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
Apr 8, 2022 • 1h 47min
Black Lives Matter Co-founder Alicia Garza Addresses Recent Controversy
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the questions surrounding BLM’s purchasing of a $6 million house (11:05), before co-founder Alicia Garza joins to discuss the accusations (32:18). Plus: Ketanji Brown Jackson is officially confirmed (1:12:04), then it’s Thought Warrior Mailbag time (1:32:43).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Alicia GarzaProducers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 1, 2022 • 1h 43min
NFL Hiring Practices and Skip Bayless on the Black Woman Who Raised Him
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to Todd Bowles taking over for Bruce Arians as head coach of Buccaneers (28:46), before digging into the NFL’s changes to the ‘Rooney Rule’ (35:37). Plus, Skip Bayless reflects on being raised by ‘the help’. Our words, not his (54:07).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 29, 2022 • 1h 45min
Will Smith’s Oscar Night: A ‘Higher Learning’ Breakdown
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay go through a step-by-step analysis of Will Smith slapping Chris Rock before winning his first Oscar (3:45), plus Will’s ensuing apology (1:18:45).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 25, 2022 • 1h 46min
The Confirmation of Ketanji Brown Jackson and a 2022 Oscars Preview
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Ketanji Brown Jackson’s historic confirmation hearing (22:57) before digging into Kanye West and the 2022 Grammy Awards (48:22), then give their picks for six Oscar categories (16:06).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 22, 2022 • 1h 31min
A Conversation on Transgender Athletics With Activist Raquel Willis
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the controversy surrounding Lia Thomas’s achievement to become the first openly transgender athlete to win a Division I championship (18:27), before welcoming writer Raquel Willis to share her perspective as a trans activist (38:17). Plus, Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation hearing kicks off (1:05:56) and Maury finally gets to retire (1:20:07).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Raquel WillisProducers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 18, 2022 • 1h 59min
Howard U to Strike? Plus, Herschel Walker and the Theory of Evolution
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to news that Howard University faculty have threatened to strike (26:53), and discuss the presence of Papa John’s in Russia (53:12). Then, Herschel Walker gave his take on Darwinism (1:08:41) and Colin Kaepernick is ready to suit up (1:28:19).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 15, 2022 • 1h 34min
The Cult of Kanye and Isabelle Khurshudyan on the War in Ukraine
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to Kanye West’s latest online activity, including his threats to D.L. Hughley (18:56), before discussing ‘The Power of the Dog’ director Jane Campion’s trending weekend (32:52). Plus, Washington Post foreign correspondent Isabelle Khurshudyan joins from Odessa, Ukraine, to give us an update on where things stand in the Russia-Ukraine war (44:16).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Isabelle KhurshudyanProducers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 11, 2022 • 1h 51min
Ryan Coogler’s Run-in and Reactions to Jussie Smollett’s Sentencing
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss director Ryan Coogler getting mistaken for a bank robber in Atlanta (20:30), before reacting to Kim Kardashian’s tone-deaf comments about work ethic (40:41). Plus, Jussie Smollett gets sentenced (1:21:44) and some recent Emmanuel Acho comments come under fire (1:29:27).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 8, 2022 • 1h 25min
Gambling in the NFL and Brittney Griner’s Detainment
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the news of Calvin Ridley’s suspension for gambling (16:16), before discussing Brittney Griner’s arrest and detainment in Russia (36:19). Plus, Jemele Hill tweets about the belittling of Black women in podcasts (49:34), and we talk sticky bangs (1:02:37).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 4, 2022 • 1h 34min
Florida’s "Don’t Say Gay" Bill and State of the Union Reactions
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss President Biden’s first State of the Union address (14:39), before debating reacting to the casting news for the reboot of ‘White Men Can’t Jump’ (39:46). Then reactions to Breonna Taylor’s killer being found not guilty (56:43), and Florida’s "Don’t Say Gay" bill gets one step closer to becoming law (1:02:08).Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
