Higher Learning with Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay - Podcast Rankings and reviews

I found this podcast after hearing Van’s brilliant takes on The Prestige TV podcast. I was excited to see that he was hosting a podcast with Rachel Lindsay as I’ve appreciated her input in the media over the years. However, this podcast is often hard to listen to. Van constantly interrupts Rachel, and perpetually plays Devil’s Advocate/ Prove Me Wrong. It’s disappointing to go from civil and nuanced conversations amongst peers on the Prestige podcast to somewhat patronizing exchanges on this one. Rachel often sounds too exhausted to force her way in, and I sympathize. It’s uncomfortable. Perhaps they should experiment and have different guest hosts sub in so he can hear the difference of how he interacts them versus Rachel. That said, I hope the feedback hear helps and the show improves. It has the potential to be great.

I love this podcast so much. Van and Rachel are both so brilliant and their banter and very clear friendship make this my favorite podcast. Van’s gift of story telling is really like nothing I have ever heard in the past. Rachel and I seem to be very likeminded and I have always admired her so much- she’s incredible. Can’t wait for the episodes to land twice weekly. THANK YOU for being a light on some dark days in our history recently.

I really enjoy the topics and conversation. Van brings a lot to the table while taking a bunch off too. Please work on NOT constantly interrupting your co-host, (especially by laughing at her as she’s making a serious point); repeating yourself more than four times in a row (it was funny or not already, or it’s a tic that can be overcome). Otherwise 5 stars

I wrote a review a few years ago now when Van and Rachel first started the pod. Always been a favorite podcast, but I commented their coverage on LGBTQ issues needed a lot of work (this was around the time of Lil Nas X’s Montera video for context).

Thank you for doing that work and continuing to approach everyone with the love and respect they deserve. I’m very impressed that criticism/feedback was taken in stride. Van in particular has just hit me over and over again with his growth and the care he displays when challenged for the right reasons.