The Other Moonshot
As America seethes with civil unrest in the 1960s, three men in Los Angeles play a key role in getting us to the moon. You may think you know everything about our race to space. But there is still, even after all this time, a version that’s never been heard. This is the story of the Black aerospace engineers in Los Angeles who worked on the Apollo missions — despite barely being allowed in the room.
Host
Joanne Higgins
Joanne worked in film and TV production for 13 years as a production coordinator and associate producer. Later, she transitioned into the construction industry, co-owning a company that developed and built single-family homes across LA. She’s a lifelong Angeleno, growing up in Compton and attending Cal State Long Beach. She spent her childhood hearing her godfather talk about working on the Apollo program. Concerned that this unique legacy could be forgotten, she began a journey to record and capture their experiences. This is her first time hosting a podcast.
Length
One hour
Show Clock
ContentDepot File Transfer
Promo spot available: January 27, 2025
Program rundown available: January 27, 2025
Date content will be available: February 3, 2025
Broadcast Window
February 3, 2025 - March 31, 2025
Episode 1: February 3 - March 31, 2025
Episode 2: February 4 - March 31, 2025
Episode 3: February 5 - March 31, 2025
Episode 4: February 6 - March 31, 2025
Broadcast Rights
Affiliate stations may carry this program multiple times before April 1, 2025. The program must be carried in its entirety. No excerpting is permitted. Simulcast streaming rights are available for this program. Prior to carrying this program, stations must contact their station relations representative.
Episode 1: Ignition Starts
Air window: February 3 - March 31, 2025
America aims for the moon. President John F. Kennedy stands proudly behind the mission to advance the country and welcomes a diverse team to get the job done. That team includes three Black engineers who have an impressive background—Charlie Cheathem, Nathaniel LeVert and Shelby Jacobs. However, the three men quickly realize that social progress is slower than scientific advancement.
Episode 2: Spring Loaded to Failure
Air window: February 4 - March 31, 2025
Were these three engineers set up to fail? The space race starts to hit debilitating roadblocks, and the Black aerospace engineers are beginning to feel the weight of the workplace—and the clock ticking. Shelby, Nate and Charlie develop different ways to cope with the pressure. A tragedy during an Apollo 1 flight simulation raises the stakes even further, while outside the company, racial tensions come to a head in nearby Watts.
Episode 3: Making an Impact
Air window: February 5 - March 31, 2025
The launch of Apollo 6. Nate and Charlie must choose how to respond when their work is undermined by superiors, leading to tense stand-offs. Meanwhile Shelby works on a project which will define his legacy — and our view of Earth. Workplace pay disparities come to light, while the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr. reveals tensions that the engineers can no longer ignore.
Episode 4: The Landing
Air window: February 6 - March 31, 2025
Despite several stopgaps and hiccups, the moon landing is a monumental success, although many Black Americans feel it’s come at a cost to their progress. The discrimination Charlie, Nate and Shelby faced at work finally makes it into government hearings. And the trio today reflect on their contributions to the space race, expressing their sense of pride and wonder, as well as unresolved wounds from their experiences.
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