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
Mar 10, 2023 • 2h 17min
The Extremely Likable Tracee Ellis Ross, Plus ‘No Jumper’ Disappoints
Van and Rachel discuss a hip-hop culture podcast giving a platform to an antisemitic, white supremacist, neo-Nazi who’s saying “never mind” about all that stuff (15:19). Then, cultural icon Tracee Ellis Ross joins to discuss her new podcast, ‘I Am America’ (1:29:34), her memorable characters (1:42:09), and her time working with Eddie Murphy (1:45:41). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuests: Tracee Ellis RossProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 7, 2023 • 1h 43min
Respectability Politics and Damon Young on Being Funny and Black
Writer and humorist Damon Young discusses NFL, comedy, and 'Stuck With Damon Young' podcast. Hosts also talk about Ja Morant, Chris Rock's Netflix special, and Peak White Mess.
Mar 3, 2023 • 1h 52min
A ‘Corny’ Conversation With Wood Harris
Van and Rachel talk disinformation in light of the Fox News defamation lawsuit with Dominion (14:56), before welcoming actor Wood Harris to discuss ‘Creed III,’ his other memorable roles, and the concept of "corny" (41:47). Plus, a top NFL prospect and an NBA star face legal trouble (1:24:47).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Wood HarrisProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 28, 2023 • 1h 53min
The Origins of COVID and the Demise of Dilbert
Van and Rachel discuss the assessment that COVID-19 may have resulted from a lab leak (16:13) before welcoming vaccine scientist Dr. Peter Hotez to help unpack the news (39:31). Plus, Dilbert creator Scott Adams exposes his racism (1:04:55), and Black masculinity continues to be discussed (1:26:35).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Dr. Peter HotezProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 24, 2023 • 1h 41min
The Emasculation Proclamation and Civil War II
Van and Rachel are back to discuss the two magazine covers that have had Black Twitter in a tizzy (23:00). They then react to Marjorie Taylor Greene’s secession suggestion (51:42). Plus, Deion Sanders gives some insight on his recruiting tactics (1:04:35).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 21, 2023 • 60min
Animal Welfare and the Return of Animal Games
Van and Rachel are joined by Chris Draper of the Performing Animal Welfare Society to discuss providing sanctuary and care for former performance animals (0:00), before welcoming Dr. Lauren Howard to talk about her role as director of veterinary services for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (23:34). Then, Animal Games makes it’s long anticipated return to the podcast (49:05).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuests: Dr. Chris Draper and Dr. Lauren HowardProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 14, 2023 • 1h 57min
Super Bowl LVII and Dr. Peniel Joseph on Chauvinism in the Civil Rights Movement
Van and Rachel discuss Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime performance and other happenings around the big game (15:47). Then, Dr. Peniel Joseph is back to discuss the role of Black women throughout the fight for civil rights (42:33) and give a book recommendation (1:23:28). Plus, the government gets cagey about the shooting down of UFOs (1:26:37).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Dr. Peniel E. JosephProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 10, 2023 • 1h 46min
The State of the Union and Confronting Domestic Terrorism With Hawk Newsome
Van and Rachel discuss Joe Biden’s third State of the Union Address (18:58), as well as Stephen A. Smith’s relationship to Kyrie Irving (45:01). Then activist Hawk Newsome joins to give insight on the case of a Black Colorado rancher facing domestic terrorism from neighbors (57:44).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Hawk NewsomeProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 7, 2023 • 1h 4min
Beyoncé and Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary
Van and Rachel react to Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ not winning the Grammy for Album of the Year (16:01) and discuss the 50th anniversary of hip-hop performances (28:17). Plus, Black History Month brings out the racists (41:16).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 3, 2023 • 1h 19min
Hollywood Unlocked With Jason Lee
Van and Rachel are joined by Jason Lee: host of ‘The Jason Lee Show’ and CEO of Hollywood Unlocked. They discuss breaking celebrity news (21:50), working with Kanye West (37:00), and sitting down with figures from Chrisean Rock to Kamala Harris (48:11).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Jason LeeProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
