Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay kick the show off with a discussion on DJ Akademiks, Black conservatism, and followers of Andrew Tate (11:24), before digging into the latest Clarence Thomas controversy (35:51). Then, updates on yet another mass shooting and the reinstatement of a Tennessee lawmaker (52:47). Plus, actress Cassandra Freeman joins to discuss her role as Aunt Vivian Banks in ‘Bel-Air’ (...

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the expulsion of Congress members from the Tennessee House of Representatives (0:19), before welcoming AP journalist Michael Sisak to break down the arrest and arraignment of Donald Trump (22:27). Then producer Will Packer joins for a “delightful” interview to discuss his newest film, ’Praise This’ (54:34). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Will...

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the outrage toward LSU’s Angel Reese compared to Iowa’s Caitlin Clark following the NCAA national championship game (17:42). Plus, ‘Bachelor’ creator Mike Fleiss exits the show after an investigation into racial discrimination (59:06). Then, comedian and podcaster Felicia Enuha joins to discuss hosting the ‘Trill MBA Show’ and navigating the workplace as a Bl...

HED: Donald Trump’s Indictment and Ally Love of Peloton and ‘Dance 100’ DEK: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the news of Donald Trump’s indictment in a hush-money case (26:31), before welcoming host of Netflix’s ‘Dance 100,’ Ally Love, to discuss Peloton and a ranking of legendary dancers (43:12). Then reporter Jim Trotter calls out the NFL’s lack of representation (1:06:18). Hosts: Van Lat...

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the news of Jonathan Majors being arrested and charged with assault (11:40), before reacting to Judge Joe Brown’s denial of something he wasn’t accused of (48:29). Then a reaction to the latest mass shooting, which took the lives of six (54:45). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad c...

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew’s appearance before lawmakers as his company faces a potential ban in the U.S. (14:45), before reacting to the video of Tekashi 6ix9ine getting attacked in a gym locker room (37:53). Then, Sheryl Lee Ralph says she was sexually assaulted by a TV judge (51:23), and Burna Boy reignites diasporic discussions (1:05:40). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr...

Van and Rachel discuss the reaction to ‘Swarm’ and the sex scene that had Twitter abuzz (22:10) before digging into the potential presidential arrest (33:31). Plus, Ringer podcast manager and host of ‘Blackballed’ Chelsea Stark-Jones joins to discuss the new podcast and the NFL’s history with race (59:44). Then an investigation sheds light on the cowardice of police during the Uvalde school shooti...

Van and Rachel discuss the 2023 Oscars, the reaction to Angela Bassett’s disappointment (22:43), and ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ making history (56:35). Then, they discuss President Biden addressing the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (1:02:32), and filmmaker Sam Pollard joins to talk about his latest documentary, ‘Bill Russell: Legend’ (1:28:46). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay G...

Van and Rachel discuss a hip-hop culture podcast giving a platform to an antisemitic, white supremacist, neo-Nazi who’s saying “never mind” about all that stuff (15:19). Then, cultural icon Tracee Ellis Ross joins to discuss her new podcast, ‘I Am America’ (1:29:34), her memorable characters (1:42:09), and her time working with Eddie Murphy (1:45:41).  Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Gues...

Van and Rachel are joined by Midnight Boy Charles Holmes to talk about the discourse around Ja Morant (14:39) before digging into Chris Rock’s Netflix special, ‘Selective Outrage’ (49:55). Then, writer and humorist Damon Young joins to discuss the NFL, comedy, and his podcast, ‘Stuck With Damon Young’ (1:08:19). Plus, Rachel clues us in on some Peak White Mess (1:32:29). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and...

Van and Rachel talk disinformation in light of the Fox News defamation lawsuit with Dominion (14:56), before welcoming actor Wood Harris to discuss ‘Creed III,’ his other memorable roles, and the concept of "corny" (41:47). Plus, a top NFL prospect and an NBA star face legal trouble (1:24:47). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Wood Harris Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Sm...

