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Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
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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.
551 Episodes
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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
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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
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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
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1Van 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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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
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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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Van 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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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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.