Vibe Check

Zach Stafford, Saeed Jones

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.

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40 episodes
Avg 50 min
English

Episodes 40

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#290
Friday · 39 min
When the Internet Plays Judge and Jury
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed sits down with Ruby Cramer, staff writer at The New Yorker, to discuss the story behind the “Cornell Seven” and her article, “The Doxing of Jane Doe.” They unpack the rise of internet vigilantism, how the impact of the #MeToo movement seems to have faded, and more.
#289
Wednesday · 49 min
The Politics of Being Fed Up
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach unpack the historic blue wave of Democratic wins in the midterm elections. They also look ahead to the next two years before the presidential election, sharing their hopes, concerns, and the challenges that may lie ahead.
#288
October 30 · 44 min
A Little Death Never Hurt Anybody
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach explore queer history in the horror genre and talk about how the film, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma flips traditional horror tropes.
#287
October 28 · 1 hr 9 min
Thirst Trap Politics
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach talk about what’s going on with the midterm elections. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.” ------------------------------------------------------ Saeed’s Poem: "One Art" by Elizabeth Bishop ------------------------------------------------------
#286
October 23 · 39 min
America Has Abandoned Women (with Jessica Valenti)
On this episode of Vibe Check, Zach talks with writer and activist Jessica Valenti about the state of reproductive rights in America, how women’s rights shape the political landscape, and why the fight for reproductive freedom needs to go beyond Roe v. Wade.
#285
October 21 · 1 hr
Everybody Wants a Revolution Until It's Black
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach unpack the double standards in how Americans view political protest, romanticizing resistance in France while condemning it at home. They also discuss Todrick Hall’s Off-Broadway musical Midnight and the complexities of telling stories centered on enslavement. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.”
#284
October 16 · 43 min
The Ancient Greeks Would Have Loved WAP (with Emily Wilson)
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach talk with classicist and translator Emily Wilson about her book Crossing the Wine-Dark Sea, the “Roman Empire” trend, and the art of translation.
#283
October 14 · 52 min
America's Death Cult (with Ari Shapiro)
On this episode of Vibe Check, Zach talks with journalist Ari Shapiro about America’s relationship with death, the politics of public executions, and how to balance a thriving career with a creative life. Plus, they share their picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.” You can catch Ari hosting Engagement Party, streaming on CNN and wherever you get your podcasts!
#282
October 9 · 43 min
An Autumn Witchual
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach sit down with Pam Grossman—writer, curator, and teacher of magical practice and history—to explore what it means to be a witch, what magic really is, and why creativity might be its own kind of magic. Pam’s show, Witch Wave Live at Littlefield in Brooklyn, NY on Monday, Oct 26: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-witch-wave-with-pam-grossman-live-tickets-2001992815403?aff=oddtdtcreator
#281
October 7 · 59 min
Nobody Likes These People
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach discuss who gets to define power, and what that says about our culture. They discuss Vanity Fair’s “New Establishment” list, then turn to the comfort media they reach for when the world gets a little too chaotic. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.” ------------------------------------------------------ Saeed’s Poem: “Nude II” by Shira Erlichman
#280
October 2 · 41 min
The World Was Never Straight
On this episode of Vibe Check, Zach sits down with award-winning playwright and performance artist Taylor Mac to talk about their new book, Bark of Millions, why art is political, the importance of making queerness visible in all spaces, and much more.
#279
September 30 · 59 min
Rape Culture Has a Group Chat
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach unpack Cornell University gang rape case. Then, they get into the viral Massachusetts lesbian bar story. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.” ------------------------------------------------------ Saeed’s Poem: “Untitled” by Pat Parker
#278
September 25 · 48 min
Wait, Are All Movies About Grief?
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach put a theory to the test: Is every great movie and TV show really about grief? ------------------------------------------------------
#277
September 23 · 50 min
The Hasan Piker Problem
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach unpack the recent backlash against popular progressive streamer Hasan Piker. Then, in light of the Ed Sheeran controversy, they discuss artists who aren't afraid to take a stand. Plus, they share their latest picks for "the vibes are on" and "the vibes are off." ------------------------------------------------------ Saeed’s Poem: Legacies by Nikki Giovanni ------------------------------------------------------
#276
September 18 · 42 min
The Skies Are Not So Friendly
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach swap their best and worst travel stories, reflect on how 9/11 permanently changed the experience of flying, and share two unforgettable surprise celebrity encounters that left a lasting impression.
#275
September 16 · 56 min
The AI Apocalypse Is a Distraction
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach are joined by computer scientist and AI expert Timnit Gebru to talk about AI and why the future doesn't have to end in human extinction. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.” You can order Timnit Gebru’s book: Deep Unlearning: The Rise of AI and the Radicalization of a Tech Idealist ------------------------------------------------------ Saeed’s Poem: “The Dress” by Hieu Minh Nguyen
#274
September 11 · 55 min
Everybody Can’t Be a Star
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach are joined by Christiana Mbakwe Medina, host of Pop Culture Syllabus. They talk about why gossip is a social technology, the difference between stars, famous people and celebrities, and how the runway has expanded far beyond fashion week.
#273
September 9 · 1 hr
Rivals Make Better Lovers (featuring Rachel Reid)
On this special live episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach sit down with New York Times Best-Selling author Rachel Reid, author of the Game Changers series and creator of Heated Rivalry, to talk yearning, the fandom, and what’s next for the world of Heated Rivalry. Plus, François Arnaud makes a surprise appearance, and a little tea gets spilled along the way.
#272
September 4 · 41 min
When Did Eating Get So Complicated?
On this episode of Vibe Check, Zach sits down with registered dietitian Jessica Wilson to discuss food culture, the "MAHA" movement, peptides, and the conversations shaping the way we think about health and nutrition. Follow Jessica Wilson on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicawilson.msrd
#271
September 2 · 50 min
The Wheels Are Falling Off
On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach unpack the recent wave of food recalls and food safety scares. Then, they dive into the conversation around John Galliano and the backlash surrounding the Met Gala. Plus, they share their latest picks for “the vibes are on” and “the vibes are off.” ------------------------------------------------------ Saeed’s Poem: “The Peace of Wild Things” by Wendell Berry

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