Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay War in Iran, Chalamet vs. Jordan, and the American Black Film Festival
14 snips
Mar 3, 2026 Hussein Banai, Indiana University scholar of U.S.-Iran relations, gives analysis of recent strikes and U.S. policy. Nicole Friday, co-founder of Nice Crowd and ABFF, and Jeff Friday, ABFF co-founder and cultural entrepreneur, celebrate the festival’s 30th year and discuss expansion, sustainability, and Black cultural spaces. They also touch on awards season drama and industry controversies.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Predictive Video Foretold The War Narrative
- Van played a March 2024 Predictive History clip that foresaw a Trump‑led narrative of freeing Iranians and stopping nukes to justify war.
- He used it to argue experts predicted escalation and to criticize voters who believed peace promises.
SAG Win Boosts Michael B Jordan's Oscar Odds
- SAG wins are strong Oscar indicators: Michael B. Jordan's SAG victory significantly raised his Academy Award odds.
- Van cites historical precedent where precursor wins and candidate behavior (BAFTA incidents) shift final Academy votes.
Daily Wire's Strategy Is To Rehabilitate Controversial Talent
- The Daily Wire recruits culturally controversial, marketable talent dismissed by Hollywood to rebuild relevance in mainstream entertainment.
- Van frames Jonathan Majors' Daily Wire project as part of that strategy and a risky lane choice for Majors.