Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

The Ringer
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Sep 19, 2025 • 2h 22min

Memphis Bleek and Van Lathan (Not Jones), Plus Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension

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
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Sep 16, 2025 • 2h 8min

Empathy, Sympathy, and Charlie Kirk. Plus, Erika Alexander and the Legacy of ‘Living Single.’

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!
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Sep 12, 2025 • 2h 17min

Kamala’s Disappointment and the Killing of Charlie Kirk. Plus, Melvin Gregg Talks ‘The Paper’! | Higher Learning | The Ringer

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
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Sep 9, 2025 • 2h 31min

Vaccines, Who Needs 'Em? Plus, Nina Westbrook and the Wellness App, Nebbi

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
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Sep 5, 2025 • 2h 13min

Generational Talent With Quincy Avery! Plus, Trump’s Health Rumors and Young Americans' High Standards. | Higher Learning | The Ringer

Rachel and Van start the show off with some “quick hitters,” including their theories on a study revealing that the number of Americans having sex has dropped to a record low. Then, they react to Trump’s address of his health rumors and the internet’s desire for his health to decline. Then, NFL quarterback whisperer Quincy Avery joins to discuss generational talent and his new movie, 'The Quincy Avery Effect.' 00:00 - Welcome! 08:04 - Americans are having less sex 19:43 - Trump addresses health rumors 42:18 - A leak reports ICE will be getting military assistance 57:53 - Is Tom Brady a generational talent? 1:06:27 - Brittany Renner’s video arguing about her son 1:25:36 - Drake and interviews with traditional hip-hop media 1:44:43 - Quincy Avery joins us! 2:05:20 - Thanks for watching! Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Quincy Avery Producers: Donnie Beacham and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Sep 2, 2025 • 37min

The Epstein Files, AIPAC and Gerrymandering with Rep. Ro Khanna

Rep. Ro Khanna returns to talk AIPAC’s role in politics, the release of the Epstein files and what he thinks of the gerrymandering debate.  (0:00)  Intro (0:46)  AIPAC’s influence (6:07)  Releasing the Epstein files (15:14)  The gerrymandering fight (25:29)  Israel and Benjamin Netanyahu Host: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Rep. Ro Khanna Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 31min

Addressing the Corruption Allegations With Mayor Eric Adams. Plus, Is Dark Money Funding Democratic Influencers? | Higher Learning | The Ringer

Rachel and Van start the show off with some “quick hitters,” including the return of Cracker Barrel’s old logo and Taylor Swift’s engagement. Then, they react to the developing story of an alleged dark money group secretly funding high-profile Democratic influencers. Later, they are joined by NYC Mayor Eric Adams as he addresses corruption allegations, his non-relationship with Trump, and how he feels about his competition, Zohran Mamdani. 00:00 - Welcome! 1:32 - Cracker Barrel scrapped the new logo 07:37 - Taylor is finally engaged (to Travis Kelce) 24:15 - The Nina Turner response 25:19 - Dark money is allegedly secretly funding Democratic influencers 43:51 - The raw milk story and a quick vaccine debate 51:26 - A quick message from Van before the interview 52:42 - Mayor Eric Adams joins us! 1:25:19 - Thanks for watching! Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Mayor Eric Adams Producers: Donnie Beacham and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Aug 26, 2025 • 2h 2min

Nina Turner and the Democratic Playbook

Van and Rachel welcome former Ohio senator Nina Turner to hear her thoughts on the Democratic strategy to fight gerrymandering. (0:00)  Intro (1:32)  Snoop & Pixar’s LGBTQ character (8:54)  Bill Maher changes tone on Trump (22:02)  Dean Cain’s ICE training (30:21)  Serena Williams weight loss journey (43:04)  Jussie Smollett doc review  (58:08)  Nina Turner joins the show Host: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Nina Turner Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Aug 22, 2025 • 2h 1min

Hitting the Target on Target, Cracker Barrel’s Rebrand, and the Reality of Texas’s GOP Congressional Map | Higher Learning | The Ringer

Rachel and Van start the show by reacting to the predicted increased prices for Sony’s PlayStation 5 and the Cracker Barrel rebranding. Later, they discuss the Texas House of Representatives’ approval of a GOP-centered congressional map and the disturbing release of an Israeli official charged with soliciting a minor in Nevada. They end with the Glaze of the Week and Klay Thompson’s new favorite meal (thank you, Megan Thee Stallion). 00:00 - Welcome! 10:08  - Jury finds Hernandez Govan not guilty of the Young Dolph killing 30:02 - PlayStation 5 prices will increase 36:06 - Cracker Barrel’s rebrand 52:07 - Amateur football leagues 1:01:50 - Target’s CEO steps down 1:09:58 - Texas House approves GOP congressional map 1:26:40 - The Israeli official Nevada sex crime case 1:40:58 - Glaze of the Week 1:53:06 - Klay Thompson’s new favorite meal 1:57:25 - Thanks for watching! Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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Aug 19, 2025 • 2h 2min

The LAST Biracial Conversation With Molly Daniel, Plus the Gaza Ceasefire

Van and Rachel react to the news of a new ceasefire proposal being accepted by Hamas before welcoming Molly Daniel to the podcast to provide some perspective on the ongoing biracial discussions. (0:00)  Intro (3:57)  Tyla on the ‘coloured’ controversy  (18:43)  Jamie Lee Curtis’ boobs (25:18)  Trump names Kennedy Honorees  (34:49)  Gaza ceasefire proposal (39:22)  Gavin Newsom’s trolling  (50:33)  Kaepernick & Spike Lee ESPN doc  (53:17)  Whitney Houston’s receipts (58:37)  Molly Daniel joins the show (1:46:14)  KKK shirt offends racist  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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