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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.

Location:

United States

Networks:

The Ringer

Description:

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.

Language:

English


Episodes
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More Trump Misses, Drake’s New Defender, and Understanding the Airstrikes With Akbar Shahid Ahmed

5/31/2024
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay give a quick recap on a few headlines that have captured their attention (08:24), before they are joined by Akbar Shahid Ahmed to talk about the recent airstrikes on Rafah and give more insight on America’s involvement in the Israel/Gaza conflict (19:33). Then, they discuss Drake’s latest defender (53:25) and ask an important question to our Thought Warriors: Can a man tell another man that he looks good? (1:04:42) Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Akbar Shahid Ahmed Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:24:09

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Spending Memorial Day With Prentice Penny and Black Twitter

5/28/2024
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay spend Memorial Day with Prentice Penny, creator of ‘Black Twitter: A People's History.’ They talk about his latest project and the internet’s reaction to Black Twitter events. Then, they go over the influence and cultural importance that Black Twitter has had in America. Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Prentice Penny Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:00:31:31

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Amber Loves Trumps, Caitlin Clark vs. Rachel, and Apple Music’s Top Albums With Bryan-Michael Cox

5/24/2024
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay kick off the podcast celebrating four years with the Thought Warriors before Van brings us a surprise topic (05:44). Then, they talk about the contradictory stance Amber Rose has for Donald Trump (15:17). Later, Bryan-Michael Cox joins the show to talk about the revelations and disappointments coming out of Apple Music’s 100 Best Albums ranking (40:43). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Bryan-Michael Cox Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:47:31

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Diddy’s Apology, Davis’ Side, and the Lack of Urgency to Help Black America With Rep. Jamaal Bowman

5/21/2024
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the podcast with a discussion about their thoughts behind the emergency podcast and the lessons they learned from it (00:29) before giving their reactions to the apology posted by Diddy (28:09). Then, they are joined by New York Representative Jamaal Bowman to talk about his campaign and his frustrations with Congress (50:19). After, Glen “Big Baby” Davis joins to talk about his side of the story regarding his sentencing (1:25:29). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Rep. Jamaal Bowman and Glen Davis Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:02:29:49

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Butker’s Speech, Presidential Debates, and The Power and Service of Art with Rhymefest

5/17/2024
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the show talking about the controversial speech Chiefs Kicker Harrison Butker gave to Benedictine College’s 2024 graduate class and the NFL’s response (05:18) and the early showdown between Biden and Trump (23:03). Then, they are joined by Rhymefest to talk about the reason why he is running for the school board in Chicago, the problems within the school system after the pandemic, and the fracture of the infrastructure within the black community (50:26). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Rhymefest Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:26:19

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Mother’s Day, Graduation Protests, and Trump’s Hannibal Lecter Love

5/14/2024
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the show by talking about how they celebrated Mother’s Day and how it was a huge day for the BBI (09:29). Then, they discuss the sizable student walk out during Jerry Seinfeld’s Duke University commencement speech (15:01), before Van addresses the sentencing of his cousin and former basketball player, Glen Davis (50:27). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:26:34

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Hypocrisy in Hip-Hop, the End of a Grifter, and Ceasefire Talks

5/10/2024
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Questlove’s reaction to the Drake and Kendrick Lamar beef (06:40), before giving their first impressions of Pastor Henderson’s response to the backlash to his “hush” video (32:38). Then, they dive into the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas that disappointingly fell through (37:53). They end the show talking about the perplexing interview with Vivek Ramaswamy and Ann Coulter (1:03:54). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:20:45

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New Legislation, a Shift in the Rap Beef, and a Visit From Mayor Sharon Weston Broome

5/7/2024
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the episode by taking a moment to say goodbye to friend Darius Morris (24:04). Then, they get into the latest with Drake versus Kendrick Lamar and how this could be the end for the beef in total (27:20). Later, the Honorable Mayor-President Sharon Weston Broome of Baton Rouge comes on the show to talk about the new, predominantly white town of St. George and what it means for the state (1:45:15). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Mayor Sharon Weston Broome Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:02:11:02

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KDot’s ‘Euphoria,’ Acho’s Book, and Reproductive Justice With Nourbese Flint

5/3/2024
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the drop of Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Euphoria’ and the evolution of Drake throughout the years (15:03), before reacting to Emmanuel Acho’s latest project, 'Uncomfortable Conversations with a Jew' (49:17). Nourbese Flint then joins them to talk about how the political landscape is impacting Black women in America (1:09:15). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Nourbese Flint Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:49:35

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Kristi the Dog Slayer, a Playbook Review, and WNBA Talks With Legendary Tamika Catchings

4/30/2024
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay express their disgust toward the news of South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem taking pride in slaying dogs (14:46) before talking a bit about the White House Correspondents’ Dinner (26:11). Then, they are joined by the legendary Tamika Catchings to discuss the retirement of Candace Parker, the new age of women’s basketball, and the pay disparities within the WNBA (1:04:54). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Tamika Catchings Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:34:21

