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.
Episodes
America's Death Cult (with Ari Shapiro)
On this episode of Vibe Check, Zach talks with journalist Ari Shapiro about America’s relationship with death, the politics of public executions, and how to balance a thriving career with a creative life. Plus, they share their picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.” You can catch Ari hosting Engagement Party, streaming on CNN and wherever you get your podcasts!
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An Autumn Witchual
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach sit down with Pam Grossman—writer, curator, and teacher of magical practice and history—to explore what it means to be a witch, what magic really is, and why creativity might be its own kind of magic. Pam’s show, Witch Wave Live at Littlefield in Brooklyn, NY on Monday, Oct 26:https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-witch-wave-with-pam-grossman-liv
Nobody Likes These People
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach discuss who gets to define power, and what that says about our culture. They discuss Vanity Fair’s “New Establishment” list, then turn to the comfort media they reach for when the world gets a little too chaotic. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”------------------------------------------------------Saee
The World Was Never Straight
On this episode of Vibe Check, Zach sits down with award-winning playwright and performance artist Taylor Mac to talk about their new book, Bark of Millions, why art is political, the importance of making queerness visible in all spaces, and much more.
You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitc
Rape Culture Has a Group Chat
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach unpack Cornell University gang rape case. Then, they get into the viral Massachusetts lesbian bar story. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”------------------------------------------------------Saeed’s Poem: “Untitled” by Pat Parker
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Wait, Are All Movies About Grief?
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach put a theory to the test: Is every great movie and TV show really about grief?------------------------------------------------------
You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.Get your Vibe Che
The Hasan Piker Problem
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach unpack the recent backlash against popular progressive streamer Hasan Piker. Then, in light of the Ed Sheeran controversy, they discuss artists who aren't afraid to take a stand. Plus, they share their latest picks for "the vibes are on" and "the vibes are off."------------------------------------------------------Saeed’s Poem: Legacies by Nikki G
The Skies Are Not So Friendly
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach swap their best and worst travel stories, reflect on how 9/11 permanently changed the experience of flying, and share two unforgettable surprise celebrity encounters that left a lasting impression.
You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and ke
The AI Apocalypse Is a Distraction
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach are joined by computer scientist and AI expert Timnit Gebru to talk about AI and why the future doesn't have to end in human extinction. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”You can order Timnit Gebru’s book: Deep Unlearning: The Rise of AI and the Radicalization of a Tech Idealist--------------------------
Everybody Can’t Be a Star
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach are joined by Christiana Mbakwe Medina, host of Pop Culture Syllabus. They talk about why gossip is a social technology, the difference between stars, famous people and celebrities, and how the runway has expanded far beyond fashion week.
You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! E
Rivals Make Better Lovers (featuring Rachel Reid)
On this special live episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach sit down with New York Times Best-Selling author Rachel Reid, author of the Game Changers series and creator of Heated Rivalry, to talk yearning, the fandom, and what’s next for the world of Heated Rivalry. Plus, François Arnaud makes a surprise appearance, and a little tea gets spilled along the way.
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When Did Eating Get So Complicated?
On this episode of Vibe Check, Zach sits down with registered dietitian Jessica Wilson to discuss food culture, the "MAHA" movement, peptides, and the conversations shaping the way we think about health and nutrition.Follow Jessica Wilson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicawilson.msrd
You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hea
The Wheels Are Falling Off
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach unpack the recent wave of food recalls and food safety scares. Then, they dive into the conversation around John Galliano and the backlash surrounding the Met Gala. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”
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Saeed’s Poem: “The Peace of Wild Things” by W
We Love You, Dolly
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach are joined by special guest Brittany Luse, host of the It's Been a Minute podcast, to discuss the life, legacy, and politics of Dolly Parton, and why she may be one of the most beloved cultural figures in the world.
You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibeche
Play That Harp!
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach discuss the allegations surrounding Trump and White House aide Natalie Harp. Then, they talk about the nationwide protest and vandalization of Flock surveillance cameras. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”
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Saeed’s Poem: WOLF CUT: New and Selected Poe
The Vibes Are Open
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach dive into the growing fascination with polyamory and swinging. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”
You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod.Get
Summertime Sadness
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach discuss the death of Jason Arday and the complicated realities of being “the first” in elite spaces. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”
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Saeed’s Poem: “If You Go to Bed Hungry” by Angela Narciso Torres
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Hope and Hallucinations
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach dive into AI – the promises vs. the reality, and what the future might hold.
