Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Van and Rachel react to the Grammys before discussing the arrests of journalists who were covering the protests in Minnesota and former Trump supporters Harvey Levin and Andrew Schulz speaking against the president. Then, the host of The Town, Matt Belloni, sheds light on the box office performance of ‘Melania’ before author Howard Bryant joins to discuss his latest book, 'Kings and Pawns: Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson in America.'

(0:00) Intro

(3:49) 2026 Grammys

(16:14) Journalists arrested

(37:56) Harvey Levin and Andrew Schulz on Trump

(59:26) Matthew Belloni joins to talk ‘Melania’

(1:29:23) Howard Bryant joins to talk Jackie Robinson and Paul Robeson

(1:59:42) Sha’Carri Richardson jailed for speeding

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Guests: Matthew Belloni and Howard Bryant

Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley

Social Producer: Bernard Moore

Video Supervision: Chris Thomas

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Van and Rachel discuss the documentary ‘Melania’ before reacting to Nicki Minaj’s appearance at a Trump event and the congressional fight over DHS. Plus, Ashley Allison, owner of The Root, joins to discuss the importance of Black media.

(0:00) Black Panther Party

(14:53) The ‘Melania’ movie

(27:47) Nicki Minaj and Trump

(52:26) Congress's fight over DHS

(1:18:27) Ashley Allison joins the show

(2:10:16) Ray J’s health

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Guest: Ashley Allison

Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley

Social Producer: Bernard Moore

Video Supervision: Chris Thomas

Vote here for the NAACP Image Awards: vote.naacpimageawards.net
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel react to Kanye’s apology in The Wall Street Journal, before discussing the violence in Minnesota. Plus, actor Aldis Hodge and showrunner Ben Watkins join to get us set for Season 2 of Amazon Prime Video’s ‘Cross.’

(0:00) Intro

(0:24) Kanye’s apology

(29:16) Another shooting in Minneapolis

(59:09) Texas Senate debate

(1:02:51) Chris Broussard’s bad tweet

(1:05:23) Aldis Hodge and Ben Watkins on Season 2 of ‘Cross’

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Guest: Aldis Hodge and Ben Watkins

Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley

Social Producer: Bernard Moore

Video Supervision: Chris Thomas
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Van and Rachel react to the Oscar nominations before discussing Rachel’s newfound freedom and Michelle Obama’s appearance on Call Her Daddy. Then, there’s drama between LeBron and the Lakers, and media personality Keith Edwards joins to break down his coverage of the Texas Senate race.

(0:00) Intro

(2:18) Oscar nominations

(14:14) Rachel’s IG post

(20:41) Michelle Obama on Call Her Daddy

(39:05) Lakers drama

(49:34) Taylor Swift calls Justin Baldoni a “bitch”

(59:35) Keith Edwards on Jasmine Crockett vs. James Talarico

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Guest: Keith Edwards

Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley

Social Producer: Bernard Moore

Video Supervision: Chris Thomas
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Van and Rachel react to a weekend of sports before discussing Stephen A. Smith and frat life, the Black Panther Party in 2026, and military aid in Israel. Plus, Gavin Newsom caves to Ben Shapiro, and Candace Owens has a theory … a conspiracy theory.

(0:00) Intro

(0:58) Sisqo or Ne-Yo

(9:01) Feeling for Josh Allen

(24:21) Stephen A. Smith misspeaks

(44:20) A Divine 9 discussion

(57:50) The Black Panther Party in 2026

(1:11:20) AIPAC and congressional funding

(1:36:07) Gavin Newsom sits with Ben Shapiro

(1:53:33) The Charlie Kirk conspiracy

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