Best Crista Cowan | The Barefoot Genealogist Podcasts (2025)

1
We Wear a Poppy (with Simon Pearce) | Episode 56 39:39

3h ago39:39

39:39

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 Ga…

1
Marry a Genealogist (with Irene Hantman) | Episode 55 33:12

6d ago33:12

33:12

💕 When a stranger asked Irene Hantman about Arthur Kurzweil's lecture at a Jewish genealogy conference, she never imagined it would change her life forever... In this heartwarming episode, I talk with Irene, an accomplished genealogist and longtime editor of Avotaynu journal, about her 40-year journey through Jewish family history. She shares how r…

1
All I Need is a Warm Glass of Milk (with Brian Donnelly) | Episode 54 28:12

13d ago28:12

28:12

🍀 When Brian Donnelly's grandfather calmly announced he was having a heart attack, nine-year-old Brian's only instruction was to fetch a warm glass of milk… 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 h…

1
Ancestors Are Complicated (with Anne Mitchell) | Episode 53 46:22

20d ago46:22

46:22

When Anne Mitchell discovered a tattered family Bible with a handwritten account of an ancestor eagerly joining the Confederate Army in 1861 it changed how she understood her family history. Now, it has also changed how millions might discover their own histories. Anne shares the story of her ancestor John Calvin Gillespie—from excited Confederate …

1
Project Managing the Saga (with Nicka Sewell-Smith) | Episode 52 43:49

28d ago43:49

43:49

When Nicka Sewell-Smith set out to find her great-grandmother Easter's maiden name, she never imagined it would lead to uncovering 10,000 descendants from a single enslaved community... In this moving conversation, genealogist Nicka Sewell-Smith returns to share how her search for one ancestor evolved into the groundbreaking "Trask 250" project. By…

1
The Irish Experience (with Kyle Betit) | Episode 51 35:18

1M ago35:18

35:18

🍀 When I gathered around a traditional peat fire in Galway with a group of descendants of the Irish Diaspora, I experienced my ancestors' world in a way records alone could never reveal… 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 …

1
It's Like Genealogy 3.0 (with Jenn Utley) | Episode 50 35:06

1M ago35:06

35:06

〰️ 🌳 🧬 〰️ 🎧 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 th…

1
For a Wise Purpose (with Steve Rockwood) | Episode 49 36:27

2M ago36:27

36:27

When Steve Rockwood discovered his ancestor's journal as a child, he never imagined how family stories would shape his future as President of FamilySearch International. In our conversation, Steve reveals how a 7th-generation Bostonian's writings sparked his sense of belonging, while his Danish great-grandmother's solo journey across the Atlantic b…

1
Live Undaunted (with Lisa Valentine Clark) | Episode 48 41:42

2M ago41:42

41:42

Have you ever wondered what story you'd tell if you knew your time was limited? Lisa Valentine Clark's husband faced this exact question when diagnosed with ALS. In this powerful conversation, Lisa reveals how Christopher's decision to document his life story created an unexpected treasure their five children now cherish like scripture. We explore …

1
Daddy Was an Outlaw (with Jackie Dorothy) | Episode 47 37:04

2M ago37:04

37:04

A childhood memory of two sisters arguing at a kitchen table leads historian Jackie Dorothy to uncover an astounding truth — her great-grandfather wasn't just any Wyoming cowboy, he was part of Butch Cassidy's infamous Hole-in-the-Wall Gang. As an award-winning historian and member of the Northern Arapaho tribe, Jackie shares how she pieced togethe…

1
Their Love Stories | Episode 46 28:41

2M ago28:41

28:41

Do you know how your parents met? Research shows this simple story could be the key to building family resilience — and in this intimate solo episode, I open up about three generations of love stories that shaped my own family's legacy. From my grandparents’ powerful wartime romances to my parents' whirlwind 19-day courtship, each story reveals how…

1
The Magic Part Is The Listening (with Natalie Zett) | Episode 45 42:49

3M ago42:49

42:49

When journalist Natalie Zett received a mysterious family manuscript, she had no idea it would lead her to her long-lost Aunt Martha – a 19-year-old victim of the tragic 1915 Eastland disaster in Chicago. What began as a deeply personal quest to understand her aunt's story transformed into a mission to preserve the forgotten stories of over 800 sou…

1
Not A Secret Anymore (with Linda Goldman and Milly and Marty Mandel) | Episode 44 32:49

3M ago32:49

32:49

"There must be a mistake - I know all my first cousins." When Linda Goldman responded to an unexpected DNA match, she had no idea how wrong she was. Join me for a remarkable conversation with 100-year-old Millie Mandel, her son Marty, and cousin Linda as they share how DNA testing unveiled a century-old family secret that would transform two famili…

1
Mess in His Wake | Episode 43 21:50

3M ago21:50

21:50

When family relationships shatter, the ripples can span generations. In this deeply personal episode, I uncover the story of my great-great-grandfather Park Cowan, whose choices left a wake of heartbreak, bigamy charges, and newspaper headlines across the Midwest in 1901. Through historical records and family lore, I piece together how his abandonm…

1
Bit by the Bug (with Emily Pulham) | Episode 42 27:47

3M ago27:47

27:47

When a 12-year-old girl watched her grandmother work at a microfilm reader, she couldn't have known she was witnessing the beginning of her own family history journey. Now a young mother of three, Emily Pulham has transformed her passion for genealogy into a profound gift - a book preserving her Danish grandmother's incredible stories of life durin…

1
Operation Pedro Pan (with Elisa Seeherman and Yda Okurliand-Pack) | Episode 41 37:44

3M ago37:44

37:44

When cousins Elisa and Yda finally met in person, they uncovered more than their shared DNA – they discovered how a desperate effort to save Cuban children from Castro's regime had shaped their family's destiny. Through meticulous research and a surprising DNA match, Elisa connected with a branch of her Jewish family she never knew existed, leading…

1
An Opportunity for Connection | Episode 40 26:58

4M ago26:58

26:58

When my mom was just 17, she lost her father – but 50 years later, DNA revealed an unexpected gift... In this deeply personal episode, I share how an ordinary AncestryDNA test revealed an extraordinary family secret. What began as a potentially devastating discovery became a beautiful experience that brought four women (in their 60s and 70s) closer…

1
Thanks for the Memories (with George Ott) | Episode 39 34:33

4M ago34:33

34:33

What happens when you present Bob Hope with his family history, and he has no joke to crack? In this episode, professional genealogist George Ott shares moving stories from his decades-long career, including unforgettable moments with Hollywood legends Bob Hope and Jimmy Stewart, who both found themselves brought to tears by discoveries about their…

1
It Doesn't Take A Lot (with Jason Terry) | Episode 38 41:13

4M ago41:13

41:13

When a 20-year-old WWII pilot makes fudge in a POW camp on Christmas Day, he teaches a lasting lesson... Jason Terry shares how his grandfather's small act of kindness in a German prison camp during WWII sparked a family legacy of service that spans generations. Through stories of answered prayers, harrowing escapes, and a precious Red Cross packag…

1
Finding Heroes (with Wayne Abbott and David O'Keefe) | Episode 37 30:36

4M ago30:36

30:36

Have you ever wondered if there are forgotten family heroes in your past? In this episode, documentarians Wayne Abbott and David O'Keefe reveal how combining historical records, artifacts, and family research can bridge generational gaps and uncover powerful family stories. Through their work on Ancestry's "Finding Heroes" podcast, they share emoti…

1
A Phone Call From Heaven (with Jenny Ashcraft) | Episode 36 28:28

5M ago28:28

28:28

When Jenny Ashcraft joked with her dying father about needing a 'cell phone call from heaven' to start family history... that's exactly what she got. Just days after her father's funeral, a mysterious package arrived from a stranger who felt compelled to send her family records after reading her father's obituary. Follow Jenny's journey from a relu…

1
Sometimes You Don't Like the Answer (with Lisa Elzey) | Episode 35 28:00

5M ago28:00

28:00

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…

1
Back to the Cherokee Nation (with Nicka Sewell-Smith) | Episode 34 36:34

5M ago36:34

36:34

Not everyone stumbles on a photo of a relative hanging in a hotel bathroom, but Nicka Sewell-Smith isn’t just anyone. And, that’s not even the most interesting story she has to tell. From family reunions to battles for tribal citizenship, Nicka reveals an American tale that challenges common narratives about Native American and African American his…

1
The Fabric of Who You Are | (with Diahan Southard) | Episode 33 41:12

5M ago41:12

41:12

Have you ever thought about how deeply you can trace your roots with just a simple DNA test? Listen in on my conversation with Diahan Southard, a trailblazer in consumer genomics and the founder of Your DNA Guide. She takes us through her story, starting as a microbiology student at Brigham Young University, continuing to her work with Sorenson Mol…

1
Dad, I Want to Know About the War (with Becky Ellis) | Episode 32 36:17

6M ago36:17

36:17

For 43 years, Becky Ellis's father refused to speak about his World War II service — until one conversation at age 89 changed everything. What started with a simple "Dad, I want to know about the war" led to seven years of profound revelations that transformed not just their relationship, but Becky's understanding of herself. As her father finally …

