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Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel LindsaySubscribed: 7,434Played: 549,605
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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.
539 Episodes
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Van and Rachel react to President Donald Trump’s ouster of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and the results of the Texas Senate primary race before having another Drake–Kendrick Lamar debate thanks to Michael Eric Dyson. Finally, Pamela Dias and Takema Robinson join to discuss the grief, justice, and resilience behind the Netflix documentary 'The Perfect Neighbor.'
(0:00) Intro
(0:22) The cost of haircuts
(11:34) Kristi Noem fired by Trump
(23:18) ‘Scary Movie 6’ and cancel culture
(33:02) Teddy Riley’s MJ Photoshop
(38:41) James Talarico beats Jasmine Crockett
(1:03:12) Tim Tebow speaks to Congress
(1:13:47) Michael Eric Dyson on Drake vs. Kendrick
(1:37::45) Black vacationers
(1:41:04) Pamela Dias and Takema Robinson join the show
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Guests: Pamela Dias and Takema Robinson
Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr.
Social Producer: Bernard Moore
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Van and Rachel welcome Indiana University associate professor Hussein Banai, who gives his insight on the joint strikes against Iran. Then they switch gears to discuss Michael B. Jordan’s Oscar odds and Jonathan Majors’s next project. Then Jeff and Nicole Friday join to celebrate 30 years of the American Black Film Festival.
(0:00) Intro
(09:23) Hussein Banai on the conflict in Iran
(41:53) Predictive history
(1:02:20) NAACP Image Awards
(1:09:27) Oscar speculation
(1:23:36) Jonathan Majors and Ben Shapiro
(1:36:34) Jeff and Nicole Friday join the show
(2:05:42) Magic City Monday and the NBA
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Guests: Hussein Banai, Jeff Friday, and Nicole Friday
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley
Social Producer: Bernard Moore
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Kevin Fredericks, aka KevOnStage, joins Van and Rachel for a discussion that touches on everything from fear of failure, jokes, the Black church, gospel, and hip-hop.
(0:00) Intro
(:38) Getting past fear
(15:50) God’s sense of humor
(26:23) Pressure to get political
(32:20) Gospel, hip-hop, and R&B
(52:37) Going to church
(58:45) Scripture, sexuality and the church
(1:29:50) Oversharing and overexposure
(1:42:09) “The Christian I will not be”
(1:46:12) Boyz II Men vs. Dru Hill
(1:49:59) Anita Baker
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Guest: KevOnStage
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley
Social Producer: Bernard Moore
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1Van and Rachel react to the conversations around racism and ableism following outbursts at the BAFTA Awards, and Teddy Riley walking back support for R. Kelly. Plus, Gavin Newsom gets criticized,
(0:00) Intro
(9:24) N-word at the BAFTA Awards
(34:53) Teddy Riley and R. Kelly
(57:31) Gavin Newsom backlash
(1:15:55) Huckabee on Israel: “Fine if they took it all”
(1:30:55) Trump, Susan Rice, and Netflix
(1:36:25) Economic viability for men
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley
Social Producer: Bernard Moore
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Van and Rachel remember the life of Jesse Jackson before addressing Shia LaBeouf’s Mardi Gras and the latest drama in the Texas Senate race. Then, a breakdown of "Afro-pessimism" before Cori Bush joins to discuss her campaign for Congress. And last but not least, thoughts on Tyler Perry’s most vulgar film.
(0:00) Intro
(9:17) Tyra Banks & America’s Next Top Model
(20:28) The life of Jesse Jackson
(31:34) Addressing Shia LaBeouf
(42:15) Colbert, Crockett, and Talarico
(1:14:33) Patrick Bet-David and interracial marriage
(1:25:33) Afro-pessimism
(1:50:42) Cori Bush joins the show
(2:31:07) Voter ID
(2:37:30) Thoughts on Tyler Perry’s ‘Joe’s College Road Trip’ and ‘Beauty in Black’
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Guests: Cori Bush
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley
Social Producer: Bernard Moore
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Van and Rachel discuss the NBA dunk contest before reacting to leaks from an alleged burner account, and LeBron’s message to his Israeli fans. Then, Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove joins to discuss the Pam Bondi hearings, before Ed Zitron returns to shed light on the world of AI.
