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

Jess Hilarious, 'The Breakfast Club,' and Erasing Jackie Robinson

Van and Rachel recap Jess Hilarious's airing out of 'Breakfast Club' grievances online and on air (7:32), before reacting to the erasure of Jackie Robinson and other military heroes in the name of getting rid of DEI (27:41). Plus, Van has a Kanye West theory (1:11:14) and gives his top five Black cities (1:21:21). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Mar 21, 20251 hr 38 min

Kanye, Kim and Celebrity Parenthood. Plus, Van Learns About Neo-Soul

Van and Rachel give a review of Playboi Carti’s latest album, ‘Music’ (7:19), before reacting to Kanye West and Kim Kardashian butting heads over a new song featuring Diddy and their daughter (17:22), and Anthony Mackie’s backlash for comments on masculinity (38:45). Then, Congress and Trump avoid shutting down the government (56:10), and Rachel addresses the tragedy of domestic violence (1:12:05) before Ian Von, host of ‘Let’s Talk R&B,’ joins to school Van on neo-soul (1:17:37). Hosts: Van...

Mar 18, 20251 hr 38 min

A Doechii Discussion and What Exactly Is an Industry Plant?

Van and Rachel react to questions about Doechii after she was invited onstage at a Lauryn Hill concert (12:35), Lil Yachty calls Black Lives Matter a "literal scam" (31:37), and Tucker Carlson touts the genetics of his people (45:10). Then a philosophical discussion on morality and religion: Can you have one without the other (57:44)? Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Mar 14, 20251 hr 28 min

Five Things the Democrats Can Do, Plus Doechii Pisses Off Straight Men

Van and Rachel remember the life of D’Wayne Wiggins and the impact of Tony! Toni! Toné! (:37), before Van breaks down five things Democrats can do to win back voters (11:01), Gavin Newsom calls trans athletes in women’s sports unfair (45:51), and Dana White welcomes Andrew Tate with open arms (1:02:19). Plus, Doechii’s dating red flag had some men upset (1:14:10), LeBron confronts Stephen A. Smith (1:22:55), and Dr. Umar has a social media spat with his daughter (1:36:33). Hosts: Van Lathan and ...

Mar 11, 20251 hr 55 min

Trump’s Tariff War and Democrats Sing on the Floor

Van and Rachel reflect on the life and career of Roy Ayers (1:40) and discuss Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China (7:22). Then, Washington bureau chief for The Economist Idrees Kahloon joins to break down the economic strategy of the tariffs (28:26). Plus, Democrats protest through song (52:52), Ben Shapiro calls for a pardon of Derek Chauvin (1:08:52), and a young man dies while pledging Omega Psi Phi (1:14:00). Finally, Rachel names her top five interracial couples (1:29:01) and Sherr...

Mar 07, 20251 hr 51 min

An Oscars Recap, and Talking ‘Opus’ With Mark Anthony Green

Van and Rachel remember the life and career of Angie Stone (00:34) before reacting to the Oscars (2:36), and Van has thoughts on a Conan hip-hop joke (4:20). Then, a discussion of the lawsuit against Jay-Z being dropped (18:25), before filmmaker Mark Anthony Green joins to talk about his directorial debut, ‘Opus’ (42:22) and Ayo Edebiri’s star power (1:01:35). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Mark Anthony Green Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad ...

Mar 04, 20251 hr 39 min

The End of Medicaid? Plus, the Me Too Movement in 2025

Van and Rachel discuss the life and death of Gene Hackman (4:55), before reacting to the GOP budget bill that could cause major cuts to Medicaid and have ripple effects for Medicare (10:13) before welcoming CNN journalist Omar Jimenez to discuss the White House moving to pick the pool reporters who cover Trump (36:42). Plus, Me Too founder Tarana Burke discusses where the movement stands in 2025 (59:47). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Omar Jimenez and Tarana Burke Producers: Donnie...

