Some podcasts are too good to be true and this is one of them. You get news, culture, friendship and chuckles all in one. Thank y’all for this podcast.

This podcast is so much more than a pop culture podcast. It’s a fun mesh of voices and ideas, effortlessly guiding you through even the most challenging topics. The chemistry between the hosts is undeniable, their rapport a dance of intellect and humor. But you never feel like an outsider; you’re part of the laughter and heartfelt moments. As if we’re all BFFS in a cozy gathering, venting over a fireplace and wine (or a beach and piña colada, depending on your vibe) Just as I wish the best for my closest friends in real life, I extend the same heartfelt wishes to Sam, Saeed and Zach, hoping all their dreams come true, for they truly deserve every success. I promise I’m not having some weird parasocial relationship here. This podcast has been my companion during my loneliest of times and Im eternally grateful. Give it a listen, and I promise, you won’t regret it.

I have enjoyed this podcast for all the reasons others stated. However, I think they should stop giving listener advice. The nuance and empathy and thoughtfulness that characterizes their discussions on cultural and political and social topics doesn’t extend into their understanding of personal relationships. The depth gives way to a smug self-satisfaction that has taken my breathe away a couple times in how it contrasts with the rest of the show’s vibe. Also, I think San gets picked on too much. Sometimes it feels just plain mean, rather than a good-natured roast among friends.

this is one of the only podcasts where i listen to every episode as they drop rather than all at once for background when i’m doing something boring. if i heard one of their voices out in the world it would be very hard for me to resist immediately talking to them as if they were a close friend. thank you for the joy!

I’m very late to this party: I heard Sam on an episode of The Big Flop and was intrigued so I thankfully found my way here. I love the very smart, relevant, and thoughtful discussion….and absolutely my kinda humor! Definitely going to follow and tell a friend 🩷

boooooring

Saeed, Zach, and Sam are so smart, funny, and full of heart. I love their frank conversations, their honesty with each other and their listeners, and the variety of topics they cover each week.

This has quickly become my favorite podcast. Every host brings something I admire to the table. These three make me laugh and also think deeply while keeping me up to speed on all things pop culture.

I love how thoughtful, empathetic, and insightful these three are. Listening is the best part of my week. It’s a joy to listen to these three distinct voices talk about their lives, the world, and how we move through it all. Every episode gets me thinking and inspires great conversations with the people in my life—I couldn’t ask for more from a podcast!

Love because they give me hope, inspiration, personality, perspective and keep me up to date on the toughest news in a way that doesn’t burn me out. Hate because I embarrassed myself on a crowded bus was laughing so hard.

After Sam’s show was canceled, I searched his name to see what other shows that he was a guest on. Love the conversations on Vibe Check. Love that you unapologetically speak about what is happening in Palestine whereas other pop culture podcasts seem to have some sort of self censoring going on. Keep up the great work. Side note, Sam thank you for 3 ingredient spaghetti sauce, I made it and it was delicious.

2 of 3 hosts are top-tier journalists and top-tier podcast talent, but the show could use some differing opinions. The constant agreement is a snoreeee.

My very first podcast review is dedicated to the ladies—thank you Sam, Zak and Saeed! As I angrily refreshed my feed, impatiently waiting for my Monday episode, I realize how much I rely on these smart, thoughtful conversations. More please!

Came for Sam, when I had a sudden realization that his voice and positive energy were missing from my life. Binged all of the back catalog because I love hearing what all three of the hosts have to say. Funny, insightful, silly, thought-provoking, and always current, this podcast has quickly become one of my “must listens.” But again…Sam Sanders. No need for anything more.

I was a Sam stan from “It’s Been a Minute” days, and finding Vibe Check was such a delight. These 3 are smart, funny, and so fun. They bring me culture, current events, politics, and social justice-often in the same episode. Give them a listen, you won’t regret!

Vibe Check podcasts rarely last long in my queue because I could listen to this trio talk no matter what time of day or what I’m doing. I’m always impressed with the level of friendship and compassion on display between Sam, Saeed, and Zach—which is itself a refreshing break from so much one-upmanship and criticism in media. And then, whether they’re talking about pop culture, Palestine, or new puppies, they bring a level of compassion and curiosity to every topic in a 100% conversational tone that welcomes everyone in to listen. Thank you all for bringing joy to my ears!

