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Artwork for Our Ancestors Were Messy

Our Ancestors Were Messy

Nichole Hill
Black History
Howard University
Percy Julian
Langston Hughes
Zora Neale Hurston
Black Newspapers
Civil Rights
Jim Crow
Anna Julian
Our Ancestors Were Messy
African American History
Harlem Renaissance
Ida B. Wells
Community Support
PG County, Maryland
Civil War
Anna Johnson
Emperor Jones
Jim Crow Laws
Black Power Couples

A recap of the gossip, scandals, and pop culture that made headlines and then history in pre-Civil Rights Era America. Host Nichole Hill takes her guests through the story of an ancestor in search of opportunity, adventure, love, and a way to beat Jim Crow. Along the way, these ancestors make messes that land them in the gossip columns of Black newspapers. Support this independent production by jo... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes19Founded2 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistoryComedy

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Artwork for Our Ancestors Were Messy

Latest Episodes

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?  ... more

YouTube

Essie & Paul’s passions lead them to the front lines of the fight to defeat fascism. Starring Jason Reynolds

• Support this independent production and access bonus content at ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.com

• Stay in touch at ouranest... more

YouTube

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.

To learn more about the show and keep in touch, check out ... more

YouTube

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.... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Jason Reynolds
2024 MacArthur Fellow and New York Times best-selling author of young adult novels and poetry
Episode: Coming Soon: Essie and Paul Robeson (Jan. 28th)
Natalie Tulloch
VP of Audio at Hello Sunshine
Hello Sunshine
Episode: Nora Holt: The Lives and Loves of Harlem's Legendary Blonde Bombshell
Christabel Nsiah-Buadi
CEO of MyLens Media and Founder of Audio Diaspora
MyLens Media
Episode: Nora Holt: The Lives and Loves of Harlem's Legendary Blonde Bombshell
Chioke I'Anson
Research producer and voice announcer
Episode: The Emperor Jones: Our Ancestors' Favorite Play
Amaya Zahar
14-year-old daughter of Chioke I'Anson
Episode: The Emperor Jones: Our Ancestors' Favorite Play
Nigel Turner
Episode: Coming Soon: Drs. Anna and Percy Julian (Apr. 23)
John Delore
Episode: Coming Soon: Drs. Anna and Percy Julian (Apr. 23)
Alicia Walters
Artist, writer, and facilitator.
Episode: Zora Neale Hurston vs. Langston Hughes: The Pleasures & Perils of Working With Friends
Zakiya Gibbons
Podcast host and producer
Episode: A Love Story For The Ages!

Host

Nichole Hill
Host and creator who explores the historical experiences of Black Americans, intertwining themes of love and social struggle with storytelling and humor.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 887 ratings
  • Ooooh bayBEE! The historical tea is piping hot!

    Just listen. Such a fun way to learn about history while humanizing our heroes. If you’ve read Harlem Rhapsody you’ll recognize some real life characters in the Langston vs. Zoe’s epi. Very fun, informative, and well done.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Alliago
    United States21 days ago
  • Best podcast!

    I listened to this podcast on the recommendation of a bookstagrammer I follow. I love her recs and this one was as amazing as anything I’ve ever heard. It’s teaching history through something akin to gossip. The Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes episodes are my booster favorites.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    idleutopia
    United Statesa month ago
  • Why Isn’t This Podcast a Viral Sensation

    I am a nerdy and information thirsty black who especially loves the stories of our foremothers who bore and endured so much but were very prolific. From the superlative production and score to engaging storytelling, OAWM is a one of a kind, premier podcast….of ALL podcasts. I have never and will never love another podcast like I love this one. Nichole reached into archival gold, sourced and retold stories in a way that makes me want to read a book filled with these stories…because I LOVE book... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Bronxma
    United Statesa month ago
  • One of best podcasts I’ve ever had the pleasure of listening to

    I love Black History, I love other people’s drama, and I love engaging story telling. Our Ancestors Were Messy combines it all. This is one of two of my favorite podcasts ever and I’ve been binging as many episodes as I can and telling everyone who will listen about it. I hope it continues on forever, it’s especially timely.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    YRSMama2
    United States2 months ago
  • WOW!!

    I am absolutely obsessed with this show and in awe of the beautiful storytelling, education, insight and humor Nichole and the guests share! I feel seen on so many levels listening to the show and understanding our ancestors and myself through the powerful lens of their humanity. Thank you for your dedication and diligence to dynamic Black media! You have a lifelong fan and supporter in me!!!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mickey Mansions
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

The blend of humor and history is frequently mentioned, making even heavy topics entertaining.
Many find the podcast to be an essential resource for understanding Black history, with several recommending it as a teaching aid in academic settings.
Audience members express excitement for future episodes and a longing for more content, illustrating strong listener investment.
Listeners appreciate the engaging storytelling and educational aspects, often highlighting how the history feels personal and relatable.
Positive feedback emphasizes the show's ability to humanize historical figures, showcasing their complexities and messiness.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#41
United States/History
Apple Podcasts
#163
Canada/History
Apple Podcasts
#76
Colombia/History
Apple Podcasts
#144
Philippines/History
Apple Podcasts
#144
Sweden/History
Apple Podcasts
#174
Denmark/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Emperor Jones: Our Ancestors' Favorite Play
Q: What were your thoughts on the play 'Emperor Jones'?
The guests expressed mixed feelings about the representation and complexities of the play, highlighting the need for more positive depictions of black characters.
Zora Neale Hurston + Langston Hughes: Best Friends Forever
Q: What was the biggest regret of Zora Neale Hurston's life, according to the podcast?
It will be revealed in the next episode regarding her collaboration with Langston Hughes.
Zora Neale Hurston + Langston Hughes: Best Friends Forever
Q: As a black person, what is your relationship to the south, specifically Alabama and Georgia?
It’s complicated, but I appreciate what southern black culture has contributed to the world.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Ancestors Were Messy

What is Our Ancestors Were Messy about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Content focuses on the untold stories of Black Americans during the pre-Civil Rights Era, intertwining historical narratives with elements of pop culture and gossip from Black newspapers. The episodes provide a unique exploration of the complexities faced by ancestors seeking love, opportunity, and identity while navigating systemic challenges such as Jim Crow laws. Each narrative highlights the drama and human experience behind historical figures, making history relatable and engaging for the audience. The show's blend of education and humor likely captivates listeners who appreciate alternative perspectives on history, particularly those centered on the African American experience.

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Which podcasts are similar to Our Ancestors Were Messy?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Our Ancestors Were Messy:

1. Code Switch
2. The Read
3. Crissle’s Couch
4. Gettin' Grown
5. The Friend Zone

How many episodes of Our Ancestors Were Messy are there?

Our Ancestors Were Messy launched 2 years ago and published 19 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 Our Ancestors Were Messy?

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What guests have appeared on Our Ancestors Were Messy?

Recent guests on Our Ancestors Were Messy include:

1. Jason Reynolds
2. Natalie Tulloch
3. Christabel Nsiah-Buadi
4. Chioke I'Anson
5. Amaya Zahar
6. Nigel Turner
7. John Delore
8. Alicia Walters

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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