Feb 28, 20251 hr 35 min

Van at Super Bowl Radio Row Pt. 2

Van’s radio row adventures continue, as he welcomes Pacman Jones and Evan Rosenblum to discuss 'The Pacman Jones Show' (0:00). Then he welcomes Carolina Panthers beat writer Sheena Quick (19:13) and NFL draft prospect Tetairoa McMillan (28:58). Plus, Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (34:20) and Steelers legend Joey Porter (40:20) join the show. Host: Van Lathan Guests: Pacman Jones, Evan Rosenblum, Sheena Quick, Tetairoa McMillan, Rome Odunze and Joey Porter Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr., Cory Mc...

Feb 21, 202557 min

Van at Super Bowl Radio Row Pt. 1

While at Super Bowl LIX radio row, Van sat down with the likes of Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith (0:00), LSU great Andrew Whitworth (14:20), and a pair of legendary Saints Deuce McCallister (24:49, and Demario Davis (35:58). Host: Van Lathan Guests: Emmitt Smith, Andrew Whitworth, Deuce McCallister, Demario Davis Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr., Cory McConnell, Chia Hao Tat, and Ronak Nair Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Feb 18, 202551 min

President Elon, and Healthy Arrogance With Will Packer

Van and Rachel discuss Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s plans for the federal government (19:28), and the potential end of New York City Mayor Eric Adams’s legal troubles (41:54). Then, a reaction to John Leguizamo’s Crip-walking claims (1:11:48), before film producer Will Packer joins the discuss his new book, ‘Who Better Than You?’ (1:19:50). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Will Packer Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoic...

Feb 14, 20251 hr 55 min

Kendrick Lamar’s Televised Revolution and Ben Watkins Talks Alex Cross

Van and Rachel react to the Super Bowl (0:00) before giving their reviews of Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show (14:42). Then, Kanye West is regrettably in the news again (31:35), and Trump signs an order in solidarity with white South Africans (45:10). Finally, the showrunner of Prime Video’s ‘Cross,’ Ben Watkins, joins to discuss Aldis Hodge’s star power (55:51) and his thoughts on him possibly being the next Black Panther (1:08:37). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Ben Watkins Producer...

Feb 11, 20251 hr 24 min

Marc Lamont Hill on Trump’s Vision for Gaza, and DEI in the NFL

Van and Rachel react to the death of Murder Inc. founder Irv Gotti (10:46), before discussing the NFL removing "End Racism" from the end zones at the Super Bowl (15:00), and Dennis Schröder compares NBA trades to modern slavery (32:30). Then, Dr. Marc Lamont Hill is back to talk about Donald Trump’s plan to take over Gaza (38:22), and resurfaced tweets has Van guessing the N-word count of Saquon Barkley’s fiancée (1:13:06). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Dr. Marc Lamont Hill Produce...

Feb 07, 20251 hr 27 min

The Historic 67th Grammys, the Luka Trade, and a Tariff War

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start today’s episode by talking about the historic wins, controversial moments, and surprises from the 67th Grammys (05:21). Senior staff writer and fellow podcaster Justin Charity joins to give his opinion on the Grammys before discussing his Ringer podcast on the Kendrick-Drake beef culminating in Kendrick’s Super Bowl performance (27:46 ). Later, we talk with ‘Real Ones’ host Logan Murdock about the shocking NBA trade news (46:18). Learn more about your ad choic...

Feb 04, 20251 hr 31 min

DEI Did It, Plus ‘How to Sell Out’ and the Future of AI

Van and Rachel discuss the midair collision that killed 67 people (1:00) before reacting to Donald Trump pointing the finger at DEI initiatives (10:05). Plus, DJ Akademiks gets banned from Twitch after inappropriate comments toward a minor (20:51), and Scott Storch’s ex gets accused of racism after saying racist things (32:49). Then writer and podcaster Chad Sanders joins to talk authenticity and his new book, ‘How to Sell Out’ (38:14), before journalist Nathan Bomey from Axios explains DeepSeek...

Jan 31, 20251 hr 30 min

Boycotts, Target and Tabitha Brown, Plus Snoop Speaks

Van and Rachel react to the death of DJ Unk (6:04), before discussing Tabitha Brown’s response to a call to boycott Target for ending DEI programs (15:40) and the Air Force’s choice to walk back a decision to end the use of a Tuskegee Airmen video from basic training (42:11). Then, Snoop Dogg responds to criticism for performing at a Trump inauguration event (57:03), Raven-Symoné speaks on racial identity (1:15:15), and Trump’s actions toward Colombia spark a debate on American supremacy (1:27:3...

