Vibe Check

By Stitcher, & Saeed Jones, Zach Stafford, and Sam Sanders

What's Vibe Check about?

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.

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Vibe Check episodes:

05.01.2024
Every Girl Has A Good Gay
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach continue their conversation on the college campus Anti-War protests, and they also talk about why Zendaya is such a successful star. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We...
04.24.2024
Her Mediocrity Cannot Touch Me
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Saeed talk about the anti-war protests that are sweeping college campuses across the nation, and Taylor Swift’s latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department”. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We...
04.17.2024
Death and Taxes
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach talk about the recent questionable actions of JoJo Siwa and Jerrod Carmichael, and they answer a question from a listener seeking advice about a dating dilemma. Plus, a few recommendations...
04.10.2024
A Special Conversation with Ada Limón
On this special episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach talk to the U.S. Poet Laureate, Ada Limón, about demystifying the art of poetry, and her new anthology, “You Are Here: Poetry in the Natural World”. Plus, a few...
04.03.2024
This Ain't Texas, This Is Vibe Check
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach give their thoughtful takes on Beyonce’s new country album, “Cowboy Carter”. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], and...
03.27.2024
Welcome to the Chaos
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach discuss the political industrial complex bending to Trump, and then later a look at Gen Z and aging. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We want to hear...
03.20.2024
Till The Wheels Fall Off
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach discuss Kate Middleton’s disappearance, and the recent Boeing aircraft issues. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], and keep...
03.18.2024
Hey, Sis: featuring Regina King
On this final episode of Vibe Check’s mini-series - Hey, Sis: A Vibe Check Series, Sam and Zach have a chat with actress Regina King. They talk about Regina’s new movie “Shirley”, this year’s Presidential election, grief, and much more. Shirley...
03.13.2024
A Special Conversation with Afeef Nessouli
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, Zach, and special guest journalist Afeef Nessouli dig deeper into the deepening crisis in Gaza. Plus, a few recommendations from Afeef. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], and keep...
03.11.2024
Hey, Sis: featuring Morgan Parker
On this episode of Vibe Check’s mini-series - Hey, Sis: A Vibe Check Series, Saeed has a chat with poet and cultural critic, Morgan Parker. They talk about Morgan’s new essay collection “You Get What You Pay For,” her experience...
03.06.2024
The Oscars Are My Super Bowl
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach break down their final thoughts and predictions ahead of the 2024 Oscars. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected],...
03.04.2024
Hey, Sis: featuring Raquel Willis
On this episode of Vibe Check’s mini-series - Hey, Sis: A Vibe Check Series, Zach has a chat with writer and activist, Raquel Willis. They talk about Raquel’s memoir “The Risk It Takes to Bloom,” growing up Queer in the...
02.28.2024
Be Forreal!
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach talk about the Alabama Supreme Court’s controversial ruling regarding frozen embryos, and Tyler Perry’s new movie, Mea Culpa. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We want to hear...
02.21.2024
Welcome to Tip Check
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about the phenomenon of tipflation. They also discuss how they feel about Black History Month and how their relationship to the month has changed throughout the years. Plus, a...
02.19.2024
Hey, Sis: featuring Kimberly Drew
On this episode of Vibe Check’s mini-series - Hey, Sis: A Vibe Check Series, Zach has a chat with art influencer and author Kimberly Drew. They talk about why softness is a power, their special friendship, and much more. We want...
02.14.2024
Rollercoaster of Love (and Hate)
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach talk about the attack in Rafah, and how rom-coms have influenced our expectations of romantic relationships. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We want to hear from you! Email...
02.12.2024
UsherBowl…and Beyoncé?!
On this special episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach recap Usher’s Super Bowl LVIII halftime performance. They also talk about Beyonce’s new country songs, “Texas Hold ‘Em” and “16 Carriages”. We want to hear from you! Email us at...
02.07.2024
Hell Has Flooded
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about how social media forces everyone to become a brand. They also answer an advice question from a conflicted dater. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We...
02.05.2024
Hey, Sis: featuring Audie Cornish
On the first episode of Vibe Check’s mini-series - Hey, Sis: A Vibe Check Series, Sam has a chat with journalist and CNN anchor, Audie Cornish. They talk about their long-standing friendship, why mentorship is important, the 2024 Presidential election,...
01.31.2024
You’ve Got Mouth Bangs, Girl
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach give their take on the rap beef between Megan Thee Stallion and Nicki Minaj. They also discuss how out-of-touch Democratic politicians are with the general public in their handling of...
01.24.2024
Heavy Negro Sigh
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach give their reactions to the 2024 Oscar nominations, and talk about how culture is at a stand-still. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We want to hear from...
01.23.2024
A Special Conversation with Cord Jefferson
On this bonus episode of Vibe Check, Sam and writer and director Cord Jefferson talk about Cord’s new film, “American Fiction”, their long-time friendship, the importance of Black representation, and much more. We want to hear from you! Email us...
01.17.2024
Wesley Morris, or Wesley Snipes?
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach discuss the Iowa Caucus, the 2024 Presidential election, and the rise in musical films like Wonka, The Color Purple, and Mean Girls. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe...
01.10.2024
Look to God, Not Monica
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach discuss the upcoming 2024 award season, Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, and the state of reality tv. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We want to hear from...
01.03.2024
My Spiritual Finger Is Wagging
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach offer some advice on navigating a work crush, diversifying workplace culture, and whether or not to accept contact from an ex. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected],...
12.27.2023
2023, Don’t Let The Door Hit You…
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach reflect on some of the biggest news and culture moments of 2023. Plus, they talk about what they’re leaving behind this year, and what their intentions are for 2024. We want...
12.13.2023
It’s Like an Inspirational Relay Race
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach share another installment of their modern scriptures, as they talk about the literary works that they frequently turn to. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], and keep...
12.06.2023
Nostalgia, Ultra
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach go all in on the new film, “Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé”. Plus, a few recommendations to help you keep your vibe right. We want to hear from you! Email us...
11.29.2023
We Got Grudges, B!tch
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach talk about the recent slew of celebrity lawsuits that have been filed in New York, and they reflect on the past year of Elon Musk’s reign at X (Twitter). Plus,...
11.22.2023
Vibe Check Book Club with Matthew Desmond
On this special book club episode of Vibe Check, Saeed, Sam, and Zach talk to author Matthew Desmond about his book, “Poverty, by America”. Plus, Matthew answers a few listener questions. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected],...
11.15.2023
The Battle None of You Have Been Waiting For
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach talk about Jack Harlow’s new song “Lovin On Me”, White-boy winter, and the biggest freeway in Los Angeles catching fire. Plus, a few recommendations to help you keep your vibe...
11.08.2023
Say It With Your Chest
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach check-in about the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Plus, a few recommendations to help you keep your vibe right. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], and keep in touch...
11.01.2023
That Damn Spooky Yoga Class
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach discussed the state of the housing market, and how Airbnb has been a culprit. They also talked about Tik Tok food influencer Keith Lee’s review of the Atlanta food scene....
10.25.2023
I Put A Spell On You
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Saeed talk about the juicy details of Britney Spears’s new memoir: "The Woman in Me”, and the do’s and don’ts of Halloween. Plus, a few recommendations to help you keep your vibe...
10.18.2023
I’m Here to Ask the Important Questions
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach discuss the conflict in the Middle East, how it all feels, and the misinformation being spread online. Plus, a few recommendations to help you keep your vibe right. We want to...
10.11.2023
Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about how the act of ‘coming out’ has changed over time, their personal experiences, and Drake’s history of misogyny. Plus, a few recommendations to help you keep your vibe...
10.04.2023
Freedom, Cut Me Loose!
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about Governor Gavin Newsom, the state of celebrity relationships, and divorce. Plus, a few recommendations to help you keep your vibe right. We want to hear from you! Email us...
09.27.2023
Hot Labor Year
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach talk about the end of the WGA strike, a looming government shutdown, and Taylor Swift's NFL catch. Plus, a few recommendations to help you keep your vibe right. We want to hear...
09.20.2023
Richard Pryor in the Morning? That’s a Sex Act
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about Hasan Minhaj embellishing life experiences for the sake of comedy, and the rise in shoplifting cases across the nation. Plus, a few recommendations to help you keep your...
09.13.2023
Pumpkin Spice is Not My Ministry
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis’ support of Danny Masterson, Drew Barrymore working through the ongoing WGA strike, and their thoughts on Doja Cat’s recent behavior. Plus, a few...
09.06.2023
Burning Billionaires
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach catch up on some of the news and pop culture stories from the past few weeks, and they also discuss this year’s Burning Man Festival disaster. Plus, a few recommendations...
08.30.2023
Introducing The Stacks with Traci Thomas
The Stacks is a podcast about books and the people who read them, hosted by Traci Thomas. On this episode, Sam Sanders joins Traci to discuss the history of objectivity in journalism, what identity is and how people wield it,...
08.23.2023
Did AI Write That Song?
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach share their personal picks for this year’s “Song of the Summer.” We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], and keep in touch with us on Instagram and...
08.21.2023
A Special Conversation with Emily King
On this bonus episode of Vibe Check, Sam and musician, Emily King, talk about her new album “Special Occasion”, breakups, and grief. Plus, Emily’s mom offers some advice on love and life. You can find Emily King on Twitter or Instagram...
08.16.2023
Your Favorite Armchair Therapists
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach offer some advice on how to navigate dating, how to keep going when the world is on fire, and reintroducing yourself to cannabis as a parent. We want to hear...
08.09.2023
A Poet’s Worst Nightmare
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about literary works that they frequently turn to, what purpose they serve in each of their lives, and why. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], and...
08.02.2023
Beam Me Up, Scotty
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about the senseless murder of O’Shae Sibley, and the possibility of aliens being on Earth. Plus, a few recommendations to help you keep your vibe right. We want to...
07.26.2023
You Can’t Turn Cotton Candy Into Steak
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about the new Barbie movie, the future of cinema, gender and identity politics, and more. Plus, a few recommendations to help you keep your vibe right. We want to...
07.19.2023
All I Have Faith in Is Art, Orgasms, and Friendships
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about the SAG-AFTRA strike, Troye Sivan’s new music video, “Rush”, and body inclusivity. Plus, a few recommendations to help you keep your vibe right. We want to hear from...
07.17.2023
A Special Conversation with Jenna Wortham
On this bonus episode of Vibe Check, Zach and staff writer for the New York Times magazine, Jenna Wortham talk about their essay ‘Want to Love Your Body? Try Swimming Naked,’ queer spaces and self-love. You can find Jenna Wortham on...

What's Vibe Check about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Vibe Check episodes:

Every Girl Has A Good Gay

Her Mediocrity Cannot Touch Me

Death and Taxes

A Special Conversation with Ada Limón

This Ain't Texas, This Is Vibe Check

Welcome to the Chaos

Till The Wheels Fall Off

Hey, Sis: featuring Regina King

A Special Conversation with Afeef Nessouli

Hey, Sis: featuring Morgan Parker

The Oscars Are My Super Bowl

Hey, Sis: featuring Raquel Willis

Be Forreal!

Welcome to Tip Check

Hey, Sis: featuring Kimberly Drew

Rollercoaster of Love (and Hate)

UsherBowl…and Beyoncé?!

Hell Has Flooded

Hey, Sis: featuring Audie Cornish

You’ve Got Mouth Bangs, Girl

Heavy Negro Sigh

A Special Conversation with Cord Jefferson

Wesley Morris, or Wesley Snipes?

Look to God, Not Monica

My Spiritual Finger Is Wagging

2023, Don’t Let The Door Hit You…

It’s Like an Inspirational Relay Race

Nostalgia, Ultra

We Got Grudges, B!tch

Vibe Check Book Club with Matthew Desmond

The Battle None of You Have Been Waiting For

Say It With Your Chest

That Damn Spooky Yoga Class

I Put A Spell On You

I’m Here to Ask the Important Questions

Come Out, Come Out, Wherever You Are

Freedom, Cut Me Loose!

Hot Labor Year

Richard Pryor in the Morning? That’s a Sex Act

Pumpkin Spice is Not My Ministry

Burning Billionaires

Introducing The Stacks with Traci Thomas

Did AI Write That Song?

A Special Conversation with Emily King

Your Favorite Armchair Therapists

A Poet’s Worst Nightmare

Beam Me Up, Scotty

You Can’t Turn Cotton Candy Into Steak

All I Have Faith in Is Art, Orgasms, and Friendships

A Special Conversation with Jenna Wortham