Vibe Check
Society & Culture
About
A weekly podcast where 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. 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.
Episodes
- A Walk Down Memory Lane
Saeed and Zach are joined by writer Isaac Fitzgerald to discuss storytelling, friendship, and his books, including American Rambler and Dirtbag, Massachusetts. They explore how personal experiences like upbringing and grief influence the s…
- Mark Yourself Safe from the Met Gala
Saeed and Zach revisit Beyoncé's Lemonade album on its 10th anniversary, discussing its cultural impact and Beyoncé's evolving public persona. They also share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”
- Is True Crime the New White Noise?
This episode of Vibe Check explores the ethics and enduring popularity of true crime, examining where it crosses the line. The discussion also covers HBO’s “Murder in Glitterball City” and the hosts’ latest “vibes.”
- From D.C. Drama to Relationship Mess
Saeed and Zach discuss an alleged assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents' Dinner and Megan Thee Stallion's relationship. They also share their latest picks for 'the vibes are on' and 'the vibes are off.'
- Why “Summer Bodies” Still Stress Us Out
Saeed and Zach discuss "summer bodies," body anxiety, the politics of appearance, and whether diet culture is becoming more extreme. They explore themes of control, conformity, and rigid ideals.
- He Put It in the Song Title, and Nobody Listened
Saeed and Zach discuss the rise in intimate partner violence against women of color, particularly in relation to the D4vd case. They also address Vogue's description of an afro as a "cloud bob."
- If It’s Not A Hell Yes, It’s A No
Saeed and Zach discuss their personal experiences with taking risks in their careers and romantic lives. They explore how to discern if a risk is worthwhile and when it is appropriate to disengage from a situation.
- You Can Go to the Moon and Back, but Your Salary Won't
Saeed and Zach discuss the politics of Coachella and competency porn. They also share their latest pop culture picks.
- Happy Spring! Clean Your Closet, Dump Your Friends, Delete the App
Saeed and Zach discuss spring cleaning, encompassing both physical tidying and letting go of unhelpful habits or relationships. They explore what it means to reset for a new season and address listener questions.
- You Can Do Everything Right and Still Get Left
Saeed and Zach discuss recent political developments, including Kristi Noem and Pam Bondi, and analyze the latest drama from Summer House. They also share their weekly picks for "the vibes are on" and "the vibes are off."
- Is Superman Jesus-Coded? How Hollywood Keeps Retelling the Jesus Story
This episode of Vibe Check features Saeed and Zach discussing Jesus-coded characters and Christ-adjacent stories in film and television. They also share their latest picks for "the vibes are on" and "the vibes are off."
- How Conservatives Became the Snowflakes (And Usher's Defense of Diddy)
Saeed and Zach discuss Druski’s skit about conservative white women. They also unpack Usher’s recent comments about Diddy. They share their picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”
- The Business of Black Women: Symone Sanders-Townsend
On this episode, Symone Sanders-Townsend discusses her career in politics and media, challenges, and success. The conversation also explores the role of Black women in shaping culture, news, and politics.
- ICE Is at the Airport and Straight Men Have No Friends
This episode of Vibe Check features Saeed and Zach discussing current events related to air travel, including government funding cuts affecting TSA, ICE deployment in airports, and safety concerns following an incident at LaGuardia. They a…
- The Business of Black Women: Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman
Saeed and Zach continue the Hey, Sis mini-series with economist Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman. They discuss how systemic inequality creates costs for Black women, drawing insights from her book, The Double Tax: How Women of Color Are Overcharge…
- Oscars Recap & The Politics of Posting
This episode of Vibe Check features an Oscars recap with guest Traci Thomas, covering the biggest wins and most discussed moments. Later, the hosts discuss the politics of posting on social media, specifically whether friends should be jud…
- The Business of Black Women: Lisa Beasley
This episode of Vibe Check features Lisa Beasley, who discusses her character "Corporate Erin," the concept of professionalism, code-switching, corporate language, and the influence of race and gender on workplace communication.
- One Oscar Battle After Another with Traci Thomas
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach are joined by Traci Thomas to discuss the Oscars, awards season, and the portrayal of Black life in films. They explore how "Sinners" and "One Battle After Another" depict Black life in America…
- The Business of Black Women: Ashley Cunningham
Ashley Cunningham, owner of Bad Ash Bakes, joins Vibe Check to discuss her career, from cooking competitions and working as a line cook to becoming a private chef and launching her baking business. She shares insights on social media viral…
- The Iran War: Shock & Awe, Again
Afeef Nessouli reports from Beirut, Lebanon, on events in Iran and the Middle East. Saeed and Zach discuss the current tensions and their connection to the post-9/11 era and wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
- American Music Was Birthed in the Black Church
Saeed and Zach interview classical composer Carlos Simon. They discuss his work, including music for America’s 250th anniversary and his newest piece, Good News Mass.
- The Politics of Pretending to be Apolitical
Saeed and Zach discuss the political drama surrounding the Berlin Film Festival 2026. They also dive into Tyra Banks and the new documentary Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model, analyzing the show's cruelty and its cultural impa…
- Difficulty Isn’t a Wall, It’s a Doorway
Saeed and author Namwali Serpell discuss her new book, "On Morrison," and their personal connections to Toni Morrison's work. They explore academic approaches to teaching literature and the benefits of difficult books.
- Epstein Files and the American Psyche
On this episode of Vibe Check, the hosts discuss the emotional impact of the Epstein files and America's literary crisis, focusing on declining reading skills and shrinking attention spans. They also share their picks for "the vibes are on…
- RomanceLandia and the Rise of Queer Romance
This episode of Vibe Check features Saeed and Zach with romance expert Tanya Melendez. They discuss the rise of romance across genres, differentiating true romance from love stories, and delve into the TV show Heated Rivalry.
- Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl and his Politics of Joy
This episode of Vibe Check features Saeed and Zach discussing Bad Bunny's Super Bowl LX halftime performance. They are joined by Nelini Stamp, Director of Strategy at the Working Families Party.
- You Can’t "Try On” Blackness
Saeed and Zach discuss Timothée Chalamet's behavior and its connection to Black culture and "wigga" culture. They analyze how Black culture is sometimes commodified and share their "vibes are on/off" picks.
- The Art of Resistance with Maxwell Frost
On this episode of Vibe Check, Zach speaks with Congressman Maxwell Frost about his experiences as an organizer, the role of music in his leadership, and his new CREATE Art Act. They also discuss his experience at the Sundance Film Festiva…
- A Celebration (and Corrective) of Black History Month
Saeed and Zach dedicate this episode of Vibe Check to Black History Month, including a rendition of modern scriptures. Listeners can find more information and merchandise on the podcast's website.
- Alex Pretti’s Death — And Why No One Is Coming to Save Us But Us
Saeed and Zach discuss the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis and its implications for safety and power in America. They also explore how to practice personal acts of resistance.
- I Can't Afford a House, So I'm Becoming Hot Instead
Saeed and Zach discuss the "maxxing" trend and its implications for coping and control. They also share their weekly "vibes" picks.
- 2016 Was Not That Great
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach discuss Trump's interest in Greenland and the "2016" social media trend, examining the nostalgic view of that year. They also share their picks for "the vibes are on, the vibes are off."
- RFK Jr vs. Reality: America’s Doctor on the Health Chaos
This episode of Vibe Check features سعيد and Zach with Dr. Darien Sutton. They discuss health and science myths, RFK Jr., and sobriety.
- You Will Never Be White Enough to Escape Fascism
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach discuss an incident involving an ICE agent in Minneapolis and the cultural impact of "Heated Rivalry." They also share their choices for "the vibes are on, the vibes are off."
- Is Cheating Ever Justified?
Saeed and Zach define cheating and discuss their experiences. They also address listener questions about open relationships and chat-bot romances, and react to a listener's cheating story.
- Venezuela is Just the Beginning
Saeed and Zach are joined by journalist Spencer Ackerman to discuss Venezuela. They also share their picks for "the vibes are on, the vibes are off."
- Chani Nicholas on Why 2026 Is a Year of Reckoning (and How to Survive It)
Chani Nicholas joins Vibe Check to reflect on 2025 and provide her forecasts for the cultural and political landscape of 2026. She also addresses questions from listeners.
- He's A Good Man Savannah
This episode of Vibe Check features Saeed and Zach discussing their favorite holiday-themed movies, recipes, and poems.
- Is Gen X The Greatest Generation?
Saeed and Zach discuss economic anxiety and compare Gen X and Millennials on work, money, and culture.
- Is Getting Canceled the New Career Plan?
On this episode, Vibe Check hosts Zach Stafford and Saeed Jones speak with comedian Jay Jurden about his Hulu special "Yes, Ma'am!" They also discuss the role of comedy in politics, media, and culture, as well as cancel culture and viral c…
- They Might Have Ate With That
Saeed and Zach discuss Pantone’s controversial 2026 Color of the Year and the acquisition of Warner Bros. They also share their picks for "the vibes are on, the vibes are off".
- Wrap It in Intention
This bonus episode of Vibe Check features Saeed and Zach discussing gift-giving and holiday season navigation. They share their favorite gifts and tips for the holidays.
- Not a Drop to Drink
Saeed and Zach discuss cultural themes and trends that defined 2025 in this episode of Vibe Check.
- Keepers of the Grail
Saeed and Zach discuss the Trump administration’s attempted erasure of World AIDS Day. They also talk about the new viral TV show, “Heated Rivalry,” and share their picks for “the vibes are on, the vibes are off.”
- The Art of Gathering featuring Priya Parker
On this episode of Vibe Check, host Sam Sanders and author Priya Parker discuss her book, "The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters." Parker also answers questions from listeners.
- Coded and Loaded
Saeed and Zach from Vibe Check discuss the release of the Epstein emails and the internet's reaction. They also offer advice on avoiding certain conversations during the holidays.
- Do You Taste the Love?
This episode of Vibe Check features Saeed and Zach providing guidance for Thanksgiving, including advice on connecting different friend groups and trying new recipes.
- Green Is a Bridge Too Far featuring Chase Strangio and Imara Jones
On this episode of Vibe Check, guests Chase Strangio and Imara Jones discuss the cultural impact of Wicked. They also share their "vibes on, vibes off" picks.
- Come Out Loud featuring adrienne maree brown
Saeed and Zach talk to author and activist, adrienne maree brown about enduring difficult times, finding light, and thriving within challenges.
- No Raisins in the Potato Salad featuring Blakely Thornton
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach are joined by pop culture anthropologist Blakely Thornton to discuss the government shutdown. They also talk about hot criminals and share their picks for "the vibes are on, the vibes are off".