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
Aug 2, 2022 • 1h 11min
Deshaun Watson’s “Punishment” and Monkeypox on the Rise
Van and Rachel remember the lives of Bill Russell and Nichelle Nichols (10:42) before reacting to Deshaun Watson’s six-game suspension for sexual misconduct (25:50). Plus, monkeypox continues to be a public health crisis (52:48).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 29, 2022 • 1h 41min
The Safer America Plan, Plus Inflation Reduction With Marc Goldwein
Van and Rachel break down President Biden’s Safer America Plan to fight violent crime (10:39), the latest news regarding Brittney Griner and a potential prisoner exchange (25:42), and Kyler Murray’s contractually obligated study (50:38). Plus, Marc Goldwein, Senior Policy Director for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, joins to discuss the Inflation Reduction Act (56:53).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Marc GoldweinProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 26, 2022 • 1h 34min
Colorism and Keke Palmer, Plus 'Black Panther: Wakanda Forever' Trailer Reactions
Van and Rachel discuss 'Nope' and the colorism debate and career comparisons of Keke Palmer and Zendaya (16:20), DaBaby’s support of Donald Trump (43:07) and the robbery of a church caught on Instagram Live (56:36). Plus, reactions to the much anticipated ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ trailer (1:18:32).Host: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 20, 2022 • 46min
The Power of Audio Storytelling’ Hosted by Rachel Lindsay
At the 2022 Essence Festival, Rachel hosted a panel at Spotify’s ‘House of Are & Be’ activation called, “The Power of Audio Storytelling”. Featured panelists included Danyel Smith, host of Black Girl Songbook, Lovelyti, host of Tea Time UNFILTERED with Lovelyti, along with Dr. Titi Shodiya and Dr. Zakiya Whatley, hosts of Dope Labs. ENJOY!Host: Rachel LindsayGuests: Danyel Smith, Lovelyti, Dr. Titi Shodiya, and Dr. Zakiya WhatleyProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 19, 2022 • 2h 13min
Amber Rose in-studio, and the Sesame Place Situation
Van and Rachel discuss the Sesame Place backlash following a video of a character ignoring Black children (22:30) before welcoming model, author, and musician Amber Rose to discuss the arc of her career (38:23). Plus, a pair of prominent members of the church come under fire for questionable comments (1:42:06).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Amber RoseProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 15, 2022 • 1h 35min
The Put Your Shoes On Challenge, and Jill Biden on Tacos
Van and Rachel discuss a new viral trend and whether it’s traumatic, funny, or both (19:15). Plus, Jill Biden compares Latinos to breakfast tacos (30:46), concern grows for Orlando Brown following his Bow Wow comments (55:06), and LeBron questions Brittney Griner wanting to return to the U.S. (1:00:56).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 12, 2022 • 1h 22min
'N-Word’ Usage in Music and Biden’s Executive Order
Van and Rachel discuss white fans rapping along to lyrics that contain the n-word (6:51), before digging into Pres. Biden’s executive order on abortion access (26:02). Plus, Doja Cat’s ‘Stranger Things’ DM’s become public (41:01) and Herschel Walker says some things (59:16).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 8, 2022 • 1h 22min
Congressional Twerking and a Diaspora Discussion
Van and Rachel are joined by Rhode Island state Senator Tiara Mack to address "respectability politics" after going viral for twerking (8:49). Then, comedian and podcaster Marlon Palmer joins to discuss a recent tweet about the African diaspora (41:02). Plus, an update on the Brittney Griner situation (1:03:40).Host: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuests: Sen. Tiara Mack and Marlon PalmerProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 5, 2022 • 1h 42min
Jayland Walker’s Unnecessary Death and Talking Mass Shootings … Again
Van and Rachel react to the latest police shooting that saw an unarmed man shot 60 times in Akron, OH (22:25), before discussing a July 4th weekend of tragedy (38:09). Plus, Brittney Griner pens a letter to President Biden from a Russian prison (1:02:40) and dynamics of the Black diaspora are discussed (1:16:41).Host: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 1, 2022 • 1h 40min
R. Kelly Sentenced and Inflation Talk With Marc Goldwein
Van and Rachel react to R. Kelly’s 30-year sentence and the "normalization" of his crimes (17:02), plus Ketanji Brown Jackson is officially sworn in (24:26) to the Supreme Court. They are then joined by Marc Goldwein, senior policy director for the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, to break down the current state of the U.S. economy (41:07).Host: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Marc GoldweinProducers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
