

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

Oct 26, 2021 • 1h 20min
Kyrie’s Coalition and Modern-Day Redlining
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the U.S. Department of Justice cracking down on modern-day redlining (7:25). Plus: Kyrie Irving’s vaccine stance seemingly has MAGA and BLM protestors on the same side for once (23:30). Then, Issa Rae and Amanda Seales have some Black Greeks upset (41:41), and Boosie’s homophobia is showing again (47:58).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 22, 2021 • 1h 29min
Justice for Julius Jones and the Howard University Protests
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the #BlackburnTakeover at Howard University, while producer Donnie Beacham details his experience with dorm life at the “Mecca” (23:33), then we welcome family and supporters of Julius Jones, a death row inmate they say was wrongfully convicted of murder in 1999 (37:08). Plus, it’s Thought Warrior mailbag time (1:19:35)!Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuests: Antoinette Jones, Keith Jossell, Tiffany CrutcherProducers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 19, 2021 • 1h 23min
Donald Trump Is Back and Why You Shouldn’t Be Embarrassed by Family
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the Cult of Trump being told by their god not to vote (12:16), coach Ed Orgeron is out at LSU (23:25), and Patrick Mahomes’s little brother gets accused of e-thuggery (36:51). Plus, Hooters reverses a mandate (46:01) and Stacey Dash tests our empathy (1:04:14). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 15, 2021 • 1h 21min
The Democratic Honeymoon Is Over and Prayers for Jelani Day
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to Kyrie Irving’s IG Live regarding his COVID vaccine choice (4:22), discuss Joe Biden’s presidential performance thus far (28:36), and ask an unexpected question about Ruth Bader Ginsburg (39:59). Also, 25-year-old Jelani Day is remembered amid rampant rumors following his mysterious death (48:45). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 13, 2021 • 1h 8min
Jon Gruden Resigns and Kyrie Irving’s Personal Decision
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay check in with instant reactions to some breaking news that’s got the people a-buzzing. Now-former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden steps down after offensive emails see the light of day (5:25), Nicki Minaj defends Jesy Nelson and the art of ‘blackfishing’ (29:59), and Kyrie Irving gets an unvaccination vacation (38:04). Plus, Superman comes out and the homophobes go bananas (44:29).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 12, 2021 • 35min
Lynnette Grey Bull on Busting Myths and the Silence Around Missing Natives
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay welcome activist and founder of Not Our Native Daughters Lynnette Grey Bull to discuss the lack of attention given to missing Indigenous people, and what she’s doing to make a change. Plus, myths get dispelled and she tells us the dopest thing about being a Native American. Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Lynnette Grey BullProducers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 8, 2021 • 1h 31min
Dave Chappelle’s ‘Closer’ and the United States v. Texas
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay dig into the divided reactions to Dave Chappelle’s latest Netflix special 'The Closer' (9:05), before welcoming back law professor Caroline Mala Corbin to discuss the most recent developments in the Texas abortion law (41:59). Plus, HBCU funding takes a big cut (1:10:23), then it’s Mailbag Time (1:22:41). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Caroline Mala CorbinProducers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 5, 2021 • 1h 41min
Urban Meyer’s Acts of Indiscretion, and White Women’s War With Denzel
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss a recent poll that suggests we might be at the beginning of the end of the American union (8:49). Seriously. But on a lighter note, there’s drama coming out of ESPN (33:53), Urban Meyer likes to party (1:01:45), and another famous white lady comes for Denzel Washington (1:24:00).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 1, 2021 • 1h 49min
A Conversation With Frederick Joseph on the Repercussions of Racism
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay welcome bestselling author Frederick Joseph to discuss his recent run-in at a dog park that went viral and the social media frenzy that followed (5:48). Plus, Black Twitter comes for Ellen Pompeo (1:00:56), the #FreeBritney movement succeeds (1:09:57), and a casting decision for the upcoming film ‘The Harder They Fall’ comes under scrutiny (1:18:08).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Frederick JosephProducers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 28, 2021 • 1h 35min
R. Kelly Found Guilty, and Unvaccinated in the NBA
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the guilty verdict in the R. Kelly trial and that age-old question of separating the artist from the art (23:10). Plus, national police reform talks fail (42:46), the NBA faces vaccination troubles (1:08:37), and Will Smith opens up about his open marriage with Jada Pinkett Smith (1:19:08).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices