Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

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.

They unpack the BAFTAs incident and whether a medical explanation excuses public slurs. They debate Teddy Riley defending a controversial producer and how accountability has changed. They dissect Gavin Newsom’s comment and why it landed poorly with some Black voters. They also touch on inflammatory political rhetoric, celebrity attacks, and changing expectations of masculinity.

Cori Bush, Congresswoman and longtime activist focused on housing, healthcare, and social justice, talks about her campaign and policy priorities. She discusses tornado recovery, utilities as human rights, voter ID barriers, outside spending in races, and oversight goals like Project 2025 and ICE. Short, direct conversation about grassroots organizing and the practical challenges of governing.

Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove, U.S. Representative for California's 37th district, discusses Culver City, congressional hearings, and the Epstein files. Ed Zitron, tech commentator and author, critiques AI hype, economics, and how to vet bold AI claims. They also react to the NBA dunk contest, leaked Kevin Durant material, and LeBron’s comments about Israeli fans.

Simone Sanders Townsend, a political strategist-turned-commentator, and Eugene Daniels, a journalist and analyst, unpack how culture shapes campaigns and media strategy. Logan Murdock, writer and Ringer personality, reacts to pop-culture moments like Ja Rule vs. G-Unit and NBA buzz. Short takes cover Epstein revelations, media accountability, hip-hop’s role, and controversies over racial slurs.

Jemele Hill, journalist and podcaster known for sharp sports and cultural commentary, joins to discuss activism and gambling in sports. She reflects on the cost of speaking out and the legacy of athlete protest. Conversations also cover normalization of betting, player power and missed collective action, and how culture and politics collide on big stages.

They react to a new Michael Jackson trailer and trade takes on the film’s casting. They unpack the latest Jeffrey Epstein document release and who might be implicated. They debate ICE showing up at polling places and whether Democrats should abolish the agency. They discuss Chris Harrison’s return with a conservative-leaning “traditional love” dating concept.