Whitewashing has taken a huge toll on public health, textbooks, media, and more for centuries. But on Black History, For Real*, there’s no space (or time) for that kinda BS. Actress, writer, and producer Franchesca Ramsey (she/her) hosts the newly returned podcast with Conscious Lee, where the dynamic duo go beyond the history lessons you were taught in school to spill the tea truth.

Here, we chatted with Franchesca about her big break in the entertainment industry, the inspo behind her popular podcast, and an episode that really stuck with her.

What did your start in the entertainment industry look like?
My big break came in 2012 when my video Shit White Girls Say… to Black Girls went viral on YouTube, racking up over a million views in under 24 hours and 6M views in that first week. Off the strength of that video, I signed to my first film and TV agent and with the ad revenue I made was able to quit my full-time job as a graphic designer to pursue a career in entertainment. Most recently, my first feature script was selected for the 2024 Sundance Labs, and we’re currently in the process of taking it out to financiers.

How exciting! And your podcast just made its return as well. Tell us about it!
Black History, For Real is a historical podcast that combines storytelling and conversation to introduce listeners to various Black innovators throughout the world they may not be familiar with. One of the things I love most about this show is the way we incorporate sound design into the stories so whether we’re telling the story of Mansa Musa or the women of the Black Panther movement, you’re transported back in time via the show’s immersive audio experience.

What inspired BHFR in the first place?
Unfortunately in recent years there’s been a concerted effort to whitewash Black history in schools, if not outright remove it. I’m originally from South Florida and so it’s been incredibly distressing to witness Governor Ron Desantis demonize Black history as “woke,” even going so far as removing AP African American studies from classrooms. My hope is that people of all backgrounds connect with and enjoy our show, but I’ve especially appreciated hearing from parents who’ve shared the show with their kids so they have a better understanding of our history and its importance.

I also hope that listeners can learn from the accomplishments, ingenuity, and perseverance of Black folks throughout history and how they’ve shaped the world we live in for the better and that through honoring and learning from them, we’re able to pave the way for a better tomorrow.

Out of all the EPs you’ve done so far, what’s something that shocked you to learn about?
We recently covered Fannie Lou Hamer and I was absolutely blown away to learn that she was given a hysterectomy (and thus sterilized) without her consent. It was not only heartbreaking, but felt all too timely of a conversation considering the current state of reproductive access in our country.

Aside from your own, is there another podcast you highly recommend?
I’m a big fan of NPR’s Code Switch. The show is all about exploring identity and culture through an intersectional lens but with humor and heart.

*Black History, For Real Season 2 is now available on Wondery+ through the Wondery app, Amazon Music, and everywhere podcasts are available. The series is also part of Wondery’s inaugural More to the Story campaign under its History Tellers umbrella brand.