You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe 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 Siriu
You Can Be Gay and a Villain
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach talk about the Democrats’ obsession with outing Josh Hawley. And about the unfortunate incident of Perez Hilton. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”
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Saeed’s Poem: “Why Some People Be Mad at Me Sometimes” by Lucille Clifton
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Life Is a River
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach look back at four years of the show's funniest, sharpest, and most unforgettable moments.
You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe 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.Subsc
America’s Flop Era
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach talk about Ariana Grande and the concern over her weight loss. And about America’s flop era. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”
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Saeed’s Poem: “I Have A Time Machine” by Brenda Shaughnessy
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Too Much, Too Soon, Too Fast
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach answer some of listeners’ questions about following your intuition, parasocial relationships, Taylor Swift, the anxiety of creating art in the age of AI, and more.
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Tell Me the Story of a Complicated Man
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach discuss the new film, The Odyssey. They share their reactions, and talk about its enduring themes and what it can tell us about the present. They consider what makes a hero and why the story continues to resonate today. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”
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Who Are You When It Actually Matters?
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed sits down with acclaimed novelist and writer Sarah Schulman to discuss why telling the truth is worth the risk, the power of showing up for one another, and her new book, The Fantasy and Necessity of Solidarity. Together, they explore what solidarity really means, and why it's more necessary than ever.
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Pete Hegseth Isn’t A Real Man
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach discuss U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's new testosterone screening protocol for service members. Then they dive into the idea of "Gen Z delusion". Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”
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Saeed’s Poem: “The Weather in Space” by Tracy K. Smith
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The TV That Raised US
On this episode of Vibe Check, we're rereleasing a listener-favorite conversation between Saeed and professor, editor, and New York Times bestselling author Roxane Gay. Together, they talk about television, the shows Roxane came of age watching, and the characters that helped shape who she is today.
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Donald Trump Loves A Closet Queen
On this episode of Vibe Check, Zach and guest Tim Miller, host of The Bulwark podcast, talk about the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham, what’s going on with Senator Mitchell McConnell and the state of politics on both sides of the aisle. Plus, Zach shares his latest pick for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”
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Saeed’s Poem:For M
Why You Deserve Softness
On this episode of Vibe Check, we're rereleasing a listener-favorite conversation between Zach and writer, author, and art world visionary Kimberly Drew. Together, they explore why softness is a superpower and how, in a world that often demands hardness, choosing to live softly can be essential to both surviving and thriving.
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Hot Girl (Socialism) Summer
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach talk about what they're calling "Hot Girl Socialism" and why the Democratic Socialists recent electoral wins have them rethinking the current political moment. Then, they dig into our growing comfort with turning surveillance into entertainment. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”
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We’re Not Feeling the Stars and Stripes
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach are joined by one of their favorite writers, Kiese Laymon. As America gears up for its 250th birthday, they ask: what exactly are we celebrating? They talk about where the country stands today, and why progress in America often feels like two steps forward, one step back.
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Wait...Are We Having Fun?
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach ask whether the good vibes of the past few weeks were sparked by the World Cup and the Knicks' win – or if it's all just the start of a really good summer. They also break down the Supreme Court's latest rulings. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”
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The Trees Saw Everything
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed talks with plant scientist and writer Beronda Montgomery about her book, When Trees Testify. They explore the connections between Black history and the natural world, and what trees like pecans and sycamores can teach us about the past.
You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at
The End of the World Is Never the End
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach welcome back friend of the show, astrologer Chani Nicholas.
They revisit the predictions Chani made the last time she stopped by in December 2025, checking in on what she saw coming for the first half of 2026 and how it all played out.
Then, Chani looks ahead to the rest of 2026, sharing what's on the horizon and giving Saeed and Zach a peek at what th
Girl, Change Your Mind
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed talks with writer, poet, and communications strategist Camonghne Felix about her new book, Let the Poets Govern. They discuss her political awakening, embracing changing perspectives, and more.
You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in touch w
Your Summer Reading Is a Cry for Help
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed welcomes back friend of the show Traci Thomas, host of The Stacks podcast, to talk about all things summer reading. They share their immersive favorites and recommend books that they deem perfect for the season.
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You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want
Nobody Knows How to Be a Fan Anymore
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach talk about fandoms and why it suddenly feels so out of control. From the origins of the word "stan" to the ways fan culture has evolved from community into something a little more obsessive, they explore how we got here, and confess some of the wild things they've done in the name of being fans.
