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

The Mass Shooting Cycle and the Dwight Howard Allegation

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine (16:28), before discussing the new Speaker of the House (26:55) and former NBA All-Star Dwight Howard being accused of sexually assaulting a man (38:36). Later, the new Britney Spears memoir tells a cringey Justin Timberlake story, fo shiz, fo shiz (44:41), and a list of “bad” first date locations is debated (_:_). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your...

Oct 27, 20231 hr 18 min

A Mini-Episode on Difficult Discussions

Van and Rachel discuss the conversation around Shaun King and the release of hostages in the Israel-Hamas conflict (17:42) before talking about a CAA agent’s resignation after a social media post about Israel (32:02). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 24, 20231 hr 1 min

A Humanitarian Crisis, and Yung Joc vs. Lustful Eyes

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the humanitarian efforts in Gaza and the West Bank (19:38). They then dig into Yung Joc’s statement on performing before men’s “lustful eyes” (51:29), and talk about lawyer Sydney Powell pleading guilty and possibly flipping on Trump (1:02:27). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Oct 20, 20231 hr 23 min

Conversations on the Israel-Hamas Conflict

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by staff writer for The Atlantic Yair Rosenberg to discuss reporting on the Israel-Hamas war (8:52) before professor for peace and development at the University of Maryland Shibley Telhami joins to lend his expertise on the conflict (42:08). Then writer-producer Daniella Greenbaum Davis joins to discuss her response to the pro-Hamas tweet from BLM Chicago (1:02:18) and the relationship between the American Jewish and Black communities (1:15:44). Last and ...

Oct 13, 20232 hr

Subliminal Disses, McCarthy’s Ouster, and Sexyy Red’s Politics

Van and Rachel discuss lyrics from Drake’s new album and whether they’re meant for a certain star (9:28), before digging into Kevin McCarthy’s bad week (18:35) and Sexyy Red’s pro-Trump comments (30:22). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 06, 20231 hr 8 min

Understanding the WGA Agreement, and Kaepernick’s Letter to the Jets

After reacting to the most recent GOP debate (21:28), Van and Rachel discuss the end of the writers strike (41:12) and Colin Kaepernick’s letter to the New York Jets (1:06:27), before digging into a very Black father–centric mailbag (1:38:08). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr., Ashleigh Smith and Aleya Zenieris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Sep 29, 20231 hr 59 min

Mental Trillness With Juicy J

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay welcome hip-hop legend Juicy J to discuss mental wellness, producing classics, and wild stories after winning the Oscar for Best Original Song. Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Juicy J Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 05, 202343 min

Another Glitch from Mitch, and Coco Gauff Rightfully Goes Off

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the latest incident of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell freezing up in front of the press (21:51), before discussing the heat-related death of a UPS driver (42:35). Then, an argument on 'Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta' sparks a conversation on anti-Blackness (58:59), and Coco Gauff vs. Laura Seigemund ends in white tears (1:12:33). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visi...

Sep 01, 20231 hr 38 min

Tragedy in Jacksonville and America’s Obsession With Crime

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the racist shooting in Jacksonville (17:03) and the argument that Trump’s mug shot appeals to Black voters (44:30). Plus, a discussion about Keke Palmer’s post with Darius Jackson (1:03:50) and Rachel’s Apology Rating for a KFC ad campaign (1:05:41). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Aug 29, 20231 hr 17 min

Republican Debate Recap and the Cancellation of Cancel Culture

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the GOP’s first primary debate and the lack of Trump (17:58), before discussing the death of Wagner chief Yevgeny Prigozhin (45:53). Plus, Jennifer Aniston sparks a conversation around cancel culture (58:11), and an argument over the status of the Cowboys as "America’s Team" (1:08:39). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Aug 25, 20231 hr 23 min

Sage Steele and Biracial Identity With Marc Lamont Hill

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by activist, scholar, and media personality Marc Lamont Hill to discuss the Green Party, Dr. Cornel West’s presidential candidacy, and Sage Steele’s comments about being biracial (20:04). Then, a reaction to the shooting of a California shop owner over a Pride flag (1:13:51), and a preview of the Republican Presidential Debate (1:19:53). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Marc Lamont Hill Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn mor...

Aug 22, 20231 hr 29 min

Trump’s Fourth Indictment, the Truth Behind ‘The Blindside,’ and Van Watches Rachel’s ‘Bachelorette’ Season

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Van’s opinions on Rachel’s season of ‘The Bachelorette’ (15:43) and react to former president Trump’s fourth indictment (29:53). Then, a deep dive into the legal petition Michael Oher filed against Leigh Anne Tuohy, the lives of which were portrayed in the film ‘The Blindside’ (46:34), and Keke Palmer’s comeback to the Darius Jackson drama by posting a video that featured Usher (1:05:49). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and...

Aug 18, 20231 hr 23 min

The Latest on Hunter Biden, the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop, and Jamaican Massages

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the latest in the Hunter Biden drama and quickly look ahead to the 2024 presidential election (31:34), debate the viral Jamaican river massages (59:53), celebrate the 50th anniversary of hip-hop (01:13:55), and more. Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Chloe Clark and Richie Bozek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 15, 20231 hr 31 min

The Tory Lanez Sentence With Meghann Cuniff, and the Miseducation of Floridian Students

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Florida’s use of PragerU’s conservative education platform in schools (13:37) before reacting to Ne-Yo’s controversial statements regarding trans youth, after which he apologized but subsequently doubled down on his stance (38:54). Then, reporter Meghann Cuniff is back to talk the sentencing of Tory Lanez (51:38), before a discussion about Edward Blum and his efforts to fight against Black America (1:14:10), as well as politician Vivek Ramaswamy calling June...

Aug 11, 20231 hr 48 min

Fade in the Water and Jamie Foxx’s Apology With Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay welcome Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm to discuss the fallout and discourse following Jamie Foxx’s deleted Instagram post and ensuing apology (6:17). Then, they react to the Montgomery Riverboat Uprising of 2023 (1:05:46). Plus, support for Joe Biden from Black men comes into question (1:24:22), and they discuss the tragic, fatal stabbing of O’Shae Sibley for voguing at a gas station (1:47:53). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm Producers: Donnie Bea...

Aug 08, 20232 hr 9 min

Casting the White Version of 'They Cloned Tyrone’ With Director Juel Taylor

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the latest Donald Trump indictment, and give an update on Hunter Biden’s trial (21:21) before discussing the boost of Bidenomics (42:30) and a social media post that has people discussing vulnerability and dating (46:09). Plus, a reaction to the Errol Spence Jr. vs. Terence Crawford fight (1:10:41), before Juel Taylor, director of ‘They Cloned Tyrone,' joins to discuss the wacky sci-fi hit (1:20:31). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Juel Taylor Pr...

Aug 01, 20232 hr 6 min

Over the Hill on the Hill, and Ice Cube’s Ride Along With Tucker

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to Mitch McConnell’s frozen moment and discuss the elderly in politics (10:02), before talking Hunter Biden’s plea agreement being put on hold (30:13). Plus, Ice Cube’s ride along and sit-down interview with Tucker Carlson has the internet abuzz (40:53), and Shakirah Hill Taylor joins to discuss disparities in maternal health, and ways to overcome (1:04:54). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Shakirah Hill Taylor Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashl...

Jul 28, 20231 hr 57 min

Ron DeSantis and the "Benefits” of Slavery, Plus JasonMartin With the Hot Takes

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to Florida’s Black history curriculum and Ron DeSantis’s comments on the benefits of the institution of slavery (41:56), before addressing comments from Jess Hilarious on womanhood (58:11). Plus, rapper JasonMartin joins to discuss Compton; his new album, ‘I Owe Myself’; and whom he voted for in 2020 (1:16:09). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: JasonMartin Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcas...

Jul 25, 20232 hr 23 min

Errol Spence Jr. on Boxing's Tribalism and Taking On Terence Crawford

Van Lathan is joined by welterweight unified champion Errol Spence Jr. to discuss the upcoming boxing match with Terence Crawford (1:49), the racial dynamics of the sport (7:33), and the concept of protecting wins with selective fights (16:08). Plus, a look at the best and worst potential boxers in rap (24:22). Host: Van Lathan Guest: Errol Spence Jr. Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jul 22, 202336 min

Carlee Russell’s Disappearance and Adam Cohen Talks SCOTUS

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the investigation into Carlee Russell's disappearance and the epidemic of missing Black women in the U.S. (23:43) before reacting to country music artist Jason Aldean’s song “Try That in a Small Town,” and its ties to a painful history (54:12). Then, author and journalist Adam Cohen joins to discuss his new book, ‘Supreme Inequality: The Supreme Court's Fifty-Year Battle for a More Unjust America’ (1:02:10), and Sexyy Red causes controversy (1:32:16). Hosts:...

