

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

Jul 14, 2020 • 1h 25min
Jada Pinkett and Will Smith's Bizarre Red Table Talk
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay dive into the Red Table Talk between Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith (9:48), Chance the Rapper’s tweets about Kanye West’s presidential bid (34:04), the Washington NFL team changing their name (46:24), President Trump finally wearing a mask (58:47), and the myth of "Black-on-Black crime" (1:10:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 10, 2020 • 1h 28min
DeSean Jackson's Anti-Semitic Post and Kanye West Doubling Down
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss DeSean Jackson’s anti-Semitic Instagram post and the controversy surrounding Stephen Jackson defending DeSean (5:09). Then they go into Van’s review of 'Hamilton' (25:56), Lady Antebellum trying to change their name to Lady A (35:23), Kanye West's unexpected interview in Forbes (48:10), and Rachel’s appearance on Emmanuel Acho’s show, 'Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man' (1:10:49). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 30, 2020 • 1h 32min
Is Van Jones Working With the White House? Plus Trump's Vile Retweet
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss President Trump retweeting a video that included a “white power” chant (4:58), the Daily Beast article revealing Van Jones worked with the White House on the police reform bill (23:53), Cam Newton signing with the Patriots (58:09), and the death of Elijah McClain (1:11:45). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 26, 2020 • 1h 26min
The Latest in NASCAR's Noose Incident Shows We Have a Long Way to Go
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay address the recent New York Times piece about The Ringer (5:04), the latest on the incident involving the noose found in Bubba Wallace's garage (14:05), what to make of the Justice in Policing Act (34:29), Russell Simmons being on Tidal’s Black Lives Matter panel (46:29), and removing historic statues (1:01:08) before presenting their Unexpected Allies of the Week (1:16:59). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 23, 2020 • 1h 28min
Trump's Rally Flop and a Noose in Bubba Wallace's Garage
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the surprising lack of attendance at President Trump’s rally in Tulsa (7:57), a noose being found in Bubba Wallace’s garage at Talladega (27:29), whether or not it’s fair to make college athletes play during the COVID-19 era (1:06:27), and the Eminem vs. Revolt beef (1:13:07). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 19, 2020 • 1h 36min
Breaking Down Trump’s Executive Order and the J. Cole–Noname Rap Beef
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay break down President Trump’s executive order on police reform (6:49), Aunt Jemima and Uncle Ben being removed from their respective food items for racial insensitivity (29:28), the rap beef between J. Cole and Noname (38:17), and Mike Gundy’s racist T-shirt (1:07:52) before presenting the Unexpected Allies of the Week (1:17:29). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 16, 2020 • 1h 23min
Dave Chappelle’s ‘8:46’ Special and The Bachelor’s Black Lead
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss ‘The Bachelor’ finally naming a black, male lead and what the next steps need to be for the franchise (4:23). Then they explain why they liked Dave Chappelle’s ‘8:46’ special so much and address some of the criticisms against it (21:16). They also address the Rayshard Brooks incident in Atlanta and how it relates to the Higher Learning Buzzword of the Week (35:40). Finally, they touch on the recent NBA drama with players such as Kyrie Irving and Dwight Howard advocating for not playing the end of the season (1:01:04) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 12, 2020 • 1h 35min
What to Make of ‘On the Record,’ Trump Co-opting Juneteenth, and NASCAR Removing the Confederate Flag
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay have a discussion about the recently released documentary ‘On the Record’, the accusations of rape brought against Russell Simmons, as well as his appearance on The Breakfast Club (6:26). Then they debate why President Donald Trump is choosing to have his first campaign rally in months on Juneteenth (38:52), discuss the removal of the confederate flag from NASCAR (56:56), and give props to LeBron James for his new voting initiative (1:07:31). Finally, Van takes a moment to discuss a recently passed friend (1:25:44). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 9, 2020 • 1h 47min
Analyzing Roger Goodell's Statement About Black Lives Matter
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay dissect Roger Goodell’s statement about the Black Lives Matter movement and explain why it rings hollow until Colin Kaepernick gets signed by an NFL team (7:10). They then discuss the problematic responses to the movement from Candace Owens (23:30), Terry Crews (27:55), Mark Wahlberg, and how to react to Congress taking a knee and wearing kente cloth (47:53). Finally they discuss the differences between defunding the police compared to reforming the police (57:35) and introduce a new segment called Unexpected Ally of the Week (1:25:15). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jun 4, 2020 • 1h 22min
Drew Brees, Trump, and Obama: Discussing the Responses to the Protests
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss President Trump’s response to this week’s protests and the stark contrast to former president Obama’s remarks (1:32). Then they cover the responses of professional sports figures, including Tiger Woods (18:45), Drew Brees (26:25), and James Dolan (35:24) before covering #BlackoutTuesday (46:58). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices


