Van Lathan Jr.

Shows

Episodes

  1. Do the Epstein Files Matter? Is Rachel an Auntie? Plus, Interracial Relationships and a New Diddy Doc

    15H AGO

    Do the Epstein Files Matter? Is Rachel an Auntie? Plus, Interracial Relationships and a New Diddy Doc

    Van and Rachel close out 2025 with a bang! Thanks for listening and watching this year and keep doing so in the next. See ya’ll in 2026. (0:00) Intro (12:01) Van Lathan: King of Threads (15:59) Auntie or nah? (20:03) ‘Stranger Things’ (32:49) Chappelle backlash (1:00:26) Nigeria strikes (1:08:02) Epstein update (1:21:57) Dr. Umar on Venus and Serena (1:55:13) New Diddy documentary (2:08:00) Russian ‘Bad Girls Club’ (2:14:40) Top moments of 2025 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

    2h 21m
  2. Ringer-Verse Recommends: December 2025 (Featuring ‘Pluribus’)

    2H AGO

    Ringer-Verse Recommends: December 2025 (Featuring ‘Pluribus’)

    With various hosts scattered or taking time off for the holidays, Ben Lindbergh and Van Lathan toss out the typical Recommends format for this month and devote the whole episode to one show that hasn't been covered on The Ringer-Verse or ‘House of R’: ‘Pluribus.’ Ben and Van explore what made Vince Gilligan's Apple TV series a challenging yet fulfilling watch, discuss what sets the series apart from other sci-fi fare, and look ahead to a (distant) second season. Happy New Year! Host: Ben LindberghGuest: Van LathanSenior Producer: Steve Ahlman Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 11m
  3. CFP Quarterfinals Preview: Will Indiana Remind Everyone Who's Number One? Does Texas Tech Have a Chance Against Oregon?

    2H AGO

    CFP Quarterfinals Preview: Will Indiana Remind Everyone Who's Number One? Does Texas Tech Have a Chance Against Oregon?

    Tate, Joel, and Van break down the College Football Playoff quarterfinal matchups, taking a close look at each game. They get into whether the underdogs may actually have the edge when the postseason kicks off before turning their attention to Michigan to debate the Wolverines’ choice of new head coach and whether questions still remain about the program’s direction. Then they talk this week’s Overreaction of the Week as they tackle the growing chatter around the USC–Notre Dame rivalry potentially coming to a halt and whether the concern is justified or completely overblown. (0:00) Intro(04:26) One Big Prediction(31:55) Conference Bowl Records(42:50) One Big Question(54:53) Overreaction of the Week(01:12:54) Favorite CFP Matchups Host: Tate FrazierGuests: Van Lathan and Joel Anderson Producers: Jonathan Frias, Alysha Tsuji and Donnie Beacham Jr. The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 36m
  4. Jeffrey Epstein, Nicki Minaj, and the Streets

    DEC 23

    Jeffrey Epstein, Nicki Minaj, and the Streets

    Van and Rachel react to the latest Epstein file dump, Nicki Minaj’s “surprise” appearance at a Turning Point USA conference, and Dave Chappelle’s latest Netflix special. Plus, a breakdown of the “f--k the streets” controversy and the Jake Paul–Anthony Joshua fight. (0:00) Intro (7:54) Jeffrey Epstein file dump (39:31) Nicki Minaj at TPUSA (1:02:06) Dave Chappelle’s 'The Unstoppable' (1:21:59) “F--k the streets” (1:40:52) Jake Paul vs. Anthony Joshua (1:58:00) Timothée Chalamet’s rap video 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

    2h 12m
  5. Epstein Distractions, Dr. Umar vs. 50 Cent, and Van’s N-Word Game

    DEC 19

    Epstein Distractions, Dr. Umar vs. 50 Cent, and Van’s N-Word Game

    Van and Rachel discuss the dysfunction in the FBI and the Trump administration as a whole in the lead-up to the release of more Epstein files. Plus, Keith Edwards sparks debate on criticisms of candidates. Then, Dr. Umar weighs in on the Netflix Diddy documentary, and Van introduces a new game. (0:00) Intro (3:48) Dysfunction in the FBI (29:57) Epstein distractions (39:32) Vivek Ramaswamy and the American dream (47:03) Keith Edwards and Jasmine Crockett (1:23:52) Dr. Umar vs. 50 Cent (1:38:47) Van’s N---a Number Game (1:59:55) Young Thug proposes to Mariah the Scientist Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Jon Jones Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    2h 10m
  6. Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz and the Legacy of Malcolm X

    4D AGO

    Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz and the Legacy of Malcolm X

    Van and Rachel welcome author, activist, and daughter of Malcolm X, Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, to discuss her father’s autobiography, 60 years after its first publication. Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    25 min
  7. ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Reactions | The Midnight Boys

    DEC 19

    ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Reactions | The Midnight Boys

    The Boys are back to give you all of their thoughts on the newest installment of James Cameron’s ‘Avatar’ universe: ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash.’ (0:00) Intro (22:15) Spoilers Ahead (23:54) ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ Reactions (1:25:06) Midnight Meter (1:27:32) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Chris Thomas, Devon Baroldi, Aleya Zenieris, and Sarah Reddy Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 31m
  8. Best Remaining Bowl Games and TJ Finley Drops by for Big Van on Campus

    DEC 24

    Best Remaining Bowl Games and TJ Finley Drops by for Big Van on Campus

    Tate, Joel, and Van break down Texas A&M’s season from top to bottom before debating the best remaining bowl games to watch. The show wraps up with a special appearance from TJ Finley, who joins the guys to talk about his journey and longevity in college football. (0:00) Intro(10:21) One Big Reaction(31:31) Favorite remaining bowl games(45:58) Big Van on Campus with TJ Finley (01:26:20) Parting thoughts Host: Tate FrazierGuests: Van Lathan, Joel Anderson, and TJ Finley Producers: Alysha Tsuji, Donnie Beacham Jr., and Jonathan Frias The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 37m
  9. The Reiner Family Tragedy, Mass Shootings, and an Uncle Nearest Apology Rating

    DEC 16

    The Reiner Family Tragedy, Mass Shootings, and an Uncle Nearest Apology Rating

    Van and Rachel react to a weekend filled with difficult news, from the killing of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, to the mass shootings at Brown University and a Hanukkah event in Australia. Then, the return of Philip Rivers resurrects discussions about Colin Kaepernick, the cofounder of Uncle Nearest apologizes, and Atlanta tops an OnlyFans list. (0:33) Reiner family tragedy (8:59) Trump’s response (22:16) Brown University shooting (42:49) Bondi Beach shooting (1:00:04) Philip Rivers, Colin Kaepernick, and the NFL (1:32:43) Fawn Weaver apologizes (1:46:32) Atlanta loves OnlyFans 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

    1h 59m
  10. Christmas Movies Draft | The Midnight Boys

    DEC 10

    Christmas Movies Draft | The Midnight Boys

    The Boys are back and here to bring you their very merry Christmas movies draft! Five categories of holly jolly fun, from Comedy to Wild Card! (0:00) Intro (7:44) Christmas Movies Draft (1:39:06) Outro Hosts: Van Lathan, Charles Holmes, Jomi Adeniran, and Steve Ahlman Producers: Aleya Zenieris, Devon Baroldi, and Jacob Cornett Additional Production Support: Arjuna Ramgopowell Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 43m
  11. CFB Round 1 LIVE REACTIONS | Ringer Tailgate

    DEC 21

    CFB Round 1 LIVE REACTIONS | Ringer Tailgate

    Join Tate, Van, and Joel LIVE REACTIONS to Round 1 of College Football! The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit www.rg-help.com to learn more about the resources and helplines available. Hosts: Tate Frazier, Van Lathan and Joel Anderson Producers: Jonathan Frias, Oscar De La Luz, Alysha Tsuji, Jack Wilson, and Billy Gil Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 39m
  12. Jasmine Crockett vs. James Talarico, Sherrone Moore Arrested, and Rachel Dating Drug Dealers

