Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
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.
Society & Culture
TV & Film
Sports
Confederacy Month, the New Drake Diss, and Stephen A.’s Apology
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the show by addr...
more
Apr 23 2024 1h 52m
Chapter 1 20 mins
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the show by addressing the new theme song and reaction from our Thought WarriorsChapter 2 17 mins
Then, they give their impressions of the bizarre new Drake-produced AI trackChapter 3 39 mins
and the internet’s reaction to Stephen A. Smith’s comments on Donald Trump’s relatabilityChapter 4 33 mins
Later, they expand the surprise that their birthday month falls during Confederate Heritage Month in Mississippi, and the reason behind its existence
Self-Healing, WNBA Salaries, and What Jerrod Really Meant
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay bring in the new episo...
more
Apr 19 2024 1h 23m
Chapter 1 33 mins
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay bring in the new episode with a new theme, a different location, and a talk about self-healing. Then, they discuss Jerrod Carmichael’s clarification of his “race-play” jokeChapter 2 17 mins
and the pay gap between players in the WNBA compared to those in the NBAChapter 3 2 mins
Lastly, they give their props to the Gayle King–Charles Barkley showChapter 4 9 mins
and talk about their impressions of the Jontay Porter situation
A Serious Talk About Israel and a Not-So-Serious Talk About Rap Beef
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start today’s episode ...
more
Apr 16 2024 1h 41m
Chapter 1 40 mins
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start today’s episode by giving their impressions on the progression of the beef happening in the hip-hop worldChapter 2 32 mins
Then they are joined by Alaa Elassar and Yahya Abou-Ghazala, CNN reporters and collaborators on “Voice Notes From Gaza,” to weigh in on the Israel-Hamas situation as it continues to escalateChapter 3 26 mins
Lastly, they are joined by Bomani Jones, host of ‘The Right Time’ presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment
Young Voters, Blackface, and O.J.’s Past and Passing
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay bring in the show talk...
more
Apr 12 2024 1h 28m
Chapter 1 11 mins
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay bring in the show talking about the past, passing, and impact of O.J. Simpson and the complexity he holds within the black communityChapter 2 18 mins
Then, they touch on the trepidations young voters have towards BidenChapter 3 22 mins
and Trump’s latest reach towards black votersChapter 4 30 mins
Later, they are joined by Conscious Lee and Franchesca Ramsey from the podcast ‘Black History, For Real’
The Rock’s Division, J. Cole’s Regrets, and a Red High School Visit
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start today’s episode ...
more
Apr 9 2024 1h 35m
Chapter 1 10 mins
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start today’s episode on WrestleMania and its history-making outcomeChapter 2 24 mins
Then, they discuss J. Cole’s thoughts on his latest projectChapter 3 7 mins
Sexyy Red’s high school visitChapter 4 18 mins
and the interesting reveal from Jerrod Carmichael’s seriesChapter 5 15 mins
Lastly, they dive into the South Carolina vs. Iowa gameChapter 6 16 mins
and The Rock’s non-endorsement of Joe Biden
The Future of the WNBA and Another Interesting Acho Take
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the Iowa vs. L...
more
Apr 5 2024 1h 28m
Chapter 1 21 mins
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the Iowa vs. LSU game and the possible future for the WNBAChapter 2 29 mins
Then, they react to Emmanuel Acho’s take on Angel ReeseChapter 3 19 mins
Finally, they discuss the Israeli airstrike that killed World Central Kitchen aid workers
The Mastery of ‘Cowboy Carter’ and the Complexity of the Black Experience
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay give their impression ...
more
Apr 2 2024 1h 28m
Chapter 1 16 mins
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay give their impression of Beyoncé’s new album, ‘Cowboy Carter’Chapter 2 9 mins
the first episode of Jerrod Carmichael’s reality show, and the awkward scene with Tyler the CreatorChapter 3 25 mins
Then, they discuss the internet’s reaction to our conversation with Justin Sylvester last weekChapter 4 27 mins
and dive into the complexities and different cultures of the Black experience
The Diddy Saga, Trump’s Bible, and Black Representation in Media
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the Diddy situ...
more
Mar 29 2024 1h 25m
Chapter 1 40 mins
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the Diddy situation including the raid on his house, the lawsuit, and the internet’s reaction to the many revelations of his lawsuitChapter 2 13 mins
Then, they chat about Trump’s new “holy” productChapter 3 24 mins
and the backlash from the new Good Times reboot
Daily Wire’s Diversity Hire, Rap Beef, and Freaking Out Over Freaknik
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the episode with...
more
Mar 26 2024 1h 53m
Chapter 1 1 min
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the episode with a playbook updateChapter 2 46 mins
and discuss Candace Owens and her online presenceChapter 3 48 mins
Then, Justin Sylvester comes by to give insight on interracial relationships within the Black and LGBTQ communities (). They are then joined by P. Frank Williams to talk about his documentary ‘Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told’ and the internet’s reactions to revelations of the projectChapter 4 7 mins
before they end the show with a talk about rap’s “newest” beef
Biden’s Budget, Pretty Privilege, and the Horrors of ‘Quiet on Set’
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the show off wit...
more
Mar 22 2024 1h 39m
Chapter 1 2 mins
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the show off with some "gender wars" banterChapter 2 14 mins
and a quick shout-outChapter 3 31 mins
before diving into Biden's proposed budgetChapter 4 31 mins
Then, they talk about the Nickelodeon atrocities highlighted by the documentary ‘Quiet on Set’Chapter 5 17 mins
and the internet’s reaction to Beyoncé’s latest drop
Reckless “Behavior,” Mental Health, and the Kate Middleton Conspiracy
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay recap and give their i...
more
Mar 19 2024 1h 34m
Chapter 1 12 mins
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay recap and give their impressions on the Kate Middleton conspiracyChapter 2 25 mins
before discussing former president Donald Trump’s comments on the possibility of losing the upcoming electionChapter 3 27 mins
Then, they talk about mental health and Bill Maher’s segment discussing mental health in AmericaChapter 4 23 mins
Lastly, they talk about the latest ruling in Texas that made sites like Pornhub react with a ban
Banning TikTok, Actively Black, and Controversial Feet Pics
Today, Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by A...
more
Mar 15 2024 1h 32m
Chapter 1 19 mins
Today, Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by Ashley Gold, a tech and policy reporter at Axios, to talk about the TikTok banChapter 2 22 mins
Then, the two bring back the “Is Van Wrong?” segmentChapter 3 2 mins
Later, they are joined by the CEO of the fashion sports brand Actively Black, Lanny Smith, to talk about the creation of the brand and his recent apology videoChapter 4 43 mins
and discuss the internet’s response to Karrueche Tran’s OnlyFans announcement on Instagram
Oprah’s Ozempic Special, the Oscars, and Draya’s Pregnancy
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the episode off ...
more
Mar 12 2024 1h 48m
Chapter 1 21 mins
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the episode off with their reactions to the 96th Academy AwardsChapter 2 23 mins
before giving their opinions on the reactions to Draya Mitchell and Jalen Green’s relationshipChapter 3 34 mins
Then, they discuss the State of the Union addressChapter 4 13 mins
Oprah’s special 'Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution'Chapter 5 15 mins
and their take on Jerrod Carmichael’s reality show trailer
Lieutenant Nasty, Charlamagne’s Apology, and the Supreme Court Trump Decision
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay give their opinions on...
more
Mar 5 2024 1h 48m
Chapter 1 18 mins
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay give their opinions on the latest Supreme Court rulingChapter 2 22 mins
and reparation comments from the lieutenant governor of North Carolina, Mark RobinsonChapter 3 40 mins
before rating the apology from Charlamagne tha God to viral TikTok creator Ressa Tessa
New Diddy Lawsuit, the Wins of the "Uncommitted," and Fat Joe’s Trump Sneaker Addition
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the new Diddy ...
more
Mar 1 2024 1h 56m
Chapter 1 14 mins
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the new Diddy lawsuit and the internet’s reactionChapter 2 21 mins
the rumored big names in the lawsuitChapter 3 33 mins
and Meek Mill’s response to being implicated. Then, they give their impressions of the “uncommitted” vote protest in MichiganChapter 4 33 mins
before going over the gender politics of marriage proposal
Cam Newton Gets Jumped, and Drake Turns Heel
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the coaches w...
more
Feb 27 2024 1h 44m
Chapter 1 15 mins
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the coaches who came after Cam Newton at a youth tournament and talks of it being a “reflection of culture”Chapter 2 10 mins
before they discuss Drake’s attempt to be the bad guy and his support of Tory LanezChapter 3 18 mins
Then, Trump attempts to appeal to Black votersChapter 4 7 mins
and an active service member commits the ultimate act of protest at the Israeli Embassy in D.CChapter 5 21 mins
Van then gives a response to a Reddit postChapter 6 17 mins
before they discuss social media’s war against joy following the resignation of a popular librarian
The Jim Crow Era of Reproductive Freedom, Plus Tiffany Haddish’s Israel Trip
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the Alabama Su...
more
Feb 23 2024 1h 36m
Chapter 1 15 mins
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the Alabama Supreme Court ruling that’s resulted in the halting of IVF treatmentsChapter 2 17 mins
before reacting into Tiffany Haddish’s trip to IsraelChapter 3 9 mins
Then they breakdown to a viral TikTok account called ‘Biracial Lounge’Chapter 4 48 mins
before welcoming the founder of the X for Boys Life Preparatory School King Randall I to discuss a recent post on safety during police interaction
Chris Brown vs. Ruffles, and Fani Willis Under Scrutiny
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay dig into the Fani Will...
more
Feb 20 2024 1h 34m
Chapter 1 20 mins
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay dig into the Fani Willis hearings and testimonyChapter 2 16 mins
before reacting to Ruffles forcing the NBA switch up on Chris Brown for All-Star WeekendChapter 3 12 mins
and the 3-point contest ending with some misogynyChapter 4 30 mins
Plus, a discussion about apathy leading up to the 2024 election
More Mass Shootings. Plus, Martin, Malcolm, and Coretta With Dr. Peniel Joseph
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the latest ma...
more
Feb 16 2024 2h 10m
Chapter 1 9 mins
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the latest mass shooting, this time at the Chiefs' Super Bowl parade in Kansas CityChapter 2 10 mins
before taking a look at the body-cam footage of a police officer’s shootout with an acornChapter 3 18 mins
Then, a look at family dynamics after Mo'Nique’s public spat with her eldest sonChapter 4 14 mins
and the woman formerly known as Rachel Dolezal is fired for having an OnlyFans accountChapter 5 8 mins
Plus, a quick update on the Fani Willis hearingsChapter 6 59 mins
before Dr. Peniel Joseph returns to discuss NatGeo’s adaptation of his book ’The Sword and the Shield’
Beyoncé vs. NFL, Plus Masculinity and Painted Nails With Demetrius Harmon
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the back-and-...
more
Feb 13 2024 2h 9m
Chapter 1 25 mins
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the back-and-forth between Shannon Sharpe and Mike Epps (:12) before recapping a Super Bowl Sunday that saw Usher and Beyoncé dominate headlinesChapter 2 26 mins
Then, a discussion of the Israeli bombardment of a city packed with refugeesChapter 3 1 hr 5 mins
before internet personality Demetrius Harmon joins to talk masculinity amidst a viral post about straight men with painted nails
Drake, the Meat Messiah. Plus, Boaz Yakin on ‘Once Again (For the Very First Time)’
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay kick off the show with...
more
Feb 9 2024 1h 46m
Chapter 1 23 mins
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay kick off the show with some Super Bowl, and unfortunately, Taylor Swift talkChapter 2 13 mins
before reacting to an alleged video leak of DrakeChapter 3 15 mins
Then, dig into Mo’Nique’s appearance on ‘Club Shay Shay’Chapter 4 51 mins
before welcoming writer-director Boaz Yakin to discuss his upcoming film, executive-produced by Van, ‘Once Again (For the Very First Time)’
Taylor Swift: Greatest Maker of Albums Ever, Plus Keith Lee’s Blessings
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to an eventful G...
more
Feb 6 2024 1h 33m
Chapter 1 20 mins
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to an eventful Grammy Awards ceremonyChapter 2 23 mins
before discussing Killer Mike’s arrest and recent vague comments about the 2024 presidential electionChapter 3 18 mins
Plus, a Dallas food truck turns a blessing from food vlogger Keith Lee into a curseChapter 4 15 mins
annnd Tyrese wishes he was Latino
Racism and Nikki Haley, Plus Snoop’s “Love” for Trump
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to Nikki Haley’s...
more
Feb 2 2024 1h 22m
Chapter 1 28 mins
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to Nikki Haley’s appearance on the ‘The Breakfast Club’Chapter 2 10 mins
before discussing Snoop Dogg’s evolving stance on Donald TrumpChapter 3 8 mins
Then, Michael Porter Jr. and Channing Crowder talk about being light-skinnedChapter 4 13 mins
Gayle King sparks a ‘gender war’ discussionChapter 5 12 mins
and the NFL’s handing out licensing deals
Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, and a History of Rap Beef
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the feud betw...
more
Jan 30 2024 1h 27m
Chapter 1 17 mins
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the feud between Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee StallionChapter 2 17 mins
They then discuss Israel’s claims against U.N. workersChapter 3 10 mins
Plus, Charlie Kirk sets himself up for potential legal troubleChapter 4 9 mins
homophobia’s in the church like it never leftChapter 5 16 mins
and Shannon Sharpe sparks a debate centered on Taylor Swift and Beyoncé
Barbie Snubbed? Plus, DEI in the Skies
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the 2024 Osca...
more
Jan 26 2024 1h 40m
Chapter 1 18 mins
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the 2024 Oscar nominationsChapter 2 20 mins
before talking conservative outrage over DEI in the airline industryChapter 3 9 mins
Then, Colman Domingo’s cast as Joe JacksonChapter 4 14 mins
and NWA’s set for a Lifetime Achievement GrammyChapter 5 6 mins
Finally, Tim Scott embarrasses Rev. Al SharptonChapter 6 26 mins
and a pastor blames God for telling him to launch a crypto scam