Stories That Live In Us (Crista Cowan | The Barefoot Genealogist)
Explore every episode of Stories That Live In Us
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25 Apr 2024 | Stories That Live In Us | Trailer | 00:01:25 | |
I created this podcast to inspire you to form deeper connections with your family - past, present, and future. All families are messy and life is constantly changing but we don’t have to allow that to disconnect us. I’ve spent my whole life discovering the power of family history and I know that sharing the stories that live in you can change everything. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 02 May 2024 | The Story That Lives In Me | Episode 1 | 00:34:44 | |
A 30-year quest to find my great-great-grandmother Carrie began with a teenage promise and a stack of yellow legal pads. Follow my journey from hand-cranking microfilm readers to the digital revolution that changed everything in genealogy. But in this deeply personal story, I discover that the most precious family treasures aren't found in courthouse records or online databases—they're in the stories that bring our ancestors to life. In this debut episode, I share how one mysterious ancestor shaped my path to becoming The Barefoot Genealogist. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 02 May 2024 | Grandma's Love for the Theater (with Lisa Elzey and Will Swenson) | Episode 2 | 00:36:29 | |
Ruth Hale, an icon in Utah theater circles, always dreamed her birth mother was an actress. But it wasn't until her grandson, Tony-nominated actor Will Swenson, took an AncestryDNA test at the urging of my producer, Lisa Elzey, that Ruth's story began to unfold. You won't believe what we uncovered during our five-year journey to solve this family mystery. Listen in as Will reacts to our shocking discovery that proves sometimes our deepest instincts about who we are are written in our DNA. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 02 May 2024 | Bliss It Was In That Dawn To Be Alive (with Eric Allen) | Episode 3 | 00:37:22 | |
"They're going bad... these photos in your basement are actually eroding." When Eric Allen inherited thousands of family slides, he realized the urgent race against time to save precious memories. As a VP of Marketing at Ancestry, Eric knows all about encouraging people to preserve their family stories. But, his grandfather’s vast collection of deteriorating photos made it deeply personal. Now a passionate digital preservationist, Eric discovers that every image holds a story worth saving – from mysterious strangers in Hawaii to relatives who died too young to share their own tales. His mission to rescue these visual time capsules shows how technology can bridge generations and keep family stories alive. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 02 May 2024 | The Whole Tree (with Sunny Mahe) | Episode 4 | 00:23:54 | |
From the sidelines of NFL stadiums to the heart of Tongan traditions... Meet Sunny Mahe, mother of ten and keeper of powerful family stories. In this intimate conversation with my dear friend, we explore how her family's defining moments—both joyful and heart-shattering—have shaped their unshakeable bonds. Through faith, resilience, and raw honesty, Sunny reveals how embracing all parts of our family story—even the painful ones—creates a legacy of hope that extends far beyond our earthly connections. Want to learn how connecting with our ancestors’ stories can transform how we nurture relationships with our living family members? Visit CristaCowan.com/blog to find practical tips and story prompts from this episode. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 02 May 2024 | Out of Obscurity (with Kevin Giddins and Camlyn Giddins) | Episode 5 | 00:25:21 | |
One child, 35 foster siblings, and an AncestryDNA test that changed everything... In this moving episode, I sit down with Kevin Giddins and his filmmaker daughter Camlyn as they share their journey from being keepers of old secrets to tellers of powerful new stories. Through their father-daughter viewpoints, we witness how modern technology and cherished traditions blend to forge meaningful family connections. Their example of asking a simple question - "How is your world?" - shows us how to transform relationships across generations, turning hidden histories into shared stories that shape who we are. Want to learn more about connecting with your adult children? Visit CristaCowan.com/blog for practical tips and story prompts inspired by this conversation. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 09 May 2024 | This Gathering Place (with Shelly Cowan) | Episode 6 | 00:30:06 | |
Imagine sitting down at family dinner where a simple table becomes the heart of lasting traditions and deeper connections... When my sister-in-law Shelly Cowan needed a bigger table for her five growing boys, she didn't just buy one – she built a 10-foot gathering place with her father. More than a decade later, that table has become more than furniture; it's transformed into sacred ground where daily questions, birthday traditions, and vulnerable conversations weave together the fabric of family bonds. In this episode, Shelly reveals how small, consistent practices – from sharing daily "highlights and lowlights" to telling birth stories at birthday dinners – have created such a powerful culture of connection that even her teenage sons linger at the table long after meals end. Her story shows how intentional family spaces can bridge generational gaps and strengthen relationships, one meal at a time. Whether you're feeling disconnected from your growing family or searching for ways to create meaningful traditions, Shelly's practical wisdom will inspire you to transform everyday moments into lasting family connections. You'll discover that sometimes the most powerful family traditions start with something as simple as asking "What was the best part of your day today?" 📝 Ready to create your own meaningful family gathering place? Visit the companion blog post at CristaCowan.com/blog for my favorite 'Story Seeds' and practical tips to help you start (or refine) your own family traditions. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 16 May 2024 | And Then I Heard A Meadowlark Sing (with Sunny Morton) | Episode 7 | 00:27:04 | |
Genealogist Sunny Morton didn't even know someone was missing from her family tree until a single mention in an obituary led her to a Nun. Sister Mary Bertilla. This single name sparked a search that revealed a remarkable woman who dedicated herself to faith and service. Her story, preserved in convent archives and captured in a touching obituary, opens a window into an extraordinary life of quiet sacrifice. Across the U.S., more than 350,000 Women Religious - sisters and nuns - have left their stories in forgotten archives. These women's quiet contributions deeply shaped our nation. Though they may have no descendants to search for them, their records hold precious family connections waiting to be discovered. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 23 May 2024 | L'dor V'dor - From Generation to Generation (with Howard Hochhauser) | Episode 8 | 00:23:50 | |
