Rephonic
Artwork for Higher Learning

Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

The Ringer
Donald Trump
Kamala Harris
Democratic Party
Black Culture
Mental Health
Joe Biden
Trump Administration
Diddy
Black Community
California
Drake
Kanye West
Charlie Kirk
Tariffs
Black Lives Matter
Jeffrey Epstein
Reparations
Artificial Intelligence
Kendrick Lamar
Racism

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.

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes568Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Society & Culture

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Higher Learning

Latest Episodes

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 capi... more

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

(15:4... more

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 ... more

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 en... more

Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Chris Murphy
Senator from Connecticut
U.S. Senate
Episode: Senator Chris Murphy and ‘Crisis of the Common Good’
Ilhan Omar
U.S. Congresswoman
Episode: A Conversation With Rep. Ilhan Omar: AIPAC, MAGA Expats, and Standing Up to ICE
Jay Pharoah
Comedian, actor, musician and rapper
Episode: Spencer Pratt’s Obama Comparisons, Plus Life and ’The Odyssey’ With Jay Pharoah
Spencer Pratt
LA mayoral candidate and public figure
Spencer Pratt (individual)
Episode: Kevin Hart: Black Culture Vs. Comedy Culture, and Spencer Pratt’s Mayoral Bid
Cheyenne Bryant
Doctor and media personality referenced as a guest in discussions about titles and credibility
Episode: Is Hip-Hop Still Fun? Plus the DNC’s Autopsy Report and “Dr.” Cheyenne Bryant’s Alleged Title
Tom Steyer
California gubernatorial candidate, prominent progressive politician and businessman
Tom Steyer 2022 gubernatorial campaign / investor
Episode: Drake’s ‘Iceman’ Album Review. Plus, Tom Steyer’s Plan for California.
Tiffany Cross
Author and media figure, discussed in-depth book interview
Author of Shame on Me, Love, Me, A Letter to Black Women in a Toxic Country
Episode: Chud the Builder Shot, and SEC Boycott? Plus, Tiffany D. Cross on Womanhood
Stephen A. Smith
Sports analyst invited guest
Episode: Kevin and Katt Squash the Beef, Stephen A.’s Wish, and ABC vs. Trump’s FCC
Scott Jennings
Conservative commentator referenced on Abbey Phillips CNN program
CNN contributor / commentator
Episode: RIP ‘Love & Hip-Hop,’ Scott Jennings on CNN, and a Colorism Conversation

Hosts

Van Lathan Jr.
Host focused on cultural, political, and media commentary; co-host of the show.
Rachel Lindsay
Co-host known for legal insight and thoughtful discussion on Black culture and public life; serves as co-host.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 16.5k ratings
  • Predictably Irrational

    Van!!!!! You met Dan Ariely?! I’m just going to confidently assume that’s who you meant, because if it is, I’m officially fangirling over here.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    jknagie
    United States2 months ago
  • Van is unbearable

    Van is constantly misogynistic and race baiting. His toxic masculinity is constantly missing the moment and naively ignorant. He regularly pesters and perverts himself into his co host Rachel’s love life talking about her as a piece of entertainment meat, all while keeping his life private.

    Van often centers himself and men as victims of society. I was a listener of this pod until Van became beyond unbearable to listen to. He’s insufferable to a point when he doesn’t grow and doesn’t seem to be... more

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Sevenmm7
    United States3 months ago
  • Target

    So the Target boycott was the same as the BudLight? Show or SHOW

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    GopherGolfer609
    United States3 months ago
  • Great Show!

    Informative, funny, interesting, honest! What more can you ask of a podcast? I always enjoy them and I never miss a podcast! 💯✊🏿💪🏿

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Bishop Tutu
    United States3 months ago
  • Always worth it

    Van continues to have the most incisive cultural, political and societal commentary that I hear or read.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Doesn't work/disappointed
    United States4 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise insightful discussion and strong cultural context.
Some listeners criticize the dynamic between hosts, calling for more balance in conversation.
Feedback is mixed on tone, with praise for depth and critique for style.
Guests and topics are often seen as timely and provocative, sparking meaningful dialogue.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Spencer Pratt’s Obama Comparisons, Plus Life and ’The Odyssey’ With Jay Pharoah
Q: What did you think about the comparison between Spencer Pratt and Barack Obama?
I found it offensive and reductive because it co-opts Obama's historical significance to boost a contemporary political narrative, which ignores Obama's documented public service and achievements. It also highlights how some people use the idea of 'hope' to rally support without substance behind it.
Drake’s ‘Iceman’ Album Review. Plus, Tom Steyer’s Plan for California.
Q: What distinguishes Drake's Iceman from his earlier work, and does it signal a peak or a plateau in his artistry?
The hosts acknowledge that Iceman doesn't hit the traditional Drake club or radio peak but argue it serves as a more introspective, therapy-like project that reflects Drake addressing industry feuds and personal scrutiny, while still feeling familiar and not as boundary-pushing as GNX.
Druski, the Most Consequential Comedian? Plus: L.A. Mayor Karen Bass on Wildfires, Housing, and a Second Term
Q: How do you balance development with protecting long-term residents against displacement?
She argues for targeted, community-centered development that avoids displacing long-time residents, using Crenshaw as an example where affordable housing is prioritized in areas with existing Black communities.
Druski, the Most Consequential Comedian? Plus: L.A. Mayor Karen Bass on Wildfires, Housing, and a Second Term
Q: What is the plan to end street homelessness in your next term?
Bass emphasizes a shift from exclusive housing constructs to a broad, phased system that includes interim housing, mental health and addiction services, and on publicly owned land to scale humane housing solutions.
Druski, the Most Consequential Comedian? Plus: L.A. Mayor Karen Bass on Wildfires, Housing, and a Second Term
Q: What structural changes are you building on to improve wildfire prevention and evacuation?
She outlines leveraging intergovernmental collaboration, expanding the Office of Community Safety, and advocating in DC to secure funding while improving local evacuation and communication protocols.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
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Frequently Asked Questions About Higher Learning

What is Higher Learning about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show mixes culture, politics, and sports through candid, fast-paced conversations anchored by two Black hosts with a focus on Black communities and leadership. Guests frequently bring expertise on media, entertainment, and public policy, fueling wide-ranging discussions that span current events, representation, and empowerment. Noteworthy are the provocative hot takes, real-time reactions to trending topics, and episodes that blend personal storytelling with sharp critique of power and culture. The format often features dynamic banter between hosts, with guests ranging from authors and politicians to actors and musicians, creating a lively, opinion-forward space for listeners seeking bold perspectives and practical insights for navigati... more

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How many listeners does Higher Learning get?

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Which podcasts are similar to Higher Learning?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Higher Learning:

1. The Ringer-Verse
2. Ratchet & Respectable
3. Native Land Pod
4. The Right Time with Bomani Jones
5. Here's The Thing

How many episodes of Higher Learning are there?

Higher Learning launched 6 years ago and published 568 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Higher Learning?

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What guests have appeared on Higher Learning?

Recent guests on Higher Learning include:

1. Chris Murphy
2. Ilhan Omar
3. Jay Pharoah
4. Spencer Pratt
5. Cheyenne Bryant
6. Tom Steyer
7. Tiffany Cross
8. Stephen A. Smith

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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