A weekly podcast where Sam Sanders, Saeed Jones, and Zach Stafford make sense of what’s going on in news and culture – and how it all feels. Vibe Check is your favorite group chat, come to life. 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.
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Sam Knowles Podcasts
This is Use Your Words, a seasonal podcast featuring the voices and perspectives of middle school students. Each season, lovable, insightful, awkward middle schoolers craft episodes on topics they’re learning in English and history. While these student-led episodes form the backbone of our podcast, teachers Rebekah O’Dell and Samantha Futrell introduce and conclude each season with episodes designed to help other educators conduct similar projects in their own classrooms. The ultimate produc ...
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The Future of Branded Content Marketing and PR, is all about the latest in trends in content marketing & public relations. The tips and techniques that modern marketers are using to reach their targetted customers. How to do it, when to do it & how to measure it!
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Speaking with leading thinkers, designers, researchers and business leaders in gamification & health
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Join Steff and Jess for True Crime Tuesdays, where we dive into the lives of past serial killers and Spooky Saturdays, where we turn down the lights and get creepy with paranormal stories.
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Wherever pop culture and politics collide, Ira Madison III and Louis Virtel are on hand to examine the gorgeous wreckage from their uniquely queer perspective. Each week, our “Princes of Pop Culture” are joined by the likes of Michelle Yeoh, Hunter Doohan, John Boyega, Connie Britton, Gabrielle Union, and Sheryl Lee Ralph to unpack the latest controversies, laude character actress appreciation, and all the shade that’s fit to throw. New episodes drop every Wednesday.
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Champions’ Collective is a web3 platform reinventing the sports fan experience with your favorite athletes and teams across all collegiate and professional sports.
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S3E7: Sam Liberty<> Game Design on the Global Stage
32:36
32:36
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32:36Roll On Episode 7! We’re joined by Sam Liberty Sam is a consultant in Applied Game Design and an expert in gamification design for health. Clients include: Click Therapeutics, UNICEF, the International Red Cross, and the World Bank. Sam teaches Game Design at Northeastern University in Boston, and is the former Lead Game Designer at Sidekick Health…
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On this live episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach talk about Patti LuPone’s one-sided beef with Audra McDonald, conservatism on Broadway, and the worldwide “sex recession”. Plus, they answer a few questions from the audience. Special thanks to the team at WBUR in Boston! ------------------------------------------------------ “Leave It In, Sh…
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The Tonys, BET Awards and New Pop Releases with Benito Skinner
1:36:24
1:36:24
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1:36:24Ira and Louis discuss the Tony Awards, BET Awards, J Lo at World Pride, Gen Z trend pieces, and new music from Addison Rae, Mariah Carey, Sabrina Carpenter, and Madonna. Benito Skinner joins to discuss Overcompensating, translating millennial life to television, and more.By Keep It!
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Mother of Matriarchs featuring Ms. Tina Knowles
39:41
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39:41On this special episode of Vibe Check, Zach chats one-on-one with Tina Knowles about her family, her legacy, and her journey of self-discovery while writing her new memoir, MATRIARCH. You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.com We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], and keep in tou…
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Mission: Impossible & Miley Cyrus with Owen Thiele
1:33:23
1:33:23
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1:33:23Ira and Louis discuss the final Mission: Impossible, And Just Like That’s new season, Patti LuPone’s New Yorker profile and apology, WeHo Pride, Miley’s new album, Wear Whatever the F You Want, and Tennis’ farewell tour. Owen Thiele joins to discuss his pair of new shows Adults and Overcompensating, podcasting in the middle of the night, and more. …
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I Am the Fish Delish featuring Tim Miller
56:31
56:31
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56:31On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach talk to Tim Miller, host of The Bulwark, about Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill”, Andry José Hernández Romero’s wrongful deportation, and WorldPride 2025. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: SAM: OK Lady by Roman G…
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S3E6: Lisa Franke<> Accessible Games for Adolescents = Better Emotional & Mental Health
34:00
34:00
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34:00We've made it to Episode 6! We’re joined by Lisa Franke, CEO at Maxim VR Lisa has a background in design, marketing, entrepreneurship and social impact. She studied Design in San Francisco about a decade ago and has focused on creating technology that supports a healthier future for young people. Maxim VR was created around a powerful belief: young…
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On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach discuss Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis, and how his staff covered up his declining health. Then, they react to the Nottoway Plantation fire. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: SAM: Hillsong-core Playlist ZACH: Overcomp…
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Overcompensating & Cannes with Jake Shane
1:43:14
1:43:14
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1:43:14Ira and Louis discuss the Cannes Film Festival, Eurovision's winner, Overcompensating, Morgan Wallen, and internet cookbooks. Jake Shane joins to discuss his new tour, LA versus NY, and more. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube.com/@KeepItPodcast…
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S3E5: Jamie Bankhead<> Game Changing Policy
34:23
34:23
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34:23Roll on Episode 5! We’re joined by Jamie Bankhead, CEO at Konglomerate Games! Konglomerate Games is a video games company specialising in healthcare and other serious games development. They started with the project Cape Breeze, designed to encourage children with cystic fibrosis to do their daily physiotherapy routines, and in the last few years h…
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On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach discuss how Elon Musk is inflicting mass pollution on a Black neighborhood in Memphis, Tennessee. Then, they chat about new Netflix show, “The Four Seasons”. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: SAM: Andor ZACH…
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Pope Leo XIV & Drag Race with Rosie O'Donnell & Adam Rippon
1:51:11
1:51:11
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1:51:11Ira, Louis, and guest co-host Adam Rippon discuss Pope Leo XIV and their favorite Catholic films, RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, You’s final season, Netflix’s Madonna series, Cynthia Erivo’s Dracula, and Cooper Koch’s Calvin Klein ad. Rosie O’Donnell joins to discuss her new documentary Unleashing Hope, moving to Ireland, why she’s such a fan of pop…
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A Good Sermon featuring Senator Elizabeth Warren
33:29
33:29
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33:29On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach sit down with Senator Elizabeth Warren to talk about her political "conversion" story, President Trump's first 100 days in office, and some signs of hope to help us get through the rest of his term. Plus, what's keeping Sen. Warren's vibe right? ----------------------------------------------------…
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The Met Gala & Tony Nominations with Darren Criss & Juan A. Ramírez
1:56:11
1:56:11
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1:56:11Ira, Louis, and guest co-host Juan A. Ramírez discuss the 2025 Met Gala, Tony nominations and the new Broadway season, Make America Film Again, Trump cutting theatre funding, and more. Darren Criss joins to discuss his Tony nominated role in Maybe Happy Ending and how he manages to see every show on Broadway while starring in his own. Subscribe to …
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Always Bet on Black featuring Chioma Nnadi
57:37
57:37
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57:37On this special episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach give their takes on the 2025 Met Gala. But first, Zach chats with Chioma Nnadi, Head of Editorial Content at British Vogue and host of The Run Through with Vogue. They talked about Black dandyism, André Leon Talley, and more. ------------------------------------------------------ Loved Zac…
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On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach discuss Trump’s first 100 days in office. Then, they talk about the kick-off of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour, and dynamic concert ticket pricing. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: SAM: Sarah Vaughn’s 1981 Be…
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Lorde's Return and YouTube's 20th Anniversary with Jillian Bell
1:24:47
1:24:47
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1:24:47Ira and Louis discuss Lorde’s return to music, their favorite YouTube videos in honor of the site’s 20th anniversary, 10 Things I Hate About You the Musical, Terrence Howard refusing to play Gaye, and avoiding Cowboy Carter spoilers. Jillian Bell joins to discuss her directorial debut Summer of 69, how a Demi Moore movie helped her through a breaku…
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On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach chat about Ryan Coogler’s box office hit, “Sinners”, and the conversation it has sparked. Then, they talk about money dysmorphia and “boom boom” culture. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: SAM: Jay Jurden is …
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The Pope, Sinners & Time 100 with Tina Knowles
1:34:05
1:34:05
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1:34:05Ira and Louis discuss Pope Francis’ death, Sinners’ turnout at the box office, the Time 100 list, Kristi Noem’s stolen bag, and the Academy’s new rules for Oscar voters. Tina Knowles joins Ira to discuss her memoir, Matriarch. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at You…
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S3E4: Dr. Jacqui Nortje <> Reaching 700k people through Vitality Health’s ‘Active Rewards’
47:19
47:19
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47:19Roll on Episode 4! We’re joined by Dr. Jacqui Nortje to explore her work and game development at Discovery and Vitality Health. Jacqui plunged into the world of behavioural science in 2015, where her fascination with gamification took off. What started as a spark of curiosity became a full-blown passion, leading her to pursue a PhD at Wits Business…
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On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach discuss the Blue Origin Feminist Stunt and all things Coachella. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: SAM: G20 on Amazon Prime Video, and The Group Chat series on TikTok ZACH: ‘Dying For Sex’ (on HULU) starring…
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Coachella & Sports Movie Draft with Ellen Pompeo & Katie Nolan
1:29:37
1:29:37
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1:29:37Ira and Louis discuss Coachella and Lady Gaga’s massive performance, Katy Perry’s space race, and Cate Blanchett’s plans to quit acting. Katie Nolan joins to create the ultimate sports movie draft. Ellen Pompeo joins to discuss her new limited series Good American Family, playing Meredith Grey for two decades, and more. Subscribe to Keep It on YouT…
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If You Don’t Want to Be Edged, Get Out of My Bed
53:07
53:07
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53:07On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach discuss the stock market crashing, Trump's tariffs, and the #Handsoff protests that swept the globe on April 5th. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: SAM: Supremacy: AI, ChatGPT, and the Race that Will Change …
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The White Lotus & John Mulaney with Marsai Martin
1:19:05
1:19:05
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1:19:05Ira and Louis discuss The White Lotus finale, John Mulaney and talk shows, Val Kilmer, RHOA, and the best movie franchises. Marsai Martin joins to discuss G20, working with icons like Viola Davis and Regina Hall, and more. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community events. Find us there at YouTube…
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S3E3: Dr. Amy Duncan <> Making Players the Hero of their Journey in Therapeutic Games
45:26
45:26
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45:26We’re already at Episode 3! In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Amy Duncan to explore her work and game development at Sea Monster Impact Games Studio. Amy has a PhD in Neuropsychology and is a registered Neuropsychologist with a strong background in education and academia. She is hugely passionate about using games to drive learning and behaviour…
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On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about season three of “The White Lotus", and the “sin” of empathy. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: SAM: This American Life - Heretics ZACH: The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson by Tourmaline [Pre-…
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The Studio, Avengers Doomsday, & Pop the Balloon with Elisabeth Moss & Jay Jurden
1:32:52
1:32:52
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1:32:52Ira and guest co-host Jay Jurden discuss the Avengers: Doomsday cast, Apple TV+'s new comedy The Studio, Urban Outfitters dipping into Black Y2K fashion, Morgan Wallen's SNL tantrum, Elon Musk meddling in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election; and Pop the Balloon, Kill Tony, and the YouTube to TV series pipeline. Elisabeth Moss joins to discuss the …
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On this episode of Vibe Check’s mini-series - Hey, Sis: A Vibe Check Series, Zach has a chat with writer, activist, and filmmaker, Tourmaline. They talk about her new book, “The Joy and Defiance of Marsha P. Johnson”, finding your worth in history, the current state of trans rights, and more. You can find everything Vibe Check related at our offici…
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On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about the impact of economic protests, fitness influencer culture, and the social trend of disordered living. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: SAM: The Sam Sanders Show ft. Torrey Peters // The Residenc…
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Selena Gomez, Benny Blanco & The White Lotus with Rosamund Pike
1:26:32
1:26:32
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1:26:32Ira and Louis discuss Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco's joint album, Tate McRae's tour, The White Lotus, The Residence, Lizzo's comeback, and Slayyyter teaming up with Azealia Banks. Rosamund Pike joins to discuss the new season of her Prime Video series The Wheel of Time, moving between screen and audio roles, and more. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTu…
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S3E2: Sam Knowles <> Story Telling and non-Digital Games Influencing Patient-Centered Drug Development Decision Making
45:37
45:37
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45:37Roll on episode 2! In this episode we’re joined by Sam Knowles to explore his work with Novartis is developing games to encourage staff to think through the many facets involved in pharmaceutical drug research, development and delivery from patient and stakeholder perspectives. Sam is the Chief Data Storyteller at Insight Agents and the author of t…
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On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach talk about America’s current relationship with the world, and what may be the start of a Democratic civil war. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. Recommendations: SAM: Stag Dance by Torrey Peters + Black Bag (the movie) ZACH: Adolescence on Netflix SAEED: Poem for the Reader by Al…
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Snow White & Sex Work Onscreen with Nathan Lane and Jeffery Self
1:27:42
1:27:42
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1:27:42Ira and Louis discuss Ira's tenure on The Floor, the drama surrounding Snow White, the chilling new series Adolescence and ticket prices for Othello on Broadway. Jeffery Self joins them to discuss the best portrayals of sex workers in film, his own history as a sex worker, and his new memoir Self-Sabotage: And Other Ways I've Spent My Time. Nathan …
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On this episode of Vibe Check’s mini-series - Hey, Sis: A Vibe Check Series, Saeed has a chat with writer and historian, Imani Perry. They talk about her new book, “Black in Blues: How a Color Tells the Story of My People”, the importance of self-regard, spirituality, and more. You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www…
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On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach discuss Mahmoud Khalil being arrested on the Columbia University campus. Then, they talk about the reality of a romantic future for young Americans. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: SAM: “Paradise” on Hulu ZACH: “W…
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Lady Gaga's Mayhem & Mickey 17 with Aja Naomi King
1:29:23
1:29:23
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1:29:23Ira and Louis discuss Lady Gaga’s new album Mayhem, Bong Joon-Ho’s Mickey 17, SXSW, The Traitors finale, Bruno Mars teaming up with Sexyy Red, and Meghan McCain’s tweets. Aja Naomi King joins to discuss her new series Grosse Pointe Garden Society, what she learned from Viola Davis and Kerry Washington, and more. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to c…
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S3E1: Dr. Alexander Fanaroff<>Gamification and Financial Incentives, Motivating More Movement for Healthy Hearts