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Meg’s Lawsuit, College Protests, and the State of the Black Community With Bakari Sellers

4/26/2024
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the episode by discussing the workplace harassment allegations and lawsuit against Megan thee Stallion (11:47). Bakari Sellers joins us to talk about his new book, the want for change in this country, the current state of the Black community, and the “time of the useful idiot” (30:49). Lastly, they review the demands from hundreds of college protesters around the country (1:10:48). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Bakari Sellers Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:41:14

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Confederacy Month, the New Drake Diss, and Stephen A.’s Apology

4/23/2024
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the show by addressing the new theme song and reaction from our Thought Warriors (00:15). Then, they give their impressions of the bizarre new Drake-produced AI track (20:56), and the internet’s reaction to Stephen A. Smith’s comments on Donald Trump’s relatability (38:36). Later, they expand the surprise that their birthday month falls during Confederate Heritage Month in Mississippi, and the reason behind its existence (1:18:34). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:52:18

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Self-Healing, WNBA Salaries, and What Jerrod Really Meant

4/19/2024
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay bring in the new episode with a new theme, a different location, and a talk about self-healing. Then, they discuss Jerrod Carmichael’s clarification of his “race-play” joke (21:10) and the pay gap between players in the WNBA compared to those in the NBA (54:36). Lastly, they give their props to the Gayle King–Charles Barkley show (1:11:39) and talk about their impressions of the Jontay Porter situation (1:13:50 ). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:23:31

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A Serious Talk About Israel and a Not-So-Serious Talk About Rap Beef

4/16/2024
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start today’s episode by giving their impressions on the progression of the beef happening in the hip-hop world (01:32). Then they are joined by Alaa Elassar and Yahya Abou-Ghazala, CNN reporters and collaborators on “Voice Notes From Gaza,” to weigh in on the Israel-Hamas situation as it continues to escalate (41:41). Lastly, they are joined by Bomani Jones, host of ‘The Right Time’ presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment (1:14:18). Together, they dig into the rap beef of today and share interesting media experiences. Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Alaa Elassar, Yahya Abou-Ghazala, and Bomani Jones Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:41:04

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Young Voters, Blackface, and O.J.’s Past and Passing

4/12/2024
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay bring in the show talking about the past, passing, and impact of O.J. Simpson and the complexity he holds within the black community (05:09). Then, they touch on the trepidations young voters have towards Biden (16:59) and Trump’s latest reach towards black voters (35:51). Later, they are joined by Conscious Lee and Franchesca Ramsey from the podcast ‘Black History, For Real’ (58:12). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Conscious Lee and Franchesca Ramsey Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:28:20

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The Rock’s Division, J. Cole’s Regrets, and a Red High School Visit

4/9/2024
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start today’s episode on WrestleMania and its history-making outcome (01:03). Then, they discuss J. Cole’s thoughts on his latest project (11:51), Sexyy Red’s high school visit (36:41), and the interesting reveal from Jerrod Carmichael’s series (44:22). Lastly, they dive into the South Carolina vs. Iowa game (1:03:19), and The Rock’s non-endorsement of Joe Biden (1:18:38). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:35:33

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The Future of the WNBA and Another Interesting Acho Take

4/5/2024
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the Iowa vs. LSU game and the possible future for the WNBA (17:12). Then, they react to Emmanuel Acho’s take on Angel Reese (38:41). Finally, they discuss the Israeli airstrike that killed World Central Kitchen aid workers (1:08:19). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:28:06

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The Mastery of ‘Cowboy Carter’ and the Complexity of the Black Experience

4/2/2024
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay give their impression of Beyoncé’s new album, ‘Cowboy Carter’ (08:54), the first episode of Jerrod Carmichael’s reality show, and the awkward scene with Tyler the Creator (25:51). Then, they discuss the internet’s reaction to our conversation with Justin Sylvester last week (35:14) and dive into the complexities and different cultures of the Black experience (1:00:47). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:28:28

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The Diddy Saga, Trump’s Bible, and Black Representation in Media

3/29/2024
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the Diddy situation including the raid on his house, the lawsuit, and the internet’s reaction to the many revelations of his lawsuit (07:27). Then, they chat about Trump’s new “holy” product (47:58) and the backlash from the new Good Times reboot (1:01:03). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:25:12

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Daily Wire’s Diversity Hire, Rap Beef, and Freaking Out Over Freaknik

3/26/2024
Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the episode with a playbook update (09:49) and discuss Candace Owens and her online presence (11:37). Then, Justin Sylvester comes by to give insight on interracial relationships within the Black and LGBTQ communities (). They are then joined by P. Frank Williams to talk about his documentary ‘Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told’ and the internet’s reactions to revelations of the project (57:55) before they end the show with a talk about rap’s “newest” beef (1:46:03). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: P. Frank Williams and Justin Sylvester Producer: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Duration:01:53:30