

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 11, 2022 • 2h 13min
Once Again…Kanye West, Plus Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins on ‘Trials to Triumphs’
Van and Rachel discuss Kanye West’s antisemitic tweets and how these aren’t the first anti-Jewish comments Van has heard from him (16:22), plus Killer Mike is critical of Stacey Abrams's campaign governor (26:45). Then Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins joins to talk about her podcast ‘Trials to Triumphs’ (40:44), and former pro-basketball player Jack McClinton discusses his now-viral question, “Do white lives not matter?” (1:19:22).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuests: Ashley Blaine Featherson-Jenkins and Jack McClintonProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 7, 2022 • 1h 27min
Biden’s Marijuana Pardons, and Herschel Walker Plays Defense
Van and Rachel react to the news of President Biden pardoning federal offenses involving marijuana possession (17:10), before digging into Herschel Walker’s alleged abortion hypocrisy (26:16). Plus, "Fat Joe" likes saying the n-word (51:14 ) and, in other news, we’ve got a mountain lion update (1:04:33).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Oct 4, 2022 • 1h 33min
Ye and White Lives Matter, Plus Soledad O’Brien on ‘The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks’
Van and Rachel react to Kanye West wearing a White Lives Matter shirt (17:38), and Tory Lanez is unapologetic but back (36:31). Plus, Emmy and Peabody award-winning broadcast journalist Soledad O’Brien joins to discuss her documentary, ‘The Rebellious Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks’ (52:05), and the current state of journalism (1:06:00).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Soledad O’BrienProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 30, 2022 • 1h 43min
Jemele Hill on the Malika Andrews Discourse. Plus, Rachel Dolezal’s OnlyFans Leak
Van and Rachel welcome Jemele Hill, journalist and host of ‘Jemele Hill Is Unbothered,’ to discuss the online backlash aimed at Malika Andrews amid the Ime Udoka news (9:31). Plus, a discussion of Hurricane Ian’s impact on Florida (35:56), the life and career of Coolio (42:07), and Rachel Dolezal’s OnlyFans leak (1:12:33).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Jemele HillProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 27, 2022 • 1h 44min
Anna Wolfe on Brett Favre’s Impact on the Most Vulnerable
Van and Rachel welcome investigative journalist Anna Wolfe to discuss her reporting of the Brett Favre welfare funding scandal (21:05), before discussing the latest news regarding Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka’s suspension (1:00:09). Plus, a Tennessee principal says the “N-word” (1:23:09) and Rihanna’s performing at the Super Bowl (1:30:01)Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Anna WolfeProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 23, 2022 • 1h 27min
Ime Udoka’s Troubles and Adam Levine’s Peak White Mess
Van and Rachel discuss the pending suspension of Boston Celtics head coach Ime Udoka for having a relationship with a woman on staff (17:11), and NBA and WNBA team owner Robert Server selling his teams (37:46). Plus, a Black Memphis woman sues police for failing to investigate her rape after the suspect has been charged with the murder of a White woman (45:25), and Adam Levine’s infidelity gets the social media treatment (56:48).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 20, 2022 • 1h 51min
Discussing Slavery and Presentism, Plus Breaking Down the SAFE-T Act With Sen. Robert Peters
Van and Rachel discuss Bill Maher’s recent comments about slavery and his criticism of “presentism” (14:11), before reacting to the social media conversations around ‘The Woman King’ (47:42). Plus, Charlamagne tha God has a questionable take on the shipping of migrants (1:01:38), then Sen. Robert Peters joins the show to help break down Illinois’ SAFE-T Act (1:11:05).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayGuest: Sen. Robert PetersProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 13, 2022 • 1h 9min
The Tragedy of PnB Rock’s Death, and Robert Sarver’s Suspension
Van and Rachel react to the killing of rapper PnB Rock and the ensuing social fallout (0:10). Plus, Phoenix Suns and Mercury owner Robert Server gets suspended after allegations of racism and misogyny (35:17), and Ray J produces receipts (47:35). Then, the roses and racism of the 'Bachelor' franchise return (57:47).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 9, 2022 • 1h 17min
Black Twitter and the Death of Queen Elizabeth II
Van and Rachel react to the news of Queen Elizabeth II’s death and the overall legacy of the crown (12:28), before giving an update on the Jackson, Mississippi water crisis (32:37). Plus, Kim Kardashian discusses her talent (53:56), and the “Peak White Mess” of the 'Don’t Worry Darling' press tour gets broken down (1:04:07).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 6, 2022 • 1h 59min
Pennsylvania Weed Pardons and Brett Favre the Welfare Queen
Van and Rachel discuss Pennsylvania announcing an effort to pardon state residents of nonviolent marijuana offenses (20:39), and Mississippi using welfare money to pay Brett Favre (34:16). Plus, Tiffany Haddish responds to backlash (58:54), and Scottie Pippen’s ex-wife spotted out with Michael Jordan’s son (1:16:44).Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel LindsayProducer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


