Vibe Check

Zach Stafford, SiriusXM, Saeed Jones, Sam Sanders

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. read less

Our Editor's Take

Vibe Check is a news and pop culture podcast. It strikes the elusive balance between profound insight and fun. It is hilarious and thought-provoking. Fans can listen to this podcast to make sense of the modern world and how it affects them. This podcast helps people mentally reflect on current events. It aims for them to examine how the state of the world is making them feel.

Vibe Check brings together an impressive trio of hosts. Poet and writer Saeed Jones joins journalists Sam Sanders from NPR and Zach Stafford from MSNBC. The three discuss culture and politics. Social commentary meets pop culture, from the Oscars to Rihanna's latest big performance. These three friends meet at the intersection of culture, race, and queerness. This podcast wants listeners to keep track of topics that matter.

Sam, Zach, and Saeed discuss many American issues. From gun violence to racial discrimination, they are honest and open. These three hosts often share anecdotes from their own experiences. Their stories highlight the impact of today's political environment on real lives. As Black and queer people, these hosts bring intersectional perspectives to current events.

Beyond the latest news stories, Vibe Check poses big social questions. The hosts offer listeners insight into candid exploration between friends. They discuss the limitations of marriage. In another episode, the rise of celebrity queer-baiting is on the agenda. Regardless of the issue, the hosts present smart and engaging ideas.

The issues people are fighting for today can feel overwhelming. These three hosts share what's essential in tough times: community, fun, and rest. With every Vibe Check episode, the hosts share their new favorites music, TV, and more in the week's recommendations. Fans of the podcast love how much they laugh and learn while they listen. The podcast's episodes are funny, informative, and inspiring.

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Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

Democracy TBD
Nov 13 2024
Democracy TBD
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 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 free three month trial to the SiriusXM app by going to siriusxm.com/vibecheck.------------------------------------------------------RECOMMENDATIONS:SAM: Dance Yourself Clean (Song) and Sound of Silver (Album) by LCD SoundsystemZACH: Notting Hill and Zach’s guest appearance on Love To See ItSAEED: My Project 2025by Saeed Jones After Maggie SmithI am having more sex. I am louder when I have sex.I am asking more questions. I am asking questions like “why?” and “what happened to make you feelthat way?” and “do you feel safe here?”and “what can I do to help you feel safehere?” I know I like to talk; I love the soundof my own voice, but I’m going to shut upand listen more. Clearly, I haven’t heardall that’s been said. I am protecting myself.I am pulling up the drawbridge. I’m askingBlack women to pull up the drawbridge.I’m Whitney Houston in the last verseof “It’s Not Right, but It’s Okay.” I’m paying my light bill and taking careof my babies. I’m in the bath tubcovered in bubbles and surroundedwith candles and good wine and I wishFrank Ocean or Bill Withers or Frank Oceanand Bill Withers were in the bathtubwith me but their voices will do. I ampulling the voices of people I desireand love and trust and worry overinto me. I am inviting them into the brightdark of my soul. I am gonna live foreverbecause all the money I touch looks at meand says e pluribus unum, out of many,one. I am the water Jesus drank in the desert.I am god talking to herself. I am evictingAmerica from my body and making roomin the borders of my black bad bitch bodyfor everyone I was sent into this lifeto love loudly.