
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

Oct 4, 2024 • 1h 48min
The Evidence Against Trump and a Vice Presidential Debate Recap
Van and Rachel remember the life of John Amos and discuss the family drama around his death (14:49), then break down the vice presidential debate (25:02) and dig into the unsealed evidence from the January 6 election interference case against Trump with Politico senior legal affairs reporter Kyle Cheney (42:18). Later, reactions to an upcoming Chris Brown documentary (57:46) and the tense exchange Ta-Nehisi Coates had on ‘CBS Mornings’ (1:13:22).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Kyle CheneyProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 27, 2024 • 1h 30min
Eric Adams Indicted and Symone Sanders-Townsend Talks the Black Women's Vote
Van and Rachel react to the indictment of New York Mayor Eric Adams (8:07) and give a quick update on the state of Mark Robinson’s political career after his Nude Africa posts (16:30). Then cohost of MSNBC’s ‘The Weekend’ Symone Sanders-Townsend joins to discuss the role Black women will play in the 2024 election (24:08). Finally, they talk Brett Favre’s Parkinson’s diagnosis (50:07) and react to Cardi B and Offset’s online fight (57:55).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Symone Sanders-TownsendProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 24, 2024 • 1h 30min
Janet’s Kamala Escapade and ‘Evolution of the Black Quarterback’ With Michael Vick
Van and Rachel discuss Beyoncé’s exclusion from the CMAs (5:47) before reacting to the fallout from Janet Jackson’s questioning of Kamala Harris’s Blackness (25:28) and Chingy backing out of performing at a GOP event (36:19). Then NFL legend Michael Vick joins to talk about the new docuseries ‘Evolution of the Black Quarterback’ (46:07) before discussing the way Jerry Jones talks about his players and what’s between their legs (1:16:28).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Michael VickProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 20, 2024 • 1h 33min
Of Mess and Men: Mark Robinson, Michael Eric Dyson and ShxtsNGigs
Of Mess and Men: Mark Robinson, Michael Eric Dyson and ShxtsNGigsVan and Rachel react to Lt. Governor and Gubernatorial candidate for North Carolina Mark Robinson’s comments on a porn forum (6:26), Michael Eric Dyson’s flirty messages to Rep. Nancy Mace (32:51), and the hosts of the ShxtsNGigs and Andrew Schulz get backlash after jokes at the expense of Black women (49:28).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 18, 2024 • 43min
Emergency Pod: Diddy’s Indictment
Van and Rachel address the breaking news of Sean Combs’s arrest and indictment on sex trafficking and racketeering charges.Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 17, 2024 • 2h 6min
Shannon Sharpe Goes Live and Terrell Owens Talks T.O.
Van and Rachel remember the life of Tito Jackson (10:39) before reacting to the second apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump in two months (16:09) and Laura Loomer’s relationship with the former president (25:58). Then they have a discussion on Shannon Sharpe’s viral Instagram Live and the best way to release a sex tape (33:37) before the much-anticipated return of the Van LaTEN (47:58). Finally Terrell Owens joins to discuss his hall of fame career and the NFL’s race problem (1:05:28).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Terrell OwensProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 6, 2024 • 1h 20min
Kamala’s Code Switch, and the Reparations Movement in Peril
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the death of Fatman Scoop (8:10), before digging into conversations surrounding Kamala Harris’s accent (15:10). Then, Lee Daniels stirs up controversy for his new horror film (29:30), and an NFL executive gets recorded insulting the league (40:46). Finally, the chair of the California Reparations Task Force, Kamilah Moore, joins to discuss the blocking of a pair of bills by the Black Caucus (49:24).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Kamilah MooreProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 2, 2024 • 20min
The Top 10 Black Beauties of the ’90s | The Van LaTEN
This Labor Day, Van and Rachel are bringing you a brand-new segment called the Van LaTEN! This time, they count down the top 10 Black beauties of the ’90s. Let us know if your pick makes the cut!Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 27, 2024 • 1h 44min
Bending the Knee, Selfishly Creating Families, and Infighting Within the Black Community
RFK Jr., a political figure who recently exited the presidential race, shares his endorsement of Donald Trump and the shifting political landscape. NFL star Cam Newton discusses the responsibilities of fatherhood amidst changing family dynamics. The podcast also teases an exciting reunion between music giants Drake and Kendrick Lamar. The conversation dives into the nuances of community infighting and modern parenthood, highlighting the complexities of personal choices and societal expectations regarding family structures.

Aug 23, 2024 • 1h 24min
The Freedom Festival of the DNC, the Beyoncé Fake Out, and the End of Bennifer 2.0
In a captivating discussion, Kamala Harris reflects on her impactful speech at the DNC, emphasizing the power of storytelling and political messaging. The conversation takes a turn as they dissect a TMZ blunder regarding Beyoncé’s presence at the event. Jennifer Lopez's recent divorce filing from Ben Affleck sparks further dialogue on celebrity relationships and public scrutiny. Together, they navigate the complexities of political discourse, identity, and the importance of compassion in leadership.
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