SXSW 2025: Rachel Lindsay Brings ‘Higher Learning’ and Her Platform with Purpose Home

Rachel Lindsay is no stranger to breaking barriers. A former attorney and media personality, she’s spent the last several years redefining what it means to have a platform—and use it with purpose. Earlier this month, she returned to her home state of Texas for SXSW and reflected on how much the world—and the festival—has evolved. What was once a space where you might stumble upon a Garth Brooks performance down the street has become a cultural juggernaut spanning music, film, tech, and media. For Rachel, who got her start in radio, the return wasn’t just professional—it was personal. It marked a full-circle moment for a hometown girl whose voice has become one of the most influential in modern media.

That voice takes center stage on Higher Learning, the podcast Rachel co-hosts with journalist Van Lathan. Since launching in 2020, the show has become a destination for unfiltered conversations at the intersection of culture, politics, and race. Whether they’re unpacking a headline, calling out hypocrisy, or laughing through the latest viral moment, Rachel and Van bring a mix of sharp insight, vulnerability, and humor that feels both timely and timeless.

What truly sets Higher Learning apart is its relatability. In a time when the world can feel overwhelming, Rachel and Van strike a rare balance—blending political commentary with pop culture analysis and, above all, human connection. In one memorable episode following a tense election cycle, they didn’t pretend to have all the answers. Instead, like many of us, they poured a drink and processed it all in real time. That moment, like so many others on the show, felt less like a performance and more like permission to be unsure and confused.

The duo’s ability to keep things real extends to how the podcast is produced. As one of the first shows in its lane to incorporate video, Rachel and Van embraced the format not for flash, but for connection. “My facial expressions almost become another character on the show,” Rachel told us. “It unlocks a whole new level of podcasting, making our audience feel like family.” And that’s exactly how it feels. There are no elaborate sets or scripted exchanges—just two friends having meaningful conversations and inviting listeners into the room.

That sense of intimacy is part of why Higher Learning continues to resonate. It’s not just the subject matter—it’s the space Rachel and Van have created. Listeners don’t tune in just for opinions; they come for the dynamic, the honesty, and the community. Whether it’s through inside jokes, moments of reflection, or episodes that feel more like group therapy, Higher Learning builds connection through conversation. It doesn’t talk at you—it talks with you.

At the heart of it all is Rachel. Her presence cuts through the noise—not because it’s loud, but because it’s grounded, curious, and deeply human. She brings her full self to the mic: the lawyer, the friend, the Texan, the woman who isn’t afraid to say, “I don’t know.” She’s not trying to have all the answers. She’s trying to ask the right questions—and that’s what keeps people coming back.

Her return to SXSW wasn’t just a nostalgic visit—it was a celebration of growth. From her early days in Dallas radio to building one of today’s most essential podcasts, Rachel has carved a path that’s completely her own. And as she steps into what she calls her “forty and free” era, she’s doing what she’s always done: showing up, speaking out, and staying true to herself—on her terms.

Make sure to follow Rachel on X and Instagram. Don’t miss a conversation—subscribe to Higher Learning now on Spotify.