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

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Episodes

Reacting to the NBA Players’ Strike and the Shooting at a Wisconsin Protest 27.08.2020

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the whirlwind of NBA events, including the players boycotting games (0:54), and the shooting that took place at a protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin (30:31). Then they debut a new segment from Van called Am I An Asshole? (51:00), and take a moment to address Hurricane Laura (1:02:08). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jacob Blake Shot by Police in Wisconsin and Roger Goodell's Fake Apology to Kap 25.08.2020

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Sunday’s video of Jacob Blake being shot in the back by a police officer in Wisconsin (0:25), Roger Goodell’s appearance on Emmanuel Acho’s show ‘Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man’ (43:47), Megan Thee Stallion’s recent Instagram Live when she confirmed that Tory Lanez shot her in the foot (58:25), and a recent commercial for ‘The Bachelorette’ (1:11...

Reactions to the DNC, Allegations Against Trey Songz, and the New Masai Ujiri Footage 21.08.2020

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the speeches from Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and more from the DNC (4:30); recent allegations against Trey Songz (29:05); the new body-cam footage released from last year's Masai Ujiri courtside incident (59:55), and Jason Whitlock’s recent NBA take on the OutKick (1:08:05); before getting to Mailbag Friday and Unexpected Ally of the Week (1:24:50). Learn mor...

President Trump vs. the USPS, Kim K. on the Case, and a New Black President in Washington 18.08.2020

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the Trump administration’s recent efforts to defund the USPS and hurt mail-in voting (6:10); Kim Kardashian West helping free C-Murder from jail (25:56); the Washington Football Team hiring Jason Wright, the first black NFL team president (48:00); and the Kentucky attorney general’s recent meeting with Breonna Taylor’s family (1:02:32). Lastly, they end the sh...

Kamala Harris Has Evolved As a Politician Into a Progressive VP Candidate, Plus Mailbag Friday 14.08.2020

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay go in depth on Kamala Harris’s selection as Joe Biden’s vice presidential candidate and her history in politics (4:04). Then they discuss the recent accusation against Yale University that it discriminates against Asian American and white applicants (1:00:15), and take another round of mailbag questions (1:09:30), before giving their Unexpected Allies of the Week (1:3...

The “WAP” Video, Dave Chappelle and Louis C.K. on Stage, and Biden’s Potential Running Mate 11.08.2020

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s new music video “WAP” (6:17), Dave Chappelle’s recent decision to invite Louis C.K. on stage at his comedy show (23:29), the importance of Joe Biden picking a Black woman as his running mate (38:27), and the college football season being in jeopardy (53:28). Lastly, they discuss Azealia Banks's recent Instagram post and taking...

Joe Biden’s Latest Problematic Comments, Plus the First Mailbag Friday 07.08.2020

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss 'The Oprah Conversation' and Ted Cruz’s comments about it (10:25) as well as Joe Biden’s comments comparing the Black and Latino communities (26:49) before having their first Mailbag Friday with questions from the Thought Warriors (44:00). They also compliment the women of the WNBA for speaking out on social justice (1:09:18) and share their Unexpected Allies...

Beyonce's 'Black Is King' and Tayshia Adams Is The Bachelorette 04.08.2020

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the rumors that Tayshia Adams is the new Bachelorette (0:30) and then discuss their thoughts on Beyonce’s visual album ‘Black Is King’ (16:16), Jonathan Isaac’s decision to stand for the national anthem and not wear a Black Lives Matter T-shirt (36:49), President Trump threatening to ban TikTok from the U.S. (46:00), and the upcoming Verzuz Battle between 2 C...

John Lewis’s Funeral and How Bill Clinton Alienated Himself From the Culture 31.07.2020

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Bill Clinton’s problematic comments at John Lewis’s funeral (10:41), the viral video featuring Stella Immanuel (26:29), an important listener question about dealing with family members who might not understand you (49:20), and the Dascha Polanco situation (1:00:02), before giving out their unexpected allies of the week awards (1:25:37). Learn more about your a...

Forget Chris Brown, Usher vs. Justin Timberlake Is the Verzuz Battle We Need 28.07.2020

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton’s recent characterization of slavery as a “necessary evil” in American history (10:02); how they’re feeling about the election with less than 100 days to go (30:20); the debate over whether Chris Brown or Justin Timberlake would make for better competition in a Verzuz Battle with Usher (45:18); and the recent situation on Twitter wi...

The Situation in Portland Is a Defining Moment in American History 24.07.2020

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the sit-down between former vice president Joe Biden and former president Barack Obama (4:05), the Trump administration sending in unmarked troops to quell protests in Portland (18:02), Draya Michele’s comments about Tory Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion (34:51), and the rap battle between DMX and Snoop Dogg (53:32), before giving their Unexpected Ally of the Wee...

RIP John Lewis and Breaking Down Kanye's Presidential Campaign With GLC | Higher Learning 21.07.2020

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the life of John Lewis and why he’s such an important figure in the fight for social justice (2:58). Then they do one final deep dive on Kanye West’s presidential campaign with the rapper GLC, a longtime friend and colleague of West’s (13:19). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Reacting to the Washington Football Team Harassment Story and the Response to Nick Cannon 17.07.2020

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Nick Cannon’s anti-Semitic comments and the reactions to them (1:20), the Washington Post story on the sexual harassment within the Washington football organization (35:42), the news that Tory Lanez allegedly shot Megan Thee Stallion (49:53), and Tucker Carlson’s head writer being outed as a racist (1:03:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoi...

