Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Latest Episodes:

Decency and Dave Chappelle. Plus, Should Former Trump Allies Be Embraced? Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

Van and Rachel discuss the mysterious circumstances around the death of an influencer before diving into Dave Chappelle’s interview with NPR and Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar’s comments on embracing Trump allies. Plus, an argument for Trump being the Antichrist. Then, Michael Tubbs, a candidate for lieutenant governor of California, joins the show.

(0:00) Intro

(06:38) The mysterious death of an influencer

(13:49) Dave Chappelle's NPR interview

(37:26) Representative Ilhan Omar on former Trump allies

(1:05:42) Pete Hegseth’s ‘Pulp Fiction’ prayer

(1:15:07) Tamera Mowry and Threads

(1:18:18) Michael Tubbs joins the show

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Guest: Michael Tubbs

Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley

Social Producer: Bernard Moore

Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett

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Coachella, Afrika Bambaataa, and Their Lord and Savior Donald Trump Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

Van and Rachel recap the first weekend of Coachella, before discussing Afrika Bambaataa’s legacy and reported history of abuse. Then, Trump shares an image of himself as Dr. Christ, Gucci Mane releases a diss track, and the church gets lit.

(0:00) Intro

(2:54) Coachella recap: Justin Bieber

(11:47) Coachella recap: Sabrina Carpenter

(22:54) The legacy of Afrika Bambaataa

(42:18) Rep. Eric Swalwell suspends campaign

(51:59) Van makes an endorsement for Governor of CA

(58:07) Trump’s Jesus post

(1:11:07) Gucci Mane’s Pooh Shiesty diss

(1:38:41) Travis Scott’s FEIN and the church

(1:49:27) Mysterious death of influencer

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley

Social Producer: Bernard Moore

Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett

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Offset and the State of Hip-Hop in ATL. Plus, Trump’s Ceasefire in Iran Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

Van and Rachel react to the shooting of the rapper Offset before welcoming HuffPost’s Akbar Shahid Ahmed to discuss the latest on the conflict in Iran. Then, actor Mark Kassen joins to discuss his newest film, ‘PH-1.’

(0:00) Intro

(1:10) Jake Paul and blackface

(7:11) Offset’s shooting

(10:33) The state of Atlanta hip-hop

(17:12) Akbar Shahid Ahmed joins the show

(43:45) Kanye and the cancellation of Wireless Fest

(51:59) Peak white mess: Mike Vrabel and Dianna Russini

(59:25) Rachel vs. the AKAs

(1:07:35) Mark Kassen joins the show

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Guests: Akbar Shahid Ahmed and Mark Kassen

Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley

Social Producer: Bernard Moore

Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett

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LeBron James vs. Memphis. Plus, Joe Rogan and Theo Von on the War in Iran Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

Van and Rachel discuss NBA players' dislike for staying in Memphis before reacting to Trump’s Easter message about Iran and Edward Blum’s fight against civil rights.

(0:00) Intro

(22:21) The NBA vs. Memphis

(41:19) Trump’s Easter message

(59:30) Joe Rogan and Theo Von on Iran

(1:23:10) Edward Blum’s latest lawsuit

(1:37:52) Sponsors and Kanye West

(2:03:18) Trick Daddy vs. the AKAs

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley

Social Producer: Bernard Moore

Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett

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Pam Bondi Fired, the Kidnapping of Gucci Mane, and Underage Dating: Brandy and Wanya Morris Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

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

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Black Republican Celebrities, Plus Butch Ware: the Black Muslim Revolutionary Candidate Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

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

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Capitalism, Beef and Jay-Z, Usher Praises Diddy, Plus a ’Beauty in Black’ Conversation Mar 27, 2026

Show notes

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 Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

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

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The New York Times's Cesar Chavez Investigation, the Afroman Trial, and the Taylor Frankie Paul Controversy Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

Van 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

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Jack Harlow ‘Got Blacker,’ Spring Break in Houston, and an Oscars Recap With ‘The Big Picture’ Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

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

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