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 19, 2023 • 1h 40min
The Color of Change Controversy and Conservatism at CNN
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to an article that alleges a toxic work environment at the Color of Change organization (10:38), before discussing CNN flirting with conservatism (1:00:00). Plus, Ron DeSantis’s pudding fingers (1:15:23) and the 1975’s lead singer jokes about watching Black humiliation porn (1:19:24).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 16, 2023 • 1h 55min
Ja Morant’s Mistakes, and Interracial Relations Conversations
Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay react to Ja Morant’s suspension for brandishing a firearm on social media … again (19:28), before addressing President Biden’s statements at a “Black HBCU” (55:22). Plus, California Gov. Gavin Newsom seems to back off of a reparations proposal (1:08:55), and a social media post sparks discussion on interracial relationships (1:24:15).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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
