15 Episodes

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

    Published: 5/14/2025

  2. Minisode #6 | What's Next for Our Ancestors Were Messy

    Published: 5/14/2025

  3. Charles Gilpin "The Emperor of Broadway" Has a Note

    Published: 5/7/2025

  4. The Doctors Julian and The Affair That Helped Bring Us Birth Control

    Published: 4/23/2025

  5. Minisode #5 | Coming Up on Our Ancestors Were Messy

    Published: 4/16/2025

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

    Published: 4/9/2025

  7. Minisode #4 | Coming Up on Our Ancestors Were Messy

    Published: 4/2/2025

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

    Published: 3/26/2025

  9. Minisode #3 | Coming up on Our Ancestors Were Messy

    Published: 3/19/2025

  10. A Love Story for the Ages!

    Published: 3/12/2025

  11. Minisode #2 | Coming Up on Our Ancestors Were Messy

    Published: 3/5/2025

  12. Oscar Micheaux and the Family Feud That Launched Black Hollywood

    Published: 2/26/2025

  13. Minisode #1 | Coming Up on Our Ancestors Were Messy

    Published: 2/19/2025

  14. "Stings for Our Enemies. Honey for Our Friends."

    Published: 2/12/2025

  15. Introducing: Our Ancestors Were Messy (Coming Feb. 12th)

    Published: 1/25/2025

1 / 1

Our Ancestors Were Messy, is a podcast covering the gossip, scandals, and pop culture that made headlines in the Black newspapers of segregated communities during the pre-Civil Rights era. On each episode, host Nichole Hill and her guests follow the story of an ancestor in search of opportunity, adventure, love, and a way to beat Jim Crow. Hill and her guests learn the mess - and eventual history - their ancestors make along the way. Support this independent production by joining the donor community at: ourancestorsweremessy.supercast.com Follow us on Instagram @ourancestorsweremessy @nicholewthanh