In the first episode of Hindsight Akil and Jen introduce themselves and talk about why they are doing this podcast. Some stories are told, some opinions expressed, and some laughs are had. Originally published January 17, 2024

Today, Akil tells the story of Robert Smalls, a real American hero that we don't ever talk about! Why!? And we go on some tangents about sex work and DEIA and reparations and the census....so much to talk about :) Learn about this amazing historical hero and tell your friends and loved ones and enemies! Originally published January 30, 2024

In today's episode, Jen tells Akil the story of Junius Wilson, a deaf Black man born in Jim Crow south who was unfairly and unnecessarily institutionalized/incarcerated his entire life. We discuss how racism and ableism - on the part of individuals and systems - combined to create this unjust situation. We also are new to podcasting so the first half of the episode's audio is....not great. Bear with us :) Originally published on January 17, 2024

Inspired by the multiple Oscars Oppenheimer was nominated for, Jen tells Akil about how the creation of the lab in Los Alamos involved displacing homesteaders in a quick and, sometimes, violent manner. The story of Project Manhattan that the film didn't tell you. As we learn about this untold history, we find ourselves discussing conspiracy theories, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelsey, gray hair, aliens, and more! You just gotta hear it to believe it!Go to the Atomic Heritage Foundation to learn ... Originally published on February 14, 2024

WARNING: We do sing in this episodeThis time, Akil talks about the making and impact of We Are The World, the hit 1985 song featuring a bunch of celebrities of the time. The aim was to raise money and awareness for hunger in Africa, and it did! Along the way, as usual, we talk about a lot of other things, including an amazing story from Akil's childhood. Originally published February 28, 2024

In this episode, Jen talks about how formal policing started in the US, from slave patrols to northern union busting units. Turns out, talking about the history of policing - even if you are only focusing on colonial times and the mid 20th century! So, come along on a journey of Puritanical justice, the original purpose of Georgia, and how police became a part of our daily lives. Originally published March 13, 2024.

In this episode, we continue to discuss the history of policing. Last time we talked about the start of policing in America and this episodes covers the mid-20th century. This is the era when policing became more embedded in communities. The War on Poverty, War on Crime, and War on Drugs all led to increase surveillance of some communities and many of the policing tactics we hear (and complain about!) today. Also, it includes Jen's all time favorite FBI story....it's amazing :) Originally published March 27, 2024

In this episode, we talk about Homestead Acts and how they supported some people in obtaining land and how it definitely did not support others. Along the way, we talk about Akil's Irish heritage, Michael Jackson (yes again), Turtles music, and, of course, the Oregon Trail. Originally published April 10, 2024