Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
The Ringer
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 22, 2023 • 1h 25min
Trump Vs. Colorado, Plus Friendship and Freedom With Mandii B
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay talk about Taraji P. Henson and pay disparities in Hollywood (11:45) before discussing a Black gay Republican’s experience being heckled at a MAGA event (29:47). Then, constitutional law professor Caroline Mala Corbin joins to break down the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision to remove Donald Trump from the ballot (36:25) before switching gears to welcome podcast host Mandii B to talk 'No Jumper' and Adam22’s “friendship” with Crip Mac (55:38).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuests: Caroline Mala Corbin and Mandii BProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 19, 2023 • 2h 11min
The Jonathan Majors Verdict, and Cultural Gatekeeping
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the verdict in the Jonathan Majors trial (15:12), before discussing blaccents (39:46), Anthony Edwards’s leaked text messages (1:00:49), and criticism of the IDF following the death of three Israeli hostages (1:26:14). Plus, actor Christian Keyes accuses a powerful figure of sexual harassment (1:41:34).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 15, 2023 • 1h 46min
Draymond Green’s Impulse Control, and Awaiting the Jonathan Majors Verdict
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the latest act of violence from Golden State forward Draymond Green (19:18), before discussing the end of DEI programs in Oklahoma (32:47) and the latest out of the Jonathan Majors trial (52:08). Then a chat on Christian BBLs (1:06:27), and Van addresses a post from Reddit (1:18:53).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 12, 2023 • 2h 5min
David Oyelowo and ‘Lawmen: Bass Reeves,’ Plus Jonathan Majors Trial Updates
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the reports coming out of the Jonathan Majors assault and harassment trial (13:51) before discussing a pastor’s disdain for gaming (38:14) and the Zeus Network’s "Dark Skin Vs. Light Skin" competition (50:00). Then college presidents face pressure to resign following a hearing on antisemitism (1:09:41), and lastly, actor David Oyelowo joins to discuss his role as the legendary Bass Reeves and casting the Black James Bond (1:31:37).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 8, 2023 • 13min
Super Short Episode Update
Thought Warriors! No full episode today. In its place, a quick tease of topics to be talked about next week (potentially). Keep your thinking caps on in the meantime.Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 5, 2023 • 1h 50min
Beyoncé Backlash, and Lenny Kravitz Missed the Source Awards
Lenny Kravitz, a musician who felt shunned by Black media, opens up about his experiences. Other topics include the controversy surrounding Beyoncé's concert film screening in Israeli theaters, an Ohio woman charged with a felony following a miscarriage, and a legendary drummer playing uncredited on Beatles records.
Nov 24, 2023 • 36min
Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Empowering Change
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, former mayor of Baltimore and current Executive Director of the NBPA Foundation to discuss activism and philanthropy in the NBA (3:13), and serving as Mayor during civil unrest following the death of Freddie Gray (21:38).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Stephanie Rawlings-BlakeProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 21, 2023 • 1h 51min
Olayemi Olurin and the Diddy v. Cassie Lawsuit
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by lawyer and political commentator Olayemi Olurin to discuss Cassie’s lawsuit against Diddy and give their reactions to the quick settlement (7:53). Plus, does the Black community harp on Drake’s “biracial-ness” (54:27), Michael Rapaport discusses hypothetical Black hostages (1:08:24), and Rachel rates Charissa Thompson’s apology (1:32:13).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Olayemi OlurinProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 17, 2023 • 1h 38min
Hip-Hop and Responsibility With Royce da 5’9”
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the criticism of Van Jones’s appearance at the March for Israel (11:45) and the back-and-forth between Candace Owens and Ben Shapiro (31:13). Then, rapper Royce da 5’9” joins to discuss hip-hop’s impact on Black culture (39:16), before Van addresses the Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson leaked audio (1:15:05).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Royce da 5’9”Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 14, 2023 • 1h 38min
Boomers Vs. Gen Z, Plus Vegan Living With Pinky Cole
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the evolution of the American dream (11:50) before reacting to Tim Scott suspending his presidential campaign (30:54) and ‘The Marvels’ getting trolled (37:14). Then, Pinky Cole, author and owner-operator of Slutty Vegan, joins to talk about life as a restaurateur and the Atlanta food scene (45:25).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Pinky ColeProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
