Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

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 Moore

Video Supervision: Jade Whaley
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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

(47:39) Hasan Piker vs. the world

(1:10:17) Shaqtin’ with fools

(1:29:25) Boebert's alleged sexcapades

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Producers: Marco Escalante and Jade Whaley

Social Producer: Bernard Moore

Video Supervision: Chris Thomas
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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(26:08) 2026 Emmys award no people of color(33:16) FBI Director Kash Patel roughed up(42:02) JD Vance begs voters for “another chance”(50:36) Janine Nabers joins us in studioHosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Janine NabersProducer: Marco EscalanteSocial Producer: Bernard MooreVideo Supervision: Chris Thomas
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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) Growth through adversity(1:19:07) Fighting the good fight

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayGuest: Colin KaepernickProducers: Marco Escalante and Jade WhaleySocial Producer: Bernard MooreVideo Supervision: Chris Thomas
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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 Learning



(16:20) Lil Durk acquitted in murder-for-hire trial



(27:18) Lindsay Clancy trial ends with a hung jury



(1:01:25) Jasmine Crockett getting too cozy



(1:34:21) Macklemore handed his walking papers



(1:47:30) Trump on checks for reparations: It’s “un-American”



(1:57:03) Van meets Rachel’s biggest fan

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Marco Escalante and Jade WhaleySocial Producer: Bernard MooreVideo Supervision: Chris Thomas

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