Jul 21, 20231 hr 53 min

Higher Learning Presents: The Summit of the Sexes

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are live at the Reparations Club in L.A. with friends Nina Parker, Shannon Stokes, Ian Spooner, and Walter “Geno” McGlaughlin to discuss the concept of "want" vs. "need" in relationships (6:35), personal stances on financial dynamics (28:26), and dating outside of your race (46:08). Then, the Thought Warriors hop on the mic for a quick Q&A (1:09:30). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Nina Parker, Shannon Stokes, Ian Spooner and Walter “Geno” McGlaughl...

Jul 19, 20231 hr 30 min

SAG Strikes and Tommy Tuberville Defines "White Nationalist"

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the Screen Actors Guild’s decision to strike (16:48) before discussing Senator Tommy Tuberville’s definition of "white nationalist" (44:55). Plus, Neil deGrasse Tyson speaks on “ghettofied” interactions (1:00:26), and a sea otter accosts surfers (1:16:15). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jul 14, 20231 hr 35 min

Jonah Hill’s Boundaries, and the Injustices of the Tulsa Massacre

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Jonah Hill's ex-girlfriend Sarah Brady releasing text messages between the two (20:03), before debating the tough-love parenting shown by Dwight Howard in an Instagram post (55:37). Plus, reparations are denied to the remaining survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Riots (1:10:26), and Van Lathan: Animal Agent laments the death of a Canadian black bear (1:26:43). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more abou...

Jul 11, 20231 hr 40 min

Keke Palmer’s Night Out, and the White Horse at the White House

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the online reaction of Keke Palmer’s boyfriend to her outfit choice at an Usher concert (18:52), before reacting to cocaine being found at the White House (55:03). Then, Marjorie Taylor Greene’s removal from the House Freedom Caucus (55:03), and India.Arie has thoughts on etiquette at Essence Fest (1:16:38). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoic...

Jul 07, 20231 hr 47 min

Michael Harriot and the End of Affirmative Action

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by journalist, author, and cultural critic Michael Harriot to react to the Supreme Court's ruling that strikes down affirmative action (4:11) before they switch gears and address a relationship story out of the world of ‘No Jumper’ (1:10:07). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Michael Harriot Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jun 30, 20231 hr 34 min

Russia’s Almost-Coup, and Melvin Gregg on ‘The Blackening’

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay welcome Murtaza Hussain, journalist for The Intercept, to help break down the Wagner Group’s coup attempt in Russia (6:10), before discussing the arrest of a 14-year-old and his mother after the shooting death of a man who had assaulted the mom (38:15). Plus, an update in the Jonathan Majors assault case (1:07:29), and actor Melvin Gregg joins to discuss ‘The Blackening’ and what place ‘Snowfall’ has in the culture (1:14:55). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Gue...

Jun 27, 20232 hr 6 min

The Sinking of the Titanic Sub, AI, and “God Save the Queen”

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the details on and public reaction to the missing Titan submersible (12:24) and the numerous bills that Governor Greg Abbott signed that affects trans, DEI, and labor rights (35:21). Then they talk about the fears surrounding AI with Nilay Patel, editor-in-chief of The Verge (54:46) before talking about Bill Simmons’s thoughts on Prince Harry and Meghan (1:36:32). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Nilay Patel Producers: Ashleigh Smith and Aleya Zen...

Jun 23, 20231 hr 53 min

Kemp Powers: Storytelling and ‘Across the Spider-Verse’

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by writer and codirector of ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ Kemp Powers to discuss the massive success of the film (1:22), being the first Black codirector of a Disney feature with ‘Soul’ (8:48), and scripting the stage play and film versions of ‘One Night in Miami’ (18:00). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Kemp Powers Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jun 20, 202333 min

The Defense of an Unwanted Kiss, and the Black Maternal Health Crisis

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to singer YK Osiris forcibly kissing rapper Sukihana and the online defense of the act (11:50), plus racist emails between Donald Trump Jr. and friend Gentry Beach being exposed in court (32:39). Then they discuss Black maternal health following the death of Olympian Tori Bowie (37:08), and the Supreme Court's latest ruling, which respects tribal sovereignty (47:32). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn mo...

Jun 16, 20231 hr 18 min

Digging Into Trump’s Indictment, and Melina Abdullah on "Cop City" in Atlanta

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay break down Donald Trump’s federal indictment for the mishandling of classified documents (18:27), before codirector of Black Lives Matter Grassroots Melina Abdullah joins the show to break down the "Stop Cop City" movement in Atlanta, G.A. (1:01:10). Plus, an incident at an airport calls the WNBA’s mode of transportation into question (1:15:43), and quick thoughts on the "Home Depot Girl" (1:28:36). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Melina Abdullah Produce...

Jun 13, 20231 hr 35 min
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