Stories That Live In Us

Raising 8 Kids After Divorce with Music, Faith, and Family Roots (with Bubba Page) | Episode 124

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 04:00:00 -0600

When my guest Bubba Page walked into the studio holding his grandfather’s 1960 vinyl record album, I knew we were in for a special conversation about legacy. But after facing a painful divorce that left him with his eight children 50% of the time, Bubba turned his family’s roots in music, faith, and Depression-era resilience into a daily blueprint for intentional parenting. Join us as we discuss Sunday family jam sessions, the joy of having grandparents move close to home, and how we can anchor the next generation through life's hardest transitions. Click play to listen now!

Sign up for Bubba's "Weekly Reset" newsletter at BubbaPage.com

〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️

🎧 Ready to discover more stories that could transform your family connections? Subscribe to 'Stories That Live In Us' wherever you get your podcasts, and leave a review to help other families find their path to deeper connection through family history. Together, we're building a community of families committed to preserving and sharing the stories that matter most.

🖼️ Ready to get your family tree out of your computer and onto your wall? Visit FamilyChartmasters.com to create a family tree chart that will help your family share stories for generations.

♥ Want more family history tips and inspiration? Follow me @CristaCowan on Instagram where I share behind-the-scenes looks at my own family discoveries and practical ways to uncover yours!

Bootleggers, Mine Massacres, and Brooklyn (with Linda Stasi) | Episode 123

Thu, 06 Aug 2026 04:00:00 -0600

Long before mobster legends took over New York, Italian immigrants were riding in rodeos, surviving coal mine massacres, and brewing bootleg wine in the Colorado mountains. In this episode of Stories That Live In Us, best-selling author and journalist Linda Stasi joins Crista Cowan to uncover how her family survived the horrific 1914 Ludlow Massacre in Pueblo, Colorado, fled to Red Hook, Brooklyn, and inspired real-life Western mafia lore. Plus, stay tuned for an eerie family address coincidence you have to hear to believe. Push play to discover how reclaiming your family’s wild, untold past can bring your history back to life.

Alex Haley is My Uncle: The Rest of the Story of My Family “Roots” (with Chris Haley) | Episode 122

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0600

Growing up with a world-famous uncle whose book transformed American history, Chris Haley spent decades pursuing stage lights and applause before realizing his true calling was waiting inside dusty archives. In this deeply moving conversation, the nephew of Roots author Alex Haley shares how making cold calls to phone book listings led him to face hidden family truths, discover a Civil War ancestor, and direct major archival research at the Maryland State Archives. Listen to learn how confronting your own family's off-limits stories can help you step out of any shadow and build an enduring legacy.

A National TV Crew Showed Up At My House: Discovering a Lost Legacy (with Melissa Stafford) | Ep 121

Thu, 23 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0600

What if a national TV crew showed up at your door to reveal a family secret?

Have you ever felt a missing piece in your family tree that you couldn’t quite place? In this episode, I sit down with Melissa Stafford, who thought her family history stopped with her immediate grandparents until an unexpected email from Ancestry® and a visit from Good Morning America changed everything.

From driving past a local statue in her town for 13 years to discovering she is the direct descendant of Revolutionary War hero Deborah Sampson, Melissa shares the emotional moment her lost family line was restored. Tune in to discover how forgotten branches of your tree hold your family's most powerful legacy.

Stories That Connect Us (And Why DNA Isn't Enough) | Episode 120

Thu, 16 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0600

Shared ancestors make us related. Shared stories make us connected.

Can I tell you a secret? My absolute favorite part of family history isn't just discovering people who lived hundreds of years ago. It's what those stories can do for our living relationships right now.

Welcome to the Season 3 premiere of Stories That Live In Us!

In this episode, I’m sharing a powerful realization I had during a recent, three-day primitive youth camp in the high, wildfire-threatened mountains of Utah. After putting a group of teenagers to the test to see if they could name their own grandparents, I discovered a shocking truth: having your names on the same family tree or sharing DNA makes you related, but it doesn't automatically make you connected.

Tune in to hear the difference between a "storytelling household" and a quiet one, how a giant family tree chart can act as the ultimate curiosity spark at your next reunion, and a hilarious story about why my Grandpa Victor drove around Los Angeles treating stoplights as mere suggestions.

Plus, stay tuned until the very end for our brand-new segment: One Word, One Story! I’m opening up "The Story Drawer" for the first time to pull a completely random word and share an uncataloged memory involving a bicycle, a local drugstore, and some rock-hard bubblegum ice cream.

Connect with me:

Follow the show to help me reach more families looking to connect!
Share your own memory connected to today's random word on Facebook or Instagram and tag me.

Fifty Nifty United States (with Lisa Elzey) | Episode 119

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0600

What happens when you spend a year chasing family stories across all fifty states?

I'm Crista Cowan (known online as The Barefoot Genealogist), and for this special Season Two retrospective, I’m pulling back the studio curtain. I’m sitting down with my longtime friend, producer, and editor, Lisa Elzey, to look back on our epic cross-country journey—from a 150-year-old sourdough starter in Alaska to a gripping witch trial in Connecticut.

We’re swapping behind-the-scenes secrets, revealing which interviews left us in tears, and unpacking the moments that surprised us most.

Behind the Scenes of Season Two:

The Milestones: Celebrating our 100th-episode milestone and the incredible community pitches that brought this season to life.
The Discoveries: How a rediscovered ancestor tied to a Utah handcart rescue and a forgotten Oregon cemetery project taught us something new about courage and place.
The Bloopers: The reality of eating legacy roadside cheese dip live on camera.

Whether you've followed along since Episode One or you're just joining us as we head into Season Three, this retrospective is a reminder that every family—including yours—is carrying treasures worth sharing.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

Cookbook: To Die For: A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes by Rosie Grant
Explore More: Find A Grave Community Projects
Support the Show: If you loved our trip from sea to shining sea, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and join the conversation in the YouTube comments!

Delaware: Courage to Save the Words That Built America (with Anna Crowley Redding) | Episode 118

Thu, 02 Jul 2026 04:00:00 -0600

How close did America come to losing its foundational words forever? In this episode of Stories That Live In Us, host Crista Cowan (The Barefoot Genealogist) takes us to Delaware—the First State—as our countdown to America’s 250th birthday reaches its finale.

Our guest is Anna Crowley Redding, an Emmy Award-winning investigative television reporter turned acclaimed children’s book author. Anna shares the thrilling, forgotten history behind her book, Rescuing the Declaration of Independence: How We Almost Lost the Words That Built America. Together, Crista and Anna unpack the incredible true story of Stephen Pleasanton, an ordinary State Department clerk who risked everything to save the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and thousands of historic documents from British torches during the War of 1812.

Beyond the history books, this episode dives deep into the personal. Anna opens up about her own profound trial of courage, balancing the grief of losing an infant nephew and a sudden breast cancer diagnosis at age 39, all while fighting to get her stories out into the world.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

The Midnight Ride You Never Heard Of: How a low-level clerk outsmarted the Secretary of War to pack up three floors of irreplaceable parchment as British troops closed in on Washington, D.C. in 1814.
The Power of Primary Sources: Why historical artifacts, old census records, and even 19th-century maps can spark an immediate, tangible curiosity in children.
Grief and Resilience: How to find the fortitude to face a blank page (or a major life crisis) and keep moving forward.
Family History Tips for Parents: Simple, actionable ways to share your genealogical discoveries with your kids without needing to be a professional writer.

"You can be a regular person... and yet, an opportunity can arrive in your lap to do something courageous, and you can come through in a way that makes a real difference." — Anna Crowley Redding

Hit subscribe to follow along as we journey through all 50 states to uncover the deep connections and stories that live in all of us!

Links & Resources:

Learn more about Anna Crowley Redding: https://annacrowleyredding.com/
Buy Rescuing the Declaration of Independence: https://amzn.to/4xTJfe5

Pennsylvania: Stashed-Away Secrets and Forgotten Family (with Jessica Rae) | Episode 117

Thu, 25 Jun 2026 04:00:00 -0600

What happens when a simple hint on your family tree uncovers a decades-old secret?

In this episode of Stories That Live In Us, host Crista Cowan (The Barefoot Genealogist) sits down with nurse, history lover, and content creator Jessica Rae to discuss a discovery that changed her life forever. While researching her maternal line, Jessica stumbled across a U.S. federal census record that listed her great-great-grandmother, Susan, not in a household, but as an "inmate" at Mayview State Hospital—a historic mental institution in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.

What followed was a deep dive into an incredible story of immigration, extreme poverty, domestic abuse, heartbreaking loss, and a system that often silenced vulnerable women. Jessica shares how Susan immigrated alone from Slovakia at just 17, lost four babies to the hardships of early 20th-century Pittsburgh, and was ultimately committed to an institution for over 30 years—a fact hidden from her own grandchildren.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

The Census Clue: How a routine search on Ancestry unspooled a massive family secret.
Susan's Resilience: The harsh realities faced by immigrant women in the Pittsburgh steel mill era.
The Stigma of Mental Health: How the 1930s medical and legal systems dealt with trauma, abuse, and poverty.
Healing Generational Trauma: Why breaking the silence and sharing these difficult stories on social media breeds healing rather than shame.

"I come from thousands of years of women who have survived and overcome the odds that were against them... I have found myself in this work." — Jessica Rae

Whether you are hitting a brick wall in your own genealogy research or hesitant to wade into the "messy" branches of your family tree, Jessica’s journey will inspire you to reclaim your ancestors' truth with empathy and courage.

Links & Resources:

Follow Jessica Rae on TikTok/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its_jessica_rae/
Learn more about Stories That Live In Us and celebrate America's 250th birthday with us: https://www.cristacowan.com/blog?tag=podcast

New Jersey: A Sentence of Survival | Episode 116

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 04:00:00 -0600

Imagine diving into your family tree to discover that your ancestors left you a secret message more than 300 years ago, encoded into the literal names of their children. I follow a trail of meticulous Quaker records from a genealogy brick wall in Ohio all the way back to 17th-century Boston to discover the story of Richard and Abigail Lippincott, my 10-times-great-grandparents. Together, they survived public excommunication in colonial Boston, two imprisonments in Devonshire, England, and relentless persecution. After crossing the Atlantic Ocean a third time, they finally found a home in New Jersey that guaranteed "free liberty of conscience without any molestation or disturbance whatsoever." The children they had along the way bore names that aren't just unusual; they're a sentence of survival written across two decades, three ocean crossings, two continents, and three colonies. If you're fighting your own family tree brick wall right now, this one's for you.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

Stuck on your own brick wall? Listen to Episode 1 to hear the exact step-by-step journey of how I broke through and found Carrie Inman at https://www.cristacowan.com/blog/finding-carrie-a-30-year-quest-to-keep-one-simple-promise.
Get the Full Story: For the complete list of names, historical deep-dives, and conversation starters to unlock your own family stories, check out the full companion blog post at https://www.cristacowan.com/blog/new-jersey-a-sentence-of-survival.

Georgia: Two Lives, Two Coasts, One Massive Secret (with Julie Merrill) | Episode 115

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 04:00:00 -0600

A dapper playboy, a broken plantation safe, an embezzlement scheme, and a grandfather who completely vanished. What happened to William H. Wheeler? 🕵️‍♂️🔍

When an 83-year-old client named Jane came to Julie Merrill, an accredited genealogist with Ancestry ProGenealogists, looking for clues about her missing grandfather, she had no idea the search would lead away from Washington state, straight past California, and deep into a high-society scandal in 1890s Georgia. Armed with DNA clusters and old newspaper archives, Julie chased down this 100-year-old family history mystery and uncovered a jaw-dropping double life.

Connecticut: The Windsor Witch | Episode 114

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 04:00:00 -0600

Massachusetts: From Rags to Riches to Ashes to Starting Again (with Laura Tasse) | Episode 113

Thu, 28 May 2026 04:00:00 -0600

Maryland: A New Kind of Identity | Episode 112

Thu, 21 May 2026 04:00:00 -0600

Four months pregnant, two babies already buried in German soil, Anna Maria Niccum boarded a wooden ship in 1749 and crossed an ocean she'd never seen. Not for a revolution but for a foothold. My six-times great-grandmother made an extraordinary journey from the exhausted Rhineland Palatinate to the wild red-earthed frontier of Maryland's Toms Creek, where she would hold the line for nearly two decades so her children could inherit something no tyrant had ever offered her family: a new kind of American identity. Her story is one that history almost forgot, but your family tree may be hiding one just like it. Somewhere in your ancestry, a woman who signed nothing and appears in almost no official records made your existence possible. It’s time to find her.

South Carolina: Ancestors Leading the Charge in Battle and in Life (w/ Anne Mitchell) | Episode 111

Thu, 14 May 2026 04:00:00 -0600

A wounded soldier refuses to dismount. His boot overflowing with blood, his hat riddled with three bullet holes, he rallies his troops up a South Carolina hill in Pennsylvania Dutch. History turns on a single moment. Anne Mitchell, a South Carolina native whose roots run deep in the Palmetto state, joins me to share the story of her sixth great-grandfather, Frederick Hambright, a German immigrant who helped win one of the most decisive (and least talked about) battles of the Revolutionary War. As we count down to America's 250th birthday, Anne shares how a family tree hint on Ancestry led her to the Battle of King's Mountain. There, Hambright's courage helped force Cornwallis to change his entire strategy. This is a story about what it means to stand up when history calls your name and why the most powerful family stories are often the ones nobody told you growing up.

New Hampshire: Chosen Family, Jewish Roots (with Nancy Kotz and Lynne Snierson) | Episode 110

Thu, 07 May 2026 04:00:00 -0600

Chosen family and Jewish roots run so deep in New Hampshire's Lakes Region that two families spent generations wondering where one ended and the other began. In this episode, Jewish genealogy researcher Nancy Kotz and award-winning journalist Lynne Snierson share the stories of their families, woven together across generations. From a Lithuanian rabbi who may have missed his train stop in 1902 to lakeside lobster bakes and a synagogue that still carries the nameplates of the original founding families, their story is a testament to what community can build when people choose to show up for one another. If you've ever wondered whether the family you were born into is the only family that shapes you, this episode will give you a beautiful, definitive answer.

Virginia: One DNA Match and a Woman Who Didn’t Want to Be Found (with Nicole Palsa) | Episode 109

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0600

What must it feel like to grow up knowing your mother walked out the door when you were just three years old and never came back? After Nicole Palsa heard her great-grandmother’s heartbreaking story, she spent the next twenty years searching for answers. Nicole’s great-great-grandmother, Dessie Dulaney, disappeared from Virginia around 1914, leaving behind a little girl, a grieving family, and a silence that lasted generations. When a single DNA match arrived the Friday before Mother's Day 2018, everything changed. And what Nicole uncovered was far more complicated, tragic, and surprisingly triumphant than anyone expected. From the Blue Ridge Mountains of Floyd County, Virginia to a small Illinois village where people still remembered Dessie's name, this is a story about the secrets women kept to survive, the daughters left behind, and what it means to finally find someone your family spent a century trying — and failing — to forget.

New York: A Melting Pot of Resilience (with Scott Pratt) | Episode 108

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0600

What would you do if a single letter revealed that everything you thought you knew about your family was only half the story? Scott Pratt walked into a historic Brooklyn church as part of Ancestry's powerful documentary Railroad Ties expecting to find some connection to his Scottish colonial roots. Instead he discovered that he's a descendant of enslaved people who escaped to freedom on the Underground Railroad. In this deeply moving conversation, Scott and I trace the extraordinary arc of his family tree: from Sophia, the light-skinned Black woman who fled slavery through Brooklyn, to her grandson Frank, a silent film star who kept a journal about passing for white that now sits in the Harvard Library. Scott's story is about so much more than genealogical discovery. It’s about the grief of lost stories, the complexity of inherited identity, and the fierce resilience that echoes across generations when we finally let ourselves claim the whole truth of who we are.

North Carolina: Buried Treasure, Buried Stories | Episode 107

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0600

He buried a fortune in gold under a bent white oak. Then he died before anyone could find it.

