Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

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 storm

(25:09) 14 charged in alleged drug ring at Penn State

(33:13) Ro Khanna joins us in studio

(01:41:57) Young Thug has some interesting thoughts

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Producers: Marco Escalante and Jade Whaley

Social Producer: Bernard Moore

Video Supervision: Jacob Cornett
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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 RingVan 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) Weekend pleasantries/Al Green and grits(8:19) Weekend pleasantries/Dreams(20:59) Hayden Panettiere gone too soon(29:02) Maya Boyd cast as Storm in Marvel’s new X-Men movie(46:19) Jason Arday passes away at 41(01:04:07) Pengate 2026(01:15:06) Ray J wins big(0244) Van on capitalismHosts: Van Lathan and Rachel LindsayProducers: Marco Escalante and Jade WhaleySocial Producer: Bernard MooreVideo Supervision: Jacob Cornett
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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

(1:40:55) Code-switching

(1:59:28) AOC’s dating pool

Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley

Social Producer: Bernard Moore

Video Supervision: Chris Thomas
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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

Video Supervision: Chris Thomas
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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: Stacey Abrams

Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley

Social Producer: Bernard Moore

Video Supervision: Chris Thomas
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