The Ringer

Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Society EN ↓ 576 episodes

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.

Author

The Ringer

Category

Society

Podcast website

theringer.com

Latest episode

Jul 10, 2026

Where to listen?

Podcasts in the app Replaio Radio Coming soon

Podcasts are coming to the app soon. Install now and be the first to see a whole new take on podcasts

Get it on Google Play Install for free Android 5M+ downloads · 4.8 rating iOS soon

Episodes

Oprah’s Ozempic Special, the Oscars, and Draya’s Pregnancy 12.03.2024

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the episode off with their reactions to the 96th Academy Awards (00:13) before giving their opinions on the reactions to Draya Mitchell and Jalen Green’s relationship (21:55). Then, they discuss the State of the Union address (45:34), Oprah’s special 'Shame, Blame and the Weight Loss Revolution' (01:19:36), and their take on Jerrod Carmichael’s reality show trai...

Lieutenant Nasty, Charlamagne’s Apology, and the Supreme Court Trump Decision 05.03.2024

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay give their opinions on the latest Supreme Court ruling (27:37) and reparation comments from the lieutenant governor of North Carolina, Mark Robinson (45:52), before rating the apology from Charlamagne tha God to viral TikTok creator Ressa Tessa (1:07:53). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoi...

The Jim Crow Era of Reproductive Freedom. Plus Tiffany Haddish’s Israel Trip 23.02.2024

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the Alabama Supreme Court ruling that’s resulted in the halting of IVF treatments (5:18) before they dig into Tiffany Haddish’s trip to Israel (20:41). Then they react to a viral TikTok account called Biracial Lounge (38:16) before welcoming the founder of the X for Boys Life Preparatory School, King Randall I, to discuss a recent post on safety during police...

More Mass Shootings. Plus, Martin, Malcolm, and Coretta With Dr. Peniel Joseph 16.02.2024

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the latest mass shooting, this time at the Chiefs' Super Bowl parade in Kansas City (10:08), before taking a look at the body-cam footage of a police officer’s shootout with an acorn (19:35). Then, a look at family dynamics after Mo'Nique’s public spat with her eldest son (29:59), and the woman formerly known as Rachel Dolezal is fired for having an OnlyFans...

Beyoncé vs. NFL, Plus Masculinity and Painted Nails With Demetrius Harmon 13.02.2024

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the back-and-forth between Shannon Sharpe and Mike Epps (:12) before recapping a Super Bowl Sunday that saw Usher and Beyoncé dominate headlines (12:27). Then, a discussion of the Israeli bombardment of a city packed with refugees (37:30), before internet personality Demetrius Harmon joins to talk masculinity amidst a viral post about straight men with painte...

Taylor Swift: Greatest Maker of Albums Ever, Plus Keith Lee’s Blessings 06.02.2024

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to an eventful Grammy Awards ceremony (15:15) before discussing Killer Mike’s arrest and recent vague comments about the 2024 presidential election (35:43). Plus, a Dallas food truck turns a blessing from food vlogger Keith Lee into a curse (59:40), annnd Tyrese wishes he was Latino (1:17:51). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. an...

Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, and a History of Rap Beef 30.01.2024

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the feud between Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion (15:40). They then discuss Israel’s claims against U.N. workers (33:22). Plus, Charlie Kirk sets himself up for potential legal trouble (51:12), homophobia’s in the church like it never left (1:01:32), and Shannon Sharpe sparks a debate centered on Taylor Swift and Beyoncé (1:10:59). Hosts: Van Lathan and R...

Barbie Snubbed? Plus, DEI in the Friendly Skies 26.01.2024

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the 2024 Oscar nominations (2:52), before talking conservative outrage over DEI in the airline industry (21:50). Then, Colman Domingo’s cast as Joe Jackson (42:37), and NWA’s set for a Lifetime Achievement Grammy (52:35). Finally, Tim Scott embarrasses Rev. Al Sharpton (1:07:17), and a pastor blames God for telling him to launch a crypto scam (1:13:57).  Host...

Yodit Tewolde on the Legal Affairs of Fani Willis, and the Cancellation of Black Shows 23.01.2024

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay welcome trial lawyer and judge on ‘Hot Bench’ Yodit Tewolde to discuss accusations of a possible affair between Georgia DA Fani Willis and the Trump case prosecutor (7:05), before checking in on the state of the GOP (38:38) and reacting to the cancellation of HBO’s ‘Rap Sh!t’ (1:03:32). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Yodit Tewolde Producers: Donnie Beacha...

Brick Lady, Dresses on Black Men, and Florida’s Miseducation 20.01.2024

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are back to discuss the surprising numbers coming from the second COVID surge (05:46), masculinity and black men in dresses within Hollywood (14:33),and Florida’s State Board of Education passes regulations against DEI programs (46:18). Then they get into the surprising revelations regarding Roda Osman aka “The Brick Lady” (1:07:14). *Re-uploaded due to errors/updates...

Pat McAfee and Dr. King’s Dream, Plus Iowa Caucus Results 16.01.2024

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the kickoff to the 2024 presidential election (10:14) before reacting to Pat McAfee’s comments on Martin Luther King Jr.’s “dream” (36:24) and the trailer for the upcoming film ‘Not Another Church Movie’ (50:05). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adch...

Nick Saban Retires, and Stephen A. Smith Lets Loose on Jason Whitlock 12.01.2024

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to Nick Saban’s retirement announcement (11:33) before discussing Stephen A. Smith going scorched earth on Jason Whitlock (22:28). Then, a conversation about Democratic criticism leading up to the election (43:50), and Kai Cenat echoes Christian concerns over Lil Nas X’s latest single (1:09:57). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr....

Jonathan Majors’s Interview, Wikipedia Plagiarism, and Apologies 09.01.2024

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start today’s episode by bringing back a previous topic to talk about the disappointing update and regrets (02:48). They give their take on the internet’s reaction to Druski's Omega Psi Phi-inspired skit (33:25), and Jonathan Majors’s interview (49:35). They are then joined by Molly White—researcher, writer, and Wikipedia editor—to give us more insight into the Neri O...

Jason Hehir and 'Murder in Boston: Roots, Rampage, and Reckoning' 02.01.2024

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by filmmaker Jason Hehir to discuss the new docuseries ‘Murder in Boston’ (1:25), explain Boston’s history of racial strife (13:24), and the city's reckoning with its past (24:18). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Jason Hehir Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gender War, Civil War, and the Loyalty of a Barber 29.12.2023

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay check back in to discuss Simon Biles’s recent interview with husband Jonathan Owens (18:28), and Kevin Hart’s lawsuit against Tasha K (36:49). Plus, Nikki Haley struggles to say “slavery” (51:59), and a barber gets petty (1:16:22). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoic...

Dr. Khiara Bridges and the Abundant Birth Project Lawsuit 26.12.2023

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by law professor Khiara Bridges to discuss conservative backlash to a San Francisco maternal health program for Black women. Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Dr. Khiara Bridges Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trump Vs. Colorado, Plus Friendship and Freedom With Mandii B 22.12.2023

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay talk about Taraji P. Henson and pay disparities in Hollywood (11:45) before discussing a Black gay Republican’s experience being heckled at a MAGA event (29:47). Then, constitutional law professor Caroline Mala Corbin joins to break down the Colorado Supreme Court’s decision to remove Donald Trump from the ballot (36:25) before switching gears to welcome podcast host...

The Jonathan Majors Verdict, and Cultural Gatekeeping 19.12.2023

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the verdict in the Jonathan Majors trial (15:12), before discussing blaccents (39:46), Anthony Edwards’s leaked text messages (1:00:49), and criticism of the IDF following the death of three Israeli hostages (1:26:14). Plus, actor Christian Keyes accuses a powerful figure of sexual harassment (1:41:34). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie B...

Draymond Green’s Impulse Control, and Awaiting the Jonathan Majors Verdict 15.12.2023

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the latest act of violence from Golden State forward Draymond Green (19:18), before discussing the end of DEI programs in Oklahoma (32:47) and the latest out of the Jonathan Majors trial (52:08). Then a chat on Christian BBLs (1:06:27), and Van addresses a post from Reddit (1:18:53). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashle...

David Oyelowo and ‘Lawmen: Bass Reeves,’ Plus Jonathan Majors Trial Updates 12.12.2023

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the reports coming out of the Jonathan Majors assault and harassment trial (13:51) before discussing a pastor’s disdain for gaming (38:14) and the Zeus Network’s "Dark Skin Vs. Light Skin" competition (50:00). Then college presidents face pressure to resign following a hearing on antisemitism (1:09:41), and lastly, actor David Oyelowo joins to discuss his rol...

Super Short Episode Update 08.12.2023

Thought Warriors! No full episode today. In its place, a quick tease of topics to be talked about next week (potentially). Keep your thinking caps on in the meantime. Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Beyoncé Backlash, and Lenny Kravitz Missed the Source Awards 05.12.2023

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to undefeated Florida State being snubbed by the College Football Playoff committee (13:31), before discussing criticism of Beyoncé’s concert film screening in Israeli theaters (37:45), and Lenny Kravitz’s comments on feeling shunned by Black media (55:25). Plus, a legendary drummer opens up about playing uncredited on Beatles records (1:15:26), and an Ohio woma...

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Empowering Change 24.11.2023

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, former mayor of Baltimore and current Executive Director of the NBPA Foundation to discuss activism and philanthropy in the NBA (3:13), and serving as Mayor during civil unrest following the death of Freddie Gray (21:38). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashle...

Olayemi Olurin and the Diddy v. Cassie Lawsuit  21.11.2023

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by lawyer and political commentator Olayemi Olurin to discuss Cassie’s lawsuit against Diddy and give their reactions to the quick settlement (7:53). Plus, does the Black community harp on Drake’s “biracial-ness” (54:27), Michael Rapaport discusses hypothetical Black hostages (1:08:24), and Rachel rates Charissa Thompson’s apology (1:32:13). Hosts: Van Lath...

Hip-Hop and Responsibility With Royce da 5’9” 17.11.2023

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the criticism of Van Jones’s appearance at the March for Israel (11:45) and the back-and-forth between Candace Owens and Ben Shapiro (31:13). Then, rapper Royce da 5’9” joins to discuss hip-hop’s impact on Black culture (39:16), before Van addresses the Keke Palmer and Darius Jackson leaked audio (1:15:05). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Royce da...

Listen to the Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay podcast in Replaio

Radio and podcasts in one app - free, with no sign-up. Install today and do not miss the launch

Get it on Google Play

Replaio is not a podcast publisher; show names, artwork and audio belong to their authors and are distributed through public RSS feeds.