Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
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.
Charles Booker joins the show, Hasan sues Scott Jennings and Stephen A. Smith claps back
On today’s show, we are joined by U.S. Senate candidate for the state of Kentucky, Charles Booker. Plus, Rachel and Van discuss Stephen A. Smith’s personal clapback, streamer Hasan Piker sues CNN’s Scott Jennings, an Ohio pastor presents his second wife to his congregation and Van found someone who shares his opinion on animal rights.
(00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning
(9:32) Stephen A. Smith responds to Higher Learning
(1:11:11) Hasan Piker sues Scott Jennings
(1:26:23) Sister wives
(1:47:13) Charles Booker joins the show
(2:27:40) Shark attack
Hosts...
F.D. Signifier Joins Higher Learning
We have a special treat for you, Thought Warriors! Today we have the one and only F.D. Signifier in studio, as Van joins us from Chi-Town. Rachel, Van, and F.D. get into his humble beginnings as a teacher and small-time content creator, to his evolution into one of hottest culture creators out now. Plus, they hit on his most recent and viral beef with Killer Mike.
(00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning
(1:35) Jay-Z to headline Super Bowl LXI
(16:12) F.D. Signifier in studio
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Guest: F.D...
Jay-Z Closes Out 30th Anniversary Tour in L.A., and the 2026 Midterm Elections Are Here
Higher Learning is back!! On today’s show, Van and Rachel talk about gaming, Soul Food, and Jay-Z closing out his 30th anniversary tour in L.A. Plus, they break down the key senate races in the 2026 midterm elections, Vivek Ramaswamy’s horrendous ad, and Van gets deep into Greek mythology.
(00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning
(41:00) Jay-Z’s star-studded L.A. finale
(56:35) 2026 midterm elections
(1:26:40) Greek freaks
(1:42:38) Ramaswamy is just the worst
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Producers: Marco Escalante and Jade Whaley
Social Produc...
Bill Maher, Stephen A., and Kid Rock Have Dinner With Trump. Plus, Abdul El-Sayed's Clapback and Todrick Hall's Off-Broadway Musical.
On today’s show, Rachel and Van discuss who’s a better dancer: MC Hammer or Chris Brown. Plus, a DHL manager may be in trouble after refusing to ship some anti-KKK merch; Trump has dinner with Bill Maher, Stephen A. Smith, and Kid Rock; NBA superstar Jaylen Brown harps on about his favorite instrument; Todrick Hall has a new musical; and Abdul El-Sayed claps back at a voter. And speaking of cooking, Van asks who Rachel’s inviting to the cookout.
(00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning
(1:58) Who’s the better dancer?
(12:38...
Mike Tyson Joins Trump Campaign Trail, Katie Zacharia’s Rocky Press Conference, and Druski Set to Make History
After a little break, we are back, Thought Warriors!!! On today’s show, Rachel and Van say goodbye to Peacemaker Van, Bernard gets a car, and Mike Tyson shows support for Trump while Trump's new press secretary has a rough first day on the job. Plus, the gang talks about Representative Ilhan Omar being targeted by the Trump administration and the rumors that Druski will host 'SNL.' And in college news, a tennis team out of the University of Maryland is in trouble, while the AKAs claim their colors. All that and more.
(00:00) Welcome to Higher Le...
The Beautiful Women of ‘Living Single,’ Terrell Owens's Defamation Lawsuit, and Angie Nixon Joins the Show
Your favorite hosts are back! This time from New York City. Today, Rachel and Van discuss the death of legendary R&B singer Freddie Jackson. Plus, the Views From the 7 podcast makes waves for the wrong reasons, NFL Hall of Famer Terrell Owens gets sued by Nolan Wells’s friends for defamation, Jamie Foxx has a new special out, and Florida Representative Angie Nixon joins us to discuss her run for Senate.
(00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning
(3:47) Van likes to hang out
(21:27) R&B legend Freddie Jackson dies at 70 years old
(30:50) The wr...
