Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
The Ringer
Show overview
Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay has been publishing since 2020, and across the 6 years since has built a catalogue of 561 episodes, alongside 2 trailers or bonus episodes. That works out to roughly 910 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a several-times-a-week cadence.
Episodes typically run over ninety minutes — most land between 1h 24m and 1h 51m — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. Roughly 26% of episodes carry an explicit flag from the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Society & Culture show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed yesterday, with 40 episodes already out so far this year. Published by The Ringer.
From the publisher
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.
Latest Episodes
View all 561 episodesChud the Builder Shot, and SEC Boycott? Plus, Tiffany D. Cross on Womanhood
Kevin and Katt Squash the Beef, Stephen A.’s Wish, and ABC vs. Trump’s FCC
Stefon Diggs Not Guilty, the Return of Migos, and Do We Need the Met Gala?
RIP ‘Love & Hip-Hop,’ Scott Jennings on CNN, and a Colorism Conversation
Druski, the Most Consequential Comedian? Plus: L.A. Mayor Karen Bass on Wildfires, Housing, and a Second Term
Meg and Klay’s Breakup and Trump’s Second Shooting Attempt? Plus, Durand Bernarr on Stardom
‘Michael’ Review, ‘Iceman’ Preview, and Kendrick Sampson on Quincy Jones and Black Creativity
Netflix’s ‘Man on Fire’ With Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Steven Caple Jr.
Roland Martin’s Deleted Post and Jamilah Lemieux on Black Relationships
Decency and Dave Chappelle. Plus, Should Former Trump Allies Be Embraced?
Coachella, Afrika Bambaataa, and Their Lord and Savior Donald Trump
Offset and the State of Hip-Hop in ATL. Plus, Trump’s Ceasefire in Iran
LeBron James vs. Memphis. Plus, Joe Rogan and Theo Von on the War in Iran
Pam Bondi Fired, the Kidnapping of Gucci Mane, and Underage Dating: Brandy and Wanya Morris
Van and Rachel discuss the firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi and revelations about former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s husband before reacting to the arrest of Pooh Shiesty. Plus a discussion of Jaden Ivey, Brandy and Wanya Morris’s relationship and Deontay Wilder’s wild comments. (0:00) Intro (0:54) AG Pam Bondi fired (26:06) Trump’s prime-time address (43:19) Kristi Noem’s husband and ‘bimbofication’ (1:09:33) Pooh Shiesty’s arrest (1:26:42) Jaden Ivey waived after IG posts (1:41:50) Brandy and Wanya Morris (2:07:55) Deontay Wilder viral statements Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Black Republican Celebrities, Plus Butch Ware: the Black Muslim Revolutionary Candidate
Van and Rachel react to Chilli’s rejection of the MAGA label, the politics of Nick Cannon and Amber Rose, and the latest music from Kanye West. Then, California gubernatorial candidate Dr. Butch Ware joins to discuss the two-party system and his plan for the communities of the state. (0:00) Intro (6:16) Black Republicans (13:02) Chilli denies being "MAGA" (35:52) The politics of Amber Rose and Nick Cannon (1:15:12) Ye’s ‘Bully’ album review (1:26:12) Dr. Butch Ware joins the show Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Dr. Butch Ware Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Capitalism, Beef and Jay-Z, Usher Praises Diddy, Plus a ’Beauty in Black’ Conversation
Van and Rachel react to the latest from the LaRussell controversy before discussing Jay-Z’s interview with GQ and Usher’s comments on Diddy. Then, actresses Taylor Polidore Williams and Crystle Stewart from Netflix’s ‘Beauty in Black’ join the show. (0:00) Intro (9:05) Social media addiction ruling (21:47) NBA salary cap (30:48) Druski’s “conservative women” skit (49:04) LaRussell controversy (1:02:44) Jay-Z, capitalism, and beef (1:29:15) Usher on Diddy (1:53:10) Taylor Polidore Williams and Crystle Stewart join the show Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Taylor Polidore Williams and Crystle Stewart Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett This just in, the Comcast Business Price Lock Guarantee is back. For a limited time you can lock in the same great rate on gig speed internet and advanced security for 5 years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bachelorette Cancellation, Biracial Jihad, Plus Iran and Civil War II Wth Emma Vigeland
Van and Rachel discuss ICE and TSA before reacting to the latest from the 'Bachelorette' cancelation. Plus: the release of Justin Timberlake’s DUI arrest footage, the return of the movie star, and Van’s got a take on J. Cole and ‘biracials.’ Then, Emma Vigeland from 'The Majority Report’ joins to discuss the war in Iran. (0:00) Intro (07:12) ICE and TSA (20:52) 'Bachelorette' season cancelled (51:10) Justin Timberlake arrest video (1:03:14) The return of the movie star (1:11:10) The biracial jihad (1:23:20) Emma Vigeland joins the show Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Emma Vigeland Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The New York Times's Cesar Chavez Investigation, the Afroman Trial, and the Taylor Frankie Paul Controversy
EVan and Rachel remember the life of Kiki Shepard before discussing the negotiations between the WNBA and WNPBA that led to a verbal agreement for a new CBA. Then they discuss the recent New York Times investigation into Cesar Chavez. After that, the two get into the big controversy revolving around reality star Taylor Frankie Paul, Afroman’s lawsuit, and Ray J’s most recent viral moment: defending his sister Brandy. Lastly, the two are joined by former Ringer colleague, poet, and author Jonathan Kermah to talk about his new book of poetry. (0:00) Intro (1:04) Midnight Boys recast (7:48) The life of Kiki Shepard (13:21) WNBA and WNPBA align on key elements of a new CBA (26:58) Cesar Chavez accused of sexual abuse (51:52) Taylor Frankie Paul under fire (1:16:34) Afroman lawsuit (1:32:00) Ray J defends Brandy (1:44:59) Jonathan Kermah Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jack Harlow ‘Got Blacker,’ Spring Break in Houston, and an Oscars Recap With ‘The Big Picture’
Van and Rachel react to the Oscars before discussing Jack Harlow’s comments on his new album, LaRussell and what it means to be "heaven sent," and spring breakers taking Houston. Then hosts of The Big Picture, Amanda Dobbins and Sean Fennessey, join to look back at an Oscar season to remember. (0:00) Intro (2:09) Academy Awards reactions (26:04) Jack Harlow’s "gotten Blacker" (41:41) LaRussell backlash (59:23) Spring break in Houston (1:18:53) Amanda Dobbins and Sean Fennessey join the show Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Amanda Dobbins and Sean Fennessey Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A Real Conversation With Gov. Josh Shapiro
Van and Rachel welcome Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to discuss his memoir, ‘Where We Keep the Light,’ working across the aisle in the MAGA age, and community policing. Plus, addressing the rise in anti-semitism and approaching division on the Israel-Gaza conflict. (0:00) Intro (03:32) ‘Where We Keep the Light’ (08:58) Are we better than this? (16:22) Crime and policing (29:37) An NBA tangent (32:26) Relationship with Meek Mill (38:07) “Too bad a Jew can’t be president” (46:03) Israel and the war in Gaza Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Gov. Josh Shapiro Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices