

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

Jan 25, 2025 • 1h 26min
Trump, Nazis, and Leonardo DiCaprio’s N-Word Count
Van and Rachel react to President Trump’s executive orders (11:35) before welcoming assistant professor of law at Washington and Lee Maureen Edobor to dig into their legal and moral implications (22:33). Then Elon Musk salutes in a very Third Reich-ish kinda way (49:31 ), Sexyy Red apologizes to Bernice King (1:05:12), and Jamie Foxx discusses Leonardo DiCaprio’s discomfort with the N-word (1:15:50)Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuests: Maureen EdoborProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 21, 2025 • 1h 56min
Hip-Hop, MLK, and Trump’s Second Inauguration
Van and Rachel open the show with Coach Prime, a.k.a. impressionist Sam Croker (8:38), before welcoming the chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, Ben Wikler, to discuss plans should he become chair of the DNC (27:43), and re-energizing the Democratic Party (33:12). Then, in-the-moment reactions to Donald Trump’s inauguration (1:02:10), and digging into Nelly, Snoop, Rick Ross, and Soulja Boy’s participation (1:14:55). Plus, Byron Donalds calls Trump ‘daddy’ (1:42:30).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuests: Sam Croker and Ben WiklerProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

12 snips
Jan 17, 2025 • 1h 43min
Drake’s Certified Legal Action and a Potential Ceasefire in Gaza
Marlon Palmer, a Toronto radio personality, dives into the implications of Drake's high-profile lawsuit against UMG, exploring its cultural impact on the music industry. He shares insights on how legal troubles affect artist reputation and creativity. Sam Lewis, executive director of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, discusses the California inmate firefighter program, highlighting its role in rehabilitation and reintegration for formerly incarcerated individuals. Their passionate dialogue underscores significant social issues while infusing humor and cultural commentary.

Jan 14, 2025 • 1h 56min
The Political Firestorm and Recovery in L.A.
Van and Rachel discuss the looming insurance crisis for Los Angeles homeowners (14:42), the price gouging of rental properties (21:14), and the use of prisoners to help fight the fires (29:41). Plus, Mayor Karen Bass faces criticism for her handling of the crisis (46:21). Then, Stephen A. Smith reflects on the election (1:13:57), Jimmy Butler is in a child support battle (1:27:20), and a former WNBA star makes a career shift to OnlyFans (1:37:16).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 10, 2025 • 1h 39min
Processing the Los Angeles Wildfires With William Gude
William Gude, a community activist with a focus on local issues, joins to discuss the recent Los Angeles wildfires. He provides a ground-level perspective, detailing the chaos and devastation faced by residents. Gude emphasizes the urgent need for better wildfire management and community support in the aftermath of the disaster. With discussions on the emotional toll and the role of emergency services, he highlights the importance of local activism in navigating these challenging times.

Jan 7, 2025 • 1h 36min
The Fox Sports Lawsuit, and Drake’s Break Up With LeBron
Van and Rachel discuss the Fox Sports lawsuit and social media’s reaction to the allegations (15:12), before breaking down Drake’s, ‘Fighting Irish’ freestyle in the context of his relationship with LeBron James (51:48). Plus, Notre Dame’s Black head coach Marcus Freeman speaks on how “color shouldn’t matter” (1:14:51). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 27, 2024 • 56min
A Higher Learning Rewind: Animal Welfare and the Return of Animal Games
Van and Rachel are joined by Chris Draper of the Performing Animal Welfare Society to discuss providing sanctuary and care for former performance animals (0:00), before welcoming Dr. Lauren Howard to talk about her role as director of veterinary services for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (23:34). Then, Animal Games makes it’s long anticipated return to the podcast (49:05).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuests: Dr. Chris Draper and Dr. Lauren HowardProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

18 snips
Dec 24, 2024 • 1h 32min
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 47min
‘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 31min
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.


