Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
The Ringer
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.
Location:
United States
Genres:
Arts & Culture Podcasts
Networks:
The Ringer
Description:
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.
Language:
English
Website:
https://theringer.com
Episodes
Shameik Moore, Fat Joe, and Higher Learning’s Person of the Year
12/24/2024
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 reveal their Person of the Year (1:18:50). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:34:28
‘Growing Up Urkel’ With Jaleel White
12/20/2024
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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:49:16
Hero Worship and Inconsistencies in the Jay-Z Lawsuit
12/17/2024
Van and Rachel discuss Daniel Penny and Luigi Mangione being celebrated as heroes (8:09), before reacting to the latest from the Jay-Z rape lawsuit (25:52). Then, Travis Hunter wins the Heisman, but it’s his fiancé that’s got the internet abuzz (50:15), Jason Whitlock rage baits (1:04:36), and the Hawk Tuah girl says she wouldn’t thank the interviewers of her viral video (1:11:41). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:26:46
Remy Ma and Papoose Drama, Plus Talking 100 Men in One Day With Ana Foxxx
12/13/2024
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) Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Ana Foxxx Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:32:30
Unpacking the Jay-Z Allegations with Meghann Cuniff
12/10/2024
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 Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:43:08
Kendrick and the "White Comedian," Plus CEO Fatally Shot
12/6/2024
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 Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:31:10
Joe Biden Pardons, Kendrick Drops, and Drake Takes Legal Action
12/3/2024
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 your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:40:22
A Higher Learning Rewind: Parents Day
11/29/2024
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
Duration:01:15:21
A Higher Learning Rewind: The Very First Episode
11/26/2024
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
Duration:01:37:38
“What Can He Do?”: A Higher Learning Special
11/22/2024
Donald Trump's cabinet and staff nominations are flying in and Van and Rachel welcome a few experts to help make sense of it all. Axios political reporter Hans Nichols kicks things off to discuss Matt Gaetz’s nomination for attorney general (7:06), before Georgetown professor Lawrence Gostin joins to shed light on the threat Robert F. Kennedy Jr. poses to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (37:08). Finally, USC scholar Dr. Shaun Harper calls out the absurdity of appointing Linda McMahon of the WWE as head of the U.S. Department of Education (1:07:33). Then, Shaboozey’s shut out of the CMA’s (1:27:55), Jay Leno gets assaulted … by a hill, not the mafia (1:13:26), and Future finally speaks on the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar beef (1:48:12). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Hans Nichols, Lawrence Gostin, and Dr. Shaun Harper Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:02:01:04
The Nomination of RFK Jr., and Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson
11/19/2024
Van and Rachel are still on TRUMP WATCH, this time reacting to the nomination of Robert Kennedy Jr. to head the Dept. of Health and Human Services (14:39), and the Pete Hegseth sexual assault allegation (38:29). Then, 27-year-old Jake Paul fights 58-year-old Mike Tyson (41:58), Diddy’s accused of influencing witnesses from behind bars (59:19), and Snoop speaks on his neutrality during the election (1:10:05). And finally, Van lists his top 10 cartoon dogs in the latest VanLaTEN (1:25:05). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:41:35
The Danger of Trump’s Nominations With Paul Rieckhoff
11/15/2024
Van and Rachel are on TRUMP WATCH. They react to Trump’s list of cabinet and staff picks (10:34) before founder and CEO of Independent Veterans of America Paul Rieckhoff joins to break down why Trump’s nomination of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense is so scary (32:41). And lastly (on the topic of politics), they talk Trump and Biden's meeting at the White House (58:47). Plus, Denzel Washington speaks on a deleted scene in ‘Gladiator II’ that the people weren’t ready for (1:05:29), The Onion buys InfoWars (1:15:54), and the father of Skai Jackson’s baby allegedly gets hacked (1:16:59). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Paul Rieckhoff Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:34:14
A ‘Higher Learning’ Autopsy of the Democratic Party
11/12/2024
Hardened detective Rachel Lindsay enlists the help of esteemed pathologist Van Lathan to determine the cause of death of the current version of the Democratic Party (6:54), and discuss the formation of Donald Trump’s cabinet (58:40). They then shift gears to debate whether or not Michelle Beadle used the n-word (1:06:32), and talk RG3’s defense of his daughters (1:13:54). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:37:30
Donald Trump’s Second Term and the Expectations of Change
11/8/2024
Van and Rachel break out a bottle of tequila and break down how and why Donald Trump won the presidency again (4:22), before discussing reactions to the results (25:23) and what it means to fight in the years ahead (43:19). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:34:21
Higher Learning/Bakari Sellers Election Night Livestream
11/5/2024
It's still way too early call...BUT...Van Lathan, Rachel Lindsay, and Bakari Sellers are here to help you process what's happening, as it's happening. We Live! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:00:58:43
Election Day Is Here. What’s Going to Happen?
