Rephonic
Artwork for Higher Learning

Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay

The Ringer
Donald Trump
Black Culture
Democratic Party
Mental Health
Kamala Harris
Trump Administration
Diddy
Black Community
California
Charlie Kirk
Tariffs
Kanye West
Jeffrey Epstein
Drake
Reparations
Artificial Intelligence
Kendrick Lamar
Jay-Z
Racism
Sinners

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 weeklyEpisodes586Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategory
Society & Culture

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Artwork for Higher Learning

Latest Episodes

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 Hous... more

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

(6:3... more

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 ri... more

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 tal... more

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Recent Guests

Diarra Kilpatrick
Actor and showrunner, star of Diarra From Detroit
Paramount Plus / Diarra From Detroit
Episode: Governor Wes Moore and "Across-the-Aisle" Politics. Plus, Diarra Kilpatrick, a.k.a. "Diarra From Detroit."
Kerry Washington
Actor and producer
Simpson Street
Episode: Kerry Washington and 'The Whoopi Monologues,' a New Black Panther, and an Argument for Term Limits
David Roberts
ESPN executive vice president and executive editor of Sports, News and Entertainment
ESPN
Episode: Van’s ‘Obsession’ Obsession, ‘The Odyssey’ Wins, and the Life and Career of David Roberts
India Arie
Singer-songwriter invited to discuss Spend Dat and related cultural issues
Episode: The Yung Miami and India.Arie “Spend Dat” Debate, Plus U.S.-FIFA Controversy
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

Hosts

Van Lathan Jr.
Host of Higher Learning Podcast (co-host); experienced media commentator and cultural critic.
Rachel Lindsay
Co-host; commentator on race, media, and culture with a legal background.

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 16.6k ratings
  • They brought in s physicist to explain the world is round because a rapper said it wasn't. Why would y'all take the rapper seriously... When y'all stop acting as if these two ideas are equal, I'll come back, but until then I cannot take this podcast seriously.

    Podcast Addict
    1
    arsenal14ever
    a month ago
  • 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 States4 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 States5 months ago
  • Target

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

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    GopherGolfer609
    United States5 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 States5 months ago

Listeners Say

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

A minority of reviews criticize perceived bias or conflict between hosts, but overall sentiment skews engaged and loyal.
Listeners praise sharp, insightful takes on culture and politics.
Some reviews note strong host chemistry and bold opinions, with debates that feel urgent and timely.

Chart Rankings

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

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Kerry Washington and 'The Whoopi Monologues,' a New Black Panther, and an Argument for Term Limits
Q: How did Kerry envision The Whoopi Monologues reimagined with five actresses, and what does that mean for the audience?
She framed it as a collective, celebratory reimagining that preserves the material while expanding the storyteller network, allowing each performer to carry an entire monologue from start to finish and highlighting women's collaboration.
A$AP Rocky and Rihanna’s Relationship, Plus Stacey Abrams on Protecting the Vote
Q: What concrete steps can everyday listeners take to defend democracy beyond showing up on Election Day?
She details the Ten Steps Campaign, emphasizes organizing at the local level (school boards, city councils), mobilizing communities, and building coalitions to ensure elected officials are accountable and that voting rights protections are strengthened and defended.
A$AP Rocky and Rihanna’s Relationship, Plus Stacey Abrams on Protecting the Vote
Q: So let's say that I'm somewhere and I'm disillusioned, and I'm hearing Stacey Abrams say that the only way to beat back structural changes is to overwhelm the polls—how did we get here and what should be done next?
Abrams explains that the arc of voting rights has been hard-won through decades of legal and political organizing, and the path forward is through sustained turnout, coalition-building, and making voting rights a central, ongoing priority rather than a one-off push.
Governor Wes Moore and "Across-the-Aisle" Politics. Plus, Diarra Kilpatrick, a.k.a. "Diarra From Detroit."
Q: Why do you think Wes Moore's moment with Mark Wayne Mullin sparked such a reaction?
Because it spotlighted how personal rapport with powerful figures can clash with urgency around civil rights and immigration enforcement, raising questions about accountability and the broader responsibilities of leadership.
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.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
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Frequently Asked Questions About Higher Learning

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

This show blends deep analysis of Black culture with sharp political and sports commentary, often anchored by in-studio guests who illuminate voting rights, media representation, and contemporary social issues. Episodes frequently center on current events, celebrity culture, and policy debates, pairing candid conversations with calls to action and practical takes on civic engagement. A standout trait is the dynamic duo format: probing questions and provocative takes, balanced by guest insights from politics, entertainment, and journalism.

Noteworthy elements include high-profile guests on voting rights and Black storytelling, a willingness to tackle controversial topics head-on, and a consistent throughline of examining power, representati... more

Where can I find podcast stats for Higher Learning?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Higher Learning. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Higher Learning and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does Higher Learning get?

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What are the audience demographics for Higher Learning?

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How many subscribers and views does Higher Learning have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Higher Learning has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Higher Learning?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Higher Learning:

1. The Ringer-Verse
2. Native Land Pod
3. Morally Corrupt
4. Reality Hangover
5. The Right Time with Bomani Jones

How many episodes of Higher Learning are there?

Higher Learning launched 6 years ago and published 586 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?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for Higher Learning?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for Higher Learning from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

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What guests have appeared on Higher Learning?

Recent guests on Higher Learning include:

1. Diarra Kilpatrick
2. Kerry Washington
3. David Roberts
4. India Arie
5. Chris Murphy
6. Ilhan Omar
7. Jay Pharoah
8. Spencer Pratt

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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