Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

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 recap the ever-growing fallout of Macklemore being dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour and the 2026 Emmys diss of actors of color. Finally, Van UNLEASHES on Kash Patel, and the crew discusses JD Vance’s plea to the American people.(00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning(4:31) Van has some thoughts(10:45) Chris Brown responds to criticism(14:10) More fallout from Macklemore’s dismissal(26:08) 2026 Emmys award no people of color(33:16) FBI Director Kash Patel roughed up(42:02) JD Vance begs voters for “another chance”(50:36) Janine Nabers joins us in studioHosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Janine NabersProducer: Marco EscalanteSocial Producer: Bernard MooreVideo Supervision: Chris Thomas
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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 have a real conversation with Van and Rachel about everything. From civil rights to NFL blackballing to racial identity to protesting against police brutality to Target, no topic is off-limits.

(00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning(2:59) Colin Kaepernick joins us in the studio; 'The Perilous Fight' out September 15(15:52) Racial identity(26:48) NFL career(45:52) The settlement(58:02) Muddled message?(1:08:08) Growth through adversity(1:19:07) Fighting the good fight

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Colin KaepernickProducers: Marco Escalante and Jade WhaleySocial Producer: Bernard MooreVideo Supervision: Chris Thomas
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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 sparked a racial debate, plus Rep. Jasmine Crockett gets backlash for awarding Chris Brown and Usher with congressional recognition for their contributions to music and culture. Ed Sheeran gives Macklemore his walking papers, and Trump says yes to $5K checks for voting Republican, but no to reparations. Rachel and Van break it all down.



(00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning



(16:20) Lil Durk acquitted in murder-for-hire trial



(27:18) Lindsay Clancy trial ends with a hung jury



(1:01:25) Jasmine Crockett getting too cozy



(1:34:21) Macklemore handed his walking papers



(1:47:30) Trump on checks for reparations: It’s “un-American”



(1:57:03) Van meets Rachel’s biggest fan

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Marco Escalante and Jade WhaleySocial Producer: Bernard MooreVideo Supervision: Chris Thomas

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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 Brooks and Walter Thompson-Hernández join the show to talk If I Go Will They Miss Me, Hakeem Jeffries faces a racist attack from journalist Rula Jebreal, and a woman goes viral for tracking down the man she says scammed her out of a cruise.(00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning(6:57) Fat Joe defends his use of the N-Word(42:41) Tim Scott speaks at the GOP convention(51:15) Stephen A. Smith stops by Flagrant and Funny(01:02:04) Danielle Brooks & Walter Thompson-Hernandez Join the Show(0122) Hakeem Jeffries called a monkey by Rula Jebreal(01:39:28) Woman Tracks Down Alleged Cruise ScammerHosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Marco Escalante and Jade WhaleySocial Producer: Bernard MooreVideo Supervision: Chris Thomas
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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
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