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 (Attempted) Assassination of Trump and the Normalization of Political Violence in America

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay talk about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump during his rally this past weekend and the reactions from both the right and left. Then, they talk about Trump’s influence on the growth of political violence in America and what this situation could mean for the election. Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jul 16, 20241 hr 21 min

Impeaching the Supreme Court, Leaving Team USA, and the Discrimination of a Name

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay talk about Joe Biden’s pressure from the Democratic Party (08:20) and react to Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez filing impeachment articles against Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito (35:19). Then, they discuss Kawhi Leonard leaving the USA Olympic basketball team (45:48) and Jaylen Brown’s desire to be apart of that very team (54:48). Lastly, they discuss a legal case involving race discrimination and whether it will hold in court (1:11:...

Jul 12, 20241 hr 44 min

Biden’s Interview, Project 2025, and the Boldness of the Republican Party

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay talk a little bit about what they’ve been up to over the Fourth of July weekend, then get into their impressions of and the overall response to the Joe Biden ABC interview (13:10). They talk about how bold republicans seem to be getting () and their looming Project 2025 (38:36). After, they talk about Ryan Garcia’s expulsion from the World Boxing Council (54:30), then Van has a few words for Terrence Howard (1:06:57). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: A...

Jul 09, 20241 hr 20 min

The Jarring Trump-Biden Debate, Black Nepotism, and Jamaal Bowman’s Loss

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the show off with their reactions to the Biden-Trump debate, including the surprises, the lies, and troubles facing the upcoming election (02:02). Then, they talk about why the Lakers drafted Bronny James and instances of Black nepotism (49:52). Last, they bring back Mailbag Time and answer some of your questions (1:11:50). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jun 29, 20241 hr 31 min

Toxic Apologies, Trumpisims Are Back, and Mexican Representation in Ken and Friends

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the episode off by giving a quick statement on the BBI (11:27). Then, they talk about the passing of Florida rapper Julio Foolio, the aftermath, and the violence that affects youth in today’s climate (22:39). Last, they talk about DJ LA Eyekon’s comments about Mexican representation in rap (40:58) and the new batch of Trumpisms (55:10). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adch...

Jun 25, 20241 hr 27 min

Birdman Versus Books, Van’s Summer Era, and the Electricity From Ken and Friends

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to Birdman’s visit to his hometown to speak to inmates at Orleans Parish Prison and his comments on the inmates’ need for books (33:07). They also talk about the interest (or lack thereof) toward Verzuz's distribution deal with X/Twitter (42:30). Then, they go over the surprising new election polling numbers (54:19) and reactions to our Bible talk from our last episode (1:08:24). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about yo...

Jun 21, 20241 hr 30 min

To Smash and Dash, Maher’s Shock, and Black Folk Working "Five Times Harder"

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the show talking about the Biden and Obama event and the protest outside of it (08:48). Then, they talk about Bill Maher and Charlemagne’s interview and how Black people still have to be “five times better” (16:17) before they end the show by reacting to Terrell Lewis’ drama with an OnlyFans model (1:03:34). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jun 18, 20241 hr 30 min

Jonathan Majors’s Perseverance, How to Talk to Black Women, and Aliens Walking Among Us

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the episode talking about the Dallas Mavericks and some recent Supreme Court decisions (01:20). Then, they discuss whether Jonathan Majors is deserving of the Perseverance Award at Hollywood Unlocked Impact Awards (08:38). Later, they go over Hunter Biden’s conviction (23:55) before Van asks a question regarding how men talk to women (36:23). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jun 14, 20241 hr 21 min

The Fresh Prince Returns, Michael Chandler’s Comments, and School Choice With Camika Royal

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay talk about Will Smith’s return to the public eye and the Black community’s reaction to it (09:25). Camika Royal joins to discuss Jay-Z’s campaign to help underprivileged students, school choice, and the secret issue behind the assistance (40:51). Then, they react to Michael Chandler’s comments about his adoptive sons and his interview with Ryan Clark (1:22:41). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Camika Royal Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad...

Jun 11, 20241 hr 40 min

Kramer’s Apology, Trump’s Paused Case, and Blum One-Ups the Fearless Fund

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the show by talking about the NBA Finals and a tale about a recent urgent care visit (00:10). Then, Rachel gives an apology rating for Michael Richards’s latest interview with 'The View' on his racist rant from nearly 20 years ago(11:57) before they talk about the possible outcomes from the Georgia appeals court's indefinite pause of the election subversion conspiracy case against Donald Trump (31:51). Later, Van breaks down a Twitter/X interaction and then as...

Jun 07, 20241 hr 24 min

Trump’s 34 Charges, Slim Shady’s Return, and Talking ‘Babes’ With Ilana Glazer

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay talk about the 34 guilty verdicts against Donald Trump and what that could possibly mean for both the election and his followers (08:59). Then, they talk about Eminem’s latest song’s targets (21:11), and Caitlin Clark’s rough initiation into the WNBA (35:09). Lastly, they are joined by Ilana Glazer to talk her latest project, ‘Babes,’ and the importance of art in today’s political and sociological climate (51:56). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Ilana Gl...

Jun 04, 20241 hr 39 min

More Trump Misses, Drake’s New Defender, and Understanding the Airstrikes With Akbar Shahid Ahmed

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay give a quick recap on a few headlines that have captured their attention (08:24), before they are joined by Akbar Shahid Ahmed to talk about the recent airstrikes on Rafah and give more insight on America’s involvement in the Israel/Gaza conflict (19:33). Then, they discuss Drake’s latest defender (53:25) and ask an important question to our Thought Warriors: Can a man tell another man that he looks good? (1:04:42) Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Akbar S...

May 31, 20241 hr 24 min

Spending Memorial Day With Prentice Penny and Black Twitter

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay spend Memorial Day with Prentice Penny, creator of ‘Black Twitter: A People's History.’ They talk about his latest project and the internet’s reaction to Black Twitter events. Then, they go over the influence and cultural importance that Black Twitter has had in America. Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Prentice Penny Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 28, 202432 min

Amber Loves Trumps, Caitlin Clark vs. Rachel, and Apple Music’s Top Albums With Bryan-Michael Cox

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay kick off the podcast celebrating four years with the Thought Warriors before Van brings us a surprise topic (05:44). Then, they talk about the contradictory stance Amber Rose has for Donald Trump (15:17). Later, Bryan-Michael Cox joins the show to talk about the revelations and disappointments coming out of Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums ranking (40:43). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Bryan-Michael Cox Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad ch...

May 24, 20241 hr 48 min

Diddy’s Apology, Davis’ Side, and the Lack of Urgency to Help Black America With Rep. Jamaal Bowman

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the podcast with a discussion about their thoughts behind the emergency podcast and the lessons they learned from it (00:29) before giving their reactions to the apology posted by Diddy (28:09). Then, they are joined by New York Representative Jamaal Bowman to talk about his campaign and his frustrations with Congress (50:19). After, Glen “Big Baby” Davis joins to talk about his side of the story regarding his sentencing (1:25:29). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel...

May 21, 20242 hr 30 min

Butker’s Speech, Presidential Debates, and The Power and Service of Art with Rhymefest

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the show talking about the controversial speech Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker gave to Benedictine College’s 2024 graduate class and the NFL’s response (05:18) and the early showdown between Biden and Trump (23:03). Then, they are joined by Rhymefest to talk about the reason why he is running for the school board in Chicago, the problems within the school system after the pandemic, and the fracture of the infrastructure within the black community (50:26). Hosts...

May 17, 20241 hr 26 min

Mother’s Day, Graduation Protests, and Trump’s Hannibal Lecter Love

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the show by talking about how they celebrated Mother’s Day and how it was a huge day for the BBI (09:29). Then, they discuss the sizable student walk out during Jerry Seinfeld’s Duke University commencement speech (15:01), before Van addresses the sentencing of his cousin and former basketball player, Glen Davis (50:27). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 15, 20241 hr 27 min

New Legislation, a Shift in the Rap Beef, and a Visit From Mayor Sharon Weston Broome

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the episode by taking a moment to say goodbye to friend Darius Morris (24:04). Then, they get into the latest with Drake versus Kendrick Lamar and how this could be the end for the beef in total (27:20). Later, the Honorable Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome of Baton Rouge comes on the show to talk about the new, predominantly white town of St. George and what it means for the state (1:45:15). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Mayor Sharon Weston ...

May 07, 20242 hr 11 min

Kristi the Dog Slayer, a Playbook Review, and WNBA Talks With Legendary Tamika Catchings

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay express their disgust toward the news of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem taking pride in slaying dogs (14:46) before talking a bit about the White House Correspondents’ Dinner (26:11). Then, they are joined by the legendary Tamika Catchings to discuss the retirement of Candace Parker, the new age of women’s basketball, and the pay disparities within the WNBA (1:04:54). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Tamika Catchings Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more...

Apr 30, 20241 hr 34 min

Confederacy Month, the New Drake Diss, and Stephen A.’s Apology

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the show by addressing the new theme song and reaction from our Thought Warriors (00:15). Then, they give their impressions of the bizarre new Drake-produced AI track (20:56), and the internet’s reaction to Stephen A. Smith’s comments on Donald Trump’s relatability (38:36). Later, they expand the surprise that their birthday month falls during Confederate Heritage Month in Mississippi, and the reason behind its existence (1:18:34). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel...

Apr 23, 20241 hr 52 min

Self-Healing, WNBA Salaries, and What Jerrod Really Meant

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay bring in the new episode with a new theme, a different location, and a talk about self-healing. Then, they discuss Jerrod Carmichael’s clarification of his “race-play” joke (21:10) and the pay gap between players in the WNBA compared to those in the NBA (54:36). Lastly, they give their props to the Gayle King–Charles Barkley show (1:11:39) and talk about their impressions of the Jontay Porter situation (1:13:50 ). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashle...

Apr 19, 20241 hr 24 min

A Serious Talk About Israel and a Not-So-Serious Talk About Rap Beef

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start today’s episode by giving their impressions on the progression of the beef happening in the hip-hop world (01:32). Then they are joined by Alaa Elassar and Yahya Abou-Ghazala, CNN reporters and collaborators on “Voice Notes From Gaza,” to weigh in on the Israel-Hamas situation as it continues to escalate (41:41). Lastly, they are joined by Bomani Jones, host of ‘The Right Time’ presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment (1:14:18). Together, they dig into the rap...

Apr 16, 20241 hr 41 min

Young Voters, Blackface, and O.J.’s Past and Passing

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay bring in the show talking about the past, passing, and impact of O.J. Simpson and the complexity he holds within the black community (05:09). Then, they touch on the trepidations young voters have towards Biden (16:59) and Trump’s latest reach towards black voters (35:51). Later, they are joined by Conscious Lee and Franchesca Ramsey from the podcast ‘Black History, For Real’ (58:12). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Conscious Lee and Franchesca Ramsey P...

Apr 12, 20241 hr 28 min

The Rock’s Division, J. Cole’s Regrets, and a Red High School Visit

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start today’s episode on WrestleMania and its history-making outcome (01:03). Then, they discuss J. Cole’s thoughts on his latest project (11:51), Sexyy Red’s high school visit (36:41), and the interesting reveal from Jerrod Carmichael’s series (44:22). Lastly, they dive into the South Carolina vs. Iowa game (1:03:19), and The Rock’s non-endorsement of Joe Biden (1:18:38). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices...

Apr 09, 20241 hr 36 min

The Future of the WNBA and Another Interesting Acho Take

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the Iowa vs. LSU game and the possible future for the WNBA (17:12). Then, they react to Emmanuel Acho’s take on Angel Reese (38:41). Finally, they discuss the Israeli airstrike that killed World Central Kitchen aid workers (1:08:19). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 05, 20241 hr 28 min

The Mastery of ‘Cowboy Carter’ and the Complexity of the Black Experience

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay give their impression of Beyoncé’s new album, ‘Cowboy Carter’ (08:54), the first episode of Jerrod Carmichael’s reality show, and the awkward scene with Tyler the Creator (25:51). Then, they discuss the internet’s reaction to our conversation with Justin Sylvester last week (35:14) and dive into the complexities and different cultures of the Black experience (1:00:47). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...

Apr 02, 20241 hr 28 min

The Diddy Saga, Trump’s Bible, and Black Representation in Media

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the Diddy situation including the raid on his house, the lawsuit, and the internet’s reaction to the many revelations of his lawsuit (07:27). Then, they chat about Trump’s new “holy” product (47:58) and the backlash from the new Good Times reboot (1:01:03). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Mar 29, 20241 hr 25 min

Daily Wire’s Diversity Hire, Rap Beef, and Freaking Out Over Freaknik

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the episode with a playbook update (09:49) and discuss Candace Owens and her online presence (11:37). Then, Justin Sylvester comes by to give insight on interracial relationships within the Black and LGBTQ communities (). They are then joined by P. Frank Williams to talk about his documentary ‘Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told’ and the internet’s reactions to revelations of the project (57:55) before they end the show with a talk about rap’s “newest” beef...

Mar 26, 20241 hr 54 min

Biden’s Budget, Pretty Privilege, and the Horrors of ‘Quiet on Set’

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the show off with some "gender wars" banter (02:21) and a quick shout-out (04:37) before diving into Biden's proposed budget (18:42). Then, they talk about the Nickelodeon atrocities highlighted by the documentary ‘Quiet on Set’ (50:13) and the internet’s reaction to Beyoncé’s latest drop (1:22:07). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Mar 22, 20241 hr 40 min

Reckless “Behavior,” Mental Health, and the Kate Middleton Conspiracy

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay recap and give their impressions on the Kate Middleton conspiracy (06:07) before discussing former president Donald Trump’s comments on the possibility of losing the upcoming election (18:18). Then, they talk about mental health and Bill Maher’s segment discussing mental health in America (43:36). Lastly, they talk about the latest ruling in Texas that made sites like Pornhub react with a ban (1:11:02 ). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith ...

Mar 19, 20241 hr 35 min
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