Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Akbar Shahid Ahmed, senior diplomatic correspondent and author, provides sharp analysis on Iran’s fragile ceasefire and U.S. policy pitfalls. Mark Kassen, filmmaker and actor, discusses his political thriller PH1 and how media, propaganda, and technology trap politicians. They dive into regional escalation risks, negotiation constraints, media capture, and audience responsibility in short, punchy conversations.

They debate NBA players calling out Memphis hotels and what LeBron’s relocation talk means for local economies. They break down Trump's Easter post about Iran and the risks of striking infrastructure. They react to Joe Rogan and Theo Von’s takes on the Iran situation and discuss podcasters’ accountability. They outline Edward Blum’s legal attacks on race-conscious policies and the broader consequences.

They unpack the firing of Pam Bondi and what it reveals about political loyalty. Conversation turns to revelations about Kristi Noem’s husband and public hypocrisy. They cover DOJ allegations around a high-profile kidnapping in hip-hop circles. There is talk about Jaden Ivey’s waiver, Brandy and Wanya Morris’s relationship timeline, and Deontay Wilder’s outlandish statements.

Dr. Butch Ware, California gubernatorial candidate, professor, and activist focused on Black revolutionary history. He discusses breaking from the two-party system and blending mutual aid with electoral strategy. He outlines bold plans like a vacancy tax, universal healthcare, and community-based homelessness solutions. He connects Black liberation to broader solidarity movements and campaign organizing.

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.