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
Sep 20, 2022 • 1h 51min
Discussing Slavery and Presentism, Plus Breaking Down the SAFE-T Act With Sen. Robert Peters
Van and Rachel discuss Bill Maher’s recent comments about slavery and his criticism of “presentism” (14:11), before reacting to the social media conversations around ‘The Woman King’ (47:42). Plus, Charlamagne tha God has a questionable take on the shipping of migrants (1:01:38), then Sen. Robert Peters joins the show to help break down Illinois’ SAFE-T Act (1:11:05).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Sen. Robert PetersProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 13, 2022 • 1h 9min
The Tragedy of PnB Rock’s Death, and Robert Sarver’s Suspension
Van and Rachel react to the killing of rapper PnB Rock and the ensuing social fallout (0:10). Plus, Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Server gets suspended after allegations of racism and misogyny (35:17), and Ray J produces receipts (47:35). Then, the roses and racism of the 'Bachelor' franchise return (57:47).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 9, 2022 • 1h 17min
Black Twitter and the Death of Queen Elizabeth II
Van and Rachel react to the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death and the overall legacy of the crown (12:28), before giving an update on the Jackson, Mississippi water crisis (32:37). Plus, Kim Kardashian discusses her talent (53:56), and the “Peak White Mess” of the 'Don’t Worry Darling' press tour gets broken down (1:04:07).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 6, 2022 • 1h 59min
Pennsylvania Weed Pardons and Brett Favre the Welfare Queen
Van and Rachel discuss Pennsylvania announcing an effort to pardon state residents of nonviolent marijuana offenses (20:39), and Mississippi using welfare money to pay Brett Favre (34:16). Plus, Tiffany Haddish responds to backlash (58:54), and Scottie Pippen’s ex-wife spotted out with Michael Jordan’s son (1:16:44).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 2, 2022 • 1h 36min
Mississippi Water Crisis and Serena the Great
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the institutional failures that left Jackson, Mississippi without water (20:25), Serena Williams’s performance at the U.S. Open (35:24), and discuss Jay-Z’s relationship with capitalism (55:57).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 26, 2022 • 1h 20min
Hip-Hop vs. Rap and a Discussion on a Woman’s Worth With Glasses Malone
Van and Rachel are joined by rapper Glasses Malone to discuss what it was like growing up in gang life (4:29), the impact of Drill Music and hip-hop vs. rap (18:54), and finding “value” in a modern woman (42:40).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Glasses MaloneProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 23, 2022 • 40min
African Film and Adapting ‘The Color Purple’ With Blitz Bazawule
Van and Rachel are joined by musician, author, and director Blitz Bazawule to discuss the importance of African films made by African filmmakers (7:27), his experience working with Beyoncé on ‘Black Is King’ (10:44), and his upcoming musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’ (14:39). Plus, which country has the best jollof (26:30)?Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Blitz BazawuleProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 16, 2022 • 1h 38min
Investigating Trump With Rep. Pete Aguilar, Plus Deshaun Watson Apologizes
Van and Rachel discuss the Espionage Act as it relates to the FBI investigation of Donald Trump (14:21), before reacting to Deshaun Watson’s apology as the NFL preseason gets underway (31:08). Plus, U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar joins to discuss the January 6 congressional committee (42:42), and the church comes for Beyoncé (1:09:08).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Rep. Pete AguilarProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 9, 2022 • 1h 31min
Aldis Hodge Talks ‘City on a Hill,’ ‘Black Adam,’ and More, Plus the Cale Gundy Story and the Latest on Alex Jones
Van and Rachel are joined by actor Aldis Hodge to discuss latest season of ‘City on a Hill', the importance of being a Black man cast as Carter Hall in the upcoming DC film ‘Black Adam’, and much more (29:26). Van and Rachel also react to the resignation of Oklahoma football assistant coach Cale Gundy (0:50), the latest in the Alex Jones trials (01:14:53), and debate a love story published in the New York Times (17:04).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Aldis HodgeProducer: Richie Bozek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 5, 2022 • 1h 21min
A Deep Dive Into the Deshaun Watson Suspension and Brittney Griner’s Sentence
Van and Rachel analyze the reasoning behind Deshaun Watson’s six-game suspension (12:04), react to Brittney Griner’s sentencing in Russian court (42:31), and discuss the federal charges against Breonna Taylor’s killers (54:04).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
