Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by comedian and author Loni Love to discuss her show 'The Real,' President Obama, interracial relationships, and more (1:00). Then Van introduces Rachel to his new dog, Boseman (38:00), before they discuss President Obama’s comments about defunding the police (47:00), Funkmaster Flex getting liposuction (1:05:00), and some mailbag questions (1:12:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the boxing match between Jake Paul and Nate Robinson (1:00) and a recent viral video from True Kitchen and Kocktails in Dallas (22:00). Then Kelly McCreary of 'Grey’s Anatomy' joins the show (39:00), and they recap 'The Bachelorette’ (1:05:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by their parents for a special, parents day edition of 'Higher Learning.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the recent COVID-19 surges and Los Angeles’s new orders (7:00), Joe Biden’s reported interested in Rahm Emanuel for the Department of Transportation (18:00), Black Panther 2 beginning filming in July of 2021 (37:00), and the recent pictures of Jay-Z (47:00), before doing a Thanksgiving edition of the mailbag (1:08:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Michael B. Jordan being the fifth Black man named People’s Sexiest Man Alive (6:00), the Verzuz battle between Jeezy and Gucci Mane (19:00), the Ball family’s success in the NBA draft (25:00), and the third wave of COVID-19 (35:00), before answering some mailbag questions (1:01:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Van’s first trip to the dentist since the early '90s (13:00). Then rapper Slim Thug joins the show to talk about the abundance of rappers being shot recently and his experience battling COVID-19 (22:00). Finally, Van and Rachel discuss the "Million MAGA March" (54:00) and the firing of Hillsong pastor Carl Lentz (1:03:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by Dr. Jess Clemons to discuss mental health in general, as well as how to handle it during the COVID-19 pandemic (16:00). Then they give a recap of the latest episode of ‘The Bachelorette’ (42:00), answer a few mailbag questions (1:04:00), and give their Unexpected Allies of the Week (1:11:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss how they reacted to the presidential race being called for Joe Biden and what they would like to see come out of the presidency (1:00). Then they praise Stacey Abrams for her efforts in flipping Georgia (23:00), discuss Eva Longoria’s controversial statements about Black and Latina women (31:00), and talk about the continued Van Jones–Van Lathan mix-up (42:00) before doing a 'Bachelorette' recap (58:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss where the presidential race stands and how the voting has been split demographically (2:00). Then they discuss Measure J passing in Los Angeles and what that means in terms of defunding the police (33:00), as well as Ice Cube’s tweet about working with Trump (49:00). They end by answering a few mailbag questions (59:00). This podcast was recorded at 1:00 p.m. PT on Thursday, November 5. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss what we should do if President Trump is reelected (12:00), T.I.’s comments about how drinking tea will keep him from getting COVID (33:00), Lil Wayne working with President Trump (43:00), and how they will think about Trump supporters even beyond the election (1:01:00). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by Jaime Harrison, who is running for South Carolina Senate against Lindsey Graham (5:00). They discuss the Supreme Court decision to extend acceptance on absentee ballots in North Carolina and Pennsylvania (21:00), Justin Turner testing positive for COVID-19 during the World Series (36:00), and the latest episode of 'The Bachelorette' (48:00) before answering a few mailbag questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by Saratu Abiola, a writer based in Nigeria, to break down the #endSARS movement and what exactly is happening with the Nigerian government. Then they discuss the final presidential debate of 2020, Quibi going down, and the latest episode of ‘The Bachelorette.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by Natalie Manuel Lee, host of 'Now With Natalie' on the Hillsong Channel, to discuss her faith and how politicians sometimes use religion as a political tool. Then they talk about the backlash to Ayesha Curry dyeing her hair blond, Nuke Bizzle scamming the unemployment system, and Texas State University stopping its diversity training. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Joe Biden and Donald Trump’s dueling town halls, Ice Cube reportedly contributing to Trump’s “Platinum Plan” to help Black Americans, and the season premiere of 'The Bachelorette' before answering some mailbag questions and giving their Unexpected Allies of the Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the nuances of Shaquille O’Neal and Snoop Dogg admitting that they are first-time voters in this election. Then they talk about Cardi B and Offset partying together, Bill Burr’s SNL monologue, and Amy Coney Barrett’s hearing beginning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Kamala Harris and Mike Pence facing off in the vice presidential debate, President Trump’s decision to not participate in a virtual debate, the NBA Finals' drop in ratings, and the arrest of several men for attempting to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, before taking mailbag questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss President Trump being diagnosed with COVID-19, the Jaime Harris–Lindsey Graham debate, Tyga’s recent OnlyFans-adjacent situation, Megan Thee Stallion’s performance and message on 'Saturday Night Live,' and the body positivity shown in the Savage x Fenty fashion show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Tuesday’s presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden, the news that Gavin Newsom is exploring reparations for Black people in California, and the cast of the next season of ‘The Bachelorette’ being released. They close with a mailbag and their Unexpected Allies of the Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by comedian Amy Schumer to discuss the documentary 'My Octopus Teacher' as well as Amy’s perspective on social justice and how she’s trying to support the Black community. Then Van and Rachel hit on the details of President Trump’s tax returns that were released by The New York Times, the Clippers parting ways with Doc Rivers, and another installment of Is This Dumb? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the grand jury results in the Breonna Taylor case, and then civil rights and civil liberties attorney Novella Coleman joins to discuss the legal specifics of the case. Then Van and Rachel do a short mailbag and give instant reactions to Tory Lanez’s IG Live when he spoke about his incident with Megan Thee Stallion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the various wins and losses for Black culture at the Emmys, Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s tragic passing, and the recent spat between Doug Gottlieb and Maria Taylor before another “Am I Dumb?” segment. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss President Trump's bizarre town hall and interview, Cardi B and Offset filing for divorce, Maya Moore and Jonathan Irons getting married, Breonna Taylor's family getting $12 million, and the new Netflix documentary ‘My Octopus Teacher.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the abhorrent shooting of two sheriff’s deputies in Los Angeles, how the election map looks 50 days out, Kansas City Chiefs fans booing players’ display of unity before the game, and the Verzuz battle between Patti LaBelle and Gladys Knight. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Killer Mike’s choice to meet with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp despite Kemp’s efforts to suppress Black voters. Then they break down the dangers of Skip Bayless saying he has “no sympathy” for Dak Prescott’s anxiety, before answering some mailbag questions and sharing their Unexpected Allies of the Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by Adam22 of No Jumper to discuss the rumors about Odell Beckham started on ‘Thots Next Door,’ a podcast on Adam’s No Jumper platform. Then Van and Rachel discuss Nicole Young’s claim that she needs $2 million a month from Dr. Dre, and end with another installment of Am I an Asshole? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by former House minority leader Stacey Abrams to discuss modern voter suppression tactics, the Trump administration, and what Abrams would’ve done had she been elected governor of Georgia. Then they discuss the recent video out of Rochester, New York, that resulted in the suspension of seven police officers; talk about Jessica Krug lying about being Black; and then answer a couple mailbag questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the tragic, surprising death of Chadwick Boseman (2:00). Then they bring on Marlon Palmer to provide a Jamaican perspective on whether Adele culturally appropriated Jamaican culture (26:30), debate the Brandy vs. Monica Verzuz battle (43:22), address the status of the 2020 election (54:40), and give a sad goodbye to John Thompson (1:11:16). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the whirlwind of NBA events, including the players boycotting games (0:54), and the shooting that took place at a protest in Kenosha, Wisconsin (30:31). Then they debut a new segment from Van called Am I An Asshole? (51:00), and take a moment to address Hurricane Laura (1:02:08). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Sunday’s video of Jacob Blake being shot in the back by a police officer in Wisconsin (0:25), Roger Goodell’s appearance on Emmanuel Acho’s show ‘Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man’ (43:47), Megan Thee Stallion’s recent Instagram Live when she confirmed that Tory Lanez shot her in the foot (58:25), and a recent commercial for ‘The Bachelorette’ (1:11:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the speeches from Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and more from the DNC (4:30); recent allegations against Trey Songz (29:05); the new body-cam footage released from last year's Masai Ujiri courtside incident (59:55), and Jason Whitlock’s recent NBA take on the OutKick (1:08:05); before getting to Mailbag Friday and Unexpected Ally of the Week (1:24:50). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the Trump administration’s recent efforts to defund the USPS and hurt mail-in voting (6:10); Kim Kardashian West helping free C-Murder from jail (25:56); the Washington Football Team hiring Jason Wright, the first black NFL team president (48:00); and the Kentucky attorney general’s recent meeting with Breonna Taylor’s family (1:02:32). Lastly, they end the show with a new segment, Is This Dumb? (1:21:18) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay go in depth on Kamala Harris’s selection as Joe Biden’s vice presidential candidate and her history in politics (4:04). Then they discuss the recent accusation against Yale University that it discriminates against Asian American and white applicants (1:00:15), and take another round of mailbag questions (1:09:30), before giving their Unexpected Allies of the Week (1:31:40). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s new music video “WAP” (6:17), Dave Chappelle’s recent decision to invite Louis C.K. on stage at his comedy show (23:29), the importance of Joe Biden picking a Black woman as his running mate (38:27), and the college football season being in jeopardy (53:28). Lastly, they discuss Azealia Banks's recent Instagram post and taking mental health seriously (1:04:25). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss 'The Oprah Conversation' and Ted Cruz’s comments about it (10:25) as well as Joe Biden’s comments comparing the Black and Latino communities (26:49) before having their first Mailbag Friday with questions from the Thought Warriors (44:00). They also compliment the women of the WNBA for speaking out on social justice (1:09:18) and share their Unexpected Allies of the Week (1:22:56). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the rumors that Tayshia Adams is the new Bachelorette (0:30) and then discuss their thoughts on Beyonce’s visual album ‘Black Is King’ (16:16), Jonathan Isaac’s decision to stand for the national anthem and not wear a Black Lives Matter T-shirt (36:49), President Trump threatening to ban TikTok from the U.S. (46:00), and the upcoming Verzuz Battle between 2 Chainz and Rick Ross (56:35). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Bill Clinton’s problematic comments at John Lewis’s funeral (10:41), the viral video featuring Stella Immanuel (26:29), an important listener question about dealing with family members who might not understand you (49:20), and the Dascha Polanco situation (1:00:02), before giving out their unexpected allies of the week awards (1:25:37). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton’s recent characterization of slavery as a “necessary evil” in American history (10:02); how they’re feeling about the election with less than 100 days to go (30:20); the debate over whether Chris Brown or Justin Timberlake would make for better competition in a Verzuz Battle with Usher (45:18); and the recent situation on Twitter with Talib Kweli (1:04:17). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the sit-down between former vice president Joe Biden and former president Barack Obama (4:05), the Trump administration sending in unmarked troops to quell protests in Portland (18:02), Draya Michele’s comments about Tory Lanez and Megan Thee Stallion (34:51), and the rap battle between DMX and Snoop Dogg (53:32), before giving their Unexpected Ally of the Week awards (1:13:11).And in case you didn’t know, you can now watch video of every 'Higher Learning' episode directly on Spotify. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the life of John Lewis and why he’s such an important figure in the fight for social justice (2:58). Then they do one final deep dive on Kanye West’s presidential campaign with the rapper GLC, a longtime friend and colleague of West’s (13:19). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Nick Cannon’s anti-Semitic comments and the reactions to them (1:20), the Washington Post story on the sexual harassment within the Washington football organization (35:42), the news that Tory Lanez allegedly shot Megan Thee Stallion (49:53), and Tucker Carlson’s head writer being outed as a racist (1:03:20). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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