Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

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

09 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

The Future of the WNBA and Another Interesting Acho Take

05 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

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 o...

The Mastery of ‘Cowboy Carter’ and the Complexity of the Black Experience

02 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay give their impression of Beyoncé’s new album, ‘Cowboy Carter’ (08:54), the first episode of Jerrod Carmichael’s...

The Diddy Saga, Trump’s Bible, and Black Representation in Media

29 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the Diddy situation including the raid on his house, the lawsuit, and the internet’s reaction to the many reve...

Daily Wire’s Diversity Hire, Rap Beef, and Freaking Out Over Freaknik

26 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the episode with a playbook update (09:49) and discuss Candace Owens and her online presence (11:37). Then, Justin...

Biden’s Budget, Pretty Privilege, and the Horrors of ‘Quiet on Set’

22 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the show off with some "gender wars" banter (02:21) and a quick shout-out (04:37) before diving into Biden's propo...

Reckless “Behavior,” Mental Health, and the Kate Middleton Conspiracy

19 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay recap and give their impressions on the Kate Middleton conspiracy (06:07) before discussing former president Donald Trum...

Banning TikTok, Actively Black, and Controversial Feet Pics

15 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by Ashley Gold, a tech and policy reporter at Axios, to talk about the TikTok ban (05:26). Then, the t...

Oprah’s Ozempic Special, the Oscars, and Draya’s Pregnancy

12 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start the episode off with their reactions to the 96th Academy Awards (00:13) before giving their opinions on the reacti...

Lieutenant Nasty, Charlamagne’s Apology, and the Supreme Court Trump Decision

05 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay give their opinions on the latest Supreme Court ruling (27:37) and reparation comments from the lieutenant governor of N...

The Jim Crow Era of Reproductive Freedom. Plus Tiffany Haddish’s Israel Trip

23 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the Alabama Supreme Court ruling that’s resulted in the halting of IVF treatments (5:18) before they dig into...

More Mass Shootings. Plus, Martin, Malcolm, and Coretta With Dr. Peniel Joseph

16 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the latest mass shooting, this time at the Chiefs' Super Bowl parade in Kansas City (10:08), before taking a lo...

Beyoncé vs. NFL, Plus Masculinity and Painted Nails With Demetrius Harmon

13 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the back-and-forth between Shannon Sharpe and Mike Epps (:12) before recapping a Super Bowl Sunday that saw Ush...

Taylor Swift: Greatest Maker of Albums Ever, Plus Keith Lee’s Blessings

06 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to an eventful Grammy Awards ceremony (15:15) before discussing Killer Mike’s arrest and recent vague comments a...

Nicki Minaj, Megan Thee Stallion, and a History of Rap Beef

30 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the feud between Nicki Minaj and Megan Thee Stallion (15:40). They then discuss Israel’s claims against U.N. ...

Barbie Snubbed? Plus, DEI in the Friendly Skies

26 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the 2024 Oscar nominations (2:52), before talking conservative outrage over DEI in the airline industry (21:50)...

Yodit Tewolde on the Legal Affairs of Fani Willis, and the Cancellation of Black Shows

23 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay welcome trial lawyer and judge on ‘Hot Bench’ Yodit Tewolde to discuss accusations of a possible affair between Geor...

Brick Lady, Dresses on Black Men, and Florida’s Miseducation

20 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are back to discuss the surprising numbers coming from the second COVID surge (05:46), masculinity and black men in dres...

Pat McAfee and Dr. King’s Dream, Plus Iowa Caucus Results

16 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the kickoff to the 2024 presidential election (10:14) before reacting to Pat McAfee’s comments on Martin Luthe...

Nick Saban Retires, and Stephen A. Smith Lets Loose on Jason Whitlock

12 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to Nick Saban’s retirement announcement (11:33) before discussing Stephen A. Smith going scorched earth on Jason...

Jonathan Majors’s Interview, Wikipedia Plagiarism, and Apologies

09 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay start today’s episode by bringing back a previous topic to talk about the disappointing update and regrets (02:48). Th...

Jason Hehir and 'Murder in Boston: Roots, Rampage, and Reckoning'

02 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by filmmaker Jason Hehir to discuss the new docuseries ‘Murder in Boston’ (1:25), explain Boston’s hist...

Gender War, Civil War, and the Loyalty of a Barber

29 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay check back in to discuss Simon Biles’s recent interview with husband Jonathan Owens (18:28), and Kevin Hart’s lawsui...

