

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

May 12, 2023 • 1h 15min
Delroy Lindo the Thespian and CNN’s Platforming of Donald Trump
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to CNN’s Donald Trump town hall and what it means for the upcoming election (7:51), before welcoming actor-producer Delroy Lindo to discuss his role in Hulu’s ‘Unprisoned’ and portraying fatherhood on the big screen (32:32).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Delroy LindoProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 9, 2023 • 1h 41min
Yet Another Mass Shooting. Plus, Slurs in the Sports World
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the most recent act of gun violence, this one at a Dallas-area mall (32:25). Rachel rates a pair of apologies for slurs in the sports world (56:55). Plus, a fight in the R&B world (1:16:05), and actor Richard Dreyfuss laments that he’ll never be able to play a Black man (1:29:22).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 5, 2023 • 1h 10min
Hollywood on Strike, Plus Black People and Honest Jobs
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay break down the Writers Guild of America Strike (12:20), before discussing the killing of a homeless man on a New York City subway (28:30). Then, Eboni K. Williams addresses the backlash after saying she wouldn’t date a bus driver (41:19).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

May 2, 2023 • 2h 9min
The Latest Mass Shooting in Texas, and ‘Good Moms, Bad Choices’
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the shooting deaths of five people in Texas and the political fallout of the tragedy (20:18). Then, the internet comes for Brian McKnight for his questionable parenting (31:49). Speaking of parenting, Erica Dickerson and Jamilah Mapp, hosts of the ‘Good Moms, Bad Choices’ podcast join to discuss redefining motherhood (56:35).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Erica Dickerson and Jamilah MappProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 28, 2023 • 1h 40min
Disney v. DeSantis, Plus Allen Hughes on ’Dear Mama’ and His Filmmaking Career
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to Disney’s decision to sue Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (14:59), before welcoming director Allen Hughes to discuss FX’s ‘Dear Mama’ and his complicated relationship with Tupac (35:31). Plus, WWE gets sued over racist scripts (1:06:21).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Allen HughesProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 25, 2023 • 1h 32min
Tucker ’s and Don’s Exits, and the Case for Reparations for White People
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the breaking news about Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon leaving their respective networks (21:09), before Rachel gives an Apology Rating to the response given by the stars and creator of ‘Beef’ to the David Choe controversy (49:29). Plus, a pair of examples of reparations making white people squirm (1:08:09).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 21, 2023 • 1h 43min
Fox v. Dominion, and Lee Merritt on Representing the Family of Ralph Yarl
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the Fox News settlement with Dominion Voting Systems (22:05), then attorney Lee Merritt joins to discuss accountability and justice for Ralph Yarl following his unnecessary shooting (43:18). Plus, updates on the Jonathan Majors situation (1:07:45).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Lee MerrittProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 18, 2023 • 1h 27min
The Heartbreaking Ralph Yarl Situation & the Ghost of Freakniks Past | Higher Learning | The Ringer
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the heartbreaking and terrifying news surrounding the shooting of teen Ralph Yarl (28:15), before going over some disturbing resurfaced comments made by David Choe (53:40). Then they talk about the lawsuits threatening Hulu as the upcoming documentary ‘Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told’ looms over past attendees (01:12:21).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh SmithAdditional Production: Aleya Zenieris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 14, 2023 • 2h 13min
A Regular, Black Conversation About Guns With Jason “Jah” Lee
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Tennessee representative Justin Pearson’s return to the state legislature, and Tucker Carlson’s take on Justin Pearson’s voice (17:31), before discussing Stephen A. Smith saying Trump isn’t racist (41:18). Then, Bossip editor and firearms instructor Jason “Jah” Lee joins to discuss gun control (52:28).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Jason “Jah” LeeProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 11, 2023 • 1h 53min
Clarence Thomas’s Nazi-Art Collecting Friend, and Cassandra Freeman on ‘Bel-Air’
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay kick the show off with a discussion on DJ Akademiks, Black conservatism, and followers of Andrew Tate (11:24), before digging into the latest Clarence Thomas controversy (35:51). Then, updates on yet another mass shooting and the reinstatement of a Tennessee lawmaker (52:47). Plus, actress Cassandra Freeman joins to discuss her role as Aunt Vivian Banks in ‘Bel-Air’ (58:22).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Cassandra FreemanProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices