Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Rachel and Van start the show off with some “quick hitters,” including the return of Cracker Barrel's old logo and Taylor Swift's engagement. Then, they react to the developing story of an alleged dark money group secretly funding high-profile Democratic influencers. Later, they are joined by NYC Mayor Eric Adams as he addresses corruption allegations, his non-relationship with Trump, and how he feels about his competition, Zohran Mamdani. 00:00 - Welcome! 1:32 - Cracker Barrel scrapped the new logo 07:37 - Taylor is finally engaged (to Travis Kelce) 24:15 - The Nina Turner response 25:19 - Dark money is allegedly secretly funding Democratic influencers 43:51 - The raw milk story and a quick vaccine debate 51:26 - A quick message from Van before the interview 52:42 - Mayor Eric Adams joins us! 1:25:19 - Thanks for watching! Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Mayor Eric Adams Producers: Donnie Beacham and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel welcome former Ohio senator Nina Turner to hear her thoughts on the Democratic strategy to fight gerrymandering. (0:00)  Intro (1:32)  Snoop & Pixar's LGBTQ character (8:54)  Bill Maher changes tone on Trump (22:02)  Dean Cain's ICE training (30:21)  Serena Williams weight loss journey (43:04)  Jussie Smollett doc review  (58:08)  Nina Turner joins the show Host: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Nina Turner Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rachel and Van start the show by reacting to the predicted increased prices for Sony's PlayStation 5 and the Cracker Barrel rebranding. Later, they discuss the Texas House of Representatives' approval of a GOP-centered congressional map and the disturbing release of an Israeli official charged with soliciting a minor in Nevada. They end with the Glaze of the Week and Klay Thompson's new favorite meal (thank you, Megan Thee Stallion). 00:00 - Welcome! 10:08  - Jury finds Hernandez Govan not guilty of the Young Dolph killing 30:02 - PlayStation 5 prices will increase 36:06 - Cracker Barrel's rebrand 52:07 - Amateur football leagues 1:01:50 - Target's CEO steps down 1:09:58 - Texas House approves GOP congressional map 1:26:40 - The Israeli official Nevada sex crime case 1:40:58 - Glaze of the Week 1:53:06 - Klay Thompson's new favorite meal 1:57:25 - Thanks for watching! Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel react to the news of a new ceasefire proposal being accepted by Hamas before welcoming Molly Daniel to the podcast to provide some perspective on the ongoing biracial discussions. (0:00)  Intro (3:57)  Tyla on the ‘coloured' controversy  (18:43)  Jamie Lee Curtis' boobs (25:18)  Trump names Kennedy Honorees  (34:49)  Gaza ceasefire proposal (39:22)  Gavin Newsom's trolling  (50:33)  Kaepernick & Spike Lee ESPN doc  (53:17)  Whitney Houston's receipts (58:37)  Molly Daniel joins the show (1:46:14)  KKK shirt offends racist  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rachel and Van start the show by talking about the differences in sharing food in different locations. They get into some Trump administration updates, like the deployment of the National Guard in D.C. and the administration's partnership with PragerU. Later, they react to some celebrity news, including Sha'Carri Richardson's apology and the drama between Jurnee Smollett and her ex-husband. 00:00 - Welcome! 7:57 - Trump deploys the National Guard in D.C. 37:00 - PragerU to replace PBS 1:09:07 - Sha'Carri Richardson apologizes to Christian Coleman 1:24:06 - Jurnee Smollett's ex-husband wants a portion of her retirement 1:57:09 - Glaze of the Week 2:02:42 - Thanks for watching! Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Halle Berry's ex-husband David Justice sparks a gender war after speaking on their divorce. Then, New York Times bestselling author S.A. Cosby joins to discuss his latest novel, ‘King of Ashes'. (0:00)  Intro (0:32)  Van's Very Serious Question (20:55)  Trump deploys National Guard (25:49)  Shedeur Sanders' NFL Debut (46:35)  Nancy Mace fact checked (58:05)  David Justice on divorcing Halle Berry  (1:33:08)  S.A. Cosby joins the show (2:04:29)  Israel-Gaza updates Host: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: S.A. Cosby Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rachel and Van start the show by reacting to the news of the cancellation of The Howard Stern Show before getting into some one-sided beefs: Donald Trump against Gayle King and Megyn Kelly against Beyoncé. Then, they talk about Diddy's possible presidential pardon and the threats against the Voting Rights Act before Van gets into the conspiracy happening in the WNBA. 00:00 - Welcome!  