(0:00) Intro
(8:39) NBA dunk contest
(19:32) The very alleged Kevin Durant files
(39:42) LeBron James and Israel
(1:05:58) Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove interview
(1:42:07) Ed Zitron interview
(2:12:55) Hillary Clinton on migration
(2:22:36) Barack Obama confirms aliens are real?
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Guests: Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove and Ed Zitron
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley
Social Producer: Bernard Moore
For more from Ed Zitron: wheresyoured.at and betteroffline.com
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Van and Rachel welcome The Ringer’s Logan Murdock to react to Ja Rule’s confrontation with Uncle Murda and Tony Yayo on a flight, before they discuss more revelations from the Epstein files, hip-hop in the Trump era, and an HGTV show’s cancellation for the host's use of the N-word.
(0:00) Intro
(3:19) Ja Rule vs. G-Unit in 2026
(19:15) Latest Epstein updates
(1:02:15) Symone Sanders Townsend and Eugene Daniels join the show
(1:39:33) James Talarico vs. Jasmine Crockett
(1:50:53) Hip-hop serves only itself?
(2:01:36) The N-word and HGTV’s ‘Rehab Addict’
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Guest: Logan Murdock, Symone Sanders Townsend, and Eugene Daniels
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley
Social Producer: Bernard Moore
Vote here for the NAACP Image Awards: vote.naacpimageawards.net
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Van and Rachel talk about Bad Bunny’s halftime performance and the TPUSA “patriotic” alternative, before reacting to Donald Trump’s racist post of the Obamas and an odd detail in the Epstein files. Then, journalist and podcaster Jemele Hill joins to talk activism and gambling in sports.
(0:00) Intro
(5:24) Bad Bunny’s halftime show
(19:09) Jake Paul and Puerto Rico
(26:39) TPUSA’s halftime show
(33:30) Trump’s racist post
(49:26) Epstein typo or clue?
(59:49) Jemele Hill joins the show
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Guest: Jemele Hill
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley
Social Producer: Bernard Moore
Vote here for the NAACP Image Awards: vote.naacpimageawards.net
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Van and Rachel kick off the pod with a Shaboozey conversation before reacting to the latest ‘Michael’ trailer. Then they have a discussion on the latest Epstein release, the funding of ICE, and the Texas Senate race, which is turning ugly. And finally, Rachel reacts to the return of Chris Harrison.
(0:00) Intro
(10:06) Shaboozey apology
(20:27) ‘Michael’ trailer reaction
(26:27) Epstein files update
(43:45 ) ICE reform
(58:59) Race and the Texas Senate race
(1:18:57) Chris Harrison’s new dating series
(1:43:32) Tetairoa McMillan and the N-word
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley
Social Producer: Bernard Moore
Video Supervision: Chris Thomas
Vote here for the NAACP Image Awards: vote.naacpimageawards.net
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Van and Rachel react to the Grammys before discussing the arrests of journalists who were covering the protests in Minnesota and former Trump supporters Harvey Levin and Andrew Schulz speaking against the president. Then, the host of The Town, Matt Belloni, sheds light on the box office performance of ‘Melania’ before author Howard Bryant joins to discuss his latest book, 'Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America.'