Serena never spoke of her life before she married into the Hochhauser family. They knew she was from Eastern Europe and, based on her age and immigration timing, had survived the Holocaust. But how she did so remained a story untold - until nearly two decades after her death, when newly available records from the Red Cross International Tracing Service revealed an extraordinary journey of survival that would transform her family's understanding of their quiet, loving grandmother. Join me and my guest Howard Hochhauser, Ancestry's Chief Financial Officer since 2009, as we piece together Serena's remarkable story of resilience - from surviving Auschwitz to rebuilding her life in America. Discover how uncovering one grandmother's untold past created ripples of strength and connection across four generations, embodying the Jewish principle of l'dor v'dor - from generation to generation. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 30 May 2024 | One Person's Trash | Episode 9 | 00:18:12 | |
When an unexpected email unearthed irreplaceable family heirlooms, it reminded me that people—including our own relatives—are often not quite what they seem. My grandpa’s youngest sister, Aunt Madeleine, was always a bit of an enigma within our family—emotionally distant and reserved. More than once she said things that left us all a little stunned. Yet, certain discoveries suggest that perhaps family mattered to her more than I ever realized. Family treasures not only tell stories; sometimes, the paths these treasures take are stories in themselves. Do you have a silent treasure keeper in your family? Join me as we explore the hidden depths and unexpected legacies that shape our family narratives. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 06 Jun 2024 | We'll Always Keep Searching (with Emily Paulson) | Episode 10 | 00:41:12 | |
When Emily Paulson learned that nearly 72,000 WWII heroes remained unidentified, she found her calling... Through her role as a contractor at the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Emily combines traditional genealogy research and DNA science to identify more than 81,000 missing American service members who served from WWII through the Gulf War. As we mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, she shares the moving story of Second Lieutenant William McGowan, who left behind a young wife and a legacy of family service when his P-47 Thunderbolt was shot down in France. Emily reveals how dedicated teams work with families across generations to fulfill a sacred promise: that no service member will be forgotten. Her message of hope reminds us that every missing hero has a family waiting for their story to be completed. Listen now to discover how modern genealogy helps bring our heroes home and write the final chapters of their remarkable stories. 📝 Read our companion blog post to learn more about the massive, ongoing efforts to bring closure to families and honor the memories of those who paid the ultimate price. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 13 Jun 2024 | Continue to Say His Name (with Kelley Dixon-Tealer and Alva Marie Jenkins) | Episode 11 | 00:36:00 | |
In 1865, Hawkins Wilson, a Texas freedman, wrote letters searching for the family he was torn from as a young, enslaved boy more than 24 years earlier. Though time and distance separated them, his childhood memories remained vivid as he wrote to his "dearest relatives" through the Freedmen's Bureau, sharing the man he had become. His heartfelt letters remained unanswered in the Bureau's files for over 155 years - until his descendant Kelley Dixon-Tealer started a family tree on Ancestry. In this moving episode, Kelley and her mother, Alva Marie Jenkins, share how discovering Hawkins' letters transformed their understanding of faith, family, and perseverance. With AncestryDNA and family history research, Hawkins’ descendants are now connected to extraordinary discoveries about his role in the first Juneteenth celebrations and his legacy as a minister. Walking in his footsteps through Galveston and Houston's Fourth Ward, they've found new meaning in their own journey and are ensuring Hawkins Wilson's story continues to inspire future generations. 📝For tips on how to have your own "Hawkins Wilson descendants" experience or to watch the film, visit our companion blog post at CristaCowan.com/blog. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 20 Jun 2024 | We're Doing This Together (with Steve Cowan) | Episode 12 | 00:42:13 | |
Every Sunday night at 9:30 PM, my dad and I meet virtually to solve family history mysteries together — a tradition we've kept for over seven years, no matter where we are in the world. A tradition that has transformed our relationship from father-daughter to best friends. In this deeply personal episode, I introduce you to my dad, Steve Cowan. He is one of the storytellers who shaped my own journey into storytelling. Listen in as he shares how his journey into genealogy began at age five, sitting at his great-grandmother’s feet during family reunions. From growing up surrounded by hundreds of cousins to our weekly late-night DNA research sessions, we explore how sharing family stories becomes a powerful tool for connection. Oh, and don’t worry about keeping track of the host of characters in our family story. What matters is experiencing a love for family so contagious, you’ll be inspired to discover and share your own family’s stories. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 27 Jun 2024 | Their Stories in Their Words | Episode 13 | 00:36:21 | |
In 1891, Martha Mills Brown wrote a heart-wrenching letter to her children and grandchildren, detailing her family's harrowing experiences during the Civil War in Northwest Arkansas. I discovered this remarkable first-hand account through an Ancestry hint while researching my own three-times great-grandfather, "Uncle Jimmy" Lawrence. What began as a simple census record showing a family between 1860 and 1870 revealed an extraordinary story of survival, displacement, and resilience. Join me as I share Martha's powerful testimony in her own words, illuminating how seemingly simple genealogical records can hide profound family stories – and how a single document can transform our understanding of both our ancestors and historical events. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 04 Jul 2024 | What Is Your American Story? (with Mary Tedesco) | Episode 14 | 00:30:45 | |
How did a simple search on Ancestry.com spark a lifelong passion, a stronger mother-daughter bond, and a stint as a host on a popular genealogy television show? In this special Independence Day episode, Mary reveals how documenting their Revolutionary War ancestor, George Brenner, brought her closer to her mother through their work with the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). Their story beautifully weaves together recent immigration and colonial heritage, showing how family history can bridge generations and strengthen bonds. From coordinating a nationwide mask-making project during the pandemic to preparing for America's 250th anniversary celebrations, Mary demonstrates how understanding our past can inspire meaningful service in the present. Whether your ancestors arrived on the Mayflower or came through Ellis Island (or anywhere in between), this conversation will inspire you to discover and share your own American story.
〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 11 Jul 2024 | Familial Sudoku (with Josh Harman) | Episode 15 | 00:24:39 | |
Do you revel in solving a good brain teaser or completing a crossword puzzle? Climbing your family tree can feel a little like piecing together a tricky jigsaw. But what happens when solving the puzzle reveals a blind great-grandfather who built houses single-handedly and inspired generations? Early in his career, Josh Harman was a young, slightly overconfident, product manager at Ancestry who thoroughly enjoyed solving technical problems but thought genealogy was boring. He didn't understand the obsession. Listen in as he shares some of the transformative moments that helped him evolve from seeing family history as mere "familial Sudoku" to discovering the profound stories that shaped his identity. This journey not only changed his professional outlook but reshaped his understanding of what it truly means to be a Harman. Join us to explore how piecing together your own family history can deeply connect you with your past and illuminate your place in your family narrative. That process will light up your brain as much as any puzzle – and might just change how you see yourself. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 18 Jul 2024 | Fearless Women (with Cathy Hughes) | Episode 16 | 00:28:14 | |
When children are raised knowing the stories of the strong, fearless women in their family tree they are more likely to feel empowered to chase their own dreams. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 25 Jul 2024 | Police Don't Have Nothin' On Me (with Rusty Wright and Lisa Elzey) | Episode 17 | 00:37:55 | |
What if the secrets to your family's past were hidden in plain sight, waiting to be discovered in the most unexpected places - like a county jail? When U.S. Marshal Rusty Wright set out to learn about the grandfather he never met, he never imagined discovering that his own ancestor had once faced off with law enforcement. What begins as a simple inquiry unfolds into an epic journey from the Oregon Trail to Prohibition-era Florida, revealing a family's saga of resilience, loss, and eventual reconnection. Joining us is Lisa Elzey, my podcast producer and Senior Story Producer at Ancestry, whose expertise in transforming historical records into compelling family narratives helps unlock the story of Rusty's grandfather Leland. We follow the clues from a single draft card to unclaimed ashes, revealing how each discovery can open doors to deeper family connections. Through DNA matches and dusty records, Rusty not only uncovers his grandfather's colorful past but also forges new bonds with relatives he never knew existed. His story reminds us that every family tree contains surprising twists - and that sometimes, our most meaningful discoveries come from the simplest questions. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 01 Aug 2024 | Families Have Always Been Messy | Episode 18 | 00:29:21 | |
What happens when an 18-year-old girl questions her faith in 1727 England? For my ancestor Margaret Lawrence, that choice set off a chain of events that would echo through generations. I've spent decades unraveling the true story behind our family's romanticized tales of her journey to America – and what I discovered was far more complex than the simple story of stolen bread that I heard as a child. In this deeply personal episode, I share how my investigation into Margaret's life revealed the often messy reality of family history: religious conflict, desperate choices, exploitation, and ultimately survival through her descendants. By piecing together court records, prison logs, newspaper accounts, and DNA evidence, I finally uncovered the truth about this mysterious woman who sparked my early fascination with genealogy. Through Margaret's story, we explore how family narratives evolve over time, what details we choose to share or hide across generations, and why uncovering the full truth – however difficult – helps us better understand both our ancestors and ourselves. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 08 Aug 2024 | Laugh 'Til We Cry (with Scott Seiffert and Lisa Dyson) | Episode 19 | 00:36:54 | |
When animation executive Scott Seiffert learned that generations of his family drank at bars and told stories in Montana, something clicked into place about his own storytelling journey... At DreamWorks Animation, Scott shepherds stories for the screen, while his wife Lisa, a middle school librarian and actress, brings stories to life for her students. Together, they've created a home where laughter, games, and storytelling are cherished traditions – from reading Edgar Allan Poe to their young daughter to fierce gin rummy competitions that continue today. Through family history research for HGTV's "Revealed," they discovered surprising roots and inherited traits: Lisa's Albanian heritage (which Scott won't let her forget), Scott's Finnish connections that explained an old family nickname, and perhaps most importantly, a legacy of humor, timing, and connection that stretches back generations. Their story reminds us that who we are echoes far beyond our immediate family – in ways that can make us laugh until we cry. Join me for a joyful conversation about how sharing stories – whether around a cabin piano, a game table, or a modern dinner table free of phones – keeps families deeply connected across time. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 15 Aug 2024 | Open Heart, Open Mind, Open Ears (with Maria Mendoza) | Episode 20 | 00:26:29 | |
"What's it like holding and looking at your own DNA?" This simple question about her newborn son sparked something profound in Maria Mendoza, who grew up adopted. Years later, a DNA test revealed not just her ethnicity, but an entire family — including her biological father and eight half-siblings — living just fifteen minutes away. Join us as Maria shares how she navigated this delicate journey with grace, leading to eighteen precious months with her biological father before his passing at 96. Her story reminds us that family discoveries can happen at any time, and that approaching them with an open heart can transform uncertainty into beautiful connection. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 22 Aug 2024 | Turn It Into the Wind (with Erik and Emily Orton) | Episode 21 | 00:36:50 | |
Ever wondered what it takes to turn an ordinary life into an extraordinary adventure? When former Broadway professional Erik Orton suggested his family of seven live on a sailboat for a year, it seemed impossible — until his daughter asked "do you really have the guts to do it?" Join me for an inspiring conversation with Erik and Emily Orton, authors of "Seven at Sea," about how they intentionally craft their family's story and navigate life's storms together. From late-night squalls in the Caribbean to teaching their children to be the "navigators" of their own lives, the Ortons share powerful insights about choosing your direction even when you can't control the wind. Discover how asking "what could go right?" transformed their family culture and learn practical ways to help your own family write a meaningful story together. This episode will inspire you to look beyond what feels safe and imagine the possibilities waiting on the other side of fear. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 29 Aug 2024 | From People Who've Done Hard Things (with Jordan Lundskog) | Episode 22 | 00:35:39 | |
When Jordan Lundskog lost his beloved grandfather at age 16, he discovered that family stories aren't just tales from the past – they're bridges between generations. Now a product manager at Ancestry® and father of young children, Jordan shares how uncovering his grandfather's high school football photo sparked an unexpected journey through time. From Civil War ancestors who stood up for their beliefs to Swedish immigrants who crossed oceans alone at age ten, each discovery has shown him that telling our children they can do hard things becomes profound when we can point to the ancestors whose blood flows in their veins. Join me for a touching conversation about how family stories shape us, inspire resilience, and transform abstract history into deeply personal legacy. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 05 Sep 2024 | You Lose Them Twice (with Julie Taggart) | Episode 23 | 00:30:14 | |
We call ourselves Gen X women but many of us are quickly becoming the “sandwich generation.” It’s a term that invokes feelings of being squeezed between raising children, welcoming grandchildren, and caring for aging parents all while juggling never ending demands on our time and emotions. With six children ranging in age from 11 to 21 and a mother succumbing to dementia, my friend (and cousin) Julie Taggart, is managing this season of her life so beautifully. That doesn’t mean it isn’t hard. Sometimes heartbreakingly so. But, her focus is firmly fixed on faith and family allowing her to find meaning through the experience. And family history plays a major role in how she navigates the constant transitions in her life by giving her perspective and opportunities to deeply connect with her family - past, present, and future. Listen in on our conversation to hear how we discovered we are related and the role a family tree chart played in that discovery and, more importantly, in the family culture Julie has created. ***** Order your own fill-in-the-blank family tree chart (and use the code I mention in the episode to get free shipping): FamilyChartmasters.com 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 12 Sep 2024 | HBO Gift Lounge | Episode 24 | 00:23:13 | |
It’s Emmys Weekend in Los Angeles. What does that have to do with family stories? Well, back in 2018, Ancestry hosted a luxury gift lounge during a Hollywood award show weekend. Unlike typical gift lounges where celebrities grab swag, snap photos, and move on, we offered them a different experience. A chance to connect with their past. We transformed a fancy hotel suite, complete with a grand faux tree, and gave the stars an opportunity to dive into their family history with DNA kits and expert on-site guidance. It was fun (and a little surreal) to watch people I had only seen on TV light up with excitement when I helped them make discoveries about their family. But, the true highlight came when a towering actor from HBO’s Ballers sat down with me to start exploring his family tree. The emotional experience he had, right there in that bustling Hollywood hotel, taught me a meaningful lesson about the healing and connecting power of family history. Tune in to hear how exploring your family tree can turn from simple curiosity to a profound, life-changing experience. Because family history isn't just about filling in names on a chart; it's about understanding where—and who—we come from, and finding the Stories That Live In Us. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 19 Sep 2024 | A Whole Other Tree of Possibilities (with Todd Godfrey) | Episode 25 | 00:42:14 | |
What if solving your family history was like tackling a 5000-piece puzzle without the box? For Todd Godfrey, Vice President of Global Content at Ancestry, this metaphor became startlingly real when a high school yearbook photo revealed his biological mother's face – and his own features staring back at him. While Todd leads the team digitizing billions of historical records that help others solve their family puzzles, his personal journey as an adoptee required patience, persistence, and careful consideration. From discovering his German-Russian heritage through naturalization records to thoughtfully navigating relationships with both his adoptive and biological families, Todd's story reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful discoveries unfold at their own perfect pace. Each record, each DNA match, each careful choice about connection represents another piece falling into place, creating a picture more complex and beautiful than he could have imagined. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 26 Sep 2024 | Moments of Really Beautiful Things (IAJGS LIVE) | Episode 26 | 00:32:37 | |
