
Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
590 episodes — Page 4 of 12
A Doechii Discussion and What Exactly Is an Industry Plant?
Van and Rachel react to questions about Doechii after she was invited onstage at a Lauryn Hill concert (12:35), Lil Yachty calls Black Lives Matter a "literal scam" (31:37), and Tucker Carlson touts the genetics of his people (45:10). Then a philosophical discussion on morality and religion: Can you have one without the other (57:44)? Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Five Things the Democrats Can Do, Plus Doechii Pisses Off Straight Men
Van and Rachel remember the life of D’Wayne Wiggins and the impact of Tony! Toni! Toné! (:37), before Van breaks down five things Democrats can do to win back voters (11:01), Gavin Newsom calls trans athletes in women’s sports unfair (45:51), and Dana White welcomes Andrew Tate with open arms (1:02:19). Plus, Doechii’s dating red flag had some men upset (1:14:10), LeBron confronts Stephen A. Smith (1:22:55), and Dr. Umar has a social media spat with his daughter (1:36:33). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Trump’s Tariff War and Democrats Sing on the Floor
Van and Rachel reflect on the life and career of Roy Ayers (1:40) and discuss Trump’s tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China (7:22). Then, Washington bureau chief for The Economist Idrees Kahloon joins to break down the economic strategy of the tariffs (28:26). Plus, Democrats protest through song (52:52), Ben Shapiro calls for a pardon of Derek Chauvin (1:08:52), and a young man dies while pledging Omega Psi Phi (1:14:00). Finally, Rachel names her top five interracial couples (1:29:01) and Sherri Shepherd has thoughts on revealing clothes (1:36:48). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Idrees Kahloon Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
An Oscars Recap, and Talking ‘Opus’ With Mark Anthony Green
Van and Rachel remember the life and career of Angie Stone (00:34) before reacting to the Oscars (2:36), and Van has thoughts on a Conan hip-hop joke (4:20). Then, a discussion of the lawsuit against Jay-Z being dropped (18:25), before filmmaker Mark Anthony Green joins to talk about his directorial debut, ‘Opus’ (42:22) and Ayo Edebiri’s star power (1:01:35). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Mark Anthony Green Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The End of Medicaid? Plus, the Me Too Movement in 2025
Van and Rachel discuss the life and death of Gene Hackman (4:55), before reacting to the GOP budget bill that could cause major cuts to Medicaid and have ripple effects for Medicare (10:13) before welcoming CNN journalist Omar Jimenez to discuss the White House moving to pick the pool reporters who cover Trump (36:42). Plus, Me Too founder Tarana Burke discusses where the movement stands in 2025 (59:47). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Omar Jimenez and Tarana Burke Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Van at Super Bowl Radio Row Pt. 2
Van’s radio row adventures continue, as he welcomes Pacman Jones and Evan Rosenblum to discuss 'The Pacman Jones Show' (0:00). Then he welcomes Carolina Panthers beat writer Sheena Quick (19:13) and NFL draft prospect Tetairoa McMillan (28:58). Plus, Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze (34:20) and Steelers legend Joey Porter (40:20) join the show. Host: Van Lathan Guests: Pacman Jones, Evan Rosenblum, Sheena Quick, Tetairoa McMillan, Rome Odunze and Joey Porter Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr., Cory McConnell, Chia Hao Tat, and Ronak Nair Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Van at Super Bowl Radio Row Pt. 1
While at Super Bowl LIX radio row, Van sat down with the likes of Cowboys legend Emmitt Smith (0:00), LSU great Andrew Whitworth (14:20), and a pair of legendary Saints Deuce McCallister (24:49, and Demario Davis (35:58). Host: Van Lathan Guests: Emmitt Smith, Andrew Whitworth, Deuce McCallister, Demario Davis Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr., Cory McConnell, Chia Hao Tat, and Ronak Nair Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
President Elon, and Healthy Arrogance With Will Packer
Van and Rachel discuss Elon Musk and Donald Trump’s plans for the federal government (19:28), and the potential end of New York City Mayor Eric Adams’s legal troubles (41:54). Then, a reaction to John Leguizamo’s Crip-walking claims (1:11:48), before film producer Will Packer joins the discuss his new book, ‘Who Better Than You?’ (1:19:50). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Will Packer Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kendrick Lamar’s Televised Revolution and Ben Watkins Talks Alex Cross
Van and Rachel react to the Super Bowl (0:00) before giving their reviews of Kendrick Lamar’s halftime show (14:42). Then, Kanye West is regrettably in the news again (31:35), and Trump signs an order in solidarity with white South Africans (45:10). Finally, the showrunner of Prime Video’s ‘Cross,’ Ben Watkins, joins to discuss Aldis Hodge’s star power (55:51) and his thoughts on him possibly being the next Black Panther (1:08:37). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Ben Watkins Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Marc Lamont Hill on Trump’s Vision for Gaza, and DEI in the NFL
Van and Rachel react to the death of Murder Inc. founder Irv Gotti (10:46), before discussing the NFL removing "End Racism" from the end zones at the Super Bowl (15:00), and Dennis Schröder compares NBA trades to modern slavery (32:30). Then, Dr. Marc Lamont Hill is back to talk about Donald Trump’s plan to take over Gaza (38:22), and resurfaced tweets has Van guessing the N-word count of Saquon Barkley’s fiancée (1:13:06). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Dr. Marc Lamont Hill Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Historic 67th Grammys, the Luka Trade, and a Tariff War
EVan Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start today’s episode by talking about the historic wins, controversial moments, and surprises from the 67th Grammys (05:21). Senior staff writer and fellow podcaster Justin Charity joins to give his opinion on the Grammys before discussing his Ringer podcast on the Kendrick-Drake beef culminating in Kendrick’s Super Bowl performance (27:46 ). Later, we talk with ‘Real Ones’ host Logan Murdock about the shocking NBA trade news (46:18). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
DEI Did It, Plus ‘How to Sell Out’ and the Future of AI
Van and Rachel discuss the midair collision that killed 67 people (1:00) before reacting to Donald Trump pointing the finger at DEI initiatives (10:05). Plus, DJ Akademiks gets banned from Twitch after inappropriate comments toward a minor (20:51), and Scott Storch’s ex gets accused of racism after saying racist things (32:49). Then writer and podcaster Chad Sanders joins to talk authenticity and his new book, ‘How to Sell Out’ (38:14), before journalist Nathan Bomey from Axios explains DeepSeek and the future of AI (1:06:02). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Chad Sanders and Nathan Bomey Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Boycotts, Target and Tabitha Brown, Plus Snoop Speaks
Van and Rachel react to the death of DJ Unk (6:04), before discussing Tabitha Brown’s response to a call to boycott Target for ending DEI programs (15:40) and the Air Force’s choice to walk back a decision to end the use of a Tuskegee Airmen video from basic training (42:11). Then, Snoop Dogg responds to criticism for performing at a Trump inauguration event (57:03), Raven-Symoné speaks on racial identity (1:15:15), and Trump’s actions toward Colombia spark a debate on American supremacy (1:27:36). Plus the Michael Jackson biopic goes through major reshoots (1:39:11). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Trump, Nazis, and Leonardo DiCaprio’s N-Word Count
Van and Rachel react to President Trump’s executive orders (11:35) before welcoming assistant professor of law at Washington and Lee Maureen Edobor to dig into their legal and moral implications (22:33). Then Elon Musk salutes in a very Third Reich-ish kinda way (49:31 ), Sexyy Red apologizes to Bernice King (1:05:12), and Jamie Foxx discusses Leonardo DiCaprio’s discomfort with the N-word (1:15:50) Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Maureen Edobor Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Hip-Hop, MLK, and Trump’s Second Inauguration
Van and Rachel open the show with Coach Prime, a.k.a. impressionist Sam Croker (8:38), before welcoming the chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, Ben Wikler, to discuss plans should he become chair of the DNC (27:43), and re-energizing the Democratic Party (33:12). Then, in-the-moment reactions to Donald Trump’s inauguration (1:02:10), and digging into Nelly, Snoop, Rick Ross, and Soulja Boy’s participation (1:14:55). Plus, Byron Donalds calls Trump ‘daddy’ (1:42:30). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Sam Croker and Ben Wikler Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Drake’s Certified Legal Action and a Potential Ceasefire in Gaza
Van and Rachel discuss what looks to be a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas (7:44). Then, they welcome Toronto radio personality Marlon Palmer to break down the cultural impact of Drake’s lawsuit (15:24). Plus, Donnell Rawlings compares white and Black comedy culture (44:51), and SZA gets backlash for her praise of Drew Barrymore (1:03:14). Then, executive director of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition Sam Lewis joins to give insight on the firefighter inmate program in California (1:12:49). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Marlon Palmer and Sam Lewis Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Political Firestorm and Recovery in L.A.
Van and Rachel discuss the looming insurance crisis for Los Angeles homeowners (14:42), the price gouging of rental properties (21:14), and the use of prisoners to help fight the fires (29:41). Plus, Mayor Karen Bass faces criticism for her handling of the crisis (46:21). Then, Stephen A. Smith reflects on the election (1:13:57), Jimmy Butler is in a child support battle (1:27:20), and a former WNBA star makes a career shift to OnlyFans (1:37:16). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Processing the Los Angeles Wildfires With William Gude
Van and Rachel react to the devastation from the Los Angeles wildfires (0:00) before being joined by activist William Gude to provide insight on the fallout and impact of the disaster (16:01). Then, Stephen 'tWitch’ Boss’s widow, Allison Holker, has received criticism for the promotion of her memoir (47:40), Rachel speaks on her divorce being finalized (1:05:31) and Presidents Obama and Trump share a moment at Jimmy Carter’s funeral (1:12:50). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: William Gude Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Fox Sports Lawsuit, and Drake’s Break Up With LeBron
Van and Rachel discuss the Fox Sports lawsuit and social media’s reaction to the allegations (15:12), before breaking down Drake’s, ‘Fighting Irish’ freestyle in the context of his relationship with LeBron James (51:48). Plus, Notre Dame’s Black head coach Marcus Freeman speaks on how “color shouldn’t matter” (1:14:51). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A Higher Learning Rewind: Animal Welfare and the Return of Animal Games
Van and Rachel are joined by Chris Draper of the Performing Animal Welfare Society to discuss providing sanctuary and care for former performance animals (0:00), before welcoming Dr. Lauren Howard to talk about her role as director of veterinary services for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (23:34). Then, Animal Games makes it’s long anticipated return to the podcast (49:05). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Dr. Chris Draper and Dr. Lauren Howard Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Shameik Moore, Fat Joe, and Higher Learning’s Person of the Year
Van and Rachel kick off the last show of 2024 discussing the Matt Gaetz House Ethics report (5:19), reacting to ‘Into the Spider-Verse’ actor Shameik Moore’s questionable behavior with Spider-Man love interests (15:23), and Fat Joe’s comments on Foundational Black Americans (26:19). Then, a quick (and final) update on the Travis Hunter fiancé saga (41:18), Blake Lively’s legal action against Justin Baldoni (51:44), and NYPD corruption is brought to light (1:08:28). And finally, Van and Rachel reveal their Person of the Year (1:18:50). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘Growing Up Urkel’ With Jaleel White
Van and Rachel welcome actor Jaleel White to address backlash he received for comments on "hood" TV shows (12:10), where he ranks ‘Family Matters’ amongst Black sitcoms (22:22), stories of growing up and dating as a child star in ’90s L.A. (32:37), and the responsibility of parents to protect young actors from predators in the industry (1:22:07) Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Jaleel White Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Remy Ma and Papoose Drama, Plus Talking 100 Men in One Day With Ana Foxxx
EVan and Rachel kick it off by reacting to Remy Ma and Papoose airing out cheating allegations via the internet (5:56) before discussing Jamie Foxx’s Netflix special (20:57) and the conservative backlash to Caitlin Clark’s TIME interview (28:44). Then adult film actress Ana Foxxx joins to give her perspective on OnlyFans model Lily Phillips having sex with 100 guys in 24 hours (37:47), and finally Jaleel White has a controversial take on Black audiences' acceptance of ‘Family Matters’ (1:11:06) Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Ana Foxxx Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Unpacking the Jay-Z Allegations with Meghann Cuniff
Van and Rachel welcome reporter Meghann Cuniff to discuss the legal aspects of the Jay-Z rape lawsuit (5:58), before breaking down the cultural impact of the news (26:39). Then reactions to the arrest of a suspect in the UnitedHealth CEO’s murder (1:04:04), Lil Duval says women owe Jonathan Majors an apology (1:10:28), and the phrase ‘built like a Mexican’ sparks racial tensions online (1:25:21). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Meghann Cuniff Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kendrick and the "White Comedian," Plus CEO Fatally Shot
Van and Rachel discuss reports that Trump is considering Ron DeSantis over Pete Hegseth for defense secretary (12:32). They then react to Andrew Schulz’s response to his mention in Kendrick Lamar's ‘GNX,’ after which Van discusses who he thinks can defend Black women (22:50). Also the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO elicits disturbing responses online (52:10), before we close the show with a new segment, Girl Talk (1:08:27). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Joe Biden Pardons, Kendrick Drops, and Drake Takes Legal Action
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are back to talk about Van’s new hair (12:11) before reacting to Joe Biden’s pardon of Hunter (16:35) and Pete Hegseth’s mom saying he has abused women (38:18). Then a review of Kendrick Lamar’s latest album, 'GNX' (41:27), and a breakdown of Drake’s legal filings (55:42). Plus, rapper Dave Blunts sparks a conversation on body positivity and weight loss (1:17:24). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A Higher Learning Rewind: Parents Day
Let's take it back to Nov. 27th, 2021: 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
A Higher Learning Rewind: The Very First Episode
Let’s set the time machine to May 28th 2020: Van and Rachel address the death of George Floyd and what it means for society (00:45). They also discuss the drama with Doja Cat in racial chats showing feet (23:50), racism inside Bachelor Nation, and Joe Biden's 'Breakfast Club' gaffe (52:11). Finally, they respond to some Azealia Banks mess (1:22:57). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Nomination of RFK Jr., and Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson
Van and Rachel are still on TRUMP WATCH, this time reacting to the nomination of Robert Kennedy Jr. to head the Dept. of Health and Human Services (14:39), and the Pete Hegseth sexual assault allegation (38:29). Then, 27-year-old Jake Paul fights 58-year-old Mike Tyson (41:58), Diddy’s accused of influencing witnesses from behind bars (59:19), and Snoop speaks on his neutrality during the election (1:10:05). And finally, Van lists his top 10 cartoon dogs in the latest VanLaTEN (1:25:05). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Danger of Trump’s Nominations With Paul Rieckhoff
Van and Rachel are on TRUMP WATCH. They react to Trump’s list of cabinet and staff picks (10:34) before founder and CEO of Independent Veterans of America Paul Rieckhoff joins to break down why Trump’s nomination of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense is so scary (32:41). And lastly (on the topic of politics), they talk Trump and Biden's meeting at the White House (58:47). Plus, Denzel Washington speaks on a deleted scene in ‘Gladiator II’ that the people weren’t ready for (1:05:29), The Onion buys InfoWars (1:15:54), and the father of Skai Jackson’s baby allegedly gets hacked (1:16:59). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Paul Rieckhoff Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A ‘Higher Learning’ Autopsy of the Democratic Party
Hardened detective Rachel Lindsay enlists the help of esteemed pathologist Van Lathan to determine the cause of death of the current version of the Democratic Party (6:54), and discuss the formation of Donald Trump’s cabinet (58:40). They then shift gears to debate whether or not Michelle Beadle used the n-word (1:06:32), and talk RG3’s defense of his daughters (1:13:54). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Donald Trump’s Second Term and the Expectations of Change
EVan and Rachel break out a bottle of tequila and break down how and why Donald Trump won the presidency again (4:22), before discussing reactions to the results (25:23) and what it means to fight in the years ahead (43:19). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Higher Learning/Bakari Sellers Election Night Livestream
EIt's still way too early call...BUT...Van Lathan, Rachel Lindsay, and Bakari Sellers are here to help you process what's happening, as it's happening. We Live! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Election Day Is Here. What’s Going to Happen?
Van and Rachel remember the life and iconic career of Quincy Jones (7:16) before welcoming Pastor Carlton Lynch to discuss his viral confrontation with a Donald Trump supporter (11:24), and historian Allan Lichtman to dig into his 'Keys to the White House' method for predicting presidential winners (25:03). Then, a quick break from politics to talk Lil Wayne’s ‘Super’ disappointment (44:13), Joel Embiid and Jason Kelce defending their families (56:15), and Megan Thee Stallion’s new documentary (1:03:50). Then, Bakari Sellers is back to give some insight on the last days of the Kamala Harris campaign, and predictions on what to expect (1:13:08). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Carlton Lynch, Allan Lichtman, and Bakari Sellers Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
MAGA Jokes and Mega Outrage With Roy Wood Jr.
Van and Rachel react to Donald Trump’s Madison Square Garden rally (6:28) before comedian Roy Wood Jr. joins to dig into controversial jokes by Tony Hinchcliffe and the art of political comedy (19:42). Then, a breakdown of Lil Durk’s arrest on a murder-for-hire charge (49:43), and Shaq gives advice to Angel Reese on making the WNBA sexier (1:11:16). Plus, Dwyane Wade’s statue has a face that’s not his (1:23:22). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Roy Wood Jr. Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Trump Rumor Mill and LeBron and Bronny’s Big Moment
Van and Rachel discuss Kamala Harris’s CNN town hall (10:45) before digging into reports of a damaging story for Donald Trump that could "end his campaign" (20:53). Then, a reaction to Busta Rhymes’s comments on Diddy’s alleged crimes (31:55), the WNBA players union opts out of its current bargaining agreement (43:47), Van blames Rachel for killing the ‘Blade’ reboot (58:04), and LeBron and Bronny James spark a nepotism discussion (1:03:22). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Disrespecting Kamala and Annemarie Wiley on ‘RHOBH’ and Politics
Van and Rachel react to Trump’s comments about Arnold Palmer’s meat size and the overall state of the race (6:14) before digging into ex-Steeler Le’Veon Bell’s “Trump and the Tramp” T-shirt (12:07). Then Game 5 of the WNBA Finals ends in controversy (19:30), and should we care that fans cheered when Deshaun Watson tore his Achilles (29:43)? Then, TV personality Annemarie Wiley joins to talk the labeling of women (48:47), her time on ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,’ (1:05:41), and where she stands on the 2024 election (1:28:03) Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Annemarie Wiley Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Obama Talks to the Brothas, Plus Chris Spencer and Lynnette Grey Bull Join the Show
Van and Rachel discuss Liam Payne’s death and graphic photos posted by TMZ (5:25), react to Barack Obama addressing Black male voters’ lack of support for Kamala Harris (25:58 ), then discuss Harris’s contentious interview on Fox News (46:52). Later, actor, writer, producer Chris Spencer joins to discuss the Vice TV series ‘Black Comedy in America’ (54:26). Plus, Lynette Grey Bull, founder of Not Our Native Daughters, joins to talk about her mixed emotions concerning Indigenous Peoples’ Day (1:26:04). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Chris Spencer and Lynnette Grey Bull Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Trump’s Russian Relationship and What’s a Black Dandy?
Van and Rachel discuss the impact Hurricane Milton has had on Florida and the political storm surrounding it (18:48), react to revelations from Bob Woodward’s upcoming book ‘War’ (30:44), and J. Cole addressing his decision to bow out of the Kendrick Lamar-Drake beef (45:53). Then a breakdown of Kamala Harris's and Donald Trump’s recent interviews (54:31), as well as a quick debate on the theme of the upcoming Met Gala. Plus, what is Black dandyism (1:09:28)? Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Evidence Against Trump and a Vice Presidential Debate Recap
Van and Rachel remember the life of John Amos and discuss the family drama around his death (14:49), then break down the vice presidential debate (25:02) and dig into the unsealed evidence from the January 6 election interference case against Trump with Politico senior legal affairs reporter Kyle Cheney (42:18). Later, reactions to an upcoming Chris Brown documentary (57:46) and the tense exchange Ta-Nehisi Coates had on ‘CBS Mornings’ (1:13:22). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Kyle Cheney Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Eric Adams Indicted and Symone Sanders-Townsend Talks the Black Women's Vote
Van and Rachel react to the indictment of New York Mayor Eric Adams (8:07) and give a quick update on the state of Mark Robinson’s political career after his Nude Africa posts (16:30). Then cohost of MSNBC’s ‘The Weekend’ Symone Sanders-Townsend joins to discuss the role Black women will play in the 2024 election (24:08). Finally, they talk Brett Favre’s Parkinson’s diagnosis (50:07) and react to Cardi B and Offset’s online fight (57:55). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Symone Sanders-Townsend Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Janet’s Kamala Escapade and ‘Evolution of the Black Quarterback’ With Michael Vick
Van and Rachel discuss Beyoncé’s exclusion from the CMAs (5:47) before reacting to the fallout from Janet Jackson’s questioning of Kamala Harris’s Blackness (25:28) and Chingy backing out of performing at a GOP event (36:19). Then NFL legend Michael Vick joins to talk about the new docuseries ‘Evolution of the Black Quarterback’ (46:07) before discussing the way Jerry Jones talks about his players and what’s between their legs (1:16:28). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Michael Vick Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Of Mess and Men: Mark Robinson, Michael Eric Dyson and ShxtsNGigs
Of Mess and Men: Mark Robinson, Michael Eric Dyson and ShxtsNGigs Van and Rachel react to Lt. Governor and Gubernatorial candidate for North Carolina Mark Robinson’s comments on a porn forum (6:26), Michael Eric Dyson’s flirty messages to Rep. Nancy Mace (32:51), and the hosts of the ShxtsNGigs and Andrew Schulz get backlash after jokes at the expense of Black women (49:28). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Emergency Pod: Diddy’s Indictment
bonusVan and Rachel address the breaking news of Sean Combs’s arrest and indictment on sex trafficking and racketeering charges. Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Shannon Sharpe Goes Live and Terrell Owens Talks T.O.
Van and Rachel remember the life of Tito Jackson (10:39) before reacting to the second apparent assassination attempt on Donald Trump in two months (16:09) and Laura Loomer’s relationship with the former president (25:58). Then they have a discussion on Shannon Sharpe’s viral Instagram Live and the best way to release a sex tape (33:37) before the much-anticipated return of the Van LaTEN (47:58). Finally Terrell Owens joins to discuss his hall of fame career and the NFL’s race problem (1:05:28). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Terrell Owens Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Kamala’s Code Switch, and the Reparations Movement in Peril
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the death of Fatman Scoop (8:10), before digging into conversations surrounding Kamala Harris’s accent (15:10). Then, Lee Daniels stirs up controversy for his new horror film (29:30), and an NFL executive gets recorded insulting the league (40:46). Finally, the chair of the California Reparations Task Force, Kamilah Moore, joins to discuss the blocking of a pair of bills by the Black Caucus (49:24). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Kamilah Moore Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Top 10 Black Beauties of the ’90s | The Van LaTEN
EThis Labor Day, Van and Rachel are bringing you a brand-new segment called the Van LaTEN! This time, they count down the top 10 Black beauties of the ’90s. Let us know if your pick makes the cut! Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Bending the Knee, Selfishly Creating Families, and Infighting Within the Black Community
EVan Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the show by talking about RFK Jr.'s drop out of the presidential race and his subsequent endorsement of Donald Trump (11:38). Then they talk about Cam Newton and the responsibility of creating a family (24:34) before getting into their upcoming NFL season predictions (53:57), Drake’s possible second round with Kendrick Lamar (1:24:03), and an apology rating (1:29:48). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Freedom Festival of the DNC, the Beyoncé Fake Out, and the End of Bennifer 2.0
EVan Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the episode with their reactions to the Democratic National Convention, including their thoughts on Kamala Harris’s speech, the ideology of freedom, and the impact of the different appearances and speeches (01:43). Then, they give their thoughts on TMZ’s Beyoncé mis-announcement (44:39) and the report that Jennifer Lopez has filed for divorce from Ben Affleck (1:0045). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Musk-Trump Interview, Simone Biles’s Past, and Voting Rights With Representative Stacey Abrams
EVan Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start today’s episode by giving their impressions on the Elon Musk and Donald Trump interview on X (05:59). Then, they talk about Simone Biles’s past coming back (18:48) and give an update on the Raygun breaking situation (34:03). Later, they are joined by American politician, lawyer, voting rights activist, and author Stacey Abrams (58:32) to talk about her new podcast, 'Assembly Required'; ranked-choice voting; and how to go about solving the biggest concerns facing young voters. Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Stacey Abrams Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices