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Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

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Rating
★★★★★
4.7
from
11436 reviews
This podcast has
554 episodes
Language
English
Publisher
The Ringer
Explicit
Yes
Date created
2020/05/25
Latest episode
2026/04/23
Average duration
130 min.
Release period
4 days

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.

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Check latest episodes from Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay podcast


Netflix’s ‘Man on Fire’ With Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Steven Caple Jr.
2026/04/23
Van and Rachel sit down with the star and director of the new Netflix series ‘Man on Fire’ following a screening of the show’s first episode. Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Steven Caple Jr. Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Roland Martin’s Deleted Post and Jamilah Lemieux on Black Relationships
2026/04/21
Van and Rachel react to Mary J. Blige’s comments on her 2012 Burger King commercial before discussing Roland Martin’s response to Justin Fairfax killing his wife, Cerina, and then himself. Then writer Jamilah Lemieux joins to talk about her new book, ‘Black. Single. Mother.: Real Life Tales of Longing and Belonging.’ (0:00) Intro (4:49) Mary J. Blige’s Burger King commercial (16:04) Roland Martin’s response to the Fairfax murder-suicide (46:06) Jamilah Lemieux joins the show (48:16) Shame in being a single mom? (1:02:29) A conversation about Black women and men (1:33:08) Decentering men (1:55:59) Should a man check his friends? Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Jamilah Lemieux Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Decency and Dave Chappelle. Plus, Should Former Trump Allies Be Embraced?
2026/04/17
Van and Rachel discuss the mysterious circumstances around the death of an influencer before diving into Dave Chappelle’s interview with NPR and Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar’s comments on embracing Trump allies. Plus, an argument for Trump being the Antichrist. Then, Michael Tubbs, a candidate for lieutenant governor of California, joins the show. (0:00) Intro (06:38) The mysterious death of an influencer (13:49) Dave Chappelle's NPR interview (37:26) Representative Ilhan Omar on former Trump allies (1:05:42) Pete Hegseth’s ‘Pulp Fiction’ prayer (1:15:07) Tamera Mowry and Threads (1:18:18) Michael Tubbs joins the show Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Michael Tubbs Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett This just in, the Comcast Business Price Lock Guarantee is back. For a limited time you can lock in the same great rate on gig speed internet and advanced security for 5 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Coachella, Afrika Bambaataa, and Their Lord and Savior Donald Trump
2026/04/14
Van and Rachel recap the first weekend of Coachella, before discussing Afrika Bambaataa’s legacy and reported history of abuse. Then, Trump shares an image of himself as Dr. Christ, Gucci Mane releases a diss track, and the church gets lit. (0:00) Intro (2:54) Coachella recap: Justin Bieber (11:47) Coachella recap: Sabrina Carpenter (22:54) The legacy of Afrika Bambaataa (42:18) Rep. Eric Swalwell suspends campaign (51:59) Van makes an endorsement for Governor of CA (58:07) Trump’s Jesus post (1:11:07) Gucci Mane’s Pooh Shiesty diss (1:38:41) Travis Scott’s FEIN and the church (1:49:27) Mysterious death of influencer Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Offset and the State of Hip-Hop in ATL. Plus, Trump’s Ceasefire in Iran
2026/04/10
Van and Rachel react to the shooting of the rapper Offset before welcoming HuffPost’s Akbar Shahid Ahmed to discuss the latest on the conflict in Iran. Then, actor Mark Kassen joins to discuss his newest film, ‘PH-1.’ (0:00) Intro (1:10) Jake Paul and blackface (7:11) Offset’s shooting (10:33) The state of Atlanta hip-hop (17:12) Akbar Shahid Ahmed joins the show (43:45) Kanye and the cancellation of Wireless Fest (51:59) Peak white mess: Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini (59:25) Rachel vs. the AKAs (1:07:35) Mark Kassen joins the show Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Akbar Shahid Ahmed and Mark Kassen Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
LeBron James vs. Memphis. Plus, Joe Rogan and Theo Von on the War in Iran
2026/04/07
Van and Rachel discuss NBA players' dislike for staying in Memphis before reacting to Trump’s Easter message about Iran and Edward Blum’s fight against civil rights. (0:00) Intro (22:21) The NBA vs. Memphis (41:19) Trump’s Easter message (59:30) Joe Rogan and Theo Von on Iran (1:23:10) Edward Blum’s latest lawsuit (1:37:52) Sponsors and Kanye West (2:03:18) Trick Daddy vs. the AKAs Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Pam Bondi Fired, the Kidnapping of Gucci Mane, and Underage Dating: Brandy and Wanya Morris
2026/04/03
Van and Rachel discuss the firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi and revelations about former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s husband before reacting to the arrest of Pooh Shiesty. Plus a discussion of Jaden Ivey, Brandy and Wanya Morris’s relationship and Deontay Wilder’s wild comments. (0:00) Intro (0:54) AG Pam Bondi fired (26:06) Trump’s prime-time address (43:19) Kristi Noem’s husband and ‘bimbofication’ (1:09:33) Pooh Shiesty’s arrest (1:26:42) Jaden Ivey waived after IG posts (1:41:50) Brandy and Wanya Morris (2:07:55) Deontay Wilder viral statements Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Black Republican Celebrities, Plus Butch Ware: the Black Muslim Revolutionary Candidate
2026/03/31
Van and Rachel react to Chilli’s rejection of the MAGA label, the politics of Nick Cannon and Amber Rose, and the latest music from Kanye West. Then, California gubernatorial candidate Dr. Butch Ware joins to discuss the two-party system and his plan for the communities of the state. (0:00) Intro (6:16) Black Republicans (13:02) Chilli denies being "MAGA" (35:52) The politics of Amber Rose and Nick Cannon (1:15:12) Ye’s ‘Bully’ album review (1:26:12) Dr. Butch Ware joins the show Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Dr. Butch Ware Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Capitalism, Beef and Jay-Z, Usher Praises Diddy, Plus a ’Beauty in Black’ Conversation
2026/03/27
Van and Rachel react to the latest from the LaRussell controversy before discussing Jay-Z’s interview with GQ and Usher’s comments on Diddy. Then, actresses Taylor Polidore Williams and Crystle Stewart from Netflix’s ‘Beauty in Black’ join the show. (0:00) Intro (9:05) Social media addiction ruling (21:47) NBA salary cap (30:48) Druski’s “conservative women” skit (49:04) LaRussell controversy (1:02:44) Jay-Z, capitalism, and beef (1:29:15) Usher on Diddy (1:53:10) Taylor Polidore Williams and Crystle Stewart join the show Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Taylor Polidore Williams and Crystle Stewart Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett This just in, the Comcast Business Price Lock Guarantee is back. For a limited time you can lock in the same great rate on gig speed internet and advanced security for 5 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bachelorette Cancellation, Biracial Jihad, Plus Iran and Civil War II Wth Emma Vigeland
2026/03/24
Van and Rachel discuss ICE and TSA before reacting to the latest from the 'Bachelorette' cancelation. Plus: the release of Justin Timberlake’s DUI arrest footage, the return of the movie star, and Van’s got a take on J. Cole and ‘biracials.’ Then, Emma Vigeland from 'The Majority Report’ joins to discuss the war in Iran. (0:00) Intro (07:12) ICE and TSA (20:52) 'Bachelorette' season cancelled (51:10) Justin Timberlake arrest video (1:03:14) The return of the movie star (1:11:10) The biracial jihad (1:23:20) Emma Vigeland joins the show Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Emma Vigeland Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The New York Times's Cesar Chavez Investigation, the Afroman Trial, and the Taylor Frankie Paul Controversy
2026/03/20
Van and Rachel remember the life of Kiki Shepard before discussing the negotiations between the WNBA and WNPBA that led to a verbal agreement for a new CBA. Then they discuss the recent New York Times investigation into Cesar Chavez. After that, the two get into the big controversy revolving around reality star Taylor Frankie Paul, Afroman’s lawsuit, and Ray J’s most recent viral moment: defending his sister Brandy. Lastly, the two are joined by former Ringer colleague, poet, and author Jonathan Kermah to talk about his new book of poetry. (0:00) Intro (1:04) Midnight Boys recast (7:48) The life of Kiki Shepard (13:21) WNBA and WNPBA align on key elements of a new CBA (26:58) Cesar Chavez accused of sexual abuse (51:52) Taylor Frankie Paul under fire (1:16:34) Afroman lawsuit (1:32:00) Ray J defends Brandy (1:44:59) Jonathan Kermah Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jack Harlow ‘Got Blacker,’ Spring Break in Houston, and an Oscars Recap With ‘The Big Picture’
2026/03/17
Van and Rachel react to the Oscars before discussing Jack Harlow’s comments on his new album, LaRussell and what it means to be "heaven sent," and spring breakers taking Houston. Then hosts of The Big Picture, Amanda Dobbins and Sean Fennessey, join to look back at an Oscar season to remember. (0:00) Intro (2:09) Academy Awards reactions (26:04) Jack Harlow’s "gotten Blacker" (41:41) LaRussell backlash (59:23) Spring break in Houston (1:18:53) Amanda Dobbins and Sean Fennessey join the show Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Amanda Dobbins and Sean Fennessey Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A Real Conversation With Gov. Josh Shapiro
2026/03/14
Van and Rachel welcome Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to discuss his memoir, ‘Where We Keep the Light,’ working across the aisle in the MAGA age, and community policing. Plus, addressing the rise in anti-semitism and approaching division on the Israel-Gaza conflict. (0:00) Intro (03:32) ‘Where We Keep the Light’ (08:58) Are we better than this? (16:22) Crime and policing (29:37) An NBA tangent (32:26) Relationship with Meek Mill (38:07) “Too bad a Jew can’t be president” (46:03) Israel and the war in Gaza Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Gov. Josh Shapiro 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
Magic City Night Canceled and Target Boycott Over? Plus, Ryan Michelle Bathé on ‘Paradise’ Season 2
2026/03/13
Van and Rachel react to the cancellation of the Atlanta Hawks’ "Magic City Night" and Bam Adebayo’s 83 points before switching gears to discuss potential threats from Iran. Plus, Harvey Weinstein speaks from behind bars, Ari Lennox gives life to a meme, and the Target boycott appears to be over. Then, Ryan Michelle Bathé, host of the ‘Paradise’ companion podcast joins to talk season 2 of the hit Hulu show. (0:00) Intro (2:32) Magic City Night canceled (13:27) Bam’s 83 points (42:34) Harvey Weinstein’s interview (59:02) Ari Lennox and why nice guys finish last (1:16:10) Jamal Bryant ends the Target boycott (1:37:16) Real Housewives vs. the feds (1:45:33) Ryan Michelle Bathé joins the show Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Ryan Michelle Bathé Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore This just in, the Comcast Business Price Lock Guarantee is back. For a limited time you can lock in the same great rate on gig speed internet and advanced security for 5 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘Sinners,’ Awards Season, and Pearline’s Husband With Jayme Lawson
2026/03/10
Van and Rachel discuss Logan Paul vs. Le’Veon Bell and Dak Prescott’s wedding being called off before reacting to the shooting at Rihanna’s home. Then, they discuss an update on the war in Iran before actress Jayme Lawson joins to talk representation in Hollywood, awards season, and of course, ’Sinners.’ (0:00) Intro (2:08) Logan Paul vs. Le’Veon Bell (10:23) Dak Prescott and prenups (24:25) The shooting at Rihanna’s home (28:14) War in Iran (41:07) A conversation about Joe Budden: rooting for U.S.? (55:51) Jayme Lawson joins the show Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Jayme Lawson Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Social Producer: Bernard Moore Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Podcast reviews

Read Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay podcast reviews


4.7 out of 5
11436 reviews
★★★★★
jknagie 2026/04/18
Predictably Irrational
Van!!!!! You met Dan Ariely?! I’m just going to confidently assume that’s who you meant, because if it is, I’m officially fangirling over here.
★★★★☆
AKA Queen Mab 2026/04/21
REALLY good pod, but...
I'm a fan!😄 BUT, the obsession with bi-racial people and gender wars... it's too much.🙄 Van and Rachel have really great insights on so many topics....
★★★★★
GopherGolfer609 2026/03/14
Target
So the Target boycott was the same as the BudLight? Show or SHOW
★☆☆☆☆
Sevenmm7 2026/03/31
Van is unbearable
Van is constantly misogynistic and race baiting. His toxic masculinity is constantly missing the moment and naively ignorant. He regularly pesters and...
★★★★★
Bishop Tutu 2026/03/04
Great Show!
Informative, funny, interesting, honest! What more can you ask of a podcast? I always enjoy them and I never miss a podcast! 💯✊🏿💪🏿
★★★★★
Doesn't work/disappointed 2026/02/24
Always worth it
Van continues to have the most incisive cultural, political and societal commentary that I hear or read.
★★★★★
From Another Great Admirer 2026/01/20
Sam’s Know What They Do
YeaH….. I Said It. UncleTomSambo’s Like s.a.coon Of The World Are So Bad For Us.! $/🎤/Pwr + YT-people Is A Dangerous Mix. The-coon Was On cuomo’s sho...
★☆☆☆☆
Ringer___fan 2026/02/10
Lazy and racist.
What part of we voted for this don’t you understand.
★★★☆☆
KLmurray 2026/01/30
LET RACHEL TALK!
Man Van really loves the sound of his own voice! Would love if he let his COHOST Rachel talk for more than 60 seconds at a time. Why is he always bein...
★☆☆☆☆
Max RF 2026/01/22
Van’s Lost It
Seek help bro. Comparing Harden’s playoff record to Josh Allen’s is one of the funniest things I have ever heard someone say. Skip it if you don’t kno...
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