Mar 04 2025 38 mins
Guest:
Guest: Joanne Higgins
👉 https://laist.com/podcasts/la-made
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Host: Marco Ciappelli, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine [@ITSPmagazine] and Host of Redefining Society & Technology Podcast
Visit Marco's website 👉 https://www.marcociappelli.com
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This Episode’s Sponsors
BlackCloak 👉 https://itspm.ag/itspbcweb
Show Notes Blog:
The moon landing was one of humanity’s most celebrated achievements—a technological marvel, a leap into the unknown, and a moment that defined an era. But history is often incomplete, and some of the most brilliant minds behind that achievement were left out of the story.
That’s where LA Made: The Other Moonshot comes in. Host Joanne Higgins takes us on a journey to uncover the untold contributions of three Black aerospace engineers who helped make the Apollo mission possible—despite facing systemic discrimination every step of the way. These men weren’t just solving some of the most complex engineering challenges of their time; they were also battling for their place in an industry that barely acknowledged them.
Joanne’s personal connection to this story—growing up hearing these experiences firsthand from her godfather, Charlie Cheathem—drove her to document their legacy before it was lost. What she uncovered is more than just a piece of forgotten history; it’s a story about resilience, recognition, and the ongoing struggle for inclusion in science and technology.
In this episode of Redefining Society & Technology, we explore not just the space race but the human race—the fight for acknowledgment, the hidden struggles behind innovation, and the lasting impact of these unsung pioneers. Because technology is only part of the equation; the people behind it matter just as much.
Let’s talk about it.
Subscribe to this Redefinign Sociey & Technology podcast on your favorite Podcast Player and stay tuned for the next episode!
Thank you for listening,
Marco Ciappelli
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Resources/References
LA Made: The Other Moonshot
Exploring stories of bold Californian innovators and how they forever changed the lives of millions all over the world.
“LA Made: The Other Moonshot,” tells the story of three Black aerospace engineers in Los Angeles, who played a crucial role in America’s race to space, amid the civil unrest of the 1960s. Host Joanne Higgins grew up hearing her godfather tell stories about his work on the Apollo mission to the moon. But as an adult, Higgins realizes his contributions – and those of other Black engineers – had been overlooked and left out of history books. She sets out to correct that and ensure their stories are finally told. Join Higgins in this four-part series, as three “hidden figures” give their accounts for the first time of their experiences in aerospace that broke racial barriers and helped the U.S. land on the moon.
👉 https://laist.com/podcasts/la-made
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