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
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: 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.
------------------------------------------------------
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.
------------------------------------------------------
Recommendations:
ZACH: The Hunting Wife on Netflix
SAEED: “Cage” by Rigoberto Gonzalez
SAM: Learning the Boots On The Ground line dance
---------------...
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 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.
------------------------------------------------------
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.
------------------------------------------------------
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.
------------------------------------------------------
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!
------------------------------------------------------
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!
------------------------------------------------------
“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!
------------------------------------------------------
“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...
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...
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:
ZACH: Overcompensating on Amazon Prime
------------------------------------------------------
Live Shows...
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
-----------------------------------------...
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!
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...
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...
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...
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
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
My Favorite Murder is a true crime comedy podcast hosted by Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark. Each week, Karen and Georgia share compelling true crimes and hometown stories from friends and listeners. Since MFM launched in January of 2016, Karen and Georgia have shared their lifelong interest in true crime and have covered stories of infamous serial killers like the Night Stalker, mysterious cold cases, captivating cults, incredible survivor stories and important events from history like the Tulsa race massacre of 1921. My Favorite Murder is part of the Exactly Right podcast network that provides a platform for bold, creative voices to bring to life provocative, entertaining and relatable stories for audiences everywhere. The Exactly Right roster of podcasts covers a variety of topics including historic true crime, comedic interviews and news, science, pop culture and more. Podcasts on the network include Buried Bones with Kate Winkler Dawson and Paul Holes, That's Messed Up: An SVU Podcast, This Podcast Will Kill You, Bananas and more.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!
Football’s funniest family duo — Jason Kelce of the Philadelphia Eagles and Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs — team up to provide next-level access to life in the league as it unfolds. The two brothers and Super Bowl champions drop weekly insights about the weekly slate of games and share their INSIDE perspectives on trending NFL news and sports headlines. They also endlessly rag on each other as brothers do, chat the latest in pop culture and welcome some very popular and well-known friends to chat with them. Check out new episodes every Wednesday. Follow New Heights on the Wondery App, YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. You can listen to new episodes early and ad-free, and get exclusive content on Wondery+. Join Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. And join our new membership for a unique fan experience by going to the New Heights YouTube channel now!