Welcome to “How Did We Get Here”, a podcast that dives deep into the rich tapestry of untold stories that shape our understanding of history and identity and all aspects of the African Diaspora —voices and experiences often overlooked in mainstream discussions. Each episode, we’ll journey through time and place, unearthing the resilience, creativity, and profound contributions of these communities.
From the vibrant cultures of Indigenous peoples to the powerful legacies of African American leaders and the dynamic histories of Afro-Latinos, we’ll bring you stories that challenge the status quo and inspire conversations about our shared past.
Expect engaging discussions, and personal anecdotes that illuminate the complexities of identity. We’ll shine a light on the struggles, triumphs, and rich traditions that connect us all, revealing how these narratives shape our present and future.
So, whether you’re tuning in on your morning commute, winding down for the evening, or diving into a weekend adventure, we invite you to listen, reflect, and engage with the stories that have shaped our world.
With the recent World Cup coming to the United States, several countries with little to no global exposure have been given a chance to step into the spotlight. One of those countries is Cape Verde. In this episode, Lisa, Megan, and Fulvia explore Cape Verde’s rich cultural heritage and the ways the islands have captured international attention through the World Cup. We take a brief journey through the Cape Verdean story and explore how this newfound exposure may be changing the way the world sees the archipelago.
6 Sept 2026
Hispaniola: One island, two nations, one tangled history.
In this episode, Lisa, Megan, and Fulvia journey to Hispaniola, the Caribbean landmass shared by Haiti and the Dominican Republic, to unpack how a single strip of land became home to two starkly different countries. We trace the story from its Taino roots through Spanish and French colonization, the Haitian Revolution, and centuries of political upheaval, exploring how language, economy, and identity diverged so sharply between neighbors. Along the way, we ask what Hispaniola's story reveals about borders, power, and the ways history shapes everyday life.
5 Aug 2026
Christopher Columbus and A Federal Holiday
"How can you discover a country when there are already people there?!"
In this episode, Lisa, Megan, and Fulvia explore Columbus Day. As early as the 1960s, people, especially Native Americans, have been protesting against a federal holiday honoring a man who brutalized Native Americans in his pursuit of "discovering" America. Additionally, they address the discussion around changing the name for the holiday to Indigenous Peoples' Day.
19 Jun 2026
A Glimpse at Black Inventors
Hey Folks,!
Settle in and have a listen to Lisa, Megan, and Fulvia as they offer this special Juneteenth episode, spotlighting the groundbreaking innovations of Black inventors whose genius has reshaped our world. From early pioneers to contemporary innovators, we explore how their creativity and resilience have driven progress in technology, business, and everyday life. Join us as we connect the brilliance of invention to the enduring spirit of Juneteenth."
2 Jun 2026
Building the Panama Canal
So, in this week's episode, Lisa, Megan, and Fulvia dig into the building of the Panama Canal.
We go beyond just the engineering marvel and the big political maneuvers. We also highlight the crucial, yet often overlooked, Black laborers who faced brutal conditions and played a key role in making the canal a reality. It's not the whole story but... It’s a powerful, forgotten part of the story.
16 May 2026
Trail of Tears - Part II
In the second episode of How Did We Get Here? With LMF, Lisa, Megan, and Fulvia delve deeper into the forced removal of families of Cherokee and several other tribes known as the notorious Trail of Tears. They unpack the complex interplay of federal policies and broken treaties, and conclude with the resilience of a community.
26 Apr 2026
Trail of Tears - Part I
In Part I of this episode, Lisa, Megan, and Fulvia delve into the Trail of Tears, one of the most tragic episodes in U.S. history. The hostesses outline the forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation (and other tribes) from their ancestral lands in the Southeast to present-day Oklahoma.
11 Apr 2026
Jet Magazine - Beauty of the Week - Part II
We couldn't get all we had to say about Jet Beauty of the Week into one episode, so join us as we wrap up our discussion about the iconic, community-influencing magazine.
27 Mar 2026
Jet Magazine - Beauty of the Week - Part 1
In this episode, we explore the trailblazing magazine, Jet, and its iconic segment, Jet Beauty of the Week. How did Jet help to inform the Black community? Especially during a time when Black viewpoints were hard to come by. We explore how the Jet Beauty of the Week was much more than a simple snapshot of a pretty Black woman. Lisa brings the audience into this world with a heartwarming introduction to her Aunty Carol, one of those beauties...
13 Mar 2026
Sarah Baartman - Part II
We weren't finished with Sarah Baartman... join us as we continue to explore her tragic story and explain how it took over a century for her to make a triumphant return to her homeland.
28 Feb 2026
Sarah Baartman- Part One
In this inaugural episode of How Did We Get Here? Lisa, Megan, and Fulvia explore the tragic life of Sarah Baartman, (c. 1789–1815) who was a Khoikhoi woman from South Africa taken to Europe under false pretenses and exploited in early nineteenth-century “freak shows” in London and Paris under the stage name “Hottentot Venus.” She was such a sensation and fascination to Europeans that her figure as well as that of other exploited Black women's' bodies were the inspiration for the Victorian bustle of the 19th century.
Sarah was displayed because of her physical features, particularly steatopygia, which is described as the accumulation of large amounts of fat on the buttocks. She was seen as a freak of nature under the European gaze her body's figure was normal in the Khoikhoi and other peoples of arid parts of southern Africa. She was falsely portrayed as evidence of racial difference and subjected to degrading and racist spectacle throughout her life, ultimately dying in poverty on 29 December 1815.
Her exploitation continued after death when scientists dissected her body and displayed her brain, skeleton, and sexual organs in a Paris museum until 1974. Today, Baartman is widely regarded as a powerful symbol of colonial exploitation, racism, and the commodification of Black bodies, and her remains were finally returned to South Africa for burial in 2002.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
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