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Artwork for Our Ancestors Were Messy

Our Ancestors Were Messy

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes16Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ComedyHistory

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Artwork for Our Ancestors Were Messy

Latest Episodes

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

A musical prodigy from Kansas becomes a renowned race woman in Chicago, a tabloid sensation in Harlem, and an internationally renowned musical force. These are the many lives and loves of one of the most famous women of the era: Nora Holt.

• Support... more

YouTube

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

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

To access bonus content and support this independent production visit  ourancestorswe... more

YouTube

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 no... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

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: Minisode #5 | Coming Up on Our Ancestors Were Messy
John Delore
Episode: Minisode #5 | Coming Up on Our Ancestors Were Messy
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!
Emmanuel Jochi
Podcast host and producer
Episode: A Love Story For The Ages!

Host

Nichole Hill
Creator and host, dedicated to sharing intricately woven narratives that highlight the messiness of history and celebrate the resilience of ancestors.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 456 ratings
  • A history fan likes it

    I listen to A LOT of history podcasts I will always give one with an interesting premise a shot. One listen and I put The Ancestors Were Messy into permanent rotation.. three episodes and I joined the monthly donation club. It’s funny , well researched and does the thing about history I love best.. turn dates and and biographical facts into real living and well——messy people.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Rosamarie56
    United Statesa month ago
  • So fun and so much information!

    I love learning through a story, and this podcast does an incredible job at both! Truly an excellent pod.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Itsjustdirt
    United Statesa month ago
  • Late to the party

    I’m late but so thankful a friend recommended this podcast to me. It’s beautifully curated and I feel our ancestors would be honored to know their stories, good or bad, live on in such an innovative and affirming way. Tell everyone about this show!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    AletaMylesTV
    United Statesa month ago
  • Educational with a shot of mess

    I luv this show lol I’ve learned so much about the ppl I’ve read about in school and it makes them feel so “human” 😅😂. I hope it comes back for another season, yall better support this young lady

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    @_dimes
    United States2 months ago
  • Waiting for season 2

    This show is amazing. Accessible, informative, and incredibly engaging. History I never learned in school and definitely needed in my life. Reminds me in the best way that the figures from history were just people, and that the story of the world is more complex and rich than the battles, dates, and names of generals/presidents that seem to make the text books. Please make more!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    CRice2025
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate the podcast's unique mix of humor and education, often highlighting its engaging storytelling and the warmth of the host's personality.
Many comment on how the show provides insightful perspectives on Black history that are often missing in traditional narratives.
Listeners find the discussions to be thoroughly entertaining while remaining highly informative, expressing a desire for more episodes.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#122
United States/History
Apple Podcasts
#239
Canada/History
Apple Podcasts
#135
Poland/History
Apple Podcasts
#153
Philippines/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
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Frequently Asked Questions About Our Ancestors Were Messy

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

This podcast intimately explores the lives of historical Black figures, blending elements of gossip, scandal, and personal anecdotes from pre-Civil Rights Era America. Through the lens of their ancestral stories, listeners are taken on a journey highlighting the struggles and triumphs of those who faced racism and societal expectations while pursuing their dreams and desires. Each episode combines humor with profound historical introspections, enabling a deeper understanding of figures often relegated to the background of conventional narratives. The engaging storytelling style and the rich exploration of culture, identity, and community dynamics make this a compelling listen for those seeking to connect with Black history in a dynamic and ... more

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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. It's Been a Minute
3. Proxy with Yowei Shaw
4. Vibe Check
5. The Sam Sanders Show

How many episodes of Our Ancestors Were Messy are there?

Our Ancestors Were Messy launched a year ago and published 16 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Our Ancestors Were Messy?

Recent guests on Our Ancestors Were Messy include:

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

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