Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

By 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 invitin... more

· Society & Culture

4.7

1139711,397 ratings

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

The podcast currently has 646 episodes available.

Best of Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

Number 1: Rest in Peace, Dolly Parton; Supreme Court Rules on Trump Mail-In Voting; and Abdul El-Sayed vs. Jesse Watters on Fox News
On today’s show, Van and Lindsay discuss the loss of Dolly Parton and her impact on the Black community. They react to the Supreme Court handing Trump a “YUGE” win with mail-in ballots and Abdul El-Sayed’s devastating takedown of Jesse Watters. Plus, they dig into Meta’s ginormous payout, Darth Vader’s defense of Flock cameras, and Jelly Roll getting political while hosting 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' (00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning (00:36) Colin Kaepernick pulls his books from Target shelves (18:49) Dolly Parton passes away at 80 years old (29:50) New ownership duo in San Diego (40:54) SCOTUS hands Trump a huge victory (58:52) Abdul El-Sayed takes down Jesse Watters (120:44) Meta to shell out billions and add protections for kids (1:36:23) Darth Vader stands up for Flock cameras (1:49:06) Jelly Roll hosts 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Marco Escalante and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 28, 20262h 2min
Number 2: Stephen A. Smith Receives “Thumbs Down” Award, Maya Boyd Is Your New Storm, James Talarico’s Strategic Ad Campaign, and Ray J Defeats Orlando Brown in the Ring
Stephen A. Smith Receives “Thumbs Down” Award, Maya Boyd Is Your New Storm, James Talarico’s Strategic Ad Campaign, and Ray J Defeats Orlando Brown in the Ring Van and Rachel pay tribute to actress Hayden Panettiere and Jason Arday. They also discuss James Talarico’s campaign ad against Ken Paxton. Plus, reactions to the Ray J vs. Orlando Brown boxing match and a discussion on Stephen A. Smith receiving the “Thumbs Down” award from the NABJ. Plus, an in-depth discussion on the casting of Maya Boyd in Marvel’s new X-Men movie, coming in 2028. (0:00) Intro (0:33) Weekend pleasantries/Al Green and grits (8:19) Weekend pleasantries/Dreams (20:59) Hayden Panettiere gone too soon (29:02) Maya Boyd cast as Storm in Marvel’s new X-Men movie (46:19) Jason Arday passes away at 41 (01:04:07) Pengate 2026 (01:15:06) Ray J wins big (0244) Van on capitalism Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Marco Escalante and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 18, 20262h 44min
Number 3: Ro Khanna on the DSA and the Prospects of a Potential Presidential Run. Plus, the Gary, Indiana, Blackout and Penn State Drug Ring.
Van and Rachel chat about the NABJ’s website and its ongoing feud with Stephen A. Smith before catching up on Indiana’s harrowing storms that have left tens of thousands without power. Then they dig into the alleged cocaine ring at one of Penn State’s fraternities and then welcome California Congressman Ro Khanna live in studio. Plus, our hosts give us their thoughts on Young Thug’s interesting comments on fame vs. riches. (00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning (01:05) Stephen A. Smith and NABJ's beef continues (12:37) Indiana left powerless by brutal storm (25:09) 14 charged in alleged drug ring at Penn State (33:13) Ro Khanna joins us in studio (01:41:57) Young Thug has some interesting thoughts Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Marco Escalante and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 21, 20261h 56min
Number 4: Beef Tariffs, Target Halloween Backlash, Hakeem Jeffries Meets With Jared Kushner, and an AI Conversation With King Willonius
We got BEEF! Today Van and Rachel talk about Trump’s beef with American cattle ranchers. Then they get into the latest developments in the Karmelo Anthony trial, and Target is under fire for a racist costume. Plus, right-winger Jake Lang becomes Spider-Man’s latest target, and Van and Rachel talk about the not-so-secret (anymore) meeting between potential House majority leader Hakeem Jeffries and Jared Kushner. Plus, AI royalty King Willonius joins us in studio to chat about AI and "BBL Drizzy." (00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning (01:05) Kanter kicked out (04:56) Where’s the beef? (20:39) The latest in the Karmelo Anthony case (45:26) Target in hot water … again (52:54) Spider-Man fights for the people (01:04:16) Hakeem Jeffries secretly meets with Jared Kushner (01:125:07) King Willonius in studio (02:07:35) Van is for law and order Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: King Willonius Producers: Marco Escalante and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 25, 20262h 21min
Number 5: Usher’s Clone, Drake’s Stream, and a "Ruthless" Kamala Harris
Van and Rachel debate "capitalism" before discussing accusations of an Usher body double and Drake’s content creation. Plus, Kamala Harris speaks on what’s needed from the Democrats, and Van breaks down the X-Men vs. the Avengers. (0:00) Intro (6:34) A capitalism conversation (51:37) Usher using body doubles? (1:00:51) Drake’s stream (1:20:56) Kamala Harris and "ruthless" Democrats (1:40:13) X-Men vs. Avengers Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
August 11, 20261h 58min