400 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 • 11K 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.

    Confederacy Month, the New Drake Diss, and Stephen A.’s Apology

    Confederacy Month, the New Drake Diss, and Stephen A.’s Apology

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the show by addressing the new theme song and reaction from our Thought Warriors (00:15). Then, they give their impressions of the bizarre new Drake-produced AI track (20:56), and the internet’s reaction to Stephen A. Smith’s comments on Donald Trump’s relatability (38:36). Later, they expand the surprise that their birthday month falls during Confederate Heritage Month in Mississippi, and the reason behind its existence (1:18:34).

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

    • 1 hr 52 min
    Self-Healing, WNBA Salaries, and What Jerrod Really Meant

    Self-Healing, WNBA Salaries, and What Jerrod Really Meant

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay bring in the new episode with a new theme, a different location, and a talk about self-healing. Then, they discuss Jerrod Carmichael’s clarification of his “race-play” joke (21:10) and the pay gap between players in the WNBA compared to those in the NBA (54:36). Lastly, they give their props to the Gayle King–Charles Barkley show (1:11:39) and talk about their impressions of the Jontay Porter situation (1:13:50 ).

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

    • 1 hr 23 min
    A Serious Talk About Israel and a Not-So-Serious Talk About Rap Beef

    A Serious Talk About Israel and a Not-So-Serious Talk About Rap Beef

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start today’s episode by giving their impressions on the progression of the beef happening in the hip-hop world (01:32). Then they are joined by Alaa Elassar and Yahya Abou-Ghazala, CNN reporters and collaborators on “Voice Notes From Gaza,” to weigh in on the Israel-Hamas situation as it continues to escalate (41:41). Lastly, they are joined by Bomani Jones, host of ‘The Right Time’ presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment (1:14:18). Together, they dig into the rap beef of today and share interesting media experiences.

    Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
    Guests: Alaa Elassar, Yahya Abou-Ghazala, and Bomani Jones
    Producer: Ashleigh Smith
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    • 1 hr 41 min
    Young Voters, Blackface, and O.J.’s Past and Passing

    Young Voters, Blackface, and O.J.’s Past and Passing

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay bring in the show talking about the past, passing, and impact of O.J. Simpson and the complexity he holds within the black community (05:09). Then, they touch on the trepidations young voters have towards Biden (16:59) and Trump’s latest reach towards black voters (35:51). Later, they are joined by Conscious Lee and Franchesca Ramsey from the podcast ‘Black History, For Real’ (58:12).

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

    • 1 hr 28 min
    The Rock’s Division, J. Cole’s Regrets, and a Red High School Visit

    The Rock’s Division, J. Cole’s Regrets, and a Red High School Visit

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start today’s episode on WrestleMania and its history-making outcome (01:03). Then, they discuss J. Cole’s thoughts on his latest project (11:51), Sexyy Red’s high school visit (36:41), and the interesting reveal from Jerrod Carmichael’s series (44:22). Lastly, they dive into the South Carolina vs. Iowa game (1:03:19), and The Rock’s non-endorsement of Joe Biden (1:18:38).

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

    • 1 hr 35 min
    The Future of the WNBA and Another Interesting Acho Take

    The Future of the WNBA and Another Interesting Acho Take

    Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the Iowa vs. LSU game and the possible future for the WNBA (17:12). Then, they react to Emmanuel Acho’s take on Angel Reese (38:41). Finally, they discuss the Israeli airstrike that killed World Central Kitchen aid workers (1:08:19).

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

    • 1 hr 28 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
11K Ratings

11K Ratings

chinya ,

I love Higher Learning

Rachel, PLEASE STOP EATING ON THE AIR. I am begging you, please. I hate when I can’t listen. Please ♥️

Robert Grayson ,

Fun episode

Just commenting to say, as part of the summit. We must come together as a community to check in on Rachel through this difficult time….of her not having Black Wangus.

Praying for her happiness.

Pentapetalae ,

Great podcast

This podcast is a must-listen. I’ve really enjoyed recent episodes when Van and Rachel have spoken up more about the atrocities happening in Gaza. It’s so important to pay attention to this issue, and it’s great to hear Van say that he’s been reading more into the history. They mentioned that they’re hoping to platform some Palestinian voices soon, and I’m really looking forward to hearing more. Thank you both!

Top Podcasts In Society & Culture

Inconceivable Truth
Wavland
This American Life
This American Life
Stuff You Should Know
iHeartPodcasts
Soul Boom
Rainn Wilson
Fallen Angels: A Story of California Corruption
iHeartPodcasts
We Can Do Hard Things
Glennon Doyle and Audacy

You Might Also Like

The Ringer-Verse
The Ringer
The Read
Loud Speakers Network
Ratchet & Respectable
Demetria L. Lucas & Studio71
Toure Show
DCP Entertainment
The Bakari Sellers Podcast
The Ringer
2 Black Girls, 1 Rose
2 Black Girls, 1 Rose

More by The Ringer

The Bill Simmons Podcast
The Ringer
The Ryen Russillo Podcast
The Ringer
The Rewatchables
The Ringer
The Big Picture
The Ringer
The Ringer NBA Show
The Ringer
The Ringer NFL Draft Show
The Ringer