Our Ancestors Were Messy

Jaksot

• Household Exclusive: Researching Our Ancestors 08.04.2026 21min

  Host Nichole Hill responds to listeners' comments and shares an interview with the show's Research Producer Chioke I'Anson about the research behind the histories shared on the show. Their conversation was originally taped for the donor community known as The Household.
• Paul and Eslanda Robeson: For the Rights of People. For the Rights of Workers. (Part 2) 28.01.2026 52min

  Essie & Paul’s passions lead them to the front lines of the fight to defeat fascism. Starring Jason Reynolds
• Eslanda and Paul Robeson: Revolutionaries in the Making (Part 1) 28.01.2026 53min

  Eslanda Cardozo Goode and Paul Robeson meet and fall in love during the Roaring 20s in Harlem. They give up promising careers and devote themselves to climbing the ladder of fame and fortune. Can their relationship survive the success that follows? Starring Jason Reynolds
• Coming Soon: Essie and Paul Robeson (Jan. 28th) 21.01.2026 3min

  Host Nichole Hill shares the story behind Black History Month ahead of the 100th anniversary of it’s celebration and gives listeners a sneak peek of a new episode coming out on January 28th.
• Feature: The Lonesome Hearts Column with NPR’s Code Switch (plus an announcement!) 03.09.2025 34min

  Was dating any easier in the past? Nichole Hill joins Gene Demby and B.A. Parker, hosts of NPR's Code Switch, to put this question to the test by traveling back in time to 1937, using archival personal ads from the Washington Afro-American newspaper. Together, the trio gets a small taste of what it was like for Black folks to date almost a century ago. Turns out, the ancestors were messy, too!
• Nora Holt: The Lives and Loves of Harlem's Legendary Blonde Bombshell 14.05.2025 1t 19min

  A musical prodigy from Kansas becomes a renowned race woman in Chicago, a tabloid sensation in Harlem, and a musical force the world over. These are the many lives and loves of one of the most famous women of the era: Nora Holt.
• Minisode: What's Next for Our Ancestors Were Messy 14.05.2025 2min

  Host Nichole Hill shares updates about the future of the show.
• The Emperor Jones: Our Ancestors' Favorite Play 07.05.2025 56min

  In 1920, Emperor Jones was a bona fide Broadway hit. The controversial play’s lead is Charles Gilpin, the first Black man to head up an integrated cast on the Great White Way. Gilpin enjoys fame, accolades, and universal acclaim…but he does have a note for his playwright Eugene O’Neil. A note that will make and break careers and change the course of Black history!
• Drs. Anna and Percy Julian: The Affair That Helped Birth The Pill 23.04.2025 52min

  In the summer of 1932, Anna and Percy learn that their scandalous love affair has been exposed on the front page of the most popular Black newspaper in DC. They were on their way to making history but now that their secret’s out, their futures hang in the balance.
• Coming Soon: Drs. Anna and Percy Julian (Apr. 23) 16.04.2025 3min

  Host Nichole Hill shares the film festival where she launched the podcast along with a sneak peek of next week's episode. To support this independent production and access bonus content, visit www.OurAncestorsWereMessy.Supercast.com.
• Zora Neale Hurston vs. Langston Hughes: The Pleasures & Perils of Working With Friends 09.04.2025 1t 8min

  Zora Neale Huston and Langston Hughes finally set to work writing their play but outside influences and crossed wires spell trouble for this historic pair.
• Coming Soon: Zora vs. Langston (Apr. 9) 02.04.2025 5min

  Host Nichole Hill shares how listeners can support the show and a sneak peek of next week's episode. To support this independent production and access bonus content, visit www.OurAncestorsWereMessy.Supercast.com.
• Zora Neale Hurston + Langston Hughes: Best Friends Forever 26.03.2025 55min

  It's the summer of 1927 and Zora Neale Huston and Langston Hughes are driving across the South searching for folklore, swapping stories of their own, and enjoying being the newfound stars of the Harlem Renaissance.
• Coming Soon: Zora + Langston (Mar. 26) 19.03.2025 5min

  Host Nichole Hill shares a research tip, updates for the Household aka the donor community, where to find bonus material, and a sneak peek at next week's episode.
• A Love Story For The Ages! 12.03.2025 50min

  Nichole, Zakiya and Emmanuel read three drama-filled love stories from historic Black newspapers and select the one that they believe could stand the test of time.
• Coming Soon: A Love Story for the Ages (Mar. 12) 05.03.2025 4min

  Host Nichole Hill shares listener mail, an update for the Household aka the donor community, and a sneak peek at next week's episode.
• Oscar Micheaux: The Family Feud That Launched Black Hollywood 26.02.2025 1t 11min

  At the turn of the century, Oscar Micheaux - a dreamer from Smallville - makes his way to the big city searching for fame, fortune...and a change to his single status! What he finds is a wife he loves, a father-in-law he hates, and a path into Black history he could have never imagined.
• Coming Soon: Oscar Micheaux (Feb. 26) 19.02.2025 2min

  Host Nichole Hill shares a programming note, a thank you, and a sneak peek at next week's episode.
• The Washington Bee: "Stings for Our Enemies. Honey for Our Friends." 12.02.2025 1t 1min

  A Victorian Era love triangle rocks the elites of DC. The Washington Bee newspaper is on the scene and thrilled to cover every scandalous detail!
• Introducing Our Ancestors Were Messy 25.01.2025 2min

  Our Ancestors Were Messy is a show about our ancestors and all their drama! Host Nichole Hill and her guests sift through the gossip, scandals, and pop culture that made headlines in historical Black newspapers.