Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Van and Rachel welcome The Ringer’s Logan Murdock to react to Ja Rule’s confrontation with Uncle Murda and Tony Yayo on a flight, before they discuss more revelations from the Epstein files, hip-hop in the Trump era, and an HGTV show’s cancellation for the host's use of the N-word.

(0:00) Intro

(3:19) Ja Rule vs. G-Unit in 2026

(19:15) Latest Epstein updates

(1:02:15) Symone Sanders Townsend and Eugene Daniels join the show

(1:39:33) James Talarico vs. Jasmine Crockett

(1:50:53) Hip-hop serves only itself?

(2:01:36) The N-word and HGTV’s ‘Rehab Addict’

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Guest: Logan Murdock, Symone Sanders Townsend, and Eugene Daniels

Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley

Social Producer: Bernard Moore

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Van and Rachel talk about Bad Bunny’s halftime performance and the TPUSA “patriotic” alternative, before reacting to Donald Trump’s racist post of the Obamas and an odd detail in the Epstein files. Then, journalist and podcaster Jemele Hill joins to talk activism and gambling in sports.

(0:00) Intro

(5:24) Bad Bunny’s halftime show

(19:09) Jake Paul and Puerto Rico

(26:39) TPUSA’s halftime show

(33:30) Trump’s racist post

(49:26) Epstein typo or clue?

(59:49) Jemele Hill joins the show

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Guest: Jemele Hill

Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley

Social Producer: Bernard Moore

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Van and Rachel kick off the pod with a Shaboozey conversation before reacting to the latest ‘Michael’ trailer. Then they have a discussion on the latest Epstein release, the funding of ICE, and the Texas Senate race, which is turning ugly. And finally, Rachel reacts to the return of Chris Harrison.

(0:00) Intro

(10:06) Shaboozey apology

(20:27) ‘Michael’ trailer reaction

(26:27) Epstein files update

(43:45 ) ICE reform

(58:59) Race and the Texas Senate race

(1:18:57) Chris Harrison’s new dating series

(1:43:32) Tetairoa McMillan and the N-word

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

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 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