Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay-logo

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

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


Episodes
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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Obama Talks to the Brothas, Plus Chris Spencer and Lynnette Grey Bull Join the Show

10/18/2024
Van and Rachel discuss Liam Payne’s death and graphic photos posted by TMZ (5:25), react to Barack Obama addressing Black male voters’ lack of support for Kamala Harris (25:58 ), then discuss Harris’s contentious interview on Fox News (46:52). Later, actor, writer, producer Chris Spencer joins to discuss the Vice TV series ‘Black Comedy in America’ (54:26). Plus, Lynette Grey Bull, founder of Not Our Native Daughters, joins to talk about her mixed emotions concerning Indigenous Peoples’ Day (1:26:04). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Chris Spencer and Lynnette Grey Bull Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:48:45

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Trump’s Russian Relationship and What’s a Black Dandy?

10/11/2024
Van and Rachel discuss the impact Hurricane Milton has had on Florida and the political storm surrounding it (18:48), react to revelations from Bob Woodward’s upcoming book ‘War’ (30:44), and J. Cole addressing his decision to bow out of the Kendrick Lamar-Drake beef (45:53). Then a breakdown of Kamala Harris's and Donald Trump’s recent interviews (54:31), as well as a quick debate on the theme of the upcoming Met Gala. Plus, what is Black dandyism (1:09:28)? Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:29:31

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James Carville on Giving Politics a Better Name, Plus the Top 10 Black Horror Films

10/8/2024
Van and Rachel react to Kamala Harris’s media blitz this week (25:30), before discussing the annual Blackface problem that comes with Halloween (34:27) and locker room privacy in the NFL (43:20). Then, author and political strategist James Carville joins to talk his new documentary, the state of politics, and LSU football (53:54). And finally, Drake talks friendship (1:25:14) before Van reveals his top 10 Black horror films in the latest VanLaTEN (1:35:43). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: James Carville Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:54:55

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The Evidence Against Trump and a Vice Presidential Debate Recap

10/4/2024
Van and Rachel remember the life of John Amos and discuss the family drama around his death (14:49), then break down the vice presidential debate (25:02) and dig into the unsealed evidence from the January 6 election interference case against Trump with Politico senior legal affairs reporter Kyle Cheney (42:18). Later, reactions to an upcoming Chris Brown documentary (57:46) and the tense exchange Ta-Nehisi Coates had on ‘CBS Mornings’ (1:13:22). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Kyle Cheney Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:47:46

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Love, Hatred, and Boosie. Plus, Representative Maxwell Frost on the Future of Politics

10/1/2024
Van and Rachel remember the lives of Dikembe Mutombo and Kris Kristofferson (:15) and debate the appropriateness of a sexy TD Jakes R&B album (13:58), before discussing Boosie’s most recent comments on his daughter’s sexuality while on Yung Miami’s podcast (28:34) and Caresha’s involvement in the latest Diddy lawsuit (59:53). Then they dive into the latest and weirdest news out of the GOP (1:06:09) before Representative Maxwell Frost joins to talk about being the first Gen Z member of Congress (1:14:44). Plus, Chappell Roan’s position on the 2024 election has the internet abuzz (1:44:59). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Representative Maxwell Alejandro Frost Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:02:03:02

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Eric Adams Indicted and Symone Sanders-Townsend Talks the Black Women's Vote

9/27/2024
Van and Rachel react to the indictment of New York Mayor Eric Adams (8:07) and give a quick update on the state of Mark Robinson’s political career after his Nude Africa posts (16:30). Then cohost of MSNBC’s ‘The Weekend’ Symone Sanders-Townsend joins to discuss the role Black women will play in the 2024 election (24:08). Finally, they talk Brett Favre’s Parkinson’s diagnosis (50:07) and react to Cardi B and Offset’s online fight (57:55). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Symone Sanders-Townsend Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:30:15

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Janet’s Kamala Escapade and ‘Evolution of the Black Quarterback’ With Michael Vick

9/24/2024
Van and Rachel discuss Beyoncé’s exclusion from the CMAs (5:47) before reacting to the fallout from Janet Jackson’s questioning of Kamala Harris’s Blackness (25:28) and Chingy backing out of performing at a GOP event (36:19). Then NFL legend Michael Vick joins to talk about the new docuseries ‘Evolution of the Black Quarterback’ (46:07) before discussing the way Jerry Jones talks about his players and what’s between their legs (1:16:28). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Michael Vick Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:30:27

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Of Mess and Men: Mark Robinson, Michael Eric Dyson and ShxtsNGigs

9/20/2024
Of Mess and Men: Mark Robinson, Michael Eric Dyson and ShxtsNGigs Van and Rachel react to Lt. Governor and Gubernatorial candidate for North Carolina Mark Robinson’s comments on a porn forum (6:26), Michael Eric Dyson’s flirty messages to Rep. Nancy Mace (32:51), and the hosts of the ShxtsNGigs and Andrew Schulz get backlash after jokes at the expense of Black women (49:28). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:33:29

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Emergency Pod: Diddy’s Indictment

9/18/2024
Van and Rachel address the breaking news of Sean Combs’s arrest and indictment on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:42:47

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Shannon Sharpe Goes Live and Terrell Owens Talks T.O.

9/17/2024
Van and Rachel remember the life of Tito Jackson (10:39) before reacting to the second apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump in two months (16:09) and Laura Loomer’s relationship with the former president (25:58). Then they have a discussion on Shannon Sharpe’s viral Instagram Live and the best way to release a sex tape (33:37) before the much-anticipated return of the Van LaTEN (47:58). Finally Terrell Owens joins to discuss his hall of fame career and the NFL’s race problem (1:05:28). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Terrell Owens Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:02:06:01