430 episodes

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.

Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay The Ringer

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.7 • 11.1K Ratings

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.

    Harris’s VP Pick, Marcus Jordan’s Trip, and the Reason Behind Ye’s Fall

    Harris’s VP Pick, Marcus Jordan’s Trip, and the Reason Behind Ye’s Fall

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the episode by giving updates on the Olympics (09:26) before talking about Kai Cenat's statement that the Harris campaign has been lobbying him for support even though he doesn’t want to get involved in politics (15:59). Then, they talk about Vice President Kamala Harris’s VP running mate, Tim Walz, and the possible reason behind the choice (28:08). Later, they discuss the new controversial pictures of Marcus Jordan (54:00) and a new reason behind Kanye West’s fall from grace (1:03:09).

    Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
    Producer: Ashleigh Smith
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    • 1 hr 23 min
    The “Big” Disappointment at the Olympics, RFK Jr.’s Bear, and MOVE’s Legacy With Mike Africa Jr.

    The “Big” Disappointment at the Olympics, RFK Jr.’s Bear, and MOVE’s Legacy With Mike Africa Jr.

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the episode with some updates from the Olympics, including the disappointment of Sha’Carri Richardson’s silver placement in the 100-meter race (06:02), the pole vaulter whose legs and manhood knocked him out of the competition (21:52), and a special proposal for a Chinese gold winner (27:50). Then, they talk about the tragedy coming from the U.K. (33:05) and touch a bit on the bizarre RFK Jr. bear story (41:25 ). Later, Mike Africa Jr. joins us to talk about his new book, ‘On a Move: Philadelphia's Notorious Bombing and a Native Son's Lifelong Battle for Justice’ and the importance of MOVE’s legacy (1:05:45).

    Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
    Guest: Mike Africa Jr.
    Producer: Ashleigh Smith
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    • 1 hr 38 min
    Trump’s Bizarre Panel, MAGA Rejects Their Favorite Son, and the Political Football of Misinformation

    Trump’s Bizarre Panel, MAGA Rejects Their Favorite Son, and the Political Football of Misinformation

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay talk about Trump’s strange panel at the National Association of Black Journalists and the importance of it for the election (19:50). Then, they talk about the political jump on the gender debate after the Olympic women’s boxing match between Italy and Algeria (44:38). Later, they touch on the breaking news about Kyle Rittenhouse's announcement that he will not vote for Trump this coming election (1:11:44).

    Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
    Producer: Ashleigh Smith
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    • 1 hr 39 min
    The Patriotism of the Paris Olympics, Paging Doctor Doom, and the Shadow Docket

    The Patriotism of the Paris Olympics, Paging Doctor Doom, and the Shadow Docket

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay talk about the 2024 Paris Olympics, what they are looking forward to, and the conservative reaction to the opening ceremony (18:20). Then they talk about new, scary Trumpisms (34:27) before getting into the announcement of Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom (1:03:13). Lastly, they discuss the Supreme Court’s use of the shadow docket and what it means for the rights of many (1:22:03).

    Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
    Producer: Ashleigh Smith
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 1 hr 38 min
    J.D. Vance’s Cosplay, Sonya Massey’s Senseless Death, and the Disfunction of Policing With Philip McHarris

    J.D. Vance’s Cosplay, Sonya Massey’s Senseless Death, and the Disfunction of Policing With Philip McHarris

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the episode with discussion of President Biden’s latest address to the country (17:00), as well as the current political landscape as the republicans struggle to regroup (30:59). Then, they talk about what took place during the slaying of Sonya Massey by a deputy officer, before being joined by Philip McHarris to talk more about the situation (1:09:04).

    Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
    Guest: Phillip McHarris
    Producer: Ashleigh Smith
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    • 2 hr 4 min
    Biden’s Political Mortality, Harris’s Potential VP, and ESPN’s Top 100 Athletes

    Biden’s Political Mortality, Harris’s Potential VP, and ESPN’s Top 100 Athletes

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the show talking about President Biden’s announcement that he'll abandon his bid for re-election (00:13). Then they go over the potential VP picks for Kamala Harris’s campaign (27:49). Lastly, they talk about NWBA’s win over Team USA (1:04:28) and ESPN’s top 100 athletes list (1:06:35).

    Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
    Producer: Ashleigh Smith
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 1 hr 19 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
11.1K Ratings

11.1K Ratings

Gadema515 ,

Van the Man

PROTECT VAN LATHAN AT ALL COSTS. WE NEED HIM

dg hi jcd ,

Love AND appreciate the pod, but Van and these monologuesssss 😩

I know it’s been mentioned, but if Van could work on conciseness and Rachel would defend her opinions and stances a bit more, it would be even better. I really do appreciate you guys for all you do, just my opinion!❤️

gcaesar1 ,

More balance please

Enjoy this podcast, but it feels time for a break. Van is so long winded and repetitive. I’d like to hear more from Rachel. Appreciate the work y’all do. Van, remember, we all have two ears and ONE mouth for a reason.

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