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
Jul 23, 2021 • 1h 32min
The NFL vs. Unvaccinated Players and Problematic Astronauts
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay kick things off with a fun fact about Forrest Gump (23:32) before diving into the circumstances behind Maria Taylor’s exit from ESPN (36:31) and breaking down the NFL’s new policy regarding unvaccinated players (59:11). Plus, we introduce a new segment titled: “What Were the Whites Thinking?” (1:09:35) before digging into the Thought Warrior mailbag (1:20:37). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 20, 2021 • 1h 48min
Van Returns and Reflects, Plus: Are We Still Mad at Kanye?
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are back and take a much-needed moment to eulogize the life of Van Lathan Sr. (4:36) before switching gears with a 'Space Jam: A New Legacy' review (35:15) and some Kanye album drop speculation (47:11). Also, the NFL’s playing the Black national anthem before games (1:11:20) and Popeye’s thinks Black people sing when they eat chicken (1:37:23).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 16, 2021 • 21min
A 'Higher Learning' Tribute: Van Lathan Sr.
On this special episode, we pay tribute to Van Lathan Sr. as Rachel and the 'Higher Learning' team share a compilation of Van's unforgettable dad stories.Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 2, 2021 • 33min
Sha’Carri Richardson’s Suspension With Olympic Gold Medalist Sanya Richards-Ross
In this special bonus episode, Van and Rachel are joined by U.S. Olympic track-and-field gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross to discuss Sha’Carri Richardson’s suspension after she tested positive for marijuana (0:46). Then, Van and Rachel compare the rule violations of Richardson and Reggie Bush, and discuss how rules could change for athletes in the future (18:19).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Sanya Richards-RossProducers: Trudy Joseph, Richie Bozek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 2, 2021 • 1h 24min
Freedom Day for “America’s Dad” and the Miscarriage of Justice
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the news of Bill Cosby’s release from prison and the social media civil war that followed (19:30), before rejoicing for NCAA student-athletes (43:16) and debating whether or not Will Smith should be favored in the hypothetical fight with Tupac (1:01:15).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducer: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 29, 2021 • 1h 36min
Lil Nas X and a Higher Learning Family Meeting
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay hash out family business following last week’s Mailbag Questions (:25) before breaking down why Lil Nas X gave "the most important performance in BET Awards history" (22:57). Plus, Scottie Pippen calls Phil Jackson a racist (43:07) and Chauncey Billups’s past has us asking questions (52:21). Then it’s time for Van’s Very Serious Question (1:09:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 25, 2021 • 1h 12min
RGIII Loves His Wife & Karen: the Motion Picture
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Robert Griffin III’s cringeworthy social media activity (5:39), Tiffany Haddish chiming in on the whole, “bonnets at the airport” debate (35:55), and the idea of hosting a Thought Warrior screening of the upcoming horror movie, “Karen” (44:04). Speaking of Thought Warriors, it’s about time for your mailbag questions to be answered.Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 22, 2021 • 1h 31min
Coming Out in the NFL, the Fight Over CRT, and Vaccination Hesitation
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay kick things off by addressing Rachel’s recent New York magazine cover story and what she and Tupac have in common (7:13); also, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp appeals to the MAGA crowd (40:09), while NFL defensive end Carl Nassib makes sports history (53:52). Plus, wide receiver Cole Beasley isn’t feeling the NFL’s COVID protocols (1:01:05). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 18, 2021 • 1h 29min
Juneteenth, White Psychosis, and Cancel Culture in Comedy
Van Lathan asks Rachel Lindsay his Very Serious Question earlier than usual this week (:30) before they address the circumstances around Matt James not being on the show, as promised (14:52). They also discuss whether white supremacy is "psychopathic" (23:07) and Juneteenth (46:17) before breaking down "cancel culture" in the world of comedy (52:53). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jun 15, 2021 • 1h 17min
Glen "Big Baby" Davis and Colorism In the Heights
With the recent release of 'In the Heights,' Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay welcome writer Angy Abreu to discuss the claims of misrepresentation by the actual Washington Heights community (7:04) before welcoming Glen Davis to clear the air on his recent comments about Kyrie Irving's injury (46:48). Finally, they cover Drake's new album tease and, more importantly, ask: What’s a true freestyle? (1:02:28)Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuests: Angy Abreu and Glen DavisProducers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
