Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Sep 22, 2026 · 1h 45m

Thought Warriors, mount up! On today’s show, Rachel and Van discuss Ed Sheeran’s apology and almost immediate take-back, and Trump's ban on leftist media platforms from the White House. Speaking of which, Hasan Piker takes on some leftist media critiques on MSNow’s 'Clock That.' NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is “Shaqtin’ a Fool” with Kash Patel, plus Rep. Lauren Boebert’s freaky side comes out again, allegedly. Van and Rachel talk all that and more. (00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning (7:46) Ed Sheeran’s ... apology? (26:28) Trump escalates his war with the media (47:39) Hasan Piker vs. the world (1:10:17) Shaqtin’ with fools (1:29:25) Boebert's alleged sexcapades 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

Sep 18, 2026 · 1h 47m

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 16, 2026 · 1h 31m

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 15, 2026 · 2h 5m

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 11, 2026 · 2h 3m

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sep 1, 2026 · 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, 2026 · 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, 2026 · 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