Popular Local Podcasts Brings Okla. History To More People

A popular old podcast is making a comeback this year, this time with the hope to show off different perspectives in the state we all love. 

"Going beyond the museum setting going beyond the lectures," said Dr. Bob Blackburn, the former Executive Director of the Oklahoma Historical Society. "This is a way we can bring Oklahoma history to more people," said Trait Thompson, the Oklahoma Historical Society, Executive Director 

Two Oklahoma historians are diving deep into the state's past, their first episode focusing on Women in Broadcasting.

They are starting with the first Black female journalist on Oklahoma TV, Joyce Jackson. 

"When you went on TV did you realize the impact?" said Thompson.

"No… I did not at the time. But when I got the support of the community, I felt the impact," said Jackson. 

The special for women's history month looks at those glass ceilings Oklahoma women had to breakthrough.

"Women were supposed to be teachers or secretaries," said Blackburn. "Your gender doesn't matter. Your ability matters."

Both of the historians agree the Very OK Podcast is about knowing history, so we do not repeat it.

"Let's explore underreported and underrepresented topics," said Thompson. "Topics that we never hear."

In the coming months, they plan to explore the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre, how past Oklahomans lived and played, and the influential people of the Sooner state.

"We can make it exciting, and we can make it relevant," said Blackburn. 

 The next Very OK Podcast releases the third week of April. Click here to find the podcast.