    DEC 12

    Jasmine Crockett vs. James Talarico, Sherrone Moore Arrested, and Rachel Dating Drug Dealers

    Van and Rachel discuss Representative Jasmine Crockett, who's entered the Senate race in Texas, and the rejection of health-care subsidies by the Senate. Then they react to the drama out of the University of Michigan. Plus, reporter Marc Caputo joins to shed light on Trump’s actions against Venezuela and political change in Miami. Finally, they talk about ‘Sinners’ erasure on end of the year lists. (0:00) Intro (9:30) Jasmine Crockett vs. James Talarico (43:33) Affordable Care Act subsidies expiring (56:08) Sherrone Moore fired (1:14:03) Marc Caputo joins the show (1:47:31) ‘Sinners’ erasure (2:07:21) Rachel dating drug dealers Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Marc Caputo 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

    2h 20m
  13. ‘Sinners’ With Bill Simmons, Van Lathan, and Wesley Morris

    AUG 18

    ‘Sinners’ With Bill Simmons, Van Lathan, and Wesley Morris

    The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, Van Lathan, and Wesley Morris pop open a cold bottle of Irish beer as they revisit Ryan Coogler’s instant classic, ‘Sinners,’ starring Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, and Miles Caton. Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Ronak Nair, and Chris Wohlers Free eBooks library. It’s on Prime. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    2h 59m
  14. ‘National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, Sean Fennessey, and Van Lathan

    12/19/2023

    ‘National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, Sean Fennessey, and Van Lathan

    The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, Sean Fennessey, and Van Lathan have a good old-fashioned Christmas with the Griswolds as they rewatch ‘National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation,' starring Chevy Chase, Beverly D’Angelo, and Randy Quaid. Producer: Craig Horlbeck Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 32m
  15. The Juiceless Fall Movie Season, ‘The Running Man,’ and ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’

    NOV 14

    The Juiceless Fall Movie Season, ‘The Running Man,’ and ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don’t’

    Sean and Amanda are joined by Van Lathan to cover two new releases that they collectively had mixed feelings about. Before diving in, though, they theorize about why the fall movie slate has been such a huge disappointment both commercially and critically and what it represents for the industry at large going forward (0:34). Then, they break down Edgar Wright’s new action film, ‘The Running Man,’ starring Glen Powell, which they found deeply messy but also full of impressively staged action scenes (28:01). Next, they unpack the new magician legacy sequel ‘Now You See Me: Now You Don't,’ starring Jesse Eisenberg and Dave Franco. They explain their personal relationship with the original films and why Rosamund Pike was born to play an evil diamond heiress villain, and they hypothesize about what its potential box office chances are (59:23). Finally, Edgar Wright joins Sean to discuss the evolving landscape of studio filmmaking, how he constructs an elaborate action set piece, and the amazing story about how Powell was cast for the lead part (1:15:55). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Edgar Wright and Van Lathan Producer: Jack Sanders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    2h 8m
  16. Best Picture Power Rankings and The Rock’s Oscar Bid in ‘The Smashing Machine,’ with Benny Safdie!

    OCT 3

    Best Picture Power Rankings and The Rock’s Oscar Bid in ‘The Smashing Machine,’ with Benny Safdie!

