Vibe Check

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...

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...

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...

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:   SAM: Hillsong-core Playlist ZACH: Overcompensating on Amazon Prime -----------------------...

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: Dog...

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...

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 o...

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: “Medi...

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 ”...