How We Got Here

In this bonus episode of How We Got Here, we sit down with Francis Gary Powers Junior, the son of the CIA spy who was shot down over the USSR on May 1, 1960. After Episode 4 of Season 3 was released, Powers Jr. contacted us to tell us he lives in Central Virginia and would be willing to discuss his father's incredible story of espionage and imprisonment by the KGB. Powers Jr. has written a book about his dad and travels the country to set the record straight about his dad’s famous crash in the Soviet Union.

In this bonus episode of How We Got Here, we take a look back at the infamous collapse of the Church Hill tunnel in Richmond. On Oct. 2, 1925, the train tunnel gave way during construction work, killing at least four men and entombing at least two people whose bodies remain there today. A steam locomotive and ten flatcars are still buried beneath Church Hill as well. We talk to the son of two survivors of that fateful day, as he visits the now-sealed tunnel entrance for the very first time

In this bonus episode of How We Got Here, we take a look back at the day President Abraham Lincoln visited Richmond. On April 4, 1865, just two days after Confederate troops evacuated the city, President Lincoln and his son Tad visited the still smoldering ruins of the South’s former Capital. Mike Gorman with the Richmond National Battlefield Park takes us through this bizarre and unprecedented day when the President known as the great emancipator walked the streets of Richmond.

How We Got Here, presented by 12 On Your Side, is a podcast highlighting Virginia's rich history, one week at a time. 

In this episode of How We Got Here, we introduce you to the Paul Revere of the South, one of Ulysses S. Grant's biggest failures on the battlefield and why we learned more about death than liberty from Patrick Henry. We also catch up with a little boy who survived a lightning strike, and we examine why the 75th anniversary of D-Day means more to one Virginia community than most.

In this episode of How We Got Here, we explain how the Civil War's Siege of Petersburg could have lasted two days instead of nine months and why Virginia played such a big role in shaping the Declaration of Independence. We also share a “loving” story that changed marriage laws across the country, plus the horrifying moments as lawmakers, practicing America’s pastime, take cover when a gunman opens fire on a baseball field.

In this episode of How We Got Here: The devastating path of Hurricane Agnes that paralyzed Richmond, and Virginia’s ties to the bungling burglars of Watergate. Find out how Captain John Smith got “Disney’ed,” and how country music was born out of the mountain music of southwest Virginia – with a chaser of Johnny Cash.  

In this episode of How We Got Here: The derecho that devastated Central Virginia, and Aaron Burr’s ties to Richmond that saved his life. A tap dancing legend breaks racial barriers, and how the Seven Days’ Battles changed the landscape of the Civil War. Plus, Elvis’ escapades in Virginia, and his last show in the river city.

In this episode of How We Got Here: Happy Birthday America! It’s also the anniversary for the deaths of several presidents. We show you how Virginia got its name and bring you the mythology behind the woman bearing her breast on the state seal. We hear from the “proud spirited ladies” left behind during the Civil War – plus the conclusion of the seven days’ battles.

In this episode of How We Got Here: Richmond’s role in the domestic slave trade, brought to light by the uncovering of a slave burial ground. Three men killed in a tank in World War II are finally honored 75 years later. How the river city remembered the longest serving Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, John Marshall. And we’re serving up a segment on the incredible life and legacy of tennis great and Richmond-native, Arthur Ashe.

In this bonus episode of How We Got Here, we go behind the scenes with Digital Director Kate Albright and Executive Producer Colten Weekley to tell you how we got to this idea, and what it takes to put each episode together. You’ll hear about some of our favorite guests and which segments really surprised us. Stick around for the end of the episode for exciting news about the future of How We Got Here.

Season 2 launches on Monday, Nov. 18. How We Got Here, presented by NBC12 in Richmond, Virginia, is a podcast highlighting Virginia’s rich history, one week at a time.

In this episode of How We Got Here, how one of the greatest speeches in American history - The Gettysburg Address - was barely a footnote in newspapers up and down the coast. Also, President John F. Kennedy and his family built a home in Virginia - only to enjoy it for three weekends before his assassination. And we delve into a 400-year-old Thanksgiving tradition that started in the commonwealth and continues to this day on the Governor’s driveway.  The famed Richmond woman who helped usher in a new era of Southern literature - with a little ghost story mixed in. And why the Confederacy chose Richmond as its capitol – so close to the Union stronghold of Washington, D.C.

In this episode of How We Got Here, we relive the fiery death of the oldest electric streetcar system in America. We also introduce you to a slave-turned-spy-turned-folk hero who had to fight for his own freedom after American independence. And, as you start to think about Thanksgiving this year – we’ve got the low down on how it all began (in Virginia…sorry Massachusetts). Plus, we’ll explore how it became illegal in Virginia to duel to the death – and the politician who skirted the law to kill a member of his family! And finally, an army of rebels topples the mightiest power in the world at Yorktown.

In this episode of How We Got Here, the newly uncovered tale of a 16-year-old heroine from Hopewell, Virginia, who rode through the night to expose a British plot to crush the American rebellion. Also, the Commonwealth’s dug-in defiance over a landmark court decision to integrate public schools. Why the Kennedy Administration apologized for getting the first celebration of a national holiday all wrong. And - get ready to dust up on 10th grade American History - we go old-school with the Monroe Doctrine. And finally, in their own words - the heroes of Pearl Harbor recount that horrific day that catapulted the United States into the hell of World War 2.

In this episode of How We Got Here, George Washington’s final moments after a torturous night of medical care. And it ended before it began - we take you inside what may have been the fastest battle of the American Revolution. Also the legacy of a black woman from Richmond who changed the face of business in America. And the slaughter pen known as The Battle of Fredericksburg, where hundreds took their final breath beneath the Northern Lights.

In this episode of How We Got Here, how a Virginia newspaper got the Wright Brother’s first flight oh so wrong. Plus—a brewing tea party demands independence, but not in Boston. We examine the day slavery was abolished in America, and the country finally learns of George Washington’s death from a famous Richmonder. And, an all-around-the-world show of America’s military might that steamed away from the shores of Virginia.

In this week’s episode of How We Got Here, the true story of albino brothers from Virginia who were abducted and exploited by the circus for decades before their mother finally found them when the circus came back to town. Plus, a fiery Christmas disaster at the Richmond Theater that claimed the life of Virginia’s Governor. We’ll tell you about the eighth and final U.S. President that was born in the commonwealth, and the emotional “first” goodbye from George Washington to Congress, as he was trying to get home to Martha for Christmas.

In this bonus episode of How We Got Here, we go behind the sounds with Executive Producer Colten Weekley to dive deep into how we made this season. You’ll hear about some of our favorite guests and which segments really stuck with us. Plus, we have exciting news about the future of the podcast!

Season 3 launches on Monday, April 20. How We Got Here, presented by NBC12 in Richmond, Virginia, is a podcast highlighting Virginia’s rich history, one week at a time.