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Vibe Check

Vibe Check

By: Zach Stafford Saeed Jones Sam Sanders
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About this listen

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.SiriusXM Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Difficulty Isn’t a Wall, It’s a Doorway
    Feb 20 2026

    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 Toni Morrison’s work, the shortcomings of academic approaches to teaching literature, why difficult books are worth the effort, and more.


    Namwali Serpell’s Book On Morrison is out now!

    You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.com

    We 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.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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    45 mins
  • Epstein Files and the American Psyche
    Feb 18 2026

    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 revelation.

    Then, they examine America’s growing literary crisis – declining reading skills, shrinking attention spans, and what it all means.

    Plus, they share their picks for “the vibes are on, the vibes are off”.

    ------------------------------------------------------

    Saeed’s Poem of the Week: “The Problem with Early Warnings” by Charles Rafferty

    Namwali Serpell’s Book On Morrison is out now!

    You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.com

    We 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.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • RomanceLandia and the Rise of Queer Romance
    Feb 13 2026

    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 across every genre. From beloved tropes to what really separates a true romance from just a love story, they cover it all — including a deep dive into the TV show Heated Rivalry. Then, Tanya spills a little tea about what Saeed was like as a teenager. Plus, they share their picks for “the vibes are on, the vibes are off”.

    You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.com

    We 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.


    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
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