

Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
The Ringer
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay dissect the biggest topics in Black culture, politics, and sports. Two times per week, they will wade into the most important and timely conversations, frequently inviting guests on the podcast and occasionally debating each other.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 27, 2023 • 1h 18min
The Mass Shooting Cycle and the Dwight Howard Allegation
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine (16:28), before discussing the new Speaker of the House (26:55) and former NBA All-Star Dwight Howard being accused of sexually assaulting a man (38:36). Later, the new Britney Spears memoir tells a cringey Justin Timberlake story, fo shiz, fo shiz (44:41), and a list of “bad” first date locations is debated (_:_).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 24, 2023 • 1h 1min
A Mini-Episode on Difficult Discussions
Van and Rachel discuss the conversation around Shaun King and the release of hostages in the Israel-Hamas conflict (17:42) before talking about a CAA agent’s resignation after a social media post about Israel (32:02).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 20, 2023 • 1h 23min
A Humanitarian Crisis, and Yung Joc vs. Lustful Eyes
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the humanitarian efforts in Gaza and the West Bank (19:38). They then dig into Yung Joc’s statement on performing before men’s “lustful eyes” (51:29), and talk about lawyer Sydney Powell pleading guilty and possibly flipping on Trump (1:02:27).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

4 snips
Oct 13, 2023 • 1h 60min
Conversations on the Israel-Hamas Conflict
Yair Rosenberg from The Atlantic and professor Shibley Telhami lend their expertise on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Daniella Greenbaum Davis discusses her response to a pro-Hamas tweet from BLM Chicago and the relationship between American Jewish and Black communities. The podcast also briefly touches on Jada Pinkett Smith’s separation from Will Smith.

Oct 6, 2023 • 1h 8min
Subliminal Disses, McCarthy’s Ouster, and Sexyy Red’s Politics
Van and Rachel discuss lyrics from Drake’s new album and whether they’re meant for a certain star (9:28), before digging into Kevin McCarthy’s bad week (18:35) and Sexyy Red’s pro-Trump comments (30:22).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 29, 2023 • 1h 59min
Understanding the WGA Agreement, and Kaepernick’s Letter to the Jets
After reacting to the most recent GOP debate (21:28), Van and Rachel discuss the end of the writers strike (41:12) and Colin Kaepernick’s letter to the New York Jets (1:06:27), before digging into a very Black father–centric mailbag (1:38:08).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr., Ashleigh Smith and Aleya Zenieris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 5, 2023 • 43min
Mental Trillness With Juicy J
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay welcome hip-hop legend Juicy J to discuss mental wellness, producing classics, and wild stories after winning the Oscar for Best Original Song.Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Juicy JProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 1, 2023 • 1h 38min
Another Glitch from Mitch, and Coco Gauff Rightfully Goes Off
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the latest incident of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell freezing up in front of the press (21:51), before discussing the heat-related death of a UPS driver (42:35). Then, an argument on 'Love & Hip-Hop: Atlanta' sparks a conversation on anti-Blackness (58:59), and Coco Gauff vs. Laura Seigemund ends in white tears (1:12:33).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aug 29, 2023 • 1h 17min
Tragedy in Jacksonville and America’s Obsession With Crime
Discussion on the racist shooting in Jacksonville, argument about Trump's mug shot appealing to Black voters, Keke Palmer's post with Darius Jackson, and Rachel's Apology Rating for a KFC ad campaign.

Aug 25, 2023 • 1h 23min
Republican Debate Recap and the Cancellation of Cancel Culture
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the GOP debate, the death of Yevgeny Prigozhin, Jennifer Aniston's comments on cancel culture, and an argument over the Cowboys' status as 'America's Team'.