Jada Pinkett and Will Smith's Bizarre Red Table Talk 14.07.2020

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay dive into the Red Table Talk between Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith (9:48), Chance the Rapper’s tweets about Kanye West’s presidential bid (34:04), the Washington NFL team changing their name (46:24), President Trump finally wearing a mask (58:47), and the myth of "Black-on-Black crime" (1:10:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

DeSean Jackson's Anti-Semitic Post and Kanye West Doubling Down 10.07.2020

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss DeSean Jackson’s anti-Semitic Instagram post and the controversy surrounding Stephen Jackson defending DeSean (5:09). Then they go into Van’s review of 'Hamilton' (25:56), Lady Antebellum trying to change their name to Lady A (35:23), Kanye West's unexpected interview in Forbes (48:10), and Rachel’s appearance on Emmanuel Acho’s show, 'Uncomfortable Conversati...

Is Van Jones Working With the White House? Plus Trump's Vile Retweet 30.06.2020

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss President Trump retweeting a video that included a “white power” chant (4:58), the Daily Beast article revealing Van Jones worked with the White House on the police reform bill (23:53), Cam Newton signing with the Patriots (58:09), and the death of Elijah McClain (1:11:45). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Latest in NASCAR's Noose Incident Shows We Have a Long Way to Go 26.06.2020

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay address the recent New York Times piece about The Ringer (5:04), the latest on the incident involving the noose found in Bubba Wallace's garage (14:05), what to make of the Justice in Policing Act (34:29), Russell Simmons being on Tidal’s Black Lives Matter panel (46:29), and removing historic statues (1:01:08) before presenting their Unexpected Allies of the Week (1:...

Trump's Rally Flop and a Noose in Bubba Wallace's Garage 23.06.2020

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the surprising lack of attendance at President Trump’s rally in Tulsa (7:57), a noose being found in Bubba Wallace’s garage at Talladega (27:29), whether or not it’s fair to make college athletes play during the COVID-19 era (1:06:27), and the Eminem vs. Revolt beef (1:13:07). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Breaking Down Trump’s Executive Order and the J. Cole–Noname Rap Beef 19.06.2020

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay break down President Trump’s executive order on police reform (6:49), Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben being removed from their respective food items for racial insensitivity (29:28), the rap beef between J. Cole and Noname (38:17), and Mike Gundy’s racist T-shirt (1:07:52) before presenting the Unexpected Allies of the Week (1:17:29). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...

Dave Chappelle’s ‘8:46’ Special and The Bachelor’s Black Lead 16.06.2020

 Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss ‘The Bachelor’ finally naming a black, male lead and what the next steps need to be for the franchise (4:23). Then they explain why they liked Dave Chappelle’s ‘8:46’ special so much and address some of the criticisms against it (21:16). They also address the Rayshard Brooks incident in Atlanta and how it relates to the Higher Learning Buzzword of the Week (3...

What to Make of ‘On the Record,’ Trump Co-opting Juneteenth, and NASCAR Removing the Confederate Flag 12.06.2020

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay have a discussion about the recently released documentary ‘On the Record’, the accusations of rape brought against Russell Simmons, as well as his appearance on The Breakfast Club (6:26). Then they debate why President Donald Trump is choosing to have his first campaign rally in months on Juneteenth (38:52), discuss the removal of the confederate flag from NASCAR (56:...

Analyzing Roger Goodell's Statement About Black Lives Matter 09.06.2020

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay dissect Roger Goodell’s statement about the Black Lives Matter movement and explain why it rings hollow until Colin Kaepernick gets signed by an NFL team (7:10). They then discuss the problematic responses to the movement from Candace Owens (23:30), Terry Crews (27:55), Mark Wahlberg, and how to react to Congress taking a knee and wearing kente cloth (47:53). Finally...

Drew Brees, Trump, and Obama: Discussing the Responses to the Protests 04.06.2020

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss President Trump’s response to this week’s protests and the stark contrast to former president Obama’s remarks (1:32). Then they cover the responses of professional sports figures, including Tiger Woods (18:45), Drew Brees (26:25), and James Dolan (35:24) before covering #BlackoutTuesday (46:58). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoi...

The Importance of the Nationwide Protests Over George Floyd's Death 31.05.2020

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the scope and importance of this weekend’s protests after the death of George Floyd while in police custody. They talk about their own experiences with the protests in Los Angeles and Miami (0:21), explain why these protests feel different than past actions (17:12), and give a call to action on how to move forward (26:12). Then they dive into President Donald...

George Floyd, Doja Cat's Apology, and Joe Biden's Remarks 28.05.2020

Van and Rachel address the death of George Floyd and what it means for society broadly (00:45). They also discuss the latest drama with Doja Cat and the struggle with self-acceptance (23:50), racism inside Bachelor Nation, and Joe Biden's 'Breakfast Club' gaffe (52:11). Finally, they take some heat to Azealia Banks. Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podca...

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