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
Nov 25, 2022 • 34min
Thankful to Have Jonathan Majors on the Podcast
Van and Rachel welcome actor and fellow Texan Jonathan Majors to the podcast to discuss growing up in Rachel’s hometown (2:04), his new film, ‘Devotion,’ and the true story behind it (17:51), plus why he doesn’t watch any of his own movies (27:32).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Jonathan MajorsProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 22, 2022 • 1h 58min
Gabrielle Union on ‘The Inspection’ and Empowering Your Children
Van and Rachel discuss Kyrie Irving’s return to the Brooklyn Nets and Black Hebrew Israelites showing up in support (22:34), before reacting to the tragedy at an LGBTQ club in Colorado Springs (35:24). Then, Gabrielle Union joins the show to discuss her new film ‘The Inspection’ and motherhood in the face of public scrutiny (46:46).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Gabrielle UnionProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 18, 2022 • 1h 58min
Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Life As a TV Legend
Van and Rachel react to the fear and confusion surrounding the Poland missile strike (13:22), before discussing the mysterious death of Shanquella Robinson in Mexico (23:49). Plus, TV legend Malcolm-Jamal Warner joins to discuss his journey from child actor on ‘The Cosby Show’ to Grammy-winning musician/poet (36:27).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Malcolm-Jamal WarnerProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 8, 2022 • 1h 38min
Kyrie and the Nets’ Stipulations, Plus the Midterm Elections Are Here
Van and Rachel discuss the list of requirements issued to Kyrie Irving to return to the Brooklyn Nets (9:32), before digging into the Democratic outlook of the 2022 midterms (34:25). Plus, Drake inserts himself into the Megan Thee Stallion–Torey Lanez drama (51:07), and a University of Kentucky student exposes her true racist self (1:22:43).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 4, 2022 • 1h 47min
Mourning Takeoff and Kyrie Irving Gets Suspended
Van and Rachel react to the news of Takeoff’s untimely death and the culture of mourning (5:13), before welcoming Jade Magnus Ogunnaike from Color of Change to discuss disinformation and holding Twitter accountable for hate speech (27:36). Plus a discussion of Kyrie Irving’s indefinite suspension (44:56).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Jade Magnus OgunnaikeProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 1, 2022 • 1h 14min
The End of Affirmative Action? Plus, a Kyrie Conversation
Van and Rachel discuss the Supreme Court hearing challenges to affirmative action in college admissions (13:45), and react to an intruder attacking Nancy Pelosi’s husband, Paul Pelosi (32:53). Plus, Kyrie Irving addresses claims of antisemitism after posting link to controversial film (44:31).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 25, 2022 • 1h 39min
The Legendary Billy Porter, and Discussing a Hyperpartisan Supreme Court
Van and Rachel react to the Supreme Court becoming more partisan (18:46). Then, the award-winning and iconic Billy Porter joins the show to discuss support for LGBTQ media (40:35), and the intracommunity divide between straight and gay Black men (54:30). Plus, the McRib is back for the last time (1:28:29).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Billy PorterProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 21, 2022 • 1h 22min
Florida’s Voter Fraud Arrests, and Cheri Beasley’s Race for Senate
Van and Rachel discuss the confusion following arrests for alleged voter fraud in Florida (11:59), and an Arizona GOP candidate arrested for masturbating near a preschool (23:53). Plus, senate candidate for North Carolina, Cheri Beasley, joins to discuss her plan to represent the state (31:58), and a Massachusetts woman resists arrest with the help of hundreds of bees (1:05:43).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Cheri BeasleyProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 18, 2022 • 1h 32min
Free Speech and ‘Drink Champs,’ Plus Student Loan Forgiveness is Here
Van and Rachel react to the latest Kanye West appearance on ‘Drink Champs’ and N.O.R.E.’s ensuing apology (13:13), Jamaica banning the glorification of drugs and crime (42:35), and student loan forgiveness going into effect (55:48). Also, a conversation on the widespread increase in police budgets (1:03:34), and Van reveals he’s an animal secret agent (1:17:34).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 14, 2022 • 1h 46min
Alex Jones Pays, and a Conversation With a Thought Warrior
Van and Rachel react to Alex Jones being ordered to pay nearly $1 billion in Sandy Hook defamation damages (23:15). Plus, multimedia journalist and Thought Warrior Nicki Mayo joins to discuss the discourse coming out of the “All Lives Matter” conversation on the previous episode (34:03), Rachel does a peak ‘Legal Eagle’ breakdown (58:30), and a Mailbag centered on ‘literate culture’ (1:27:08). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Nicki MayoProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