Da’Vinchi Speaks on Black Americans, Chris Rock Regrets a Decision, and Bobby Shmurda Gives N-Word Passes
Thought Warriors! Hope your thinking caps are on for this one. On today’s show, Rachel and Van opine on Da’Vinchi’s controversial comments while on Cam Newton’s podcast, Chris Rock’s biggest regret of his life, and the cease-and-desist warning Chris Harrison received. Plus, Bobby Shmurda grants permission to a group of people he probably shouldn’t have, and the gals of the ‘Whole Lotta Gay Show’ talk some D, and we don’t mean defense.
(00:00) Special announcement
(1:25)Welcome to Higher Learning
(9:58) Da’Vinchi stirs up some controversy
(49:51) Chris Rock’s biggest...
The Cornell 7 Case, Eric Schmitt’s Basketball Blunder, and Dr. Abdul El-Sayed Joins the Show
Thought Warriors! We have a good one for you today! Dr. Abdul El-Sayed joins us in-studio to discuss his run for U.S. Senate and then some. But first, Rachel and Van discuss the latest in the Cornell 7 case, Senator Eric Schmitt tries to set a trap for former special counsel Jack Smith (and fails miserably), plus the hottest AI trend out there right now: Quavo and Takeoff's 'Hotel Lobby' video.
(00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning
(16:57) More updates in the Cornell 7 case
(53:49) Schmitt hits the fan
(1:04:44) Sampson wants kids from his homegirls<...
'A Different World' Reboot, Nolan Wells Updates, and Nithya Raman Joins the Show
It's a guest fest this week on Higher Learning!! Leading off the week, L.A. mayoral candidate Nithya Raman joins us, just a few weeks away from the biggest election of her life. But first, Van and Rachel discuss their trip to Sweden and the new cast of 'A Different World.' Plus, they break down what a Mississippi grand jury had to say about the death of Nolan Wells, seven men in a Cornell University fraternity being sued in a sexual abuse case, and Lori Harvey having some detractors when it comes to her business acumen and privilege.<...
Nikole Hannah-Jones Questions a Major Decision About Her Daughter’s Education
Surprise, surprise, Thought Warriors!!! You thought you were done with us this week, but we said “nah!” Van and Rachel have a surprise episode for you straight from the plane in Sweden. They’ll discuss Nikole Hannah-Jones's decision to put her daughter through public, low-income school 10 years ago. How it’s going, the impact on her child, the community, and what the awareness has done.
(00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning
(00:51) Nikole’s experiment, 10 years later
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Producer: Jade Whaley and Marco Escalante
Social Producer: Bernard Moo...
Ed Sheeran's Apology, Trump's Journalist Ban, and Shaquille O'Neal Named Honorary FBI Special Agent
Thought Warriors, mount up! On today’s show, Rachel and Van discuss Ed Sheeran’s apology and almost immediate take-back, and Trump's ban on leftist media platforms from the White House. Speaking of which, Hasan Piker takes on some leftist media critiques on MSNow’s 'Clock That.' NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal is “Shaqtin’ a Fool” with Kash Patel, plus Rep. Lauren Boebert’s freaky side comes out again, allegedly. Van and Rachel talk all that and more.
(00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning
(7:46) Ed Sheeran’s ... apology?
(26:28) Trump escalates his war with the media
(4...
Janine Nabers in the house! More Macklemore drama, Kash Patel chewed out and JD Vance begs.
On today’s show, we have the über-talented Janine Nabers in studio, but first, Van has some thoughts on social media, and Rachel gives a quick take on Chris Brown rejecting a Texas legislative honor. Plus, our hosts recap the ever-growing fallout of Macklemore being dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour and the 2026 Emmys diss of actors of color. Finally, Van UNLEASHES on Kash Patel, and the crew discusses JD Vance’s plea to the American people.
(00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning
(4:31) Van has some thoughts
(10:45) Chris Brown responds to criticism
(14:10) More fallout from Macklemore’s dismissal...
Colin Kaepernick Joins Higher Learning
Surprise, Thought Warriors! Higher Learning is here with a pop-up episode featuring none other than Colin Kaepernick in the studio! Kaepernick drops by not just to promote his new book, 'The Perilous Fight,' but to have a real conversation with Van and Rachel about everything. From civil rights to NFL blackballing to racial identity to protesting against police brutality to Target, no topic is off-limits.
(00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning
(2:59) Colin Kaepernick joins us in the studio; 'The Perilous Fight' out September 15
(15:52) Racial identity
(26:48) NFL career
(45:52) The settlement
(58:02) Muddled message?
(1:08:08...
Lil Durk Acquitted, Jasmine Crockett Presents Congressional Award to Chris Brown, and Trump on Reparations
On today’s show, Rachel and Van chat about Rachel’s newest gig at the U.S. Open, and Lil Durk gets acquitted in his murder-for-hire trial. Speaking of trials, Lindsay Clancy’s trial ends with a hung jury that has sparked a racial debate, plus Rep. Jasmine Crockett gets backlash for awarding Chris Brown and Usher with congressional recognition for their contributions to music and culture. Ed Sheeran gives Macklemore his walking papers, and Trump says yes to $5K checks for voting Republican, but no to reparations. Rachel and Van break it all down.
(00:00) Welcome to Higher Learni...Fat Joe is Apparently Black, Stephen A. Smith is Upset and Danielle Brooks & Walter Thompson-Hernandez Join the Show
Today on Higher Learning, Van and Rachel discuss Fat Joe defending his use of the N-word, Tim Scott’s fiery GOP convention speech, and Stephen A. Smith’s sit-down with Cari Champion and Jemele Hill. Plus, Danielle Brooks and Walter Thompson-Hernández join the show to talk If I Go Will They Miss Me, Hakeem Jeffries faces a racist attack from journalist Rula Jebreal, and a woman goes viral for tracking down the man she says scammed her out of a cruise.
(00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning
(6:57) Fat Joe defends his use of the N-Word
(42:41) Tim Scott speak...
Raven-Symoné Talks the Black Validity of 'That’s So Raven,’ Stephen A. Smith on Colin Kaepernick, and Keffe D Convicted in Tupac Murder Trial
Today on Higher Learning, Van and Rachel talk about the passing of Gloria Steinem, Stephen A. Smith’s continued feud with Colin Kaepernick, and Raven-Symoné’s recent comments about the Blackness of 'That’s So Raven.' Plus, 20-year-old Pierre Damas Bel dies by suicide, reportedly out of fears of deportation, eight Democrats vote alongside Republicans to condemn socialism, and friend of the show Geno Smith makes a surprise phone appearance and spills the tea on Van’s fraternity life. Then, they talk trials and the guilty verdict in Tupac’s murder, and Lil Durk gets snitched on.
(00:00) ...
Druski's Controversial CTE Skit, the House Trying to Condemn Socialism, Angie Nixon vs. Laura Loomer & Master P on Slavery
On today’s episode, Messi retires from team Argentina, and Druski has a new hilarious skit about a very serious disease. Plus, scammers come in every color (even 49ers red and gold), ICE is still out there grabbing folks, underdog Angie Nixon’s win in Florida ruffles some feathers, and Louisiana's own Master P deals with some backlash of his own doing. Van and Rachel discuss all this and more. (00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning (06:07) Messi has retired from Argentina’s national team (14:35) Druski’s newest skit makes headlines (36:02) Fool’s gold (57:52) Milo Yiannopoulos detained and deported by ICE (1:09:38) Republican House intr...
Rest in Peace, Dolly Parton; Supreme Court Rules on Trump Mail-In Voting; and Abdul El-Sayed vs. Jesse Watters on Fox News
On today’s show, Van and Lindsay discuss the loss of Dolly Parton and her impact on the Black community. They react to the Supreme Court handing Trump a “YUGE” win with mail-in ballots and Abdul El-Sayed’s devastating takedown of Jesse Watters. Plus, they dig into Meta’s ginormous payout, Darth Vader’s defense of Flock cameras, and Jelly Roll getting political while hosting 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!'
(00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning
(00:36) Colin Kaepernick pulls his books from Target shelves
(18:49) Dolly Parton passes away at 80 years old
(29:50) New ownership duo in San Diego
(40:54) SCOTUS hands...
Beef Tariffs, Target Halloween Backlash, Hakeem Jeffries Meets With Jared Kushner, and an AI Conversation With King Willonius
We got BEEF! Today Van and Rachel talk about Trump’s beef with American cattle ranchers. Then they get into the latest developments in the Karmelo Anthony trial, and Target is under fire for a racist costume. Plus, right-winger Jake Lang becomes Spider-Man’s latest target, and Van and Rachel talk about the not-so-secret (anymore) meeting between potential House majority leader Hakeem Jeffries and Jared Kushner. Plus, AI royalty King Willonius joins us in studio to chat about AI and "BBL Drizzy."
(00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning
(01:05) Kanter kicked out
(04:56) Where’s the beef?
(20:39) The latest in the...
Ro Khanna on the DSA and the Prospects of a Potential Presidential Run. Plus, the Gary, Indiana, Blackout and Penn State Drug Ring.
Van and Rachel chat about the NABJ’s website and its ongoing feud with Stephen A. Smith before catching up on Indiana’s harrowing storms that have left tens of thousands without power. Then they dig into the alleged cocaine ring at one of Penn State’s fraternities and then welcome California Congressman Ro Khanna live in studio. Plus, our hosts give us their thoughts on Young Thug’s interesting comments on fame vs. riches.
(00:00) Welcome to Higher Learning
(01:05) Stephen A. Smith and NABJ's beef continues
(12:37) Indiana left powerless by brutal s...
Stephen A. Smith Receives “Thumbs Down” Award, Maya Boyd Is Your New Storm, James Talarico’s Strategic Ad Campaign, and Ray J Defeats Orlando Brown in the Ring
Stephen A. Smith Receives “Thumbs Down” Award, Maya Boyd Is Your New Storm, James Talarico’s Strategic Ad Campaign, and Ray J Defeats Orlando Brown in the Ring
Van and Rachel pay tribute to actress Hayden Panettiere and Jason Arday. They also discuss James Talarico’s campaign ad against Ken Paxton. Plus, reactions to the Ray J vs. Orlando Brown boxing match and a discussion on Stephen A. Smith receiving the “Thumbs Down” award from the NABJ. Plus, an in-depth discussion on the casting of Maya Boyd in Marvel’s new X-Men movie, coming in 2028.
(0:00) Intro
(0:33...
Tyga’s AI Album, McAfee’s MAGA Mess, and Ranking AOC’s Dating Pool
Van and Rachel react to Russell Westbrook’s retirement, Tyga’s AI album ‘$tarface’, and Marcellus Wiley’s domestic violence case being dropped, before discussing Pat McAfee’s appearance with President Trump. Plus, Saucy Santana addresses a White House repost and code-switching gets defined before Van whips out the whiteboard to debate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s dating options.
(0:00) Intro
(11:02) Russell Westbrook retires from NBA
(22:24) Tyga’s AI album, ’$tarface’
(44:46) Marcellus Wiley’s case dropped
(1:11:13) Pat McAfee and Trump at the Patriot Games
(1:25:09) Saucy Santana’s White House repost
<...Usher’s Clone, Drake’s Stream, and a "Ruthless" Kamala Harris
Van and Rachel debate "capitalism" before discussing accusations of an Usher body double and Drake’s content creation. Plus, Kamala Harris speaks on what’s needed from the Democrats, and Van breaks down the X-Men vs. the Avengers.
