An Abundance of White Mediocrity

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 the rising popularity of Frankenstein films. Plus, they share their picks for “the vibes are on, the vibes are off”.------------------------------------------------------Saeed’s Poem of the Week: “Russet” by Kevin Young from his collection Stones You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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.

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 boxers making a comeback. Plus, they share their picks for “the vibes are on, the vibes are off”.------------------------------------------------------Saeed’s Poem of the Week: “Subclinical” by Monica Ferrell------------------------------------------------------ You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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.

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach discuss the new Israel-Gaza ceasefire deal with Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, Spencer Ackerman. Then, they talk about the passing of Diane Keaton, and the heart tug we feel when losing public figures. Plus, they introduce a new segment called “the vibes are on, the vibes are off”.------------------------------------------------------Spencer Ackerman’s Website: www.forever-wars.comSaeed’s Poem of the Week: “Baptism” by Erika L. SanchezVibe Check LIVE at the Ford: https://www.theford.com/events/performances/4102/2025-10-28/vibe-check-live You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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.

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 being named editor-in-chief at CBS News. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.------------------------------------------------------Recommendations:ZACH: A Thousand and OneSAEED: “Ode to Drinking Water from My Hands” by Ross Gay Vibe Check LIVE at the Ford: https://www.theford.com/events/performances/4102/2025-10-28/vibe-check-live You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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.

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 Super Bowl halftime show. Plus, a big announcement from Sam.------------------------------------------------------Vibe Check LIVE at the Ford: https://www.theford.com/events/performances/4102/2025-10-28/vibe-check-live You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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.

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 censorship. Then, they chat about the official start of the fall season. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.------------------------------------------------------Recommendations:SAM: Insecure Soundtrack (Season 1 and 2)ZACH: All That Heaven Allows (1955) SAEED: “Vaccinated” by Jericho Brown You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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.

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.------------------------------------------------------Recommendations:SAM REC 1: The Fleetwood Mac Universehttps://open.spotify.com/prerelease/5TJZm01vY10HOaVriweTuD?si=rr9hcXhzTIGJKazbsraowA&nd=1&dlsi=e8f56dd082834194https://open.spotify.com/album/5FIN8pyPVx8ggNs5jQ86Re?si=AVcbJFcqRXywsS5CGUyVOQ&nd=1&dlsi=73c76dc3a93d42d4https://open.spotify.com/episode/5eD4OtdWa2rmxrNGZD5hjz?si=uhOKe5lsS_CiEjmKTgFlPg&nd=1&dlsi=1b26f7ec1cea42d2SAM REC 2: Al Green’s live concert performance in Tokyoyoutube.com/watch?v=pYTyWYa7jd4&feature=youtu.beSAEED REC 1: The PittSAEED REC 2: “You Are Here” by Mira Jacob from THE PEOPLE’S PROJECT You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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.

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 the cultural impact that they used to. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.------------------------------------------------------Recommendations:SAM: SPLITSVILLE ZACH: TWINLESS Order Saeed’s new book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-people-s-project-poems-essays-and-art-for-looking-forward-maggie-smith/22401036 You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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.

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 Cutting Room Floor that has sparked outrage. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right.------------------------------------------------------Recommendations:ZACH: “Essex Honey” by Blood Orange SAEED: “Let Them Not Say” by Jane Hirshfield SAM: “My Once-in-a-Million-Years Love Story” by Elizabeth Gilbert in NEW YORK MAGAZINE, followed by “Elizabeth Gilbert’s Latest Epiphanies” by Jia Tolentino in The New Yorker Pre-order Saeed’s new book: https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-people-s-project-poems-essays-and-art-for-looking-forward-maggie-smith/22401036TikTok about The Cutting Room Floor job: https://www.tiktok.com/@mayte.lisbeth/video/7543301328055913742?_r=1&_t=ZP-8zG5OHzWQEZ You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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.

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 brought to us after five years later.  ----------------------------------------------------Recommendations:ZACH:  CAN I BE FRANK and TA-DA! both Off-BroadwaySAEED: DIJON - Absolutely (Film)SAM: “I'm Dating a Man Who’s Married" by Aaron Smith You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.comWe want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], 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.