Vibe Check

What We Get Wrong About Epstein 29.05.2026 51min

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach are joined by special guest Jess Michaels – TEDx speaker, survivor advocate, and 1991 survivor of Jeffrey Epstein. They explore why the Epstein files matter beyond the headlines, and how the conversation around abuse, consent, and survivor expectations often misses the deeper cultural realities.

Time to Set It the F*ck Off 27.05.2026 57min

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 – and whether rage can sometimes be a force for something better. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.” ------------------------------------------------------ Saeed’s Poem: “Acquainted with the Night” by Robert Frost

We Caused a Divorce? 22.05.2026 53min

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 the hosts have influenced – while Saeed and Zach try to remember ever giving the advice at all.

How the Internet Lost Its Taste 20.05.2026 54min

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 discuss how AI slop is slowly turning into “taste slop,” and how Pride can become more than just a moment to fight for trans people, but a way to materially support them and help them survive this moment. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.” ------------------------------------------------------ Fran’s Podcast, Like A Virgin: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/like-a-virgin/id1592166548 Fran’s Fundraiser: DollInvasion.org

A Fountain of Regret 15.05.2026 49min

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’ve learned to let go of, and what it means to move forward without forgetting the past.

There’s Always Another Basement In Hell 13.05.2026 1val 5min

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 talk about The Devil Wears Prada 2, and why it was unexpectedly triggering as people who’ve worked in journalism and media. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.” ------------------------------------------------------ Saeed’s Poem: “Sightseers” by Eve Ewing from her book 1919.

A Walk Down Memory Lane 08.05.2026 48min

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach sit down with writer Isaac Fitzgerald – one of Saeed’s closest friends – for a personal conversation about storytelling, friendship, and finding your voice. They discuss his new book American Rambler: Walking the Trail of Johnny Appleseed (out May 12), reflect on his memoir Dirtbag, Massachusetts: A Confessional, and explore how grief, upbringing, and timing shape the stories we choose to tell. ------------------------------------------------------ You can preorder Isaac’s new book here: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/736787/american-rambler-by-isaac-fitzgerald/

Mark Yourself Safe from the Met Gala 06.05.2026 58min

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach revisit Beyoncé’s iconic Lemonade album on its 10th anniversary, unpacking its cultural impact. They also take a closer look at Beyoncé – how her politics, power, and public persona have evolved over the past decade, and where admiration, frustration, and critique collide when art and influence meet. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.” ------------------------------------------------------ Saeed’s Poem: “Beyonce in the Third Person” by Morgan Parker Saeed Jones and Isaac Fitzgerald at the Brattle Theater, May 13th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/isaac-fitzgerald-at-the-brattle-theatre-tickets-1985452437688

Is True Crime the New White Noise? 01.05.2026 48min

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 crime, why it endures, and where it crosses the line. Then, they talk about HBO’s Murder in Glitterball City. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.” ------------------------------------------------------ Saeed’s Poem: “Brutal Imagination” by Cornelius Eady – “Who am I?”

From D.C. Drama to Relationship Mess 29.04.2026 1val 1min

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach discuss the alleged assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Then, they break down the news of Megan Thee Stallion being cheated on by Klay Thompson. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.” ------------------------------------------------------ Saeed’s Poem: “What Big Eyes You Have” by Heather Christle

Why “Summer Bodies” Still Stress Us Out 24.04.2026 47min

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’s diet culture is veering into something more extreme – an obsession with control, conformity, and rigid ideals. ------------------------------------------------------ Saeed’s Poem of the Week: Old Glory by Ocean Vuong

He Put It in the Song Title, and Nobody Listened 22.04.2026 52min

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 part of thaw conversation. Then, they call out Vogue for calling an afro a “cloud bob.” Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.” ------------------------------------------------------ Saeed’s Poem of the Week: “won’t you celebrate with me” by Lucille Clifton

If It’s Not A Hell Yes, It’s A No 17.04.2026 52min

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 actually worth it. They get into moments from their own lives, from bold career moves to saying yes to romance, and even figuring out when it’s time to walk away.

You Can Go to the Moon and Back, but Your Salary Won't 15.04.2026 1val 18min

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, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.” ------------------------------------------------------ Saeed’s Poem of the Week: “Characteristics of Life” by Camille Dungy

Happy Spring! Clean Your Closet, Dump Your Friends, Delete the App 10.04.2026 46min

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach get into spring cleaning — both literally and metaphorically. From tidying up your space to letting go of people and habits that no longer serve you, they talk about what it means to reset for a new season. Plus, they answer listener questions.

You Can Do Everything Right and Still Get Left 08.04.2026 56min

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 firing by Trump, to the bigger questions it raises. Then, they dive into Summer House chaos, unpacking Amanda allegedly dating West behind Ciara’s back. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.” ------------------------------------------------------ Saeed’s Poem of the Week: “Powdered Wig” by Richie Hofmann

Is Superman Jesus-Coded? How Hollywood Keeps Retelling the Jesus Story 03.04.2026 45min

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-adjacent to be a coincidence. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.” ------------------------------------------------------ Saeed’s Poem of the Week: Heart to Heart by Rita Dove ------------------------------------------------------

How Conservatives Became the Snowflakes (And Usher's Defense of Diddy) 01.04.2026 1val 2min

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach talk about chaos surrounding comedian Druski’s viral skit about conservative white women and the conversation (and ruffled feathers) it sparked. Then, they unpack Usher’s recent controversial comments about Diddy. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.” ------------------------------------------------------ Saeed’s Poem of the Week: “Pokeberries” by Ruth Stone

The Business of Black Women: Symone Sanders-Townsend 27.03.2026 48min

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 Symone Sanders-Townsend. They get into her dynamic career across politics and media, the challenges she’s faced as a Black woman in the spotlight, and how staying true to herself has been key to her success. They also discuss the outsized role Black women play in shaping culture, news, and politics, and the ways those same systems often work against them.

ICE Is at the Airport and Straight Men Have No Friends 25.03.2026 1val 1min

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 ICE agents being deployed in airports to “assist,” and safety concerns after a fatal air traffic control–related incident at LaGuardia. Then, they dive into the new documentary, Inside the Manosphere. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”