Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
The Ringer·592 episodes·Several times a week
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
Latest Episode
September 4, 2026 · 2h 15m
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.' Plus, 20-year-old Pierre Damas Bel dies by suicide, reportedly out of fears of deportation, eight Democrats vote alongside Republicans to condemn socialism, and friend of the show Geno Smith makes a surprise phone appearance and spills the tea on Van’s fraternity life. Then, they talk trials and the guilty verdict in Tupac’s murder, and Lil Durk gets snitched on. (00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning (06:01) Gloria Steinem Passes Away at 92 Years Old (19:22) Raven-Symoné back in the news cycle (40:29) Stephen A. Smith on Kaepernick vs. Jay-Z (59:20) 20-year-old Haitian dies by suicide, reportedly because of fears of deportation (1:12:20) Battle of the Bands (with Geno Smith) (1:29:19) Keffe D found guilty of Tupac’s murder (1:44:07) Murder for hire (Lil Durk trial) (1:54:18) Eight Democrats vote to condemn socialism (1:59:00:) Let’s Get Sensual Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Marco Escalante and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Jeff Shearin Learn more about your ad choices. Visit
More Episodes
Sep 1 · 2h 6m
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 folks, underdog Angie Nixon’s win in Florida ruffles some feathers, and Louisiana's own Master P deals with some backlash of his own doing. Van and Rachel discuss all this and more. (00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning (06:07) Messi has retired from Argentina’s national team (14:35) Druski’s newest skit makes headlines (36:02) Fool’s gold (57:52) Milo Yiannopoulos detained and deported by ICE (1:09:38) Republican House introduces resolution to condemn socialism (1:25:58) The gloves are off: Angie Nixon vs. Laura Loomer (1:38:35) Master P makes ‘em say “HUH?” Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Marco Escalante and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 28 · 2h 1m
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 takedown of Jesse Watters. Plus, they dig into Meta’s ginormous payout, Darth Vader’s defense of Flock cameras, and Jelly Roll getting political while hosting 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'(00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning(00:36) Colin Kaepernick pulls his books from Target shelves(18:49) Dolly Parton passes away at 80 years old(29:50) New ownership duo in San Diego(40:54) SCOTUS hands Trump a huge victory(58:52) Abdul El-Sayed takes down Jesse Watters(120:44) Meta to shell out billions and add protections for kids(1:36:23) Darth Vader stands up for Flock cameras(1:49:06) Jelly Roll hosts 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Marco Escalante and Jade WhaleySocial Producer: Bernard MooreVideo Supervision: Chris Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 25 · 2h 20m
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, right-winger Jake Lang becomes Spider-Man’s latest target, and Van and Rachel talk about the not-so-secret (anymore) meeting between potential House majority leader Hakeem Jeffries and Jared Kushner. Plus, AI royalty King Willonius joins us in studio to chat about AI and "BBL Drizzy."(00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning(01:05) Kanter kicked out(04:56) Where’s the beef?(20:39) The latest in the Karmelo Anthony case(45:26) Target in hot water … again(52:54) Spider-Man fights for the people(01:04:16) Hakeem Jeffries secretly meets with Jared Kushner(01:125:07) King Willonius in studio(02:07:35) Van is for law and orderHosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: King WilloniusProducers: Marco Escalante and Jade WhaleySocial Producer: Bernard MooreVideo Supervision: Chris Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 21 · 1h 55m
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 cocaine ring at one of Penn State’s fraternities and then welcome California Congressman Ro Khanna live in studio. Plus, our hosts give us their thoughts on Young Thug’s interesting comments on fame vs. riches. (00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning (01:05) Stephen A. Smith and NABJ's beef continues (12:37) Indiana left powerless by brutal storm (25:09) 14 charged in alleged drug ring at Penn State (33:13) Ro Khanna joins us in studio (01:41:57) Young Thug has some interesting thoughts Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Marco Escalante and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 18 · 2h 43m
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 RingVan and Rachel pay tribute to actress Hayden Panettiere and Jason Arday. They also discuss James Talarico’s campaign ad against Ken Paxton. Plus, reactions to the Ray J vs. Orlando Brown boxing match and a discussion on Stephen A. Smith receiving the “Thumbs Down” award from the NABJ. Plus, an in-depth discussion on the casting of Maya Boyd in Marvel’s new X-Men movie, coming in 2028. (0:00) Intro(0:33) Weekend pleasantries/Al Green and grits(8:19) Weekend pleasantries/Dreams(20:59) Hayden Panettiere gone too soon(29:02) Maya Boyd cast as Storm in Marvel’s new X-Men movie(46:19) Jason Arday passes away at 41(01:04:07) Pengate 2026(01:15:06) Ray J wins big(0244) Van on capitalismHosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Marco Escalante and Jade WhaleySocial Producer: Bernard MooreVideo Supervision: Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 14 · 2h 29m
Van and Rachel react to Russell Westbrook’s retirement, Tyga’s AI album ‘$tarface’, and Marcellus Wiley’s domestic violence case being dropped, before discussing Pat McAfee’s appearance with President Trump. Plus, Saucy Santana addresses a White House repost and code-switching gets defined before Van whips out the whiteboard to debate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s dating options. (0:00) Intro (11:02) Russell Westbrook retires from NBA (22:24) Tyga’s AI album, ’$tarface’ (44:46) Marcellus Wiley’s case dropped (1:11:13) Pat McAfee and Trump at the Patriot Games (1:25:09) Saucy Santana’s White House repost (1:40:55) Code-switching (1:59:28) AOC’s dating pool Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 11 · 1h 57m
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. the Avengers. (0:00) Intro (6:34) A capitalism conversation (51:37) Usher using body doubles? (1:00:51) Drake’s stream (1:20:56) Kamala Harris and "ruthless" Democrats (1:40:13) X-Men vs. Avengers Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 7 · 2h 0m
Van and Rachel react to results from the August primary races, Sophie Cunningham weighing in on trans athletes, A$AP Rocky opening up to Jason Lee. Then, author and political leader Stacey Abrams returns to weigh in on the ongoing fight for voting rights. (0:00) Intro (5:39) Primary race results (19:26) Sophie Cunningham on trans athletes (30:01) A$AP Rocky on his relationship with Rihanna (42:25) Stacey Abrams joins the show (1:40:10) Did Van see this? Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Stacey Abrams Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 4 · 2h 10m
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 producer Diarra Kilpatrick joins to talk about Season 2 of the hit show 'Diarra From Detroit.' (0:00) Intro (0:15) ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ box office (8:42) RFK Jr.’s on-air meltdown (23:51) Governor Wes Moore and "across-the-aisle" politics (1:00:42) Diarra Kilpatrick joins the show Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Diarra Kilpatrick Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices