Vibe Check

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

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

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

A listener-picked conversation probes the ethics and endurance of true crime. They debate how history, class, gender, and spectacle shape which stories get told. A deep look at HBO’s Murder in Glitter Ball City examines media intrusion, sexuality, and community dynamics. Short recommendations and reflections close out the discussion.

They unpack the chaotic White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting and why the media reaction felt predictable and fraught. They shift to celebrity relationship drama after Megan Thee Stallion’s breakup announcement and explore trust, sports culture, and accountability. They close with quick culture picks, critiques of corporate behavior, and a reflective poem reading.

They unpack diet culture, body anxiety, and the politics of appearance. They connect dieting and aesthetics to control, policy, and militarized standards. Conversations cover drugs shaping beauty norms and gay men's summer body pressures. Race, desire hierarchies, gym subcultures, and travel frustrations also come up.

They tackle the rise of intimate partner violence against women of color and the chilling effects on campus activism. They unpack the D4vd murder allegations and patterns of celebrity protection. They call out Vogue for renaming an afro and trace cultural erasure and monetization of Black creativity. They finish with quick takes on influencer drama, Drag Race controversies, and a closing poem pick.

They dig into how to recognize when a risk is actually worth taking and share bold career leaps that reshaped their lives. Conversation covers mentors who catch you during transitions and how community fuels courage. They trade stories about spontaneous romantic leaps and the signs of mutual enthusiasm. They also discuss spotting when it is time to leave toxic work before it breaks you.

They debate the politics and influencer takeover of Coachella, from ticket prices to headliner staging and brand activations. They unpack astronaut pay and the mismatch between heroic feats and modest federal salaries. They dig into “competency porn,” why skilled teamwork thrills us, and how that shows up in TV and film. They close with quick picks for what vibes are on and what vibes are off.

They riff on literal and metaphorical spring cleaning, from closet purges to quitting endless scrolling. Conversations cover when to let friendships fade and how to set boundaries. They debate separating art from artist and share rules for what to keep. They also talk about organizing reading piles and how seasons shape creativity and activism.