

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

Nov 12, 2024 • 1h 36min
A ‘Higher Learning’ Autopsy of the Democratic Party
Hardened detective Rachel Lindsay enlists the help of esteemed pathologist Van Lathan to determine the cause of death of the current version of the Democratic Party (6:54), and discuss the formation of Donald Trump’s cabinet (58:40). They then shift gears to debate whether or not Michelle Beadle used the n-word (1:06:32), and talk RG3’s defense of his daughters (1:13:54).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 8, 2024 • 1h 32min
Donald Trump’s Second Term and the Expectations of Change
Van and Rachel break out a bottle of tequila and break down how and why Donald Trump won the presidency again (4:22), before discussing reactions to the results (25:23) and what it means to fight in the years ahead (43:19).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 6, 2024 • 59min
Higher Learning/Bakari Sellers Election Night Livestream
It's still way too early call...BUT...Van Lathan, Rachel Lindsay, and Bakari Sellers are here to help you process what's happening, as it's happening. We Live! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nov 5, 2024 • 1h 35min
Election Day Is Here. What’s Going to Happen?
Pastor Carlton Lynch, known for his viral defense of Kamala Harris, shares insights from his confrontation with a Trump supporter. Historian Allan Lichtman discusses his 'Keys to the White House' method, emphasizing governance over polls in predicting election winners. Political commentator Bakari Sellers analyzes the final days of Kamala Harris's campaign and offers predictions for the election outcome. Along the way, they engage in lively discussions on societal dynamics and the significance of empowering marginalized voices.

Oct 29, 2024 • 1h 30min
MAGA Jokes and Mega Outrage With Roy Wood Jr.
Roy Wood Jr., a comedian and television host celebrated for his keen insights, joins Van and Rachel to tackle the latest in political comedy. They dissect the fiery atmosphere of a Trump rally and delve into the fine line comedians walk when addressing sensitive topics. Lil Durk’s recent legal troubles spark a discussion on masculinity and revenge in the rap community. Lastly, the trio examines Shaquille O’Neal’s advice to Angel Reese about balancing femininity and athletic prowess in women’s sports, all filled with humor and pertinent commentary.

Oct 25, 2024 • 1h 13min
The Trump Rumor Mill and LeBron and Bronny’s Big Moment
Van and Rachel dig into Kamala Harris's recent town hall and the implications of a potentially damaging rumor about Donald Trump. They share thoughts on Busta Rhymes's comments regarding Diddy, while also tackling significant issues in women's sports, especially around the WNBA's bargaining situation. The discussion takes an interesting turn when they delve into the dynamics of LeBron and Bronny James's on-court moment, igniting a debate on nepotism and privilege in athletics. Humor and pop culture references keep the conversation lively!

Oct 22, 2024 • 2h 7min
Disrespecting Kamala and Annemarie Wiley on ‘RHOBH’ and Politics
Van and Rachel react to Trump’s comments about Arnold Palmer’s meat size and the overall state of the race (6:14) before digging into ex-Steeler Le’Veon Bell’s “Trump and the Tramp” T-shirt (12:07). Then Game 5 of the WNBA Finals ends in controversy (19:30), and should we care that fans cheered when Deshaun Watson tore his Achilles (29:43)? Then, TV personality Annemarie Wiley joins to talk the labeling of women (48:47), her time on ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,’ (1:05:41), and where she stands on the 2024 election (1:28:03)Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuests: Annemarie WileyProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 18, 2024 • 1h 47min
Obama Talks to the Brothas, Plus Chris Spencer and Lynnette Grey Bull Join the Show
Chris Spencer, a comedian and host of 'Black Comedy in America,' discusses the evolution and representation within Black comedy, emphasizing its cultural significance. Lynnette Grey Bull, founder of Not Our Native Daughters, shares her profound feelings about Indigenous Peoples' Day and the ongoing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women crisis, advocating for change and healing. The conversation also touches on Barack Obama’s call to action for engaging Black male voters, diving into the complexities of representation and electoral dynamics.

Oct 11, 2024 • 1h 28min
Trump’s Russian Relationship and What’s a Black Dandy?
Van and Rachel discuss the impact Hurricane Milton has had on Florida and the political storm surrounding it (18:48), react to revelations from Bob Woodward’s upcoming book ‘War’ (30:44), and J. Cole addressing his decision to bow out of the Kendrick Lamar-Drake beef (45:53). Then a breakdown of Kamala Harris's and Donald Trump’s recent interviews (54:31), as well as a quick debate on the theme of the upcoming Met Gala. Plus, what is Black dandyism (1:09:28)?Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 4, 2024 • 1h 46min
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