My 6x great-grandfather Abraham Kuykendall lived 93 extraordinary years. He survived colonial America, fought in the Revolution, crossed the frontier with 13 children, and built an empire of 2,000 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. But when I found him on a Sunday night FaceTime research session with my dad, I discovered that history remembers him as a ghost story. There's still an iron wash pot full of coins buried somewhere near Pheasant Branch in Flat Rock, worth an estimated $8 million today, and treasure hunters are still looking for it. But in this episode, I want to tell you who Abraham actually was and why the gold isn't the real treasure that got lost. Your family has buried stories too. You still have time to unearth them.

Rhode Island: A Spirit of Independence (with Maureen Taylor) | Episode 106

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0600

What can a single vintage photograph tell you about your ancestors? Maureen Taylor, know as The Photo Detective®, has spent decades proving that old family photos can solve family history mysteries in pretty fascinating ways. Born and bred in Rhode Island and currently serving as president of the Rhode Island Genealogical Society, Maureen takes us on a tour of the 13th state’s unique history. She recounts stories of her great-grandfather’s paper hanging business in Pawtucket and her grandmother who crossed the border from Quebec to work in the textile mills. Along the way, she shares how a tiny state with fierce independence and a rich industrial heritage shaped generations of families, including her own. If you’ve ever wondered what the place your ancestors called home might reveal about who you are today, this conversation will inspire you to start looking.

Vermont: Conversations of Green Mountain Kingdoms (with Mike Brousseau) | Episode 105

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0600

Ever wonder how a "Hallmark movie" setting shapes a family for generations? In this episode, Mike Brousseau shares stories from the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont. It’s a place so deeply tied to his family that there's literally a mountain bearing their name. From a French-Canadian lumberjack who couldn't read but could build perfect spiral staircases, to a spicy French-Canadian grandmother who fixed refrigerators before YouTube existed, to a charming Dairy Queen meet-cute that almost didn't happen, Mike reveals how the rugged, community-focused spirit of Vermont stays in your blood. No matter how far away you travel.

Kentucky: Postmasters & Snapping Turtles (with Caitlyn Bruns & Paul Abell) | Episode 104

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0600

Paul Abell has never wanted to leave Kentucky, not even when he moved 90 miles away for college. When his daughter Caitlyn was born, he finally had the reason he needed to dive into the family tree in a way his uncles had been nudging him toward for years. In this episode, I sit down with Ancestry colleague Caitlyn Bruns, a genetic scientist turned strategist. She invited her dad Paul to join us. He’s a man with roots so deep in Adair County that the post office practically runs in his blood. Together, they recount their family's journey from post-Revolutionary Maryland to a Kentucky creek hollow. Here three log cabins, once the general store and post office for the community, have become a gathering place for a hundred cousins, a legendary turtle cook, and quilts hand-stitched by women who held the family together. Their story is a beautiful reminder that family history isn't just about the names on the branches of the family tree. It's about the land, the heirlooms, and the connections to the people who choose to keep showing up.

Tennessee: A Patriot From the Holler | Episode 103

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0600

What would it take for you to enlist in a war, march hundreds of miles in winter, survive one of the worst defeats in American history — and then turn right around and do it again? My own Revolutionary War ancestor, Daniel Jones, went from the backcountry of North Carolina to a tiny holler in Northeast Tennessee, where a single pension file, a stray boar, and a rundown farmhouse porch brought his story roaring back to life. I've stood on that porch. I've walked that field. And I promise you, once you start seeing your ancestors as real people who were terrified and brave and stubborn all at the same time, you'll never look at your family tree the same way again. Some stories don't just tell us where we came from. They show us who we're made of.

Ohio: Family Roots, Foundational Soil | Episode 102

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0600

What if the names your ancestors gave their children were actually breadcrumbs leading straight to the neighbors who helped shape their lives? In this solo episode, I trace my own Cowan family line from a young Irish weaver who had to register as an alien citizen during the War of 1812 to a doctor who built a house that became a historical society, a saddle maker who outfitted the Union Army, and a U.S. Representative who somehow kept his personal life completely out of the newspapers. But the discovery that surprised me most was buried in an 1830 census. And it's the reason two of George and Jane Cowan's thirteen children carry the names they do. Ohio wasn't just where this family landed. It was the foundational soil that grew a posterity now living in 47 states and seven countries.

Louisiana: Red Lipstick, Hidden Heirlooms, and Family Secrets (with Arlene Rome) | Episode 101

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0700

What if the most precious pieces of your family history were ones you had to secretly carry home five steps at a time? In this episode, I sit down with my cousin Arlene Rome, a Louisiana native and retired nurse whose story of love, loss, and quiet rebellion will stay with you long after you finish listening. Arlene grew up in the golden summers of Metairie with a grandmother who drove a red convertible, played "These Boots Were Made for Walking" on an 8-track, and loved her fiercely — until a family rift tore them apart. What Arlene did to stay connected, and what her grandmother gave her the day before she died, is the kind of story that reminds us exactly why family stories are worth preserving. If you've ever felt the ache of a family relationship cut short too soon — or wondered what it means to be the last one standing with all the memories — this episode is for you.

Indiana: Been Here All Along (with Lisa Fanning) | Episode 100

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0700

What does it mean to be an American when your family has been here longer than America itself? Lisa Fanning, a board member of the National Genealogical Society and DNA expert, has spent decades uncovering a story so layered, so uniquely American that it stopped me in my tracks. She descends from four of the six families who packed up a covered wagon and caravaned from North Carolina in the 1820s to build a thriving free Black settlement in southern Indiana called Lost Creek. But the story doesn't start there. It starts with an enslaved woman named Kate Anderson, a contested will, and 600 acres of prime Virginia land that was rightfully theirs. Land that is now the site of a U.S. Naval installation. This is also our 100th episode, and I can't think of a better story to mark the milestone. Some families don't just live through history. They are history.

Mississippi: Finding Far East in the Deep South (with Larrisa Lam) | Episode 99

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0700

What happens when a California family walks into Mississippi and walks out forever changed?

Filmmaker and music executive, Larissa Lam, director of the documentary Far East Deep South, joins me to share how a simple trip to visit a family grave in the Mississippi Delta unraveled a mystery decades in the making and revealed a hidden chapter of American history most of us never learned in school. Together, we trace how her father-in-law's search for the father he believed had abandoned him led to an extraordinary discovery about Chinese immigrants in the Jim Crow South, the Chinese Exclusion Act, and one remarkable artifact that unlocked everything. If you've ever wondered how a single genealogy discovery can heal a wound that's been carried across generations, this conversation is for you.

Learn more about Larissa’s film here: https://fareastdeepsouth.com/

Illinois: Scoundrels and Scandals (with Sue Talbot) | Episode 98

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0700

When Sue Talbot's grandmother casually mentioned items belonging to "Arthur," Sue discovered a family secret buried for decades. But that revelation was just the beginning of a journey that would uncover scandal, betrayal, and tragedy stretching from Victorian England to the streets of Chicago.

In this episode, I sit down with British genealogist Sue Talbot as she shares the shocking story of her great-great-grandfather John Jenkinson—Methodist preacher, mayor, and jeweler whose respectable facade concealed darker truths. What Sue discovers forces her to reconsider everything her family believed about their "good stock" and reveals how one man's choices created devastating ripples across generations and an ocean.

From mysterious disappearances to courtroom drama, from England's small market towns to Chicago's jewelry district, Sue pieces together a story of crime, consequences, and unexpected connections that ultimately bring her family full circle back to America.

Sometimes the ancestors who shock us the most teach us the deepest truths about resilience and family bonds.

Alabama: Generations of Joy (with Noah Lapidus) | Episode 97

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 04:00:00 -0700

When Noah’s car broke down in rural Ukraine, he discovered something unexpected: the warmth of strangers who knew his ancestors had once called their town home. It's a moment that captures the heart of Noah's journey. As a professional genealogist his childhood obsession with family history led him from the Birmingham Public Library to the decimated streets of Kobryn, Belarus, searching for the roots of Alabama's surprising Jewish community.

Join me and my guest, Noah Lapidus (Research Manager at Ancestry ProGenealogists and African American specialist), as he shares how his family's immigration story connects a small Russian shtetl to the coal mines of Birmingham, Alabama, where his ancestors established one of the South's unique Jewish communities in the 1880s. Through heirlooms, tall tales, and painstaking research, Noah uncovered the truth about how the "Magic City" became an unlikely home for Eastern European Jews and how that community, born from Kobryn, still thrives today. His story reminds us that family history isn't just about the past; it's about understanding the joy, resilience, and connections that live in us across generations.

💭 What family stories have you been told that turned out to be beautifully, unexpectedly true?

Maine: Memories Making History (with Steve Bromage) | Episode 96

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0700

What if history isn't just about the past—but about creating connections that shape who we become?

In this episode, I sit down with Steve Bromage, Executive Director of the Maine Historical Society, whose childhood road trips to a family camp sparked a lifelong passion for preserving Maine's stories. Steve shares how his organization has revolutionized history-making by putting communities at the center—from small-town historical societies to middle school students scanning precious photographs. Through the innovative Maine Memory Network, they've proven that when people share their own stories, history becomes living, breathing, and deeply personal. Steve also reveals Maine Historical Society's incredible plan to take one of only 26 surviving original copies of the Declaration of Independence on a statewide tour for America's 250th anniversary, ensuring every Mainer can encounter this sacred document in their own county. Discover how one state is redefining what it means to preserve history—not by locking it away, but by making it accessible, participatory, and profoundly meaningful for everyone.

Missouri: Disaster in the Heart of America (with Kim Harrison) | Episode 95

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Arkansas: Nana and the Aunts | Episode 94

Thu, 15 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Michigan: Broken Headstones & Unearthed Stories (with Justin Frost) | Episode 93

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Florida: A Good Deed Is Never Lost (with Meredith Kratzer Sellers) | Episode 92

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0700

Texas: Christmas Card Culture Connections (with Sylvia Hernandez) | Episode 91

Thu, 25 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0700

When Sylvia Hernandez discovered vintage Christmas cards in a university archive, her coworkers didn't understand their significance. But for her, they represented everything familiar about growing up Mexican-American in Waco, Texas.

Sylvia Hernandez, outreach and instruction librarian at Baylor University's Texas Collection and a seventh generation Wacoan, traces both sides of her family back to the Mexican Revolution. She has great-great-grandfathers, one on each side of her family tree, who crossed paths in remarkable ways long before their great-grandchildren ever met and fell in love.

Through her work preserving Texas history, Sylvia has discovered her own family's story woven into the archives. From the Latin American Methodist church her ancestors helped found to the kindergarten they established for migrant children, her roots run deep in Texas. Her unique perspective as both archivist and descendant reveals how cultural traditions like Las Posadas, midnight Mass, and yes, even mysterious pots of mashed potatoes, create bridges between generations and preserve identity and connection across centuries.

Discover how family stories, whether preserved in vintage Christmas cards or passed down at holiday gatherings, strengthen the connections that truly matter.

Iowa: A Love of Food and Family (with Rosie Grant) | Episode 90

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0700

When archivist Rosie Grant stumbled upon a gravestone with a spritz cookie recipe carved into it, she had no idea it would change her life. What began as a TikTok curiosity during her cemetery internship became a viral phenomenon and, eventually, a groundbreaking cookbook celebrating 50 recipes from gravestones across America.

Rosie shares her remarkable project "To Die For: A Cookbook of Gravestone Recipes." We discover how her library science background and passion for community archives led her to document not just recipes, but the rich stories of the people behind them. From Maxine's Christmas cookies in Iowa, and the German tradition of hanging cookies on the tree, to intimate oral history interviews with dozens of families, Rosie reveals how food connects us across generations.

You'll hear about Rosie's journey from cemetery intern to bestselling author, her dedication to both grandmothers who shaped her understanding of food and family, and the surprising ways these gravestone recipes are inspiring living families to preserve their own food traditions. Whether it's Iowa's community-minded spirit or the universal power of recipes to keep memories alive, this conversation reminds us that the stories we share around the table are the ones that truly live in us.

Guest Bio:
Rosie Grant is a writer, researcher, and archivist whose work explores the intersections of archives, folklore, and family storytelling. She is the creator of @GhostlyArchive, where her exploration of gravestone recipes and the histories behind them has reached hundreds of thousands of followers across social media. TO DIE FOR is her first book.

Wisconsin: Great Grandmothers and the Great Migration (with Dani Allen) | Episode 89

Thu, 11 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0700

When Dani was in eighth grade, she watched her grandmother wash and braid her own mother’s hair. In that moment, she was witness to a ritual passed on through generations of Black women.

Join me as Dani Allen, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at Ancestry, shares her family's journey from the Deep South to Wisconsin during the 1930s and 40s as part of The Great Migration. Together we explore how her grandfather's search for work in the auto industry led their family north, the tumultuous marriage that nearly ended in tragedy, and the newspaper clipping that finally confirmed whispered family stories.

From her great-grandmother's striking blue eyes and the meaning behind hair care rituals, to her weekly Zoom calls with her 90-year-old grandmother filled with freshly discovered stories, Dani reveals how intergenerational connections shape identity and preserve legacy. She shares how these discoveries help her two-year-old granddaughter understand the resilient women whose strength flows through her veins. Dani’s story reminds us that family history isn't just about the past. It's about the bonds we nurture today that will live on in generations to come.

California: Stars Shooting Out of Silence (with Candace Dixon Horne) | Episode 88

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0700

When Candace Dixon-Horne's husband bought AncestryDNA kits in 2018, she hesitated before sending hers in. Raised by a single mom in Arkansas, Candace spent her entire life with her mom as the only blood relative she knew.

One DNA match changed everything. A simple Google search led to names she recognized, faces that looked hauntingly familiar, and a connection to California's golden age of cinema that seemed too extraordinary to be real. I talk with Candace about the moment she realized the story she'd found was actually her story, and how meeting her biological father's family for the first time revealed generations of Hollywood history, creative passion, and family connections spanning from the silent film era to today.

This episode explores how DNA can unlock not just names and dates, but entire worlds of family legacy and how discovering where you come from can transform your understanding of who you are.

Minnesota: Santa Claus, a Corn Cob Pipe, and Nellie Oleson (with Lisa Elzey) | Episode 87

Thu, 27 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0700

What if your family's pioneer past looked exactly like your favorite childhood TV show? When Lisa Elzey discovered her great-great-grandfather's story, she realized she'd been watching his life every Monday night on Little House on the Prairie. Complete with homesteading, hand-hewn cabins, and a white beard down to his belly.

In this episode, Lisa shares how a purple-inked memoir written by her great-grandmother's half-sister unlocked the story of Johann Heinrich Seba, a German immigrant who arrived alone at 18, hacked through Minnesota wilderness for a mile and a half in a single day, and became so beloved his community lowered flags to half-staff when he died. For decades, Lisa and her mother searched for his origins in Germany, writing letters to archives and scrolling through endless microfilm reels. Then in 2016, a single search on Ancestry revealed not just where he was from, but a family secret hidden in Lutheran christening records that changed everything they thought they knew.

Discover how one ancestor's story can bridge four generations of women, why a steeple clock matters more than any antique collection, and what happens when patience meets the right record at exactly the right time.

Oregon: Trail of the Unclaimed | Episode 86

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0700

When Phyllis Zegers discovered her cousin died alone in Oregon State Hospital in the 1890s, she never imagined it would lead to reconnecting hundreds of families with their forgotten ancestors. In this episode, Phyllis shares how her genealogy research uncovered 3,500 unclaimed cremains at the hospital—and how she's worked tirelessly to honor each person by researching their stories and finding their living relatives. From sending surprise letters that reveal family secrets to sprinkling ashes at a beloved fishing hole, Phyllis demonstrates the profound impact one genealogist can have. Her work reminds us that every name in a record represents a real person whose story deserves to be told, and that sometimes the most meaningful family history work happens when we look beyond our own family tree to honor the forgotten.

Kansas: A Calling From the Ancestors (with Calvin Osborne) | Episode 85

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0700

Calvin Osborne, a Washington D.C. attorney and Civil War reenactor, spent nearly three decades studying African American military history before Ancestry researchers revealed a stunning discovery: his great-great-grandfather, William Lacey, was a soldier in the First Kansas Colored Troops, the very first Black men to fight in the Civil War. In this powerful conversation, Calvin shares how a 1989 viewing of the movie Glory sparked an unstoppable passion that led him from battlefield reenactments to uncovering a love story that began in slavery, survived the chaos of border wars, and created a legacy that would span generations. His book, Contraband Hearts, tells the story of William and Lucinda. These two teenagers escaped enslavement together, fought for freedom in Kansas, and built a family that would eventually reach back across time to inspire their descendants. Sometimes our ancestors don't just leave us stories. They call us to find them.

West Virginia: Fame or Infamy in the Mountain State (with Mallory Peterson) | Episode 84

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0700

When Mallory Peterson discovered she had Scottish ancestry instead of Cherokee heritage, she uncovered something intriguing that has captured her imagination. In the little town of Martinsburg, West Virginia she found a spy. And not just any spy but 17 year old Belle Boyd, the infamous Confederate spy known as "Cleopatra of the Secession."

In this episode, I sit down with Mallory, a young genealogist whose complicated family story—raised by grandparents, not meeting her biological father until 14—fueled her passion for discovering the ancestors she never knew. Her journey into her family tree uncovered the migration patterns of her Scottish forebears, those rebellious, storytelling souls who settled in the Appalachian Mountains and brought their fierce independence with them.

Together, we explore how Belle Boyd's story reveals the Scottish tendency toward stubborn conviction, the complicated legacy of being on the wrong side of history, and why some ancestors capture our imagination despite their flaws. From Civil War espionage to stage performances reliving her "glory days," Belle's life demonstrates that family history isn't always comfortable but it's always worth discovering.

What stories of courage, rebellion, or notoriety might be hiding in your family tree?

Nevada: The Well-Worn Path | Episode 83

Thu, 30 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0600

Nebraska: Connecting to the Land Through Stories (with Greg Wagner)

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0600

When Greg Wagner's great-great-grandmother made her dying wish to be buried not in a cemetery but beneath an oak tree on their Nebraska homestead, she planted more than roots in the soil. Greg is a sixth-generation Nebraskan whose family has maintained the same land for 158 years through blizzards, armed robberies, and economic crashes. As someone who's spent 46 years caring for Nebraska's natural resources through the Game and Parks Commission, Greg brings a unique perspective on how place shapes family identity. We explore how his grandmother's death in 2005 launched his genealogical journey, uncover the resilience required to keep land in a family for over a century and a half, and discover why every single Wagner descendant has chosen to remain in Nebraska. This conversation reveals how the stories we inherit from our ancestors become the compass that guides future generations home.

Colorado: Braving the Wild Frontier (with Chris Trainor) | Episode 81

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0600

North Dakota: Creating Community (with Sarah Walker) | Episode 80

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0600

When Sarah Walker's grandfather checked his mail one last day before leaving for World War I, he discovered a neighbor had intervened to keep him home—a bachelor farmer needed on the home front. That single act of community support changed everything.

Sarah Walker, Head of Reference Services at the North Dakota State Archives, shares her grandfather's journey immigrating at age 10 from Germany through Russia to North Dakota's farmland. We explore how tight-knit immigrant communities preserved their language and customs across generations, and why Sarah's career as an oral historian feels like the natural continuation of her family's story-keeping tradition.

South Dakota: Finding the Girl in the Middle (with Marni Sandweiss)

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0600

When historian Marni Sandweiss discovered an 1868 photograph of six prominent Civil War generals standing around an unnamed Indigenous girl, she couldn't let go of one haunting question: Who was she? In this episode, Princeton University Professor Emerita Martha "Marni" Sandweiss shares how she identified the child as Sophie Mousseau and uncovered a remarkable story of survival, identity, and resilience spanning generations on the Northern Plains. Through meticulous research combining written records, oral histories, and collaboration with Sophie's descendants, Marni reveals how one photograph connects to broader themes of mixed-race identity, territorial boundaries, and the power of naming the unnamed in history. Discover how this truffle-hunting historian transformed an anonymous face into a fully realized person whose story matters—and why every name in your family photographs deserves to be remembered.

Montana: Love, Loss, and Everything In-Between (with Mary Anne Mercer) | Episode 78

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0600

💕 When Mary Anne Mercer discovered her great-grandmother's diary in a trunk that had sat untouched since 1915, she knew she had found something extraordinary.

Mary Anne, an accomplished author and former international health expert who worked in Nepal and Africa, returned to her Montana ranching roots to uncover a remarkable love story. Through a combination of family interviews, a preserved diary, and treasures from a century-old trunk, she pieced together the journey of Florrie—a young nurse from London whose path led to the isolated Montana plains. Working alongside the stories of her grandfather Andy, a former Wyoming cowboy turned rancher, Mary Anne discovered how family artifacts can reveal not just facts and dates, but the beating hearts of people who lived extraordinary lives. As she shares her process of turning fragments into a full family narrative, you'll understand why some stories demand to be written down and preserved for future generations.

💭 Have you ever wondered what stories might be waiting in your own family's forgotten treasures?

Washington: Replanted Roots Now Evergreen (with Cyndi Ingle) | Episode 77

Thu, 18 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0600

Idaho: Unboxing Gems of the Past (with Jen Iverson) | Episode 76

Thu, 11 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0600

🎵 When Jen Iverson said "What I wouldn't give to hear Grandpa's music again," she had no idea what she was about to discover just two days later. Join me as Jen Iverson, a Gen X mom and passionate family historian, shares an incredible story of musical discovery that transformed her family's connection to their Idaho heritage. We explore her great-grandfather Arnold Steed's forgotten legacy in Pocatello and how one unexpected find in a nursing home room became the bridge connecting four generations of her family. From migratory beekeeping adventures to multi-generational traditions at Island Park, Jen reveals how music became a powerful time machine to her ancestors' hearts. You'll hear why sometimes our most precious family treasures are hiding in the most unexpected places, just waiting to remind us of the voices we thought we'd lost forever.

Wyoming: Tumbleweed Ties That Bind (with Lindy Nielsen) | Episode 75

Thu, 04 Sep 2025 04:00:00 -0600

Utah: Walking Where They Walked (with Michelle Ercanbrack) | Episode 74

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0600

When Michelle Ercanbrack volunteered for a Mormon pioneer trek, she thought she'd be helping teenagers learn history. What she discovered instead was a missing piece of her own family story that had been hiding in plain sight for decades.

Michelle, a BYU family history program graduate and former Ancestry researcher who worked on television shows like "Who Do You Think You Are," joins me to share how sometimes the most meaningful genealogical discoveries happen not behind a computer screen, but when you physically stand where your ancestors once stood. Her emotional experience retracing her ancestor’s journey through the Wyoming wilderness to Utah reveals why knowing the facts of a story and truly understanding its impact are two completely different things.

Her ancestor, Mary Ann Malley, was a widowed single mother facing impossible choices and learning more about her life led Michelle to understand that even professional genealogists can overlook the most meaningful connections in their own family trees. Her story challenges every family historian to ask a simple but powerful question: What happens when you stop researching your ancestors’ lives and start walking where they walked?

This episode will leave you questioning whether you truly know your family's stories or if you're ready to discover what you've been missing.

Oklahoma: Two Genealogists and a DNA Match (with Nicka Sewell-Smith) | Episode 73

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0600

New Mexico: Centuries of Stories (with Stephen Torres) | Episode 72

Thu, 14 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0600

When Stephen Torres's grandfather told him "one of your forefathers was the first European to set foot on New World soil," young Stephen was skeptical—until his college history research revealed a truth that changed everything.

Stephen shares what it means to have 400 years of unbroken family history in New Mexico's Taos Valley. From growing up with 50+ cousins to living with his storytelling grandfather, Stephen's family represents something rare: deep, unshakeable roots in one place. When genealogical research through Catholic Church records revealed remarkable connections to pivotal moments in American history, Stephen discovered his grandfather's stories held more truth than he'd ever imagined.

This is a story about the power of place, cultural continuity, and what happens when family roots run so deep they become inseparable from the very soil of home.

Arizona: Hidden Gifts of Healing (with Lisa Louise Cooke | Episode 71

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 04:00:00 -0600

When Lisa Louise Cooke walked into her estranged grandmother's house in Arizona, she had no idea she was about to discover the key to healing a decades-old family rift. Lisa Louise, host of the long-running Genealogy Gems podcast, shares how following an unexpected inner voice led to finding a hidden quilt that would transform her relationship with her father forever. After years of separation following her parents' messy divorces, a mysterious feeling in her grandmother's bedroom guided Lisa Louise to uncover not just a family heirloom, but a handwritten note that became the bridge to reconciliation. This powerful story reveals how our ancestors sometimes speak to us through the most unexpected discoveries, and how listening to those quiet promptings can heal wounds we thought were permanent. Whether you're dealing with family divisions or simply wondering how the past can inform the present, Lisa Louise's journey from disconnection to deep relationship will remind you that it's never too late for healing when we're willing to trust our instincts and follow the voice that guides us home.

