Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

<p>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.</p>

Meg’s Lawsuit, College Protests, and the State of the Black Community With Bakari Sellers

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the episode by discussing the workplace harassment allegations and lawsuit against Megan thee Stallion (11:47). Bakari Sellers joins us to talk about his new book, the want for change in this country, the current state of the Black community, and the “time of the useful idiot” (30:49). Lastly, they review the demands from hundreds of college protesters around the country (1:10:48). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Bakari Sellers Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

04-26
01:39:08

Confederacy Month, the New Drake Diss, and Stephen A.’s Apology

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the show by addressing the new theme song and reaction from our Thought Warriors (00:15). Then, they give their impressions of the bizarre new Drake-produced AI track (20:56), and the internet’s reaction to Stephen A. Smith’s comments on Donald Trump’s relatability (38:36). Later, they expand the surprise that their birthday month falls during Confederate Heritage Month in Mississippi, and the reason behind its existence (1:18:34). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

04-23
01:50:44

Self-Healing, WNBA Salaries, and What Jerrod Really Meant

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” joke (21:10) and the pay gap between players in the WNBA compared to those in the NBA (54:36). Lastly, they give their props to the Gayle King–Charles Barkley show (1:11:39) and talk about their impressions of the Jontay Porter situation (1:13:50 ). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

04-19
01:22:24

A Serious Talk About Israel and a Not-So-Serious Talk About Rap Beef

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start today’s episode by giving their impressions on the progression of the beef happening in the hip-hop world (01:32). 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 escalate (41:41). Lastly, they are joined by Bomani Jones, host of ‘The Right Time’ presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment (1:14:18). Together, they dig into the rap beef of today and share interesting media experiences. Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Alaa Elassar, Yahya Abou-Ghazala, and Bomani Jones Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

04-16
01:39:03

Young Voters, Blackface, and O.J.’s Past and Passing

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 community (05:09). Then, they touch on the trepidations young voters have towards Biden (16:59) and Trump’s latest reach towards black voters (35:51). Later, they are joined by Conscious Lee and Franchesca Ramsey from the podcast ‘Black History, For Real’ (58:12). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Conscious Lee and Franchesca Ramsey  Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

04-12
01:27:56

The Rock’s Division, J. Cole’s Regrets, and a Red High School Visit

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start today’s episode on WrestleMania and its history-making outcome (01:03). Then, they discuss J. Cole’s thoughts on his latest project (11:51), Sexyy Red’s high school visit (36:41), and the interesting reveal from Jerrod Carmichael’s series (44:22). Lastly, they dive into the South Carolina vs. Iowa game (1:03:19), and The Rock’s non-endorsement of Joe Biden (1:18:38). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

04-09
01:35:09

The Future of the WNBA and Another Interesting Acho Take

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the Iowa vs. LSU game and the possible future for the WNBA (17:12). Then, they react to Emmanuel Acho’s take on Angel Reese (38:41). Finally, they discuss the Israeli airstrike that killed World Central Kitchen aid workers (1:08:19). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

04-05
01:27:14

The Mastery of ‘Cowboy Carter’ and the Complexity of the Black Experience

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay give their impression of Beyoncé’s new album, ‘Cowboy Carter’ (08:54), the first episode of Jerrod Carmichael’s reality show, and the awkward scene with Tyler the Creator (25:51). Then, they discuss the internet’s reaction to our conversation with Justin Sylvester last week (35:14) and dive into the complexities and different cultures of the Black experience (1:00:47). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

04-02
01:27:07

The Diddy Saga, Trump’s Bible, and Black Representation in Media

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 lawsuit (07:27). Then, they chat about Trump’s new “holy” product (47:58) and the backlash from the new Good Times reboot (1:01:03). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

03-29
01:24:44

Daily Wire’s Diversity Hire, Rap Beef, and Freaking Out Over Freaknik

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the episode with a playbook update (09:49) and discuss Candace Owens and her online presence (11:37). 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 project (57:55) before they end the show with a talk about rap’s “newest” beef (1:46:03). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: P. Frank Williams and Justin Sylvester Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

03-26
01:54:42

Biden’s Budget, Pretty Privilege, and the Horrors of ‘Quiet on Set’

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the show off with some "gender wars" banter (02:21) and a quick shout-out (04:37) before diving into Biden's proposed budget (18:42). Then, they talk about the Nickelodeon atrocities highlighted by the documentary ‘Quiet on Set’ (50:13) and the internet’s reaction to Beyoncé’s latest drop (1:22:07). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

