Vibe Check

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 directed by Tanaz Eshaghain

Transcribed - Published: 9 July 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 2 July 2025

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!

Transcribed - Published: 25 June 2025

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!

Transcribed - Published: 18 June 2025

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!

Transcribed - Published: 11 June 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 4 June 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 28 May 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 21 May 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 14 May 2025

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?

Transcribed - Published: 7 May 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 6 May 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 16 April 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 9 April 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 2 April 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 31 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 26 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 19 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 17 March 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 12 March 2025

On this episode of Vibe Check, Zach, Seen 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.

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2025

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Saeed answer a few listener advice questions. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 24 February 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 19 February 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 12 February 2025

On this special episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach recap Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime performance.

Transcribed - Published: 10 February 2025

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/vibecheck

Transcribed - Published: 5 February 2025

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.

Transcribed - Published: 29 January 2025

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 [email protected], 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 free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck. ------------------------------------------------------ RECOMMENDATIONS: SAM: 1. Martyr - Kaveh Abkar 2. One of Them Days ZACH: 1. Paris is Burning 2. The Queen 3. P.S. Burn This Letter SAEED: 1. The Hum by Maggie Smith 2. Another Last Call: Poems on Addiction and Deliverance - edited by Kaveh Abkar and Paige Lewis Merch: www.podswag.com/vibecheck

Transcribed - Published: 22 January 2025

On this bonus episode of Vibe Check, Sam speaks to Maurice Mitchell, National Director of the Working Families Party. They talk about why Maurice isn't deterred by the 2024 Presidential election, why the WFP believes in building political power from the bottom up, the current economic climate, and much more. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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 free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.

Transcribed - Published: 20 January 2025

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach talk about the devastating fires in Southern California. Then, they speak with former incarcerated firefighter, Royal Ramey, about his experiences in an inmate fire camp. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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 free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.

Transcribed - Published: 15 January 2025

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach discuss the U.S. Surgeon General’s call for cancer warning labels on alcohol. They also dive into the cultural obsession of surveilling others online. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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 free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.

Transcribed - Published: 8 January 2025

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach reflect on some of the biggest news and culture moments of 2024. Then, they talk about what habits they’re leaving behind, and set their intentions for the new year. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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 free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.

Transcribed - Published: 1 January 2025

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach chat with famed astrologer, Chani Nicholas, about astrology 101. Then, she reads the birth chart for each host, and forecasts the general vibe of 2025. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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 free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.

Transcribed - Published: 25 December 2024

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed speaks to British-Palestinian author, Isabella Hammad, about her book, Recognizing the Stranger: On Palestine and Narrative. They discuss the Israel-Hamas war, student activism, and much more. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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 free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.

Transcribed - Published: 18 December 2024

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed, Sam and Zach chat about the internet’s reaction to Luigi Mangione, suspect in the United Healthcare shooting. Plus, they discuss LGBTQ+ rights under a second Donald Trump presidency and a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod or TikTok @vibecheckpod. 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 free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck. Merch: www.podswag.com/vibecheck ------------------------------------------------------ RECOMMENDATIONS: SAM: The Wonder of Stevie podcast, Lost Notes: 1980 - Ep 1. Stevie Wonder ZACH: Anatomy of Lies doc on Peacock SAEED: “A Poem of Friendship” by Nikki Giovanni, Wild Card podcast with Nikki Giovanni

Transcribed - Published: 11 December 2024

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach share their thoughts on if smartphones and social media are negatively impacting the youth. They also talk about Billboard’s list of greatest pop stars of the 21st century, and whether Beyoncé or Taylor Swift deserved the #1 spot. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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 free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.

Transcribed - Published: 4 December 2024

On this episode of Vibe Check, Zach speaks with civil rights attorney and trans rights activist, Chase Strangio. They discuss his upcoming court case - United States v. Skrmetti, which focuses on trans youth in Tennessee being denied access to gender affirming care. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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 free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.

Transcribed - Published: 2 December 2024

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach offer advice on preparing for a potentially rocky holiday season. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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 free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.

Transcribed - Published: 27 November 2024

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach discuss Trump’s controversial cabinet appointments. Then, they talk about the press tour for the new movie, Wicked. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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 free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.

Transcribed - Published: 20 November 2024

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about the aftermath of the election, what to expect moving forward, and what they’re doing to take care of themselves. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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 free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.

Transcribed - Published: 13 November 2024

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach share another installment of their modern scriptures, as they talk about works of art, literature, and pop culture that they turn to for inspiration. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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 free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 2024

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach chat with special guest, podcast host Tommy Vietor (of Pod Save America & Pod Save the World), about the truths and anxieties of the upcoming election. Then, they discuss if celebrity involvement in politics actually makes an impact. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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 free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck. To help get out the vote or volunteer in the coming days, head to votesaveamerica.com

Transcribed - Published: 30 October 2024

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about why Harris and Trump are neck and neck in the polls. Then, they discuss the role religion is playing in the final weeks of the election. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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 free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.

Transcribed - Published: 23 October 2024

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach talk about Black male voters being the scapegoats of this election cycle. Then, they talk about troubling TikTok findings. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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 free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.

Transcribed - Published: 16 October 2024

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about hurricanes, and the misinformation that has been spread by politicians. Then, in the spirit of spooky season, they talk about our culture’s shifting relationship with witchcraft. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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 free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.

Transcribed - Published: 9 October 2024

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about Bowen Yang’s SNL sketch about Chappell Roan, and the conversation it has started about new-aged pop stars. Then, they discuss the different versions of masculinity that Tim Walz and JD Vance represent. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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 free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.

Transcribed - Published: 2 October 2024

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach dive into the indictment of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and what it means for the future of hip-hop. Plus, the guys share their Fall intentions and a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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 free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.

Transcribed - Published: 25 September 2024

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about Trump and Vance’s false claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio. Then, they answer a listener’s advice question about sex. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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 free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.

Transcribed - Published: 18 September 2024