Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

California Governor Gavin Newsom shares insights on the Democratic Party's strategy, tackling housing affordability, and addressing systemic racism and wealth inequality. He emphasizes the need for better messaging and accountability within the party. Investigative journalist Ryan Grim follows, explaining the Gaza ceasefire framework and its implications for humanitarian relief, while also discussing the complexities of long-term political solutions. Both guests engage in pivotal discussions about current political landscapes in the U.S. and abroad.

The hosts tackle a weekend of bizarre football moments and dissect Van Jones's controversial joke, rejecting his apology and exploring media empathy. They discuss Diddy's sentencing, examining survivor impacts and the consequences of privilege. Ayesha Curry's candid comments about motherhood and public scrutiny generate a fascinating conversation on gender roles and societal expectations. They also touch on Taylor Swift's new album and the political narratives from fellow podcasters regarding accountability.

Rep. Maxwell Frost, the first Gen Z member of Congress, shares insights on the looming government shutdown and the urgent issues of healthcare and housing policy. He boldly tackles misconceptions about Democratic strategies and highlights the real impact of the shutdown on Americans, including SNAP and Medicare. The conversation shifts gears to critiques of WNBA leadership after controversial remarks, and the drama between Ray J and the Kardashians unfolds, exploring defamation claims. Fun discussions also include creative ideas for Bad Bunny's Super Bowl performance.

Van and Rachel welcome former Washington Post opinion columnist Karen Attiah to discuss her firing from The Post after she made critical remarks about gun culture and violence in the U.S. in the wake of Charlie Kirk's killing. (0:00)  Intro (9:30)  Release of redacted Epstein files (21:29)  A review of ‘107 Days’ by Kamala Harris (48:50)  Bad Bunny performing at Super Bowl  (55:33)  Karen Attiah joins the show (1:28:06)  Therapy and Young Thug (1:54:01)  Looming government shutdown Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Karen Attiah Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith  Video Supervision: Chris Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tyriq Withers, an actor from the film 'Him,' joins the conversation to discuss his experience in the emotionally powerful sports-horror film and the physical challenges of portraying an athlete. He opens up about navigating biracial identity, his choice to embrace Black culture, and the complexities that come with white-passing privilege. The discussion also touches on audience reactions to the film, the artistic process, and why provoking meaningful conversation is more important than universal acclaim.

Van and Rachel welcome ‘Counter Points’ cohost Ryan Grim to discuss his and other platforms’ coverage of Charlie Kirk in the days since his death, before comedian Malik B joins to talk how he literally fought for a role in ‘Creed,’ and his new Hulu special, ‘LOL Live With Malik B.’  (00:00)  Intro (10:21)  Having uncomfortable conversations (33:27)  Ryan Grim joins the show (1:27:28)  OG Corner: Van Jones & Stephen A. Smith (1:54:12)  Democratic leadership (2:05:33)  Ghostface Killa and Infinite Coles (2:16:49)  Malik B joins the show (2:56:10)  ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ returns Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Ryan Grim and Malik B Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Video Supervision: Chris Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van addresses Memphis Bleek calling him out on Club Shay Shay, before he and Rachel react to 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' being taken off the air and the media’s coverage of Charlie Kirk following his death. (00:00)  Intro (00:12)  A Memphis Bleek/Van Lathan explainer (25:02)  Kushner, Trump and the Carters (49:29)  Jimmy Kimmel Suspended  (1:22:52)  The sanitizing of Charlie Kirk (1:57:13)  Hangings in Mississippi (2:03:58)  LeBron & Drake Update Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Video Supervision: Chris Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Erika Alexander, an acclaimed actress known for her roles in 'Living Single' and 'Invasion,' joins the conversation. The hosts dive deep into the legal and cultural repercussions following a recent tragic event involving Charlie Kirk. They dissect the critical differences between empathy and sympathy, especially in political contexts. Erika shares insights about her work in media representation through her company, Color Farm Media, emphasizing the importance of authentic narratives and the evolution of Black culture in entertainment. A vibrant discussion on the power of storytelling follows!

Rachel and Van start the show off by talking about the death of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, the many reactions to it, and what may come from his killing. Then, they react to an excerpt from Kamala Harris’s upcoming book mentioning Joe Biden’s “reckless” decision to run again in the last election. Later, actor, model, and comedian Melvin Gregg joins to talk about his latest show, ‘The Paper,’ before he, Van, and Rachel all share memories of their biggest heartbreak. 00:00 - Welcome! 00:26 - The killing of Charlie Kirk 56:00 - Kamala’s book and her disappointment with Biden's reelection bid 1:14:50 - Israel bombed Hamas negotiators 1:16:24 - The new Bachelorette 1:20:20 - Melvin Gregg joins us! 2:11:59 - Thanks for watching! Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Melvin Gregg Producers: Donnie Beacham and Ashleigh Smith Video Supervision: Chris Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel dig into the Texas senate race, vaccine mandates (or lack thereof) in Florida, and Young Thug’s leaked jail calls, before welcoming marriage and family therapist Nina Westbrook to discuss her new mental wellness app, Nebbi.  (0:00)  Intro (0:39)  Left-wing influencers  (13:29)  The Phillies Karen (27:15)  Rep. James Talarico running for senate (48:52)  Vand & the realities of aging  (55:23)  Nina Westbrook joins the show (1:37:49)  Florida’s vaccine overhaul (1:55:34)  Glaze of the Week (2:03:08)  Young Thug leaks Host: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Nina Westbrook Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices