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 talk about the cultural themes and trends that defined 2025.
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/vibecheck.
Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Che...
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach discuss the Trump administration’s attempted erasure of World AIDS Day. Then, they talk about the new viral TV show, “Heated Rivalry”. Plus, they share their picks for “the vibes are on, the vibes are off”.
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Saeed’s Poem of the Week: “Devils in America” by Assotto Saint
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On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam Sanders and acclaimed author Priya Parker talk all about her book, The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters. Plus, Priya answers some questions from listeners.
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You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.com
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach talk about the release of the Epstein emails, and how the internet has reacted to them. Then, they offer advice on how to avoid certain conversations during the holidays. Plus, they share their picks for “the vibes are on, the vibes are off”.
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Saeed’s Poem of the Week: “What the Earth Seemed to Say 2020” by Marie Howe
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach give listeners Thanksgiving advice about connecting different friend groups, trying new recipes, how to avoid feeling overwhelmed, and much 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 @vibecheck_pod.
Get your Vibe Check merch at www.podswa...
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach are joined by trans rights activists, Chase Strangio and Imara Jones, to talk all about Wicked - and why the story has such a significant cultural impact. Plus, they share their picks for “the vibes are on, the vibes are off”.
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Saeed’s Poem of the Week: “Her Kind” by Anne Sexton
You can find everything Vibe Check related at our officia...
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach talk to author and activist, adrienne maree brown about how to endure difficult times, finding light and hope in the darkness, and learning to thrive within it.
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 merc...
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach are joined by pop culture anthropologist Blakely Thornton, to talk about the Democrats folding in the government shutdown battle. Then, they talk about hot criminals. Plus, they share their picks for “the vibes are on, the vibes are off”.
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Saeed’s Poem of the Week: “Author’s Prayer” by Ilya Kaminksy
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach answer listeners’ first-time-related questions about money, Queerness, Mary Jane, and much 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 @vibecheck_pod.
Get your Vibe Check merch at www.podswag.com/vibecheck.
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed, Sam and Zach go live from Hollywood in The Ford venue where they share their stories about feeling fear for the first time. Then, they talk to author and educator Tananarive Due.
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...
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach discuss the U.S. government shutdown, and the effect it may have on SNAP benefits. Then, they talk about the rising popularity of Frankenstein films. Plus, they share their picks for “the vibes are on, the vibes are off”.
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Saeed’s Poem of the Week: “Russet” by Kevin Young from his collection Stones
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach discuss the nationwide ‘No Kings’ protests that took place over the weekend. Then, they chat about boxers making a comeback. Plus, they share their picks for “the vibes are on, the vibes are off”.
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Saeed’s Poem of the Week: “Subclinical” by Monica Ferrell
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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
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