03-22
01:39:29

Reckless “Behavior,” Mental Health, and the Kate Middleton Conspiracy

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay recap and give their impressions on the Kate Middleton conspiracy (06:07) before discussing former president Donald Trump’s comments on the possibility of losing the upcoming election (18:18). Then, they talk about mental health and Bill Maher’s segment discussing mental health in America (43:36). Lastly, they talk about the latest ruling in Texas that made sites like Pornhub react with a ban (1:11:02 ). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

03-19
01:34:09

Banning TikTok, Actively Black, and Controversial Feet Pics

Today, Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by Ashley Gold, a tech and policy reporter at Axios, to talk about the TikTok ban (05:26). Then, the two bring back the “Is Van Wrong?” segment (25:03) and discuss the internet’s response to Karrueche Tran’s OnlyFans announcement on Instagram (49:09). 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 video (47:49). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Ashley Gold and Lanny Smith Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

03-15
01:33:25

Oprah’s Ozempic Special, the Oscars, and Draya’s Pregnancy

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the episode off with their reactions to the 96th Academy Awards (00:13) before giving their opinions on the reactions to Draya Mitchell and Jalen Green’s relationship (21:55). Then, they discuss the State of the Union address (45:34), Oprah’s special 'Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution' (01:19:36), and their take on Jerrod Carmichael’s reality show trailer (01:32:59). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

03-12
01:49:29

Lieutenant Nasty, Charlamagne’s Apology, and the Supreme Court Trump Decision

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay give their opinions on the latest Supreme Court ruling (27:37) and reparation comments from the lieutenant governor of North Carolina, Mark Robinson (45:52), before rating the apology from Charlamagne tha God to viral TikTok creator Ressa Tessa (1:07:53). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

03-05
01:46:56

New Diddy Lawsuit, the Wins of the "Uncommitted," and Fat Joe’s Trump Sneaker Addition

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the new Diddy lawsuit and the internet’s reaction (13:28), the rumored big names in the lawsuit (27:37), and Meek Mill’s response to being implicated. Then, they give their impressions of the “uncommitted” vote protest in Michigan (49:06) before going over the gender politics of marriage proposal (1:22:40). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

03-01
01:55:33

Cam Newton Gets Jumped, and Drake Turns Heel

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” (12:25), before they discuss Drake’s attempt to be the bad guy and his support of Tory Lanez (28:11). Then, Trump attempts to appeal to Black voters (38:57), and an active service member commits the ultimate act of protest at the Israeli Embassy in D.C. (57:21). Van then gives a response to a Reddit post (1:04:44), before they discuss social media’s war against joy following the resignation of a popular librarian (1:26:22). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

02-27
01:42:29

The Jim Crow Era of Reproductive Freedom. Plus Tiffany Haddish’s Israel Trip

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the Alabama Supreme Court ruling that’s resulted in the halting of IVF treatments (5:18) before they dig into Tiffany Haddish’s trip to Israel (20:41). Then they react to a viral TikTok account called Biracial Lounge (38:16) before welcoming the founder of the X for Boys Life Preparatory School, King Randall I, to discuss a recent post on safety during police interactions (47:33). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: King Randall I Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

02-23
01:32:47

Chris Brown vs. Ruffles, and Fani Willis Under Scrutiny

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay dig into the Fani Willis hearings and testimony (14:17), before reacting to Ruffles forcing the NBA switch up on Chris Brown for All-Star Weekend (35:13) and the 3-point contest ending with some misogyny (51:16). Plus, a discussion about apathy leading up to the 2024 election (1:03:46). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

02-20
01:33:37

More Mass Shootings. Plus, Martin, Malcolm, and Coretta With Dr. Peniel Joseph

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the latest mass shooting, this time at the Chiefs' Super Bowl parade in Kansas City (10:08), before taking a look at the body-cam footage of a police officer’s shootout with an acorn (19:35). Then, a look at family dynamics after Mo'Nique’s public spat with her eldest son (29:59), and the woman formerly known as Rachel Dolezal is fired for having an OnlyFans account (48:45). Plus, a quick update on the Fani Willis hearings (1:03:17), before Dr. Peniel Joseph returns to discuss NatGeo’s adaptation of his book ’The Sword and the Shield’ (1:11:38). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Dr. Peniel Joseph Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

02-16
02:11:09

Brian Bailey

BUSTA was pretty damn happy!!!

02-14 Reply

Marissa Candace

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.

09-29 Reply

Tamika Boyce

woooo an tuck...da fuq

04-15 Reply

Tamika Boyce

come thru Rachel... the 2 Justin's 😍

04-15 Reply

Cristian Delgado

Van's lion talked reminds me of a movie called Uncaged. Good movie fun watch

12-02 Reply

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