Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay – Details, episodes & analysis

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Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

The Ringer

Society & Culture

Frequency: 1 episode/4d. Total Eps: 601

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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Data updated on 07/10/2026

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https://www.npr.org/2025/10/28/g-s1-95189/snap-food-stamps-government-shutdown-november
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https://open.substack.com/pub/vanlathan?r=5cs2w&utm_medium=ios
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Score global : 42%

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Da’Vinchi Speaks on Black Americans, Chris Rock Regrets a Decision, and Bobby Shmurda Gives N-Word Passes

Tuesday, October 6, 2026 • Duration 02:02:08

Thought Warriors! Hope your thinking caps are on for this one. On today’s show, Rachel and Van opine on Da’Vinchi’s controversial comments while on Cam Newton’s podcast, Chris Rock’s biggest regret of his life, and the cease-and-desist warning Chris Harrison received. Plus, Bobby Shmurda grants permission to a group of people he probably shouldn’t have, and the gals of the ‘Whole Lotta Gay Show’ talk some D, and we don’t mean defense. (00:00) Special announcement (1:25)Welcome to Higher Learning (9:58) Da’Vinchi stirs up some controversy (49:51) Chris Rock’s biggest regret (1:10:30) Chris Harrison back in a familiar role (1:24:26) Permission granted (1:42:24) Honest studs Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Marco Escalante and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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The Cornell 7 Case, Eric Schmitt’s Basketball Blunder, and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed Joins the Show

Friday, October 2, 2026 • Duration 02:23:18

Thought Warriors! We have a good one for you today! Dr. Abdul El-Sayed joins us in-studio to discuss his run for U.S. Senate and then some. But first, Rachel and Van discuss the latest in the Cornell 7 case, Senator Eric Schmitt tries to set a trap for former special counsel Jack Smith (and fails miserably), plus the hottest AI trend out there right now: Quavo and Takeoff's 'Hotel Lobby' video. (00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning (16:57) More updates in the Cornell 7 case (53:49) Schmitt hits the fan (1:04:44) Sampson wants kids from his homegirls (1:11:29) ‘Hotel Lobby’ AI going viral (1:24:49) Dr. Abdul El-Sayed joins us in-studio Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Dr. Abdul El-Sayed Producer: Marco Escalante and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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'A Different World' Reboot, Nolan Wells Updates, and Nithya Raman Joins the Show

Tuesday, September 29, 2026 • Duration 02:05:53

It's a guest fest this week on Higher Learning!! Leading off the week, L.A. mayoral candidate Nithya Raman joins us, just a few weeks away from the biggest election of her life. But first, Van and Rachel discuss their trip to Sweden and the new cast of 'A Different World.' Plus, they break down what a Mississippi grand jury had to say about the death of Nolan Wells, seven men in a Cornell University fraternity being sued in a sexual abuse case, and Lori Harvey having some detractors when it comes to her business acumen and privilege. (00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning (3:32) 'A Different World' reboot (15:55) Sweden Recap (24:16) Grand jury finds no evidence of crime in Nolan Wells's death (37:05) Cornell University under fire amid sexual abuse lawsuit (48:04) Lori Harvey sparks debate over Create & Cultivate Festival appearance (1:03:01) Nithya Raman joins the show 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

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Nikole Hannah-Jones Questions a Major Decision About Her Daughter’s Education

Wednesday, September 23, 2026 • Duration 01:08:51

Surprise, surprise, Thought Warriors!!! You thought you were done with us this week, but we said “nah!” Van and Rachel have a surprise episode for you straight from the plane in Sweden. They’ll discuss Nikole Hannah-Jones's decision to put her daughter through public, low-income school 10 years ago. How it’s going, the impact on her child, the community, and what the awareness has done.(00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning(00:51) Nikole’s experiment, 10 years later Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Jade Whaley and Marco Escalante Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Jade Whaley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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Ed Sheeran's Apology, Trump's Journalist Ban, and Shaquille O'Neal Named Honorary FBI Special Agent

Tuesday, September 22, 2026 • Duration 01:45:53

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

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Janine Nabers in the house! More Macklemore drama, Kash Patel chewed out and JD Vance begs.

Friday, September 18, 2026 • Duration 01:47:18

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

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Colin Kaepernick Joins Higher Learning

Wednesday, September 16, 2026 • Duration 01:31:56

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

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Lil Durk Acquitted, Jasmine Crockett Presents Congressional Award to Chris Brown, and Trump on Reparations

Tuesday, September 15, 2026 • Duration 02:05:44

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

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Fat Joe is Apparently Black, Stephen A. Smith is Upset and Danielle Brooks & Walter Thompson-Hernandez Join the Show

Friday, September 11, 2026 • Duration 02:03:37

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

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Raven-Symoné Talks the Black Validity of 'That’s So Raven,’ Stephen A. Smith on Colin Kaepernick, and Keffe D Convicted in Tupac Murder Trial

Friday, September 4, 2026 • Duration 02:15:16

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

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Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

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Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

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Apple Podcasts

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Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other4

NPR1

Substack1

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other4

NPR1

Substack1

Apple Podcasts

Spotify