What do Lake Como, Italy, a Jewish genealogy conference, and a surprise discovery in Chicago all have in common? They're woven together in a story that reminds us why family history matters — a story I shared in front of a live audience in August 2024 at the 44th IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy in Philadelphia. Listen in as I recount one of the most impactful moments of my genealogy career, when a determined French woman waited hours to talk to me at a similar conference back in 2012. Our time together was about more than just finding records. It was about restoring hope. Through this story, you'll discover how sometimes the most meaningful family connections emerge when we least expect them, and why no one is truly alone once we start uncovering our family stories. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 03 Oct 2024 | Be At The Things That Matter Most (with The Cowan Niblings) | Episode 27 | 00:47:18 | |
"Cowans show up for each other!" When seven cousins gather in a podcast studio after their Alaskan adventure, this family motto comes alive... Join me and "the niblings" – my six nephews and one niece – just hours after returning from their first cousins-only cruise. From Corbin's birthday fireworks to Andrew's legendary seven-pancake breakfast, and Kaitlyn finding her place as the only girl among six boys, discover how a week at sea strengthened bonds that will last a lifetime. Through stories of Disney traditions, teenage solo adventures, and promises of future world travels, we explore how showing up for the moments that matter creates an unshakeable family foundation. Whether they're giving one-word answers (they're teenagers, after all) or sharing heartfelt memories, these seven unique personalities demonstrate that family connection isn't just about being related – it's about being present. Featuring Corbin (20), Gabe (18), Levi (16), Kaitlyn (14), Asher (14), Andrew (12), and Phin (11). 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 10 Oct 2024 | I Had Come Home | Episode 28 | 00:29:34 | |
When someone asks where you're from, do you think of a place or the people? For me, that question took on new meaning when I unexpectedly burst into tears on a Glasgow train platform, feeling an inexplicable sense of coming home. In this episode, join me as I share the story of my three times great-grandfather, Samuel Mulliner, who left Scotland for Canada in 1830 and eventually made his way down into the U.S. and across the country with the Mormon pioneers. Through discovering thousands of living descendants, retracing his footsteps in Edinburgh, and understanding his legacy in Utah's early settlements, I've learned that "home" lives in both the places we inhabit and the stories we inherit. His remarkable tale of sacrifice, entrepreneurship, and faith – from his Scottish roots to his pioneering spirit in America – illuminates why family history holds such a profound place in my heart – and might just inspire you to explore what "coming home" means in your own family story. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 17 Oct 2024 | Why Didn't We Know This Story (with Gayle George) | Episode 29 | 00:40:17 | |
What if uncovering a family story you never knew could change the way you see yourself and the world? In 2019, Ancestry's documentary Railroad Ties revealed how the Underground Railroad connected descendants of the enslaved with those who fought for their freedom. Before listening to this powerful conversation, watch the film. My guest Gayle George's journey began with a surprising invitation to be part of this documentary. What she discovered – from emotional court records of her great-grandmother to unmarked family graves – transformed her understanding of home, belonging, and legacy. Today, through the Weems the People Foundation, she helps other families uncover and preserve their own powerful stories. This episode will inspire you to look deeper into your family's untold stories and the profound impact they can have on future generations.
〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 24 Oct 2024 | La Cugina d'Americana (with Suzanne Russo Adams) | Episode 30 | 00:39:12 | |
A young girl sits at her Italian family's dinner table, absorbing stories of sea monsters, witches, and prohibition-era St. Louis — while her cousins run off to play. Today, that curious child has become Director of Brigham Young University’s Center for Family History and Genealogy. Join me as Suzanne Russo Adams shares how listening to her grandfather's colorful tales sparked a lifelong passion that took her back to her family’s tiny Sicilian fishing village and around the globe to more than 100 archives worldwide. Between stories of immigrant resilience, mafia connections, and serendipitous research discoveries, Suzanne reveals how understanding her Italian roots helped her create deeper family bonds across generations. Whether your ancestors left carefully documented paper trails or whispered stories around the dinner table, this episode will inspire you to dig deeper into your family's unique narrative. Learn more about Suzanne and the BYU Center for Family History and Genealogy: 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 31 Oct 2024 | Not Much of a Saint | Episode 31 | 00:19:28 | |
Does the veil between worlds thin as October turns to November? I certainly think so.
〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 07 Nov 2024 | Dad, I Want to Know About the War (with Becky Ellis) | Episode 32 | 00:36:17 | |
For 43 years, Becky Ellis's father refused to speak about his World War II service — until one conversation at age 89 changed everything. What started with a simple "Dad, I want to know about the war" led to seven years of profound revelations that transformed not just their relationship, but Becky's understanding of herself. As her father finally shared his experiences as a Staff Sergeant in the 104th Infantry Division, she discovered how his 172 days of continuous combat shaped both his approach to parenting and her own life. Through their journey from silence to storytelling, Becky learned that sometimes the most powerful family connections emerge when we're brave enough to ask the hard questions and patient enough to listen to the answers. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 14 Nov 2024 | The Fabric of Who You Are | (with Diahan Southard) | Episode 33 | 00:41:12 | |
Have you ever thought about how deeply you can trace your roots with just a simple DNA test? Listen in on my conversation with Diahan Southard, a trailblazer in consumer genomics and the founder of Your DNA Guide. She takes us through her story, starting as a microbiology student at Brigham Young University, continuing to her work with Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation, leading to her pioneering role in the field of genetic genealogy education. Sparked by the advice of a high school English teacher and a fascination with archaeogenetics, Diahan has not only played a role in advancing the field, she has also experienced the personal and emotional impact of DNA discoveries in her own family. In this episode, she shares her journey and invites us to discover the unexpected stories hidden within our own DNA. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 21 Nov 2024 | Back to the Cherokee Nation (with Nicka Sewell-Smith) | Episode 34 | 00:36:34 | |
Not everyone stumbles on a photo of a relative hanging in a hotel bathroom, but Nicka Sewell-Smith isn’t just anyone. And, that’s not even the most interesting story she has to tell. From family reunions to battles for tribal citizenship, Nicka reveals an American tale that challenges common narratives about Native American and African American history. Her persistence and use of modern technology helped her document more than 4,000 descendants of formerly enslaved ancestors and uncover her family’s deep ties to the Cherokee Nation. Join us as she shares these extraordinary discoveries. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 28 Nov 2024 | Sometimes You Don't Like the Answer (with Lisa Elzey) | Episode 35 | 00:28:00 | |
Two genealogists discover they might share a Mayflower connection - but there's a twist. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 05 Dec 2024 | A Phone Call From Heaven (with Jenny Ashcraft) | Episode 36 | 00:28:28 | |
When Jenny Ashcraft joked with her dying father about needing a 'cell phone call from heaven' to start family history... that's exactly what she got. Just days after her father's funeral, a mysterious package arrived from a stranger who felt compelled to send her family records after reading her father's obituary. Follow Jenny's journey from a reluctant beginner to becoming part of the Ancestry team, including an incredible series of discoveries in Pennsylvania that proved family history is full of divine coincidences. This episode shows how even those who feel intimidated by family history can find themselves drawn into a puzzle more rewarding than they ever imagined. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 12 Dec 2024 | Finding Heroes (with Wayne Abbott and David O'Keefe) | Episode 37 | 00:30:36 | |
Have you ever wondered if there are forgotten family heroes in your past? In this episode, documentarians Wayne Abbott and David O'Keefe reveal how combining historical records, artifacts, and family research can bridge generational gaps and uncover powerful family stories. Through their work on Ancestry's "Finding Heroes" podcast, they share emotional moments of families discovering ancestors they never knew – including a son who finally connected with the father he never met through a simple military artifact. Their work shows how even the smallest historical discoveries can transform family relationships and create lasting legacies for future generations. 💭 Which of your ancestors' stories are waiting to be discovered in your family tree? 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 19 Dec 2024 | It Doesn't Take A Lot (with Jason Terry) | Episode 38 | 00:41:13 | |
When a 20-year-old WWII pilot makes fudge in a POW camp on Christmas Day, he teaches a lasting lesson... Jason Terry shares how his grandfather's small act of kindness in a German prison camp during WWII sparked a family legacy of service that spans generations. Through stories of answered prayers, harrowing escapes, and a precious Red Cross package shared with fellow prisoners, we discover how even the smallest gestures can create lasting impact. This moving conversation reveals how family stories shape our values and how service to others becomes a cherished inheritance passed from one generation to the next. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 26 Dec 2024 | Thanks for the Memories (with George Ott) | Episode 39 | 00:34:33 | |
What happens when you present Bob Hope with his family history, and he has no joke to crack? In this episode, professional genealogist George Ott shares moving stories from his decades-long career, including unforgettable moments with Hollywood legends Bob Hope and Jimmy Stewart, who both found themselves brought to tears by discoveries about their family histories. Having started his career in 1975, George reveals how family connections can transcend fame, fortune, and even family feuds - from courtroom battles over cherished samplers to emotional reunions between long-lost siblings. His remarkable stories demonstrate that whether you're a celebrated entertainer or someone searching for your roots, family history has the power to touch hearts and bring people together. Join me for this touching exploration of how the stories that live in us can surface in unexpected and powerful ways. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 02 Jan 2025 | An Opportunity for Connection | Episode 40 | 00:26:58 | |
When my mom was just 17, she lost her father – but 50 years later, DNA revealed an unexpected gift... In this deeply personal episode, I share how an ordinary AncestryDNA test revealed an extraordinary family secret. What began as a potentially devastating discovery became a beautiful experience that brought four women (in their 60s and 70s) closer together. As the story unfolds, you'll see how even the messiest parts of our family stories are an opportunity for connection. Join me as I explore how DNA testing can unlock forgotten stories, heal old wounds, and create new bridges between generations that transform both our past and future relationships. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 09 Jan 2025 | Operation Pedro Pan (with Elisa Seeherman and Yda Okurliand-Pack) | Episode 41 | 00:37:44 | |
When cousins Elisa and Yda finally met in person, they uncovered more than their shared DNA – they discovered how a desperate effort to save Cuban children from Castro's regime had shaped their family's destiny. Through meticulous research and a surprising DNA match, Elisa connected with a branch of her Jewish family she never knew existed, leading to the discovery of their role in Operation Pedro Pan – one of the largest child refugee operations in American history. In this moving episode, Yda shares her experience as one of over 14,000 Cuban children who left everything behind, armed with only a small token to identify them upon arrival in the United States. Their story reminds us how DNA testing can reveal not just family connections, but also uncover profound chapters of history that continue to shape families across generations. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 16 Jan 2025 | Bit by the Bug (with Emily Pulham) | Episode 42 | 00:27:47 | |
When a 12-year-old girl watched her grandmother work at a microfilm reader, she couldn't have known she was witnessing the beginning of her own family history journey. Now a young mother of three, Emily Pulham has transformed her passion for genealogy into a profound gift - a book preserving her Danish grandmother's incredible stories of life during WWII, immigration to America, and the power of family bonds that span generations. From burning Nazi documents to surviving 10-hour interrogations, these stories became more than just historical accounts - they helped Emily understand herself and her place in her family's story. Join me for this touching conversation about how documenting family stories while our relatives are still with us can heal generational disconnections and create lasting legacies that will outlive us all.
〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 23 Jan 2025 | Mess in His Wake | Episode 43 | 00:21:50 | |
When family relationships shatter, the ripples can span generations. In this deeply personal episode, I uncover the story of my great-great-grandfather Park Cowan, whose choices left a wake of heartbreak, bigamy charges, and newspaper headlines across the Midwest in 1901. Through historical records and family lore, I piece together how his abandonment impacted three generations - from my resilient great-great-grandmother Carrie to my own grandfather's commitment to break the pattern. You'll discover how family stories, even the messy ones, can lead to healing and redemption. Join me in exploring how confronting our family's past challenges can transform our present relationships and shape a different future for those who come after us. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 30 Jan 2025 | Not A Secret Anymore (with Linda Goldman and Milly and Marty Mandel) | Episode 44 | 00:32:49 | |
"There must be a mistake - I know all my first cousins." When Linda Goldman responded to an unexpected DNA match, she had no idea how wrong she was. Join me for a remarkable conversation with 100-year-old Millie Mandel, her son Marty, and cousin Linda as they share how DNA testing unveiled a century-old family secret that would transform two families who had lived parallel lives, unaware of their deep connection. This story of discovery, sacrifice, and unexpected joy reminds us that it's never too late to uncover the stories hiding in our family trees. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 06 Feb 2025 | The Magic Part Is The Listening (with Natalie Zett) | Episode 45 | 00:42:49 | |
When journalist Natalie Zett received a mysterious family manuscript, she had no idea it would lead her to her long-lost Aunt Martha – a 19-year-old victim of the tragic 1915 Eastland disaster in Chicago. What began as a deeply personal quest to understand her aunt's story transformed into a mission to preserve the forgotten stories of over 800 souls lost that day. Through a combination of journalistic expertise, genealogical research, and what she calls "listening to the departed," Natalie shares how she's uncovering the human stories that have been overshadowed by the famous shipwreck. Listen as we explore how family history research can bridge generations, heal old wounds, and sometimes give voice to those whose stories are waiting to be told.
〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 13 Feb 2025 | Their Love Stories | Episode 46 | 00:28:41 | |
Do you know how your parents met? Research shows this simple story could be the key to building family resilience — and in this intimate solo episode, I open up about three generations of love stories that shaped my own family's legacy. From my grandparents’ powerful wartime romances to my parents' whirlwind 19-day courtship, each story reveals how family connections are forged in both dramatic and everyday moments. Along the way, I explore fascinating research from Emory University showing why these origin stories matter so much, regardless of how they end. Join me as I demonstrate how uncovering and sharing your family's love stories — whether epic or understated — can strengthen bonds across generations and create a deeper sense of belonging for everyone in your family tree. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 20 Feb 2025 | Daddy Was an Outlaw (with Jackie Dorothy) | Episode 47 | 00:37:04 | |
A childhood memory of two sisters arguing at a kitchen table leads historian Jackie Dorothy to uncover an astounding truth — her great-grandfather wasn't just any Wyoming cowboy, he was part of Butch Cassidy's infamous Hole-in-the-Wall Gang. As an award-winning historian and member of the Northern Arapaho tribe, Jackie shares how she pieced together newspaper clippings, tribal records, and family stories to reveal her ancestor's double life: respected family man by day, outlaw by night. Through her research, she discovered that Wyoming wasn't just a setting for outlaw tales — it was a refuge where people came to reinvent themselves, often leaving their true identities buried in the past. Join us for a fascinating exploration of how one family's "shameful secret" transformed into a celebrated piece of Wyoming history, and discover how your own family legends might hold more truth than you imagine. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 27 Feb 2025 | Live Undaunted (with Lisa Valentine Clark) | Episode 48 | 00:41:42 | |
Have you ever wondered what story you'd tell if you knew your time was limited? Lisa Valentine Clark's husband faced this exact question when diagnosed with ALS. In this powerful conversation, Lisa reveals how Christopher's decision to document his life story created an unexpected treasure their five children now cherish like scripture. We explore the unexpected parallels to her grandmother’s life and how that provided strength when she needed it most. She shares the profound shift in perspective that comes when witnessing a complete life story, and how intentional choices shape our family narrative. Lisa's approach to reframing tragedy challenges us all to consider: how will the stories we leave behind shape future generations? Discover why laughter through tears might just be the most important emotion in preserving your family's authentic legacy. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 06 Mar 2025 | For a Wise Purpose (with Steve Rockwood) | Episode 49 | 00:36:27 | |
When Steve Rockwood discovered his ancestor's journal as a child, he never imagined how family stories would shape his future as President of FamilySearch International. In our conversation, Steve reveals how a 7th-generation Bostonian's writings sparked his sense of belonging, while his Danish great-grandmother's solo journey across the Atlantic became the untold DNA story he treasures most. Steve shares how a recent family history trip with his 93-year-old mother brought "Grandma Chandler" to life through forgotten newspaper accounts—proving that records kept "for a wise purpose" reveal their value generations later. Whether you're building your family tree as a "driver" or enjoying discoveries as a "passenger," Steve's insights on capturing character stories and engaging today's "most journaling generation" will transform how you share your family's legacy and keep your growing family connected through powerful stories. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 13 Mar 2025 | It's Like Genealogy 3.0 (with Jenn Utley) | Episode 50 | 00:35:06 | |
〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 20 Mar 2025 | The Irish Experience (with Kyle Betit) | Episode 51 | 00:35:18 | |
🍀 When I gathered around a traditional peat fire in Galway with a group of descendants of the Irish Diaspora, I experienced my ancestors' world in a way records alone could never reveal…
〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 27 Mar 2025 | Project Managing the Saga (with Nicka Sewell-Smith) | Episode 52 | 00:43:49 | |
When Nicka Sewell-Smith set out to find her great-grandmother Easter's maiden name, she never imagined it would lead to uncovering 10,000 descendants from a single enslaved community... In this moving conversation, genealogist Nicka Sewell-Smith returns to share how her search for one ancestor evolved into the groundbreaking "Trask 250" project. By meticulously tracking enslaved families from the 1850s through freedom, she's reconstructed a community that remained connected across generations. Nicka reveals how a chance cemetery visit, a cartoonist cousin with perfect recall, and strategic spreadsheet management helped piece together a family narrative that spans from pre-Revolutionary African ancestors to modern DNA connections. Her story demonstrates how determined research can transform overwhelming historical data into powerful family connections that bring pride and healing to thousands of descendants. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 03 Apr 2025 | Ancestors Are Complicated (with Anne Mitchell) | Episode 53 | 00:46:22 | |
When Anne Mitchell discovered a tattered family Bible with a handwritten account of an ancestor eagerly joining the Confederate Army in 1861 it changed how she understood her family history. Now, it has also changed how millions might discover their own histories. Anne shares the story of her ancestor John Calvin Gillespie—from excited Confederate soldier to "galvanized Yankee" to a man whose tragic end made headlines across America. Her deep dive into her family's Civil War connections (with ten direct ancestors who fought in the conflict!) ultimately inspired her work as a product manager at Ancestry® developing the new Networks feature. In our conversation we explore how confronting complicated truths about our ancestors can lead to personal transformation and why understanding past generations might be a key to understanding ourselves today. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 10 Apr 2025 | All I Need is a Warm Glass of Milk (with Brian Donnelly) | Episode 54 | 00:28:12 | |
🍀 When Brian Donnelly's grandfather calmly announced he was having a heart attack, nine-year-old Brian's only instruction was to fetch a warm glass of milk… 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||
| 17 Apr 2025 | Marry a Genealogist (with Irene Hantman) | Episode 55 | 00:33:12 | |
💕 When a stranger asked Irene Hantman about Arthur Kurzweil's lecture at a Jewish genealogy conference, she never imagined it would change her life forever... In this heartwarming episode, I talk with Irene, an accomplished genealogist and longtime editor of Avotaynu journal, about her 40-year journey through Jewish family history. She shares how receiving the book "From Generation to Generation" sparked a lifelong passion that ultimately led to love when she met Jerry at a conference in Los Angeles. Irene's story weaves through her early discoveries at the National Archives, uncovering the mysteries of her grandmother's citizenship, and navigating the complexities of Jewish surname changes. But what makes her journey truly special is how genealogy brought her not just family connections, but unexpected romance at age 60. 〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ | |||