Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

By The Ringer

Society & Culture TV & Film

What's 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.

4.7

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Processing the Death of Dau...

04.13.2021

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the two latest high-profile incidents of law enforcement misconduct: Virginia police pulling over and pepper-spraying 2nd Lt. Caron Nazario last December, and Minnesota police shooting and killing Daunte Wright this week (0:30). Then they ...

Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay episodes:

04.13.2021 Processing the Death of Daunte Wright and 2nd Lt. Caron Nazario Getting Pepper-Sprayed Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the two latest high-profile incidents of law enforcement misconduct: Virginia police pulling over and pepper-spraying 2nd Lt. Caron Nazario last December, and Minnesota police shooting and killing Daunte Wright this week (0:30). Then they ...
04.09.2021 Is Khloe Kardashian a Victim Or Just Reaping What She Sows? Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Khloe Kardashian’s “natural” picture that got accidentally posted (20:00), Regé-Jean Page not getting a role in 'Krypton' because he’s Black (37:00), Hubert Davis’s weird press conference after being hired as UNC head basketball coach ...
04.06.2021 Paul Pierce Gets Fired From ESPN, Plus Ego Nwodim on Being Black on 'SNL' Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Paul Pierce’s viral video on Friday night and reported firing from ESPN (9:00), MLB moving their 2021 All-Star Game out of Atlanta (21:00), and Charles Barkley’s recent comments about race (29:00). Then they welcome ...
04.02.2021 Kevin Durant vs. Michael Rapaport, Matt Gaetz Investigations, and the Quavo and Saweetie Video Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the internet feud between Kevin Durant and Michael Rapaport (18:00), the investigations into Florida Representative Matt Gaetz (31:00), and the video of the elevator altercation between Quavo and Saweetie (41:00) before answering some mailbag ...
03.30.2021 Reactions to Lil Nas X's Video, Chet Hanks's "White Boy Summer," and a Derek Chauvin Trial Update Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Chet Hanks’s comments about the upcoming “white boy summer” (12:30), Lil Nas X’s video and subsequent shoe release (21:00), and Georgia’s bill restricting voting access (40:00) before having attorney Yodit Tewolde on to give ...
03.26.2021 The Tragic Situation in Colorado, Ellen Losing Viewers, and Chrissy Teigen Quits Twitter Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss relationship guru Derrick Jaxn apparently cheating on his wife (4:00), Ellen DeGeneres losing more than 1 million viewers (10:00), the rift in the Joe Budden podcast (20:00), gun control as it relates to the ...
03.23.2021 Quavo and Saweetie Are Done, Spring Break in Miami Is Not, and Kylie Jenner Donated a Whopping $5,000 Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Lil Mama’s crusade against the LGBTQ+ community (14:00), Quavo and Saweetie splitting up over alleged cheating (27:00), spring break still happening in Miami (39:00), Kylie Jenner’s donation to her makeup artist’s GoFundMe (50:00), and ...
03.19.2021 Addressing the Racist Attacks in Atlanta. Plus, John the Scorpio on Matt James's Bachelor Season. Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the terrible, racist attacks against Asian Americans in Atlanta (11:00), Saweetie’s viral comments about threesomes (27:00), Kanye West’s wealth (34:00), and unpacking the notion that Black people have to conform in order to succeed ...
03.16.2021 Even More Chris Harrison News. Plus, Lil' Mo on Her 20 Years in the Music Industry. Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the latest news that Chris Harrison will not be joining the next season of 'The Bachelorette' (3:30) and that Van’s short film was nominated for an Oscar (12:00). Then they welcome Lil' Mo to ...
03.12.2021 Piers Morgan Is Upset and Alicia Garza on How to Be Hopeful in a Time of Social Change Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by activist and author Alicia Garza to discuss how she stays hopeful, the Black mandate for the Biden-Harris administration, Stacey Dash, and what she would consider a win for Black people (14:30). Then ...
03.09.2021 Harry and Meghan Interview Reactions. Plus, the Papa John's Founder Spent How Long Trying to Stop Using the N-Word? Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Rachel’s weekend hiking expedition (1:00), Harry and Meghan’s interview with Oprah (17:00), the Cowboys and Dak Prescott agreeing to a new contract (38:00), the NBA All-Star Game and parties in Atlanta (40:00), Derek Chauvin’s ...