Jan 28, 20251 hr 50 min

Trump, Nazis, and Leonardo DiCaprio’s N-Word Count

Van and Rachel react to President Trump’s executive orders (11:35) before welcoming assistant professor of law at Washington and Lee Maureen Edobor to dig into their legal and moral implications (22:33). Then Elon Musk salutes in a very Third Reich-ish kinda way (49:31 ), Sexyy Red apologizes to Bernice King (1:05:12), and Jamie Foxx discusses Leonardo DiCaprio’s discomfort with the N-word (1:15:50) Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Maureen Edobor Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ash...

Jan 25, 20251 hr 26 min

Hip-Hop, MLK, and Trump’s Second Inauguration

Van and Rachel open the show with Coach Prime, a.k.a. impressionist Sam Croker (8:38), before welcoming the chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, Ben Wikler, to discuss plans should he become chair of the DNC (27:43), and re-energizing the Democratic Party (33:12). Then, in-the-moment reactions to Donald Trump’s inauguration (1:02:10), and digging into Nelly, Snoop, Rick Ross, and Soulja Boy’s participation (1:14:55). Plus, Byron Donalds calls Trump ‘daddy’ (1:42:30). Hosts: Van Lathan ...

Jan 21, 20251 hr 56 min

Drake’s Certified Legal Action and a Potential Ceasefire in Gaza

Van and Rachel discuss what looks to be a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas (7:44). Then, they welcome Toronto radio personality Marlon Palmer to break down the cultural impact of Drake’s lawsuit (15:24). Plus, Donnell Rawlings compares white and Black comedy culture (44:51), and SZA gets backlash for her praise of Drew Barrymore (1:03:14). Then, executive director of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition Sam Lewis joins to give insight on the firefighter inmate program in California (1:12:49...

Jan 17, 20251 hr 43 min

The Political Firestorm and Recovery in L.A.

Van and Rachel discuss the looming insurance crisis for Los Angeles homeowners (14:42), the price gouging of rental properties (21:14), and the use of prisoners to help fight the fires (29:41). Plus, Mayor Karen Bass faces criticism for her handling of the crisis (46:21). Then, Stephen A. Smith reflects on the election (1:13:57), Jimmy Butler is in a child support battle (1:27:20), and a former WNBA star makes a career shift to OnlyFans (1:37:16). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: ...

Jan 14, 20251 hr 56 min

Processing the Los Angeles Wildfires With William Gude

Van and Rachel react to the devastation from the Los Angeles wildfires (0:00) before being joined by activist William Gude to provide insight on the fallout and impact of the disaster (16:01). Then, Stephen 'tWitch’ Boss’s widow, Allison Holker, has received criticism for the promotion of her memoir (47:40), Rachel speaks on her divorce being finalized (1:05:31) and Presidents Obama and Trump share a moment at Jimmy Carter’s funeral (1:12:50). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: William ...

Jan 10, 20251 hr 39 min

The Fox Sports Lawsuit, and Drake’s Break Up With LeBron

Van and Rachel discuss the Fox Sports lawsuit and social media’s reaction to the allegations (15:12), before breaking down Drake’s, ‘Fighting Irish’ freestyle in the context of his relationship with LeBron James (51:48). Plus, Notre Dame’s Black head coach Marcus Freeman speaks on how “color shouldn’t matter” (1:14:51). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 07, 20251 hr 36 min

A Higher Learning Rewind: Animal Welfare and the Return of Animal Games

Van and Rachel are joined by Chris Draper of the Performing Animal Welfare Society to discuss providing sanctuary and care for former performance animals (0:00), before welcoming Dr. Lauren Howard to talk about her role as director of veterinary services for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (23:34). Then, Animal Games makes it’s long anticipated return to the podcast (49:05). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Dr. Chris Draper and Dr. Lauren Howard Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and As...

Dec 27, 202456 min

Shameik Moore, Fat Joe, and Higher Learning’s Person of the Year

Van and Rachel kick off the last show of 2024 discussing the Matt Gaetz House Ethics report (5:19), reacting to ‘Into the Spider-Verse’ actor Shameik Moore’s questionable behavior with Spider-Man love interests (15:23), and Fat Joe’s comments on Foundational Black Americans (26:19). Then, a quick (and final) update on the Travis Hunter fiancé saga (41:18), Blake Lively’s legal action against Justin Baldoni (51:44), and NYPD corruption is brought to light (1:08:28). And finally, Van and Rachel re...

Dec 24, 20241 hr 32 min

‘Growing Up Urkel’ With Jaleel White

Van and Rachel welcome actor Jaleel White to address backlash he received for comments on "hood" TV shows (12:10), where he ranks ‘Family Matters’ amongst Black sitcoms (22:22), stories of growing up and dating as a child star in ’90s L.A. (32:37), and the responsibility of parents to protect young actors from predators in the industry (1:22:07) Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Jaleel White Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcas...

Dec 20, 20241 hr 47 min

Remy Ma and Papoose Drama, Plus Talking 100 Men in One Day With Ana Foxxx

Van and Rachel kick it off by reacting to Remy Ma and Papoose airing out cheating allegations via the internet (5:56) before discussing Jamie Foxx’s Netflix special (20:57) and the conservative backlash to Caitlin Clark’s TIME interview (28:44). Then adult film actress Ana Foxxx joins to give her perspective on OnlyFans model Lily Phillips having sex with 100 guys in 24 hours (37:47), and finally Jaleel White has a controversial take on Black audiences' acceptance of ‘Family Matters’ (1:11:06) H...

Dec 13, 20241 hr 31 min

Unpacking the Jay-Z Allegations with Meghann Cuniff

Van and Rachel welcome reporter Meghann Cuniff to discuss the legal aspects of the Jay-Z rape lawsuit (5:58), before breaking down the cultural impact of the news (26:39). Then reactions to the arrest of a suspect in the UnitedHealth CEO’s murder (1:04:04), Lil Duval says women owe Jonathan Majors an apology (1:10:28), and the phrase ‘built like a Mexican’ sparks racial tensions online (1:25:21). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Meghann Cuniff Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleig...

Dec 10, 20241 hr 41 min

Kendrick and the "White Comedian," Plus CEO Fatally Shot

Van and Rachel discuss reports that Trump is considering Ron DeSantis over Pete Hegseth for defense secretary (12:32). They then react to Andrew Schulz’s response to his mention in Kendrick Lamar's ‘GNX,’ after which Van discusses who he thinks can defend Black women (22:50). Also the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO elicits disturbing responses online (52:10), before we close the show with a new segment, Girl Talk (1:08:27). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and ...

Dec 06, 20241 hr 29 min

Joe Biden Pardons, Kendrick Drops, and Drake Takes Legal Action

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are back to talk about Van’s new hair (12:11) before reacting to Joe Biden’s pardon of Hunter (16:35) and Pete Hegseth’s mom saying he has abused women (38:18). Then a review of Kendrick Lamar’s latest album, 'GNX' (41:27), and a breakdown of Drake’s legal filings (55:42). Plus, rapper Dave Blunts sparks a conversation on body positivity and weight loss (1:17:24). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about y...

Dec 03, 20241 hr 38 min

A Higher Learning Rewind: Parents Day

Let's take it back to Nov. 27th, 2021: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by their parents for a special, parents day edition of 'Higher Learning.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 29, 20241 hr 13 min

A Higher Learning Rewind: The Very First Episode

Let’s set the time machine to May 28th 2020: Van and Rachel address the death of George Floyd and what it means for society (00:45). They also discuss the drama with Doja Cat in racial chats showing feet (23:50), racism inside Bachelor Nation, and Joe Biden's 'Breakfast Club' gaffe (52:11). Finally, they respond to some Azealia Banks mess (1:22:57). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Nov 26, 20241 hr 36 min
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