Our Ancestors Were Messy

Our Ancestors Were Messy

Coco Hill Productions

Episodes 20
Avg. Duration 34m
Activity Sporadic
Apple Rating 4.9 (902)
Since Jan 2025
Latest Episode Apr 2026

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Features Guests

Publishing Details

Schedule
Weekly
Format
Episodic
Consistency
31%
Hosting
feeds.simplecast.com

Contact & Outreach

About This 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

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Recent Episodes

S1 Household Exclusive: Researching Our Ancestors

Apr 08, 2026 21m Bonus

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…

S1E9 Paul and Eslanda Robeson: For the Rights of People. For the Rights of Workers. (Part 2)

Jan 28, 2026 52m

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…

S1E10 Eslanda and Paul Robeson: Revolutionaries in the Making (Part 1)

Jan 28, 2026 53m

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…

S1 Coming Soon: Essie and Paul Robeson (Jan. 28th)

Jan 21, 2026 3m Bonus

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…

S1 Feature: The Lonesome Hearts Column with NPR’s Code Switch (plus an announcement!)

Sep 03, 2025 34m Bonus

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…

S1E8 Nora Holt: The Lives and Loves of Harlem's Legendary Blonde Bombshell

May 14, 2025 1h 19m

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…

S1 Minisode: What's Next for Our Ancestors Were Messy

May 14, 2025 2m Bonus

Host Nichole Hill shares updates about the future of the show.To learn more about the show and keep in touch, check out https://ourancestorsweremessy.comTo access bonus content and support this…

S1E7 The Emperor Jones: Our Ancestors' Favorite Play

May 07, 2025 56m

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,…

S1E6 Drs. Anna and Percy Julian: The Affair That Helped Birth The Pill

Apr 23, 2025 52m

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…

S1 Coming Soon: Drs. Anna and Percy Julian (Apr. 23)

Apr 16, 2025 3m Bonus

Host Nichole Hill shares how listeners can support the show and a sneak peek at next week's episode.To learn more about the show and keep in touch, check out https://ourancestorsweremessy.comTo…

S1E5 Zora Neale Hurston vs. Langston Hughes: The Pleasures & Perils of Working With Friends

Apr 09, 2025 1h 8m

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…

S1 Coming Soon: Zora vs. Langston (Apr. 9)

Apr 02, 2025 5m Bonus

Host Nichole Hill shares how listeners can support the show and a sneak peek at next week's episode.To learn more about the show and keep in touch, check out https://ourancestorsweremessy.comTo…

S1E4 Zora Neale Hurston + Langston Hughes: Best Friends Forever

Mar 26, 2025 55m

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…

S1 Coming Soon: Zora + Langston (Mar. 26)

Mar 19, 2025 5m Bonus

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…

S1E3 A Love Story For The Ages!

Mar 12, 2025 50m

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…

S1 Coming Soon: A Love Story for the Ages (Mar. 12)

Mar 05, 2025 4m Bonus

Host Nichole Hill shares listener mail, an update for the Household aka the donor community, and a sneak peek at next week's episode.To learn more about the show and keep in touch, check out…

S1E2 Oscar Micheaux: The Family Feud That Launched Black Hollywood

Feb 26, 2025 1h 11m

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…

S1 Coming Soon: Oscar Micheaux (Feb. 26)

Feb 19, 2025 2m Bonus

Host Nichole Hill shares a programming note, a thank you, and a sneak peek at next week's episode.To learn more about the show and keep in touch, check out https://ourancestorsweremessy.comTo access…

S1E1 The Washington Bee: "Stings for Our Enemies. Honey for Our Friends."

Feb 12, 2025 1h 1m

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…

S1 Introducing Our Ancestors Were Messy

Jan 25, 2025 2m Trailer

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…

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Our Ancestors Were Messy have?

Our Ancestors Were Messy has published 20 episodes since January 2025, covering topics in Arts, Comedy.

Is Our Ancestors Were Messy still active?

Our Ancestors Were Messy is currently sporadic with new episodes weekly. Average episode length is 34m.

How do I contact Our Ancestors Were Messy for sponsorship or guest appearances?

Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for Our Ancestors Were Messy, including email and social media links.

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