Learn more about Lisa Louise and Genealogy Gems here:
https://lisalouisecooke.com/

Alaska: Treasured Pieces from the Last Frontier (with Jay Marquiss)

Thu, 31 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0600

🏔️ When Jay Marquiss sat down for breakfast at a Southern Utah ranch house, he had no idea a casual conversation would unlock a 130-year-old family mystery.

Jay Marquiss, a third-generation Alaskan, grew up expecting to spend his entire life in the Last Frontier. But when his wife experienced her first Alaskan winter, their plans changed forever. Now living in Utah, Jay thought he'd left Alaska behind until an unexpected encounter with a former missionary revealed an incredible connection that had been hiding in plain sight for decades.

In this episode, you'll discover how Jay's family tradition became something much more significant than anyone imagined. From gold rush miners to modern-day missionaries, this story demonstrates how the most precious family legacies often travel in the most unexpected ways. Jay shares how he's transformed this discovery into meaningful connections with his children, grandchildren, and dozens of young people, creating new traditions that honor both past and present.

Through tales of Alaska's wilderness, family adventures, and serendipitous encounters, you'll see how sometimes our most treasured family heirlooms aren't stored in attics. They're living pieces of history that continue to grow and connect hearts across generations.

Hawaii: Woven Together in the Aloha State (with Mike Daniels)

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0600

What happens when cultures collide and choose connection instead of conflict?

To launch our America 250 series and Season 2 of the podcast, I sit down with Mike Daniels — former mayor of Pleasant Grove, Utah and a dear colleague from our early days at Ancestry — to explore his family’s extraordinary journey to and through Hawaii. From war and immigration to love, loss, and discovery, Mike shares how his family’s story became a living example of what it means to build unity through difference.

“It is a melting pot, and it's really possible for people to live together in peace.”

Along the way, we talk about picture brides, holiday feasts with 50+ cousins, and a name change that reshaped an identity. This heartfelt conversation about belonging, resilience, and multicultural legacy reminds us how place becomes a character in our family stories—shaping not just where we come from, but who we become.

America 250: A Journey Through 50 States and 50 Stories That Live In Us (Season 2 Trailer)

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0600

What if the story of America isn't just in history books, but living right now in your family tree? As we approach America's 250th birthday in 2026, I'm taking you on an extraordinary journey across all 50 states through the intimate family stories that shaped our nation. Starting in July 2025, Season 2 of Stories That Live In Us will reveal how your ancestors' choices and experiences are still echoing through your family today.

Over 50 weeks, we'll travel from Hawaii to Alaska, Arizona to Oklahoma, following each state's admission to the union in reverse order. You'll discover tales of immigration, migration, courage, and community. These moments of resilience that defined entire families and continue to influence generations. These aren't stories about famous names and places; they're about real families whose experiences show us that American history lives in our DNA, our traditions, and our family trees.

Whether you're a longtime listener or just discovering the transformational power of family storytelling, this season will inspire you to see your own family history with fresh eyes. Because every family tree holds stories connected to places and times that can fuel your imagination, inspire your resilience, and deepen your family connections.

Join me as we discover, from sea to shining sea, the stories that live in us—and learn how your family's journey is beautifully woven into the larger American story.

Waiting to Be Found (with Hopwood DePree) | Episode 68

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0600

🛏😴 What if you found out that the bedtime stories you were told as a kid were really true?

When Hopwood DePree finally traced his unusual first name to its origins, he discovered something extraordinary: a 600-year-old ancestral estate in England that had been waiting centuries for him to find it. When Hopwood, author of "Downton Shabby," began exploring the childhood stories he dismissed as fairy tales, it led to the adventure of a lifetime. From growing up in Michigan, embarrassed by his name to dedicating his life to restoring Hopwood Hall Estate in Middleton, England, his journey reveals how our ancestors' stories can literally reshape our entire lives. You'll hear about secret priest holes, hidden tabernacles, and the moment he realized his grandfather's "bedtime stories" about a castle were actually family history waiting to be reclaimed.

A Life Changing Adventure (with Diana O'Connor) | Episode 67

Thu, 10 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0600

🌍 After decades of dead ends and false leads, one $27 payment to a county archive changed everything for Diana O'Connor. She didn’t just get a record. She got a photograph that made her weep with recognition.

Diana grew up knowing almost nothing about her family history. Her father was placed in foster care at two years old when his mother died. He then died tragically young and Diana’s own mother’s death followed a short eight years later. With virtually no family stories, no extended relatives, and no sense of her roots but armed with a single legal document and unshakeable curiosity, she embarked on a journey that would transform her from a woman with no family connections into someone discovering an abundance of Irish cousins and ancestral homes.

Diana shares the emotional highs and lows of researching her Irish heritage, discovering orphanage records, connecting with cousins across continents, and finally standing in the cemeteries of County Tyrone and County Mayo where her ancestors are buried.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder that even the smallest clues can lead to life-changing discoveries. And that it’s never too late to find your people.

Gathering and Connections (with Betheny Tomseth) | Episode 66

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0600

🎂 What do cake and cemeteries have to do with one another? Maybe not much but both have quite a bit to do with family history.

Betheny Tomseth, known on Instagram as @BethenyCakes, takes us on a journey through her family’s complex history. From the mysterious circumstances surrounding her great-grandfather Omer's hunting accident in 1921 to the Scottish immigrant family she discovered buried together in an Ogden cemetery. We explore how a 140-year-old cake recipe connects generations of women who understood that food brings families together.

As the middle child in a family of 14, Betheny shares how her great-aunt Edith's stories about a grandmother who died in childbirth became family treasures, and how her genealogist sister Rebecca's Christmas gift may be the most meaningful one she’s ever received. Our conversation celebrates the beautiful ways our ancestors continue to gather us together.

Wonderful Grandmothers (with Aimee Cross) | Episode 65

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0600

When Aimee Cross discovered her French ancestor's will in a 1904 newspaper, she found something more precious than gold - a grandmother's heartfelt advice to her children. Professional genealogist Aimee Cross joins me to share how her second great-grandmother Estelle Dumont left behind more than an estate. She left a legacy of wisdom that continues to shape her family today. From Pierre Dumont's journey from France to the goldfields of California, to Estelle's courageous choice to run a business as a widowed mother in 1897 San Francisco, this story reveals how family wisdom survives even when original documents don't. Discover how one woman's deathbed counsel speaks directly to today's grandmothers and learn why the most powerful family stories often hide in the most unexpected records.

These Are My Kinfolk: A Juneteenth Reunion (with Linda Epps Parker) | Episode 64

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0600

Linda felt there was "something special" in her dad's family but couldn't get answers. She never imagined a single phone call would connect her to relatives she'd never met and a Civil War-era ancestor whose story would change how she celebrates Juneteenth forever.

In this deeply moving episode, I sit down with Linda Epps Parker, whose connection to the Hawkins Wilson documentary reveals the extraordinary power of genealogy to heal generational separation. Linda shares her journey from growing up with unanswered questions about her father's Southern roots to discovering her relationship to Hawkins Wilson, the formerly enslaved man whose 1877 letter became the centerpiece of an award-winning film from Ancestry.

What else Linda discovers feels less like coincidence or chance and more like ancestral guidance. This episode beautifully demonstrates how family history research can move us from longing to belonging, creating profound connections that span generations.

Link to Hawkins Wilson film:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wDwDR6yjhk

Link to Episode 11:
https://www.cristacowan.com/blog/the-letter-that-waited-how-one-ancestry-tree-uncovered-a-155-year-family-story

An Honest Witness | Episode 63

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0600

What if one of history's most famous authors unknowingly documented your ancestor's immigration journey? In 1863, my three-times-great-grandmother Rachel Smuin sailed from England to America aboard the Amazon—and Charles Dickens was there to witness it all. Expecting to find chaos and disorder among 800 Mormon emigrants, Dickens instead discovered remarkable organization, cheerfulness, and dignity that completely challenged his preconceptions. His detailed letter about that day provides an incredible window into Rachel's actual crossing experience, from the crowded London docks to the careful inspections before departure. I'll read you Dickens' account and share how I discovered this hidden gem that brings my ancestor's journey to life. This episode will inspire you to search for the contemporary records, newspaper articles, and historical accounts that might capture your own family's pivotal moments in surprising detail.

Through the Eyes of a Child ( with Tamara Buzyna Adams) | Episode 62

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0600

🚢 When 11-year-old Lydia escaped Russia on the last evacuation ship in 1920, she began documenting her extraordinary journey in beautiful handwritten diaries.

Tamara Buzyna Adams discovered her grandmother’s childhood diaries during COVID lockdown. What started as a mother-daughter translation project unveiled an incredible story: a young girl who lived on a refugee ship for two and a half years, finding joy and wonder even amid the chaos following the Russian Revolution.

Through meticulous research, Tamara pieced together not just dates and places, but a moving story of childhood resilience. Her most surprising discovery came when she decided to research the mysterious friends Lydia mentioned throughout her diaries - children with nicknames like "Zhenya" and "Kolya."

Lydia's story reveals how family histories preserved through a child's innocent perspective can illuminate our ancestors' humanity and inspire resilience across generations.

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Visit Tamara's website to see pictures of Lydia and her friends and for information about her book, Last Ship to Freedom: https://www.tamarabuzynaadams.com/

Even in the Face of Injustice | Episode 61

Thu, 29 May 2025 04:00:00 -0600

What if your ancestors' darkest moment could teach you the most about resilience?

While chasing down a DNA match with my dad, I uncovered a shocking story about two sets of my 8x great-grandparents that kept me awake all night. Roger and Anne Park and Andrew and Olive Smith were Quakers who fled England seeking religious freedom in colonial New Jersey, but found decades of land disputes and corrupt officials instead. When my 7x great-grandfather John Park and his brother-in-law, Thomas Smith faced an impossible choice - pay twice for land they already owned or lose everything - their response involved tar, feathers, and a decision that haunts me as I consider how we respond to injustice today. This discovery reminded me why family stories matter: they teach us resilience even when our ancestors made questionable choices, and show us we can choose to be better in the face of hardship.

The Ache Is Still There (with Tara Hall) | Episode 60

Thu, 22 May 2025 04:00:00 -0600

When Tara Hall discovered her great-uncle Norman had been shot down in WWII, his story became an enigma that haunted her family for generations. In this poignant episode, my Ancestry colleague Tara shares how Norman joined the Army Air Corps as a navigator, following in his older brother's footsteps. Shot down over Germany on just his third mission, Norman's body remained unidentified for twelve years, leaving his family in painful limbo. Through military records and precious letters, Tara uncovered not just how Norman died, but glimpses of who he truly was—a young man who secretly read poetry and promised his father, "Don't worry about me, Dad." As we approach Memorial Day, this story reminds us of the profound ripple effects war creates across generations, and how family history transforms enigmas into cherished ancestors whose memories provide strength and resilience.

I Can See All The Story (with Lisa Elzey) | Episode 59

Thu, 15 May 2025 04:00:00 -0600

When Lisa Elzey discovered her grandfather flew on a B-17 bomber during D-Day, she knew there was more to uncover…

In this continuation of last week's DNA revelation, Lisa shares how researching her grandfather's war buddies unveiled an extraordinary military legacy. From discovering rare crew photos to uncovering first-hand accounts of a harrowing mission that earned the Distinguished Flying Cross, Lisa's persistence reveals how the stories of those around our ancestors can illuminate their lives. Together we explore how researching the network of people surrounding her grandfather transformed fragments of information into a rich narrative that brought her mother to tears—proving that sometimes the most powerful family connections emerge when we look beyond the family tree.

I Can Live With the Truth (with Nidel Day) | Episode 58

Thu, 08 May 2025 04:00:00 -0600

When DNA results revealed a puzzling Quebec connection in Lisa Elzey's family tree — everything she thought she knew was called into question...

Join me for an intimate conversation with my podcast producer Lisa and her mother Nidel as they unravel a family mystery that remained hidden for over seven decades. Witness how modern genealogy technology unlocked memories long forgotten and reshaped Nidel's understanding of her identity at age 74. This powerful story explores how unexpected discoveries can bring clarity rather than chaos, and how it's never too late to embrace the truth about where we come from. Their journey reminds us that sometimes the stories that live in us are waiting for the right moment to unfold.

One Year Anniversary - I'm So Glad You're Here | Episode 57

Thu, 01 May 2025 04:00:00 -0600

For one year straight, I've shared stories that remind us we're all connected through the messy, beautiful threads of family history — and today, I'm celebrating YOU. Recorded live at RootsTech 2025, this anniversary episode is a reflection of the incredible stories we've uncovered together, from my great-great-grandmother Carrie to DNA discoveries that led to phone calls from heaven. In this special episode, I'm revisiting seven of my favorite moments from the past year and sharing the behind-the-scenes impact each story had on me, on my guests, and on you. From discovering how a kitchen table can become a family's gathering place for connection to the family of seven sailing through storms, you'll hear what made these episodes unforgettable — and why your own family stories might be closer than you think. Whether you've been listening since day one or just discovered this podcast, join me as we reflect on how family stories aren’t just about the past - they’re about creating connections that last generations. And, get a sneak peek at our exciting America 250 project coming in year two of the podcast.

We Wear a Poppy (with Simon Pearce) | Episode 56

Thu, 24 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0600

When Simon Pearce discovered his great-great-uncle Howard's name on a casualty list from WWI, his heart skipped a beat — launching a 20-year quest to piece together the life of a man he never met but now feels deeply connected to... In this moving conversation, Simon, an Ancestry military history expert, shares how Howard's service from China to Gallipoli and ultimate sacrifice in 1915 created ripples through generations of his family. Together we explore how a single postcard, a war diary, and a sister's poignant poem in her autograph book transformed Howard from a name on a memorial to a cherished family member. This episode reminds us that family stories don't end with death, but continue to shape identity, create connection, and inspire purpose across generations — sometimes in the most unexpected ways.

Marry a Genealogist (with Irene Hantman) | Episode 55

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0600

💕 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.

All I Need is a Warm Glass of Milk (with Brian Donnelly) | Episode 54

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0600

🍀 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…

In this heartwarming episode, I chat with the Ancestry Chief Commercial Officer about family remedies that become inside jokes and DNA discoveries that challenge family lore. Brian shares how his Irish identity was upended when his DNA results revealed more Scottish ancestry than expected, and how a single photo from his great-uncle's military regiment opened doors to remarkable connections. You'll discover how family history research rekindled Brian's relationship with a long-disconnected aunt and how he's passing down meaningful stories to his three young children. Whether it's warm milk for heart attacks or aloe for sunburns, every family has their cure-all traditions that become part of their unique language and connection.

Ancestors Are Complicated (with Anne Mitchell) | Episode 53

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0600

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.

Project Managing the Saga (with Nicka Sewell-Smith) | Episode 52

Thu, 27 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0600

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.

The Irish Experience (with Kyle Betit) | Episode 51

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0600

🍀 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…

In this episode, I chat with Kyle Betit, professional genealogist and heritage travel expert, about the power of connecting with ancestral places. Kyle shares how his grandmother inspired his lifelong passion for genealogy, leading to extraordinary discoveries across Europe. We reminisce about an unforgettable journey through Ireland we took together, exploring living history sites and museums that provide crucial context for understanding our ancestors' lives.

Kyle also reveals how DNA testing is opening new paths for heritage connections worldwide. Maybe even to - one day - help me break through my own O’Brien brick wall.

It's Like Genealogy 3.0 (with Jenn Utley) | Episode 50

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0600

For a Wise Purpose (with Steve Rockwood) | Episode 49

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0700

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.

Live Undaunted (with Lisa Valentine Clark) | Episode 48

Thu, 27 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0700

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.

Follow Lisa:
https://www.instagram.com/thelisashow

Daddy Was an Outlaw (with Jackie Dorothy) | Episode 47

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0700

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.

Listen to Jackie's podcast Pioneers of Outlaw Country

Their Love Stories | Episode 46

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0700

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.

The Magic Part Is The Listening (with Natalie Zett) | Episode 45

Thu, 06 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0700

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.

Listen to Natalie’s podcast at:
FlowersInTheRiver.com

Not A Secret Anymore (with Linda Goldman and Milly and Marty Mandel) | Episode 44

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0700

"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.

Mess in His Wake | Episode 43

Thu, 23 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0700

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.

Bit by the Bug (with Emily Pulham) | Episode 42

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0700

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.

Follow Emily on Instagram @organized.with.emily

Operation Pedro Pan (with Elisa Seeherman and Yda Okurliand-Pack) | Episode 41

Thu, 09 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0700

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.

An Opportunity for Connection | Episode 40

Thu, 02 Jan 2025 04:00:00 -0700

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.

Thanks for the Memories (with George Ott) | Episode 39

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0700

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.

It Doesn't Take A Lot (with Jason Terry) | Episode 38

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0700

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.

Finding Heroes (with Wayne Abbott and David O'Keefe) | Episode 37

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0700

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?

Watch Wayne & David's latest podcast episode:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQbfCatul_w

A Phone Call From Heaven (with Jenny Ashcraft) | Episode 36

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 04:00:00 -0700

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.

Sometimes You Don't Like the Answer (with Lisa Elzey) | Episode 35

Thu, 28 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0700

Two genealogists discover they might share a Mayflower connection - but there's a twist.

In this special Thanksgiving episode, my producer Lisa Elzey and I explore our connection to America’s founding story, take a memorable trip to Plymouth Plantation, and learn that sometimes uncovering the truth means letting go of cherished family lore. Through our journey, we reveal how the real power of family history lies not in the famous names on our family tree, but in the authentic stories we uncover along the way.

Curious about the truth behind your own family legends? Find guidance and story prompts inspired by this episode at CristaCowan.com/blog.

Back to the Cherokee Nation (with Nicka Sewell-Smith) | Episode 34

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0700

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.

Follow Nicka:
On Instagram @NeekSmith

The Fabric of Who You Are | (with Diahan Southard) | Episode 33

Thu, 14 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0700

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.

Follow Diahan:
YourDNAGuide.com
Instagram

Dad, I Want to Know About the War (with Becky Ellis) | Episode 32

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 04:00:00 -0700

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.

Not Much of a Saint | Episode 31

Thu, 31 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0600

Does the veil between worlds thin as October turns to November? I certainly think so.

Born on All Saints Day, my birthday celebrations always mingled with Halloween festivities. But, it was my 18th birthday, spent cleaning up a vandalized cemetery that changed my perspective. Then, my 47th birthday spent experiencing Día de los Muertos in Mexico City and the dozens of birthdays in between that shaped my understanding of how these religious and cultural celebrations are a powerful way to connect generations.

Join me as I explore the fascinating intersection between my birth date, my calling as a genealogist, and the belief that during these autumn days, the veil between past and present grows uniquely thin. This personal story reveals why I believe there are no coincidences when it comes to our connections with family history.

La Cugina d'Americana (with Suzanne Russo Adams) | Episode 30

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0600

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:
https://history.byu.edu/directory/suzanne-adams

Why Didn't We Know This Story (with Gayle George) | Episode 29

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0600

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.

Discover more about Gayle's work and the legacy of her ancestors at WeemsThePeople.org and Awakeningho.me.

I Had Come Home | Episode 28

Thu, 10 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0600

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.

Be At The Things That Matter Most (with The Cowan Niblings) | Episode 27

Thu, 03 Oct 2024 04:00:00 -0600

"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).

Moments of Really Beautiful Things (IAJGS LIVE) | Episode 26

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0600

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.

A Whole Other Tree of Possibilities (with Todd Godfrey) | Episode 25

Thu, 19 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0600

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.

HBO Gift Lounge | Episode 24

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0600

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.

You Lose Them Twice (with Julie Taggart) | Episode 23

Thu, 05 Sep 2024 04:00:00 -0600

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

From People Who've Done Hard Things (with Jordan Lundskog) | Episode 22

Thu, 29 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0600

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.

Turn It Into the Wind (with Erik and Emily Orton) | Episode 21

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0600

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.

______________________________
About Erik and Emily:

Erik Orton is an Emmy Award-winning writer and producer. Emily Orton is an educator, author and public speaker. Their life design framework mutes fear and accelerates growth. They are parents to five adult children, including their youngest with Down Syndrome. They raised their family in upper Manhattan for 23 years where Erik worked on such shows as Wicked, Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera. When their kids were 6-16 years old, Erik and Emily bootstrapped life aboard a fixer upper sailboat in the Caribbean. They sailed as a family from St. Martin back to New York City. Their memoir about the experience (Seven at Sea) is a New York Times Top 10 Travel book. After life on the boat, they continued to travel the world with their children through Europe, the South Pacific, Africa, and across North and South America in planes, trains, boats and vans. They are the co-founders of The Awesome Factory, a coaching and travel adventure company that leads retreats and sailing adventures all over the world.

Find Erik and Emily at: Website
Book - Seven at Sea
Podcast: What Could Go Right

Open Heart, Open Mind, Open Ears (with Maria Mendoza) | Episode 20

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0600

"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.

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

Thu, 08 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0600

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.

Families Have Always Been Messy | Episode 18

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 04:00:00 -0600

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.

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

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0600

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.

Fearless Women (with Cathy Hughes) | Episode 16

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0600

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, founder of Urban One and the first African American woman to head a publicly traded corporation, drew strength from her formidable foremothers to overcome daunting obstacles. But it was the untold story of her great-great-grandmother, Charlotta Pyles—an enslaved woman who engineered her family's escape with the help of unexpected allies—that profoundly shifted her perspective and inspired her to reshape her own legacy.

This newfound insight into Charlotta's courage and resourcefulness inspired Ms. Hughes to extend her influence beyond her immediate achievements, mentoring the next generation of women leaders and redefining what it means to be a powerful woman today. Discover how the legacy of bravery and resilience has empowered Ms. Hughes to forge paths for others, just as it did for her.

Familial Sudoku (with Josh Harman) | Episode 15

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0600

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.

What Is Your American Story? (with Mary Tedesco) | Episode 14

Thu, 04 Jul 2024 04:00:00 -0600

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?

Mary Tedesco's journey began with discovering her Italian grandparents' passenger lists, but it led to something far more meaningful—a shared mission with her mother to uncover their deep American roots.

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.

Join us for a celebration of lineage and liberty that bridges generations and ignites the spirit of connection.

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Mary's Bio:
Mary Tedesco is a professional genealogist, speaker and former Co-Host of the PBS television series “Genealogy Roadshow.” She actively volunteers with the Daughters of the American Revolution, currently serving as the National Chair of the Insignia Committee and Massachusetts State Vice Regent. Other volunteer positions include: Councilor of New England Historic Genealogical Society and Texas Genealogical College (TGC) board member and chair of the Scholarship Committee. Mary holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame, a BA in Mathematics from Boston University and a certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University’s Center for Professional Education.

Their Stories in Their Words | Episode 13

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0600

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.

We're Doing This Together (with Steve Cowan) | Episode 12

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0600

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.

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

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0600

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.

🔗Visit Kelley's website to learn more about honoring the past, preserving the legacy and forging a brighter future: Hawkins Wilson Legacy

We'll Always Keep Searching (with Emily Paulson) | Episode 10

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0600

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.

One Person's Trash | Episode 9

Thu, 30 May 2024 04:00:00 -0600

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.

📝 Want to uncover the silent treasure keepers in your own family? Visit CristaCowan.com/blog for this episode's companion blog post, where I'll share specific "Story Seeds" to help you discover your own family's hidden heirlooms. Plus, you'll get practical "Story Sparks" for using Ancestry tools to preserve the stories behind those elusive family treasures.

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

Thu, 23 May 2024 04:00:00 -0600

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.

And Then I Heard A Meadowlark Sing (with Sunny Morton) | Episode 7

Thu, 16 May 2024 04:00:00 -0600

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.

📝 Visit the companion blog post at CristaCowan.com/blog to learn more about how this story connects to your own story.

This Gathering Place (with Shelly Cowan) | Episode 6

Thu, 09 May 2024 04:00:00 -0600

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.

Out of Obscurity (with Kevin Giddins and Camlyn Giddins) | Episode 5