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+ on Apple Podcasts to listen to ad-free new episodes.

Episodes

February 5, 2025 57 mins

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach talk about Elon Musk’s role in Donald Trump's presidency. Then, they discuss the ongoing case between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.

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Recommendations:

 

Sam: My chat with Billie Eilish’s vocal coach, Doug Peck

Saeed: “Kindness Comes Too Easily to Wicked Men” from “Master” by Sim...

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On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach discuss Trump’s rollback on climate protections. Then, they talk about the GRAMMYs, and the ways streaming is affecting the music industry. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.

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RECOMMENDATIONS:

SAM: How To Die Alone (with Natasha Rothwell)

SAEED: “I’m Going Back to Minnesota Where Sadness Makes Sense” by Danez Smit...

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January 22, 2025 63 mins

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach discuss the eventful weekend from the TikTok chaos to navigating the inauguration. Then, they reflect on the power of being bored with those close to you. 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 Patre...

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On this bonus episode of Vibe Check, Sam speaks to Maurice Mitchell, National Director of the Working Families Party. They talk about why Maurice isn't deterred by the 2024 Presidential election, why the WFP believes in building power from the bottom up, the current economic climate, and much 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 d...

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January 15, 2025 53 mins

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach talk about the devastating fires in Southern California. Then, they speak with former incarcerated firefighter, Royal Ramey, about his experiences in an inmate fire camp. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.

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RECOMMENDATIONS:

SAM: Acts of Faith by SAULT

ZACH: Bad Bunny’s new album Debí Tirar Más Fotos

 

Atlas Obscura featurin...

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January 8, 2025 60 mins

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach discuss the U.S. Surgeon General’s call for cancer warning labels on alcohol. They also dive into the cultural obsession of surveilling others online. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.

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RECOMMENDATIONS:

SAM: 1. “Dylan’s Gospel” by The Brothers And Sisters

2. Brick

SAEED: 1. “Man on the TV Say” by Patricia Smith 

2. ...

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January 1, 2025 48 mins

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach reflect on some of the biggest news and culture moments of 2024. Then, they talk about what habits they’re leaving behind, and set their intentions for the new year.

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Saeed’s Substack

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...

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On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach chat with famed astrologer, Chani Nicholas, about astrology 101. Then, she reads the birth chart for each host, and forecasts the general vibe of 2025.

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+ on Apple Podcasts to listen t...

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On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed speaks to British-Palestinian author, Isabella Hammad, about her book, Recognizing the Stranger: On Palestine and Narrative. They discuss the Israel-Hamas war, student activism, and much more.

 

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+ o...

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December 11, 2024 52 mins

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed, Sam and Zach chat about the internet’s reaction to Luigi Mangione, suspect in the United Healthcare shooting. Plus, they discuss LGBTQ+ rights under a second Donald Trump presidency and a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.

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RECOMMENDATIONS:

SAM: The Wonder of Stevie podcast, Lost Notes: 1980 - Ep 1. Stevie Wonder

ZACH: Anatomy of Lies ...

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December 4, 2024 51 mins

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach share their thoughts on if smartphones and social media are negatively impacting the youth. They also talk about Billboard’s list of greatest pop stars of the 21st century, and whether Beyoncé or Taylor Swift deserved the #1 spot. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.

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RECOMMENDATIONS:

SAM: “Piano & A Microphone 1983” by Pr...

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December 2, 2024 34 mins

On this episode of Vibe Check, Zach speaks with civil rights attorney and trans rights activist, Chase Strangio. They discuss his upcoming court case - United States v. Skrmetti, which focuses on trans youth in Tennessee being denied access to gender affirming care.

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Chase Strangio on Instagram

 

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

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November 27, 2024 50 mins

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach offer advice on preparing for a potentially rocky holiday season.

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Zach x Kimberly Drew

Zach x Jenna Wortham

Sam x Emily King

 

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+ on A...

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November 20, 2024 53 mins

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.

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RECOMMENDATIONS:

SAM: Sometimes by Bilal

SAEED: “Missed Time” by Ha Jin

ZACH: The Faggots and Their Friends Between Revolutions by Larry Mitchell 

 

We want to hear f...

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November 13, 2024 52 mins

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.

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RECOMMENDATIONS:

SAM: Dance Yourself Clean (Song) and Sound of Silver (Album) by LCD Soundsystem

ZACH: Notting Hill and Zach’s guest appearance on Love To S...

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November 6, 2024 48 mins

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.

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MODERN SCRIPTURES:

SAM

  • JP Brammer - Hola Papi
  • Hanif - A Little Devil In America

SAEED

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October 30, 2024 61 mins

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.

To help get out the vote or volunteer in the coming days, head to votesaveamerica.com

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October 23, 2024 61 mins

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.

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Recommendations:

SAM: The Tokyo Mass Choir singing GOSPEL MUSIC + Whitney Houston Freedom Concert (in limited Theaters)

SAEED:  “Hai...

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October 16, 2024 54 mins

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.

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Recommendations:

SAM: CHARLI XCX Remix Album (and “Everything Is Romantic” Remix with Caroline Polachek)

ZACH: The Apprentice (film) 

SAEED: Chainsaw by Marie Howe

W...

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October 9, 2024 58 mins

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.

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The Sam Sanders Show

Voter registration link

Recommendations:

SAM: Call Her Daddy episode w...

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