Vibe Check

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed and Zach talk about the cultural themes and trends that defined 2025. 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.

The hosts delve into the Trump administration's troubling decision to overlook World AIDS Day and its far-reaching implications. They passionately discuss the viral TV show "Heated Rivalry," highlighting its unique appeal and representation in the romance genre. Nostalgia for music videos and humorous banter about leftover reheating add a lively touch. A poignant poem reading for World AIDS Day wraps a thoughtful conversation about faith and loss, while exploring the complexities of empathy in policy-making.

On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam Sanders and acclaimed author Priya Parker talk all about her book, The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why it Matters. Plus, Priya answers some questions from listeners. ------------------------------------------------------www.priyaparker.com/vibecheck------------------------------------------------------ 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.

The conversation dives into the release of Epstein emails, exploring the internet's varied reactions. Saeed discusses the discomfort in joking about Epstein, considering survivors' trauma. They tackle the allure of conspiracy theories and their ties to broader societal issues. Tips are shared on dodging awkward holiday conversations, from avoiding hot topics to employing subtle diversion tactics. The hosts also highlight the importance of supporting survivors through community action, urging listeners to turn outrage into meaningful help.

Saeed and Zach dive into Thanksgiving's complex history, blending humor with candid insights. They share tips for organizing a successful Friendsgiving, from planning logistics to managing mixed friend groups. The duo emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries during family gatherings and offers advice on outsourcing challenging recipes. They also discuss ways to honor traditions while fostering collaboration among loved ones. Lastly, they touch on gratitude, hope, and handling grief, ensuring listeners are prepared for a meaningful holiday.

Chase Strangio, a prominent trans rights lawyer from the ACLU, and Imara Jones, a journalist and activist, delve into the cultural impact of Wicked. They discuss their personal connections to the story and how it resonates with queer audiences, linking Elphaba's experience to themes of race and marginalization. The duo explores the political resonance of the musical in relation to contemporary issues and strategies for activism. Their lively banter also touches on pop culture and self-care practices, blending humor with powerful advocacy.

In this engaging talk, adrienne maree brown, a writer and activist known for her work on emergent strategy and social justice, explores profound themes surrounding darkness and light in our lives. She distinguishes between creative and destructive darkness and critiques cultural fears shaped by colonialism. adrienne emphasizes the importance of community care, indigenous wisdom, and finding hope amid societal decline. She also provides practical steps for individual roles in change, encouraging listeners to embrace compassion and hidden acts of care for collective growth.

Blakely Thornton, a pop culture commentator known for her sharp insights, joins the discussion on the shifting dynamics of the Democratic Party, providing a critical look at their strategy during the government shutdown. They dive into the allure of 'hot criminals' in pop culture, exploring how societal factors romanticize outlaw figures and the consequences of this fetishization. The conversation also touches on the implications of TikTok culture on sharing risky behaviors, along with musings on the economic landscape and modern celebrity dynamics.

In an engaging conversation, the hosts explore the emotional rollercoaster of receiving a first big paycheck and the tangled web of taxes. They reminisce about cultural moments that illuminated their queerness through TV and music. The adventure continues with tales of solo travel mishaps in Europe, mixing excitement with comedy. Lastly, they reflect on unforgettable first experiences with marijuana, featuring comical overindulgence in Amsterdam. The mix of personal anecdotes and listener questions creates a vibrant tapestry of storytelling!

On this episode of Vibe Check, Saeed, Sam and Zach go live from Hollywood in The Ford venue where they share their stories about feeling fear for the first time. Then, they talk to author and educator Tananarive Due.  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.