08:44 - The Howard Stern Show is done  18:57 - Gayle King vs. Trump? 24:17  - BET Hip-Hop and Soul Train Awards suspended indefinitely 45:22 - Megyn Kelly tries to rip Beyoncé 1:00:48 - Diddy's possible presidential pardon 1:14:22 - Voting Rights Act under threat 1:26:57 - The WNBA dildo-tossing conspiracy 1:37:42 - Van's lovely sister joins us!  1:41:26 - Thanks for watching! Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel welcome Texas Rep. James Talarico to shed light on the state's Democrats fleeing to prevent a vote over efforts to add Republican seats. (0:00)  Intro (8:01)  Top 5 White Singing Ladies *since 2010 (9:27)  Stephen A. Smith vs. Michelle Obama (28:42)  Rep. James Talarico joins the show (34:57)  The fight against gerrymandering (41:18)  Toughening the Democrats (1:02:35)  Glaze of the Week (1:15:15)  Palantir update (1:16:15)  FEMA to deny grants over Israel boycotts Host: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Rep. James Talarico Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rachel and Van start the show by running through some quick-hitters, including the internet's reaction to Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle commercial, Ari Lennox's thoughts on Martin's treatment of Pam, and Kamala Harris's new book. Then, they talk about new updates to the Israel-Hamas conflict and some reactions to their Hulk Hogan segment last week. 00:00 - Welcome! 00:59 - Sydney Sweeney's good “jeans” 29:57 - Ari Lennox's thoughts on Martin and Pam 44:59 - Kamala Harris's '107 Days' 1:12:28 - The Gaza-Israel Conflict 1:35:14 - Shannon Sharpe and Gilbert Arenas  1:45:32 - Reactions to our Hulk Hogan segment 2:08:38 - Thanks for watching! Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel discuss the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, talk about Dr. Umar's plea for help, and give N3on an apology rating before Elliott Connie joins to discuss his methods for mental wellness. (0:00)  Intro (0:45)  The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza (46:06) Dr. Umar's Plea for Help (59:46)  N3ON Apology Rating (1:25:20)  Tyler Perry on Ownership & ‘Sinners' (1:32:30)  Elliott Connie Joins the Show Host: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Elliott Connie Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rachel and Van start the show by talking about the passing of the infamous Hulk Hogan and the complexity of his legacy. Then, the host of Two Personal, Joy Taylor, joins us to talk about processing the surprise cancellation of her show, how she was treated in comparison to her male counterparts, and her opinion of men. 00:00 - Welcome! 00:37 - Hulk Hogan's passing 03:56 - Joy Taylor joins us 38:57 - Feelings toward Fox 48:58 - Will the dam break? 57:48 - Vulnerably in certain spaces 1:02:18 - Opinion on men 1:56:41 - What does Joy want to build? 2:18:39 - Thanks for watching! Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Joy Taylor Producers: Donnie Beacham and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel react to the tragic news of Malcolm-Jamal Warner's death, before welcoming Houston farmer Jeremy Peaches to shed light on the Trump administration's impact on Black farmers. (0:00)  Intro (4:59)  Colbert ‘Late Show' canceled (14:07)  Remembering Malcolm Jamal Warner (22:52) Couple caught cheating at concert  (42:02)  Glaze of the Week (48:39)  Jeremy Peaches joins the show (1:10:11)  Need to hear from Snoop and Nelly? (1:26:18)  WNBA pay dispute (1:47:11)  Nessa, Kaepernick and Jay-Z Host: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Jeremy Peaches Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rachel and Van are joined by Calvin Abbasi, strategic advisor to the OpenAI Nonprofit Commission, to talk about perceptions of AI, the dangers of it, and real questions that need to be asked about this developing technology. 00:00 - Welcome! 02:11 - AI and Self-Preservation 07:40 - Is AI Dangerous? 