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The Ringer

Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay dissect the biggest topics in Black culture, politics, and sports. Two times per week, they will wade into the most important and timely conversations, frequently inviting guests on the podcast and occasionally debating each other.

Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Van and Rachel welcome reporter Meghann Cuniff to discuss the legal aspects of the Jay-Z rape lawsuit (5:58), before breaking down the cultural impact of the news (26:39). Then reactions to the arrest of a suspect in the UnitedHealth CEO’s murder (1:04:04), Lil Duval says women owe Jonathan Majors an apology (1:10:28), and the phrase ‘built like a Mexican’ sparks racial tensions online (1:25:21).

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Guest: Meghann Cuniff
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith
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Unpacking the Jay-Z Allegations with Meghann Cuniff

Van and Rachel kick it off by reacting to Remy Ma and Papoose airing out cheating allegations via the internet (5:56) before discussing Jamie Foxx’s Netflix special (20:57) and the conservative backlash to Caitlin Clark’s TIME interview (28:44). Then adult film actress Ana Foxxx joins to give her perspective on OnlyFans model Lily Phillips having sex with 100 guys in 24 hours (37:47), and finally Jaleel White has a controversial take on Black audiences' acceptance of ‘Family Matters’ (1:11:06) 

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Guest: Ana Foxxx
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith
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Remy Ma and Papoose Drama, Plus Talking 100 Men in One Day With Ana Foxxx

Van and Rachel welcome actor Jaleel White to address backlash he received for comments on "hood" TV shows (12:10), where he ranks ‘Family Matters’ amongst Black sitcoms (22:22), stories of growing up and dating as a child star in ’90s L.A. (32:37), and the responsibility of parents to protect young actors from predators in the industry (1:22:07)

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Guest: Jaleel White
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith
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‘Growing Up Urkel’ With Jaleel White

Van and Rachel kick off the last show of 2024 discussing the Matt Gaetz House Ethics report (5:19), reacting to ‘Into the Spider-Verse’ actor Shameik Moore’s questionable behavior with Spider-Man love interests (15:23), and Fat Joe’s comments on Foundational Black Americans (26:19). Then, a quick (and final) update on the Travis Hunter fiancé saga (41:18), Blake Lively’s legal action against Justin Baldoni (51:44), and NYPD corruption is brought to light (1:08:28). And finally, Van and Rachel reveal their Person of the Year (1:18:50).

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith
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Shameik Moore, Fat Joe, and Higher Learning’s Person of the Year

Van and Rachel are joined by Chris Draper of the Performing Animal Welfare Society to discuss providing sanctuary and care for former performance animals (0:00), before welcoming Dr. Lauren Howard to talk about her role as director of veterinary services for the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (23:34). Then, Animal Games makes it’s long anticipated return to the podcast (49:05).

Hosts: Van Lathan Jr. and Rachel Lindsay
Guests: Dr. Chris Draper and Dr. Lauren Howard
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith
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A Higher Learning Rewind: Animal Welfare and the Return of Animal Games

Van and Rachel discuss the Fox Sports lawsuit and social media’s reaction to the allegations (15:12), before breaking down Drake’s, ‘Fighting Irish’ freestyle in the context of his relationship with LeBron James (51:48). Plus, Notre Dame’s Black head coach Marcus Freeman speaks on how “color shouldn’t matter” (1:14:51).
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The Fox Sports Lawsuit, and Drake’s Break Up With LeBron

Van and Rachel react to the devastation from the Los Angeles wildfires (0:00) before being joined by activist William Gude to provide insight on the fallout and impact of the disaster (16:01). Then, Stephen 'tWitch’ Boss’s widow, Allison Holker, has received criticism for the promotion of her memoir (47:40), Rachel speaks on her divorce being finalized (1:05:31) and Presidents Obama and Trump share a moment at Jimmy Carter’s funeral (1:12:50).

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Guest: William Gude
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith
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Processing the Los Angeles Wildfires With William Gude

Van and Rachel discuss the looming insurance crisis for Los Angeles homeowners (14:42), the price gouging of rental properties (21:14), and the use of prisoners to help fight the fires (29:41). Plus, Mayor Karen Bass faces criticism for her handling of the crisis (46:21). Then, Stephen A. Smith reflects on the election (1:13:57), Jimmy Butler is in a child support battle (1:27:20), and a former WNBA star makes a career shift to OnlyFans (1:37:16).

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith
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The Political Firestorm and Recovery in L.A.

Van and Rachel discuss what looks to be a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas (7:44). Then, they welcome Toronto radio personality Marlon Palmer to break down the cultural impact of Drake’s lawsuit (15:24). Plus, Donnell Rawlings compares white and Black comedy culture (44:51), and SZA gets backlash for her praise of Drew Barrymore (1:03:14). Then, executive director of the Anti-Recidivism Coalition Sam Lewis joins to give insight on the firefighter inmate program in California (1:12:49). 

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Guests: Marlon Palmer and Sam Lewis
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith
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Drake’s Certified Legal Action and a Potential Ceasefire in Gaza

Van and Rachel open the show with Coach Prime, a.k.a. impressionist Sam Croker (8:38), before welcoming the chairman of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, Ben Wikler, to discuss plans should he become chair of the DNC (27:43), and re-energizing the Democratic Party (33:12). Then, in-the-moment reactions to Donald Trump’s inauguration (1:02:10), and digging into Nelly, Snoop, Rick Ross, and Soulja Boy’s participation (1:14:55). Plus, Byron Donalds calls Trump ‘daddy’ (1:42:30).

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Guests: Sam Croker and Ben Wikler
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith
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Hip-Hop, MLK, and Trump’s Second Inauguration

Van and Rachel discuss the life and death of Gene Hackman (4:55), before reacting to the GOP budget bill that could cause major cuts to Medicaid and have ripple effects for Medicare (10:13) before welcoming CNN journalist Omar Jimenez to discuss the White House moving to pick the pool reporters who cover Trump (36:42). Plus, Me Too founder Tarana Burke discusses where the movement stands in 2025 (59:47).

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay
Guests: Omar Jimenez and Tarana Burke
Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Ashleigh Smith
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The End of Medicaid? Plus, the Me Too Movement in 2025

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