Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

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 restaurateur and the Atlanta food scene (45:25). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Pinky Cole Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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 and pregnant (46:33), mental health and college football come into question (57:44), and Keke Palmer files a restraining order against Darius Jackson (1:09:56). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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 (34:45), the word “sassy” has social media abuzz (51:58), and a pastor takes his own life after being outed (1:11:27). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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 about her firing from ‘Love & Hip-Hop’ for racist remarks (49:31). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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 livestream (1:07:56), and the legal ramifications of knocking out an influencer (1:19:36). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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 (56:38). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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

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

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 Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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 pretty least, a quick take on Jada Pinkett Smith’s separation from Will Smith (1:42:38). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Yair Rosenberg, Shibley Telhami, and Daniella Greenbaum Davis Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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

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

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 series ‘The Continental’ (1:24:45) and reacts to news of the arrest for the Tupac shooting (1:43:16). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Albert Hughes Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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

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”: fatherlessness (1:15:29). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Larry Elder Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr.

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 Jermell Charlo joins to talk his upcoming bout with Canelo Álvarez (1:20:38). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Jermell Charlo Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr.

'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, ‘The Drew Barrymore Show’ reverses course (1:15:14), and Van and Rachel discuss an online conversation about male and female rappers (1:27:49). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr.

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

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

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

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

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

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 LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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 LindsayProducers: Chloe Clark and Richie Bozek

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 Juneteenth a “useless holiday” (1:26:14).  Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Meghann Cuniff Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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 Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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 Claressa Shields vs. Keith Thurman boxing match (1:00:31), and a talk about appropriate workplace wardrobe (1:10:05). Plus, the family of Henrietta Lacks is finally compensated (1:20:38). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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 Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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 Ashleigh Smith

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

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

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: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Adam Cohen Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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” McGlaughlin Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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

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

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

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 Megan thee Stallion said at Essence Fest (1:14:32). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Caroline Male Corbin Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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

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 Guests: Murtaza Hussain and Melvin Gregg Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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 Zenieris

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

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

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 Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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 ‘Shooting Stars’ Marquis “Mookie” Cook joins to talk playing LeBron James in his first role (1:12:22), and Zion Williamson’s business gets put out on front street (1:23:03). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Marquis “Mookie” Cook Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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 bill into law (1:20:05), and the ‘Fresh & Fit’ podcast is discussed for, hopefully, the last time (1:29:14). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Aaron Morrison Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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 lion (1:05:48). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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 Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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 playing outside everyday and her rise to social media stardom (53:16). Finally, Brittney Griner makes her WNBA return and speaks on why she’s now standing for the national anthem (1:14:22). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: VanVan and Reggie McConneaughey Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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 humiliation porn (1:19:24). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith

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 social media post sparks discussion on interracial relationships (1:24:15). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith