saeed and Sam share a few modern scriptures in front of a live audience at On Air Fest. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.


 

Recommendations:

SAM:  A father's monologue in "Call Me By Your Name."

SAEED: Imani Perry's new book, Black in Blues

ZACH: Shortbus (the film)

You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.com

We want to hear from you! Ema...

Mark as Played
February 26, 2025 52 mins

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Saeed answer a few listener advice questions. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.

------------------------------------------------------

Recommendations:

SAM:  Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway Album & Roberta Flack featuring Donny Hathaway Album

SAEED: “afterwards the boys stand in the kitchen” from PLAY DEAD by Francine J. Harris

You can find everything Vibe Check related at our ...

Mark as Played
February 24, 2025 53 mins

On this episode of Vibe Check’s mini-series - Hey, Sis: A Vibe Check Series, Sam has a chat with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Caitlin Dickerson. They talk about Trump 2.0, what’s happening with the U.S. immigration landscape, and more.

You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.com

We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vib...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

    Crime Junkie

    Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

    Ridiculous History

    History is beautiful, brutal and, often, ridiculous. Join Ben Bowlin and Noel Brown as they dive into some of the weirdest stories from across the span of human civilization in Ridiculous History, a podcast by iHeartRadio.

    The Bobby Bones Show

    Listen to 'The Bobby Bones Show' by downloading the daily full replay.

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

    The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.