09:10 - The Grok Situation 14:18 - The Architect Determines the AI 17:14 - Thoughts on Sam Altman 19:53 - DeepSeek's Effect on the AI Industry Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Calvin Abbasi Producers: Donnie Beacham and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel are joined by Director Malcolm D. Lee to discuss his new book, ‘The Best Man: Unfinished Business', what inspired the writing of the original movie, and if we can expect a ‘Girls Trip 2' anytime soon? (0:00)  Intro (1:35)  Adapting the story for the page (7:33)  Addressing criticism  (11:29)  Adapting the story for the screen (14:47) Prequels? (18:45)  One of the sexiest casts of all-time (22:35)  Sable bourbon (23:34)  Girls Trip 2 (25:15)  Essence Fest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rachel and Van discuss Nicki Minaj's X rants about the discrimination lawsuit against Megan Thee Stallion and Jay-Z's possible debt. Then, they dissect Tucker Carlson's Epstein cover-up theory before getting Rachel's opinion of “the Miami mess” on X. 00:00 - Welcome! 24:13 - Nicki Minaj's X posts 44:24 - Megan's lawsuit moving forward 57:39 - Tucker Carlson's Epstein theory 1:09:18 - The Miami mess 1:24:50 - Thanks for watching! Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel react to the tragic Texas floods, before switching gears to discuss the conversations coming out of this year's Essence Festival. (0:00)  Intro (0:25)  Texas Floods (34:29)  Essence Fest 2025 (43:40)  Diaspora War (1:02:07)  Epstein Files Update (1:07:27)  Zohran Mamdani, African American (1:23:43)  4Extra's 4th of July Accident (1:33:04)  Skip Bayless  Host: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Let's “celebrate” the Fourth with a two-topic episode: the Diddy trial and Donald Trump's “big, beautiful bill.” For today's episode we bring in Yodit Tewolde to talk about the results from the Diddy trial, and Stephen Neukam to talk about how the country will be affected by Trump's new bill. 00:00 - Welcome! 00:24 - Reaction to the Diddy Trial Results 37:08 - Celeb Reactions 39:30 - Yodit Tewolde Joins Us! 1:40:42- Stephen Neukam Joins Us! 1:56:46 - Breakdown of the Bill 2:05:00 - It's OK to Admit That You're Wrong Thanks for Watching! Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Stephen Neukam and Yodit Tewolde Producers: Donnie Beacham and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel are joined by Columbia Law School professor Jamal Greene to help break down the recent rulings from the SCOTUS. (0:00)  Intro (00:27)  The morality of stealing  (24:47)  Jury deliberates in Diddy trial (31:34)  Knicks considering Dawn Staley? (36:11)  Zohran Mamdani update (53:21)  The Big Beautiful Bill (1:11:05)  Jamal Greene joins the show (1:33:21)  Glaze of the Week (1:39:08) Drake and the ‘abs' debate (1:50:59)  Bachelorette fight breakdown Host: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Professor Jamal Greene Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Rachel's last day in Paris, and Van's dropping loaves (gross)! They talk about the closing statements from the Diddy trial with Yodit Tewolde before getting into quick hitters, Zohran Mamdani's victory, and the use of the n-word by That Mexican OT. 00:00 - Welcome! 03:47 - Rachel's Paris call 14:37 - Yodit Tewolde joins us! 43:06 - The NBA draft 51:22 - Chuck Schumer is Hospitalized During the Heat Wave 57:05 - Trump is called "daddy" by NATO's secretary-general 1:11:50 - Zohran Mamdani's victory in the New York primary 1:24:02 - Draymond Green and the punch 1:33:25 - That Mexican OT Saying the N-word 1:44:31 - Thanks for watching! Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Yodit Tewolde Producers: Donnie Beacham and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rachel's back! And the U.S. is on the brink of war! Rep. Ro Khanna joins to bring congressional perspective to our involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict, before HuffPost's Akbar Shahid Ahmed returns to help dig into Iran's retaliation on a U.S. military base. (0:00)  Intro (17:24)  Rep. Ro Khanna joins the show   (29:54)  Authorizing strikes without Congress (34:08)  Andrew Cuomo vs. Zohran Mamdani (49:32)  Akbar Shahid Ahmed (52:25)  Trump's response (1:23:04)  NBA Finals (1:29:17)  Kevin Durant traded (1:32:31)  McGrady compares career to Kobe's (1:38:44)  Face of the Ringer (1:54:09)  Glaze of the Week Host: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Rep. Ro