03.05.2021 Chris Harrison's Latest Apology and Angela Rye on the Biden Administration So Far Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Chris Harrison’s interview with Michael Strahan on 'Good Morning America' (9:00) and then are joined by Angela Rye to discuss the Biden administration, how we can all work toward a common goal, and why ...
03.02.2021 DJ Akademiks on Megan Thee Stallion's Rap Skills, Drake's Upcoming Album, and Tekashi69 Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the Rachel’s decision to deactivate her Instagram and Emmanuel Acho hosting "After the Final Rose" (0:00). Then they’re joined by hip-hop media personality DJ Akademiks to discuss his perception on the internet, Megan Thee ...
02.26.2021 Do We Believe President Obama's Story About Punching a Classmate? Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the story former President Obama told on the ‘Renegades’ podcast about punching a former classmate of his (15:00), New York’s ban on sales and display of the Confederate flag (22:00), Draya Michele’s latest antics ...
02.24.2021 Matt James’s Instagram Statement and Andra Day on the Importance of Knowing Billie Holiday’s Story Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Matt James’s Instagram statement on the Rachael Kirkconnell ‘Bachelor’ drama (0:45) and are then joined by the star of 'The United States vs. Billie Holiday,' Andra Day, to discuss her experience playing Billie Holiday ...
02.23.2021 Cam Newton Argues With a Camper and Deion Sanders (Maybe) Got His Stuff Stolen Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss recent pictures of Clare Crawley and Dale Moss together (2:00), Cam Newton’s argument with a camper at his 7-on-7 tournament (10:00), Deion Sanders allegedly getting his belongings stolen after Jackson State’s victory (21:00), new ...
02.19.2021 #FlyinTedCruz: Breaking Down Ted Cruz's Trip to Cancún While Texas Freezes Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Ben Shapiro coming at Rachel on his podcast (7:00), Rush Limbaugh’s death (21:00), Ted Cruz’s impromptu trip to (and return from) Cancún (29:00), Boosie Badazz’s comments about Lori Harvey (43:00), Meek Mill’s leaked song ...
02.17.2021 Dr. Ibram X. Kendi on the Black Experience in America and How to Be an Antiracist Dr. Ibram X. Kendi joins Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay to discuss the seemingly slowing trend of white allyship, how he would make the case to white people that they need to care about racism, how the new administration can ...
02.16.2021 Chris Harrison Is Stepping Away. What's Next for the 'Bachelor' Franchise? Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the Chris Harrison’s second Instagram apology and the decision for him to step away from the 'Bachelor' franchise (1:00), Justin Timberlake’s apology to Britney Spears and Janet Jackson (35:00), the acquittal of former President ...
02.12.2021 Rachel Sounds Off on Chris Harrison’s Problematic ‘Extra’ Interview and Apology Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the interview Rachel did with Chris Harrison for 'Extra' and how it relates to Rachael Kirkconnell’s situation on ‘The Bachelor’ (0:30). Then Van explains how Van Jones texted him about the last 'Higher Learning' ...
02.10.2021 Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield on the Importance of 'Judas and the Black Messiah' For another Black History Month bonus episode, Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by Daniel Kaluuya and Lakeith Stanfield to discuss Fred Hampton, William O'Neal, the importance of their new movie ‘Judas and the Black Messiah,' and more. Learn ...
02.09.2021 Van Down! Breaking Down Van Jones's Appearance on 'The View' and Nick Cannon's Return to ViacomCBS Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Tom Brady winning the Super Bowl (0:00) and Van Jones’s appearance on ‘The View’ (9:00). They are then joined by California Representative Adam Schiff to discuss the government's COVID-19 response and how the Democratic ...
02.05.2021 Lil Uzi's Bizarre Forehead Piercing, Lamar Odom vs. Aaron Carter, and the Trey Songz Discourse Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Lil Uzi Vert’s decision to pierce his forehead with a $24 million diamond (10:00), the reported celebrity boxing match between Lamar Odom and Aaron Carter (21:00), the discourse surrounding the Trey Songz video leak ...