11/5/2024
Van and Rachel remember the life and iconic career of Quincy Jones (7:16) before welcoming Pastor Carlton Lynch to discuss his viral confrontation with a Donald Trump supporter (11:24), and historian Allan Lichtman to dig into his 'Keys to the White House' method for predicting presidential winners (25:03). Then, a quick break from politics to talk Lil Wayne’s ‘Super’ disappointment (44:13), Joel Embiid and Jason Kelce defending their families (56:15), and Megan Thee Stallion’s new documentary (1:03:50). Then, Bakari Sellers is back to give some insight on the last days of the Kamala Harris campaign, and predictions on what to expect (1:13:08). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Carlton Lynch, Allan Lichtman, and Bakari Sellers Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:36:45
Trump Garbage Talk, and Wearing Whiteface for Halloween
11/1/2024
Van and Rachel react to the Dodgers winning the World Series (12:47) before digging into the ‘garbage’ talk coming out of the presidential election’s home stretch (17:45). Plus, a guest is banned from CNN’s 'NewsNight with Abby Phillip' after a racist remark (25:26), and Ryan Clark gets accused of appearing in whiteface for Halloween (41:00). Finally, Rachel breaks down some preferences when it comes to dating (1:01:13). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:22:15
MAGA Jokes and Mega Outrage With Roy Wood Jr.
10/29/2024
Van and Rachel react to Donald Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally (6:28) before comedian Roy Wood Jr. joins to dig into controversial jokes by Tony Hinchcliffe and the art of political comedy (19:42). Then, a breakdown of Lil Durk’s arrest on a murder-for-hire charge (49:43), and Shaq gives advice to Angel Reese on making the WNBA sexier (1:11:16). Plus, Dwyane Wade’s statue has a face that’s not his (1:23:22). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Roy Wood Jr. Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:32:00
The Trump Rumor Mill and LeBron and Bronny’s Big Moment
10/25/2024
Van and Rachel discuss Kamala Harris’s CNN town hall (10:45) before digging into reports of a damaging story for Donald Trump that could "end his campaign" (20:53). Then, a reaction to Busta Rhymes’s comments on Diddy’s alleged crimes (31:55), the WNBA players union opts out of its current bargaining agreement (43:47), Van blames Rachel for killing the ‘Blade’ reboot (58:04), and LeBron and Bronny James spark a nepotism discussion (1:03:22). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:01:15:19
Disrespecting Kamala and Annemarie Wiley on ‘RHOBH’ and Politics
10/22/2024
Van and Rachel react to Trump’s comments about Arnold Palmer’s meat size and the overall state of the race (6:14) before digging into ex-Steeler Le’Veon Bell’s “Trump and the Tramp” T-shirt (12:07). Then Game 5 of the WNBA Finals ends in controversy (19:30), and should we care that fans cheered when Deshaun Watson tore his Achilles (29:43)? Then, TV personality Annemarie Wiley joins to talk the labeling of women (48:47), her time on ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,’ (1:05:41), and where she stands on the 2024 election (1:28:03) Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Annemarie Wiley Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Duration:02:08:53