
Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
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.
Latest episodes

Apr 15, 2025 • 2h 46min
Kyren Lacy and the Mental Wellness of Black Men With Jason Wilson
Van and Rachel react to the death of LSU football standout Kyren Lacy (15:07), before Bill Maher inspires the start of a new segment following his dinner with Donald Trump (24:00), and they discuss black businesses in light of Wallo’s recent comments (56:35) Then, Ringer social content producer and Midnight Boy Jomi Adeniran joins to give some insight on KTLA accidentally tweeting the N-word (1:07:57). Finally, Jason Wilson, author of ‘The Man the Moment Demands,’ joins for an emotional and heartfelt conversation (1:28:01).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuests: Jason Wilson and Jomi AdeniranProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 11, 2025 • 1h 38min
David Oyelowo on ‘Government Cheese,’ Plus Keri Hilson’s Regret
Van and Rachel give an update on the roller coaster that is the U.S. economy (2:10) and talk Keri Hilson’s recent comments on her 2009 Beyoncé diss (16:05) before welcoming actor and producer David Oyelowo to discuss his new Apple TV+ show, ‘Government Cheese’ (28:32), the types of roles he will and will not play (39:51), and his friendship with Jonathan Majors (1:01:02). Plus, Animal Games makes a comeback (1:11:46), Terrence Howard wants to duel (1:16:44)Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: David OyelowoProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 8, 2025 • 1h 50min
Kamala’s “I Told You So” and a Student's Self-Defense Claim in a Track Meet Stabbing
Van and Rachel react to a recent tweet of Van’s (:18) before discussing Kamala Harris’s recent “I told you so” comments (24:23) and a stabbing at a Texas track meet that left one student dead and another claiming self-defense (49:47). Then, a message to rappers regarding tariffs (1:17:09) and a celebration of Duke’s NCAA tournament loss (1:26:04).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

4 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 1h 45min
Donald Trump and the Last-Ditch Effort of a Dying Empire With Michael Harriot
Michael Harriot, a sharp writer and economist who delves into Black culture and politics, joins the discussion to break down Trump's tariff policy. He reveals how these tariffs are creating economic instability and adversely affecting working-class Americans. The conversation also touches on the legal troubles of Young Thug and highlights Cory Booker's notable Senate filibuster against Trump’s administration. Listeners will gain insight into the unexpected consequences of political decisions on everyday lives.

Apr 1, 2025 • 1h 49min
Therapy and the History of Child Support With TK Kirkland
Van and Rachel discuss YG’s new single, "2004," and conversations about male survivors of sexual assault (1:15), and the White House Correspondents Dinner (9:07) before comedian and podcaster TK Kirkland joins to talk everything from Donald Trump’s road to the White House (24:59) to domestic violence, mental health (38:32), and touring with N.W.A in the late ’80s (1:04:44). Plus, TK’s thoughts on child support (1:11:14) and Mo’Nique’s beef with Tyler Perry (1:20:46).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Terence TK KirklandProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh SmithNational Sexual Assault Hotline: https://rainn.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 28, 2025 • 1h 32min
The LeBron–Stephen A. Feud, “Governor Hot Wheels,” and the Trump Administration’s Big Oopsie
The hosts dive into the buzz around the feud between LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith, revealing the complexities of athlete-media dynamics. They also stumble upon an accidental addition to a Trump administration group chat that raises eyebrows. Trick Daddy shares his unorthodox dating preferences, sparking a lively conversation about generational differences in romance. Along the way, they reflect on the rise and fall of political figures like Mark Robinson, blending humor with critical commentary on societal expectations and political missteps.

Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 53min
Jonathan Majors, ‘Snow White’ and Box Office Controversy
The hosts pay tribute to the life of George Foreman, mixing humor with nostalgia. They dive into Jonathan Majors's new film and the surrounding buzz while critically examining Disney's controversial Snow White remake. A serious discussion arises around the troubling allegations against Marcellus Wiley, balancing accountability and empathy. The conversation shifts to income inequality in Black communities and rethinking the top Black cities. Lastly, Jaden Daniels's family dynamics spark a lively debate on the complexities of young athletes navigating relationships.

Mar 21, 2025 • 1h 40min
Jess Hilarious, 'The Breakfast Club,' and Erasing Jackie Robinson
Van and Rachel recap Jess Hilarious's airing out of 'Breakfast Club' grievances online and on air (7:32), before reacting to the erasure of Jackie Robinson and other military heroes in the name of getting rid of DEI (27:41). Plus, Van has a Kanye West theory (1:11:14) and gives his top five Black cities (1:21:21).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 18, 2025 • 1h 40min
Kanye, Kim and Celebrity Parenthood. Plus, Van Learns About Neo-Soul
Van and Rachel give a review of Playboi Carti’s latest album, ‘Music’ (7:19), before reacting to Kanye West and Kim Kardashian butting heads over a new song featuring Diddy and their daughter (17:22), and Anthony Mackie’s backlash for comments on masculinity (38:45). Then, Congress and Trump avoid shutting down the government (56:10), and Rachel addresses the tragedy of domestic violence (1:12:05) before Ian Von, host of ‘Let’s Talk R&B,’ joins to school Van on neo-soul (1:17:37).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 14, 2025 • 1h 30min
A Doechii Discussion and What Exactly Is an Industry Plant?
Van and Rachel react to questions about Doechii after she was invited onstage at a Lauryn Hill concert (12:35), Lil Yachty calls Black Lives Matter a "literal scam" (31:37), and Tucker Carlson touts the genetics of his people (45:10). Then a philosophical discussion on morality and religion: Can you have one without the other (57:44)?Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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