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.
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Episodes

Super Bowl LVII and Dr. Peniel Joseph on Chauvinism in the Civil Rights Movement

Van and Rachel discuss Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime performance and other happenings around the big game (15:47). Then, Dr. Peniel Joseph is back to discuss the role of Black women throughout the fight for civil rights (42:33) and give a book recommendation (1:23:28). Plus, the government gets cagey about the shooting down of UFOs (1:26:37). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Dr. Peniel E. Joseph Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Vis...

Feb 14, 20231 hr 57 min

The State of the Union and Confronting Domestic Terrorism With Hawk Newsome

Van and Rachel discuss Joe Biden’s third State of the Union Address (18:58), as well as Stephen A. Smith’s relationship to Kyrie Irving (45:01). Then activist Hawk Newsome joins to give insight on the case of a Black Colorado rancher facing domestic terrorism from neighbors (57:44). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Hawk Newsome Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Feb 10, 20231 hr 46 min

Beyoncé and Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary

Van and Rachel react to Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ not winning the Grammy for Album of the Year (16:01) and discuss the 50th anniversary of hip-hop performances (28:17). Plus, Black History Month brings out the racists (41:16). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 07, 20231 hr 4 min

Hollywood Unlocked With Jason Lee

Van and Rachel are joined by Jason Lee: host of ‘The Jason Lee Show’ and CEO of Hollywood Unlocked. They discuss breaking celebrity news (21:50), working with Kanye West (37:00), and sitting down with figures from Chrisean Rock to Kamala Harris (48:11). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Jason Lee Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Feb 03, 20231 hr 19 min

Higher Learning: Live With Thought Warriors

Finally! In the podcast's first live event, Van and Rachel host a screening of Netflix’s ‘You People,’ followed by a Q&A with listeners about the film (:46), the Emmanuel Acho situation (11:32), and watching the NFL after the blackballing of Colin Kaepernick (31:41). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Feb 01, 202354 min

The Killing of Tyre Nichols

Van and Rachel react to the release of body-cam footage in the death of Tyre Nichols at the hands of the Memphis PD (17:46), the danger of strategies like the SCORPION unit (38:14), and responses from the likes of Jason Whitlock (52:23). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 31, 20231 hr 29 min

Ed Reed’s Exit, Plus Stephen A. Smith on Skip and Kaepernick

Van and Rachel discuss the latest out of Bethune-Cookman regarding Ed Reed and the football program (23:09). Then, Stephen A. Smith joins to discuss his book ‘Straight Shooter’ (42:15), his relationship with Skip Bayless (57:45), and the black-balling of Colin Kaepernick (1:06:50). Plus, Van digs into his love of the ‘No Jumper’ drama (1:35:11). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Stephen A. Smith Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...

Jan 24, 20231 hr 58 min

Uncomfortably Conversing With Emmanuel Acho

Van and Rachel react to Ron DeSantis and Florida claiming AP African American Studies “lacks educational value” (10:02), before welcoming the host of ‘Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man,’ Emmanuel Acho, to discuss uncomfortable conversations (27:45). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Emmanuel Acho Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jan 20, 20231 hr 28 min

Martin Luther King Jr., the Revolutionary With Dr. Peniel Joseph

Van and Rachel welcome scholar and author Dr. Peniel Joseph to discuss Dr. King’s evolution and the watering down of his legacy (6:21). Plus, Ed Reed goes off on Bethune-Cookman and HBCUs (40:48), and the LAPD faces scrutiny for the death of an unarmed Black man (1:04:14). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Peniel E. Joseph Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jan 17, 20231 hr 35 min

Calmatic Remixes House Party, Plus Biden’s Classified Docs

Van and Rachel react to the discovery of Joe Biden’s classified documents (7:59), and Chris Harrison’s first time addressing his exit from ‘The Bachelor’ (24:23). Then, director Calmatic joins to discuss his feature film debut, 'House Party' (35:19), plus a TikTok chef’s old tweets come back to haunt him (58:01). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Calmatic Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jan 13, 20231 hr 39 min

The Concessions of McCarthy, Plus Meek Mill’s Ghanaian Vacation

Van and Rachel discuss Kevin McCarthy finally being named speaker of the House (27:55), and the swearing in of embattled U.S. Representative George Santos (48:54). Then, Damar Hamlin heads back to Buffalo to continue his recovery (56:47), and Meek Mill shoots a video at the presidential residence in Ghana, controversy ensues (1:00:42). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jan 10, 20231 hr 25 min

The Guilty Verdict of Tory Lanez With Meghann Cuniff, and Anti-Blackness From the Diaspora

Van and Rachel react to the guilty verdict of Tory Lanez (7:07), before welcoming senior reporter for Law & Crime News Meghann Cuniff to break down the trial (35:28). Plus, Akon says Africans are better performers than African Americans (1:16:22). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Meghann Cuniff Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Dec 30, 20221 hr 56 min

Holiday Book Recommendations With Maiysha Kai

Van and Rachel welcome lifestyle editor of The Grio and host of the ‘Writing Black’ podcast to discuss her list of must-read books. Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Maiysha Kai Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 27, 202220 min

Trump’s Taxes, Plus Aaron Rupar: Banned by Elon Musk

Van and Rachel react to the release of Donald Trump’s tax returns (12:48) before welcoming journalist Aaron Rupar to discuss having his Twitter account suspended and the future of the platform (38:20). Then it’s time for a TikTok talk (1:04:53). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Aaron Rupar Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Dec 23, 20221 hr 41 min

Prosecuting a President, and the Life of P-22

he House January 6 committee approves criminal referrals for Donald Trump. What happens next (18:35)? Then, with the passing of the world’s most famous mountain lion, Beth Pratt is back to remember P-22 (36:04). Plus, a discussion about the differences between Gunna’s and Megan Thee Stallion’s legal situations (1:02:35). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Beth Pratt Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Dec 20, 20221 hr 42 min

The Tory Lanez Trial, and Did Gunna Snitch? Plus, Concern for Mountain Lion

Van and Rachel discuss the latest in the Tory Lanez trial (16:14), before welcoming rapper and podcaster Glasses Malone to react to Gunna’s plea deal in the RICO case (1:00:16). Plus, with the health of the world’s most famous mountain lion in question, conservationist Beth Pratt joins to discuss P-22 (1:15:04). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Glasses Malone and Beth Pratt Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/...

Dec 16, 20222 hr 2 min

Booing the Richest Man in the World, and Body Positivity With Kelvin Davis

Van and Rachel react to the Dave Chappelle’s crowd booing Elon Musk in San Francisco (16:11), and R. Kelly’s got brand new music (42:05). Then, plus-size model and fashion blogger Kelvin Davis joins to discuss body positivity and style (51:32), before a discussion about Skip Bayless (1:19:05). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Kelvin Davis Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Dec 13, 20221 hr 43 min

The Deion Discourse and Jackson State, Plus the War for “Woke”

Van and Rachel discuss the reaction to Deion Sanders’s decision to leave Jackson State for Colorado (27:43), and Ron DeSantis aids being pressed to define the word “woke” (1:05:04). Plus, Natalie Nunn of ‘Baddies West’ calls in for a quick chat about exploitation (1:09:59), then a discussion of the collection of slave memorabilia in light of a recent red carpet appearance (1:24:19). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Natalie Nunn Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Lear...

Dec 06, 20221 hr 44 min

'South Side' With Diallo Riddle and Kanye Loves Hitler

After welcoming Ashleigh Smith, the newest member of the pod, Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss LeBron James’s comments about the non-coverage of the Jerry Jones controversy (20:16), and Kanye West's praise for the author of 'Mein Kampf' (37:09). Plus, writer and producer Diallo Riddle joins to discuss his underground hit shows 'South Side' and 'Sherman’s Showcase' (54:04). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Diallo Riddle Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn mo...

Dec 02, 20221 hr 43 min

The Questionable Pasts of the Joneses: Jerry and James Earl

Van and Rachel kick the show off by remembering the lives of friend and music executive Hovain Hylton, and actress and pop star Irene Cara (12:46), before digging into a photo of a teenage Jerry Jones at a desegregation protest in 1957 Arkansas (28:09). Plus, an analysis of a 1968 video of James Earl Jones discussing Black women being “uptight” (53:45). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Nov 29, 20221 hr 25 min

Thankful to Have Jonathan Majors on the Podcast

Van and Rachel welcome actor and fellow Texan Jonathan Majors to the podcast to discuss growing up in Rachel’s hometown (2:04), his new film, ‘Devotion,’ and the true story behind it (17:51), plus why he doesn’t watch any of his own movies (27:32). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Jonathan Majors Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Nov 25, 202234 min

Gabrielle Union on ‘The Inspection’ and Empowering Your Children

Van and Rachel discuss Kyrie Irving’s return to the Brooklyn Nets and Black Hebrew Israelites showing up in support (22:34), before reacting to the tragedy at an LGBTQ club in Colorado Springs (35:24). Then, Gabrielle Union joins the show to discuss her new film ‘The Inspection’ and motherhood in the face of public scrutiny (46:46). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Gabrielle Union Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Nov 22, 20221 hr 58 min

Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Life As a TV Legend

Van and Rachel react to the fear and confusion surrounding the Poland missile strike (13:22), before discussing the mysterious death of Shanquella Robinson in Mexico (23:49). Plus, TV legend Malcolm-Jamal Warner joins to discuss his journey from child actor on ‘The Cosby Show’ to Grammy-winning musician/poet (36:27). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Malcolm-Jamal Warner Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Nov 18, 20221 hr 58 min

Kyrie and the Nets’ Stipulations, Plus the Midterm Elections Are Here

Van and Rachel discuss the list of requirements issued to Kyrie Irving to return to the Brooklyn Nets (9:32), before digging into the Democratic outlook of the 2022 midterms (34:25). Plus, Drake inserts himself into the Megan Thee Stallion–Torey Lanez drama (51:07), and a University of Kentucky student exposes her true racist self (1:22:43). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Nov 08, 20221 hr 38 min

Mourning Takeoff and Kyrie Irving Gets Suspended

Van and Rachel react to the news of Takeoff’s untimely death and the culture of mourning (5:13), before welcoming Jade Magnus Ogunnaike from Color of Change to discuss disinformation and holding Twitter accountable for hate speech (27:36). Plus a discussion of Kyrie Irving’s indefinite suspension (44:56). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Jade Magnus Ogunnaike Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Nov 04, 20221 hr 47 min

The End of Affirmative Action? Plus, a Kyrie Conversation

Van and Rachel discuss the Supreme Court hearing challenges to affirmative action in college admissions (13:45), and react to an intruder attacking Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi (32:53). Plus, Kyrie Irving addresses claims of antisemitism after posting link to controversial film (44:31). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Nov 01, 20221 hr 14 min

The Legendary Billy Porter, and Discussing a Hyperpartisan Supreme Court

Van and Rachel react to the Supreme Court becoming more partisan (18:46). Then, the award-winning and iconic Billy Porter joins the show to discuss support for LGBTQ media (40:35), and the intracommunity divide between straight and gay Black men (54:30). Plus, the McRib is back for the last time (1:28:29). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Billy Porter Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Oct 25, 20221 hr 39 min

Florida’s Voter Fraud Arrests, and Cheri Beasley’s Race for Senate

Van and Rachel discuss the confusion following arrests for alleged voter fraud in Florida (11:59), and an Arizona GOP candidate arrested for masturbating near a preschool (23:53). Plus, senate candidate for North Carolina, Cheri Beasley, joins to discuss her plan to represent the state (31:58), and a Massachusetts woman resists arrest with the help of hundreds of bees (1:05:43). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Cheri Beasley Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad ch...

Oct 21, 20221 hr 22 min

Free Speech and ‘Drink Champs,’ Plus Student Loan Forgiveness is Here

Van and Rachel react to the latest Kanye West appearance on ‘Drink Champs’ and N.O.R.E.’s ensuing apology (13:13), Jamaica banning the glorification of drugs and crime (42:35), and student loan forgiveness going into effect (55:48). Also, a conversation on the widespread increase in police budgets (1:03:34), and Van reveals he’s an animal secret agent (1:17:34). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoi...

Oct 18, 20221 hr 32 min

Alex Jones Pays, and a Conversation With a Thought Warrior

Van and Rachel react to Alex Jones being ordered to pay nearly $1 billion in Sandy Hook defamation damages (23:15). Plus, multimedia journalist and Thought Warrior Nicki Mayo joins to discuss the discourse coming out of the “All Lives Matter” conversation on the previous episode (34:03), Rachel does a peak ‘Legal Eagle’ breakdown (58:30), and a Mailbag centered on ‘literate culture’ (1:27:08). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Nicki Mayo Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more abou...

Oct 14, 20221 hr 46 min
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