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What Kids Know That Burned-Out Adults Don't
On this episode of Vibe Check, Zach chats with comedian Julian Shapiro-Barnum about their show Celebrity Substitute, what adults can learn from kids, his new show Outside Tonight (out June 17th), his upcoming book How to Grow Up Without Becoming a Grown-Up (out August 4), and more.
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Pre-order Julian’s new book, How to Grow Up Without Becoming a
Congratulations…Now What?
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach offer advice to new graduates entering the workforce. They discuss career paths beyond your degree, the growing impact of AI on jobs, and the money conversations every graduate should have.
You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in to
Is Success Ruining Everything?
On this episode of Vibe Check, Zach sits down with Dr. Jack Halberstam to discuss his forthcoming book, Anarchitecture After Everything: A Trans Manifesto, and revisit the ideas behind The Queer Art of Failure. They talk about why freedom may require letting old systems collapse, what failure can teach us about living differently, and how uncertainty can open the door to new possibilities.
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What We Get Wrong About Epstein
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach are joined by special guest Jess Michaels – TEDx speaker, survivor advocate, and 1991 survivor of Jeffrey Epstein. They explore why the Epstein files matter beyond the headlines, and how the conversation around abuse, consent, and survivor expectations often misses the deeper cultural realities.
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Time to Set It the F*ck Off
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach discuss the new movie, Is God Is, and explore how rage shapes politics, culture, and our personal lives – and whether rage can sometimes be a force for something better. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”
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Saeed’s Poem: “Acquainted with the Night” by
We Caused a Divorce?
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach react live to listener voice messages for the very first time. Listeners reveal the major life decisions the hosts have influenced – while Saeed and Zach try to remember ever giving the advice at all.
You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and
How the Internet Lost Its Taste
On this episode of Vibe Check, Zach is joined by special guest host Fran Tirado, editor and co-host of the podcast, Like a Virgin. Together, they discuss how AI slop is slowly turning into “taste slop,” and how Pride can become more than just a moment to fight for trans people, but a way to materially support them and help them survive this moment. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibe
A Fountain of Regret
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach explore regret. They get vulnerable, sharing stories about the regrets they still carry, the ones they’ve learned to let go of, and what it means to move forward without forgetting the past.
You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com, and keep in t
There’s Always Another Basement In Hell
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach talk with Tennessee Representative Justin Jones about the gutting of the Voting Rights Act. Then, they talk about The Devil Wears Prada 2, and why it was unexpectedly triggering as people who’ve worked in journalism and media. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”
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A Walk Down Memory Lane
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach sit down with writer Isaac Fitzgerald – one of Saeed’s closest friends – for a personal conversation about storytelling, friendship, and finding your voice.
They discuss his new book American Rambler: Walking the Trail of Johnny Appleseed (out May 12), reflect on his memoir Dirtbag, Massachusetts: A Confessional, and explore how grief, upbringing, and
Mark Yourself Safe from the Met Gala
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach revisit Beyoncé’s iconic Lemonade album on its 10th anniversary, unpacking its cultural impact. They also take a closer look at Beyoncé – how her politics, power, and public persona have evolved over the past decade, and where admiration, frustration, and critique collide when art and influence meet. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes a
Is True Crime the New White Noise?
This week on Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach let listeners take over with the first-ever “Patreon’s Choice” episode. They get into the ethics of true crime, why it endures, and where it crosses the line. Then, they talk about HBO’s Murder in Glitterball City. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”
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From D.C. Drama to Relationship Mess
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach discuss the alleged assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Then, they break down the news of Megan Thee Stallion being cheated on by Klay Thompson. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”
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Saeed’s Poem: “What Big Eyes You Have”
Why “Summer Bodies” Still Stress Us Out
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach talk about summer bodies, body anxiety, and the politics of appearance. They also explore whether today’s diet culture is veering into something more extreme – an obsession with control, conformity, and rigid ideals.
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Saeed’s Poem of the Week: Old Glory by Ocean Vuong
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He Put It in the Song Title, and Nobody Listened
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach unpack the rise in intimate partner violence against women of color – touching on the D4vd case as part of thaw conversation. Then, they call out Vogue for calling an afro a “cloud bob.” Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”
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Saeed’s Poem of the Week: “
If It’s Not A Hell Yes, It’s A No
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach talk about taking the leap – what it really means to go for it, and how you know when the risk is actually worth it. They get into moments from their own lives, from bold career moves to saying yes to romance, and even figuring out when it’s time to walk away.
