Podcasts · Society & Culture

Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

The Ringer

300 episodes · Explicit

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 page 1 of 6

  1. F.D. Signifier Joins Higher Learning

    · 2 h 02 min · Explicit

    We have a special treat for you, Thought Warriors! Today we have the one and only F.D. Signifier in studio, as Van joins us from Chi-Town. Rachel, Van, and F.D. get into his humble beginnings as a teacher and…

  2. Jay-Z Closes Out 30th Anniversary Tour in L.A., and the 2026 Midterm Elections Are Here

    · 1 h 59 min · Explicit

    Higher Learning is back!! On today’s show, Van and Rachel talk about gaming, Soul Food, and Jay-Z closing out his 30th anniversary tour in L.A. Plus, they break down the key senate races in the 2026 midterm elections,…

  3. Bill Maher, Stephen A., and Kid Rock Have Dinner With Trump. Plus, Abdul El-Sayed's Clapback and Todrick Hall's Off-Broadway Musical.

    · 2 h 11 min · Explicit

    On today’s show, Rachel and Van discuss who’s a better dancer: MC Hammer or Chris Brown. Plus, a DHL manager may be in trouble after refusing to ship some anti-KKK merch; Trump has dinner with Bill Maher, Stephen A.…

  4. Mike Tyson Joins Trump Campaign Trail, Katie Zacharia’s Rocky Press Conference, and Druski Set to Make History

    · 2 h 06 min · Explicit

    After a little break, we are back, Thought Warriors!!! On today’s show, Rachel and Van say goodbye to Peacemaker Van, Bernard gets a car, and Mike Tyson shows support for Trump while Trump's new press secretary has a…

  5. The Beautiful Women of ‘Living Single,’ Terrell Owens's Defamation Lawsuit, and Angie Nixon Joins the Show

    · 1 h 53 min · Explicit

    Your favorite hosts are back! This time from New York City. Today, Rachel and Van discuss the death of legendary R&B singer Freddie Jackson. Plus, the Views From the 7 podcast makes waves for the wrong reasons, NFL…

  6. Da’Vinchi Speaks on Black Americans, Chris Rock Regrets a Decision, and Bobby Shmurda Gives N-Word Passes

    · 2 h 02 min · Explicit

    Thought Warriors! Hope your thinking caps are on for this one. On today’s show, Rachel and Van opine on Da’Vinchi’s controversial comments while on Cam Newton’s podcast, Chris Rock’s biggest regret of his life, and the…

  7. The Cornell 7 Case, Eric Schmitt’s Basketball Blunder, and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed Joins the Show

    · 2 h 23 min · Explicit

    Thought Warriors! We have a good one for you today! Dr. Abdul El-Sayed joins us in-studio to discuss his run for U.S. Senate and then some. But first, Rachel and Van discuss the latest in the Cornell 7 case, Senator…

  8. 'A Different World' Reboot, Nolan Wells Updates, and Nithya Raman Joins the Show

    · 2 h 06 min · Explicit

    It's a guest fest this week on Higher Learning!! Leading off the week, L.A. mayoral candidate Nithya Raman joins us, just a few weeks away from the biggest election of her life. But first, Van and Rachel discuss their…

  9. Nikole Hannah-Jones Questions a Major Decision About Her Daughter’s Education

    · 1 h 09 min · Explicit

    Surprise, surprise, Thought Warriors!!! You thought you were done with us this week, but we said “nah!” Van and Rachel have a surprise episode for you straight from the plane in Sweden. They’ll discuss Nikole…

  10. Ed Sheeran's Apology, Trump's Journalist Ban, and Shaquille O'Neal Named Honorary FBI Special Agent

    · 1 h 46 min · Explicit

    Thought Warriors, mount up! On today’s show, Rachel and Van discuss Ed Sheeran’s apology and almost immediate take-back, and Trump's ban on leftist media platforms from the White House. Speaking of which, Hasan Piker…

  11. Janine Nabers in the house! More Macklemore drama, Kash Patel chewed out and JD Vance begs.

    · 1 h 47 min · Explicit

    On today’s show, we have the über-talented Janine Nabers in studio, but first, Van has some thoughts on social media, and Rachel gives a quick take on Chris Brown rejecting a Texas legislative honor. Plus, our hosts…

  12. Colin Kaepernick Joins Higher Learning

    · 1 h 32 min · Explicit

    Surprise, Thought Warriors! Higher Learning is here with a pop-up episode featuring none other than Colin Kaepernick in the studio! Kaepernick drops by not just to promote his new book, 'The Perilous Fight,' but to…

  13. Lil Durk Acquitted, Jasmine Crockett Presents Congressional Award to Chris Brown, and Trump on Reparations

    · 2 h 06 min · Explicit

    On today’s show, Rachel and Van chat about Rachel’s newest gig at the U.S. Open, and Lil Durk gets acquitted in his murder-for-hire trial. Speaking of trials, Lindsay Clancy’s trial ends with a hung jury that has…

  14. Fat Joe is Apparently Black, Stephen A. Smith is Upset and Danielle Brooks & Walter Thompson-Hernandez Join the Show

    · 2 h 04 min

    Today on Higher Learning, Van and Rachel discuss Fat Joe defending his use of the N-word, Tim Scott’s fiery GOP convention speech, and Stephen A. Smith’s sit-down with Cari Champion and Jemele Hill. Plus, Danielle…

  15. Raven-Symoné Talks the Black Validity of 'That’s So Raven,’ Stephen A. Smith on Colin Kaepernick, and Keffe D Convicted in Tupac Murder Trial

    · 2 h 15 min · Explicit

    Today on Higher Learning, Van and Rachel talk about the passing of Gloria Steinem, Stephen A. Smith’s continued feud with Colin Kaepernick, and Raven-Symoné’s recent comments about the Blackness of 'That’s So Raven.'…

  16. Druski's Controversial CTE Skit, the House Trying to Condemn Socialism, Angie Nixon vs. Laura Loomer & Master P on Slavery

    · 2 h 07 min · Explicit

    On today’s episode, Messi retires from team Argentina, and Druski has a new hilarious skit about a very serious disease. Plus, scammers come in every color (even 49ers red and gold), ICE is still out there grabbing…

  17. Rest in Peace, Dolly Parton; Supreme Court Rules on Trump Mail-In Voting; and Abdul El-Sayed vs. Jesse Watters on Fox News

    · 2 h 02 min · Explicit

    On today’s show, Van and Lindsay discuss the loss of Dolly Parton and her impact on the Black community. They react to the Supreme Court handing Trump a “YUGE” win with mail-in ballots and Abdul El-Sayed’s devastating…

  18. Beef Tariffs, Target Halloween Backlash, Hakeem Jeffries Meets With Jared Kushner, and an AI Conversation With King Willonius

    · 2 h 20 min · Explicit

    We got BEEF! Today Van and Rachel talk about Trump’s beef with American cattle ranchers. Then they get into the latest developments in the Karmelo Anthony trial, and Target is under fire for a racist costume. Plus,…

  19. Ro Khanna on the DSA and the Prospects of a Potential Presidential Run. Plus, the Gary, Indiana, Blackout and Penn State Drug Ring.

    · 1 h 56 min · Explicit

    Van and Rachel chat about the NABJ’s website and its ongoing feud with Stephen A. Smith before catching up on Indiana’s harrowing storms that have left tens of thousands without power. Then they dig into the alleged…

  20. Stephen A. Smith Receives “Thumbs Down” Award, Maya Boyd Is Your New Storm, James Talarico’s Strategic Ad Campaign, and Ray J Defeats Orlando Brown in the Ring

    · 2 h 43 min

    Stephen A. Smith Receives “Thumbs Down” Award, Maya Boyd Is Your New Storm, James Talarico’s Strategic Ad Campaign, and Ray J Defeats Orlando Brown in the Ring Van and Rachel pay tribute to actress Hayden Panettiere…

  21. Tyga’s AI Album, McAfee’s MAGA Mess, and Ranking AOC’s Dating Pool

    · 2 h 30 min

    Van and Rachel react to Russell Westbrook’s retirement, Tyga’s AI album ‘$tarface’, and Marcellus Wiley’s domestic violence case being dropped, before discussing Pat McAfee’s appearance with President Trump. Plus,…

  22. Usher’s Clone, Drake’s Stream, and a "Ruthless" Kamala Harris

    · 1 h 58 min

    Van and Rachel debate "capitalism" before discussing accusations of an Usher body double and Drake’s content creation. Plus, Kamala Harris speaks on what’s needed from the Democrats, and Van breaks down the X-Men vs.…

  23. A$AP Rocky and Rihanna’s Relationship, Plus Stacey Abrams on Protecting the Vote

    · 2 h 00 min

    Van and Rachel react to results from the August primary races, Sophie Cunningham weighing in on trans athletes, A$AP Rocky opening up to Jason Lee. Then, author and political leader Stacey Abrams returns to weigh in on…

  24. Governor Wes Moore and "Across-the-Aisle" Politics. Plus, Diarra Kilpatrick, a.k.a. "Diarra From Detroit."

    · 2 h 10 min

    Van and Rachel react to Spider-Man’s big box office weekend before switching gears to talk about RFK Jr.’s on-air meltdown and Governor Wes Moore’s chummy exchange with a Trump official. Then actor, writer, and…