39:50
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39:50We're back! Series 3 of Health Points is here. To kick off Series 3, we have an exceptional episode with Dr. Alexander Fanaroff, Assistant Professor of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. In this episode, we talk through Alexander's pioneering and insightful study: The Effect of Gamification, Financial Incentives, or Both to Increase Physic…
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On this episode of Vibe Check, Zach, Saeed and Sam share a few modern scriptures in front of a live audience at On Air Fest. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. Recommendations: SAM: A father's monologue in "Call Me By Your Name." SAEED: Imani Perry's new book, Black in Blues ZACH: Shortbus (the film) You can find everything Vibe C…
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This week, Ira and Louis discuss highlights from the 97th Academy Awards, including Conan O’ Brien, Anora’s sweep, Adrien Brody, Kieran Culkin, the James Bond tribute, the Quincy Jones tribute, the Wicked opener, and Mikey Madison’s shocking win. Then, Brenda Song joins to discuss her love story with Macaulay Culkin and her new Netflix series Runni…
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On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Saeed answer a few listener advice questions. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: SAM: Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway Album & Roberta Flack featuring Donny Hathaway Album SAEED: “afterwards the boys stand in the kitchen”…
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The SAG Awards & TV Moms with Melanie Lynskey & Emily St. James
1:43:58
1:43:58
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1:43:58Ira and Louis discuss the SAG Awards, Roberta Flack, The Hollywood Reporter’s Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni cover, the AI photo of Trump sucking Elon Musk’s toes, and their favorite TV moms with critic Emily St. James (author of the new novel Woodworking). Melanie Lynskey joins Louis to discuss the new season of Yellowjackets and more. Subscribe …
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On this episode of Vibe Check’s mini-series - Hey, Sis: A Vibe Check Series, Sam has a chat with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Caitlin Dickerson. They talk about Trump 2.0, what’s happening with the U.S. immigration landscape, and more. You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.com We want to hear fro…
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On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed and Zach discuss mass layoffs hitting the federal government. Then, they dissect a recently published letter from the New York Times, which poses the question: can dating women of color solve my racism? Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. ----------------------------------------------------…
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The White Lotus and SNL's 50th Anniversary with Sabrina Brier
1:35:39
1:35:39
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1:35:39Ira and Louis discuss SNL’s 50th anniversary, The White Lotus, RuPaul’s Drag Race, Variety’s 100 Best Performances, and America’s airplane crisis. Sabrina Brier joins to discuss her new audiobook That Friend, holding hands with Drew Barrymore, and more. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community e…
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Pure Innocent 2000s (Live from Boston!)
1:29:21
1:29:21
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1:29:21Ira and Louis return to the stage for a live show in the great home of our bro-iest actors, Boston. Louis grills Ira about writing Pure Innocent Fun, his first memoir-in-essays (on sale now!). Then Ira and Louis countdown the biggest moments of the 2000s, and they wrap it all up with a giant Keep It to Boston, and a few more Keep Its from the audie…
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Can We Talk About F*cking Eggs?! featuring Tim Miller
53:35
53:35
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53:35On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam and Zach talk to Tim Miller, political commentator and host of The Bulwark Podcast. They discuss “normal gays” for Trump, and why the Democratic party has seemingly not pushed back against Trump’s latest political moves. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. -----------------------------------------…
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The Super Bowl & Valentine's Day Watchlist with Yura Borisov
1:17:47
1:17:47
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1:17:47Ira and Louis discuss Kendrick’s Super Bowl performance, movies that make us believe in straight love, Seal's Mountain Dew commercial, and unfortunately, Kanye’s latest antics. Yura Borisov joins to discuss Anora, why he loves Forrest Gump, and more. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other community even…
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On this special episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach recap Kendrick Lamar’s Super Bowl LIX halftime performance. You can find everything Vibe Check related at our official website, www.vibecheckpod.com We want to hear from you! Email us at [email protected], and keep in touch with us on Instagram @vibecheck_pod. Get your Vibe Check merc…
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On this episode of Vibe Check, Sam, Saeed, and Zach talk about Elon Musk’s role in Donald Trump's presidency. Then, they discuss the ongoing case between Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively. Plus, a few recommendations to keep your vibe right. ------------------------------------------------------ Recommendations: Sam: My chat with Billie Eilish’s voca…
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The Grammys & Karla Sofia Gascón with Edward Norton
1:28:35
1:28:35
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1:28:35Ira and Louis discuss the Grammys and Beyoncé’s long-awaited Album of the Year win, Karla Sofia Gascon’s wild tweets, the Buffy reboot, and more. Edward Norton joins to discuss portraying Pete Seeger in A Complete Unknown, what Spike Lee means to him, and more. Subscribe to Keep It on YouTube to catch full episodes, exclusive content, and other com…
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