Vibe Check
A weekly podcast where 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
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach discuss the new Israel-Gaza ceasefire deal with Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Spencer Ackerman. Then, they talk about the passing of Diane Keaton, and the heart tug we feel when losing public figures. Plus, they introduce a new segment called “the vibes are on, the vibes are off”.
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Spencer Ackerman’s Website: www.forever-wars.com
S...
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach talk about the viral conversation between Ezra Klein and Ta-Nehisi Coates, and the shock of Bari Weiss being named editor-in-chief at CBS News. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.
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Recommendations:
ZACH: A Thousand and One
SAEED: “Ode to Drinking Water from My Hands” by Ross Gay
Vibe Check LIVE at the Ford: https://www.t...
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach talk about the current “low-fire, low-hire” economic state, and Bad Bunny headlining the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show. Plus, a big announcement from Sam.
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Vibe Check LIVE at the Ford: https://www.theford.com/events/performances/4102/2025-10-28/vibe-check-live
You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, ww...
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach discuss ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ being suspended, then returning to air, and what it says about censorship. Then, they chat about the official start of the fall season. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.
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Recommendations:
SAM: Insecure Soundtrack (Season 1 and 2)
ZACH: All That Heaven Allows (1955)
SAEED: “Vaccinated”...
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.
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Recommendations:
SAM REC 1: The Fleetwood Mac Universe
https://open.spotify.com/album/5FIN8pyPVx8ggNs5jQ86Re?si=AVcbJFcqRXywsS5C...
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.
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Recommendations:
SAM: SPLITSVILLE
ZACH: TWINLESS
Order Saeed’s new book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-people-s-project-poems-essays-and-art-for-...
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.
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Recommendations:
ZACH: “Essex Honey” by Blood Orange
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.
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Recommendations:
ZACH: CAN I BE FRANK and TA-DA! both Off-Broadway
SAEED: DIJON - Absolutely (Film)
SAM: “I'm Dating a Man Who’s Married" by Aaron Smith
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.
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Recommendations:
ZACH: Scandal
SAEED: Part 1 of “I Must Become A Menace to My Enemies” by June Jordan
SAM: Make It Ours: Crashing the Gates of ...
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.
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Recommendations:
ZACH: KPop Demon Hunters
SAM: Weapons
You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official webs...
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.
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Recommendations:
ZACH: The Hunting Wife on Netflix
SAEED: “Cage” by Rigoberto Gonzalez
SAM: Learning the Boots On The Ground line dance
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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.
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Recommendations:
ZACH: “Actual Life” by Fred Again
SAEED: “My life as china” by Evi...
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).
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.
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Recommendations:
SAM: Logan
ZACH: Invincible on Amazon Prime
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.
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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 ...
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.
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Recommendations:
SAM: MY FACE HURTS FROM SMILING by Lizzo
SAEED: “Tired of Love Poems” by Megan Fernandes
ZACH: Brokeback Mountain directed by Ang Lee
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!
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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.com
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!
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“Poetry Loves You” merch and more, available at www.podswag.com/vibecheck
You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official websi...
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!
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“Leave It In, Shantel” merch and more, available at: podswag.com/vibecheck
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...
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