Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Van and Rachel react to the election results and the outlook of some key gubernatorial and Senate races (10:09), before discussing a “joke” making light of Trayvon Martin’s death (35:52). Then, Isaac Hayes III joins the show to discuss the founding and growth of his social media platform, ‘Fanbase’ (51:39). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Isaac Hayes III Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr...

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.

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.

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). Hos...

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.

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...

Van and Rachel discuss Bill Maher’s recent comments about slavery and his criticism of “presentism” (14:11), before reacting to the social media conversations around ‘The Woman King’ (47:42). Plus, Charlamagne tha God has a questionable take on the shipping of migrants (1:01:38), then Sen. Robert Peters joins the show to help break down Illinois’ SAFE-T Act (1:11:05). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rac...

Van and Rachel react to the immigration stunts of sending migrants to sanctuary cities (25:54), and Brett Favre being a horrible, no-good person (42:44). Then, actress Letitia Wright joins to discuss her new movie ‘The Silent Twins’ (52:08) and gives an idea of what to expect from ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’ (1:10:03). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Letitia Wright Producer: D...

Van and Rachel react to the killing of rapper PnB Rock and the ensuing social fallout (0:10). Plus, Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Server gets suspended after allegations of racism and misogyny (35:17), and Ray J produces receipts (47:35). Then, the roses and racism of the 'Bachelor' franchise return (57:47). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr.

Van and Rachel react to the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death and the overall legacy of the crown (12:28), before giving an update on the Jackson, Mississippi water crisis (32:37). Plus, Kim Kardashian discusses her talent (53:56), and the “Peak White Mess” of the 'Don’t Worry Darling' press tour gets broken down (1:04:07). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr.

Van and Rachel discuss Pennsylvania announcing an effort to pardon state residents of nonviolent marijuana offenses (20:39), and Mississippi using welfare money to pay Brett Favre (34:16). Plus, Tiffany Haddish responds to backlash (58:54), and Scottie Pippen’s ex-wife spotted out with Michael Jordan’s son (1:16:44). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr.

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the institutional failures that left Jackson, Mississippi without water (20:25), Serena Williams’s performance at the U.S. Open (35:24), and discuss Jay-Z’s relationship with capitalism (55:57). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr.

Van and Rachel return from break to react to Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan (24:12) and discuss the release of the Mar-a-Lago affidavit and what it might mean for Trump (51:48). Plus, Aries Spears fat-shames Lizzo (1:03:49), and a therapist loses her job (1:21:04). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr.

Van and Rachel are joined by rapper Glasses Malone to discuss what it was like growing up in gang life (4:29), the impact of Drill Music and hip-hop vs. rap (18:54), and finding “value” in a modern woman (42:40). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Glasses Malone Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr.

Van and Rachel are joined by musician, author, and director Blitz Bazawule to discuss the importance of African films made by African filmmakers (7:27), his experience working with Beyoncé on ‘Black Is King’ (10:44), and his upcoming musical adaptation of ‘The Color Purple’ (14:39). Plus, which country has the best jollof (26:30)? Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Blitz Bazawule Producer...

Van and Rachel discuss the Espionage Act as it relates to the FBI investigation of Donald Trump (14:21), before reacting to Deshaun Watson’s apology as the NFL preseason gets underway (31:08). Plus, U.S. Rep. Pete Aguilar joins to discuss the January 6 congressional committee (42:42), and the church comes for Beyoncé (1:09:08). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Rep. Pete Aguilar Producer...

Van and Rachel react to the FBI raid of Mar-a-Lago and the fallout since (13:42), before being joined by infectious disease physician Dr. Sabrina Assoumou to provide facts and dispel rumors surrounding monkeypox (42:28). Plus, is Serena Williams the greatest athlete of all time (1:18:10), and is “Mountain Lion Update” in jeopardy as a segment? (1:28:11) Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Linds...