(0:00) Intro
(6:34) A capitalism conversation
(51:37) Usher using body doubles?
(1:00:51) Drake’s stream
(1:20:56) Kamala Harris and "ruthless" Democrats
(1:40:13) X-Men vs. Avengers
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley
Social Producer: Bernard Moore
Vide...
A$AP Rocky and Rihanna’s Relationship, Plus Stacey Abrams on Protecting the Vote
Van and Rachel react to results from the August primary races, Sophie Cunningham weighing in on trans athletes, A$AP Rocky opening up to Jason Lee. Then, author and political leader Stacey Abrams returns to weigh in on the ongoing fight for voting rights.
(0:00) Intro
(5:39) Primary race results
(19:26) Sophie Cunningham on trans athletes
(30:01) A$AP Rocky on his relationship with Rihanna
(42:25) Stacey Abrams joins the show
(1:40:10) Did Van see this?
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Guest: S...
Governor Wes Moore and "Across-the-Aisle" Politics. Plus, Diarra Kilpatrick, a.k.a. "Diarra From Detroit."
Van and Rachel react to Spider-Man’s big box office weekend before switching gears to talk about RFK Jr.’s on-air meltdown and Governor Wes Moore’s chummy exchange with a Trump official. Then actor, writer, and producer Diarra Kilpatrick joins to talk about Season 2 of the hit show 'Diarra From Detroit.'
(0:00) Intro
(0:15) ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ box office
(8:42) RFK Jr.’s on-air meltdown
(23:51) Governor Wes Moore and "across-the-aisle" politics
(1:00:42) Diarra Kilpatrick joins the show
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
...The Troubled ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ Adaptation, and Usher’s Rejection
Van and Rachel discuss tragedy and personas in rap, and updates in the Nolan Wells case before diving into President Trump’s attempts at voter suppression. Then Jonathan Majors speaks, the author of ’Children of Blood and Bone’ distances herself from the film, and Usher’s interaction with a fan sparks debate.
(0:00) Intro
(7:46) The Madden curse
(27:48) Gun violence and 21 Savage
(40:37) Update on the Nolan Wells case
(54:07) Mail-in voting restrictions
(1:07:21) The punishing of Jonathan Majors
(1:20:46) The ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ controversy
(1:39:01...
Kerry Washington and 'The Whoopi Monologues,' a New Black Panther, and an Argument for Term Limits
Van and Rachel react to the recasting of Black Panther, a cheating scandal in the WNBA, and the White House Correspondents' Dinner before welcoming actor Kerry Washington to discuss the revival of ‘The Whoopi Monologues’ and the importance of theater. Plus, Representative James Clyburn says Black voters let Kamala down, and a respectability politics discussion about Tuskegee University.
(0:00) Intro
(20:08) David Jonsson is Black Panther
(29:36) WNBA cheating scandal
(39:17) White House Correspondents Dinner
(52:26) Kerry Washington joins the show
(1:28:09) Representative James Clyburn and the argument for term limi...
Why Would ESPN Lay Off Ryan Clark? Plus, Mayor Mamdani’s Netanyahu Strategy.
Van and Rachel react to both ESPN’s decision to lay off Ryan Clark and LeBron’s decision to drag out free agency. Then, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani says he can’t arrest Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Trump administration freezes Medicaid funding for CA and MN. And finally, a debate about the placement of a controversially titled book on a former NBA head coach's desk.
(0:00) Intro
(27:42) Ryan Clark and the ESPN layoffs
(1:00:07) Mamdani’s message to Netanyahu
(1:21:25) Medicaid funds frozen
(1:46:21) House GOP advances plan to fund...
Van’s ‘Obsession’ Obsession, ‘The Odyssey’ Wins, and the Life and Career of David Roberts
Van and Rachel have a spoiler-filled discussion of the newly streaming film ‘Obsession,’ before reacting to the success of 'The Odyssey.' Then, controversy in the WNBA warrants an apology rating, the Tate brothers are arrested, the military’s testing testosterone, and Fox News is joking about sexual assault. Then, ESPN executive VP David Roberts joins to discuss his career and massive impact on the sports broadcasting industry.
(0:00) Intro
(14:57) SPOILERS: An ‘Obsession’ discussion
(47:27) ‘The Odyssey’ success
(58:37) Angel Reese and the “protected species” comment
(1:13:36) Andrew and Tristan Tate’s arrest
..."New Face of Hollywood,” Boosie’s Pardon Play, and Rachel’s Finest
Van and Rachel react to a problematic Hollywood Reporter article and some Christian blacklash for KevOnStage, before discussing Boosie’s failed efforts to get a pardon and recent killings at the hands of ICE. Then Rachel gives her list of “top five finest men.”
(0:00) Intro
(24:38) New face of Hollywood
(46:08) KevOnStage upsets some fans
(1:05:27) Boosie’s pardon play
(1:17:32) Memphis Bleek and community
(1:34:48) ICE shootings
(1:54:24) Rachel’s finest
(2:02:18) Remembering a community hero
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
The Death of Lindsey Graham and Jay-Z’s Colin Kaepernick Diss
Van and Rachel react to the death of Senator Lindsey Graham and the speculation around the health of Senator Mitch McConnell before digging into Jay-Z’s mention of Colin Kaepernick at a recent performance.
(0:00) Intro
(27:25) Rachel’s porkless week
(29:52) World Cup updates
(33:29) Reactions to Lindsey Graham’s death
(56:21) Mitch McConnell speculation
(1:00:45) Jay-Z disses Colin Kaepernick
(1:51:31) Rachel’s “Finest”
(1:54:26) Revenge of the Bison
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley<...
The Tubman $20 Bill, Graham Platner’s Exit, and Rappers Flying Commercial
Van and Rachel react to the U.S. men's soccer team’s loss to Belgium and the list of Emmy nominees. Then they discuss the end of the plans for Harriet Tubman’s $20 bill and Graham Platner ending his Senate campaign. Plus, an update on Marcellus Wiley, and the death of a Mississippi teen sparks conversation.
(0:00) Intro
(18:53) U.S. loses to Belgium
(31:06) Emmy nominations
(42:34) Harriet Tubman $20 bill plans ended
(59:11) Graham Platner’s failed campaign
(1:31:43) Marcellus and Annemarie Wiley update
(1:48:28) Questions around the death o...
The Yung Miami and India.Arie “Spend Dat” Debate, Plus U.S.-FIFA Controversy
Van and Rachel react to the U.S. soccer controversy before discussing Marcellus Wiley’s arrest and the "America250" celebration in D.C. Plus, will Diddy get a pardon thanks to Trump? And the song of the summer sparks a debate.
(0:00) Intro
(35:07) The U.S.-FIFA controversy
(51:15) Marcellus Wiley’s arrest
(1:03:47) "America250" celebration
(1:19:08) Will Trump pardon Diddy?
(1:28:41) India.Arie, Yung Miami, and the “Spend Dat” debate
(1:42:40) "White and Proud" Facebook group takeover
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay<...
LeBron and the Mighty White Lakers. Plus, Are You Proud to Be an American?
Van and Rachel react to the biggest news of the NBA offseason before questioning whether Kamala Harris is gearing up for a presidential run and discussing Barack Obama’s opinion of George Washington. Then Maureen Edobor, an assistant professor at Washington and Lee School of Law, joins to help break down the impact of some recent Supreme Court decisions before Van asks a patriotic question.
(0:00) Intro
(10:01) The new-look (white) Lakers
(15:57) LeBron’s latest decision
(41:02) Is Kamala Harris running in 2028?
(50:50) Obama on admiring George Washington
(1:21:24) Maur...
Druski’s BET Awards, Tucker Carlson Leaving the GOP, and “War” in the Democratic Party
Van and Rachel react to the 2026 BET Awards before discussing the latest from a pair of former Fox News hosts, and the conflict dividing the Democratic Party.
(0:00) Intro
(16:04) BET Awards recap
(29:00) Haiti and Megyn Kelly’s racist rhetoric
(54:11) Tucker Carlson leaving the GOP
(1:06:14) Moderates vs. Democratic Socialists
(1:31:03) New segment: Rachel Hasn’t Seen This
(1:39:40) Fewer babies named Donald
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley
Social Producer: Bern...
XXL Freshman Class, and What Happened With Lizzo? Plus, the Last Gasp of Trumpism
Van and Rachel kick off the podcast with a follow-up discussion about Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico before digging into a pair of music industry topics. Plus, an awkward interaction during ESPN’s NBA draft coverage, and was A$AP Rocky disrespectful with the stuff he said during a performance?
(0:00) Intro
(0:17) A Crockett-Talarico recap
(59:46) XXL Freshman Class: Auntie Rach vs. Baby Jade
(1:08:55) Lizzo’s new album sales
(1:24:03) Jokes about the Jay Williams accident
(1:31:07) Was A$AP Rocky being disrespectful?
(1:37:57) Is the GOP out...
Crockett Not Supporting Talarico? Plus, Estelle on the Art of Being a Humble Star
Van and Rachel react to questions about Representative Jasmine Crockett’s support of her former opponent James Talarico before Van makes a connection between geopolitics and ‘The Wire.’ They also hit a couple of sports topics and SZA’s anti-AI stance before the multi-hyphenate Estelle joins the show.
(0:00) Intro
(13:11) Jasmine Crockett, James Talarico, and party unity
(35:10) The Iran conflict and ‘The Wire’
(1:01:19) Bill Maher and the Obama Presidential Library
(1:16:32) New York Knicks headed to the White House
(1:26:13) Wholesome World Cup content
(1:33:48) SZA and the dang...
Jemele Hill and the Jay-Z-Target Partnership: Is It a Big Deal?
Van and Rachel discuss the results of the L.A. primary race, before reacting to the death of a one-year-old at the hands of police. Then Jemele Hill joins to talk boycotts amidst a deal between Target and Jay-Z.
(0:00) Intro
(13:43) L.A. mayoral primary race results
(31:36) Mississippi police shoot and kill one-year-old
(54:41) Jemele Hill joins the show
(1:25:43) Tyra Banks sues Netflix
(1:42:26) Knicks parade reactions
(1:50:07) Twerking church mom
Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Guests: Jemele...
Knicks Win It All, UFC at the White House, and the Conviction of Karmelo Anthony
Van and Rachel are back from a break to react to the historic NBA Finals, the UFC fight at the White House, and David Oyelowo’s take on African and Southern Black accents. Then defense attorney Yodit Tewolde joins to help break down the trial and conviction of Karmelo Anthony.
(0:00) Intro
(8:26) New York Knicks are NBA champs
(27:34) UFC fight at the White House
(44:15) David Oyelowo on African and Southern Black accents
(57:02) Yodit Tewolde on the trial of Karmelo Anthony
Hosts: Van La...
Senator Chris Murphy and ‘Crisis of the Common Good’
Connecticut senator Chris Murphy joins to discuss multiculturalism, the withdrawal of Joe Biden’s presidential candidacy, and his new book, ‘Crisis of the Common Good.’
(0:00) Intro
(1:36) Responding to the symptom of Trump
(5:07) Common good capitalism
(7:21) The country’s most harmful cults
(10:07) Building cultural connections
(21:38) Getting personal
(24:20) The male loneliness epidemic
(27:14) Governing in 2026
(31:51) A ‘Star Wars’ analogy
(37:59) The Divine Nine
(39:30) Too much focus on the executive branch?
(43:28) The Democratic plan for Black women and men
...