Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the #BlackburnTakeover at Howard University, while producer Donnie Beacham details his experience with dorm life at the “Mecca” (23:33), then we welcome family and supporters of Julius Jones, a death row inmate they say was wrongfully convicted of murder in 1999 (37:08). Plus, it's Thought Warrior mailbag time (1:19:35)! Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Antoinette Jones, Keith Jossell, Tiffany Crutcher Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay check in with instant reactions to some breaking news that's got the people a-buzzing. Now-former Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden steps down after offensive emails see the light of day (5:25), Nicki Minaj defends Jesy Nelson and the art of ‘blackfishing' (29:59), and Kyrie Irving gets an unvaccination vacation (38:04). Plus, Superman comes out and the homophobes go bananas (44:29). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay welcome activist and founder of Not Our Native Daughters Lynnette Grey Bull to discuss the lack of attention given to missing Indigenous people, and what she's doing to make a change. Plus, myths get dispelled and she tells us the dopest thing about being a Native American.  Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Lynnette Grey Bull Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay dig into the divided reactions to Dave Chappelle's latest Netflix special 'The Closer' (9:05), before welcoming back law professor Caroline Mala Corbin to discuss the most recent developments in the Texas abortion law (41:59). Plus, HBCU funding takes a big cut (1:10:23), then it's Mailbag Time (1:22:41).  Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Caroline Mala Corbin Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss a recent poll that suggests we might be at the beginning of the end of the American union (8:49). Seriously. But on a lighter note, there's drama coming out of ESPN (33:53), Urban Meyer likes to party (1:01:45), and another famous white lady comes for Denzel Washington (1:24:00). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay welcome bestselling author Frederick Joseph to discuss his recent run-in at a dog park that went viral and the social media frenzy that followed (5:48). Plus, Black Twitter comes for Ellen Pompeo (1:00:56), the #FreeBritney movement succeeds (1:09:57), and a casting decision for the upcoming film ‘The Harder They Fall' comes under scrutiny (1:18:08). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Frederick Joseph Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the guilty verdict in the R. Kelly trial and that age-old question of separating the artist from the art (23:10). Plus, national police reform talks fail (42:46), the NBA faces vaccination troubles (1:08:37), and Will Smith opens up about his open marriage with Jada Pinkett Smith (1:19:08). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the disparities in media coverage for missing people of color amid the sad news of the Gabby Petito case (2:28). They then welcome lawyer, TV host, and Real Housewife of New York Eboni K. Williams to discuss breaking reality-TV barriers and what is next for the broadcaster (29:55). Plus, could James Bond be a woman (1:02:18), and is Drake bigger than Beyoncé (1:14:50)? Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Eboni K. Williams  Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay break down the overwhelming whiteness of the 2021 Emmys (18:48), despite the diverse nominee lineups. Plus, the U.S. begins the removal of Haitian migrants as the border crisis worsens (32:46), the Clippers gentrify Inglewood (42:28) and the Karen Civil–Joyner Lucas drama provided some top-tier, Saturday afternoon mess (50:30).  Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay  Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay lament the end of days as Nicki Minaj and the barbs take on the Center for Disease Control (4:02), then balance things out with some positivity as author and host of the Dropping Gems podcast Devi Brown stopped by to give some steps towards true healing (18:25). Oh yeah, and Diddy owes Jermaine Dupri an apology (51:11).  Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay  Guest: Devi Brown Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay welcome law professor Caroline Mala Corbin to help break down the Justice Department's lawsuit against the state of Texas after the passage of its restrictive abortion law (18:38). Then, Biden's new vaccine mandate faces the inevitable GOP backlash (41:18), and irresponsible policing causes yet another unnecessary tragedy (1:00:38). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay  Guest: Caroline Mala Corbin Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay welcome Dr. Yusef Salaam, motivational speaker, author and member of the Exonerated Five to discuss life after his wrongful conviction at the age of 15, and growing to become better, not bitter, in the face of injustice. Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay  Guest: Dr. Yusef Salaam  Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the podcast off with a game of Is It Better Than?, the subject being the legendary LL Cool J (2:04). Then, with the Supreme Court's refusal to block Texas's restrictive abortion law, Texas Representative Shelia Jackson Lee stops by to give some insight on the impact the legislation will have on women in the Lone Star State (37:54). Plus, Drake's new album has tons of features (1:14:07) and it's that time of the week … Mailbag Time (_:_).  Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay  Guest: Sheila Jackson Lee Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay kick things off with their thoughts and reviews on Kanye West's latest album, 'Donda' (12:28) before breaking down the disappointment surrounding the Tyron Woodley–Jake Paul fight (33:13). Plus, Hurricane Ida has Louisiana on our hearts and minds (46:43), and Van shares how he's tried to keep Freddy Krueger out of his dreams since childhood (1:03:51).  Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay  Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay break down Sha'Carri Richardson's last-place finish at the Prefontaine Classic (6:33), before welcoming a true television legend to the podcast, Larry Wilmore, to discuss his career as a writer, comedian and producer on some of your favorite shows (25:45). Plus, the FDA has approved the Pfizer vaccine and Trump gets booed in Alabama (1:05:02), while Jay-Z and Beyoncé do an ad for Tiffany that has the internet abuzz (1:17:37).  Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay welcome four-time Olympic medalist Dominique Dawes to discuss everything from mental health in gymnastics to the time Prince made her hot cocoa before a music video shoot (8:00). Plus, OnlyFans changes its policies (35:33), Jeopardy!'s got a new and problematic host (43:12), and Amber Rose vents her relationship frustrations (56:40).  Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the developing situation in Afghanistan and the impact the rise of the Taliban is having on citizens (5:59). Then they move to Lizzo's recent social media message about the toll that online trolls have taken on her (20:44) and continuing Future “baby mama drama”—but who's really to blame (55:27)? Also, prayers to those impacted by the recent earthquake in Haiti.  Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by cohost of 'The Fifth Column' podcast, Kmele Foster, to discuss what he's learned a year later through his reporting on Amy Cooper and the Central Park bird-watching incident (7:04). Van and Rachel also discuss Governor Andrew Cuomo resigning (2:44), Jenny Taft putting Skip Bayless in his place (52:37), PJ Washington and Brittany Renner's situation (57:48), and Governor Ron DeSantis's words about masks mandates (01:09:47). Then, they close out the episode with a Thought Warrior mailbag and and Unexpected Ally of the Week (01:14:56). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Kmele Foster Producers: Trudy Joseph and Richie Bozek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss DaBaby deleting his apology to the LGBTQ+ community (16:12), the recent discussion about Alfonso Ribeiro on Twitter (21:30), and the latest inquiries into accounts of sexual harassment by Governor Andrew Cuomo (32:40). They talk about Jake Gyllenhaal being the latest white celebrity to discuss his bathing habits (42:06). Then, Sherri Shepherd joins the show to talk about being a Black mother and the search for a new 'The View' cohost (51:55). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Sherri Shepherd Producers: Trudy Joseph and Richie Bozek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay address resurfaced tweets from Nick Bosa's girlfriend and ask the question “Does age excuse insensitivity?” (3:12) Plus Barack Obama's partying like it's 2019 (18:07) and Matt Damon doesn't use the F-word as of a few months ago (31:48). Then Emmy-nominated rapper Dee-1 joins the show to discuss his recent tweet regarding DaBaby and Lil Nas X and the “responsibility of celebrity expression” (36:30). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay weigh in on the Simone Biles's Olympic decision and the importance of self-care (9:44), plus Cole Beasley promotes his rap album (22:17) and Boosie adds his 2 cents to DaBaby's situation (41:13). Then it's time for your favorite new segment, "What Were the Whites Thinking?" (58:54), followed by Mailbag Time (1:06:04).  Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to Da Baby's recent comments during his Rolling Loud performance (13:46) before discussing the most recent news about R. Kelly (30:04). Fortunately it's not all gloom and doom—Van and Rachel follow up the darkness with some Olympic talk (38:14) and LeVar Burton's ‘Jeopardy!' hosting this week (47:47). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay kick things off with a fun fact about Forrest Gump (23:32) before diving into the circumstances behind Maria Taylor's exit from ESPN (36:31) and breaking down the NFL's new policy regarding unvaccinated players (59:11). Plus, we introduce a new segment titled: “What Were the Whites Thinking?” (1:09:35) before digging into the Thought Warrior mailbag (1:20:37).   Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are back and take a much-needed moment to eulogize the life of Van Lathan Sr. (4:36) before switching gears with a 'Space Jam: A New Legacy' review (35:15) and some Kanye album drop speculation (47:11). Also, the NFL's playing the Black national anthem before games (1:11:20) and Popeye's thinks Black people sing when they eat chicken (1:37:23). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this special episode, we pay tribute to Van Lathan Sr. as Rachel and the 'Higher Learning' team share a compilation of Van's unforgettable dad stories. Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special bonus episode, Van and Rachel are joined by U.S. Olympic track-and-field gold medalist Sanya Richards-Ross to discuss Sha'Carri Richardson's suspension after she tested positive for marijuana (0:46). Then, Van and Rachel compare the rule violations of Richardson and Reggie Bush, and discuss how rules could change for athletes in the future (18:19). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Sanya Richards-Ross Producers: Trudy Joseph, Richie Bozek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the news of Bill Cosby's release from prison and the social media civil war that followed (19:30), before rejoicing for NCAA student-athletes (43:16) and debating whether or not Will Smith should be favored in the hypothetical fight with Tupac (1:01:15). Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay kick things off by addressing Rachel's recent New York magazine cover story and what she and Tupac have in common (7:13); also, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp appeals to the MAGA crowd (40:09), while NFL defensive end Carl Nassib makes sports history (53:52). Plus, wide receiver Cole Beasley isn't feeling the NFL's COVID protocols (1:01:05).  Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Producer: Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the recent release of 'In the Heights,' Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay welcome writer Angy Abreu to discuss the claims of misrepresentation by the actual Washington Heights community (7:04) before welcoming Glen Davis to clear the air on his recent comments about Kyrie Irving's injury (46:48). Finally, they cover Drake's new album tease and, more importantly, ask: What's a true freestyle? (1:02:28) Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guests: Angy Abreu and Glen Davis Producers: Trudy Joseph and Donnie Beacham Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay reflect on the massacre in Tulsa 100 years later, and why it’s just now becoming common historical knowledge (10:49). Then, Naomi Osaka has dropped out of the French Open (41:26), Mo’Nique’s got advise for appropriate queen travel attire (1:00:29), and Ellie Kemper’s trending for all the wrong reasons (1:09:27). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Happy 1 year anniversary, Thought Warriors!!! Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay kick this special episode off with a trip down Bachelor Lane (6:40) before debating P. Diddy entering the J-Lo + Ben Affleck conversation (23:39), and NBA fans overstepping once again (33:02), while J. Cole calls it a career after 3 games (42:52). Finally, Van & Rachel discuss the death of Ronald Greene and the ensuing cover up (58:38) before switching gears to celebrate Higher Learning’s 1st bday with a very special mailbag (1:13:30). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay breakdown why Rachel’s never seen Back to the Future *pun*… there’s still time (12:41). Plus, the House passed an insurrection commission bill (17:29) then actor, comedian, JB Smoove joins the show from his garden of Zen to lighten the mood (29:15). Finally Barack Obama confirms UFOs are real (1:01:42), Kwame Brown’s had enough (1: 16:24) and once again it’s mailbag time! (1:41:41) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay go down a Reddit rabbit hole and answer the important question: what % of a misogynist is Van? (3:57). Then military vet, community organizer and Congressional candidate Brittany Ramos DeBarros joins the pod for a deep dive into the military-industrial complex, defunding the police, and the Wu-Tang Clan (27:01). Finally, Democrats punt on qualified immunity (55:14), Bennifer’s back (1:14:45) and Lakeith Stanfield apologizes (1:21:51). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay revisit the impending divorce of a couple of philanthropic billionaires (5:21) before talking financial responsibility and jollof rice with former NFL star Adewale Ogunleye (11:33). Then Van and Rachel discuss the upcoming appeal in the case of Derek Chauvin (45:37), before lightening the mood with some superhero speculation from Krypton and Wakanda (53:03). Finally, Drake’s allegedly out here ending engagements (1:07:25) and then it’s mailbag time (1:22:59)! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss an old Steve Harvey interview that resurfaced and answer the antiquated question: can men and women be platonic friends? (7:17). Then Van and Rachel welcome Media Take Out founder, Fred Mwangaguhunga to breakdown the world of celebrity news (20:36). Finally, the new charges filed in the Ahmaud Arbery case get discussed (1:01:11) before opening the mailbag to answer queries from a few Thought Warriors (1:11:43). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Major congratulations are in order as Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsey celebrate Van winning an Oscar for Best Short Film (00:43), and recap an awards night they’ll never forget. Plus, several states are making it easier to harm protesters (23:54), Tyrese has social media abuzz after shaving his partners privates on Insta (34:38) and Dr. Umar Johnson’s got some opinions (43:31). And finally, is there a Cult of Blue Face? (1:02:09) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices