Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay - podcast cover

Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

The Ringer theringer.com
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay dissect the biggest topics in Black culture, politics, and sports. Two times per week, they will wade into the most important and timely conversations, frequently inviting guests on the podcast and occasionally debating each other.
Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Discussing the Acquittal of Isimemen Etute With James Turk

Van and Rachel are joined by James Turk, the defense attorney representing Isimemen Etute, who was found not guilty in the beating death of a man he initially believed to be a woman (8:23). Plus, Michael B. Jordan and Lori Harvey breakup (1:07:47), Herschel Walker does press (1:31:39), and an update on ‘Mountain Lion Watch’ (1:36:51). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: James Turk Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/ad...

Jun 07, 20221 hr 46 min

Mass Shootings and the Challenge of Finding Hope

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the tragic school shooting in Uvalde, Texas (:14), before being joined by Guns Down America director Igor Volsky (30:15) to discuss pushing the Biden administration to live up to promises made (34:19), and attempting to find hope amidst the circumstances (48:11). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Igor Volsky Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 27, 20221 hr 30 min

Racist or Nah? Plus, Discussing the Spread of Monkeypox

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are back in studio to debate whether or not a Yankees vs. White Sox dustup was sparked by racism (16:11). Plus, concerns around monkeypox grow (39:32), Gunna is denied bond (48:56) and Trump shares post calling for ‘civil war’ (1:11:23). Host: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 24, 20221 hr 36 min

Peak White Mess, and Speaking for All Interracial Marriages

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to Nick Saban’s recent NCAA name, image, and likeness grumbles (11:59), plus the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team’s successful fight for equal pay (35:43), and Dr. Umar has RG3 talking about his favorite subject (43:28). Also, a Black Lives Matter update (57:03). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Jr. DM ‘Animal Games’ questions to @donbeachjr on Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/ad...

May 20, 20221 hr 29 min

Kendrick Lamar’s Return and the Indictment of Young Thug and Gunna

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the death of controversial YouTuber Kevin Samuels and the ensuing social media reaction (19:06), before digging into Kendrick Lamar’s ‘The Heart Part 5’ (37:11). Plus, is ‘Black Republican’ an oxymoron (1:06:40)? And the news of Young Thug and Gunna being charged breaks (1:18:22). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 10, 20221 hr 35 min

Overturning Roe v. Wade and Dave Chappelle’s Attack

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay welcome law professor Caroline Mala Corbin to discuss the Supreme Court leak and the potential future of abortion rights (13:31) before comparing Dave Chappelle’s assault to the Will Smith-Chris Rock incident (39:19). Plus, Drake hops in a wife’s DM’s (47:43) and Animal Games is back (1:00:54). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Caroline Mala Corbin Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham DM ‘Animal Games’ questions to @donbeachjr on Twitter Learn more a...

May 06, 20221 hr 15 min

Prayer in Schools and Playing Animal Games

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the Supreme Court case involving a high school football coach claiming the right to pray after games (14:12), Joe Biden considering student loan cancellation (39:50), and finally—let the Animal Games begin (1:04:34)! Hosts: Van Lathan Rachel Lindsay Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 29, 20221 hr 26 min

Mask Mandate Lifted, and Earning a Punch from Mike Tyson

Van Lathan and the Higher Learning crew wish Rachel Lindsay a happy birthday before discussing mixed reactions to the lifting of the transportation mask mandate (22:05). Plus, Mike Tyson punches a guy on a plane (31:45), DJ Envy and wife Gia Casey talk 10 years of faking orgasms (1:05:22), and a Black mayor declares April to be Confederates History Month (1:15:20). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoic...

Apr 22, 20221 hr 34 min

Cruel, Unusual Punishment, and Jesus at 30,000 Feet

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss an inmate’s choice of execution by firing squad (22:06) before switching gears and unpacking Megan Thee Stallion’s Coachella sneak peek (35:25). Plus, acoustic gospel hijacks a flight (57:21), and Kyrie Irving flips off Celtics fans (1:05:11). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Apr 19, 20221 hr 17 min

Sean K. Campbell Discusses His Investigative Reporting on Black Lives Matter

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by New York Magazine’s Sean K. Campbell to talk in depth about his investigative reporting on the Black Lives Matter Global Network Foundation (14:20). Then, Van and Rachel discuss Adam Schefter’s insensitive tweet about Dwayne Haskins’s death (1:04:18), Donald Glover’s self-interview (1:16:47), and more. Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Sean K. Campbell Producers: Trudy Joseph and Richie Bozek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastcho...

Apr 12, 20221 hr 37 min

Black Lives Matter Co-founder Alicia Garza Addresses Recent Controversy

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the questions surrounding BLM’s purchasing of a $6 million house (11:05), before co-founder Alicia Garza joins to discuss the accusations (32:18). Plus: Ketanji Brown Jackson is officially confirmed (1:12:04), then it’s Thought Warrior Mailbag time (1:32:43). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Alicia Garza Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Apr 08, 20221 hr 47 min

NFL Hiring Practices and Skip Bayless on the Black Woman Who Raised Him

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to Todd Bowles taking over for Bruce Arians as head coach of Buccaneers (28:46), before digging into the NFL’s changes to the ‘Rooney Rule’ (35:37). Plus, Skip Bayless reflects on being raised by ‘the help’. Our words, not his (54:07). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Apr 01, 20221 hr 43 min

Will Smith’s Oscar Night: A ‘Higher Learning’ Breakdown

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay go through a step-by-step analysis of Will Smith slapping Chris Rock before winning his first Oscar (3:45), plus Will’s ensuing apology (1:18:45). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 29, 20221 hr 45 min

The Confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson and a 2022 Oscars Preview

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Ketanji Brown Jackson’s historic confirmation hearing (22:57) before digging into Kanye West and the 2022 Grammy Awards (48:22), then give their picks for six Oscar categories (16:06). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 25, 20221 hr 46 min

A Conversation on Transgender Athletics With Activist Raquel Willis

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the controversy surrounding Lia Thomas’s achievement to become the first openly transgender athlete to win a Division I championship (18:27), before welcoming writer Raquel Willis to share her perspective as a trans activist (38:17). Plus, Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation hearing kicks off (1:05:56) and Maury finally gets to retire (1:20:07). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Raquel Willis Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more a...

Mar 22, 20221 hr 31 min

Howard U to Strike? Plus, Herschel Walker and the Theory of Evolution

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to news that Howard University faculty have threatened to strike (26:53), and discuss the presence of Papa John’s in Russia (53:12). Then, Herschel Walker gave his take on Darwinism (1:08:41) and Colin Kaepernick is ready to suit up (1:28:19). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Mar 18, 20221 hr 59 min

The Cult of Kanye and Isabelle Khurshudyan on the War in Ukraine

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to Kanye West’s latest online activity, including his threats to D.L. Hughley (18:56), before discussing ‘The Power of the Dog’ director Jane Campion’s trending weekend (32:52). Plus, Washington Post foreign correspondent Isabelle Khurshudyan joins from Odessa, Ukraine, to give us an update on where things stand in the Russia-Ukraine war (44:16). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Isabelle Khurshudyan Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn m...

Mar 15, 20221 hr 34 min

Ryan Coogler’s Run-in and Reactions to Jussie Smollett’s Sentencing

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss director Ryan Coogler getting mistaken for a bank robber in Atlanta (20:30), before reacting to Kim Kardashian’s tone-deaf comments about work ethic (40:41). Plus, Jussie Smollett gets sentenced (1:21:44) and some recent Emmanuel Acho comments come under fire (1:29:27). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Mar 11, 20221 hr 51 min

Gambling in the NFL and Brittney Griner’s Detainment

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the news of Calvin Ridley’s suspension for gambling (16:16), before discussing Brittney Griner’s arrest and detainment in Russia (36:19). Plus, Jemele Hill tweets about the belittling of Black women in podcasts (49:34), and we talk sticky bangs (1:02:37). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Mar 08, 20221 hr 25 min

Florida’s "Don’t Say Gay" Bill and State of the Union Reactions

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss President Biden’s first State of the Union address (14:39), before debating reacting to the casting news for the reboot of ‘White Men Can’t Jump’ (39:46). Then reactions to Breonna Taylor’s killer being found not guilty (56:43), and Florida’s "Don’t Say Gay" bill gets one step closer to becoming law (1:02:08). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Mar 04, 20221 hr 34 min

The Treatment of Africans in Ukraine and Steelo Brim on the Longevity of ‘Ridiculousness’

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss images of Africans experiencing racism while fleeing Ukrainian war zones (11:27), and react to President Biden’s Supreme Court nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson (40:39). Plus, ‘Ridiculousness’ cohost Steelo Brim joins to discuss the long-running MTV show and his ‘Wine & Weed’ podcast (53:34). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Steelo Brim Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adch...

Mar 01, 20221 hr 40 min

The Russian Invasion of Ukraine and DJ Akademiks on Misinformation

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the news of the Russian invasion of Ukraine (2:19), before welcoming Terrell Jermaine Starr, host of the ‘Black Diplomats’ podcast, to discuss what he’s seeing in Kyiv (19:50). Plus, the disparity between the WNBA and NBA is broken down (40:58), and DJ Akademiks joins to discuss his reporting of the Megan Thee Stallion/Tory Lanez case (52:12). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Terrell Jermaine Starr and DJ Akademiks Producers: Trudy Joseph and Don...

Feb 25, 20221 hr 38 min

Reacting to the Verdict in the Ahmaud Arbery Trial and Trying to Define Justice

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay first discuss their childhood churches (2:00) and then react to the guilty verdict in the federal hate crimes trial of Ahmaud Arbery’s killers (17:00). Next, they talk about Juwan Howard’s altercation after Sunday’s Wisconsin-Michigan game and what type of punishment that merited (36:00), before closing with a conversation about how we talk to our parents about sex (1:11:00). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Trudy Joseph and Mike Wargon Learn more abo...

Feb 22, 20221 hr 31 min

Talking ‘Jeen-Yuhs: A Kanye Trilogy’ With Directors Coodie and Chike

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Kanye West's troublesome social media activity (7:28) before welcoming ‘Jeen-Yuhs’ directors Coodie and Chike to discuss the evolution of Kanye in their new Netflix documentary (26:23). Plus, the NFL hires Loretta Lynch (18:18), and Eric Adams meets with drill rap artists (1:12:44). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Coodie and Chike Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Feb 18, 20221 hr 37 min

The Super Bowl Halftime Recap and a Talk With Timothy Ware-Hill

With Super Bowl Sunday behind us, Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay vent their distaste for the current state of big game commercials (8:05) before discussing the concern around drill music and a related rise in violence (12:25). Plus, the memorable halftime performance gets a recap (30:19), and Timothy Ware-Hill joins to discuss a problematic situation (43:02). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Timothy Ware-Hill Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. ...

Feb 15, 20221 hr 28 min

Analyzing the Biden–Crack Pipe Headlines and Anna Malaika Tubbs on Black Motherhood

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay break down the Biden administration’s harm reduction plan and conversations around the crack pipe headlines (19:08), before discussing new Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel’s response to questions about racial identity (48:34). Plus advocate and NYT bestselling author Anna Malaika Tubbs joins to discuss her new book, ‘The Three Mothers’ (1:01:37). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Anna Malaika Tubbs Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more abo...

Feb 11, 20221 hr 40 min

Is Joe Rogan Racist? And the Consequences of “No-Knock” Warrants

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay introduce a new segment, The Big Deal, just in time to discuss the controversy surrounding Joe Rogan and his ensuing apology (5:10). Also, Awkwafina issues a statement via Twitter (50:23), and a reaction to Amir Locke’s unnecessary death and the concept of “no-knock warrants” (1:15:43). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Feb 08, 20221 hr 35 min

Brian Flores Sues the NFL and Peter Rosenberg Talks Whoopi

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay bring in Black History Month with reactions to former head coach Brian Flores’s decision to sue the NFL for racial discrimination (17:09), before welcoming Peter Rosenberg back for a layered discussion on the Whoopi Goldberg controversy (42:04). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Peter Rosenberg Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Feb 04, 20221 hr 37 min

Rihanna’s Baby Bump and MacG on That Ari Lennox Question

Van Lathan & Rachel Lindsay react to the news of Cheslie Kryst’s unexpected passing (:11), before celebrating the big Rihanna and A$AP Rocky news (13:04). Plus a talk about ‘We Need to Talk About Cosby’ (32:12), then podcaster MacG joins from South Africa to discuss the fallout from his problematic question to Ari Lennox (39:47). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: MacG Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Feb 01, 20221 hr 29 min

A Conversation Across the Aisle With Tamika Hamilton, and Joe Biden’s Pledge

Van Lathan & Rachel Lindsay react to Joe Biden’s pledge to nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court (9:37), before Republican candidate Tamika Hamilton joins to discuss her congressional bid as a Black woman in the GOP (24:38). Then, a breakdown of Joe Rogan’s problematic conversation on blackness (1:09:56). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Tamika Hamilton Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jan 28, 20221 hr 34 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android