Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay remember the life and legacy of Tina Turner, who passed away at 83 (:20). Then, Ron DeSantis makes his presidential run official (15:00), a discussion on the extravagances of prom (28:43), and Taylor Swift is diabolical (35:33). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the life of Jim Brown, which included both advocating for civil rights and arrests for assaulting women (20:29). Then, they react to Tim Scott's presidential bid (35:48) before welcoming music sensation VanVan and her father Reggie McConneaughey to talk about playing outside everyday and her rise to social media stardom (53:16). Finally, Brittney Griner makes her WNBA return and speaks on why she's now standing for the national anthem (1:14:22). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: VanVan and Reggie McConneaughey Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to an article that alleges a toxic work environment at the Color of Change organization (10:38), before discussing CNN flirting with conservatism (1:00:00). Plus, Ron DeSantis's pudding fingers (1:15:23) and the 1975's lead singer jokes about watching Black humiliation porn (1:19:24). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay react to Ja Morant's suspension for brandishing a firearm on social media … again (19:28), before addressing President Biden's statements at a “Black HBCU” (55:22). Plus, California Gov. Gavin Newsom seems to back off of a reparations proposal (1:08:55), and a social media post sparks discussion on interracial relationships (1:24:15). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to CNN's Donald Trump town hall and what it means for the upcoming election (7:51), before welcoming actor-producer Delroy Lindo to discuss his role in Hulu's ‘Unprisoned' and portraying fatherhood on the big screen (32:32). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Delroy Lindo Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the most recent act of gun violence, this one at a Dallas-area mall (32:25). Rachel rates a pair of apologies for slurs in the sports world (56:55). Plus, a fight in the R&B world (1:16:05), and actor Richard Dreyfuss laments that he'll never be able to play a Black man (1:29:22). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay break down the Writers Guild of America Strike (12:20), before discussing the killing of a homeless man on a New York City subway (28:30). Then, Eboni K. Williams addresses the backlash after saying she wouldn't date a bus driver (41:19). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the shooting deaths of five people in Texas and the political fallout of the tragedy (20:18). Then, the internet comes for Brian McKnight for his questionable parenting (31:49). Speaking of parenting, Erica Dickerson and Jamilah Mapp, hosts of the ‘Good Moms, Bad Choices' podcast join to discuss redefining motherhood (56:35). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Erica Dickerson and Jamilah Mapp Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to Disney's decision to sue Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (14:59), before welcoming director Allen Hughes to discuss FX's ‘Dear Mama' and his complicated relationship with Tupac (35:31). Plus, WWE gets sued over racist scripts (1:06:21). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Allen Hughes Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the breaking news about Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon leaving their respective networks (21:09), before Rachel gives an Apology Rating to the response given by the stars and creator of ‘Beef' to the David Choe controversy (49:29). Plus, a pair of examples of reparations making white people squirm (1:08:09). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the Fox News settlement with Dominion Voting Systems (22:05), then attorney Lee Merritt joins to discuss accountability and justice for Ralph Yarl following his unnecessary shooting (43:18). Plus, updates on the Jonathan Majors situation (1:07:45). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Lee Merritt Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the heartbreaking and terrifying news surrounding the shooting of teen Ralph Yarl (28:15), before going over some disturbing resurfaced comments made by David Choe (53:40). Then they talk about the lawsuits threatening Hulu as the upcoming documentary ‘Freaknik: The Wildest Party Never Told' looms over past attendees (01:12:21). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Additional Production: Aleya Zenieris Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Tennessee representative Justin Pearson's return to the state legislature, and Tucker Carlson's take on Justin Pearson's voice (17:31), before discussing Stephen A. Smith saying Trump isn't racist (41:18). Then, Bossip editor and firearms instructor Jason “Jah” Lee joins to discuss gun control (52:28). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Jason “Jah” Lee Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay kick the show off with a discussion on DJ Akademiks, Black conservatism, and followers of Andrew Tate (11:24), before digging into the latest Clarence Thomas controversy (35:51). Then, updates on yet another mass shooting and the reinstatement of a Tennessee lawmaker (52:47). Plus, actress Cassandra Freeman joins to discuss her role as Aunt Vivian Banks in ‘Bel-Air' (58:22). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Cassandra Freeman Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the expulsion of Congress members from the Tennessee House of Representatives (0:19), before welcoming AP journalist Michael Sisak to break down the arrest and arraignment of Donald Trump (22:27). Then producer Will Packer joins for a “delightful” interview to discuss his newest film, 'Praise This' (54:34). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Will Packer and Michael Sisak Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the outrage toward LSU's Angel Reese compared to Iowa's Caitlin Clark following the NCAA national championship game (17:42). Plus, ‘Bachelor' creator Mike Fleiss exits the show after an investigation into racial discrimination (59:06). Then, comedian and podcaster Felicia Enuha joins to discuss hosting the ‘Trill MBA Show' and navigating the workplace as a Black woman (1:19:16). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Felicia Enuha Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

HED: Donald Trump's Indictment and Ally Love of Peloton and ‘Dance 100' DEK: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the news of Donald Trump's indictment in a hush-money case (26:31), before welcoming host of Netflix's ‘Dance 100,' Ally Love, to discuss Peloton and a ranking of legendary dancers (43:12). Then reporter Jim Trotter calls out the NFL's lack of representation (1:06:18). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Ally Love Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the news of Jonathan Majors being arrested and charged with assault (11:40), before reacting to Judge Joe Brown's denial of something he wasn't accused of (48:29). Then a reaction to the latest mass shooting, which took the lives of six (54:45). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew's appearance before lawmakers as his company faces a potential ban in the U.S. (14:45), before reacting to the video of Tekashi 6ix9ine getting attacked in a gym locker room (37:53). Then, Sheryl Lee Ralph says she was sexually assaulted by a TV judge (51:23), and Burna Boy reignites diasporic discussions (1:05:40). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel discuss the reaction to ‘Swarm' and the sex scene that had Twitter abuzz (22:10) before digging into the potential presidential arrest (33:31). Plus, Ringer podcast manager and host of ‘Blackballed' Chelsea Stark-Jones joins to discuss the new podcast and the NFL's history with race (59:44). Then an investigation sheds light on the cowardice of police during the Uvalde school shooting (1:14:27). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Chelsea Stark-Jones Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel talk about the Florida bill that would ban DEI programs on college campuses (13:13). Then, the host of Sirius XM's ‘The Reecie Colbert Show,' Reecie Colbert, joins to discuss Amanda Seales's recent criticisms of Kamala Harris (30:38), and a therapist decides to stop accepting male clients (1:01:43). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Reecie Colbert Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel discuss the 2023 Oscars, the reaction to Angela Bassett's disappointment (22:43), and ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once' making history (56:35). Then, they discuss President Biden addressing the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank (1:02:32), and filmmaker Sam Pollard joins to talk about his latest documentary, ‘Bill Russell: Legend' (1:28:46). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Sam Pollard Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel discuss a hip-hop culture podcast giving a platform to an antisemitic, white supremacist, neo-Nazi who's saying “never mind” about all that stuff (15:19). Then, cultural icon Tracee Ellis Ross joins to discuss her new podcast, ‘I Am America' (1:29:34), her memorable characters (1:42:09), and her time working with Eddie Murphy (1:45:41).  Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Tracee Ellis Ross Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel are joined by Midnight Boy Charles Holmes to talk about the discourse around Ja Morant (14:39) before digging into Chris Rock's Netflix special, ‘Selective Outrage' (49:55). Then, writer and humorist Damon Young joins to discuss the NFL, comedy, and his podcast, ‘Stuck With Damon Young' (1:08:19). Plus, Rachel clues us in on some Peak White Mess (1:32:29). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Charles Holmes and Damon Young Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel talk disinformation in light of the Fox News defamation lawsuit with Dominion (14:56), before welcoming actor Wood Harris to discuss ‘Creed III,' his other memorable roles, and the concept of "corny" (41:47). Plus, a top NFL prospect and an NBA star face legal trouble (1:24:47). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Wood Harris Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel discuss the assessment that COVID-19 may have resulted from a lab leak (16:13) before welcoming vaccine scientist Dr. Peter Hotez to help unpack the news (39:31). Plus, Dilbert creator Scott Adams exposes his racism (1:04:55), and Black masculinity continues to be discussed (1:26:35). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Dr. Peter Hotez Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel are back to discuss the two magazine covers that have had Black Twitter in a tizzy (23:00). They then react to Marjorie Taylor Greene's secession suggestion (51:42). Plus, Deion Sanders gives some insight on his recruiting tactics (1:04:35). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel are joined by Chris Draper of the Performing Animal Welfare Society to discuss providing sanctuary and care for former performance animals (0:00), before welcoming Dr. Lauren Howard to talk about her role as director of veterinary services for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (23:34). Then, Animal Games makes it's long anticipated return to the podcast (49:05). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Dr. Chris Draper and Dr. Lauren Howard Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

