Vibe Check

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 @v...

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”. ------------------------------------------------------ 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/vibe...

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 I...

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”. ------------------------------------------------------ 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”. ------------------------------------------------------ Saeed’s Poem of the Week: “Subclinical”  by Monica Ferrell -------------------------------------------...

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”. ------------------------------------------------------ Spencer Acke...

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. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: ZACH: A Thousand and One SAEED: “Ode to Drinking Water from My Hands”  by Ross Gay  ...

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. ------------------------------------------------------ Vibe Check LIVE at the Ford: https://www.theford.com/events/performances/4102/2025-10-28/vibe-check-live You can find everything Vibe Chec...

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. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: SAM: Insecure Soundtrack (Season 1 and 2) ZACH: All That H...

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. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: SAM REC 1: The Fleetwood Mac Universe https://open.spotify.com/prerelease/5TJZm01vY10HOaVriweTuD?si=rr9hcXhzTIGJKazbsraowA&nd=1&dlsi=e8f56dd082834194 https://open.spotify.com/album/5F...

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. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: SAM : SPLITSVILLE  ZACH : TWINLESS   Order Saeed’s new book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the...

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. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: ZACH: “Essex Honey” by Blood Orange  SAEED: “Let Them Not Say” by Jane Hirshfiel...

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.   ---------------------------------------------------- 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 You ca...

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...

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...

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 Bo...

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...

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). You can find...

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 SAEED: In the chemo room, I wear mittens made of ice so I don’t lose my fingernails. But I took a risk today to write this d...

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...

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 direc...

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,...

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 V...

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.co...