Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Van and Rachel react to the guilty verdict of Tory Lanez (7:07), before welcoming senior reporter for Law & Crime News Meghann Cuniff to break down the trial (35:28). Plus, Akon says Africans are better performers than African Americans (1:16:22). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Meghann Cuniff Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Van and Rachel welcome lifestyle editor of The Grio and host of the ‘Writing Black’ podcast to discuss her list of must-read books. Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Maiysha Kai Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel react to the release of Donald Trump’s tax returns (12:48) before welcoming journalist Aaron Rupar to discuss having his Twitter account suspended and the future of the platform (38:20). Then it’s time for a TikTok talk (1:04:53). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Aaron Rupar Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podca...

he House January 6 committee approves criminal referrals for Donald Trump. What happens next (18:35)? Then, with the passing of the world’s most famous mountain lion, Beth Pratt is back to remember P-22 (36:04). Plus, a discussion about the differences between Gunna’s and Megan Thee Stallion’s legal situations (1:02:35). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Beth Pratt Producers: Donnie...

Van and Rachel discuss the latest in the Tory Lanez trial (16:14), before welcoming rapper and podcaster Glasses Malone to react to Gunna’s plea deal in the RICO case (1:00:16). Plus, with the health of the world’s most famous mountain lion in question, conservationist Beth Pratt joins to discuss P-22 (1:15:04). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Glasses Malone and Beth Pratt Producer...

Van and Rachel react to the Dave Chappelle’s crowd booing Elon Musk in San Francisco (16:11), and R. Kelly’s got brand new music (42:05). Then, plus-size model and fashion blogger Kelvin Davis joins to discuss body positivity and style (51:32), before a discussion about Skip Bayless (1:19:05). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Kelvin Davis Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh S...

Van and Rachel discuss the reaction to Deion Sanders’s decision to leave Jackson State for Colorado (27:43), and Ron DeSantis aids being pressed to define the word “woke” (1:05:04). Plus, Natalie Nunn of ‘Baddies West’ calls in for a quick chat about exploitation (1:09:59), then a discussion of the collection of slave memorabilia in light of a recent red carpet appearance (1:24:19). Hosts: Van Lat...

After welcoming Ashleigh Smith, the newest member of the pod, Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss LeBron James’s comments about the non-coverage of the Jerry Jones controversy (20:16), and Kanye West's praise for the author of 'Mein Kampf' (37:09). Plus, writer and producer Diallo Riddle joins to discuss his underground hit shows 'South Side' and 'Sherman’s Showcase' (54:04). Hosts: Van Lathan J...

Van and Rachel kick the show off by remembering the lives of friend and music executive Hovain Hylton, and actress and pop star Irene Cara (12:46), before digging into a photo of a teenage Jerry Jones at a desegregation protest in 1957 Arkansas (28:09). Plus, an analysis of a 1968 video of James Earl Jones discussing Black women being “uptight” (53:45). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Pro...

Van and Rachel welcome actor and fellow Texan Jonathan Majors to the podcast to discuss growing up in Rachel’s hometown (2:04), his new film, ‘Devotion,’ and the true story behind it (17:51), plus why he doesn’t watch any of his own movies (27:32). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Jonathan Majors Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com...

Van and Rachel discuss Kyrie Irving’s return to the Brooklyn Nets and Black Hebrew Israelites showing up in support (22:34), before reacting to the tragedy at an LGBTQ club in Colorado Springs (35:24). Then, Gabrielle Union joins the show to discuss her new film ‘The Inspection’ and motherhood in the face of public scrutiny (46:46). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Gabrielle Union P...

Van and Rachel react to the fear and confusion surrounding the Poland missile strike (13:22), before discussing the mysterious death of Shanquella Robinson in Mexico (23:49). Plus, TV legend Malcolm-Jamal Warner joins to discuss his journey from child actor on ‘The Cosby Show’ to Grammy-winning musician/poet (36:27). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Malcolm-Jamal Warner Producer: Do...

Van and Rachel discuss the list of requirements issued to Kyrie Irving to return to the Brooklyn Nets (9:32), before digging into the Democratic outlook of the 2022 midterms (34:25). Plus, Drake inserts himself into the Megan Thee Stallion–Torey Lanez drama (51:07), and a University of Kentucky student exposes her true racist self (1:22:43). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donni...

Van and Rachel react to the news of Takeoff’s untimely death and the culture of mourning (5:13), before welcoming Jade Magnus Ogunnaike from Color of Change to discuss disinformation and holding Twitter accountable for hate speech (27:36). Plus a discussion of Kyrie Irving’s indefinite suspension (44:56). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Jade Magnus Ogunnaike Producer: Donnie Beacha...

Van and Rachel discuss the Supreme Court hearing challenges to affirmative action in college admissions (13:45), and react to an intruder attacking Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi (32:53). Plus, Kyrie Irving addresses claims of antisemitism after posting link to controversial film (44:31). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. V...

Van and Rachel react to the Supreme Court becoming more partisan (18:46). Then, the award-winning and iconic Billy Porter joins the show to discuss support for LGBTQ media (40:35), and the intracommunity divide between straight and gay Black men (54:30). Plus, the McRib is back for the last time (1:28:29). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Billy Porter Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Le...

Van and Rachel discuss the confusion following arrests for alleged voter fraud in Florida (11:59), and an Arizona GOP candidate arrested for masturbating near a preschool (23:53). Plus, senate candidate for North Carolina, Cheri Beasley, joins to discuss her plan to represent the state (31:58), and a Massachusetts woman resists arrest with the help of hundreds of bees (1:05:43). Hosts: Van Lathan...

Van and Rachel react to the latest Kanye West appearance on ‘Drink Champs’ and N.O.R.E.’s ensuing apology (13:13), Jamaica banning the glorification of drugs and crime (42:35), and student loan forgiveness going into effect (55:48). Also, a conversation on the widespread increase in police budgets (1:03:34), and Van reveals he’s an animal secret agent (1:17:34). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Li...

Van and Rachel react to Alex Jones being ordered to pay nearly $1 billion in Sandy Hook defamation damages (23:15). Plus, multimedia journalist and Thought Warrior Nicki Mayo joins to discuss the discourse coming out of the “All Lives Matter” conversation on the previous episode (34:03), Rachel does a peak ‘Legal Eagle’ breakdown (58:30), and a Mailbag centered on ‘literate culture’ (1:27:08).  Ho...

Van and Rachel discuss Kanye West’s antisemitic tweets and how these aren’t the first anti-Jewish comments Van has heard from him (16:22), plus Killer Mike is critical of Stacey Abrams's campaign governor (26:45). Then Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins joins to talk about her podcast ‘Trials to Triumphs’ (40:44), and former pro-basketball player Jack McClinton discusses his now-viral question, “Do...

Van and Rachel react to the news of President Biden pardoning federal offenses involving marijuana possession (17:10), before digging into Herschel Walker’s alleged abortion hypocrisy (26:16). Plus, "Fat Joe" likes saying the n-word (51:14 ) and, in other news, we’ve got a mountain lion update (1:04:33). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad...

Van and Rachel react to Kanye West wearing a White Lives Matter shirt (17:38), and Tory Lanez is unapologetic but back (36:31). Plus, Emmy and Peabody award-winning broadcast journalist Soledad O’Brien joins to discuss her documentary, ‘The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks’ (52:05), and the current state of journalism (1:06:00). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Soledad O’Brien Pro...

Van and Rachel welcome Jemele Hill, journalist and host of ‘Jemele Hill Is Unbothered,’ to discuss the online backlash aimed at Malika Andrews amid the Ime Udoka news (9:31). Plus, a discussion of Hurricane Ian’s impact on Florida (35:56), the life and career of Coolio (42:07), and Rachel Dolezal’s OnlyFans leak (1:12:33). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Jemele Hill Producer: Donni...

Van and Rachel welcome investigative journalist Anna Wolfe to discuss her reporting of the Brett Favre welfare funding scandal (21:05), before discussing the latest news regarding Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka’s suspension (1:00:09). Plus, a Tennessee principal says the “N-word” (1:23:09) and Rihanna’s performing at the Super Bowl (1:30:01) Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Ann...

Van and Rachel discuss the pending suspension of Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka for having a relationship with a woman on staff (17:11), and NBA and WNBA team owner Robert Server selling his teams (37:46). Plus, a Black Memphis woman sues police for failing to investigate her rape after the suspect has been charged with the murder of a White woman (45:25), and Adam Levine’s infidelity gets th...