1
Not Much of a Saint | Episode 31 19:28

6M ago19:28

19:28

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 Ci…

1
La Cugina d'Americana (with Suzanne Russo Adams) | Episode 30 39:12

6M ago39:12

39:12

A young girl sits at her Italian family's dinner table, absorbing stories of sea monsters, witches, and prohibition-era St. Louis — while her cousins run off to play. Today, that curious child has become Director of Brigham Young University’s Center for Family History and Genealogy. Join me as Suzanne Russo Adams shares how listening to her grandfa…

1
Why Didn't We Know This Story (with Gayle George) | Episode 29 40:17

6M ago40:17

40:17

What if uncovering a family story you never knew could change the way you see yourself and the world? In 2019, Ancestry's documentary Railroad Ties revealed how the Underground Railroad connected descendants of the enslaved with those who fought for their freedom. Before listening to this powerful conversation, watch the film. My guest Gayle George…

1
I Had Come Home | Episode 28 29:34

7M ago29:34

29:34

When someone asks where you're from, do you think of a place or the people? For me, that question took on new meaning when I unexpectedly burst into tears on a Glasgow train platform, feeling an inexplicable sense of coming home. In this episode, join me as I share the story of my three times great-grandfather, Samuel Mulliner, who left Scotland fo…

1
Be At The Things That Matter Most (with The Cowan Niblings) | Episode 27 47:18

7M ago47:18

47:18

"Cowans show up for each other!" When seven cousins gather in a podcast studio after their Alaskan adventure, this family motto comes alive... Join me and "the niblings" – my six nephews and one niece – just hours after returning from their first cousins-only cruise. From Corbin's birthday fireworks to Andrew's legendary seven-pancake breakfast, an…

1
Moments of Really Beautiful Things (IAJGS LIVE) | Episode 26 32:37

7M ago32:37

32:37

What do Lake Como, Italy, a Jewish genealogy conference, and a surprise discovery in Chicago all have in common? They're woven together in a story that reminds us why family history matters — a story I shared in front of a live audience in August 2024 at the 44th IAJGS International Conference on Jewish Genealogy in Philadelphia. Listen in as I rec…

1
A Whole Other Tree of Possibilities (with Todd Godfrey) | Episode 25 42:14

7M ago42:14

42:14

What if solving your family history was like tackling a 5000-piece puzzle without the box? For Todd Godfrey, Vice President of Global Content at Ancestry, this metaphor became startlingly real when a high school yearbook photo revealed his biological mother's face – and his own features staring back at him. While Todd leads the team digitizing bill…

1
HBO Gift Lounge | Episode 24 23:13

8M ago23:13

23:13

It’s Emmys Weekend in Los Angeles. What does that have to do with family stories? Well, back in 2018, Ancestry hosted a luxury gift lounge during a Hollywood award show weekend. Unlike typical gift lounges where celebrities grab swag, snap photos, and move on, we offered them a different experience. A chance to connect with their past. We transform…

1
You Lose Them Twice (with Julie Taggart) | Episode 23 30:14

8M ago30:14

30:14

We call ourselves Gen X women but many of us are quickly becoming the “sandwich generation.” It’s a term that invokes feelings of being squeezed between raising children, welcoming grandchildren, and caring for aging parents all while juggling never ending demands on our time and emotions. With six children ranging in age from 11 to 21 and a mother…

1
From People Who've Done Hard Things (with Jordan Lundskog) | Episode 22 35:39

8M ago35:39

35:39

When Jordan Lundskog lost his beloved grandfather at age 16, he discovered that family stories aren't just tales from the past – they're bridges between generations. Now a product manager at Ancestry® and father of young children, Jordan shares how uncovering his grandfather's high school football photo sparked an unexpected journey through time. F…

1
Turn It Into the Wind (with Erik and Emily Orton) | Episode 21 36:50

8M ago36:50

36:50

Ever wondered what it takes to turn an ordinary life into an extraordinary adventure? When former Broadway professional Erik Orton suggested his family of seven live on a sailboat for a year, it seemed impossible — until his daughter asked "do you really have the guts to do it?" Join me for an inspiring conversation with Erik and Emily Orton, autho…

1
Open Heart, Open Mind, Open Ears (with Maria Mendoza) | Episode 20 26:29

8M ago26:29

26:29

"What's it like holding and looking at your own DNA?" This simple question about her newborn son sparked something profound in Maria Mendoza, who grew up adopted. Years later, a DNA test revealed not just her ethnicity, but an entire family — including her biological father and eight half-siblings — living just fifteen minutes away. Join us as Mari…

1
Laugh 'Til We Cry (with Scott Seiffert and Lisa Dyson) | Episode 19 36:54

9M ago36:54

36:54

When animation executive Scott Seiffert learned that generations of his family drank at bars and told stories in Montana, something clicked into place about his own storytelling journey... At DreamWorks Animation, Scott shepherds stories for the screen, while his wife Lisa, a middle school librarian and actress, brings stories to life for her stude…

1
Families Have Always Been Messy | Episode 18 29:21

9M ago29:21

29:21

What happens when an 18-year-old girl questions her faith in 1727 England? For my ancestor Margaret Lawrence, that choice set off a chain of events that would echo through generations. I've spent decades unraveling the true story behind our family's romanticized tales of her journey to America – and what I discovered was far more complex than the s…

1
Police Don't Have Nothin' On Me (with Rusty Wright and Lisa Elzey) | Episode 17 37:55

9M ago37:55

37:55

What if the secrets to your family's past were hidden in plain sight, waiting to be discovered in the most unexpected places - like a county jail? When U.S. Marshal Rusty Wright set out to learn about the grandfather he never met, he never imagined discovering that his own ancestor had once faced off with law enforcement. What begins as a simple in…

1
Fearless Women (with Cathy Hughes) | Episode 16 28:14

9M ago28:14

28:14

When children are raised knowing the stories of the strong, fearless women in their family tree they are more likely to feel empowered to chase their own dreams. 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 …

1
Familial Sudoku (with Josh Harman) | Episode 15 24:39

10M ago24:39

24:39

Do you revel in solving a good brain teaser or completing a crossword puzzle? Climbing your family tree can feel a little like piecing together a tricky jigsaw. But what happens when solving the puzzle reveals a blind great-grandfather who built houses single-handedly and inspired generations? Early in his career, Josh Harman was a young, slightly …

1
What Is Your American Story? (with Mary Tedesco) | Episode 14 30:45

10M ago30:45

30:45

How did a simple search on Ancestry.com spark a lifelong passion, a stronger mother-daughter bond, and a stint as a host on a popular genealogy television show? 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 A…

1
Their Stories in Their Words | Episode 13 36:21

10M ago36:21

36:21

In 1891, Martha Mills Brown wrote a heart-wrenching letter to her children and grandchildren, detailing her family's harrowing experiences during the Civil War in Northwest Arkansas. I discovered this remarkable first-hand account through an Ancestry hint while researching my own three-times great-grandfather, "Uncle Jimmy" Lawrence. What began as …

1
We're Doing This Together (with Steve Cowan) | Episode 12 42:13

10M ago42:13

42:13

Every Sunday night at 9:30 PM, my dad and I meet virtually to solve family history mysteries together — a tradition we've kept for over seven years, no matter where we are in the world. A tradition that has transformed our relationship from father-daughter to best friends. In this deeply personal episode, I introduce you to my dad, Steve Cowan. He …

1
Continue to Say His Name (with Kelley Dixon-Tealer and Alva Marie Jenkins) | Episode 11 36:00

11M ago36:00

36:00

In 1865, Hawkins Wilson, a Texas freedman, wrote letters searching for the family he was torn from as a young, enslaved boy more than 24 years earlier. Though time and distance separated them, his childhood memories remained vivid as he wrote to his "dearest relatives" through the Freedmen's Bureau, sharing the man he had become. His heartfelt lett…

1
We'll Always Keep Searching (with Emily Paulson) | Episode 10 41:12

11M ago41:12

41:12

When Emily Paulson learned that nearly 72,000 WWII heroes remained unidentified, she found her calling... Through her role as a contractor at the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency, Emily combines traditional genealogy research and DNA science to identify more than 81,000 missing American service members who served from WWII through the Gulf War. As…

1
One Person's Trash | Episode 9 18:12

11M ago18:12

18:12

When an unexpected email unearthed irreplaceable family heirlooms, it reminded me that people—including our own relatives—are often not quite what they seem. My grandpa’s youngest sister, Aunt Madeleine, was always a bit of an enigma within our family—emotionally distant and reserved. More than once she said things that left us all a little stunned…

1
L'dor V'dor - From Generation to Generation (with Howard Hochhauser) | Episode 8 23:50

11M ago23:50

23:50

Serena never spoke of her life before she married into the Hochhauser family. They knew she was from Eastern Europe and, based on her age and immigration timing, had survived the Holocaust. But how she did so remained a story untold - until nearly two decades after her death, when newly available records from the Red Cross International Tracing Ser…

1
And Then I Heard A Meadowlark Sing (with Sunny Morton) | Episode 7 27:04

11M ago27:04

27:04

Genealogist Sunny Morton didn't even know someone was missing from her family tree until a single mention in an obituary led her to a Nun. Sister Mary Bertilla. This single name sparked a search that revealed a remarkable woman who dedicated herself to faith and service. Her story, preserved in convent archives and captured in a touching obituary, …

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Crista Cowan | The Barefoot Genealogist Podcasts

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