02.03.2021 Bow Wow on His Internet Controversies and His Place in the Culture Shad Moss, a.k.a. Bow Wow, joins Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay for the first Black History Month bonus episode to discuss his internet controversies, including his “concert” in Houston, and his place in hip-hop and Black culture. Learn more about ...
02.02.2021 Let Chloe Bailey Spread Her Wings in Peace. Plus, What to Make of the T.I. and Tiny News. Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the uproar around Chloe Bailey's use of her personal Instagram page (11:00); Sabrina Peterson describing sexual abuse by T.I. and his wife, Tiny (28:00); Black Lives Matter being nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize ...
01.29.2021 Lecrae on Drake, Christian Rap, and His Place in Hip-Hop. Plus, Celebrating The Life Of Cicely Tyson. Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the GameStop stock situation (5:00) then bring on Lecrae to talk about his career and place in hip hop (19:00). Then they reflect on the life and career of Cicely Tyson (57:00), recap Matt ...
01.26.2021 Kaiya Hamilton on the Viral Clip of Her and Rick Ross From ‘Signed’ Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the NFL championship games from the weekend (2:00), then bring Kaiya Hamilton on to explain the viral clip of her, Just Brittany, and Rick Ross from VH1's ‘Signed’ (20:00). Then Van and Rachel unpack ...
01.22.2021 Inauguration Reactions and Clare and Dale's Shocking Breakup Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Joe Biden and Kamala Harris’s inauguration (7:00), President Trump pardoning Lil Wayne (23:00), Clare Crawley and Dale Moss’s apparent breakup (31:00), the most recent episode of ‘The Bachelor’ (49:00), the controversy surrounding DaniLeigh (58:00), ...
01.19.2021 Examining the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Why MLK Day Can Feel Performative Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Bow Wow’s performance at a packed club as part of a new segment: Bow Wow Watch (7:00) and Charles Barkley’s ridiculous statement that professional athletes should get to jump the vaccine line because of ...
01.15.2021 Everyone Needs to Give Kyrie Irving Some Grace. Plus, Armie Hammer Said What? Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the interesting situation with Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets (17:00), the House voting to impeach President Trump (40:00), and the bizarre alleged DMs from Armie Hammer (1:00:00). Then they give a recap of ...
01.12.2021 President Trump Could Be Impeached Again and Republicans Have a Decision to Make Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the likely impeachment of President Trump this week (15:00), Keri Hilson’s unhappiness with Twitter removing President Trump from the platform (30:00), the documentary ‘The Reunited States’ produced by Van Jones and Meghan McCain (46:00), ...
01.08.2021 An Insurrection at the Capitol and the Georgia Runoffs: Reacting to a Historic Day in America Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the domestic terrorism that happened in Washington D.C. on Wednesday (0:30), Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff’s Senate victories in Georgia (38:00), the reports that Kim Kardashian and Kanye West are getting divorced (55:00), ...
01.05.2021 Are the Black Eyed Peas Black Music? Plus, a Michael Jackson Conversation Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss will.i.am’s recent comments about the Black Eyed Peas getting too big to be considered Black music (8:00) and President Trump’s recorded conversation with the Georgia secretary of state (39:00), and then have a conversation ...
12.29.2020 Was 'WW84' Kind of Problematic? Plus: Hilaria Baldwin's Confession and Consequences of the N-word Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Rachel’s previous recommendation of ‘WW84’ and why Van thinks the movie might be problematic (11:00). Then they talk about Hilary Baldwin’s recent confirmation that she was born in Boston, not Spain (30:00), and a ...
12.22.2020 Jay Pharoah on Celebrity Impressions, Comedy in 2020, and His Experience With Racial Profiling Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Van’s insensitive joke about Colombians from the last podcast (5:00), then Jay Pharoah joins the show to talk about his career with impressions, whether or not white comedians should do Black impressions, racial profiling ...
12.18.2020 Tom Cruise’s Tone Crossed a Line. Plus: Glynn Turman on Working With Chadwick Boseman. Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by legendary actor Glynn Turman to discuss his six-decade career and working with Chadwick Boseman on his last film (13:00). Then they discuss Tom Cruise’s rant on the set of 'Mission: Impossible' (34:00), ...
