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Episodes

211

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN

About the show

Welcome to the Musings of Jessica Marie audio blog, a creative vault of personal stories, Historical Spotlights, and lifestyle content ranging from fur babies to travel and everything in between. New episodes every Friday @ 10 AM EST.

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60 recent
August 14, 2026Episode 368 min

Historical Spotlight: The Hidden Cost of Integration

As families get ready for another school year, it’s easy to focus on supply lists, new teachers, and getting back into a routine. But there’s a much deeper history behind the public education system that we don’t always talk about. In this Historical Spotlight, we’re taking a closer look at the impact of school integration on Black education and the thousands of Black teachers who were pushed out of the classroom as predominantly Black schools closed. Over 40,000 Black teachers lost their jobs by 1970, forever changing the educational experience for generations of Black students.

August 7, 2026Episode 356 min

Historical Spotlight: Alice Coachman

I was born and raised in a small, country corner of Southwest Georgia, so it always brings me joy when I discover someone else who is from the area or has at least heard of it. Even though I’ve moved away, Southwest Georgia is still a part of who I am, from my mannerisms to the way my dialect can change depending on who I’m talking to. This region may be far from Metro Atlanta, but it has produced so many incredible people who have made history and influenced Black culture. In this Historical Spotlight, we’re shining a light on Alice Coachman, a trailblazing Black American athlete from Albany, Georgia, who became the first Black woman to win an Olympic gold medal and paved the way for generations of women in sports. 🥇🏃🏾‍♀️

July 31, 2026Episode 346 min

Historical Spotlight: Daniel Hale Williams

For generations, Black Americans have faced discrimination and mistreatment within the healthcare system, creating a deep-rooted distrust that still exists today. Despite these challenges, Black doctors, nurses, and medical pioneers have made incredible contributions to healthcare and changed the course of medical history. In this Historical Spotlight, we’re taking a closer look at Daniel Hale Williams, the groundbreaking Black American surgeon who made history with one of the earliest successful open-heart surgeries and helped pave the way for modern cardiac surgery. 🫀

July 24, 2026Episode 338 min

Historical Spotlight: Big Tymer$ and Cash Money Records

Black Americans have influenced music, fashion, food, and popularized entire cities single handedly. From Flo-Jo’s daring style that made it cool to rock vibrant, long nails to Jim Brown’s athletic skills showcased on the national stage, there have been numerous contributions that have determined what is considered cool in society. Trendsetters and pioneers created entire lanes that have grown into a rich history that continues to influence newcomers even to this day. Join me as we shine a Historical Spotlight on Big Tymer$ and how they influenced a whole genre by popularizing New Orleans hip-hop.

July 17, 2026Episode 328 min

Historical Spotlight: Who Really Benefits from Welfare?

The history of welfare in America is far more complex than many of us were taught. For decades, Black Americans have been unfairly portrayed as the primary beneficiaries of government assistance, creating stereotypes that have shaped public opinion and influenced policy. In this Historical Spotlight, we take a closer look at the history of welfare, how the "Welfare Queen" stereotype became deeply rooted in American culture, and who has historically benefited the most from public assistance programs.

July 10, 2026Episode 317 min

Historical Spotlight: How Pepsi Capitalized on Coca-Cola's Mistakes

There’s nothing better than an ice-cold Lime Coke Zero... and if you know where I can consistently find one, let me know! 😂 It’s become a rare treat since so many restaurants have gotten rid of their Coke Freestyle machines, which means I have to go on a full-blown scavenger hunt anytime I want one. In this Historical Spotlight, we take a closer look at Coca-Cola’s history, the discriminatory policies that alienated Black Americans, and how Pepsi recognized an overlooked market that helped transform the company into a global competitor. 

July 3, 2026Episode 307 min

Historical Spotlight: The 1970 Augusta Riot

There are countless examples throughout history of Black Americans standing up, organizing, resisting, and demanding to be treated with dignity and fairness. Despite generations of injustice, discrimination, and impossible circumstances, we’ve continued to push forward and fight for change rather than allow our voices to be silenced. In this Historical Spotlight, we take a closer look at the 1970 Augusta Riot, an uprising that shook a Georgia community and became a turning point that exposed deep frustrations surrounding inequality and injustice.

June 26, 2026Episode 2911 min

Historical Spotlight: Florence Griffith Joyner

Within the last year or so, my husband and I have officially added track and field to our list of must-watch sports. He loves the long-distance races while I’m always locked in on the sprinters and relay teams. Between race highlights on YouTube, following athletes online, and tuning in whenever a meet is on TV, we’ve become fully invested in the sport.Whether it’s athletes competing for Olympic gold, elite marathon runners chasing personal records, or NCAA stars making a name for themselves, there’s something exciting about watching greatness unfold in real time.That’s what made me want to take a deeper dive into one of the sport’s most iconic athletes.In this Historical Spotlight, we’re celebrating Flo Jo, track legend, record breaker, and one of the greatest sprinters to ever compete. Her speed, style, and legacy changed track and field forever and continue to inspire generations of athletes today.

June 19, 2026Episode 287 min

Historical Spotlight: Prison Activists Surveillance Program

To a certain extent, this country has long been shaped by systems of hypersurveillance, over-policing, and covert operations kept hidden behind closed doors. From explicit programs like COINTELPRO to more subtle forms of propaganda, it can be difficult to decipher intent when power and control are involved. History shows that when individuals, especially within the Black community, use their platforms to inspire change, they are often labeled and targeted in return. In this Historical Spotlight, we take a closer look at the Prison Activists Surveillance Program (PRISACTS), a covert FBI operation designed to monitor and control activists within the prison system.

June 12, 2026Episode 276 min

Historical Spotlight: Compton Cowboys

Sometimes, all it takes is one positive encounter to change the trajectory of a young person's life. Mentorship, guidance, and strong role models can make a world of difference, especially during childhood and adolescence when people are still discovering who they are and who they want to become. The right influence can open doors, build confidence, and create opportunities that last a lifetime.In this Historical Spotlight, we take a closer look at the Compton Cowboys, an inspiring group of Black equestrians who are preserving a rich cultural legacy while providing mentorship and positive opportunities for youth in California. Through horsemanship, community involvement, and leadership, they are proving that representation, discipline, and purpose can transform lives.🐎 Tap in and learn how the Compton Cowboys are making a lasting impact on the next generation while keeping an important piece of Black American history alive.

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