
Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
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.
Latest episodes

18 snips
Dec 24, 2024 • 1h 34min
Shameik Moore, Fat Joe, and Higher Learning’s Person of the Year
Van and Rachel kick off with an intriguing exploration of the Matt Gaetz ethics report and Shameik Moore's controversial antics with Spider-Man love interests. Fat Joe sparks conversation about Foundational Black Americans, leading to insights on cultural identity. The duo take a deep dive into police corruption within the NYPD and share an update on the Travis Hunter fiancé saga. They also discuss Blake Lively's legal clash with Justin Baldoni, before wrapping up by revealing their 'Person of the Year' and reflecting on the year gone by.

Dec 20, 2024 • 1h 49min
‘Growing Up Urkel’ With Jaleel White
Van and Rachel welcome actor Jaleel White to address backlash he received for comments on "hood" TV shows (12:10), where he ranks ‘Family Matters’ amongst Black sitcoms (22:22), stories of growing up and dating as a child star in ’90s L.A. (32:37), and the responsibility of parents to protect young actors from predators in the industry (1:22:07)Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Jaleel WhiteProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

10 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 1h 33min
Remy Ma and Papoose Drama, Plus Talking 100 Men in One Day With Ana Foxxx
Ana Foxxx, an award-winning adult film actress, producer, and wrestler, shares her insights on the adult entertainment industry. She discusses the sensational case of an OnlyFans model who had sex with 100 men in one day, challenging societal views on sex work. The conversation also touches on the complexities of relationships in the spotlight, highlighted by the public drama between Remy Ma and Papoose. Foxxx advocates for a more nuanced understanding of sex work and its realities, aiming to shift perceptions around the industry.

Dec 10, 2024 • 1h 43min
Unpacking the Jay-Z Allegations with Meghann Cuniff
Van and Rachel welcome reporter Meghann Cuniff to discuss the legal aspects of the Jay-Z rape lawsuit (5:58), before breaking down the cultural impact of the news (26:39). Then reactions to the arrest of a suspect in the UnitedHealth CEO’s murder (1:04:04), Lil Duval says women owe Jonathan Majors an apology (1:10:28), and the phrase ‘built like a Mexican’ sparks racial tensions online (1:25:21).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Meghann CuniffProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 6, 2024 • 1h 31min
Kendrick and the "White Comedian," Plus CEO Fatally Shot
Van and Rachel discuss reports that Trump is considering Ron DeSantis over Pete Hegseth for defense secretary (12:32). They then react to Andrew Schulz’s response to his mention in Kendrick Lamar's ‘GNX,’ after which Van discusses who he thinks can defend Black women (22:50). Also the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO elicits disturbing responses online (52:10), before we close the show with a new segment, Girl Talk (1:08:27).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 3, 2024 • 1h 40min
Joe Biden Pardons, Kendrick Drops, and Drake Takes Legal Action
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are back to talk about Van’s new hair (12:11) before reacting to Joe Biden’s pardon of Hunter (16:35) and Pete Hegseth’s mom saying he has abused women (38:18). Then a review of Kendrick Lamar’s latest album, 'GNX' (41:27), and a breakdown of Drake’s legal filings (55:42). Plus, rapper Dave Blunts sparks a conversation on body positivity and weight loss (1:17:24).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 29, 2024 • 1h 15min
A Higher Learning Rewind: Parents Day
Let's take it back to Nov. 27th, 2021: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by their parents for a special, parents day edition of 'Higher Learning.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 26, 2024 • 1h 38min
A Higher Learning Rewind: The Very First Episode
Let’s set the time machine to May 28th 2020: Van and Rachel address the death of George Floyd and what it means for society (00:45). They also discuss the drama with Doja Cat in racial chats showing feet (23:50), racism inside Bachelor Nation, and Joe Biden's 'Breakfast Club' gaffe (52:11). Finally, they respond to some Azealia Banks mess (1:22:57).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 19, 2024 • 1h 42min
The Nomination of RFK Jr., and Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson
Van and Rachel are still on TRUMP WATCH, this time reacting to the nomination of Robert Kennedy Jr. to head the Dept. of Health and Human Services (14:39), and the Pete Hegseth sexual assault allegation (38:29). Then, 27-year-old Jake Paul fights 58-year-old Mike Tyson (41:58), Diddy’s accused of influencing witnesses from behind bars (59:19), and Snoop speaks on his neutrality during the election (1:10:05). And finally, Van lists his top 10 cartoon dogs in the latest VanLaTEN (1:25:05).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 15, 2024 • 1h 34min
The Danger of Trump’s Nominations With Paul Rieckhoff
Van and Rachel are on TRUMP WATCH. They react to Trump’s list of cabinet and staff picks (10:34) before founder and CEO of Independent Veterans of America Paul Rieckhoff joins to break down why Trump’s nomination of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense is so scary (32:41). And lastly (on the topic of politics), they talk Trump and Biden's meeting at the White House (58:47). Plus, Denzel Washington speaks on a deleted scene in ‘Gladiator II’ that the people weren’t ready for (1:05:29), The Onion buys InfoWars (1:15:54), and the father of Skai Jackson’s baby allegedly gets hacked (1:16:59).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Paul RieckhoffProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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