12.15.2020 Dr. Abdul El-Sayed on the COVID-19 Vaccines And What They Mean For the Pandemic Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Joe Biden officially getting enough electoral votes to win the 2020 presidential election (8:00), Ashanti and Keyshia Cole’s Verzuz battle getting postponed (16:00), Snoop Dogg’s comments about the "WAP" video (23:00), and a questionable ...
12.11.2020 Jimmy Kimmel on COVID-19, His Karl Malone Character, Kanye West, and Being America's Late-Night Dad Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by late-night host Jimmy Kimmel to discuss COVID-19, his history of comedic characters, Kanye West, the current cultural situation in America, and much more (16:00). Then they discuss the morals of using COVID-19 ...
12.08.2020 Tayshia Adams On Her Racial Identity And Her "Bachelorette" Experience Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss James Harden recently being picture at Lil Baby’s birthday party without a mask (10:00) then are joined by current “Bachelorette” Tayshia Adams to discuss her racial identity and her experience on “The Bachelorette” (24:00). ...
12.04.2020 Life Lessons From Loni Love. Plus, What To Make of President Obama's Comments About Defund the Police. Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by comedian and author Loni Love to discuss her show 'The Real,' President Obama, interracial relationships, and more (1:00). Then Van introduces Rachel to his new dog, Boseman (38:00), before they discuss President ...
12.01.2020 Nate Robinson Gets Knocked Out. Plus, Kelly McCreary of 'Grey's Anatomy.' Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the boxing match between Jake Paul and Nate Robinson (1:00) and a recent viral video from True Kitchen and Kocktails in Dallas (22:00). Then Kelly McCreary of 'Grey’s Anatomy' joins the show (39:00), and ...
11.27.2020 Parents Day 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 megaphone.fm/adchoices
11.24.2020 COVID-19 Is Surging. Plus, a Special Thanksgiving Mailbag. Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the recent COVID-19 surges and Los Angeles’s new orders (7:00), Joe Biden’s reported interested in Rahm Emanuel for the Department of Transportation (18:00), Black Panther 2 beginning filming in July of 2021 (37:00), and ...
11.20.2020 Michael B. Jordan Is the Sexiest Man Alive and Michael Jordan Drafts LaMelo Ball Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Michael B. Jordan being the fifth Black man named People’s Sexiest Man Alive (6:00), the Verzuz battle between Jeezy and Gucci Mane (19:00), the Ball family’s success in the NBA draft (25:00), and the ...
11.17.2020 Slim Thug on the Recent Spate of Rappers Getting Shot Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Van’s first trip to the dentist since the early '90s (13:00). Then rapper Slim Thug joins the show to talk about the abundance of rappers being shot recently and his experience battling COVID-19 (22:00). ...
11.13.2020 How to Manage Your Mental Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by Dr. Jess Clemons to discuss mental health in general, as well as how to handle it during the COVID-19 pandemic (16:00). Then they give a recap of the latest episode of ‘The ...
11.10.2020 Joe Biden Is the President-Elect but the Work Is Just Getting Started Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss how they reacted to the presidential race being called for Joe Biden and what they would like to see come out of the presidency (1:00). Then they praise Stacey Abrams for her efforts in ...
11.06.2020 Taking Stock of the Presidential Race Three Days In Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss where the presidential race stands and how the voting has been split demographically (2:00). Then they discuss Measure J passing in Los Angeles and what that means in terms of defunding the police (33:00), ...
11.03.2020 It's Election Day. What's Next for America? Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss what we should do if President Trump is reelected (12:00), T.I.’s comments about how drinking tea will keep him from getting COVID (33:00), Lil Wayne working with President Trump (43:00), and how they will ...
10.30.2020 We're Four Days From the Election! Plus Jaime Harrison on the South Carolina Senate Race. Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by Jaime Harrison, who is running for South Carolina Senate against Lindsey Graham (5:00). They discuss the Supreme Court decision to extend acceptance on absentee ballots in North Carolina and Pennsylvania (21:00), Justin ...

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