Best Ancestrydna Podcasts (2024)

1
Turn It Into the Wind (with Erik and Emily Orton) | Episode 21 36:51

15h ago36:51

36:51

Ever wondered what it takes to turn an ordinary life into an extraordinary adventure? This episode features Erik and Emily Orton, a couple who have redefined family living through the power of intentional storytelling and daring choices. Inspired by Joseph Campbell's hero's journey, they left their stable life in New York City to spend a year saili…

1
Ep #19: "Does My Family Have a Coat of Arms?" 6:28

9h ago6:28

6:28

We get asked this question often and the answer is a bit more complicated than a simple yes or no. In this week's podcast we explain what a coat of arms is, and share eight tips for your heraldic research for your coat of arms. For more information, see: England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand Court of the Lord Lyon (Scotland) …

1
Open Heart, Open Mind, Open Ears (with Maria Mendoza) | Episode 20 26:30

3h ago26:30

26:30

Many people take an AncestryDNA test just to get the ethnicity estimate, curious about where in the world their DNA is from. However, they often overlook that their results include a match list - thousands of people in the Ancestry network with whom they share DNA, indicating a family relationship. Sometimes a really close one. For adoptees like Ma…

1
Episode #18: Solving a Military Mystery - Searching for WWII Servicemen 5:38

34m ago5:38

5:38

If you have ancestors who served in WWII, you might have found yourself at a loss due to a fire in the 1970's that destroyed 80% of records. But with creativity you may be able to discover more information than you thought possible. In this weeks episode we share a story that started with a photograph and ended with gathering enough information to …

1
Laugh 'Til We Cry (with Scott Seiffert and Lisa Dyson) | Episode 19 36:55

5d ago36:55

36:55

How does a country boy from Montana meet a city girl from Pennsylvania and create a life filled with laughter and deep connection? Meet storytelling powerhouses Scott Seiffert, Vice President at DreamWorks Animation, and his wife, Lisa Dyson, a dedicated middle school librarian and actress. Together, they reveal the profound ways in which stories—f…

1
Episode #17: Secrets of Murder: Uncovering a Family History Mystery 6:05

19d ago6:05

6:05

Have you ever found out something shocking about your family? Something that was kept secret for decades? In this weeks episode we share a story of murder and intrigue discovered in the history one of our own researchers family trees. And you won't believe the plot twist. Do you have your own family mysteries to discover and need some help? The exp…

1
Families Have Always Been Messy | Episode 18 29:22

26d ago29:22

29:22

When you are raised in a household of faith and then make choices that take you away from the path your parents envisioned for you since before your birth, it can cause them a lot of pain. Some parents work through their own pain and allow their love for you and the grace of their God to override their own disappointment and fears. Other parents re…

1
Episode #16: How to Hire and Work with a Professional Genealogist 7:27

13d ago7:27

7:27

Have you ever needed a professional genealogist to help you with your family history research? Or do you wonder what it would be like to work with a professional? How do you choose a professional genealogist and what certifications and experience should they have? In this episode we discuss how to hire a genealogist as well as what to expect when w…

1
Police Don't Have Nothin' On Me (with Rusty Wright and Lisa Elzey) | Episode 17 37:56

19d ago37:56

37:56

What if the secrets to your family's past were hidden in plain sight, just waiting to be discovered? Rusty Wright’s quest began with a simple desire to know more about a grandfather he never met. What starts as a straightforward inquiry unfolds into an epic cross-country saga. Along the way, he discovers a draft card filled out in a surprising loca…

1
Episode #15: Beginner's Guide to Tracing British Ancestry 9:58

21d ago9:58

9:58

Are you part of the large group of Americans who trace their ancestry across the pond? In this episode we help you understand the geography of the area and key records and sources to help search on your mission to discover your English ancestors. Resources: Free BMD FamilySearch MyHeritage FindMyPast Ancestry If you have English ancestors and need …

1
Fearless Women (with Cathy Hughes) | Episode 16 28:15

29d ago28:15

28:15

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. Raised with tales of the trailblazing women in her family, Ms. Cathy Hughes, a pioneering entrepreneur and the first African American woman to head a publicly traded corporation, drew stre…

1
Episode #14: Genealogy Research for Irish Dual Citizenship 6:05

28d ago6:05

6:05

Are you wondering how or if you qualify for Irish dual citizenship? Have you received your DNA test ethnicity results and verified you have a little or quite a bit of Irish ancestry? Or perhaps you are one generation removed from gaining Irish citizenship through descent—in other words, through one of your ancestors? While Legacy Tree Genealogists …

1
Familial Sudoku (with Josh Harman) | Episode 15 24:41

1M ago24:41

24:41

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. It is certainly about more than just collecting names on a pedigree chart like a simple dot to dot. Early in his career, Josh Harman was a young, slightly overconfident, product manager at …

1
Episode #13: How to Use AncestryDNA ThruLines® 4:57

2M ago4:57

4:57

ThruLines is an AncestryDNA technology that utilizes your DNA matches and the trees of those matches to identify your common ancestors. It will give you hints to help you connect to cousins and relatives in other trees through a common ancestor. In this episode we explore the best practices when using ThruLines and some things to be cautious about …

1
What Is Your American Story? (with Mary Tedesco) | Episode 14 30:48

1M ago30:48

30:48

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? Tune in to find out. As we celebrate Independence Day, join me as I chat with Mary Tedesco, the dynamic co-host of PBS's Genealogy Roadshow. Discover how her initial curiosity about her Ita…

1
Episode #12: Key Resources and Tips for Polish Genealogy Research 5:11

2M ago5:11

5:11

Genealogy research in Poland can be challenging and rewarding when you know where to search for Polish records. In this episode we share online record portals that can help to speed up your Polish genealogy efforts. We also discuss the 100 year privacy rule and share a few tips on finding Polish ancestors prior to the 1600s. Resources: Search the A…

1
Their Stories in Their Words | Episode 13 36:24

2M ago36:24

36:24

Imagine uncovering a letter from the 1800s that brings your ancestors’ harrowing Civil War experiences to life, in their own words. Finding a story written about someone in our family tree is a treasure. Finding a firsthand historical account—especially from a woman—is priceless. Martha Mills Brown and my great-granny Kerr were second cousins. In t…

1
Episode 11: A Genealogy Guide to Dutch Surnames 7:08

2M ago7:08

7:08

Do you have family from the Netherlands? Have you ever been baffled by the surnames and tried to make sense of why some family members have different surnames? Or why there might be so many common surnames in a specific village or community? And how did Napolean impact the surnames for Dutch ancestors? In this weeks episode we cover all of this and…

1
We're Doing This Together (with Steve Cowan) | Episode 12 42:16

2M ago42:16

42:16

Have you ever wondered how family stories shape who we are today? I would like to introduce you to my dad. The storyteller who shaped my own journey into storytelling. Growing up immersed in his tales, it was inevitable that I would follow in his narrative footsteps. Now, as he enjoys his retirement years diving back into family history, our bond h…

1
Episode 10: All About Immigration and 4 Tips to Finding Immigrant Ancestors 9:27

2M ago9:27

9:27

Immigration has once again become a hot topic in the United States lately, but this isn’t the first time. In fact, it has been a common part of the historical and political discourse since the founding of the nation, largely because immigrants make up such an enormous part of our history and heritage as Americans. In this episode we share four tips…

1
Continue to Say His Name (with Kelley Dixon-Tealer and Alva Marie Jenkins) | Episode 11 36:03

2M ago36:03

36:03

Hawkins Wilson, a Texas freedman, was sold away from Virginia as a young boy. Time and distance did not dim his memories of childhood family and friends nor his emotional connection to them. Twenty-four years later, he wrote to his "dearest relatives" through the Freedman's Bureau, introducing himself to them, not as the boy they had known but as t…

1
Episode 9: 3 Essential Website for German Family History Research 6:47

2M ago6:47

6:47

Finding family in Germany can be challenging, as you need to first find the specific town or city where your family lived, and also usually the parish they attended. To help you with this goal, in this episode we share the three essential websites you can access from home to help with your German research. 1. Meyers or Meyer's Gazetteer of the Germ…

1
We'll Always Keep Searching (with Emily Paulson) | Episode 10 41:13

2M ago41:13

41:13

We commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day sharing the deeply moving story of Second Lieutenant William Joseph McGowan. The life of this young pilot ended on D-Day. In 2019, his remains were located in a field in France by a team from Nova Scotia and then delivered to a lab in Omaha where he was finally identified after 75 years, missing in actio…

1
Episode 8: What are the Best Family Tree Websites and How to Format Your Data 6:03

3M ago6:03

6:03

When you are new to genealogy, knowing which family tree website to use can be a challenge. In this episode we share tips on choosing your platform and what to watch out for. We also share how to properly format your data for sharing and ease of use. Finally, we answer the question, "When should you hire a professional genealogist?" Want to learn m…

1
One Person's Trash | Episode 9 18:13

3M ago18:13

18:13

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…

1
Episode 7: Tips for Researching Cherokee Ancestry 6:10

3M ago6:10

6:10

As genealogists, we’re often asked to research the likelihood and details of a client’s Native American heritage. In this episode we share 5 tips for researching your Cherokee ancestry, and a few pitfalls to watch out for along the way. Resources for your research: The Dawes Roll: https://accessgenealogy.com/native/final-rolls.htm Indian Census Rol…

1
L'dor V'dor - From Generation to Generation (with Howard Hochhauser) | Episode 8 23:52

3M ago23:52

23:52

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 the timing of her immigration, they knew she had suffered through the events of the Holocaust and survived. But, how she did so was a story that was never told. Nearly two decades after Serena’s death a set of…

1
Episode 6: What is autosomal DNA? 2:59

3M ago2:59

2:59

Do you know how far back you can go in your family tree and still use Autosomal DNA to find matches? In this episode we explain what Autosomal DNA is, and then how to best use it to find matches in your family tree. Want to hire a professional genealogist to assist with your family history research? Contact Legacy Tree Genealogists by visiting http…

1
And Then I Heard A Meadowlark Sing (with Sunny Morton) | Episode 7 27:05

3M ago27:05

27:05

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 long search that culminated in the discovery of a remarkable, yet nearly forgotten, woman who dedicated herself to faith and service. Her story, encapsulated in a…

1
Episode 5: How Are We Related? Navigating the Terminology. 4:15

3M ago4:15

4:15

How are we related? That’s a question that we have been asked quite a bit lately, and sometimes determining that exact familial connection with someone else can be confusing. What is the difference between a second cousin and a first cousin, once removed? What does the “removed” mean, anyway? If my mom has a cousin, how is he related to me? Is my g…

1
This Gathering Place (with Shelly Cowan) | Episode 6 30:06

3M ago30:06

30:06

Imagine sitting down at a family dinner where every bite is seasoned with laughter, love, and connection. You're invited to a conversation with my sister-in-law, Shelly Cowan, about an overly large family table and the powerful traditions it supports. The mother of five boys, Shelly didn't just build a table with her dad, she crafted a space of pro…

1
Episode 4: Common DNA Test Result Misunderstandings and What is a Centimorgan? 5:15

3M ago5:15

5:15

If you’re confused with or made mistakes interpreting your DNA test results, you’re not alone! There are lots of things to learn when it comes to DNA and family history research. Today, we’ll review some of the most common misunderstandings people have about their DNA test results, and help you know how to avoid them! We'll also answer a DNA basic:…

1
Out of Obscurity (with Kevin Giddins and Camlyn Giddins) | Episode 5 25:21

4M ago25:21

25:21

Raised in the New York foster care system, Kevin Giddins knew his biological mother's name but not much else. But, an AncestryDNA test led him to her doorstep and an extraordinary reunion. His daughter Camlyn, caught the whole thing on film. The three of us have a meaningful conversation about the essence of these family relationships and the roles…

1
The Whole Tree (with Sunny Mahe) | Episode 4 23:54

4M ago23:54

23:54

Cultural nuances, defining moments, and raw honesty. My conversation with my dear friend, Sunny Mahe has all of these things. We also dive deep into the power of faith and family. From her Tongan heritage to her ten children, I am so inspired by the way that resilience and friendship flourish within the walls of her home. The stories that live ther…

1
The Story That Lives In Me | Episode 1 34:44

4M ago34:44

34:44

From a childhood rooted in family stories to a long-standing family mystery that required solving, follow me on my journey into family history. Be reminded of the painstaking efforts once required to climb a family tree —from county by county searches in Ohio courthouses to scrolling through microfilms in Salt Lake City's vast library. And rejoice …

1
Bliss It Was In That Dawn To Be Alive (with Eric Allen) | Episode 3 37:22

4M ago37:22

37:22

Have you ever wondered about the faces in those old family photos tucked away in grandma's attic? Join me as Eric Allen (Vice President of Marketing at Ancestry) and I explore the power of pictures in helping us to discover, preserve, and share our family stories. Whether it's a box of grandpa's slides from the 1940s or mom's photo album from the 1…

1
Grandma's Love for the Theater (with Lisa Elzey and Will Swenson) | Episode 2 36:29

4M ago36:29

36:29

Ruth Hale, an icon in Utah's theater world, always knew she was adopted. But, it wasn't until her grandson, actor Will Swenson, decided to take a DNA test at the urging of my producer, Lisa Elzey, that the mystery of her parentage had a hope of being solved. And, you won't believe what we uncovered! Listen in as Lisa and I share the story of sealed…

1
Episode 3: How to Build an Accurate Family Tree 2:42

4M ago2:42

2:42

This week we answer the question, "How and where do I start my family history research if I have a lot of blank spots in my family tree?" Getting started is simpler than you think. In this week's episode we share the strategies to get started and find ancestors with accuracy, so your blank spots in you family tree can be filled with ancestors. Want…

1
Stories That Live In Us | Trailer 1:25

4M ago1:25

1:25

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 every…

1
Episode 2: How to Document Deceased Ancestors 2:21

4M ago2:21

2:21

Are you searching for documentation for a deceased family member and having a hard time knowing where to look, or finding conflicting information? In this week's episode we answer the question: "My mom was married five or six times according to the Social Security Administration. Where do I start researching? How do I find documentation for her now…

1
Episode 1: How To Use DNA Matches In Genealogy Research 2:00

4M ago2:00

2:00

You've done your DNA testing and received the results. What now? How do you get started making sense of the results and the DNA matches. In this episode we will share a simple tip to get started on your road to success with DNA Matches in genealogy research. Want to learn more about DNA and genealogy research? You can also schedule a consultation o…

1
What's New at Ancestry: May 2015 Edition 27:10

9+ y ago27:10

27:10

Join Crista Cowan for a quick look at the upcoming genealogy events she'll be attending. You'll also get a look at new features and tools available to make your family history easier and more fun. Then she will review the databases full of new content r eleased in the past month and show you how best to search them to find the stories of your ances…

1
Finding Your Immigrant Ancestors 35:07

9+ y ago35:07

35:07

Still looking for that elusive ancestor who "crossed the pond?" Join Crista Cowan for a look at immigration into the United States throughout history and where the best places are to look for information regarding their immigration.By Ancestry.com

1
What's New at Ancestry: April 2015 Edition 22:58

9+ y ago22:58

22:58

Join Crista Cowan for a quick look at the upcoming genealogy events around the world. You'll also get a look at new features and tools available to help make your family history easier and more fun. Then she will review some of the databases full of new content released in the past month and show you how best to search them to find the stories of y…

1
AncestryDNA FAQ: Revisited 17:00

9+ y ago17:00

17:00

It's been three years since we launched AncestryDNA. Now, with more than 800,000 people in our database, and new cousins connections being made every day, there are lots of questions about how to get the most out of your AncestryDNA experience. Join Cri sta Cowan and Anna Swayne as they revisit some AncestryDNA frequently asked questions. In this e…

1
Basics of a Genealogy Source Citation 14:14

9+ y ago14:14

14:14

When you attach a record directly from Ancestry into your online family tree, the source citation is created for you. But, what about those records that you upload yourself? Join Crista Cowan as she reviews the basics of crafting a genealogy source cita tion in your online tree or in Family Tree Maker.…

1
Genealogy on a Budget 34:26

9+ y ago34:26

34:26

Like all hobbies, there are some expenses involved in family history. Order a couple of birth certificates from a state vital records office or make one trip to an archive and your Ancestry subscription may look like the most inexpensive tool you use for genealogy research. Join Crista Cowan as she shares some of her favorite tips for getting the m…

1
What's New at Ancestry: March 2015 Edition 31:06

9+ y ago31:06

31:06

Join Crista Cowan for a quick look at upcoming events, new features and tools to help make your family history easier and more fun, and databases full of new content released in the past month. She'll give you her best tips for using all of these things t o find and share the stories of your ancestors' lives.…

1
Smarter Searching: Look for Records Not People 23:11

9+ y ago23:11

23:11

With more than 15 billion records now online at Ancestry.com, doing a global search might not be the most effective way to locate records about your ancestors. Join Crista Cowan for a look at some smarter searching tips and tricks, including one little s hift in your perspective that could open up a whole new worlds of records.…

1
Family Tree Maker: Exploring Locations to Enhance Your Research 32:25

9+ y ago32:25

32:25

One of the great things about Family Tree Maker is the ability to explore your tree by location. Join Crista Cowan for a look at HOW to enter locations so you can get the most out of them later, WHY you want to do this and WHERE you can access features t hat allow you use locations to accelerate your family history research.…

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