You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe wa
You Can Go to the Moon and Back, but Your Salary Won't
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach talk about the politics of Coachella and about a personal obsession of Saeed’s, competency porn. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”
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Saeed’s Poem of the Week: “Characteristics of Life” by Camille Dungy
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Happy Spring! Clean Your Closet, Dump Your Friends, Delete the App
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach get into spring cleaning — both literally and metaphorically. From tidying up your space to letting go of people and habits that no longer serve you, they talk about what it means to reset for a new season. Plus, they answer listener questions.
You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from
You Can Do Everything Right and Still Get Left
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach break down the latest drama – from the political shake-up involving Kristi Noem and Pam Bondi’s firing by Trump, to the bigger questions it raises. Then, they dive into Summer House chaos, unpacking Amanda allegedly dating West behind Ciara’s back. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”
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Is Superman Jesus-Coded? How Hollywood Keeps Retelling the Jesus Story
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach get into some Jesus-coded characters in film and TV, and the stories that feel just a little too Christ-adjacent to be a coincidence. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”
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Saeed’s Poem of the Week: Heart to Heart by Rita Dove
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How Conservatives Became the Snowflakes (And Usher's Defense of Diddy)
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach talk about chaos surrounding comedian Druski’s viral skit about conservative white women and the conversation (and ruffled feathers) it sparked. Then, they unpack Usher’s recent controversial comments about Diddy. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”
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The Business of Black Women: Symone Sanders-Townsend
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach wrap up this year’s Hey, Sis mini-series with special guest – political commentator and strategist Symone Sanders-Townsend. They get into her dynamic career across politics and media, the challenges she’s faced as a Black woman in the spotlight, and how staying true to herself has been key to her success. They also discuss the outsized role Black women
ICE Is at the Airport and Straight Men Have No Friends
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach talk about the latest chaos in air travel – from government funding cuts leaving TSA agents unpaid, to ICE agents being deployed in airports to “assist,” and safety concerns after a fatal air traffic control–related incident at LaGuardia. Then, they dive into the new documentary, Inside the Manosphere. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes
The Business of Black Women: Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach continue the Hey, Sis mini-series with special guest – economist, Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman. They break down how systemic inequality creates real, measurable costs just to exist – especially for Black women – drawing on insights from Anna’s book, The Double Tax: How Women of Color Are Overcharged and Underpaid. They also unpack how misogynoir shows up a
Oscars Recap & The Politics of Posting
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach welcome back Traci Thomas, host of The Stacks, for an Oscars recap – from the biggest wins to the most talked-about moments. Then, Saeed and Zach unpack a social media debate: should you expect your friends to post about politics and the news, and is it fair to judge them if they don’t? Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “th
The Business of Black Women: Lisa Beasley
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach continue the Hey, Sis mini-series with special guest – actor, comedian, and writer Lisa Beasley.
They talk about Lisa discovering her viral character “Corporate Erin,” the performance of professionalism, and the ways code switching and corporate language can be exclusionary. Plus, a look at how race and gender quietly shape the rules of workplace commu
One Oscar Battle After Another with Traci Thomas
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach are joined by Traci Thomas, host of The Stacks podcast, for an in-depth pre-Oscars chat. They break down this year’s awards season chaos and dig into Sinners and One Battle After Another, exploring how both films depict Black life in America from very different angles. They also get into Hollywood’s habit of rewarding negative tropes about Black women
The Business of Black Women: Ashley Cunningham
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach kick off the return of the Hey, Sis mini-series with special guest Ashley Cunningham, owner of Bad Ash Bakes in Pasadena, California.
Ashley talks about starting out in cooking competitions at just 16, working as a line cook, and later becoming a private chef for NBA players before launching her baking business. She also shares how going viral during t
The Iran War: Shock & Awe, Again
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach are joined by returning guest, journalist Afeef Nessouli, reporting live from Beirut, Lebanon. He breaks down what’s really happening in Iran and across the Middle East — and what life on the ground looks like amid rising tensions.
Then, Saeed and Zach unpack the flashbacks this moment is triggering from the post-9/11 era, and the Iraq and Afghanistan
American Music Was Birthed in the Black Church
On this episode of Vibe Check LIVE, Saeed and Zach head to Boston for a special live taping with special guest, classical composer Carlos Simon. They talk about Carlos writing music for America’s 250th anniversary, how faith and spirituality shape his work, his newest piece, Good News Mass, and more. Plus, they close out the conversation with an audience Q&A.
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The Politics of Pretending to be Apolitical
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach break down the political drama surrounding the Berlin Film Festival 2026 (Berlinale). Then, they dive into Tyra Banks and the new documentary Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, unpacking how the show’s cruelty reflected its era, and how it functioned as part of a broader cultural machine built to break women down. Plus, they share their la
Difficulty Isn’t a Wall, It’s a Doorway
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed speaks to author Namwali Serpell about her new book, On Morrison. They talk about their personal relationships to Toni Morrison’s work, the shortcomings of academic approaches to teaching literature, why difficult books are worth the effort, and more. Namwali Serpell’s Book On Morrison is out now!
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Epstein Files and the American Psyche
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach wrestle with the emotional weight of the Epstein files and the aftershocks that follow each new revelation.Then, they examine America’s growing literary crisis – declining reading skills, shrinking attention spans, and what it all means.Plus, they share their picks for “the vibes are on, the vibes are off”.----------------------------------------------
RomanceLandia and the Rise of Queer Romance
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach welcome Saeed’s longtime friend and romance expert Tanya Melendez to break down the rise of romance across every genre. From beloved tropes to what really separates a true romance from just a love story, they cover it all — including a deep dive into the TV show Heated Rivalry. Then, Tanya spills a little tea about what Saeed was like as a teenager. Pl
Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl and his Politics of Joy
On this special episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach break down the cultural and political impact of Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl LX halftime performance with Nelini Stamp – Director of Strategy at the Working Families Party and certified Bad Bunny superfan!
You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.c
You Can’t "Try On” Blackness
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach break down Timothée Chalamet’s recent behavior shift leading up to the Oscars and what it says about image, performance, and proximity to Black culture. They dig into “wigga” culture and who benefits when Black culture becomes a costume. Plus, they share their picks for “the vibes are on, the vibes are off”.---------------------------------------------
The Art of Resistance with Maxwell Frost
On this episode of Vibe Check, Zach sits down with Congressman Maxwell Frost, the youngest person elected to Congress in modern history, for a wide-ranging conversation on activism, art, and politics. Rep. Frost opens up about his early start as an organizer, how music continues to shape his leadership, his new CREATE Art Act tackling the future of music and AI, and his experience being assaulted
A Celebration (and Corrective) of Black History Month
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach are back with another rendition of modern scriptures, but this time, it’s all about Black History Month.
You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe 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
Alex Pretti’s Death — And Why No One Is Coming to Save Us But Us
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach discuss the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis, and what this moment reveals about the state of safety and power in America. They reflect on how this violence ripples far beyond one city, and how we can practice personal acts of resistance. Plus, they share their picks for “the vibes are on, the vibes are off”.------------------
I Can't Afford a House, So I'm Becoming Hot Instead
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach unpack the rise of the “maxxing” trend and what it says about living, optimizing, and coping when our sense of control feels more out of reach than ever. Plus, they share their picks for “the vibes are on, the vibes are off”.------------------------------------------------------Saeed’s Poem of the Week: Bluish by Diane SeussJan 28th 2026 - Boston Live
2016 Was Not That Great
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach discuss Trump’s obsession with wanting to take control of Greenland. Then, they talk about the “2016” social media trend and debunk the nostalgic romanticization of that year. Plus, they share their picks for “the vibes are on, the vibes are off”.------------------------------------------------------Saeed’s Poem of the Week: “‘God’s Promises” by Paul H
RFK Jr vs. Reality: America’s Doctor on the Health Chaos
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach sit down with board-certified physician – Dr. Darien Sutton.They talk about new years resolutions, RFK Jr, health and science myths, the rising popularity of sobriety, and more. Then, Dr. Darien shares his picks for “the vibes are on, the vibes are off”.------------------------------------------------------Jan 28th 2026 - Boston Live Show: https://www.
You Will Never Be White Enough to Escape Fascism
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach discuss tan ICE agent shooting and killing Renee Good in Minneapolis. Then, they chat about the collective cultural obsession with the hit show, Heated Rivalry. Plus, they share their picks for “the vibes are on, the vibes are off”.------------------------------------------------------Saeed’s Poem of the Week: “No Forgiveness Ode” by Dean Young Jan 28t
Is Cheating Ever Justified?
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach define “cheating” and talk about their experiences being “the other woman”. Then they answer listeners’ questions about open relationships, chat-bot romances, and react to a listener’s cheating story.------------------------------------------------------Jan 28th 2026 - Boston Live Show: https://www.bso.org/events/vibe-check-live-with-special-guest-carl