(0:00) Intro
(3:49) 2026 Grammys
(16:14) Journalists arrested
(37:56) Harvey Levin and Andrew Schulz on Trump
(59:26) Matthew Belloni joins to talk ‘Melania’
(1:29:23) Howard Bryant joins to talk Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson
(1:59:42) Sha’Carri Richardson jailed for speeding
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Guests: Matthew Belloni and Howard Bryant
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley
Social Producer: Bernard Moore
Video Supervision: Chris Thomas
Vote here for the NAACP Image Awards: vote.naacpimageawards.net
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Van and Rachel discuss the documentary ‘Melania’ before reacting to Nicki Minaj’s appearance at a Trump event and the congressional fight over DHS. Plus, Ashley Allison, owner of The Root, joins to discuss the importance of Black media.
(0:00) Black Panther Party
(14:53) The ‘Melania’ movie
(27:47) Nicki Minaj and Trump
(52:26) Congress's fight over DHS
(1:18:27) Ashley Allison joins the show
(2:10:16) Ray J’s health
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Guest: Ashley Allison
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley
Social Producer: Bernard Moore
Video Supervision: Chris Thomas
Vote here for the NAACP Image Awards: vote.naacpimageawards.net
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Van and Rachel react to Kanye’s apology in The Wall Street Journal, before discussing the violence in Minnesota. Plus, actor Aldis Hodge and showrunner Ben Watkins join to get us set for Season 2 of Amazon Prime Video’s ‘Cross.’
(0:00) Intro
(0:24) Kanye’s apology
(29:16) Another shooting in Minneapolis
(59:09) Texas Senate debate
(1:02:51) Chris Broussard’s bad tweet
(1:05:23) Aldis Hodge and Ben Watkins on Season 2 of ‘Cross’
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Guest: Aldis Hodge and Ben Watkins
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley
Social Producer: Bernard Moore
Video Supervision: Chris Thomas
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Van and Rachel react to the Oscar nominations before discussing Rachel’s newfound freedom and Michelle Obama’s appearance on Call Her Daddy. Then, there’s drama between LeBron and the Lakers, and media personality Keith Edwards joins to break down his coverage of the Texas Senate race.
(0:00) Intro
(2:18) Oscar nominations
(14:14) Rachel’s IG post
(20:41) Michelle Obama on Call Her Daddy
(39:05) Lakers drama
(49:34) Taylor Swift calls Justin Baldoni a “bitch”
(59:35) Keith Edwards on Jasmine Crockett vs. James Talarico
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Guest: Keith Edwards
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley
Social Producer: Bernard Moore
Video Supervision: Chris Thomas
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Van and Rachel react to a weekend of sports before discussing Stephen A. Smith and frat life, the Black Panther Party in 2026, and military aid in Israel. Plus, Gavin Newsom caves to Ben Shapiro, and Candace Owens has a theory … a conspiracy theory.
(0:00) Intro
(0:58) Sisqo or Ne-Yo
(9:01) Feeling for Josh Allen
(24:21) Stephen A. Smith misspeaks
(44:20) A Divine 9 discussion
(57:50) The Black Panther Party in 2026
(1:11:20) AIPAC and congressional funding
(1:36:07) Gavin Newsom sits with Ben Shapiro
(1:53:33) The Charlie Kirk conspiracy
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley
Social Producer: Bernard Moore
Video Supervision: Chris Thomas
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Van and Rachel discuss Teyana Taylor’s comments on Ye, Kai Cenat’s career shift, and Druski’s megachurch skit. Then an update on the conflicts with ICE agents before associate professor Hussein Banai joins to help shed light on the conflict in Iran.
(0:00) Intro
(15:44) Teyana Taylor and Kanye West
(31:17) Kai Cenat’s new path
(42:39) Druski’s megachurch skit
(1:00:14) J. Cole’s upcoming album
(1:02:17) The war with ICE
(1:19:00) Hussein “Huss” Banai on the Iranian conflict
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Guest: Hussein “Huss” Banai
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley
Social Producer: Bernard Moore
Video Supervision: Chris Thomas
Vote here for the NAACP Image Awards: www.naacpimageawards.net
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Van and Rachel kick the show off with some awards season reactions, check in on the situation in Minnesota, and react to some criticism of Representative Jasmine Crockett.
(0:00) NAACP Image Awards nominations
(5:47) Awards season reactions
(38:28) Kristy and Desmond Scott’s divorce
(53:13) Minneapolis update
(1:10:08) The Black Panthers and knowing your rights
(1:24:04) Bowen Yang, Matt Rogers, and criticisms of Representative Crockett
(2:08:23) Steve Nash and capitalism
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley
Social Producer: Bernard Moore
Video Supervision: Chris Thomas
Vote here for the NAACP Image Awards: www.naacpimageawards.net
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Van and Rachel discuss how House Democrats commemorated the five-year anniversary of the J6 riots before reacting to the ICE shooting in Minneapolis. Then, Spencer Pratt is running for mayor of L.A., former NFL player Matt Kalil is suing for talk about his penis size, and comedian Chris Redd gets candid on Instagram.
(0:00) Intro
(2:59) Van addresses the response to the last episode
(15:37) Democrats mark five years since the J6 attack
(28:53) ICE shooting in Minneapolis
(55:43) Spencer Pratt’s mayoral race
(1:04:34) Matt Kalil suing for penis talk
(1:19:53) Chris Redd’s emotional post
(1:48:01) Zion Williamson’s latest drama
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley
Social Producer: Bernard Moore
Video Supervision: Chris Thomas
Van’s ‘Fuck You If You Disagree’ Substack: https://open.substack.com/pub/vanlathan?r=5cs2w&utm_medium=ios
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Van and Rachel kick off the New Year with a look at the drop in U.S. crime and Pastor Jamal Bryant’s defense of his wife’s dress before they welcome back 'Breaking Points’ host Ryan Grim to help break down Trump’s actions against Venezuela. Plus, a look at a pair of prominent lawsuits before a discussion of Adin Ross, Doechii, and Glasses Malone, the latter of whom came to the defense of the star rapper.
(0:00) Intro
(3:50) Van’s dreams
(14:44) U.S. crime rates are falling
(34:21) Pastor Jamal Bryant defends his wife’s dress
(1:00:36 Ryan Grim on Venezuela
(1:38:19) Will Smith and Tyler Perry lawsuits
(2:03:44) Adin Ross, Doechii, and Glasses Malone
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Guest: Ryan Grim
Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr.
Social Producer: Bernard Moore
Video Supervision: Chris Thomas
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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
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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
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Hilarious
preach van, Rachel doesn't know what a hold down is!
I just discovered this show, it is great for the culture. Intelligent, funny and topical!
I absolutely love the conversations on 'Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay.' Van and Rachel have such a great dynamic, and their insights into current events, pop culture, and social issues are always thought-provoking and engaging. https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/rigidbox-masters/5233603
BUSTA was pretty damn happy!!!
ah the amount of stupid out of this guests mouth. He doesn't even know me personally, gaslighting my black ass experiences. What a clown hahahah.
woooo an tuck...da fuq
come thru Rachel... the 2 Justin's 😍
Van's lion talked reminds me of a movie called Uncaged. Good movie fun watch
I normally like your take on many topics but I really wished you would've did your research as to why it was so significant for the red wave not to have happened.
I really enjoyed that conversation
so this means you would have a problem with black country singers? country music has been seen as white forever.
They can only spend 4% of the endowment per year.
Oh yeah, there's a documentary called "Earth at Night in Color" and one episode is ALL ABOUT a mountain Lion living in the middle of LA 😳😬
Where's today's episode?
Check out The Fish Locker on YouTube. A lot of fun videos about fishing and beach foraging.
Sandwich attack! 01:53:00.
I would like the longer podcast
Van is talking about Idlewild, Michigan
The way Van talks about poly life is ignorant. You are misinformed and sound insensitive with your jokes.. I don't know... There's room for "learning" about a lifestyle YOU don't understand. Cheers tho. Love the pod.