Van and Rachel discuss the assessment that COVID-19 may have resulted from a lab leak (16:13) before welcoming vaccine scientist Dr. Peter Hotez to help unpack the news (39:31). Plus, Dilbert creator Scott Adams exposes his racism (1:04:55), and Black masculinity continues to be discussed (1:26:35). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Dr. Peter Hotez Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and A...

Van and Rachel are back to discuss the two magazine covers that have had Black Twitter in a tizzy (23:00). They then react to Marjorie Taylor Greene’s secession suggestion (51:42). Plus, Deion Sanders gives some insight on his recruiting tactics (1:04:35). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoice...

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. an...

Van and Rachel discuss Rihanna’s Super Bowl halftime performance and other happenings around the big game (15:47). Then, Dr. Peniel Joseph is back to discuss the role of Black women throughout the fight for civil rights (42:33) and give a book recommendation (1:23:28). Plus, the government gets cagey about the shooting down of UFOs (1:26:37). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Dr. Pen...

Van and Rachel discuss Joe Biden’s third State of the Union Address (18:58), as well as Stephen A. Smith’s relationship to Kyrie Irving (45:01). Then activist Hawk Newsome joins to give insight on the case of a Black Colorado rancher facing domestic terrorism from neighbors (57:44). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Hawk Newsome Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn...

Van and Rachel react to Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ not winning the Grammy for Album of the Year (16:01) and discuss the 50th anniversary of hip-hop performances (28:17). Plus, Black History Month brings out the racists (41:16). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel are joined by Jason Lee: host of ‘The Jason Lee Show’ and CEO of Hollywood Unlocked. They discuss breaking celebrity news (21:50), working with Kanye West (37:00), and sitting down with figures from Chrisean Rock to Kamala Harris (48:11). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Jason Lee Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Finally! In the podcast's first live event, Van and Rachel host a screening of Netflix’s ‘You People,’ followed by a Q&A with listeners about the film (:46), the Emmanuel Acho situation (11:32), and watching the NFL after the blackballing of Colin Kaepernick (31:41). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit po...

Van and Rachel react to the release of body-cam footage in the death of Tyre Nichols at the hands of the Memphis PD (17:46), the danger of strategies like the SCORPION unit (38:14), and responses from the likes of Jason Whitlock (52:23). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel discuss the latest out of Bethune-Cookman regarding Ed Reed and the football program (23:09). Then, Stephen A. Smith joins to discuss his book ‘Straight Shooter’ (42:15), his relationship with Skip Bayless (57:45), and the black-balling of Colin Kaepernick (1:06:50). Plus, Van digs into his love of the ‘No Jumper’ drama (1:35:11). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Step...

Van and Rachel react to Ron DeSantis and Florida claiming AP African American Studies “lacks educational value” (10:02), before welcoming the host of ‘Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man,’ Emmanuel Acho, to discuss uncomfortable conversations (27:45). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Emmanuel Acho Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad cho...

Van and Rachel welcome scholar and author Dr. Peniel Joseph to discuss Dr. King’s evolution and the watering down of his legacy (6:21). Plus, Ed Reed goes off on Bethune-Cookman and HBCUs (40:48), and the LAPD faces scrutiny for the death of an unarmed Black man (1:04:14). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Peniel E. Joseph Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more a...

Van and Rachel react to the discovery of Joe Biden’s classified documents (7:59), and Chris Harrison’s first time addressing his exit from ‘The Bachelor’ (24:23). Then, director Calmatic joins to discuss his feature film debut, 'House Party' (35:19), plus a TikTok chef’s old tweets come back to haunt him (58:01). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Calmatic Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr...

Van and Rachel discuss Kevin McCarthy finally being named speaker of the House (27:55), and the swearing in of embattled U.S. Representative George Santos (48:54). Then, Damar Hamlin heads back to Buffalo to continue his recovery (56:47), and Meek Mill shoots a video at the presidential residence in Ghana, controversy ensues (1:00:42). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Bea...