  25. The Troubled ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ Adaptation, and Usher’s Rejection

    · 2 h 08 min

    Van and Rachel discuss tragedy and personas in rap, and updates in the Nolan Wells case before diving into President Trump’s attempts at voter suppression. Then Jonathan Majors speaks, the author of ’Children of Blood…

  26. Kerry Washington and 'The Whoopi Monologues,' a New Black Panther, and an Argument for Term Limits

    · 2 h 19 min

    Van and Rachel react to the recasting of Black Panther, a cheating scandal in the WNBA, and the White House Correspondents' Dinner before welcoming actor Kerry Washington to discuss the revival of ‘The Whoopi…

  27. Why Would ESPN Lay Off Ryan Clark? Plus, Mayor Mamdani’s Netanyahu Strategy.

    · 2 h 27 min

    Van and Rachel react to both ESPN’s decision to lay off Ryan Clark and LeBron’s decision to drag out free agency. Then, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani says he can’t arrest Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Trump…

  28. Van’s ‘Obsession’ Obsession, ‘The Odyssey’ Wins, and the Life and Career of David Roberts

    · 2 h 24 min

    Van and Rachel have a spoiler-filled discussion of the newly streaming film ‘Obsession,’ before reacting to the success of 'The Odyssey.' Then, controversy in the WNBA warrants an apology rating, the Tate brothers are…

  29. "New Face of Hollywood,” Boosie’s Pardon Play, and Rachel’s Finest

    · 2 h 14 min

    Van and Rachel react to a problematic Hollywood Reporter article and some Christian blacklash for KevOnStage, before discussing Boosie’s failed efforts to get a pardon and recent killings at the hands of ICE. Then…

  30. The Death of Lindsey Graham and Jay-Z’s Colin Kaepernick Diss

    · 2 h 09 min

    Van and Rachel react to the death of Senator Lindsey Graham and the speculation around the health of Senator Mitch McConnell before digging into Jay-Z’s mention of Colin Kaepernick at a recent performance. (0:00)…

  31. The Tubman $20 Bill, Graham Platner’s Exit, and Rappers Flying Commercial

    · 2 h 17 min

    Van and Rachel react to the U.S. men's soccer team’s loss to Belgium and the list of Emmy nominees. Then they discuss the end of the plans for Harriet Tubman’s $20 bill and Graham Platner ending his Senate campaign.…

  32. The Yung Miami and India.Arie “Spend Dat” Debate, Plus U.S.-FIFA Controversy

    · 1 h 57 min

    Van and Rachel react to the U.S. soccer controversy before discussing Marcellus Wiley’s arrest and the "America250" celebration in D.C. Plus, will Diddy get a pardon thanks to Trump? And the song of the summer sparks a…

  33. LeBron and the Mighty White Lakers. Plus, Are You Proud to Be an American?

    · 2 h 19 min

    Van and Rachel react to the biggest news of the NBA offseason before questioning whether Kamala Harris is gearing up for a presidential run and discussing Barack Obama’s opinion of George Washington. Then Maureen…

  34. Druski’s BET Awards, Tucker Carlson Leaving the GOP, and “War” in the Democratic Party

    · 2 h 01 min

    Van and Rachel react to the 2026 BET Awards before discussing the latest from a pair of former Fox News hosts, and the conflict dividing the Democratic Party. (0:00) Intro (16:04) BET Awards recap (29:00) Haiti and…

  35. XXL Freshman Class, and What Happened With Lizzo? Plus, the Last Gasp of Trumpism

    · 2 h 07 min

    Van and Rachel kick off the podcast with a follow-up discussion about Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico before digging into a pair of music industry topics. Plus, an awkward interaction during ESPN’s NBA draft…

  36. Crockett Not Supporting Talarico? Plus, Estelle on the Art of Being a Humble Star

    · 2 h 33 min

    Van and Rachel react to questions about Representative Jasmine Crockett’s support of her former opponent James Talarico before Van makes a connection between geopolitics and ‘The Wire.’ They also hit a couple of sports…

  37. Jemele Hill and the Jay-Z-Target Partnership: Is It a Big Deal?

    · 2 h 03 min

    Van and Rachel discuss the results of the L.A. primary race, before reacting to the death of a one-year-old at the hands of police. Then Jemele Hill joins to talk boycotts amidst a deal between Target and Jay-Z.…

  38. Knicks Win It All, UFC at the White House, and the Conviction of Karmelo Anthony

    · 1 h 45 min

    Van and Rachel are back from a break to react to the historic NBA Finals, the UFC fight at the White House, and David Oyelowo’s take on African and Southern Black accents. Then defense attorney Yodit Tewolde joins to…

  39. Senator Chris Murphy and ‘Crisis of the Common Good’

    · 55 min

    Connecticut senator Chris Murphy joins to discuss multiculturalism, the withdrawal of Joe Biden’s presidential candidacy, and his new book, ‘Crisis of the Common Good.’ (0:00) Intro (1:36) Responding to the symptom…

  40. A Conversation With Rep. Ilhan Omar: AIPAC, MAGA Expats, and Standing Up to ICE

    · 58 min

    Van and Rachel welcome U.S. Representative from Minnesota Ilhan Omar for a wide-ranging discussion of governing in 2026. (0:00) Intro (1:09) Governing in 2019 vs. 2026 (5:07) What’s holding Democrats back? (7:07)…

  41. Spencer Pratt’s Obama Comparisons, Plus Life and ’The Odyssey’ With Jay Pharoah

    · 2 h 35 min

    Van and Rachel check in on the California primary races, and discuss Tyler, the Creator's disdain for top-five lists before senior politics reporter at Axios, Marc Caputo, joins to break down the congressional vote on…

  42. Jay-Z Returns to Beef With Drake, Plus Trump’s Failed Concert Series

    · 1 h 53 min

    Van and Rachel react to Jay-Z’s freestyle at the Roots Picnic, and Donald Trump taking two public L's in the lead-up to his Freedom 250 festival. Plus a check-in on the L.A. mayoral race, and an Atlanta judge and…

  43. Kevin Hart: Black Culture Vs. Comedy Culture, and Spencer Pratt’s Mayoral Bid

    · 2 h 04 min

    Van and Rachel are back from the holiday break to react to Kevin Hart's response to problematic jokes at his roast, updates in the fight against redistricting, and Spencer Pratt’s appeal to L.A. voters. Plus Jaxson…

  44. Is Hip-Hop Still Fun? Plus the DNC’s Autopsy Report and “Dr.” Cheyenne Bryant’s Alleged Title

    · 2 h 07 min

    Van and Rachel react to the results of this week’s primary races and the release of the DNC Autopsy report of the 2024 election. Plus Chelsea Handler on racist jokes, Cheyenne Bryant’s doctoral backlash, and Michelle…

  45. Drake’s ‘Iceman’ Album Review. Plus, Tom Steyer’s Plan for California.

    · 2 h 07 min

    Van and Rachel review Drake’s highly anticipated new album, ‘Iceman.’ Did it live up to the hype? Then they discuss a white college student’s alleged scheme to attract Black athletes before gubernatorial candidate Tom…

  46. Chud the Builder Shot, and SEC Boycott? Plus, Tiffany D. Cross on Womanhood

    · 2 h 41 min

    Van and Rachel react to Jason Lee and Peter Rosenberg’s "culture vulture" conversation and the AKA’s being upset with Rachel, before discussing Chud the Builder's shooting and arrest and calls for student-athletes to…

  47. Kevin and Katt Squash the Beef, Stephen A.’s Wish, and ABC vs. Trump’s FCC

    · 1 h 54 min

    Van and Rachel recap ‘The Roast of Kevin Hart’ and discuss this era of gerrymandering and ABC challenging the FCC. Then, Stephen A. Smith has a wish for Black voters, James Charles apologizes, and Caitlin Clark does…

  48. Stefon Diggs Not Guilty, the Return of Migos, and Do We Need the Met Gala?

    · 2 h 05 min

    Van and Rachel react to the verdict in the Stefon Diggs case before discussing the Bezos backlash at the Met Gala. Plus, Quavo and Offset tease new music, and Van has a brand-new VanLaTEN list. (0:00) Intro (4:33)…

  49. RIP ‘Love & Hip-Hop,’ Scott Jennings on CNN, and a Colorism Conversation

    · 2 h 04 min

    Van and Rachel look back on the legacy of 'Love & Hip-Hop' before reacting to the pausing of Post Malone and Jelly Roll’s stadium tour. Plus, Scott Jennings gets flustered on CNN and Fernando Mendoza skips the White…

  50. Druski, the Most Consequential Comedian? Plus: L.A. Mayor Karen Bass on Wildfires, Housing, and a Second Term

    · 2 h 09 min

    Van and Rachel react to the news of Druski hosting the BET Awards before discussing the Supreme Court’s latest blow against the Voting Rights Act. Then L.A. Mayor Karen Bass joins to answer questions about her plan for…

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