Vibe Check Let Them Eat Cake
Oct 29, 2025
Saeed and Zach tackle the looming U.S. government shutdown and its impact on SNAP benefits, highlighting community responses and the complexities of welfare politics. They delve into the resurgence of Frankenstein films, exploring contemporary themes of creation, AI, and the moral questions surrounding them. The duo also shares their quick cultural picks in the 'vibes are on, vibes are off' segment and ends with an insightful reading of Kevin Young's poem, connecting its themes to the broader conversation.
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Episode notes
Haunted Roosevelt Encounter
- Saeed Jones recounts staying at the haunted Roosevelt Hotel and feeling a gloved hand press his mouth during the night.
- Zach Stafford identifies Marilyn Monroe as the hotel's rumored ghost, adding playful context to the experience.
Shutdown Could Have Been Avoided
- Saeed Jones says contingency funds exist to prevent SNAP from ending during shutdowns, so the cutoff is avoidable.
- He calls the choice to let benefits stop a move from cruelty toward annihilation for vulnerable people.
SNAP Recipients Often Work And Have Kids
- Federal data shows 62% of SNAP participants are in families with children and 38% work full-time or over 60 hours a week.
- The hosts use these stats to counter stereotypes that SNAP recipients are lazy or not working.