    Sean and Amanda get in the ring with Van Lathan to go multiple rounds on Benny Safdie’s new film, ‘The Smashing Machine,’ starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Emily Blunt. They work through their mixed feelings by recognizing the phenomenal performance from the Rock, which makes it worth the price of admission alone, and their disappointment and frustration toward Emily Blunt’s incredibly one-note character (1:49). Then, Sean and Amanda create their new Best Picture power rankings following the fall film festival season (36:18). Finally, director Benny Safdie joins Sean to discuss his new film and explore his deeply intimate experience making the movie, why the Rock was perfect for the part of Mark Kerr, and the challenges of shooting a combat sports film (54:13). Hosts: Sean Fennessey and Amanda Dobbins Guests: Benny Safdie and Van Lathan Producer: Jack Sanders Unlock an extra $250 at linkedin.com/thebigpicture Chad Powers - New Episodes on Tuesdays on Hulu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 42m
  17. ‘Die Hard With a Vengeance’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Van Lathan

    JUN 24

    ‘Die Hard With a Vengeance’ With Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Van Lathan

    The Ringer’s Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and Van Lathan are called back to action to play a lethal game of Simon Says. The guys put down their five-gallon jugs and cover the 1995 action classic ‘Die Hard With a Vengeance,’ starring Bruce Willis, Samuel L. Jackson, and Jeremy Irons. Producers: Jack Sanders and Ronak Nair Shopping. Streaming. Savings. It’s on Prime Visit Amazon.com/prime to get more out of whatever you’re into. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    2h 11m
  18. L.A. Hip-Hop Culture With Nana, and Sydney Sweeney Speaks

    DEC 9

    L.A. Hip-Hop Culture With Nana, and Sydney Sweeney Speaks

    Van and Rachel welcome rapper Nana to talk hip-hop culture in Los Angeles before they react to Sydney Sweeney’s comments on her infamous jean ad campaign. Then a boxing-style scoring of the best back-and-forths between Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman. (0:00) Intro (11:41) Jason Derulo on working with women (23:15) Nana joins the show (53:04) Sydney Sweeney on the “great jeans” ad (1:01:33) Stephen A. Smith vs. Max Kellerman Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Video Supervision: Chris Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    1h 44m
  19. Talking Reparations and “Black Boy Tragic” With Governor Wes Moore! Plus, the Diddy Documentary and BD Wong’s Apology Rating. | Higher Learning | The Ringer

    DEC 5

    Talking Reparations and “Black Boy Tragic” With Governor Wes Moore! Plus, the Diddy Documentary and BD Wong’s Apology Rating. | Higher Learning | The Ringer

    Rachel and Van start the show by talking about podcasters like Joe Rogan and his possible intentions with those he interviews. Then, they discuss Governor Josh Shapiro’s opinions on Kamala Harris’s book and react to both the new four-part Netflix documentary on Diddy and the response to it from Diddy’s team. Rachel also gives an apology rating to BD Wong. Later, they are joined by Governor Wes Moore to talk about reparations, child poverty, and direct conversations with Trump.  00:00 - Welcome! 04:15 - Joe Rogan and intentions 09:57 - Governor Shapiro comments on Kamala Harris 17:43 - Netflix releases a four-part Diddy documentary 28:24- Pharrell addresses recent political comments 48:39 - BD Wong apologizes for racist joke 58:06- Governor Wes Moore joins us 2:00:57 - Thanks for watching! Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Governor Wes Moore Producers: Ashleigh Smith and Donnie Beacham Video Supervision: Chris Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    2h 5m
  20. Pete Hegseth’s Investigation, and the Danish Deception

    DEC 2

    Pete Hegseth’s Investigation, and the Danish Deception

    Van and Rachel are back from break to weigh in on the investigation of boat strikes, a TikTok relationship scam, and financial literacy in the NFL. Plus, Stephen A. Smith’s talking politics, tech bros are freestyling, and inmates are dancing with their daughters. (0:00) Intro (13:53) Boat strike investigations (31:19) Defining ‘remigration’  (41:46) The Danish Deception (1:04:33) Odell Beckham Jr. and financial literacy (1:17:21) An HBCU/Divine 9 debate (1:33:18) Stephen A. Smith and politics (1:41:07) A very cringey freestyle (1:47:34) Angola prison father-daughter dance (2:00:49) Gun pulled over hairline Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Video Supervision: Chris Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    2h 10m
Van Lathan Jr. on Apple