Khanna and Akbar Shahid Ahmed Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Juneteenth, so we brought Dr. Peniel Joseph back to discuss his book, ‘Freedom Season,' and the activist Robert F. Williams before podcaster Demetria Lucas joins to help break down the Tyler Perry lawsuit. And finally, The Ringer's Chris Ryan joins to weigh in on the "face of The Ringer" debate. (0:00)  Intro (08:52)  Tucker Carlson & Ted Cruz (30:34)  Dr. Peniel Joseph joins the show (32:39)  ‘Freedom Season: How 1963 Transformed America's Civil Rights Revolution (36:32)  The assault on history (47:26)  The life of Robert F. Williams  (58:14)  Demetria Lucas joins the show (59:29)  The Tyler Perry lawsuit (1:17:16)  The Diddy trial (1:21:17)  Chris Ryan & the face of the Ringer (1:35:35)  Thoughts on Juneteenth (1:45:38)  Pusha T disses Travis Scott Host: Van Lathan Jr. Guests: Peniel Joseph, Demetria Lucas, and Chris Ryan Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With Rachel in Europe, Van's flying solo to address the evolving conflict in the Middle East with HuffPost's Akbar Shahid Ahmed. (0:00) Intro (3:14) Father's Day (23:35) Israel-Iran attacks (28:48) Akbar Shahid Ahmed joins the show (1:03:09) GOP Rep calls for ‘nuking' Gaza (1:08:04) Minnesota lawmaker shooting (1:21:08) Van hates Caitlin Clark (1:28:56) Stephen A. Smith loves solitaire (1:40:39) Will Smith's new song (1:53:00) Glaze of the Week (1:59:56) N-----ism Host: Van Lathan Jr. Guest: Akbar Shahid Ahmed Producer: Donnie Beacham Jr. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel give an update on the fallout from Donald Trump's immigration crackdown, before filmmaker Kayla Johnson and Pastor Tim Johnson join to discuss their documentary, ‘Fatherless No More'. (0:00) Intro (:31) Age guidelines in dating (7:00) Rachel's skunk story (18:35) Remembering Sly Stone (20:53) Remembering Ananda Lewis (29:09) BET Awards (33:26) The Me Too Movement (50:01) Claressa Shields snubbed? (51:31) Update on the anti-ICE protests (1:14:42) Reactions to Sen. Alex Padilla removal  (1:18:12) Kayla and Tim Johnson join the show (1:44:55) A review of Tyler Perry's 'Straw' Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Kayla Johnson and Pastor Tim Johnson Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel are joined by Seema Mehta of the Los Angeles Times to address the unrest in L.A. (0:00) Intro (3:11) Cardi B and the Target boycott (8:40) Why Keith Sweat is single at 63 (18:01) Swedish gospel (24:06) Coco Gauff vs. Aryna Sabalenka (30:28) Anti-ICE protests in L.A. (48:16) Seema Mehta joins the show (1:01:02) Should Black people care? (1:26:7) 'Tha Carter VI' Review (1:34:21) Glaze of the Week Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Seema Mehta Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel are joined by NBA great Metta Sandiford-Artest, who thinks he's the right man to lead the Knicks. (:39) Debating the phrase "freak-off" (12:53) Offset threatens violence (22:09) Linda McMahon and DEI (34:32) Metta Sandiford-Artest joins the show (56:08) Karine Jean-Pierre leaving the Dem. Party (1:09:47) Dez Bryant, homophobia, and the NFL (1:18:12) The White Black Panther (1:27:59) Transactional relationships Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Metta Sandiford-Artest Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel react to racists attempting to claim the sentiment “Black fatigue” (0:00), before legendary basketball player and coach Dawn Staley joins the show to talk about life lessons from her memoir, ‘Uncommon Favor' (15:15). Then, reactions to Offset's request for spousal support from Cardi B (46:31), an Atlanta family deals with squatters throwing pool parties (1:01:59), a debate on how many mechanical bull rides are too many for a guy on the first date (1:19:43). Then, a dating preference discussion (1:30:42) Glaze of the Week (1:36:00), and an Angel Reese-Shedeur Sanders comparison (1:42:26). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Dawn Staley Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel are back from the Memorial Day break to talk Trump's "big, beautiful bill" (:48), Elon Musk's decision to officially leave the administration (2:40), the latest out of the Diddy trial (8:15) and Trump's recent pardons (17:37). Then they give their reactions to Druski's skit in whiteface (24:46) and have a conversation about conversations with RGIII (32:53), before they give some updates on the alpha dog King Charles (45:46). Finally, Mandii B and WeezyWTF of Decisions Decisions join to talk about the name change from Whoreible Decisions (58:32) and takeaways from their upcoming book, ‘No Holes Barred: A Dual Manifesto of Sexual Exploration and Power' (1:07:37) Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Mandii B and WeezyWTF Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van sits down with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka to discuss entering the gubernatorial race (:34), whether it's important or possible for Black people to have positive relationships with police (16:15), Democrats shying away from more progressive politics (27:23), and criticism of Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer's White House appearance (38:40). Plus, a peek into his career in music (40:04). Host: Van Lathan Guest: Mayor Ras Baraka Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel discuss a wholesome TikTok trend (10:50) before reacting to the death of a member of Congress (14:15), and giving an update not eh RGIII vs. Ryan Clark drama (20:06). Then reparationist Jessica Ann Mitchell Aiwuyor joins to dig into Maryland Governor Wes Moore's veto of a reparations bill (29:40). Plus, Kid Cudi takes the witness stand in the Diddy trial (57:22), humanitarian efforts are stalled in Gaza (1:11:21), and director David O. Russell gets accused of using the n-word on set (1:27:19). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Jessica Ann Mitchell Aiwuyor Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel discuss Dan Bongino and Kash Patel's comments on Jeffrey Epstein's death (8:10), and whether Atlanta is still the Black Mecca (14:02). Then, reactions to Joe Biden's cancer diagnosis (20:49), before Robert Griffin III earns Glaze of the Week (36:31), and Snoop Dogg addresses the Trump inauguration backlash (53:59). Then, writer Anna Malaika Tubbs joins to talk about her new book, ‘Erased: What American Patriarchy Has Hidden from Us' (1:07:53). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Anna Malaika Tubbs Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the episode by discussing the TikTok trend of including redheaded Americans in the Black community (07:20). Then, they go through a few “quick hitters,” including the restraining order sought by Halle Bailey (18:52), the backlash about Meghan Trainor's new look (33:28), and their reactions to the introductions to the federal bill redefining what qualifies as “obscene” (58:14). Then, they bring on Yodit Tewolde to give a look at the details of the Diddy trial (1:12:09) before ending the show with an important message of change from the hosts (1:38:02). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Yodit Tewolde Producers: Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel took to New York's Gramercy Theater in front of a lively audience to discuss the old guard of the Democratic Party, after David Hogg's “get over yourself” comment (12:57). Then Van debuts a new spinoff, “Glaze of the Decade” (29:37), before thought warriors join the show for Animal Games (54:38) and a Rachel Apology Contest (1:12:07). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith  Additional Production Support: Chelsea Stark-Jones Live Events Coordination: Elizabeth Fierman, Helen Eichner, Tessa Herrick Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel discuss the buildup to the selection of the new pope (14:37) and the acquittal of the officers who killed Tyre Nichols (16:46) before shifting gears to the Met Gala and its celebration of Black style (32:43). Then, instant reactions to the announcement of Pope Leo XIV (56:08), a conversation around the lawsuit against Smokey Robinson (59:09), and the discussion on Jayden Daniels's mom makes a comeback (1:28:30). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel react to Donald Trump getting involved with NIL in college sports (14:02), and the Turkey Leg Hut crime saga (26:16). Then, Diddy's trial begins (32:54), Trump appears on ‘Meet the Press' (50:59), and thanks to a mom saying the N-word, we have a new Glaze of the Week (1:14:53). Plus, a conversation about squatters' rights (1::27:06). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel discuss Donald Trump's cabinet's praise of his first 100 days in office (2:55), and Paul Pierce's explanation of NBA players' dating habits (14:51). Plus, Terrence Howard says what he'd do to his lips if he ever kissed a man (28:51), and Giannis Antetokounmpo gets into it with Tyrese Haliburton's dad (35:33). Then, reactions to a video of somebody going too far at a pool party (47:35), before former secretary of education John King Jr. joins to discuss the present and future of the department (56:39), and producer Lisa Cortés joins to talk about her new docuseries, ‘Murder Has Two Faces' (1:22:38). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: John King Jr. and Lisa Cortés Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel welcome former NFL cornerback and ESPN contributor Domonique Foxworth to react to Shedeur Sanders's historic fall in the NFL draft (16:49) and Saquon Barkley spending quality time with President Trump (37:15). Then director of photography Autumn Durald Arkapaw joins to discuss how she shot arguably the most talked-about film of the decade, ‘Sinners' (50:41). Finally, Van has a plan on how to defeat a gorilla with 100 men (50:39). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Dominique Foxworth and Autumn Durald Arkapaw Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel react to the latest in Shannon Sharpe's lawsuit and discuss his reaction (22:41), before breaking down Elon Musk's decision to take a step back from politics to focus on Tesla (55:34). Then astrophysicist Dakotah Tyler (soon to be Dr. Tyler) joins to debunk Wiz Khalifa's belief that the Earth is flat (1:07:21). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Dakotah Tyler Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel react to the death of Pope Francis (4:00), before discussing the opening weekend of ‘Sinners' and the way the film's success has been covered in the trades (16:09). Plus, Shannon Sharpe gets sued (30:05), Rev. Al Sharpton meets with Target (41:43), and we crown the latest Glaze of the Week (50:55). Then, Deion Sanders justifies the retiring of jerseys (1:09:31), before QB guru Quincy Avery joins to talk the upcoming doc ‘The Quincy Avery Effect' (1:16:08), and sex therapist Kamil Lewis helps breakdown the social discomfort around sex (1:54:01). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Kamil Lewis Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith www.kamillewis.com Instagram: @kamil.lewis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel react to the wrongful deportation of a Maryland man to El Salvador (7:21), before welcoming actor Omar Miller to discuss Ryan Coogler's latest film, 'Sinners' (27:22). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Omar Miller Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel react to the death of LSU football standout Kyren Lacy (15:07), before Bill Maher inspires the start of a new segment following his dinner with Donald Trump (24:00), and they discuss black businesses in light of Wallo's recent comments (56:35) Then, Ringer social content producer and Midnight Boy Jomi Adeniran joins to give some insight on KTLA accidentally tweeting the N-word (1:07:57). Finally, Jason Wilson, author of ‘The Man the Moment Demands,' joins for an emotional and heartfelt conversation (1:28:01). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Jason Wilson and Jomi Adeniran Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel give an update on the roller coaster that is the U.S. economy (2:10) and talk Keri Hilson's recent comments on her 2009 Beyoncé diss (16:05) before welcoming actor and producer David Oyelowo to discuss his new Apple TV+ show, ‘Government Cheese' (28:32), the types of roles he will and will not play (39:51), and his friendship with Jonathan Majors (1:01:02). Plus, Animal Games makes a comeback (1:11:46), Terrence Howard wants to duel (1:16:44) Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: David Oyelowo Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel react to a recent tweet of Van's (:18) before discussing Kamala Harris's recent “I told you so” comments (24:23) and a stabbing at a Texas track meet that left one student dead and another claiming self-defense (49:47). Then, a message to rappers regarding tariffs (1:17:09) and a celebration of Duke's NCAA tournament loss (1:26:04). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices