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 America” by Franny Choi from their 2019 book Soft Science. ZACH: Be Like Others (2008) a documentary dir...
Jul 09, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 170
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 directed by Ang Lee You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.co...
Jul 02, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 169
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, www.vibecheckpod.com We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@stitcher.com , and keep in t...
Jun 25, 2025•44 min•Ep. 168
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 Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.com We want to hear from you! Email us at ...
Jun 18, 2025•35 min•Ep. 167
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.com/vibecheck You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.com We...
Jun 11, 2025•52 min•Ep. 166
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 Vibe Check merch at www.podswag.com/vibecheck . Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new ep...
Jun 04, 2025•40 min•Ep. 165
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 from ECSTASY ZACH: MATRIARCH by Tina Knowles ------------------------------------------------------ L...
May 28, 2025•57 min•Ep. 164
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 ------------------------------------------------------ Live Shows: Provincetown 5/23: https://www.classy.org/event/friday-sum...
May 21, 2025•51 min•Ep. 163
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 ------------------------------------------------------ Live Shows: Boston 5/31: https://www.eventbrite...
May 14, 2025•48 min•Ep. 162
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: Dogs. Shout to Bailey! You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod...
May 07, 2025•33 min•Ep. 161
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 world of Vogue with The Run-Through with Vogue , your backstage pass to all things celebrity and fas...
May 06, 2025•58 min•Ep. 160
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 on Broadway SAEED: “The Endlessness” by Ada Limon -----------------------------------------------------...
Apr 30, 2025•57 min•Ep. 159
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: “Meditations in an Emergency” by Cameron Awkward-Rich You can find everything Vibe Check related at our off...
Apr 23, 2025•54 min•Ep. 158
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 ” by Gil Scott-Heron You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpo...
Apr 16, 2025•52 min•Ep. 157
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach discuss the stock market crashing, Trump's tariffs, and the #Handsoff protests that swept the globe on April 5th. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: SAM: Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT, and the Race that Will Change the World by Parmy Olson | Sam's conversation with Sarah Schulman ZACH: Mid-Century Modern (on HULU) SAEED: Sleeping in the Forest by Mary Oliver You ...
Apr 09, 2025•53 min•Ep. 156
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about season three of “The White Lotus", and the “sin” of empathy. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: SAM: This American Life - Heretics ZACH: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson by Tourmaline [Pre-Order] SAEED: “Enter Military Songs” by Dalia Taha You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.com We want to...
Apr 02, 2025•56 min•Ep. 155
On this episode of Vibe Check’s mini-series - Hey, Sis: A Vibe Check Series, Zach has a chat with writer, activist, and filmmaker, Tourmaline. They talk about her new book, “The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson”, finding your worth in history, the current state of trans rights, and 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 ...
Mar 31, 2025•32 min•Ep. 154
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about the impact of economic protests, fitness influencer culture, and the social trend of disordered living. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: SAM: The Sam Sanders Show ft. Torrey Peters // The Residence on Netflix ZACH: Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie Jacobsen SAEED: “Per Aspera” from I Hope This Helps by Samiya Bashir You can find everything Vibe ...
Mar 26, 2025•55 min•Ep. 153
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about America’s current relationship with the world, and what may be the start of a Democratic civil war. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. Recommendations: SAM: Stag Dance by Torrey Peters + Black Bag (the movie) ZACH: Adolescence on Netflix SAEED: Poem for the Reader by Alex Dimitroff You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.com We want to hear from you! Email us at vibecheck@...
Mar 19, 2025•55 min•Ep. 152
On this episode of Vibe Check’s mini-series - Hey, Sis: A Vibe Check Series, Saeed has a chat with writer and historian, Imani Perry. They talk about her new book, “Black in Blues: How a Color Tells the Story of My People” , the importance of self-regard, spirituality, and 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 Vib...
Mar 17, 2025•39 min•Ep. 151
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach discuss Mahmoud Khalil being arrested on the Columbia University campus. Then, they talk about the reality of a romantic future for young Americans. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: SAM: “Paradise” on Hulu ZACH: “With Love, Meghan” on Netflix You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.com We want to hear from you! Email ...
Mar 12, 2025•51 min•Ep. 150
On this episode of Vibe Check, Zach, Saeed and Sam share a few modern scriptures in front of a live audience at On Air Fest. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. Recommendations: SAM: A father's monologue in "Call Me By Your Name." SAEED: Imani Perry's new book, Black in Blues ZACH: Shortbus (the film) 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...
Mar 05, 2025•37 min•Ep. 149
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Saeed answer a few listener advice questions. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: SAM: Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway Album & Roberta Flack featuring Donny Hathaway Album SAEED: “afterwards the boys stand in the kitchen” from PLAY DEAD by Francine J. Harris You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.com We want to hear fro...
Feb 26, 2025•52 min•Ep. 148
On this episode of Vibe Check’s mini-series - Hey, Sis: A Vibe Check Series, Sam has a chat with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Caitlin Dickerson. They talk about Trump 2.0, what’s happening with the U.S. immigration landscape, and 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/vibec...
Feb 24, 2025•53 min•Ep. 147
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach discuss mass layoffs hitting the federal government. Then, they dissect a recently published letter from the New York Times, which poses the question: can dating women of color solve my racism? Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: SAM: The Year of the Slug - Caroline Rose ZACH: Kelela’s “In The Blue Light” SAEED: Just the Wind for a Sound, Softly Carl Phillip...
Feb 19, 2025•56 min•Ep. 146
On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach talk to Tim Miller, political commentator and host of The Bulwark Podcast. They discuss “normal gays” for Trump, and why the Democratic party has seemingly not pushed back against Trump’s latest political moves. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: SAM: Nickel Boys ZACH: Companion TIM: Bands on Coachella list and “The Sluts” by Dennis Cooper The Bulwark Podcast The ...
Feb 12, 2025•54 min•Ep. 145
On this special episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach recap Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime performance. 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/vibecheck . Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free. Start a free trial now on Apple Po...
Feb 10, 2025•34 min•Ep. 144
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. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: Sam: My chat with Billie Eilish’s vocal coach, Doug Peck Saeed: “Kindness Comes Too Easily to Wicked Men” from “Master” by Simon Shieh Zach: Halo Top Mix-Ins Ice Cream http://aclusocal.org...
Feb 05, 2025•57 min•Ep. 143
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. ------------------------------------------------------ RECOMMENDATIONS: SAM: How To Die Alone (with Natasha Rothwell) SAEED: “I’m Going Back to Minnesota Where Sadness Makes Sense” by Danez Smith ZACH: ASYLUM by Edafe Okporo http://aclusocal.org/vibecheck...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 142
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 Patreon at patreon.com/vibecheck . Vibe Check listeners can now get a...
Jan 22, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 141
