PodcastsSociety & CultureHigher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

The Ringer
Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Latest episode

547 episodes

  • Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

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

    2026-03-27 | 2h 24 mins.
    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

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  • Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

    Bachelorette Cancellation, Biracial Jihad, Plus Iran and Civil War II Wth Emma Vigeland

    2026-03-24 | 2h 36 mins.
    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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  • Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

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

    2026-03-20 | 2h 10 mins.
    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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  • Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

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

    2026-03-20 | 2h 12 mins.
    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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  • Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

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

    2026-03-17 | 2h 6 mins.
    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
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More Society & Culture podcasts

About Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

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.
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