Pular para o conteúdo
Our Ancestors Were Messy
PodcastComédiaInglês

Our Ancestors Were Messy

de Coco Hill Productions

NovoSpecial Episode: Once Upon a Time in Harlem with Filmmakers David Greaves and Liani Greaves16 de outubro de 2026 · 39 min
Episódios
24
Publicação
irregular
Último episódio
16 out 2026
SiteFeed RSS

Sobre o podcast

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 joining the donor community at: ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.com Follow us on Instagram @ourancestorsweremessy @nicholewthanh

Episódios 24

  1. Special Episode: Once Upon a Time in Harlem with Filmmakers David Greaves and Liani Greaves

    39 minTemporada 1Bônus

    An interview with David Greaves and Liani Greaves, the father-daughter duo behind the documentary Once Upon a Time in Harlem about a party organized in 1972 by filmmaker William Greaves. He invites some of …

    Notas do episódio

    An interview with David Greaves and Liani Greaves, the father-daughter duo behind the documentary Once Upon a Time in Harlem about a party organized in 1972 by filmmaker William Greaves. He invites some of other last living luminaries of the Harlem Renaissance ver and for four hours, this incredible group, reminisce, laugh, and argue, about the Renaissance and their place in a rapidly shifting cultural landscape. 

  2. The Revolutionary Black Loyalists! Live with Tressie McMillan Cottom

    1 h 39 minTemporada 1Bônus

    Thousands of our ancestors escaped slavery during the American Revolution, fought for the British on the promise of freedom, and left an outsized legacy in the US, Canada, and beyond. Starring writer …

    Notas do episódio

    Thousands of our ancestors escaped slavery during the American Revolution, fought for the British on the promise of freedom, and left an outsized legacy in the US, Canada, and beyond. Starring writer, sociologist, and MacArthur Fellow Tressie McMillian Cottom taped live on Juneteenth at the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU in Richmond, VA. 

    SELECT SOURCES

    1. The Black Loyalists of the American Revolution
    2. Enslaved by George Washington, This Man Escaped to Freedom-and Joined the British Army
    3. Black Loyalists Exodus to Nova Scotia
    4. An Account of the Life of Mr. David George from SLA given by himself
    5. George Liele
    6. Thomas Peters
    7. The Black Loyalist Heritage Center
     

  3. The Revolutionary Black Loyalists! Live with BA Parker and Gene Demby

    1 h 14 minTemporada 1Bônus

    Thousands of our ancestors escaped slavery during the American Revolution, fought for the British on the promise of freedom, and left an outsized legacy in the US, Canada, and beyond. Starring the co-hosts of …

    Notas do episódio

    Thousands of our ancestors escaped slavery during the American Revolution, fought for the British on the promise of freedom, and left an outsized legacy in the US, Canada, and beyond. Starring the co-hosts of Code Switch B.A. Parker and Gene Demby taped live at the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University in Washington, DC.

    SELECT SOURCES

    1. The Black Loyalists of the American Revolution
    2. Enslaved by George Washington, This Man Escaped to Freedom-and Joined the British Army
    3. Black Loyalists Exodus to Nova Scotia
    4. An Account of the Life of Mr. David George from SLA given by himself
    5. George Liele
    6. Thomas Peters
    7. The Black Loyalist Heritage Center

  4. Coming Soon: The Black Loyalists (July 8)

    3 minTemporada 1Bônus

    A preview of an upcoming episode about the Black Loyalists. Thousands of our ancestors escaped slavery during the American Revolution, fought for the British on the promise of freedom, and left an unbelievable …

    Notas do episódio

    A preview of an upcoming episode about the Black Loyalists. Thousands of our ancestors escaped slavery during the American Revolution, fought for the British on the promise of freedom, and left an unbelievable legacy in the US, Canada, and beyond! 

    Full episodes air July 8th starring writer, sociologist, and MacArthur Fellow Tressie McMillian Cottom taped live on Juneteenth at the Institute for Contemporary Art at VCU in Richmond, VA. You'll also get to hear the same story told again to the co-hosts of Code Switch, B.A. Parker and Gene Demby taped live at the Moorland-Spingarn Research Center at Howard University in Washington, DC.

    Different guests. Different audiences. Very different perspectives!

  5. Household Exclusive: Researching Our Ancestors

    22 minTemporada 1Bônus

    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 …

    Notas do episódio

    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.

  6. Eslanda and Paul Robeson: Revolutionaries in the Making (Part 1)

    53 minTemporada 1 · Episódio 10

    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 …

    Notas do episódio

    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

    SELECT SOURCES

    1. Eslanda: The Large and Unconventional Life of Mrs. Paul Robeson by Barbara Ransby
    2. The Undiscovered Paul Robeson: An Artist's Journey 1898-1939 by Paul Robeson, Jr.
    3. The Undiscovered Paul Robeson: Quest for Freedom 1939-1976 by Paul Robeson, Jr.
    4. Here I Stand by Paul Robeson
    5. History of America in Ten Strikes by Erik Loomis
    6. How American Slavery Echoed Russian Serfdom by Matthew Wills
    7. Haymarket Book Talk with Barbara Ransby
    8. The Scramble for Africa 
    9. Arturo Alfonso Schomburg
    10. The Atlanta Daily World 

  7. Paul and Eslanda Robeson: For the Rights of People. For the Rights of Workers. (Part 2)

    52 minTemporada 1 · Episódio 9

    Essie & Paul’s passions lead them to the front lines of the fight to defeat fascism. Starring Jason ReynoldsSupport this independent production and access bonus content at …

    Notas do episódio

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

    SELECT SOURCES

    1. Eslanda: The Large and Unconventional Life of Mrs. Paul Robeson by Barbara Ransby
    2. The Undiscovered Paul Robeson: An Artist's Journey 1898-1939 by Paul Robeson, Jr.
    3. The Undiscovered Paul Robeson: Quest for Freedom 1939-1976 by Paul Robeson, Jr.
    4. Here I Stand by Paul Robeson
    5. History of America in Ten Strikes by Erik Loomis
    6. Haymarket Book Talk with Barbara Ransby: Eslanda: The Large and Unconventional Life of Mrs. Paul Robeson 
    7. The History of Camp Wo-Chi-Ca
    8. The Peekskill Riots Revealed the Racism and Antisemitism Hidden Beneath the Surface of the Anti-Communist Movement by Matthew Schuerman

  8. Coming Soon: Eslanda and Paul Robeson (Jan. 28th)

    4 minTemporada 1Bônus

    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.Support this …

    Notas do episódio

    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.

  9. Feature: The Lonesome Hearts Column with NPR’s Code Switch (plus an announcement!)

    35 minTemporada 1Bônus

    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 …

    Notas do episódio

    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!

  10. Nora Holt: The Lives and Loves of Harlem's Legendary Blonde Bombshell

    1 h 19 minTemporada 1 · Episódio 8

    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 …

    Notas do episódio

    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. Starring Natalie Tulloch and Christabel Nsiah-Buadi

    SOURCES

    1. Nora Holt: The Most Famous Woman You've Never Heard Of by Imani Perry
    2. Nora Holt by Matthew Guerrieri
    3. Nora Holt: New Negro Composer and Jazz Age Goddess by Cheryl A. Wall
    4. "Strange What Cosmopolites Music Makes of Us": Classical Music, the Black press, and Nora Douglas Holt's Black Feminist Audiotopia by Lucy Caplan


     

  11. Minisode: What's Next for Our Ancestors Were Messy

    3 minTemporada 1Bônus

    Host Nichole Hill shares updates about the future of the show.Support this independent production and access bonus content at https://ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.comStay in touch at …

    Notas do episódio

    Host Nichole Hill shares updates about the future of the show.

     

  12. The Emperor Jones: Our Ancestors' Favorite Play

    57 minTemporada 1 · Episódio 7

    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 …

    Notas do episódio

    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! Starring Dr. Chioke I'anson and Amaya.

    SOURCES

    1. The Emperor Jones by Eugene O'Neil
    2. Preserving African-American Cinema: The Case of The Emperor Jones by Jennie Saxena with contributions from Ken Weissman and James Cozart
    3. "The Truth About Haiti: An NAACP Investigation" by James Weldon Johnson
    4. Charles Gilpin. The Kennedy Center
    5. Jackson Ward and its Black Wall Street. National Park Service
    6. Beyond Tulsa: The Historic Legacies and Overlooked Stories of America's Black Wall Streets. Time Magazine
    7. The Richmond Planet is digitized and stored at The Library of Congress.

  13. Drs. Anna and Percy Julian: The Affair That Helped Birth The Pill

    52 minTemporada 1 · Episódio 6

    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 …

    Notas do episódio

    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 the secret’s out, their futures hang in the balance. Starring Nygel Turner.

    SOURCES

    1. Julian the Trailblazer by Peter Tyson
    2. Forgotten Genius. Nova. PBS
    3. "Reclaiming a Black Research Scientist's Forgotten Legacy" by Felicia R. Lee
    4. "DuSable Exhibit Highlights Juilan 'Power Couple'" by Robert Felton
    5. You can read the Washington Afro American newspaper which is still in print and holds the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously published Black newspapers in America
    6. You can support the archiving and sharing of this newspaper at Afro Charities

  14. Coming Soon: Drs. Anna and Percy Julian (Apr. 23)

    4 minTemporada 1Bônus

    Host Nichole Hill shares how listeners can support the show and a sneak peek at next week's episode.Support this independent production and access bonus content at …

    Notas do episódio

    Host Nichole Hill shares how listeners can support the show and a sneak peek at next week's episode.

  15. Zora Neale Hurston vs. Langston Hughes: The Pleasures & Perils of Working With Friends

    1 h 8 minTemporada 1 · Episódio 5

    Correction: An earlier version of this story cited events as having happened in 1970 that occured throughout that decade.Zora Neale Huston and Langston Hughes finally set to work writing their play but outside …

    Notas do episódio

    Correction: An earlier version of this story cited events as having happened in 1970 that occured throughout that decade.

    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. Starring Alicia Walters.

    SOURCES

    1. Zora and Langston: A Story of Friendship and Betrayal by Yuval Taylor
    2. Dust Tracks on a Road by Zora Neale Hurston
    3. In Search of Zora Neale Hurston by Alice Walker
    4. The Complex Literary Friendship Between Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston by Yuval Taylor
    5. Check out The Interstate Tattler digitized and stored by the New York Public Libraries
    6. Read the archives at Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

  16. Coming Soon: Zora vs. Langston (Apr. 9)

    5 minTemporada 1Bônus

    Host Nichole Hill shares how listeners can support the show and a sneak peek at next week's episode.Support this independent production and access bonus content at …

    Notas do episódio

    Host Nichole Hill shares how listeners can support the show and a sneak peek at next week's episode.

  17. Zora Neale Hurston + Langston Hughes: Best Friends Forever

    55 minTemporada 1 · Episódio 4

    It's the summer of 1927 and Zora Neale Huston and Langston Hughes are driving across the South searching for folklore, swapping stories, and enjoying being the newfound stars of the Harlem Renaissance. Starring …

    Notas do episódio

    It's the summer of 1927 and Zora Neale Huston and Langston Hughes are driving across the South searching for folklore, swapping stories, and enjoying being the newfound stars of the Harlem Renaissance. Starring Alicia Walters.

    SOURCES

    1. Zora and Langston: A Story of Friendship and Betrayal by Yuval Taylor
    2. Dust Tracks on a Road by Zora Neale Hurston
    3. In Search of Zora Neale Hurston by Alice Walker
    4. The Dinner Party That Started the Harlem Renaissance by Veronica Chambers and Michelle May-Curry
    5. The Complex Literary Friendship Between Langston Hughes and Zora Neale Hurston by Yuval Taylor
    6. Mules and Men by Zora Neale Hurston
    7. Jackson's classic collection of Black "toasts" is resurrected by Patricia Donovan
    8. Get Your Ass in the Water and Swim Like Me: Narrative Poetry from Black Oral Tradition by Bruce Jackson
    9. Check out The Chicago Defender digitized and stored at The Library of Congress
    10. Read the archives at The Chicago Defender Archives

  18. Coming Soon: Zora + Langston (Mar. 26)

    6 minTemporada 1Bônus

    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.To learn more about the show and keep in touch …

    Notas do episódio

    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.

    To learn more about the show and keep in touch, check out https://ourancestorsweremessy.com

    To access bonus content and support this independent production visit https://ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.com

    To stay in touch email [email protected] or follow the show @ourancestorsweremessy on Instagram

    THE A-TEAM
    The show is hosted by Nichole Hill (https://www.nicholelhill.com/)
    Executive Producer A.A. Hernandez
    Story Producer Martina Abrahams Ilunga (@m_tina)
    Research Producer Chioke I'Anson (https://www.chiokeianson.com/)
    Story Editing by Shonte Hill
    Show art by Aseloka Smith (@naturallyherown)

    BONUS STORY

    Episodes release bi-weekly.

  19. A Love Story For The Ages!

    50 minTemporada 1 · Episódio 3

    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. Starring Zakiya Gibbons and Emmanuel …

    Notas do episódio

    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. Starring Zakiya Gibbons and Emmanuel Dzotsi.

    SOURCES

    1. Support the reporting done by the legendary Oklahoma Eagle still in print today!
    2. Check out The Colorado Statesman, archived at the Library of Congress.

  20. Coming Soon: A Love Story for the Ages (Mar. 12)

    5 minTemporada 1Bônus

    Host Nichole Hill shares listener mail, an update for the Household aka the donor community, and a sneak peek at next week's episode.Support this independent production and access bonus content at …

    Notas do episódio

    Host Nichole Hill shares listener mail, an update for the Household aka the donor community, and a sneak peek at next week's episode.

  21. Oscar Micheaux: The Family Feud That Launched Black Hollywood

    1 h 12 minTemporada 1 · Episódio 2

    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 …

    Notas do episódio

    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. Starring Dr. Ray Christian.

    SOURCES

    1. The Conquest: The Story of a Negro Pioneer by Oscar Micheaux
    2. Oscar Micheaux Homestead National Historical Park, Pullman National Historic Park, National Park Service
    3. Sully County Black Homesteader Community, Homestead National Historical Park, National Park Service
    4. Oscar Micheaux, NAACP
    5. Oscar Micheaux: The Superhero of Black Filmmaking
    6. "The life and times of Oscar Micheaux" by Mary Beth Roderick for the Southern Illinoisan
    7. Check out The Chicago Defender digitized and stored at The Library of Congress
    8. Read the archives at The Chicago Defender Archives.

  22. Coming Soon: Oscar Micheaux (Feb. 26)

    3 minTemporada 1Bônus

    Host Nichole Hill shares a programming note, a thank you, and a sneak peek at next week's episode.Support this independent production and access bonus content at https://ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.comStay …

    Notas do episódio

    Host Nichole Hill shares a programming note, a thank you, and a sneak peek at next week's episode.

     

     

     

  23. The Washington Bee: "Stings for Our Enemies. Honey for Our Friends."

    1 h 1 minTemporada 1 · Episódio 1

    A Victorian Era love triangle rocks the elites of DC and the Washington Bee newspaper is on the scene, thrilled to cover every scandalous detail! Starring Jonquilyn Hill.Support this independent production and …

    Notas do episódio

    A Victorian Era love triangle rocks the elites of DC and the Washington Bee newspaper is on the scene, thrilled to cover every scandalous detail! Starring Jonquilyn Hill.

    SOURCES

    1. "Honey for Our Friends, Stings for Enemies": William Calvin Chase and "The Washington Bee." 1882-1921
    2. The Political Work of Leisure: Class, Recreation, and African American Commemoration at Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, 1881-1931
    3. Our Kind of People by Lawrence Otis Graham
    4. Check out The Washington Bee  digitized and stored at The Library of Congress.
    5. As promised, the recipe for the Dick Francis Special. Enjoy! https://imbibemagazine.com/dick-francis-special

  24. Introducing Our Ancestors Were Messy

    3 minTemporada 1Trailer

    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 …

    Notas do episódio

    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.

    The Creative Team 

    • Adriana Ambriz, Executive Producer
    • Chioke I'Anson, Research Producer
    • Martina Abrahams Ilunga, Story Editor
    • Shonte Hill, Script Editor
    • Helena de Groot, Sound Designer
    • John DeLore, Sound Designer
    • Pat Mesiti-Miller, Sound Designer
    • Kyle Murdock, Sound Designer
    • Aseloka Smith, Show Art

Podcasts parecidos

Mais podcasts de Comédia
Este podcast é seu?

Confirme com uma entrada no seu feed: você recebe um código aqui, adiciona como podcast:txt no canal do seu feed e nós verificamos. Depois disso, seu podcast aparece como “verificado” no SoundNode.

Gêneros populares

PopOldiesHip hopRockAnos 80SchlagerNotíciasAlternativoDanceMetalTechnoAnos 90EletrônicaHouse

Configurações

Exibição

Idioma

DeutschEnglishEspañolFrançaisPortuguês

Define quais estações você vê primeiro na página inicial.

Histórico

As rádios e episódios ouvidos recentemente e suas últimas buscas ficam só neste navegador.

Avisos

Um aviso rápido quando um podcast que você segue tem um episódio novo. Desative podcasts individuais pelo sino na página deles.

Conta

Salve favoritos – no app e no site.

App StoreGoogle PlayAmazon Fire TVSonos

Atalhos de teclado

/
Abrir busca
Espaço
Reproduzir ou pausar
← →
No player: voltar 15 s, avançar 30 s (episódios) · na fileira: próximo bloco
↑ ↓
Na fileira: alvo dentro do bloco
Home / End
Na fileira: primeiro ou último bloco
Esc
Fechar janela ou menu
?
Esta visão geral
Tocando agora

Ir para a estação

A seguir

    Adicione episódios com “A seguir” – eles tocam depois do episódio atual.