Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Episodes
Druski, the Most Consequential Comedian? Plus: L.A. Mayor Karen Bass on Wildfires, Housing, and a Second Term
01 May 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel react to the news of Druski hosting the BET Awards before discussing the Supreme Court’s latest blow against the Voting Rights Act. T...
Meg and Klay’s Breakup and Trump’s Second Shooting Attempt? Plus, Durand Bernarr on Stardom
28 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel discuss distrust around the White House Correspondents’ Dinner shooting, before reacting to cheating allegations from Megan Thee Stal...
‘Michael’ Review, ‘Iceman’ Preview, and Kendrick Sampson on Quincy Jones and Black Creativity
24 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
‘Michael’ Review, ‘Iceman’ Preview, and Kendrick Sampson on Quincy Jones and Black Creativity Van and Rachel give a review of the Michael J...
Netflix’s ‘Man on Fire’ With Yahya Abdul-Mateen II and Steven Caple Jr.
23 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel sit down with the star and director of the new Netflix series ‘Man on Fire’ following a screening of the show’s first episode. ...
Roland Martin’s Deleted Post and Jamilah Lemieux on Black Relationships
21 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel react to Mary J. Blige’s comments on her 2012 Burger King commercial before discussing Roland Martin’s response to Justin Fairfax k...
Decency and Dave Chappelle. Plus, Should Former Trump Allies Be Embraced?
17 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel discuss the mysterious circumstances around the death of an influencer before diving into Dave Chappelle’s interview with NPR and Dem...
Coachella, Afrika Bambaataa, and Their Lord and Savior Donald Trump
14 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel recap the first weekend of Coachella, before discussing Afrika Bambaataa’s legacy and reported history of abuse. Then, Trump shares a...
Offset and the State of Hip-Hop in ATL. Plus, Trump’s Ceasefire in Iran
10 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel react to the shooting of the rapper Offset before welcoming HuffPost’s Akbar Shahid Ahmed to discuss the latest on the conflict in Ir...
LeBron James vs. Memphis. Plus, Joe Rogan and Theo Von on the War in Iran
07 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel discuss NBA players' dislike for staying in Memphis before reacting to Trump’s Easter message about Iran and Edward Blum’s fight ag...
Pam Bondi Fired, the Kidnapping of Gucci Mane, and Underage Dating: Brandy and Wanya Morris
03 Apr 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel discuss the firing of Attorney General Pam Bondi and revelations about former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem’s husband before reacting to ...
Black Republican Celebrities, Plus Butch Ware: the Black Muslim Revolutionary Candidate
31 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel react to Chili’s rejection of the MAGA label, the politics of Nick Cannon and Amber Rose, and the latest music from Kanye West. Then,...
Capitalism, Beef and Jay-Z, Usher Praises Diddy, Plus a ’Beauty in Black’ Conversation
27 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel react to the latest from the LaRussell controversy before discussing Jay-Z’s interview with GQ and Usher’s comments on Diddy. Then,...
Bachelorette Cancellation, Biracial Jihad, Plus Iran and Civil War II Wth Emma Vigeland
24 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel discuss ICE and TSA before reacting to the latest from the 'Bachelorette' cancelation. Plus: the release of Justin Timberlake’s DUI a...
The New York Times's Cesar Chavez Investigation, the Afroman Trial, and the Taylor Frankie Paul Controversy
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel remember the life of Kiki Shepard before discussing the negotiations between the WNBA and WNPBA that led to a verbal agreement for a ne...
The New York Times's Cesar Chavez Investigation, the Afroman Trial, and the Taylor Frankie Paul Controversy
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel remember the life of Kiki Shepard before discussing the negotiations between the WNBA and WNPBA that led to a verbal agreement for a ne...
Jack Harlow ‘Got Blacker,’ Spring Break in Houston, and an Oscars Recap With ‘The Big Picture’
17 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel react to the Oscars before discussing Jack Harlow’s comments on his new album, LaRussell and what it means to be "heaven sent," and s...
A Real Conversation With Gov. Josh Shapiro
14 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel welcome Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro to discuss his memoir, ‘Where We Keep the Light,’ working across the aisle in the MAGA a...
Magic City Night Canceled and Target Boycott Over? Plus, Ryan Michelle Bathé on ‘Paradise’ Season 2
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel react to the cancellation of the Atlanta Hawks’ "Magic City Night" and Bam Adebayo’s 83 points before switching gears to discuss po...