Dr. Khiara Bridges and the Abundant Birth Project Lawsuit

26 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by law professor Khiara Bridges to discuss conservative backlash to a San Francisco maternal health program f...

Trump Vs. Colorado, Plus Friendship and Freedom With Mandii B

22 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay talk about Taraji P. Henson and pay disparities in Hollywood (11:45) before discussing a Black gay Republican’s experi...

The Jonathan Majors Verdict, and Cultural Gatekeeping

19 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the verdict in the Jonathan Majors trial (15:12), before discussing blaccents (39:46), Anthony Edwards’s leak...

Draymond Green’s Impulse Control, and Awaiting the Jonathan Majors Verdict

15 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the latest act of violence from Golden State forward Draymond Green (19:18), before discussing the end of DEI p...

David Oyelowo and ‘Lawmen: Bass Reeves,’ Plus Jonathan Majors Trial Updates

12 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the reports coming out of the Jonathan Majors assault and harassment trial (13:51) before discussing a pastor’...

Super Short Episode Update

08 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Thought Warriors! No full episode today. In its place, a quick tease of topics to be talked about next week (potentially). Keep your thinking caps on ...

Beyoncé Backlash, and Lenny Kravitz Missed the Source Awards

05 Dec 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to undefeated Florida State being snubbed by the College Football Playoff committee (13:31), before discussing cri...

Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and Empowering Change

24 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, former mayor of Baltimore and current Executive Director of the NBPA Foundation ...

Olayemi Olurin and the Diddy v. Cassie Lawsuit 

21 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by lawyer and political commentator Olayemi Olurin to discuss Cassie’s lawsuit against Diddy and give their...

Hip-Hop and Responsibility With Royce da 5’9”

17 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the criticism of Van Jones’s appearance at the March for Israel (11:45) and the back-and-forth between Candace...

Boomers Vs. Gen Z, Plus Vegan Living With Pinky Cole

14 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the evolution of the American dream (11:50) before reacting to Tim Scott suspending his presidential campaign (3...

The SAG-AFTRA Strike Is Over, Plus Tim Scott’s Very Real Girlfriend  

10 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the Democratic victory lap following the 2023 election results (10:01) before celebrating Hollywood going back ...

Biden and the Blacks, Plus a Segment on “Sassy”

07 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss claims that Black voters aren’t enthusiastically in support of Joe Biden (8:34), and the new Speaker of the Ho...

A Humanitarian "Pause" and Keith Lee's Critiques

03 Nov 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss President Biden’s call for a humanitarian "pause" in Israel-Hamas war (13:08), before switching gears to talk ...

The Mass Shooting Cycle and the Dwight Howard Allegation

27 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the mass shooting in Lewiston, Maine (16:28), before discussing the new Speaker of the House (26:55) and former...

A Mini-Episode on Difficult Discussions

24 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van and Rachel discuss the conversation around Shaun King and the release of hostages in the Israel-Hamas conflict (17:42) before talking about a CAA ...

A Humanitarian Crisis, and Yung Joc vs. Lustful Eyes

20 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the humanitarian efforts in Gaza and the West Bank (19:38). They then dig into Yung Joc’s statement on perform...

Conversations on the Israel-Hamas Conflict

13 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by staff writer for The Atlantic Yair Rosenberg to discuss reporting on the Israel-Hamas war (8:52) before pr...

Subliminal Disses, McCarthy’s Ouster, and Sexyy Red’s Politics

06 Oct 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van and Rachel discuss lyrics from Drake’s new album and whether they’re meant for a certain star (9:28), before digging into Kevin McCarthy’s b...

Understanding the WGA Agreement, and Kaepernick’s Letter to the Jets

29 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

After reacting to the most recent GOP debate (21:28), Van and Rachel discuss the end of the writers strike (41:12) and Colin Kaepernick’s letter to ...

Mental Trillness With Juicy J

05 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay welcome hip-hop legend Juicy J to discuss mental wellness, producing classics, and wild stories after winning the Oscar ...

Another Glitch from Mitch, and Coco Gauff Rightfully Goes Off

01 Sep 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the latest incident of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell freezing up in front of the press (21:51), before...

Tragedy in Jacksonville and America’s Obsession With Crime

29 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the racist shooting in Jacksonville (17:03) and the argument that Trump’s mug shot appeals to Black voters (44...

Republican Debate Recap and the Cancellation of Cancel Culture

25 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the GOP’s first primary debate and the lack of Trump (17:58), before discussing the death of Wagner chief Yev...

Sage Steele and Biracial Identity With Marc Lamont Hill

22 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by activist, scholar, and media personality Marc Lamont Hill to discuss the Green Party, Dr. Cornel West’s ...

Trump’s Fourth Indictment, the Truth Behind ‘The Blindside,’ and Van Watches Rachel’s ‘Bachelorette’ Season

18 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Van’s opinions on Rachel’s season of ‘The Bachelorette’ (15:43) and react to former president Trump’s ...

The Latest on Hunter Biden, the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop, and Jamaican Massages

15 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the latest in the Hunter Biden drama and quickly look ahead to the 2024 presidential election (31:34), debate th...

The Tory Lanez Sentence With Meghann Cuniff, and the Miseducation of Floridian Students

11 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Florida’s use of PragerU’s conservative education platform in schools (13:37) before reacting to Ne-Yo’s c...

Fade in the Water and Jamie Foxx’s Apology With Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm

08 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay welcome Rabbi Dr. Ari Lamm to discuss the fallout and discourse following Jamie Foxx’s deleted Instagram post and ensu...

Casting the White Version of 'They Cloned Tyrone’ With Director Juel Taylor

01 Aug 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the latest Donald Trump indictment, and give an update on Hunter Biden’s trial (21:21) before discussing the b...

Over the Hill on the Hill, and Ice Cube’s Ride Along With Tucker

28 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to Mitch McConnell’s frozen moment and discuss the elderly in politics (10:02), before talking Hunter Biden’s ...

Ron DeSantis and the "Benefits” of Slavery, Plus JasonMartin With the Hot Takes

25 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to Florida’s Black history curriculum and Ron DeSantis’s comments on the benefits of the institution of slaver...

Errol Spence Jr. on Boxing's Tribalism and Taking On Terence Crawford

22 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan is joined by welterweight unified champion Errol Spence Jr. to discuss the upcoming boxing match with Terence Crawford (1:49), the racial d...

Carlee Russell’s Disappearance and Adam Cohen Talks SCOTUS

21 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the investigation into Carlee Russell's disappearance and the epidemic of missing Black women in the U.S. (23:43...

Higher Learning Presents: The Summit of the Sexes

19 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are live at the Reparations Club in L.A. with friends Nina Parker, Shannon Stokes, Ian Spooner, and Walter “Geno” Mc...

SAG Strikes and Tommy Tuberville Defines "White Nationalist"

14 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the Screen Actors Guild’s decision to strike (16:48) before discussing Senator Tommy Tuberville’s definitio...

Jonah Hill’s Boundaries, and the Injustices of the Tulsa Massacre

11 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Jonah Hill's ex-girlfriend Sarah Brady releasing text messages between the two (20:03), before debating the toug...

Keke Palmer’s Night Out, and the White Horse at the White House

07 Jul 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the online reaction of Keke Palmer’s boyfriend to her outfit choice at an Usher concert (18:52), before reacti...

Michael Harriot and the End of Affirmative Action

30 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by journalist, author, and cultural critic Michael Harriot to react to the Supreme Court's ruling that strike...

Russia’s Almost-Coup, and Melvin Gregg on ‘The Blackening’

27 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay welcome Murtaza Hussain, journalist for The Intercept, to help break down the Wagner Group’s coup attempt in Russia (6...

The Sinking of the Titanic Sub, AI, and “God Save the Queen”

23 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the details on and public reaction to the missing Titan submersible (12:24) and the numerous bills that Governor...

Kemp Powers: Storytelling and ‘Across the Spider-Verse’

20 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay are joined by writer and codirector of ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ Kemp Powers to discuss the massive succ...

The Defense of an Unwanted Kiss, and the Black Maternal Health Crisis

16 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to singer YK Osiris forcibly kissing rapper Sukihana and the online defense of the act (11:50), plus racist emails...

Digging Into Trump’s Indictment, and Melina Abdullah on "Cop City" in Atlanta

13 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay break down Donald Trump’s federal indictment for the mishandling of classified documents (18:27), before codirector of...

Donald Trump’s Second Indictment and Marquis “Mookie” Cook on Playing LeBron

09 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss televangelist Pat Robertson’s death (9:16), Stephen A. Smith’s criticism of President Joe Biden (18:25), and...

Nikki Haley’s Dangerous Rhetoric, Plus Aaron L. Morrison on Transparency in Black Lives Matter

06 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to Nikki Haley’s dangerous comments at a CNN Town Hall (21:12), before welcoming journalist Aaron L. Morrison to...

A Lack of Slavery in ‘The Little Mermaid’ and Biden Takes a Tumble

02 Jun 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to complaints about there being no acknowledgement of slavery in Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid’ (13:21), Shan...

The Queen of Rock 'n' Roll, and Ron DeSantis Runs

26 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

The One and Only VanVan! Plus, Jim Brown’s Complicated Legacy

23 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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)....

The Color of Change Controversy and Conservatism at CNN

19 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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...

Ja Morant’s Mistakes, and Interracial Relations Conversations

16 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay react to Ja Morant’s suspension for brandishing a firearm on social media … again (19:28), before addressing Pre...

Delroy Lindo the Thespian and CNN’s Platforming of Donald Trump

12 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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-produ...

Yet Another Mass Shooting. Plus, Slurs in the Sports World

09 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 f...

Hollywood on Strike, Plus Black People and Honest Jobs

05 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 Ci...

The Latest Mass Shooting in Texas, and ‘Good Moms, Bad Choices’

02 May 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 interne...

Disney v. DeSantis, Plus Allen Hughes on ’Dear Mama’ and His Filmmaking Career

28 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to Disney’s decision to sue Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (14:59), before welcoming director Allen Hughes to dis...

Tucker ’s and Don’s Exits, and the Case for Reparations for White People

25 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the breaking news about Tucker Carlson and Don Lemon leaving their respective networks (21:09), before Rachel g...

Fox v. Dominion, and Lee Merritt on Representing the Family of Ralph Yarl

21 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the Fox News settlement with Dominion Voting Systems (22:05), then attorney Lee Merritt joins to discuss account...

The Heartbreaking Ralph Yarl Situation & the Ghost of Freakniks Past | Higher Learning | The Ringer

18 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss the heartbreaking and terrifying news surrounding the shooting of teen Ralph Yarl (28:15), before going over som...

A Regular, Black Conversation About Guns With Jason “Jah” Lee

14 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay discuss Tennessee representative Justin Pearson’s return to the state legislature, and Tucker Carlson’s take on Just...

Clarence Thomas’s Nazi-Art Collecting Friend, and Cassandra Freeman on ‘Bel-Air’

11 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 di...

Will Packer on ‘Praise This’, Plus Donald Trump Arrested

07 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the expulsion of Congress members from the Tennessee House of Representatives (0:19), before welcoming AP journ...

The Double Standard and Felicia Enuha on Corporate Life

04 Apr 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay react to the outrage toward LSU’s Angel Reese compared to Iowa’s Caitlin Clark following the NCAA national champions...

Donald Trump’s Indictment and Ally Love of Peloton and ‘Dance 100’

31 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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’...

The Arrest of Jonathan Majors and Yet Another School Shooting

28 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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’...

Tekashi 6ix9ine and Privacy in the Age of Social Media

24 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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. (14:4...

Arresting Donald Trump and the NFL’s History of Blackballing

21 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van and Rachel discuss the reaction to ‘Swarm’ and the sex scene that had Twitter abuzz (22:10) before digging into the potential presidential arr...

Angela and the Academy, Plus Sam Pollard on Documentary Filmmaking

14 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van and Rachel discuss the 2023 Oscars, the reaction to Angela Bassett’s disappointment (22:43), and ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’ making ...

The Extremely Likable Tracee Ellis Ross, Plus ‘No Jumper’ Disappoints

10 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van and Rachel discuss a hip-hop culture podcast giving a platform to an antisemitic, white supremacist, neo-Nazi who’s saying “never mind” abou...

Respectability Politics and Damon Young on Being Funny and Black

07 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 Netfl...

A ‘Corny’ Conversation With Wood Harris

03 Mar 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van and Rachel talk disinformation in light of the Fox News defamation lawsuit with Dominion (14:56), before welcoming actor Wood Harris to discuss ‘...

The Origins of COVID and the Demise of Dilbert

28 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 he...

The Emasculation Proclamation and Civil War II

24 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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’...

Animal Welfare and the Return of Animal Games

21 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

Van and Rachel are joined by Chris Draper of the Performing Animal Welfare Society to discuss providing sanctuary and care for former performance anim...

Super Bowl LVII and Dr. Peniel Joseph on Chauvinism in the Civil Rights Movement

14 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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 t...

The State of the Union and Confronting Domestic Terrorism With Hawk Newsome

10 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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). T...

Beyoncé and Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary

07 Feb 2023

Contributed by Lukas

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-ho...