Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

The Ringer

4.7 (11K)
SOCIETY & CULTURE
UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

20 HR. AGO

“What Can He Do?”: A Higher Learning Special

Donald Trump's cabinet and staff nominations are flying in and Van and Rachel welcome a few experts to help make sense of it all. Axios political reporter Hans Nichols kicks things off to discuss Matt Gaetz’s nomination for attorney general (7:06), before Georgetown professor Lawrence Gostin joins to shed light on the threat Robert F. Kennedy Jr. poses to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (37:08). Finally, USC scholar Dr. Shaun Harper calls out the absurdity of appointing Linda McMahon of the WWE as head of the U.S. Department of Education (1:07:33). Then, Shaboozey’s shut out of the CMA’s (1:27:55), Jay Leno gets assaulted … by a hill, not the mafia (1:13:26), and Future finally speaks on the Drake vs. Kendrick Lamar beef (1:48:12). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Hans Nichols, Lawrence Gostin, and Dr. Shaun Harper Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

2h 1m
3 DAYS AGO

The Nomination of RFK Jr., and Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson

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

1h 42m
NOV 15

The Danger of Trump’s Nominations With Paul Rieckhoff

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

1h 34m
NOV 12

A ‘Higher Learning’ Autopsy of the Democratic Party

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

1h 38m
NOV 8

Donald Trump’s Second Term and the Expectations of Change

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

1h 34m
NOV 6

Higher Learning/Bakari Sellers Election Night Livestream

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

59 min
NOV 5

Election Day Is Here. What’s Going to Happen?

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

1h 37m
NOV 1

Trump Garbage Talk, and Wearing Whiteface for Halloween

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

1h 22m

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TRAILER

Introducing 'Higher Learning With Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay'

Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay is here. Twice a week the two will talk about Black culture, politics, sports, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1, E1

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1 min

4.7

out of 5

11,124 Ratings

You Filled Me Up

Nov 9

LaSandraR

So much resonated from your episode after the election. Your work is important, and I thank you for the energy you sacrifice to make the world a better place. You said exactly what I needed to hear.
Election

Nov 8

Anna_mar_mar

I’ve been waiting to hear your take on the election. As a Hispanic women I am also disappointed and disgusted with the results. Thank you for the laughing through the crying. That’s how I am getting through these hard days.
I look forward to every episode!

Nov 8

Connie E. O.

I enjoy Higher Learning so much!! I appreciate being able to listen to every topic and conversation. Thank you for sharing so much and providing very insightful and important perspectives and experiences. Van, Rachel, Donnie and Ashley…y’all are great!!! I miss Animal Games. I love Hootenanny!
Love you Rach !

Oct 31

TETE Combs

I admire you Rachel! Love your podcast 💜

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.