Vibe Check

Is Success Ruining Everything?

03 Jun 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Zach sits down with Dr. Jack Halberstam to discuss his forthcoming book, Anarchitecture After Everything: A Trans Mani...

What We Get Wrong About Epstein

29 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach are joined by special guest Jess Michaels – TEDx speaker, survivor advocate, and 1991 survivor of Jeff...

Time to Set It the F*ck Off

27 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

We Caused a Divorce?

22 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Wait… We Caused a Divorce?

21 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

How the Internet Lost Its Taste

20 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 disc...

A Fountain of Regret

15 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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’...

There’s Always Another Basement In Hell

13 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

A Walk Down Memory Lane

08 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach sit down with writer Isaac Fitzgerald – one of Saeed’s closest friends – for a personal conversati...

Mark Yourself Safe from the Met Gala

06 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach revisit Beyoncé’s iconic Lemonade album on its 10th anniversary, unpacking its cultural impact. They ...

Is True Crime the New White Noise?

01 May 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

From D.C. Drama to Relationship Mess

29 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach discuss the alleged assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Then, they brea...

Why “Summer Bodies” Still Stress Us Out

24 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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’...

He Put It in the Song Title, and Nobody Listened

22 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 par...

If It’s Not A Hell Yes, It’s A No

17 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 actu...

You Can Go to the Moon and Back, but Your Salary Won't

15 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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,...

Happy Spring! Clean Your Closet, Dump Your Friends, Delete the App

10 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach get into spring cleaning — both literally and metaphorically. From tidying up your space to letting g...

You Can Do Everything Right and Still Get Left

08 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 firi...

Is Superman Jesus-Coded? How Hollywood Keeps Retelling the Jesus Story

03 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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-...

How Conservatives Became the Snowflakes (And Usher's Defense of Diddy)

01 Apr 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach talk about chaos surrounding comedian Druski’s viral skit about conservative white women and the conve...

The Business of Black Women: Symone Sanders-Townsend

27 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

ICE Is at the Airport and Straight Men Have No Friends

25 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

The Business of Black Women: Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman

20 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach continue the Hey, Sis mini-series with special guest – economist, Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman. They brea...

Oscars Recap & The Politics of Posting

18 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

The Business of Black Women: Lisa Beasley

13 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

One Oscar Battle After Another with Traci Thomas

11 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

The Business of Black Women: Ashley Cunningham

06 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 B...

The Iran War: Shock & Awe, Again

04 Mar 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach are joined by returning guest, journalist Afeef Nessouli, reporting live from Beirut, Lebanon. He breaks...

American Music Was Birthed in the Black Church

27 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

The Politics of Pretending to be Apolitical

25 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach break down the political drama surrounding the Berlin Film Festival 2026 (Berlinale). Then, they dive in...

Difficulty Isn’t a Wall, It’s a Doorway

20 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Epstein Files and the American Psyche

18 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 revelati...

RomanceLandia and the Rise of Queer Romance

13 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ac...

Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl and his Politics of Joy

09 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

You Can’t "Try On” Blackness

06 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

The Art of Resistance with Maxwell Frost

04 Feb 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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-ra...

A Celebration (and Corrective) of Black History Month

30 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 Mont...

Alex Pretti’s Death — And Why No One Is Coming to Save Us But Us

28 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 abo...

I Can't Afford a House, So I'm Becoming Hot Instead

23 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 ou...

2016 Was Not That Great

21 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

RFK Jr vs. Reality: America’s Doctor on the Health Chaos

16 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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...

You Will Never Be White Enough to Escape Fascism

14 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

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 collecti...

Is Cheating Ever Justified?

09 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach define “cheating” and talk about their experiences being “the other woman”. Then they answer lis...

Venezuela is Just the Beginning

07 Jan 2026

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach sit down with award-winning journalist and friend of the show, Spencer Ackerman to discuss Trump’s inv...

Chani Nicholas on Why 2026 Is a Year of Reckoning (and How to Survive It)

31 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Back by popular demand! On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach sit down with astrologer and activist, Chani Nicholas. They reflect on 2025 thr...

He's A Good Man Savannah

24 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach share their favorite holiday-themed movies, recipes and poems.------------------------------------------...

Is Gen X The Greatest Generation?

17 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Why does it feel like no one is spending money right now? On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach dig into the economic anxiety so many American...

Is Getting Canceled the New Career Plan?

12 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Zach Stafford and Saeed Jones sit down with comedian Jay Jurden to talk about his new Hulu special Yes, Ma’am! — an...

They Might Have Ate With That

10 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach talk about Pantone’s controversial pick for 2026 Color of the Year. Then, they talk about the battle f...

Wrap It in Intention

08 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this bonus episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach talk about their favorite gifts to give and receive. Then, they share their best tips and tricks f...

Not a Drop to Drink

05 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach talk about the cultural themes and trends that defined 2025. You can find everything Vibe Check related ...

Keepers of the Grail

03 Dec 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach discuss the Trump administration’s attempted erasure of World AIDS Day. Then, they talk about the new ...

The Art of Gathering featuring Priya Parker

28 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam Sanders and acclaimed author Priya Parker talk all about her book, The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Mat...

Coded and Loaded

26 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach talk about the release of the Epstein emails, and how the internet has reacted to them. Then, they offer...

Do You Taste the Love?

21 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach give listeners Thanksgiving advice about connecting different friend groups, trying new recipes, how to ...

Green Is a Bridge Too Far featuring Chase Strangio and Imara Jones

19 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach are joined by trans rights activists, Chase Strangio and Imara Jones, to talk all about Wicked - and why...

Come Out Loud featuring adrienne maree brown

14 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach talk to author and activist, adrienne maree brown about how to endure difficult times, finding light and...

No Raisins in the Potato Salad featuring Blakely Thornton

12 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach are joined by pop culture anthropologist Blakely Thornton, to talk about the Democrats folding in the go...

Champagne Problems

07 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach answer listeners’ first-time-related questions about money, Queerness, Mary Jane, and much more. You c...

First Time Fears

05 Nov 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed, Sam and Zach go live from Hollywood in The Ford venue where they share their stories about feeling fear for the ...

Let Them Eat Cake

29 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach discuss the U.S. government shutdown, and the effect it may have on SNAP benefits. Then, they talk about...

Still Here, Still Queer

22 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach discuss the nationwide ‘No Kings’ protests that took place over the weekend. Then, they chat about b...

Let’s All Hold Hands featuring Spencer Ackerman

15 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach discuss the new Israel-Gaza ceasefire deal with Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Spencer Ackerman. The...

An Abundance of White Mediocrity

08 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach talk about the viral conversation between Ezra Klein and Ta-Nehisi Coates, and the shock of Bari Weiss b...

It’s A Pretty Garden

01 Oct 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach talk about the current “low-fire, low-hire” economic state, and Bad Bunny headlining the 2026 ...

Caught Up in the Rapture

24 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach discuss ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ being suspended, then returning to air, and what it says about ce...

Add Some Whiskey to It

17 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Saeed talk about the fatal shooting of Charlie Kirk. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.------...

Put Our Cracker Back!

10 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach talk about Trump and ICE’s “Operation Midway Blitz”, the MTV VMAs, and why music videos don’t have...

It’s Still Cerulean, B!tch

03 Sep 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach talk about influencers getting paid for promoting political messaging, and a job listing for The C...

All Billionaires Are Kinda Bad

27 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach talk about Serena Williams using and boosting GLP-1 weight loss drugs. And the changes COVID broug...

A Nightmare Blunt Rotation

20 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach talk about Governor Gavin Newsom’s recent social media tactics against Trump. Then, they each ta...

That’s Called A Striptease

13 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach talk about Instagram’s new map feature and the lack of privacy with technology. Then, they discuss how s...

Bellissimo, Baby

06 Aug 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach chat about Sex and the City’s reboot, And Just Like That…, and hate-watching TV shows. Then, ...

Cultural Whiplash featuring Afeef Nessouli

30 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Zach speaks with journalist and activist, Afeef Nessouli, about his recent experience in Gaza. Then, Sam, Saeed, and Za...

Forever35 with Elise Hu and Doree Shafrir

23 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

This week, we’re airing a conversation from the Forever35 podcast where Sam joins former Vibe Check guest, Elise Hu, and her co-host, Doree Shafrir....

Ladies and Labubus

16 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach talk about the MAGA rebellion, the Jeffrey Epstein files, and the new Superman movie. Plus, a few ...

Everybody Say Love

09 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Time Flies, Boo

02 Jul 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 America...

Men on Film

25 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Everything Comes Back to Love featuring Danez Smith

18 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

The New Boston Tea Party

11 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Mother of Matriarchs featuring Ms. Tina Knowles

04 Jun 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 w...

I Am the Fish Delish featuring Tim Miller

28 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Her...

The Original Sin

21 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 reac...

There Is Not a Sharp Angle to Be Found

14 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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. ...

A Good Sermon featuring Senator Elizabeth Warren

07 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach sit down with Senator Elizabeth Warren to talk about her political "conversion" story, President T...

Always Bet on Black featuring Chioma Nnadi

06 May 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Ed...

Giddy Up! The Rodeo Is in Town

30 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Cow...

Blessed Be the Hoes

23 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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. Th...

Gayle, Blink Twice

16 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ke...

If You Don’t Want to Be Edged, Get Out of My Bed

09 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 glob...

Horns Are Made to Be Tooted

02 Apr 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 recommend...

Hey, Sis: featuring Tourmaline

31 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

The Call Is Coming From Inside the House

26 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 dis...

Elbows Up

19 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Democrat...

Hey, Sis: featuring Imani Perry

17 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 abou...

Hit Him in the Pocketbook!

12 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Modern Scriptures at On Air Fest

05 Mar 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 recommendat...

I Can't Call It!

26 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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

Hey, Sis: featuring Caitlin Dickerson

24 Feb 2025

Contributed by Lukas

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 Dickerso...