‘Sinners,’ Awards Season, and Pearline’s Husband With Jayme Lawson
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel discuss Logan Paul vs. Le’Veon Bell and Dak Prescott’s wedding being called off before reacting to the shooting at Rihanna’s home...
Trump Fires Kristi Noem, Talarico Takes Texas, and the Impact of ‘The Perfect Neighbor’
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel react to President Donald Trump’s ouster of Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and the results of the Texas Senate...
War in Iran, Chalamet vs. Jordan, and the American Black Film Festival
03 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel welcome Indiana University associate professor Hussein Banai, who gives his insight on the joint strikes against Iran. Then they switch...
Comedy, Music, and the Black Church With KevOnStage
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Kevin Fredericks, aka KevOnStage, joins Van and Rachel for a discussion that touches on everything from fear of failure, jokes, the Black church, gosp...
The N-Word at the BAFTAs, Producing R. Kelly, and Gavin Newsom Backlash: Fair or Unfair?
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel react to the conversations around racism and ableism following outbursts at the BAFTA Awards, and Teddy Riley walking back support for ...
LaBeouf Takes Louisiana. Plus, Colbert, Crockett, and Talarico.
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel remember the life of Jesse Jackson before addressing Shia LaBeouf’s Mardi Gras and the latest drama in the Texas Senate race. Then, a...
LeBron and Israel, the “Kevin Durant Files,” and the Beautiful Hellscape of Culver City
17 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel discuss the NBA dunk contest before reacting to leaks from an alleged burner account, and LeBron’s message to his Israeli fans. Then,...
Epstein Revelations, Ja Rule vs. G-Unit, and Symone Sanders Townsend and Eugene Daniels
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel welcome The Ringer’s Logan Murdock to react to Ja Rule’s confrontation with Uncle Murda and Tony Yayo on a flight, before they disc...
Bad Bunny’s Halftime, Trump’s Racist Post, and Activism in Sports With Jemele Hill
10 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel talk about Bad Bunny’s halftime performance and the TPUSA “patriotic” alternative, before reacting to Donald Trump’s racist pos...
Chris Harrison: The Return of Traditional Love, Epstein Update, and ICE at the Polls
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel kick off the pod with a Shaboozey conversation before reacting to the latest ‘Michael’ trailer. Then they have a discussion on the ...
Don Lemon’s Arrest and ‘Melania’ a Box Office Hit? Plus, Howard Bryant on the Erasure of Paul Robeson
03 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel react to the Grammys before discussing the arrests of journalists who were covering the protests in Minnesota and former Trump supporte...
Melania the "Trophy Wife," Nicki’s MAGA Turn, and Black Prestige Media With Ashley Allison
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel discuss the documentary ‘Melania’ before reacting to Nicki Minaj’s appearance at a Trump event and the congressional fight over D...
Ye’s Apology, Latest Death in Minneapolis, and Aldis Hodge and Ben Watkins on ‘Cross’
27 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel react to Kanye’s apology in The Wall Street Journal, before discussing the violence in Minnesota. Plus, actor Aldis Hodge and showrun...
Michelle Appears on Call Her Daddy, Rachel’s Freedom, and Keith Edwards on Critiquing Crockett
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel react to the Oscar nominations before discussing Rachel’s newfound freedom and Michelle Obama’s appearance on Call Her Daddy. Then,...
Feeling for Josh Allen, Stephen A. and the Bruhs, Plus Charlie Kirk the Time Traveler
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel react to a weekend of sports before discussing Stephen A. Smith and frat life, the Black Panther Party in 2026, and military aid in Isr...
Kanye West Will Return, Druski and the Megachurch, and the Iranian Conflict
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel discuss Teyana Taylor’s comments on Ye, Kai Cenat’s career shift, and Druski’s megachurch skit. Then an update on the conflicts w...
‘Sinners,’ Jasmine Crockett, and the Black Panthers
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel kick the show off with some awards season reactions, check in on the situation in Minnesota, and react to some criticism of Representat...
Minneapolis ICE Shooting, Chris Redd Gets Candid, and the Penis Lawsuit
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel discuss how House Democrats commemorated the five-year anniversary of the J6 riots before reacting to the ICE shooting in Minneapolis. ...
The Venezuela Takeover. Plus, a Conversation About Adin Ross, Doechii, and Black Men.
06 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel kick off the New Year with a look at the drop in U.S. crime and Pastor Jamal Bryant’s defense of his wife’s dress before they welco...
Do the Epstein Files Matter? Is Rachel an Auntie? Plus, Interracial Relationships and a New Diddy Doc
30 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel close out 2025 with a bang! Thanks for listening and watching this year and keep doing so in the next. See ya’ll in 2026. (0:00) I...
Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz and the Legacy of Malcolm X
26 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel welcome author, activist, and daughter of Malcolm X, Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, to discuss her father’s autobiography, 60 years after its f...
Jeffrey Epstein, Nicki Minaj, and the Streets
23 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel react to the latest Epstein file dump, Nicki Minaj’s “surprise” appearance at a Turning Point USA conference, and Dave Chappelle’...
Epstein Distractions, Dr. Umar vs. 50 Cent, and Van’s N-Word Game
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel discuss the dysfunction in the FBI and the Trump administration as a whole in the lead-up to the release of more Epstein files. Plus, K...
The Reiner Family Tragedy, Mass Shootings, and an Uncle Nearest Apology Rating
16 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel react to a weekend filled with difficult news, from the killing of Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, to the mass shooting...
Jasmine Crockett vs. James Talarico, Sherrone Moore Arrested, and Rachel Dating Drug Dealers
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel discuss Representative Jasmine Crockett, who's entered the Senate race in Texas, and the rejection of health-care subsidies by the Sena...
L.A. Hip-Hop Culture With Nana, and Sydney Sweeney Speaks
09 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel welcome rapper Nana to talk hip-hop culture in Los Angeles before they react to Sydney Sweeney’s comments on her infamous jean ad cam...
Talking Reparations and “Black Boy Tragic” With Governor Wes Moore! Plus, the Diddy Documentary and BD Wong’s Apology Rating. | Higher Learning | The Ringer
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel and Van start the show by talking about podcasters like Joe Rogan and his possible intentions with those he interviews. Then, they discuss Gove...
Pete Hegseth’s Investigation, and the Danish Deception
02 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel are back from break to weigh in on the investigation of boat strikes, a TikTok relationship scam, and financial literacy in the NFL. Pl...
Trump Hearts Mamdani, MAGA Bots Exposed, and the Summer Walker Drama Explained
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel check in on the state of politics and culture before taking a quick Thanksgiving break! (0:00) Intro (12:58) Mamdani’s meeting wi...
Senator Brian Schatz On Trying to Comprehend MAGA. Plus, Men’s Views on the WNBA With Angel McCoughtry! | Higher Learning | The Ringer
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel and Van start the show by discussing Pharrell Williams's intention behind his comments from the last episode. They are then joined by U.S. Sena...
MAGA Regrets, Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Apology, and Pharrell’s Philosophy
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel react to fractures in the MAGA movement, give a rating for Marjorie Taylor Greene’s apology, and get into the Epstein brothers' corre...
Is the Shutdown Really Over? Plus, More Epstein Files Leak, and the State of the GOP With Emma Vigeland! | Higher Learning | The Ringer
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel and Van start the show by reacting to the Epstein emails released by both Democrats and Republicans. Then, they are joined by former reporter f...
The End of the Shutdown With Representative Summer Lee. Plus, Reactions to the ‘Michael’ Trailer
11 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel discuss the agreement to end the government shutdown before welcoming Representative Summer Lee to give her perspective as a congresswo...
The New Blue Wave, a Great Value Economy, and the Act of Centering Men. Plus, Talking the World Series With Jesse Blake! | Higher Learning | The Ringer
07 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel and Van start the show with a recap of the recent elections, including what the “blue wave” of elected officials means for the future of po...
A Broken White House, With Karine Jean-Pierre. Plus, the End of SNAP?
04 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Jomi Adeniran joins Rachel and Van to react to the Dodgers winning a classic World Series before discussing the Trump administration’s efforts to cu...
Black Political Power and Jesse Jackson, With Abby Phillip! Plus, Elections Galore and a Red Alert for Hip-Hop. | Higher Learning | The Ringer
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel and Van start the show with a conversation on the Virginia election and intercommunity politics concerning Black Republicans. Then they are joi...
Fatherhood and Forgiveness With Roy Wood Jr., Plus Ed Zitron Breaks Down the “AI Bubble”
28 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel talk Kamala Harris’s political future, New York Representative Hakeem Jeffries endorsing Zohran Mamdani, and the Cash Money vs. No Li...
Sifting Through Emmanuel Acho’s Perspective. Plus, Logan Explains the NBA Gambling Scandal! | Higher Learning | The Ringer
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel and Van start the show by rating Stephen A. Smith’s apology to Jasmine Crockett before getting into Emmanuel Acho’s latest comments and per...
The State of the Gaza Ceasefire With Akbar Ahmed. Plus, the Demands of the “No Kings” Protest and the Ghost of Social Media’s Past. | Higher Learning | The Ringer
21 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel and Van start the show by talking about the “No Kings” protest, the goals of the protest, and the “blatant hypocrisy” from the reaction...
Breaking Down Reparations and Restorative Justice With Isaac Bryan! Plus, Threatening the Voting Act and Stephen A.’s Crockett Comments. | Higher Learning | The Ringer
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel and Van start the show by remembering the late legend D’Angelo and the issue concerning the health of black men in America. Then, they are jo...
Exploring the Democratic Narrative With Governor Gavin Newsom! Plus, Ryan Grim Explains the Ceasefire. | Higher Learning | The Ringer
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel and Van start the show by giving their reactions to the return of ‘Verzuz’ and their opinion of Cash Money versus No Limit Records. Then, t...
Van Jones’s Very Bad Joke, Ayesha Curry’s Admission, and Diddy’s Sentencing
07 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel react to a strange weekend of football before discussing Van Jones’s “dead Gaza baby” joke, Diddy’s sentencing, and Ayesha Curr...
Navigating the Shutdown With Rep. Maxwell Frost! Plus, the WNBA's Bad Leadership, and Ray J Vs. the Kardashians. | Higher Learning | The Ringer
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel and Van start the show by taking a moment to acknowledge the life of the late Assata Shakur before Rep. Maxwell Frost joins to talk about the g...
Karen Attiah on The Washington Post Firing, Plus Bad Bunny at the Super Bowl
30 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel welcome former Washington Post opinion columnist Karen Attiah to discuss her firing from The Post after she made critical remarks about...
Talking ‘Him,’ Biracial Identity, and Athleticism With Tyriq Withers! Plus, the Back-and-Forth With Stephen A. and Jimmy Kimmel’s Return. | Higher Learning | The Ringer
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel and Van start the show off by talking about Stephen A. Smith’s response to our comments last show before getting into the removal of ‘Fearl...
The Lionizing of Charlie Kirk With Ryan Grim, Plus Malik B on Viral Comedy
23 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel welcome ‘Counter Points’ cohost Ryan Grim to discuss his and other platforms’ coverage of Charlie Kirk in the days since his deat...
Memphis Bleek and Van Lathan (Not Jones), Plus Jimmy Kimmel’s Suspension
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Van addresses Memphis Bleek calling him out on Club Shay Shay, before he and Rachel react to 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' being taken off the air and the medi...
Empathy, Sympathy, and Charlie Kirk. Plus, Erika Alexander and the Legacy of ‘Living Single.’
16 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel start by discussing the legal and cultural fallout from the killing of Charlie Kirk. Then they welcome actress Erika Alexander to talk ...
Kamala’s Disappointment and the Killing of Charlie Kirk. Plus, Melvin Gregg Talks ‘The Paper’! | Higher Learning | The Ringer
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel and Van start the show off by talking about the death of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, the many reactions to it, and what may come from...
Vaccines, Who Needs 'Em? Plus, Nina Westbrook and the Wellness App, Nebbi
09 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel dig into the Texas senate race, vaccine mandates (or lack thereof) in Florida, and Young Thug’s leaked jail calls, before welcoming m...
Generational Talent With Quincy Avery! Plus, Trump’s Health Rumors and Young Americans' High Standards. | Higher Learning | The Ringer
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel and Van start the show off with some “quick hitters,” including their theories on a study revealing that the number of Americans having sex...
The Epstein Files, AIPAC and Gerrymandering with Rep. Ro Khanna
02 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rep. Ro Khanna returns to talk AIPAC’s role in politics, the release of the Epstein files and what he thinks of the gerrymandering debate. (0...
Addressing the Corruption Allegations With Mayor Eric Adams. Plus, Is Dark Money Funding Democratic Influencers? | Higher Learning | The Ringer
29 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
Nina Turner and the Democratic Playbook
26 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel welcome former Ohio senator Nina Turner to hear her thoughts on the Democratic strategy to fight gerrymandering. (0:00) Intro (...
Hitting the Target on Target, Cracker Barrel’s Rebrand, and the Reality of Texas’s GOP Congressional Map | Higher Learning | The Ringer
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The LAST Biracial Conversation With Molly Daniel, Plus the Gaza Ceasefire
19 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 pers...
PragerU Replaces PBS, Celebs in Relationship Drama, and the National Guard in D.C. | Higher Learning | The Ringer
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel and Van start the show by talking about the differences in sharing food in different locations. They get into some Trump administration updates...
Gender Wars: David Justice and Halle Berry, Plus S.A. Cosby’s ‘King of Ashes’
12 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The WNBA Conspiracy, One-Sided Beefs, and Our Voting Rights Under Attack | Higher Learning | The Ringer
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Tr...
Rep. James Talarico and the Democratic Fight in Texas, Plus Stephen A. Vs. Michelle Obama
05 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 sea...
Sydney Sweeney’s Jeans, Kamala’s '107 Days,' and the Aging of ‘Martin’ Jokes | Higher Learning | The Ringer
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rachel and Van start the show by running through some quick-hitters, including the internet’s reaction to Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle commerci...
The Hunger Crisis in Gaza and Solution-Focused Therapy With Elliott Connie
29 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Gendered Problems and Decentering Men With Joy Taylor! Plus, Thoughts on Hulk Hogan. | Higher Learning | The Ringer
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
The Life of Malcolm-Jamal Warner, and What Just Happened to Black Farmers?
22 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 adm...
How Scary Is AI? Let’s Ask Calvin Abbasi! | Higher Learning | The Ringer
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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, ...
Malcolm D. Lee and Expanding Story of ‘The Best Man’
15 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Is Nicki Lying? Plus, Tucker’s Epstein Theory and the Miami Mess. | Higher Learning | The Ringer
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 di...
Tragic Flooding in Texas and the Essence Fest Diaspora Wars
08 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel react to the tragic Texas floods, before switching gears to discuss the conversations coming out of this year’s Essence Festival. ...
The Fourth of July Delivers the End of Diddy’s Trial and Trump’s Big “Beautiful” Bill | Higher Learning | The Ringer
04 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Authentic Abs, the Big Beautiful Bill and a Constitutional Crisis
01 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 (0...
Draymond’s Punch, Daddy Trump, and Dropping Loaves! Plus, a Diddy Trial Update. | Higher Learning | The Ringer
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Tewol...
All-Out War, or Deescalation? And Crowning the "Face of The Ringer"
24 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 co...
Juneteenth: A Fundamentally American Holiday. Plus, the Tyler Perry Lawsuit
20 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s Juneteenth, so we brought Dr. Peniel Joseph back to discuss his book, ‘Freedom Season,’ and the activist Robert F. Williams before podcaste...
Is World War III Happening? And Will Smith Like Pretty Girls, So There’s That
17 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Are Americans Cool With Chaos? Plus, Kayla and Pastor Tim Johnson on ‘Fatherless No More’
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel give an update on the fallout from Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, before filmmaker Kayla Johnson and Pastor Tim Johnson join t...
Anti-ICE Protests and a “Should Black People Care?” Discussion
10 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Metta Sandiford-Artest Wants the Knicks Job, and the White Black Panther
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Dawn Staley’s ‘Uncommon Favor,’ Plus Cardi B and Offset Spousal Support
03 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Van and Rachel react to racists attempting to claim the sentiment “Black fatigue” (0:00), before legendary basketball player and coach Dawn Staley...
Trump’s Latest Pardons. Plus, Ethical Nonmonogamy With Mandii B and WeezyWTF
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 admini...
Progressivism and Poetry With Newark Mayor Ras Baraka
27 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Kid Cudi Takes the Stand, and the Fight for Reparations With Jessica Ann Mitchell Aiwuyor
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 on the RGII...
Biden’s Cancer Diagnosis, and RGIII’s Got Thoughts on Caitlin vs. Angel
20 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 (14:0...