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.

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20 episodes
Updated Friday
Explicit

Episodes20

Newest first

Friday · 2 hr 7 min
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 speaks, the author of ’Children of Blood and Bone’ distances herself from the film, and Usher’s interaction with a fan sparks debate. (0:00) Intro (7:46) The Madden curse (27:48) Gun violence and 21 Savage (40:37) Update on the Nolan Wells case (54:07) Mail-in voting restrictions (1:07:21) The punishing of Jonathan Majors (1:20:46) The ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ controversy (1:39:01) Usher kicks fan off stage Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tuesday · 2 hr 18 min
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 discuss the revival of ‘The Whoopi Monologues’ and the importance of theater. Plus, Representative James Clyburn says Black voters let Kamala down, and a respectability politics discussion about Tuskegee University. (0:00) Intro (20:08) David Jonsson is Black Panther (29:36) WNBA cheating scandal (39:17) White House Correspondents Dinner (52:26) Kerry Washington joins the show (1:28:09) Representative James Clyburn and the argument for term limits (1:48:40) Tuskegee University’s dress code (2:02:40) Has Rachel seen this? Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Kerry Washington Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 24 · 2 hr 26 min
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 Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Trump administration freezes Medicaid funding for CA and MN. And finally, a debate about the placement of a controversially titled book on a former NBA head coach's desk. (0:00) Intro (27:42) Ryan Clark and the ESPN layoffs (1:00:07) Mamdani’s message to Netanyahu (1:21:25) Medicaid funds frozen (1:46:21) House GOP advances plan to fund SAVE America Act (1:56:14) George Karl and displaying the book 'N-----' Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 21 · 2 hr 24 min
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 apology rating, the Tate brothers are arrested, the military’s testing testosterone, and Fox News is joking about sexual assault. Then, ESPN executive VP David Roberts joins to discuss his career and massive impact on the sports broadcasting industry. (0:00) Intro (14:57) SPOILERS: An ‘Obsession’ discussion (47:27) ‘The Odyssey’ success (58:37) Angel Reese and the “protected species” comment (1:13:36) Andrew and Tristan Tate’s arrest (1:21:48) Jesse Watters, Pete Hegseth, and testosterone (1:34:25) Dave Roberts joins the show (2:09:28) John Fetterman threatens to leave Democratic Party Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: David Roberts Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 17 · 2 hr 13 min
"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 killings at the hands of ICE. Then Rachel gives her list of “top five finest men.” (0:00) Intro (24:38) New face of Hollywood (46:08) KevOnStage upsets some fans (1:05:27) Boosie’s pardon play (1:17:32) Memphis Bleek and community (1:34:48) ICE shootings (1:54:24) Rachel’s finest (2:02:18) Remembering a community hero Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 14 · 2 hr 8 min
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 at a recent performance. (0:00) Intro (27:25) Rachel’s porkless week (29:52) World Cup updates (33:29) Reactions to Lindsey Graham’s death (56:21) Mitch McConnell speculation (1:00:45) Jay-Z disses Colin Kaepernick (1:51:31) Rachel’s “Finest” (1:54:26) Revenge of the Bison Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 10 · 2 hr 17 min
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 Platner ending his Senate campaign. Plus, an update on Marcellus Wiley, and the death of a Mississippi teen sparks conversation. (0:00) Intro (18:53) U.S. loses to Belgium (31:06) Emmy nominations (42:34) Harriet Tubman $20 bill plans ended (59:11) Graham Platner’s failed campaign (1:31:43) Marcellus and Annemarie Wiley update (1:48:28) Questions around the death of Nolan Wells (2:01:59) Rappers flying commercial Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 7 · 1 hr 56 min
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 Trump? And the song of the summer sparks a debate. (0:00) Intro (35:07) The U.S.-FIFA controversy (51:15) Marcellus Wiley’s arrest (1:03:47) "America250" celebration (1:19:08) Will Trump pardon Diddy? (1:28:41) India.Arie, Yung Miami, and the “Spend Dat” debate (1:42:40) "White and Proud" Facebook group takeover Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 3 · 2 hr 18 min
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 George Washington. Then Maureen Edobor, an assistant professor at Washington and Lee School of Law, joins to help break down the impact of some recent Supreme Court decisions before Van asks a patriotic question. (0:00) Intro (10:01) The new-look (white) Lakers (15:57) LeBron’s latest decision (41:02) Is Kamala Harris running in 2028? (50:50) Obama on admiring George Washington (1:21:24) Maureen Edobor on SCOTUS’s latest decisions (1:50:02) Are you proud to be an American? Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Maureen Edobor Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 30 · 2 hr
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) BET Awards recap (29:00) Haiti and Megyn Kelly’s racist rhetoric (54:11) Tucker Carlson leaving the GOP (1:06:14) Moderates vs. Democratic Socialists (1:31:03) New segment: Rachel Hasn’t Seen This (1:39:40) Fewer babies named Donald Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 26 · 2 hr 7 min
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 interaction during ESPN’s NBA draft coverage, and was A$AP Rocky disrespectful with the stuff he said during a performance? (0:00) Intro (0:17) A Crockett-Talarico recap (59:46) XXL Freshman Class: Auntie Rach vs. Baby Jade (1:08:55) Lizzo’s new album sales (1:24:03) Jokes about the Jay Williams accident (1:31:07) Was A$AP Rocky being disrespectful? (1:37:57) Is the GOP out of patience with Trump? (1:49:20) Black male suicide rates Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett The Ringer is committed to responsible trading. Please visit https://fanduel.com/predicts to learn more about the resources and helpline Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 23 · 2 hr 32 min
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 Wire.’ They also hit a couple of sports topics and SZA’s anti-AI stance before the multi-hyphenate Estelle joins the show. (0:00) Intro (13:11) Jasmine Crockett, James Talarico, and party unity (35:10) The Iran conflict and ‘The Wire’ (1:01:19) Bill Maher and the Obama Presidential Library (1:16:32) New York Knicks headed to the White House (1:26:13) Wholesome World Cup content (1:33:48) SZA and the dangers of AI (1:45:27) Estelle joins the show Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Estelle Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 19 · 2 hr 2 min
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 deal between Target and Jay-Z. (0:00) Intro (13:43) L.A. mayoral primary race results (31:36) Mississippi police shoot and kill one-year-old (54:41) Jemele Hill joins the show (1:25:43) Tyra Banks sues Netflix (1:42:26) Knicks parade reactions (1:50:07) Twerking church mom Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Jemele Hill Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producers: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 16 · 1 hr 44 min
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 defense attorney Yodit Tewolde joins to help break down the trial and conviction of Karmelo Anthony. (0:00) Intro (8:26) New York Knicks are NBA champs (27:34) UFC fight at the White House (44:15) David Oyelowo on African and Southern Black accents (57:02) Yodit Tewolde on the trial of Karmelo Anthony Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Yodit Tewolde Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Social Producers: Bernard Moore and Jon Roemer Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett Additional Language to be Inserted into Show Note/Description: The Ringer is committed to responsible trading. Please visit https://fanduel.com/predicts to learn more about the resources and helpline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 12 · 54 min
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) Intro (1:36) Responding to the symptom of Trump (5:07) Common good capitalism (7:21) The country’s most harmful cults (10:07) Building cultural connections (21:38) Getting personal (24:20) The male loneliness epidemic (27:14) Governing in 2026 (31:51) A ‘Star Wars’ analogy (37:59) The Divine Nine (39:30) Too much focus on the executive branch? (43:28) The Democratic plan for Black women and men Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Senator Chris Murphy Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Social Producers: Bernard Moore and Jon Roemer Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 9 · 58 min
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’s holding Democrats back? (7:07) AIPAC-sponsored candidates (15:47) 2024 election post-mortem (21:52) MAGA vs. Rep. Omar (24:28) Minnesota stands up to ICE (29:22) Nancy Mace pushes ban on naturalized citizens (36:32) Embracing MAGA expats (39:12) Message to Black voters (47:00) L.A. mayoral race (51:30) Minnesota Mt. Rushmore Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Rep. Ilhan Omar Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett Additional Language to be Inserted into Show Note/Description: The Ringer is committed to responsible trading. Please visit https://fanduel.com/predicts to learn more about the resources and helpline. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 5 · 2 hr 35 min
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 break down the congressional vote on Iran. Plus, comedian and rapper Jay Pharoah sheds light on fame, faith, and impressions. (0:00) Intro (12:18) Spencer Pratt and the L.A. mayoral race (37:03) Tyler, the Creator on top fives (50:46) Marc Caputo on the war powers resolution (1:16:43) Sloane Stephens gets an awkward introduction (1:32:37) Jay Pharoah joins the show Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Jay Pharoah and Marc Caputo Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 2 · 1 hr 53 min
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. mayoral race, and an Atlanta judge and police deputy chief’s noisy sexual encounters get exposed. (0:00) Intro (19:12) Jay-Z freestyle (42:57) Trump cancelling concert (52:27) Removal of Trump’s name from Kennedy Center (1:00:06) Spencer Pratt’s appeal (1:24:47) Courtroom sex affair (1:34:52) The return of Mountain Lion (1:39:30) Give up your section for Lil Baby? Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 29 · 2 hr 4 min
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 appeal to L.A. voters. Plus Jaxson Dart’s MAGA moves, and Ray J gets KO'd. (0:00) Intro (15:54) Kevin Hart responds to roast critics (41:20) Iran conflict update (56:40) The redistricting battle (1:12:37) White wine spritzers (1:21:13) Spencer Pratt on homelessness (1:38:31) Jaxson Dart, Abdul Carter, and MAGA (1:49:03) Ray J’s knockout Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 22 · 2 hr 6 min
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 Bryant’s doctoral backlash, and Michelle Obama on MAGA. (0:00) Intro (0:18) Is Hip-Hop still fun? (15:47) Primary election reactions (28:10) The DNC’s 2024 election autopsy (51:04) Chelsea Handler, race and roasts (1:10:13) “Dr.” Cheyenne Bryant (1:29:08) Michelle Obama on the MAGA movement (1:52:42) Trump’s J6 “slush fund” Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices