Vibe Check

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.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 SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

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.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 SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

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.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 SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

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 GianArthurSAEED: “Blue Porsche” by Alex Dimitrov from ECSTASY ZACH: MATRIARCH by Tina Knowles ------------------------------------------------------Live Shows:Boston 5/30 + 5/31: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-wbur-festival-tickets-982066847377Washington DC 6/3: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vibe-check-live-tickets-1338524846849 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 SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

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 PlaylistZACH: Overcompensating on Amazon Prime------------------------------------------------------Live Shows:Provincetown 5/23: https://www.classy.org/event/friday-summer-salon-with-vibe-check-a-live-podcast-recording-at-fawc/e689085Boston 5/31: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-wbur-festival-tickets-982066847377Washington DC 6/3: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vibe-check-live-tickets-1338524846849 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 SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

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: AndorZACH: Thunderbolts SAEED: “43” by Robin Coste Lewis------------------------------------------------------Live Shows: Boston 5/31: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-wbur-festival-tickets-982066847377Washington DC 6/3: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vibe-check-live-tickets-1338524846849 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 SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

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.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 SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

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 fashion: swap.fm/l/vogue-runthrough-Ut2zSe 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 SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

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 albumZACH: Real Women Have Curves on BroadwaySAEED: “The Endlessness” by Ada Limon------------------------------------------------------A Special Conversation with Ada Limón 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 SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

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 SpaceZACH: The Pitt on MAXSAEED: “Meditations in an Emergency” by Cameron Awkward-Rich 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 SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

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 TikTokZACH: ‘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.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 SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

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 SchulmanZACH: Mid-Century Modern (on HULU) SAEED: Sleeping in the Forest by Mary Oliver 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 SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

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 - HereticsZACH: 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.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 SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

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.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 SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

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 NetflixZACH: Nuclear War: A Scenario by Annie JacobsenSAEED: “Per Aspera” from I Hope This Helps by Samiya Bashir 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 SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

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.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 SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

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.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 SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

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 HuluZACH: “With Love, Meghan” on Netflix  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 SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

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 BluesZACH: Shortbus (the film) 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 SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.

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 AlbumSAEED: “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.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 SiriusXM Podcasts+ to listen to new episodes of Vibe Check ad-free.Start a free trial now on Apple Podcasts or by visiting siriusxm.com/podcastsplus.