~ cueing up the show ~
~ pulling every episode ~
Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay — Every episode — OmList
om
list
Swipe
Tournament
Lists
Friends
All
Movies
TV
Books
Games
Music
Podcasts
People
▾
Sign in
Every episode
Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
30 episodes
Tyga’s AI Album, McAfee’s MAGA Mess, and Ranking AOC’s Dating Pool
Aug 14, 2026 · 2 hr 30 min
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 ca…
Usher’s Clone, Drake’s Stream, and a "Ruthless" Kamala Harris
Aug 11, 2026 · 1 hr 58 min
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 Soc…
A$AP Rocky and Rihanna’s Relationship, Plus Stacey Abrams on Protecting the Vote
Aug 7, 2026 · 2 hr
Van and Rachel react to results from the August primary races, Sophie Cunningham weighing in on trans athletes, A$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…
Governor Wes Moore and "Across-the-Aisle" Politics. Plus, Diarra Kilpatrick, a.k.a. "Diarra From Detroit."
Aug 4, 2026 · 2 hr 10 min
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…
The Troubled ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ Adaptation, and Usher’s Rejection
Jul 31, 2026 · 2 hr 8 min
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…
Kerry Washington and 'The Whoopi Monologues,' a New Black Panther, and an Argument for Term Limits
Jul 28, 2026 · 2 hr 19 min
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 Correspo…
Why Would ESPN Lay Off Ryan Clark? Plus, Mayor Mamdani’s Netanyahu Strategy.
Jul 24, 2026 · 2 hr 27 min
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…
Van’s ‘Obsession’ Obsession, ‘The Odyssey’ Wins, and the Life and Career of David Roberts
Jul 21, 2026 · 2 hr 24 min
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) ‘Th…
"New Face of Hollywood,” Boosie’s Pardon Play, and Rachel’s Finest
Jul 17, 2026 · 2 hr 14 min
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 H…
The Death of Lindsey Graham and Jay-Z’s Colin Kaepernick Diss
Jul 14, 2026 · 2 hr 9 min
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 Producer…
The Tubman $20 Bill, Graham Platner’s Exit, and Rappers Flying Commercial
Jul 10, 2026 · 2 hr 17 min
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 Annemari…
The Yung Miami and India.Arie “Spend Dat” Debate, Plus U.S.-FIFA Controversy
Jul 7, 2026 · 1 hr 57 min
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…
LeBron and the Mighty White Lakers. Plus, Are You Proud to Be an American?
Jul 3, 2026 · 2 hr 19 min
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…
Druski’s BET Awards, Tucker Carlson Leaving the GOP, and “War” in the Democratic Party
Jun 30, 2026 · 2 hr 1 min
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 Soci…
XXL Freshman Class, and What Happened With Lizzo? Plus, the Last Gasp of Trumpism
Jun 26, 2026 · 2 hr 7 min
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…
Crockett Not Supporting Talarico? Plus, Estelle on the Art of Being a Humble Star
Jun 23, 2026 · 2 hr 33 min
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 head…
Jemele Hill and the Jay-Z-Target Partnership: Is It a Big Deal?
Jun 19, 2026 · 2 hr 3 min
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:…
Knicks Win It All, UFC at the White House, and the Conviction of Karmelo Anthony
Jun 16, 2026 · 1 hr 45 min
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 Lathan an…
Senator Chris Murphy and ‘Crisis of the Common Good’
Jun 12, 2026 · 55 min
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…
A Conversation With Rep. Ilhan Omar: AIPAC, MAGA Expats, and Standing Up to ICE
Jun 9, 2026 · 58 min
Van and Rachel welcome U.S. Representative from Minnesota Ilhan Omar for a wide-ranging discussion of governing in 2026. (0:00) Intro (1:09) Governing in 2019 vs. 2026 (5:07) What’s holding Democrats back? (7:07) AIPAC-sponsored candidates (15:47) 2024 election post-mortem (21:52) MAGA vs. Rep. Omar (24:28) Minnesota stands up to ICE (29:22) Nancy Mace pushes ban on naturalized citizens (36:32) Embracing MAGA expats (39:12) Message to Black voters (47:00) L.A. mayoral race (51:30) Minnesota Mt.…
Spencer Pratt’s Obama Comparisons, Plus Life and ’The Odyssey’ With Jay Pharoah
Jun 5, 2026 · 2 hr 35 min
Van and Rachel check in on the California primary races, and discuss Tyler, the Creator's disdain for top-five lists before senior politics reporter at Axios, Marc Caputo, joins to break down the congressional vote on Iran. Plus, comedian and rapper Jay Pharoah sheds light on fame, faith, and impressions. (0:00) Intro (12:18) Spencer Pratt and the L.A. mayoral race (37:03) Tyler, the Creator on top fives (50:46) Marc Caputo on the war powers resolution (1:16:43) Sloane Stephens gets an awkward i…
Jay-Z Returns to Beef With Drake, Plus Trump’s Failed Concert Series
Jun 2, 2026 · 1 hr 53 min
Van and Rachel react to Jay-Z’s freestyle at the Roots Picnic, and Donald Trump taking two public L's in the lead-up to his Freedom 250 festival. Plus a check-in on the L.A. mayoral race, and an Atlanta judge and police deputy chief’s noisy sexual encounters get exposed. (0:00) Intro (19:12) Jay-Z freestyle (42:57) Trump cancelling concert (52:27) Removal of Trump’s name from Kennedy Center (1:00:06) Spencer Pratt’s appeal (1:24:47) Courtroom sex affair (1:34:52) The return of Mountain Lion (1:3…
Kevin Hart: Black Culture Vs. Comedy Culture, and Spencer Pratt’s Mayoral Bid
May 29, 2026 · 2 hr 4 min
Van and Rachel are back from the holiday break to react to Kevin Hart's response to problematic jokes at his roast, updates in the fight against redistricting, and Spencer Pratt’s appeal to L.A. voters. Plus Jaxson Dart’s MAGA moves, and Ray J gets KO'd. (0:00) Intro (15:54) Kevin Hart responds to roast critics (41:20) Iran conflict update (56:40) The redistricting battle (1:12:37) White wine spritzers (1:21:13) Spencer Pratt on homelessness (1:38:31) Jaxson Dart, Abdul Carter, and MAGA (1:49:03…
Is Hip-Hop Still Fun? Plus the DNC’s Autopsy Report and “Dr.” Cheyenne Bryant’s Alleged Title
May 22, 2026 · 2 hr 7 min
Van and Rachel react to the results of this week’s primary races and the release of the DNC Autopsy report of the 2024 election. Plus Chelsea Handler on racist jokes, Cheyenne Bryant’s doctoral backlash, and Michelle Obama on MAGA. (0:00) Intro (0:18) Is Hip-Hop still fun? (15:47) Primary election reactions (28:10) The DNC’s 2024 election autopsy (51:04) Chelsea Handler, race and roasts (1:10:13) “Dr.” Cheyenne Bryant (1:29:08) Michelle Obama on the MAGA movement (1:52:42) Trump’s J6 “slush fund…
Drake’s ‘Iceman’ Album Review. Plus, Tom Steyer’s Plan for California.
May 19, 2026 · 2 hr 7 min
Van and Rachel review Drake’s highly anticipated new album, ‘Iceman.’ Did it live up to the hype? Then they discuss a white college student’s alleged scheme to attract Black athletes before gubernatorial candidate Tom Steyer joins the podcast to shed light on his potential policies for the Golden State. (0:00) Intro (8:33) ‘Iceman’ album review (35:06) Black athlete scheme (54:59) Tom Steyer joins the show (1:56:00) Polls in CA races Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Tom Steyer Produce…
Chud the Builder Shot, and SEC Boycott? Plus, Tiffany D. Cross on Womanhood
May 15, 2026 · 2 hr 41 min
Van and Rachel react to Jason Lee and Peter Rosenberg’s "culture vulture" conversation and the AKA’s being upset with Rachel, before discussing Chud the Builder's shooting and arrest and calls for student-athletes to boycott SEC schools. Then author Tiffany D. Cross joins to talk about her new book, ‘Love, Me: A Letter to Black Women in a Toxic Country, Career, and Relationship.’ (0:00) Intro (13:47) Jason Lee, Peter Rosenberg and culture vulture accusations (27:12) AKA Sorority Inc. backlash (3…
Kevin and Katt Squash the Beef, Stephen A.’s Wish, and ABC vs. Trump’s FCC
May 12, 2026 · 1 hr 54 min
Van and Rachel recap ‘The Roast of Kevin Hart’ and discuss this era of gerrymandering and ABC challenging the FCC. Then, Stephen A. Smith has a wish for Black voters, James Charles apologizes, and Caitlin Clark does the Morgan Wallen walk. (0:00) Intro (0:14) 'The Roast of Kevin Hart' (17:27) Virginia redistricting ruling (36:04) ABC vs. the FCC (48:02) Stephen A. Smith and the Black vote (1:02:29) James Charles berates former Spirit Airlines employee (1:33:28) Caitlin Clark and Morgan Wallen (1…
Stefon Diggs Not Guilty, the Return of Migos, and Do We Need the Met Gala?
May 8, 2026 · 2 hr 5 min
Van and Rachel react to the verdict in the Stefon Diggs case before discussing the Bezos backlash at the Met Gala. Plus, Quavo and Offset tease new music, and Van has a brand-new VanLaTEN list. (0:00) Intro (4:33) Responding to viral racism (15:10) Stefon Diggs found not guilty (29:47) The Met Gala and Jeff Bezos (42:53) MrBeast birthday love (54:41) New music from Migos? (1:00:12) L.A. mayoral debate (1:16:08) Dana White on masculinity and mental health (1:26:29) Dianna Russini–Mike Vrabel upda…
RIP ‘Love & Hip-Hop,’ Scott Jennings on CNN, and a Colorism Conversation
May 5, 2026 · 2 hr 4 min
Van and Rachel look back on the legacy of 'Love & Hip-Hop' before reacting to the pausing of Post Malone and Jelly Roll’s stadium tour. Plus, Scott Jennings gets flustered on CNN and Fernando Mendoza skips the White House visit, before a conversation about colorism and Blackness. (0:00) Intro (17:37) The end of ‘Love & Hip-Hop’ (32:37) Post Malone and Jelly Roll cancellations (44:51) Scott Jennings and CNN’s ‘Newsnight’ (1:06:27) Fernando Mendoza and the White House (1:23:19) Colorism and Blackn…
Druski, the Most Consequential Comedian? Plus: L.A. Mayor Karen Bass on Wildfires, Housing, and a Second Term
May 1, 2026 · 2 hr 9 min
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. Then L.A. Mayor Karen Bass joins to answer questions about her plan for the city in a second term. (0:00) Intro (0:14) Druski hosting BET Awards (9:26) A Megan and Klay Thompson talk pt. 2 (21:31) The Supreme Court and voting rights (53:40) Mayor Karen Bass joins the show Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Mayor Karen Bass Producers: Donnie B…
← Back to the show
