Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay cover art

Podcast

Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

602 episodesLatest 5 days agoNew episode
Recorded in United States of AmericaAbout the Black AmericanEnglishSociety & CultureExplicit
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 — page 2

  1. The Troubled ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ Adaptation, and Usher’s Rejection

    Van and Rachel discuss tragedy and personas in rap, and updates in the Nolan Wells case before diving into President Trump’s attempts at voter suppression. Then Jonathan Majors spe…

    02:07:35
  2. Kerry Washington and 'The Whoopi Monologues,' a New Black Panther, and an Argument for Term Limits

    Van and Rachel react to the recasting of Black Panther, a cheating scandal in the WNBA, and the White House Correspondents' Dinner before welcoming actor Kerry Washington to discus…

    02:18:50
  3. Why Would ESPN Lay Off Ryan Clark? Plus, Mayor Mamdani’s Netanyahu Strategy.

    Van and Rachel react to both ESPN’s decision to lay off Ryan Clark and LeBron’s decision to drag out free agency. Then, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani says he can’t arrest Benj…

    02:26:49
  4. Van’s ‘Obsession’ Obsession, ‘The Odyssey’ Wins, and the Life and Career of David Roberts

    Van and Rachel have a spoiler-filled discussion of the newly streaming film ‘Obsession,’ before reacting to the success of 'The Odyssey.' Then, controversy in the WNBA warrants an…

    02:24:11
  5. "New Face of Hollywood,” Boosie’s Pardon Play, and Rachel’s Finest

    Van and Rachel react to a problematic Hollywood Reporter article and some Christian blacklash for KevOnStage, before discussing Boosie’s failed efforts to get a pardon and recent k…

    02:13:59
  6. The Death of Lindsey Graham and Jay-Z’s Colin Kaepernick Diss

    Van and Rachel react to the death of Senator Lindsey Graham and the speculation around the health of Senator Mitch McConnell before digging into Jay-Z’s mention of Colin Kaepernick…

    02:08:58
  7. The Tubman $20 Bill, Graham Platner’s Exit, and Rappers Flying Commercial

    Van and Rachel react to the U.S. men's soccer team’s loss to Belgium and the list of Emmy nominees. Then they discuss the end of the plans for Harriet Tubman’s $20 bill and Graham…

    02:17:24
  8. The Yung Miami and India.Arie “Spend Dat” Debate, Plus U.S.-FIFA Controversy

    Van and Rachel react to the U.S. soccer controversy before discussing Marcellus Wiley’s arrest and the "America250" celebration in D.C. Plus, will Diddy get a pardon thanks to Trum…

    01:56:55
  9. LeBron and the Mighty White Lakers. Plus, Are You Proud to Be an American?

    Van and Rachel react to the biggest news of the NBA offseason before questioning whether Kamala Harris is gearing up for a presidential run and discussing Barack Obama’s opinion of…

    02:18:34
  10. Druski’s BET Awards, Tucker Carlson Leaving the GOP, and “War” in the Democratic Party

    Van and Rachel react to the 2026 BET Awards before discussing the latest from a pair of former Fox News hosts, and the conflict dividing the Democratic Party. (0:00) Intro (16:04)…

    02:00:38
  11. XXL Freshman Class, and What Happened With Lizzo? Plus, the Last Gasp of Trumpism

    Van and Rachel kick off the podcast with a follow-up discussion about Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico before digging into a pair of music industry topics. Plus, an awkward inte…

    02:07:02
  12. Crockett Not Supporting Talarico? Plus, Estelle on the Art of Being a Humble Star

    Van and Rachel react to questions about Representative Jasmine Crockett’s support of her former opponent James Talarico before Van makes a connection between geopolitics and ‘The W…

    02:32:57
  13. Jemele Hill and the Jay-Z-Target Partnership: Is It a Big Deal?

    Van and Rachel discuss the results of the L.A. primary race, before reacting to the death of a one-year-old at the hands of police. Then Jemele Hill joins to talk boycotts amidst a…

    02:02:51
  14. Knicks Win It All, UFC at the White House, and the Conviction of Karmelo Anthony

    Van and Rachel are back from a break to react to the historic NBA Finals, the UFC fight at the White House, and David Oyelowo’s take on African and Southern Black accents. Then def…

    01:44:50
  15. Senator Chris Murphy and ‘Crisis of the Common Good’

    Connecticut senator Chris Murphy joins to discuss multiculturalism, the withdrawal of Joe Biden’s presidential candidacy, and his new book, ‘Crisis of the Common Good.’ (0:00) Intr…

    54:54
  16. A Conversation With Rep. Ilhan Omar: AIPAC, MAGA Expats, and Standing Up to ICE

    Van and Rachel welcome U.S. Representative from Minnesota Ilhan Omar for a wide-ranging discussion of governing in 2026. (0:00) Intro (1:09) Governing in 2019 vs. 2026 (5:07) What’…

    58:09
  17. Spencer Pratt’s Obama Comparisons, Plus Life and ’The Odyssey’ With Jay Pharoah

    Van and Rachel check in on the California primary races, and discuss Tyler, the Creator's disdain for top-five lists before senior politics reporter at Axios, Marc Caputo, joins to…

    02:35:11
  18. Jay-Z Returns to Beef With Drake, Plus Trump’s Failed Concert Series

    Van and Rachel react to Jay-Z’s freestyle at the Roots Picnic, and Donald Trump taking two public L's in the lead-up to his Freedom 250 festival. Plus a check-in on the L.A. mayora…

    01:53:10
  19. Kevin Hart: Black Culture Vs. Comedy Culture, and Spencer Pratt’s Mayoral Bid

    Van and Rachel are back from the holiday break to react to Kevin Hart's response to problematic jokes at his roast, updates in the fight against redistricting, and Spencer Pratt’s…

    02:04:04
  20. Is Hip-Hop Still Fun? Plus the DNC’s Autopsy Report and “Dr.” Cheyenne Bryant’s Alleged Title

    Van and Rachel react to the results of this week’s primary races and the release of the DNC Autopsy report of the 2024 election. Plus Chelsea Handler on racist jokes, Cheyenne Brya…

    02:06:50
Now Playing