Vibe Check
Episodes
The World Was Never Straight
Playwright Taylor Mack discusses their new rock opera and book, Bark of 1000000s, which features songs inspired by queer figures from world history to combat cultural erasure.
Rape Culture Has a Group Chat
Hosts Saye Jones and Zach Stafford discuss the viral Cornell University gang rape case, analyzing the university's failure to protect victims and the role of student journalism in exposing the truth.
Wait, Are All Movies About Grief?
Hosts Syeed Jones and Zach Stafford explore the thesis that grief is the central engine of modern storytelling, arguing that major films like The…
The Hasan Piker Problem
The hosts discuss the political backlash against streamer Hasan Piker, criticizing MSNBC's interview for interrogating him rather than engaging with his consistent progressive views.
The Skies Are Not So Friendly
Saeed Jones and Zach Stafford vent about the current state of air travel, discussing how climate change, federal policy, and airline cuts have turned airports into sites of stress and humiliation.
The AI Apocalypse Is a Distraction
Vibe Check hosts Saeed Jones and Zach Stafford interview computer scientist Timnit Gebru, who exposes the eugenicist roots and marketing tactics behind AI doomsday narratives.
Everybody Can’t Be a Star
Christiana Medina joins Sae Jones and Zach Stafford to discuss the power of gossip as a survival tool and her framework distinguishing stars, famous people, and celebrities.
Rivals Make Better Lovers (featuring Rachel Reid)
Hosts Saeed Jones and Zach Stafford welcome best-selling author Rachel Reed to Vibe Check Live in Boston to discuss her Game Changers series and its adaptation, Heated Rivalry.
When Did Eating Get So Complicated?
Vibe Check hosts sit down with dietitian Jessica Wilson to dissect the "Make America Healthy Again" movement and its dangerous impact on public health.
The Wheels Are Falling Off
The hosts discuss widespread food recalls linked to cyclospora and salmonella, criticizing the administration’s handling of FDA and CDC staffing cuts.
We Love You, Dolly
Hosts Sye Jones and Zach Stafford welcome Brittany Luse to discuss the cultural impact and universal appeal of Dolly Parton.
Play That Harp!
Hosts Saeed Jones and Zach Stafford discuss the controversy surrounding Donald Trump’s aide Natalie Harp, analyzing her influence and the political backlash.
The Vibes Are Open
Hosts Sy and Zach explore the summer surge in straight interest in polyamory and swinging, citing cultural touchstones like the film *The Invite* and *Love Island USA*.