Van and Rachel discuss Rihanna's Super Bowl halftime performance and other happenings around the big game (15:47). Then, Dr. Peniel Joseph is back to discuss the role of Black women throughout the fight for civil rights (42:33) and give a book recommendation (1:23:28). Plus, the government gets cagey about the shooting down of UFOs (1:26:37). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Dr. Peniel E. Joseph Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel discuss Joe Biden's third State of the Union Address (18:58), as well as Stephen A. Smith's relationship to Kyrie Irving (45:01). Then activist Hawk Newsome joins to give insight on the case of a Black Colorado rancher facing domestic terrorism from neighbors (57:44). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Hawk Newsome Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel react to Beyoncé's ‘Renaissance' not winning the Grammy for Album of the Year (16:01) and discuss the 50th anniversary of hip-hop performances (28:17). Plus, Black History Month brings out the racists (41:16). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel are joined by Jason Lee: host of ‘The Jason Lee Show' and CEO of Hollywood Unlocked. They discuss breaking celebrity news (21:50), working with Kanye West (37:00), and sitting down with figures from Chrisean Rock to Kamala Harris (48:11). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Jason Lee Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Finally! In the podcast's first live event, Van and Rachel host a screening of Netflix's ‘You People,' followed by a Q&A with listeners about the film (:46), the Emmanuel Acho situation (11:32), and watching the NFL after the blackballing of Colin Kaepernick (31:41). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. 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 the release of body-cam footage in the death of Tyre Nichols at the hands of the Memphis PD (17:46), the danger of strategies like the SCORPION unit (38:14), and responses from the likes of Jason Whitlock (52:23). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel discuss the latest out of Bethune-Cookman regarding Ed Reed and the football program (23:09). Then, Stephen A. Smith joins to discuss his book ‘Straight Shooter' (42:15), his relationship with Skip Bayless (57:45), and the black-balling of Colin Kaepernick (1:06:50). Plus, Van digs into his love of the ‘No Jumper' drama (1:35:11). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Stephen A. Smith Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel react to Ron DeSantis and Florida claiming AP African American Studies “lacks educational value” (10:02), before welcoming the host of ‘Uncomfortable Conversations With a Black Man,' Emmanuel Acho, to discuss uncomfortable conversations (27:45). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Emmanuel Acho Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel welcome scholar and author Dr. Peniel Joseph to discuss Dr. King's evolution and the watering down of his legacy (6:21). Plus, Ed Reed goes off on Bethune-Cookman and HBCUs (40:48), and the LAPD faces scrutiny for the death of an unarmed Black man (1:04:14). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Peniel E. Joseph Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel react to the discovery of Joe Biden's classified documents (7:59), and Chris Harrison's first time addressing his exit from ‘The Bachelor' (24:23). Then, director Calmatic joins to discuss his feature film debut, 'House Party' (35:19), plus a TikTok chef's old tweets come back to haunt him (58:01). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Calmatic Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel discuss Kevin McCarthy finally being named speaker of the House (27:55), and the swearing in of embattled U.S. Representative George Santos (48:54). Then, Damar Hamlin heads back to Buffalo to continue his recovery (56:47), and Meek Mill shoots a video at the presidential residence in Ghana, controversy ensues (1:00:42). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel welcome cardiologist Dr. Joshua Cooper to discuss the injury and recovery of Bills safety Damar Hamlin (26:54) before digging into Skip Bayless's reaction (1:05:23). Plus, journalist Aaron Rupar returns to break down the humiliation of Kevin McCarthy (1:37:45). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Dr. Joshua Cooper and Aaron Rupar Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van and Rachel react to the guilty verdict of Tory Lanez (7:07), before welcoming senior reporter for Law & Crime News Meghann Cuniff to break down the trial (35:28). Plus, Akon says Africans are better performers than African Americans (1:16:22). Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Meghann Cuniff Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices