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
Mar 28, 2023 • 1h 29min
The Arrest of Jonathan Majors and Yet Another School Shooting
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the news of Jonathan Majors being arrested and charged with assault (11:40), before reacting to Judge Joe Brown’s denial of something he wasn’t accused of (48:29). Then a reaction to the latest mass shooting, which took the lives of six (54:45).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 24, 2023 • 1h 41min
Tekashi 6ix9ine and Privacy in the Age of Social Media
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew’s appearance before lawmakers as his company faces a potential ban in the U.S. (14:45), before reacting to the video of Tekashi 6ix9ine getting attacked in a gym locker room (37:53). Then, Sheryl Lee Ralph says she was sexually assaulted by a TV judge (51:23), and Burna Boy reignites diasporic discussions (1:05:40).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 21, 2023 • 1h 45min
Arresting Donald Trump and the NFL’s History of Blackballing
Van and Rachel discuss the reaction to ‘Swarm’ and the sex scene that had Twitter abuzz (22:10) before digging into the potential presidential arrest (33:31). Plus, Ringer podcast manager and host of ‘Blackballed’ Chelsea Stark-Jones joins to discuss the new podcast and the NFL’s history with race (59:44). Then an investigation sheds light on the cowardice of police during the Uvalde school shooting (1:14:27).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Chelsea Stark-JonesProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 14, 2023 • 2h 14min
Angela and the Academy, Plus Sam Pollard on Documentary Filmmaking
Van and Rachel discuss the 2023 Oscars, the reaction to Angela Bassett’s disappointment (22:43), and ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ making history (56:35). Then, they discuss President Biden addressing the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (1:02:32), and filmmaker Sam Pollard joins to talk about his latest documentary, ‘Bill Russell: Legend’ (1:28:46).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuests: Sam PollardProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 10, 2023 • 2h 17min
The Extremely Likable Tracee Ellis Ross, Plus ‘No Jumper’ Disappoints
Van and Rachel discuss a hip-hop culture podcast giving a platform to an antisemitic, white supremacist, neo-Nazi who’s saying “never mind” about all that stuff (15:19). Then, cultural icon Tracee Ellis Ross joins to discuss her new podcast, ‘I Am America’ (1:29:34), her memorable characters (1:42:09), and her time working with Eddie Murphy (1:45:41). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuests: Tracee Ellis RossProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 7, 2023 • 1h 43min
Respectability Politics and Damon Young on Being Funny and Black
Writer and humorist Damon Young discusses NFL, comedy, and 'Stuck With Damon Young' podcast. Hosts also talk about Ja Morant, Chris Rock's Netflix special, and Peak White Mess.
Mar 3, 2023 • 1h 52min
A ‘Corny’ Conversation With Wood Harris
Van and Rachel talk disinformation in light of the Fox News defamation lawsuit with Dominion (14:56), before welcoming actor Wood Harris to discuss ‘Creed III,’ his other memorable roles, and the concept of "corny" (41:47). Plus, a top NFL prospect and an NBA star face legal trouble (1:24:47).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Wood HarrisProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 28, 2023 • 1h 53min
The Origins of COVID and the Demise of Dilbert
Van and Rachel discuss the assessment that COVID-19 may have resulted from a lab leak (16:13) before welcoming vaccine scientist Dr. Peter Hotez to help unpack the news (39:31). Plus, Dilbert creator Scott Adams exposes his racism (1:04:55), and Black masculinity continues to be discussed (1:26:35).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Dr. Peter HotezProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 24, 2023 • 1h 41min
The Emasculation Proclamation and Civil War II
Van and Rachel are back to discuss the two magazine covers that have had Black Twitter in a tizzy (23:00). They then react to Marjorie Taylor Greene’s secession suggestion (51:42). Plus, Deion Sanders gives some insight on his recruiting tactics (1:04:35).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 21, 2023 • 60min
Animal Welfare and the Return of Animal Games
Van and Rachel are joined by Chris Draper of the Performing Animal Welfare Society to discuss providing sanctuary and care for former performance animals (0:00), before welcoming Dr. Lauren Howard to talk about her role as director of veterinary services for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (23:34). Then, Animal Games makes it’s long anticipated return to the podcast (49:05).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuests: Dr. Chris Draper and Dr. Lauren HowardProducers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
