Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Crystle Stewart, actress and former beauty queen who stars as Mallory. Taylor Polidore Williams, actress and filmmaker who plays Kimmy. They discuss Netflix’s Beauty in Black, handling fame and explicit scenes, race and representation, and how the show connects with audiences. The conversation also touches on online criticism and hopes for future seasons.

Emma Vigeland, political commentator and co‑host on The Majority Report, joins to unpack geopolitics. She traces Iran’s modern history and why foreign intervention breeds mistrust. Conversation covers risks of escalation, regional fallout, global markets, and how media coverage shapes public understanding.

Jonathan Kermah, poet and author of Heal My Heroes, joins to read and discuss his work. Conversations range from the New York Times investigation into Cesar Chavez to the Taylor Frankie Paul controversy and Afroman’s trial. Short, sharp takes on cultural reckonings, celebrity accountability, and community reactions appear throughout.

Amanda Dobbins, film critic and co-host of The Big Picture, and Sean Fennessey, film critic and co-host of The Big Picture, join to unpack the Oscars and the awards season. They discuss major wins, voting dynamics, standout films, snubs, and how campaigns and cultural conversations shaped results. Short, sharp takes and lively film debate throughout.

Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania governor and memoirist, shares personal stories and a brief bio rooted in faith, family, and bipartisan leadership. He discusses rebuilding trust in policing, driving crime down with prevention and reform, confronting anti-Semitism, and navigating debate on Israel and Gaza. Short, candid conversations mix policy, personal moments, and a bit of basketball banter.

Ryan Michelle Bathé, actress and host of the Paradise Companion podcast, joins to discuss Season 2 of Hulu’s Paradise. They explore why the show resonates, its apocalyptic themes, and the power of Black women driving cultural buzz. Conversation also touches on on-set anecdotes and producing a companion podcast.

Jayme Lawson, an actress best known as Pearlene in Sinners, stops by to discuss representation, awards season, and her career. She talks about bringing family roots to Pearlene and portraying complex Black joy and horror. Conversation covers whether awards matter, Hollywood’s treatment of young Black women, and the cultural impact of Sinners.

Takema Robinson, executive producer who turned advocacy footage into the documentary, and Pamela Dias, mother of A.J. Owens who shares her family’s grief and resilience. They discuss the film’s genesis and advocacy work. They talk about raw police video, building community resources, and calls for legal and policy change. The conversation centers on memory, justice, and turning tragedy into organized action.

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.

Kevin Fredericks, aka KevOnStage, is a comedian and creator who turned self-made projects into leverage. He talks about fear, reframing rejection, the Black church’s cultural role, gospel and hip-hop roots, comedy boundaries, and why visibility and authenticity matter. Short, candid, and funny conversations about faith, music, and making your own way.