Rachel and Van start the show by talking about the “No Kings” protest, the goals of the protest, and the “blatant hypocrisy” from the reaction of the far right. Then, they talk about two controversies concerning offensive past social media posts, one from Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner and the other from Grammy winner Tyler, the Creator. Last, they go over the Gaza ceasefire deal with Huffington Post senior diplomatic correspondent Akbar Ahmed and the violations that followed it. 00:...
Oct 21, 2025•1 hr 58 min
Rachel and Van start the show by remembering the late legend D’Angelo and the issue concerning the health of black men in America. Then, they are joined by Isaac Bryan, member of the California State Assembly, to talk about assaults on reparations and restorative justice and his relationship with Governor Gavin Newsom. Later, they take a peek into the latest Stephen A. Smith drama and the reactions to his comments on Representative Jasmine Crockett. 00:00 - Welcome! 03:23 - Thoughts about the Ga...
Oct 17, 2025•1 hr 50 min
Rachel and Van start the show by giving their reactions to the return of ‘Verzuz’ and their opinion of Cash Money versus No Limit Records. Then, they are joined by California Governor Gavin Newsom to talk about the current Democratic Party, Trump, and who could be in the running to lead the Democratic Party. Later, Ryan Grim stops by to talk about the Gaza ceasefire and what it actually means. 00:00 - Welcome! 02:19 - Governor Gavin Newsom joins us! 1:10:34 - Ryan Grim joins us! 1:34:25 - ‘Verzu...
Oct 10, 2025•1 hr 52 min
Van and Rachel react to a strange weekend of football before discussing Van Jones’s “dead Gaza baby” joke, Diddy’s sentencing, and Ayesha Curry’s comments on motherhood and marriage. (0:00) Intro (8:21) Mark Sanchez’s stabbing & arrest (16:30) Kyren Lacy update (31:09) Van Jones apologizes for joke (48:19) Diddy sentenced (1:03:32) Ayesha Curry’s admission (1:45:58) Theo Von & Adin Ross on Trump (2:08:31) Taylor Swift’s new album (2:21:13) “Love is Blind” Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel...
Oct 07, 2025•2 hr 37 min
Rachel and Van start the show by taking a moment to acknowledge the life of the late Assata Shakur before Rep. Maxwell Frost joins to talk about the government shutdown and the volatile housing market. After, they get into the drama surrounding the WNBA leadership comments, and Ray J getting sued by the Kardashians. Then, they end the show with a “VanLaTEN” for Bad Bunny. 00:00 - Welcome! 05:56 - Assata Shakur’s passing 08:15 - Rep. Maxwell Frost joins us! 1:04:04 - The WNBA’s leadership 1:31:33...
Oct 03, 2025•1 hr 59 min
Van and Rachel welcome former Washington Post opinion columnist Karen Attiah to discuss her firing from The Post after she made critical remarks about gun culture and violence in the U.S. in the wake of Charlie Kirk's killing. (0:00) Intro (9:30) Release of redacted Epstein files (21:29) A review of ‘107 Days’ by Kamala Harris (48:50) Bad Bunny performing at Super Bowl (55:33) Karen Attiah joins the show (1:28:06) Therapy and Young Thug (1:54:01) Looming government shutdown Hosts: Van Lathan Jr....
Sep 30, 2025•2 hr 7 min
Rachel and Van start the show off by talking about Stephen A. Smith’s response to our comments last show before getting into the removal of ‘Fearless Debaters’ from TSU’s campus and Jimmy Kimmel’s successful return. Then, Tyriq Withers joins the show to talk about his new movie, ‘Him’; the different reactions to the film; the realism of the athleticism showcased in it; and biracial identity. 00:00 - Welcome! 07:29 - Stephen A.’s response to Higher Learning 32:32 - Pandering to Black women 37:47 ...
Sep 26, 2025•1 hr 57 min
Van and Rachel welcome ‘Counter Points’ cohost Ryan Grim to discuss his and other platforms’ coverage of Charlie Kirk in the days since his death, before comedian Malik B joins to talk how he literally fought for a role in ‘Creed,’ and his new Hulu special, ‘LOL Live With Malik B.’ (00:00) Intro (10:21) Having uncomfortable conversations (33:27) Ryan Grim joins the show (1:27:28) OG Corner: Van Jones & Stephen A. Smith (1:54:12) Democratic leadership (2:05:33) Ghostface Killa and Infinite Co...
Sep 23, 2025•3 hr 6 min
Van addresses Memphis Bleek calling him out on Club Shay Shay, before he and Rachel react to 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' being taken off the air and the media’s coverage of Charlie Kirk following his death. (00:00) Intro (00:12) A Memphis Bleek/Van Lathan explainer (25:02) Kushner, Trump and the Carters (49:29) Jimmy Kimmel Suspended (1:22:52) The sanitizing of Charlie Kirk (1:57:13) Hangings in Mississippi (2:03:58) LeBron & Drake Update Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Be...
Sep 19, 2025•2 hr 22 min
Van and Rachel start by discussing the legal and cultural fallout from the killing of Charlie Kirk. Then they welcome actress Erika Alexander to talk about Apple TV+’s ‘Invasion’ and look back on her role as Maxine in ‘Living Single.’ (0:00) Intro (1:02) Fallout from Charlie Kirk’s shooting (36:46) Brian Kilmeade on homeless: “Just kill ‘em” (54:05) Van’s basketball tangent (58:42) ‘The Gilded Age’ (1:01:22) Erika Alexander joins the show (1:55:21) AI influencer? Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel...
Sep 16, 2025•2 hr 8 min
Rachel and Van start the show off by talking about the death of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, the many reactions to it, and what may come from his killing. Then, they react to an excerpt from Kamala Harris’s upcoming book mentioning Joe Biden’s “reckless” decision to run again in the last election. Later, actor, model, and comedian Melvin Gregg joins to talk about his latest show, ‘The Paper,’ before he, Van, and Rachel all share memories of their biggest heartbreak. 00:00 - Welcome! 00:...
Sep 12, 2025•2 hr 17 min
Van and Rachel dig into the Texas senate race, vaccine mandates (or lack thereof) in Florida, and Young Thug’s leaked jail calls, before welcoming marriage and family therapist Nina Westbrook to discuss her new mental wellness app, Nebbi. (0:00) Intro (0:39) Left-wing influencers (13:29) The Phillies Karen (27:15) Rep. James Talarico running for senate (48:52) Vand & the realities of aging (55:23) Nina Westbrook joins the show (1:37:49) Florida’s vaccine overhaul (1:55:34) Glaze of the Week ...
Sep 09, 2025•2 hr 31 min
Rachel and Van start the show off with some “quick hitters,” including their theories on a study revealing that the number of Americans having sex has dropped to a record low. Then, they react to Trump’s address of his health rumors and the internet’s desire for his health to decline. Then, NFL quarterback whisperer Quincy Avery joins to discuss generational talent and his new movie, 'The Quincy Avery Effect.' 00:00 - Welcome! 08:04 - Americans are having less sex 19:43 - Trump addresses health ...
Sep 05, 2025•2 hr 13 min
Rep. Ro Khanna returns to talk AIPAC’s role in politics, the release of the Epstein files and what he thinks of the gerrymandering debate. (0:00) Intro (0:46) AIPAC’s influence (6:07) Releasing the Epstein files (15:14) The gerrymandering fight (25:29) Israel and Benjamin Netanyahu Host: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Rep. Ro Khanna Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...
Sep 02, 2025•37 min
Rachel and Van start the show off with some “quick hitters,” including the return of Cracker Barrel’s old logo and Taylor Swift’s engagement. Then, they react to the developing story of an alleged dark money group secretly funding high-profile Democratic influencers. Later, they are joined by NYC Mayor Eric Adams as he addresses corruption allegations, his non-relationship with Trump, and how he feels about his competition, Zohran Mamdani. 00:00 - Welcome! 1:32 - Cracker Barrel scrapped the new ...
Aug 29, 2025•1 hr 31 min
Van and Rachel welcome former Ohio senator Nina Turner to hear her thoughts on the Democratic strategy to fight gerrymandering. (0:00) Intro (1:32) Snoop & Pixar’s LGBTQ character (8:54) Bill Maher changes tone on Trump (22:02) Dean Cain’s ICE training (30:21) Serena Williams weight loss journey (43:04) Jussie Smollett doc review (58:08) Nina Turner joins the show Host: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Nina Turner Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ...
Aug 26, 2025•2 hr 2 min
Rachel and Van start the show by reacting to the predicted increased prices for Sony’s PlayStation 5 and the Cracker Barrel rebranding. Later, they discuss the Texas House of Representatives’ approval of a GOP-centered congressional map and the disturbing release of an Israeli official charged with soliciting a minor in Nevada. They end with the Glaze of the Week and Klay Thompson’s new favorite meal (thank you, Megan Thee Stallion). 00:00 - Welcome! 10:08 - Jury finds Hernandez Govan not guilty...
Aug 22, 2025•2 hr 1 min
Van and Rachel react to the news of a new ceasefire proposal being accepted by Hamas before welcoming Molly Daniel to the podcast to provide some perspective on the ongoing biracial discussions. (0:00) Intro (3:57) Tyla on the ‘coloured’ controversy (18:43) Jamie Lee Curtis’ boobs (25:18) Trump names Kennedy Honorees (34:49) Gaza ceasefire proposal (39:22) Gavin Newsom’s trolling (50:33) Kaepernick & Spike Lee ESPN doc (53:17) Whitney Houston’s receipts (58:37) Molly Daniel joins the show (1...
Aug 19, 2025•2 hr 2 min
Rachel and Van start the show by talking about the differences in sharing food in different locations. They get into some Trump administration updates, like the deployment of the National Guard in D.C. and the administration's partnership with PragerU. Later, they react to some celebrity news, including Sha'Carri Richardson's apology and the drama between Jurnee Smollett and her ex-husband. 00:00 - Welcome! 7:57 - Trump deploys the National Guard in D.C. 37:00 - PragerU to replace PBS 1:09:07 - ...
Aug 15, 2025•2 hr 7 min
Halle Berry’s ex-husband David Justice sparks a gender war after speaking on their divorce. Then, New York Times bestselling author S.A. Cosby joins to discuss his latest novel, ‘King of Ashes’. (0:00) Intro (0:32) Van’s Very Serious Question (20:55) Trump deploys National Guard (25:49) Shedeur Sanders’ NFL Debut (46:35) Nancy Mace fact checked (58:05) David Justice on divorcing Halle Berry (1:33:08) S.A. Cosby joins the show (2:04:29) Israel-Gaza updates Host: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay ...
Aug 12, 2025•2 hr 36 min
Rachel and Van start the show by reacting to the news of the cancellation of The Howard Stern Show before getting into some one-sided beefs: Donald Trump against Gayle King and Megyn Kelly against Beyoncé. Then, they talk about Diddy’s possible presidential pardon and the threats against the Voting Rights Act before Van gets into the conspiracy happening in the WNBA. 00:00 - Welcome! 08:44 - The Howard Stern Show is done 18:57 - Gayle King vs. Trump? 24:17 - BET Hip-Hop and Soul Train Awards sus...
Aug 08, 2025•1 hr 47 min
Van and Rachel welcome Texas Rep. James Talarico to shed light on the state’s Democrats fleeing to prevent a vote over efforts to add Republican seats. (0:00) Intro (8:01) Top 5 White Singing Ladies *since 2010 (9:27) Stephen A. Smith vs. Michelle Obama (28:42) Rep. James Talarico joins the show (34:57) The fight against gerrymandering (41:18) Toughening the Democrats (1:02:35) Glaze of the Week (1:15:15) Palantir update (1:16:15) FEMA to deny grants over Israel boycotts Host: Van Lathan Jr. and...
Aug 05, 2025•1 hr 32 min
Rachel and Van start the show by running through some quick-hitters, including the internet’s reaction to Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle commercial, Ari Lennox’s thoughts on Martin’s treatment of Pam, and Kamala Harris’s new book. Then, they talk about new updates to the Israel-Hamas conflict and some reactions to their Hulk Hogan segment last week. 00:00 - Welcome! 00:59 - Sydney Sweeney’s good “jeans” 29:57 - Ari Lennox’s thoughts on Martin and Pam 44:59 - Kamala Harris’s '107 Days' 1:12:28 -...
Aug 01, 2025•2 hr 13 min
Van and Rachel discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, talk about Dr. Umar’s plea for help, and give N3on an apology rating before Elliott Connie joins to discuss his methods for mental wellness. (0:00) Intro (0:45) The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza (46:06) Dr. Umar’s Plea for Help (59:46) N3ON Apology Rating (1:25:20) Tyler Perry on Ownership & ‘Sinners’ (1:32:30) Elliott Connie Joins the Show Host: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Elliott Connie Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. ...
Jul 29, 2025•2 hr 26 min
Rachel and Van start the show by talking about the passing of the infamous Hulk Hogan and the complexity of his legacy. Then, the host of Two Personal, Joy Taylor, joins us to talk about processing the surprise cancellation of her show, how she was treated in comparison to her male counterparts, and her opinion of men. 00:00 - Welcome! 00:37 - Hulk Hogan’s passing 03:56 - Joy Taylor joins us 38:57 - Feelings toward Fox 48:58 - Will the dam break? 57:48 - Vulnerably in certain spaces 1:02:18 - Op...
Jul 25, 2025•2 hr 23 min
Van and Rachel react to the tragic news of Malcolm-Jamal Warner's death, before welcoming Houston farmer Jeremy Peaches to shed light on the Trump administration's impact on Black farmers. (0:00) Intro (4:59) Colbert ‘Late Show’ canceled (14:07) Remembering Malcolm Jamal Warner (22:52) Couple caught cheating at concert (42:02) Glaze of the Week (48:39) Jeremy Peaches joins the show (1:10:11) Need to hear from Snoop and Nelly? (1:26:18) WNBA pay dispute (1:47:11) Nessa, Kaepernick and Jay-Z Host:...
Jul 22, 2025•2 hr 7 min
Rachel and Van are joined by Calvin Abbasi, strategic advisor to the OpenAI Nonprofit Commission, to talk about perceptions of AI, the dangers of it, and real questions that need to be asked about this developing technology. 00:00 - Welcome! 02:11 - AI and Self-Preservation 07:40 - Is AI Dangerous? 09:10 - The Grok Situation 14:18 - The Architect Determines the AI 17:14 - Thoughts on Sam Altman 19:53 - DeepSeek’s Effect on the AI Industry Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Calvin Abbasi...
Jul 18, 2025•29 min
Van and Rachel are joined by Director Malcolm D. Lee to discuss his new book, ‘The Best Man: Unfinished Business’, what inspired the writing of the original movie, and if we can expect a ‘Girls Trip 2’ anytime soon? (0:00) Intro (1:35) Adapting the story for the page (7:33) Addressing criticism (11:29) Adapting the story for the screen (14:47) Prequels? (17:46) One of the sexiest casts of all-time (22:35) Sable bourbon (22:41) Girls Trip 2 (24:17) Essence Fest Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Li...
Jul 15, 2025•33 min
Rachel and Van discuss Nicki Minaj’s X rants about the discrimination lawsuit against Megan Thee Stallion and Jay-Z’s possible debt. Then, they dissect Tucker Carlson’s Epstein cover-up theory before getting Rachel’s opinion of “the Miami mess” on X. 00:00 - Welcome! 24:13 - Nicki Minaj’s X posts 44:24 - Megan’s lawsuit moving forward 57:39 - Tucker Carlson’s Epstein theory 1:09:18 - The Miami mess 1:24:50 - Thanks for watching! Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham and ...
Jul 11, 2025•1 hr 29 min
Van and Rachel react to the tragic Texas floods, before switching gears to discuss the conversations coming out of this year’s Essence Festival. (0:00) Intro (0:25) Texas Floods (34:29) Essence Fest 2025 (43:40) Diaspora War (1:02:07) Epstein Files Update (1:07:27) Zohran Mamdani, African American (1:23:43) 4Extra’s 4th of July Accident (1:33:04) Skip Bayless Host: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastcho...
Jul 08, 2025•1 hr 41 min