What a beautiful interview, ladies!! Vibe Check is my fave podcast, and the addition of Hey Sis just takes it to the next level. Amazing people, stellar conversations, awesome podcast - every episode is a ‘don’t miss’!!

I’ve always adored these three and genuinely enjoy this show so very much. Then they took it to the next level with March’s series “Hey, Sis”. Thanks for my favorite podcast!

The Morgan Parker poem Saeed read on this episode was incredible. Great non traditional Oscar discussion.

Most Heart-Rocking Voice - Saeed Jones Listening to you read Nancy Meyers and My Dream of Whiteness by Morgan Parker while standing alone in my kitchen was a moment for me. Thank you.

My favorite podcast and friendship goals 💞 I laugh, learn, and raise my vibration. It’s perfect 🔟🔟🔟

I’ve never felt more seen and comfortable listening to a podcast. It’s also exceedingly entertaining and I take so many ideas from my three new friends to explore and work into my thinking and everyday conversations with humans. Don’t make fun of me and my parasocial relationships with these creators.

I adore ur humor & cleverness, but ever since u began commenting on the politics of Israel/Palestine; u have demonstrated a bias that’s so obvious it’s difficult to ignore. Take heart to what my Rabbi said: “the best way that we can advance a just future for all people is not by choosing sides and entrenching in false binaries, but actually lifting up, amplifying and resourcing.” I love you,Sam. Really. Lia

Found this pod when Sam’s “Into It” was cancelled- mistake. Bright side, led me to this gem.

My new favorite pod! I check this one first for new episodes. Saeed, Zach and Sam obviously like each other and this feels like eavesdropping on a conversation you wish you were part of. Thoughtful discussion of current affairs, pop culture and a badly needed "Hey---how are you doing?" I miss Sam on 'Its Been A Minute' but this more than makes up for that.

Incredible to see how one podcast has lost the plot so quickly. This used to be a weekly ritual and healing balm for me. Most recent episodes make it quite clear that the hosts do nothing more then come here to comment or complain on how bad the world has gotten without changing any of their personal actions. From whining about small inconveniences of life in LA, to bragging about flying all over the world all the time, to defending consistent viewing and adding to the ratings of SNL, to the most recent listener letter response which was completely unacceptable. I have unsubscribed. This is capitalism in black queer clothing.

Vibe Check talks about things I want to talk about and things I don’t know I want to talk about. They are both fierce AND gentle, deeply pensive and serve hot takes. Unapologetically a fangurl cheering 📣 y’all on! Gooooooo Vibe Check 🥳

I look forward to every episode. The chemistry among podcasters is outstanding. I have followed Sam Sanders through his journey and believe that the journey to Vibe Check was pre determined. The stories, the vibe, the laughter and realness is refreshing. Can’t wait for the next live show in NYC :).

This is such a warm yet smart podcast. It’s just a happy place for me to land every time. Thank you, lovely hosts!

This show is a morning cup of coffee for my soul. It keeps me informed and encourages me to think. Its like I am hanging out with friends every morning before I start my day. I share this show with everyone I know because there is no gate keeping around here. I found this show after listening to Into it with Sam and I wasn’t ready to let him go when the show ended. So glad I get to continue listening now with Saeed and Zach too! Y’all are awesome, thanks for all you do!

Vibe Check is really what I turn to right now to give me life. Love the new “Hey,Sis” and I relistened to the last 10 minutes of the interview with Audie Cornish to give me an extra boost of hope this morning. Thank you!

Vibe Check quickly became one of the podcasts that I look forward to every week. I’ve listened to Sam for awhile on previous podcasts and I was familiar with Saeed from social media and his memoir. Zach is new to me, but I just love each of them individually and the combination of all three is a delight.

This is hands down my favorite podcast. I came in mostly just knowing Saeed Jones' beautiful work and have been thoroughly enjoying the trio and their episodes since the moment I started listening. A highlight of my week! Coming together in friendship, care and intellect to take in the world's turnings with critical and loving eyes is just what we need.

One of my favorite things to listen to ... and let me just say, pop culture is not really one of my 'things' but Sam, Zach, and Saeed somehow manage to make it so! Love their thoughts & analyses on all things pop and otherwise, on poetry, literature, on politics, on life. And they funny. I mean, it's perfection. Thanks y'all.

I’m an academic librarian that works in a small oh so SMALL town 9 months out of the year. I found you on my annual roadtrip from Washington state to Florida. Oh. You saved my mind. I was smiling. Lord, I was feeling it. My mom had just died. Your podcast on grief, I was there with you. I love how you discuss all the arts even love. There are few places to tap into poetry like this that’s so lively and connects with wonder and warmth. I love you all. The friendship you have is one I yearn for. Thank you for modeling smart, vulnerable adult friendship.

My week isn’t complete without this thoughtful take on recent events—the heavy, the silly and everything in between. The 3 voices in this podcast are a perfect balance of perspectives. Always come away with new insight and a great quote to text to friends (or repeat to myself when I need calm…or a laugh!). And, POETRY!

I don’t usually like podcasts that are just people talking, but these three gentlemen are smart, charismatic, kind, funny, curious…all the things I look for in friends. I look forward to seeing a new episode in my cue. Keep I going sisters!

This is one of my “must listen to” podcasts every week. I appreciate the thoughtfulness, intentionality, and good humor that these three wonderful humans bring. This podcast feels like a gif.

Sometimes they have me laughing, other times I’m in tears but this show is an absolute treasure!

I look forward to every Wednesday because I know there’s going to be a new Vibe Check episode. I love this trio and the three parts to their episodes — a check in, a discussion, and then thoughtful recommendations. While their characters are distinct (Sam the politico, Sawed the radical poet, Zach - with an h! - the artsy slightly more moderate one), their authentic friendship knits the whole thing together well. It’s a good balance. I love tuning in because each episode offers familiarity, something knew to consider, and a lot of laughs. Sam’s intonation when he’s making a joke reminds me of my best friend, and the jump in Saeed’s pitch when he’s cracking up is delightful. I’d recommend this podcast to anyone who used to listen to The Nod, Call Your Girlfriend, or For Colored Nerds.

I can’t really explain properly how important I think this podcast is. I’m 48, a white woman. I’m exhilarated to hear these three people and their takes on everything. It grounds me, it makes me laugh (especially Saeed “and you call yourself a Christian?!?” Jones). The podcast gives me a lifeline into what younger people are thinking, listening to, reading about, worrying about. I want to keep an open mind and not calcify into any beliefs as I get older, and this magical podcast helps me so much to do so. I tell everyone I know (not a lot of people because I’m kind of a loner) to listen and learn from these wonderful men. I love and respect all three of you so much!!

YumTASTic. That’s how I would describe this podcast. Everything I hope for: making good things, from a good place, and talking about what it means, is reflected in this masterful piece of cultural criticism, scholarship and organic inquiry. The hosts remind me of an iconic girl group: TLC, EnVogue, Spice Girls—they each have their own vibe, and when they come together, it creates this balanced bottle of AWESOME. “Heavy Negro Sigh” is my favorite episode yet. Listen to the segment at minute 31-48. It’s literally why I live. They really did it. It’s *good*. Thanks to Saeed, Zack and Sam, and everyone who makes Vibe Check happen.

...sisters I never had. Sam, Zach, and Saeed are as hilarious as they are deep. PS: The Life has been Life-ing episode is a god[dess]send.

This is a podcast that I listen to the minute it drops in my feed. I love Zach, Saeed and Sam’s conversations.

This show is the LIT-ERAL embodiment of “I contain multitudes”

I truly look forward to this podcast every week. It makes me think about various world/cultural events but also makes me laugh. I cannot recommend it enough!

Vibe Check is the best. Period, end of story.

This is the greatest podcast ever— no hyperbole. Intelligent, hilarious, thoughtful, and timely. I never want to mute this group chat.

Vibe Check is such an enjoyable podcast. It’s like going to lunch with three of your friends and catching up on the past week. It’s listening to the guys talk about current events and what’s going on in their lives. The podcast is always a joy. I look forward to listening to more episodes, and listening again to the past ones. I’ve learned so much and I get unique insights to subjects I had my mind set on. Like Ted Lasso said, be curious, not judgmental. Listening to Vibe check helps.

As a middle aged, straight, white soccer mom, I'm probably not the core demographic, but I routinely find myself laughing out loud or talking back to the pod (in public places, no less) because it is SO good. If you are not listening to this, you're missing out, period.