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Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay podcast artwork

Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

by The Ringer

Society

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.

From the show's RSS feed, refreshed Apr 9, 2026. Source feed.

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Episodes

  1. Boomers Vs. Gen Z, Plus Vegan Living With Pinky Cole

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the evolution of the American dream (11:50) before reacting to Tim Scott suspending his presidential campaign (30:54) and ‘The Marvels’ getting trolled (37:14). Then, Pinky Cole, author and owner-operator of Slutty Vegan, joins to talk about life as a...

  2. The SAG-AFTRA Strike Is Over, Plus Tim Scott’s Very Real Girlfriend   

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the Democratic victory lap following the 2023 election results (10:01) before celebrating Hollywood going back to work (29:35) and Senator Tim Scott revealing his girlfriend to the world (39:35). Plus, people are upset about Sexyy Red twerking while barefoot...

  3. Biden and the Blacks, Plus a Segment on “Sassy”   

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss claims that Black voters aren’t enthusiastically in support of Joe Biden (8:34), and the new Speaker of the House using a porn accountability program with his teen son (30:43). Plus, rapper Dee-1 calls out Meek Mill and Rick Ross for contradictory lyrics...

  4. A Humanitarian "Pause" and Keith Lee's Critiques

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss President Biden’s call for a humanitarian "pause" in Israel-Hamas war (13:08), before switching gears to talk food vlogger Keith Lee’s response to criticism and threats since his reviews of Atlanta restaurants (30:47). Plus, reactions to Erica Mena speaking...

  5. Keith Lee and Atlanta’s Food Scene, Plus Kai Cenat’s Jail Stream

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay remember the life of Matthew Perry (9:47) before discussing food vlogger Keith Lee’s critiques of the food and service at Atlanta restaurants (21:52), and Congressman Dean Phillips’s presidential bid (54:48). Then, a dip into youth culture to talk Kai Cenat’s jail...

  6. 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...

  7. 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...

  8. 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...

  9. The Humanity in Conversation, and Jada’s Book Tour

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the tough conversations and tragedies coming out of the Israel-Hamas war (22:07), before switching gears to react to Jada Pinkett Smith’s marriage revelations (59:52), and California’s new "Ebony Alert" system (1:14:12). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay...

  10. 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...

  11. Israel-Hamas War and the Heel Turns of Doja Cat and Drake

    Van and Rachel react to the conflict between Israel and Hamas (23:51) before switching gears to discuss Doja Cat and Drake’s relationship with fans (41:19) and the latest on the ongoing UAW strike (57:28). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

  12. 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

  13. Arrest for the Tupac Shooting and Albert Hughes on ‘The Continental: From the World of John Wick’

    Van and Rachel dig into the arrest of a suspect for the 1996 shooting of Tupac Shakur (25:49) and a couple of big moves by Gavin Newsom (45:37). Plus, a reaction to Jay-Z’s comments on giving money to family members (1:03:39), before director Albert Hughes joins to discuss the 'John Wick' prequel...

  14. 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...

  15. White Supremacy and Black Fatherhood With Larry Elder

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by Republican presidential candidate Larry Elder for a lively discussion on systemic racism and whether it really exists (16:59), Black home ownership (31:12), and what he’s done to combat that which he’s deemed is “holding Black people back”…

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  16. Jermell Charlo on Fighting Canelo Ávarez, And Who’s Gonna Pay for X/Twitter?

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to Elon Musk's suggestion that the app formerly known as Twitter will go behind a paywall (23:57) before discussing journalist Jim Trotter’s lawsuit against the NFL (35:25) and Tim Scott’s “lovely Christian" girlfriend (1:12:41). Then undisputed boxing champion...

  17. Coach Prime’s Colorado Takeover, and Lauren Boebert’s 'Beetlejuice' Grope Session

    'Higher Learning' is back after a short break to react to all eyes being on Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes football team (22:46), Stephen A. Smith’s comments on former co-host Max Kellerman (43:11) and Rep. Lauren Boebert’s grope session during ‘Beetlejuice The Musical’ (55:54). Plus,...

  18. 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

  19. 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...

  20. 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…

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  21. 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...

  22. 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...

  23. 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…

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  24. 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...

  25. 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…

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  26. 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...

  27. Trump’s Third Indictment, and the Lizzo Accusations

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to Donald Trump’s latest federal indictment over alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election (19:06), before discussing the news of Lizzo being sued by ex-dancers for misconduct (34:38). Then, a discussion of men vs. women in sports in light of the proposed...

  28. 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...

  29. 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...

  30. 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…

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  31. 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…

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  32. 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…

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  33. 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…

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  34. 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)....

  35. 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…

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  36. 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…

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  37. SCOTUS and the Rollback of Progress

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by constitutional law professor Caroline Mala Corbin to help break down the latest Supreme Court decisions (17:21), before discussing the exodus from Twitter to Spill (56:27), civil unrest in France (1:03:42) and whether or not they agree with something...

  38. 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...

  39. 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…

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  40. 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,...

  41. 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...

  42. 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...

  43. 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…

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  44. Donald Trump’s Second Indictment and Marquis “Mookie” Cook on Playing LeBron

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss televangelist Pat Robertson’s death (9:16), Stephen A. Smith’s criticism of President Joe Biden (18:25), and Kelis’s new boyfriend (38:04). Plus, news breaks of Donald Trump’s federal indictment (1:04:55). Then, basketball prospect and star of Peacock TV’s...

  45. Nikki Haley’s Dangerous Rhetoric, Plus Aaron L. Morrison on Transparency in Black Lives Matter

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to Nikki Haley’s dangerous comments at a CNN Town Hall (21:12), before welcoming journalist Aaron L. Morrison to discuss accountability in nonprofit organizations like BLM and Color of Change (44:18). Then, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott prepares to sign a sweeping new...

  46. A Lack of Slavery in ‘The Little Mermaid’ and Biden Takes a Tumble

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to complaints about there being no acknowledgement of slavery in Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ (13:21), Shannon Sharpe's decision to leave FS1 (33:30), and President Biden falling after a commencement speech (47:08). Plus, there’s news in the world of mountain...

  47. The Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, and Ron DeSantis Runs

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay remember the life and legacy of Tina Turner, who passed away at 83 (:20). Then, Ron DeSantis makes his presidential run official (15:00), a discussion on the extravagances of prom (28:43), and Taylor Swift is diabolical (35:33). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay...

  48. The One and Only VanVan! Plus, Jim Brown’s Complicated Legacy

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the life of Jim Brown, which included both advocating for civil rights and arrests for assaulting women (20:29). Then, they react to Tim Scott’s presidential bid (35:48) before welcoming music sensation VanVan and her father Reggie McConneaughey to talk about...

  49. The Color of Change Controversy and Conservatism at CNN

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to an article that alleges a toxic work environment at the Color of Change organization (10:38), before discussing CNN flirting with conservatism (1:00:00). Plus, Ron DeSantis’s pudding fingers (1:15:23) and the 1975’s lead singer jokes about watching Black...

  50. Ja Morant’s Mistakes, and Interracial Relations Conversations

    Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay react to Ja Morant’s suspension for brandishing a firearm on social media … again (19:28), before addressing President Biden’s statements at a “Black HBCU” (55:22). Plus, California Gov. Gavin Newsom seems to back off of a reparations proposal (1:08:55), and a...

View all 354 episodes →

About this show

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.

Hosted by

The Ringer

Categories

Society Culture

Frequently asked questions

How many episodes does Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay have?

Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay has 354 episodes on PodParley. The most recent episode was published on November 14, 2023.

What is Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay about?

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.

How often does Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay release new episodes?

Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay publishes a few times a week, based on its 354 episodes since May 2020.

Who hosts Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay?

Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay is created and hosted by The Ringer.
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