Podcast Summary: Forever35 Episode – "Vibe Check Drops In On Forever35"

Release Date: July 7, 2025
Hosts: Doree Shafrir & Elise Hu
Guests: Sam Sanders, Saeed Jones, Zach Stafford (Hosts of Vibe Check)

Introduction

In this special crossover episode of Forever35, hosts Doree Shafrir and Elise Hu welcome the hosts of the popular podcast Vibe Check—Sam Sanders, Saeed Jones, and Zach Stafford. This episode blends the self-care and humor typical of Forever35 with the pop culture insights and candid conversations characteristic of Vibe Check. Together, they delve into a myriad of topics ranging from climate activism and celebrity culture to the intricacies of friendship and the evolving concept of Americana.

Sponsor Messages

The episode begins with Doree Shafrir endorsing One Skin, highlighting their scientifically proven skincare products designed to combat aging at the cellular level. Elise Hu follows with a promotion for Gab, emphasizing their family-friendly technology solutions to manage teenage screen time. Additionally, advertisements for Shopify, NOCD therapy services, and State Farm are interspersed throughout the episode.

Transition to Vibe Check

At [03:53], Doree and Elise seamlessly hand over the spotlight to Sam, Saeed, and Zach. They introduce Sam Sanders as a talented interviewer and pop culture commentator, and highlight Saeed Jones's literary background and Zach Stafford’s involvement with the US Open Board. The hosts affectionately refer to each other as "ladies," setting a warm and engaging tone for the discussion.

Main Discussions

1. The Bezos-Sanchez Wedding and Climate Activism ([08:50] - [13:02])

The conversation kicks off with Saeed Jones expressing his fascination with the extravagant Bezos-Sanchez wedding, particularly critiquing its environmental impact. He shares:

"The fossil fuel emissions are damning to a place like Venice. So I'm happy they showed out." ([10:02])

Zach Stafford adds humor while critiquing the fashion choices:

"How do you make a Schiaparelli gown look cheap?" ([09:12])

Sam Sanders laments the contradictory presence of climate activist Leonardo DiCaprio at the event:

"It's literally doing everything he could to. I'm like, you're gonna be there, but you don't want us to know you're there." ([10:03])

The trio underscores the effectiveness of public protest in mitigating environmental damage, as seen when local Venetians successfully pressured the couple to relocate their ceremony due to excessive environmental degradation.

2. ICE Raids in Los Angeles ([13:02] - [15:48])

Zach Stafford shifts the focus to the alarming increase in ICE activities in Los Angeles, sharing personal experiences of fear and community impact:

"This is the first time in my life I've been having to make safety plans with people in my life." ([13:06])

Saeed recounts a distressing phone call from a friend during a protest:

"She was weeping on the phone and she's like, sam, are you safe?" ([14:40])

The hosts emphasize the pervasive fear and disruption caused by ICE raids, with Saeed noting:

"It's sad. The taco stands are gone. No one's leaving. So that's what's going on." ([15:38])

3. Entertainment Amidst Societal Tensions ([15:48] - [24:59])

Despite the tense climate, the hosts highlight lighter topics such as the new Love Island spin-off, Love Island Beyond the Villa, which humorously places contestants in East LA—a nod to the ongoing ICE activities:

"They are literally still on this island in Fiji, falling in love in real time." ([16:27])

Sam Sanders promotes the Vibe Check merchandise and upcoming Chicago live show, blending promotional content with personal anecdotes about maintaining community connections.

4. Reflections on Friendship and Time ([25:35] - [30:53])

Zach Stafford shares a poignant personal reflection on how distance accelerates the perception of time between friends:

"Time moves fast with distance. And I want there to be less distance right now in my life." ([28:07])

Saeed Jones echoes the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of valuing time spent with loved ones:

"I want every use of my time as much as I can to be what feels right with the people that feel right around me." ([28:50])

Sam Sanders adds to the conversation by advocating for deeper, more embodied interactions beyond digital communications.

5. Mindfulness and the Importance of Play ([30:53] - [41:28])

Saeed Jones recounts attending the Aspen Ideas Festival and moderating a panel on the art and science of play. He shares insights from Dr. Stuart Brown on how play is essential for resilience and community building:

"Play resets us. It builds resilience. It builds intelligence. It builds community." ([38:48])

Zach Stafford connects this to broader societal needs, linking the lack of play to increased violence and emphasizing its necessity alongside rest.

Americana and Cultural Reflections ([43:03] - [65:23])

As Independence Day approaches, the discussion pivots to the evolving concept of Americana, particularly in the context of Beyoncé's Cowboy Carter performance. The hosts analyze how Beyoncé’s reinterpretation of American symbols critiques traditional patriotism and reflects a more diverse, inclusive perspective.

Saeed Jones delves into the historical roots of American patriotism, highlighting the often-overlooked contributions of Black Americans:

"Black people built this country. We taught it how to be patriotic." ([58:58])

Zach Stafford introduces the term "Trad Pop Summer," critiquing the shift towards more conservative and traditional sounds in mainstream music and its implications for American culture. The conversation underscores the fragmentation of a unified American identity, favoring diverse and individualized interpretations of patriotism.

Sam Sanders further elaborates on the multifaceted nature of Americana, questioning the viability and desirability of returning to a monocultural display of patriotism. The hosts collectively advocate for a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of American identity, celebrating the freedom to express diverse cultural narratives.

Promotional Breaks and Recommendations

Interspersed with the discussions, the hosts promote Vibe Check merchandise, upcoming live shows, and encourage listener engagement through social media and Patreon. They also share personal recommendations:

• Zach Stafford revisits Brokeback Mountain on its 20th anniversary, reflecting on its cultural impact and personal memories tied to the film.

• Saeed Jones endorses Lizzo’s new album, My Face Hurts From Smiling, appreciating her embrace of authenticity and empowerment.

• Sam Sanders shares a poem titled "Tired of Love Poems" by Megan Fernandez, highlighting its emotional depth and relevance.

Closing Remarks

In the final segments, the hosts express gratitude towards their production team and listeners, reiterating their commitment to fostering meaningful conversations about self-care, culture, and community. They encourage listeners to engage with their content, attend live events, and continue the dialogue on Amercian identity and personal well-being.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Saeed Jones on time and distance:

  "Time moves fast with distance. And I want there to be less distance right now in my life." ([28:07])

• Zach Stafford on play and resilience:

  "Play resets us. It builds resilience. It builds intelligence. It builds community." ([38:48])

• Saeed Jones on Black contributions to patriotism:

  "Black people built this country. We taught it how to be patriotic." ([58:58])

• Zach Stafford on Trad Pop Summer:

  "Trad pop is about how pop music itself is beginning to sound very Christian, very traditional, very conservative." ([54:06])

Conclusion

This episode of Forever35 provides a rich tapestry of conversations that intertwine personal reflections with broader cultural and political commentary. By featuring the insightful perspectives of the Vibe Check hosts, the episode offers listeners a comprehensive exploration of contemporary issues, enriched with humor, empathy, and a deep sense of community.