Best How To Research Your Family Tree Podcasts (2025)

1
Alaska Man vs. 700-pound Boulder 17:30

22m ago17:30

17:30

We tell you how a hiker in Alaska survived a 700-pound boulder falling on his back. This café in a war-torn country serves cuteness with its coffee. Clownfish are learning how to survive climate change, one centimeter at a time. The horses in this program are helping men struggling with addiction to get back on their feet. Plus, how a Little Mermai…

1
This Rock Band Could Play at a Backyard Near You 17:42

10d ago17:42

17:42

This rock band hopes their new tour gives big concert venues a run for their money. The most memorable part of these teens’ prom happened after the dance, when they stumbled upon a house on fire. The treatment to save his son had a hefty price tag, so this dad picked up an oar and started rowing to raise money. This club in New York City helps olde…

1
Your Ancestors Are Closer Than You Think: A Preview of Know Your Ancestral Guides 5:55

8d ago5:55

5:55

Last summer, I walked the land where generations of my ancestors lived in northern Wales. In today’s episode, I share what that experience stirred in me—and how it inspired the free class I’m teaching this week: Know Your Ancestral Guides.If you’ve ever felt the pull of your lineage or wondered where to begin connecting with your ancestors, this cl…

1
Kermit the Frog’s Advice to 2025 Grads 17:21

17d ago17:21

17:21

“The Office” star teamed up with a nonprofit to offer free prom tickets to students impacted by the Eaton fire in Los Angeles. Kermit the Frog delivered a commencement speech at the University of Maryland. With months to live, this man is hitting the road to give back in all 50 states. A mini pony escaped from a rescue farm, and where she ended up …

1
Robots & Pig Organs: The Future of Organ Transplants 16:36

24d ago16:36

16:36

A woman who hadn’t used CPR in 40 years didn’t hesitate when it mattered most. In Staten Island, a deli manager is giving kids with good grades way more than sugar highs. A newer organ transplant approach could mean less pain, quicker recovery and more donors. CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta takes us inside the labs and the lives reshaped by cutting-edge tr…

1
High Ancestry Episode 1: Astrology and Ancestors 38:57

22d ago38:57

38:57

Low Ancestry is getting a Patreon! Every month, we will be putting out one episode for subscribers of a new series we're calling High Ancestry where Kim takes the reins. In our very first episode of High Ancestry, Kim talks to us about the history and psychology of astrology, and then we do the critical work of comparing ancestors we've talked abou…

1
A Second Grade Conclave Elected a Kid Pope 17:34

27d ago17:34

17:34

The world met the first American pope this week, but a second-grade conclave in Georgia stole hearts first. Venice is one of the most beautiful cities in the world – CNN National Correspondent Erica Hill shares how engineers plan to keep it that way. An abandoned Shih Tzu became the star of a senior center in Texas. Meet the 2025 National Teacher …

1
100 Men vs. 1 Gorilla: An Expert’s Take on Viral Debate 16:36

1M ago16:36

16:36

When disaster struck in California, these young robotics engineers refused to quit, and their hard work paid off. A primatologist weighs in on the viral 100 men vs. silverback gorilla debate. After losing a loved one to drunk driving, the Montana Bar Fairies helped pass a new state law. An Australian miniature dachshund survived over a year in the …

1
Joseph Gillette: Fourth-Great-Grandfather 57:36

1M ago57:36

57:36

In this very tough episode, we dive into Kim's very southern family by looking at the life of her fourth-great-grandfather and Confederate officer, Joseph Ezra Gillette, and we get real about what it means to have family that benefitted from enslaving others and why it's so important to talk about. Support the show! Connect with us on Instagram and…

1
Why Saying No Brings Eva Longoria Joy 17:11

1M ago17:11

17:11

The host of CNN’s "Searching for Spain" shares why Americans should try to live life like the Spaniards do. A rare record collector reunites a woman with a Voice-o-Graph she recorded 70 years ago. How this record-setting rodent is saving lives with his sense of smell. From deception to acceptance, a female magician's decades-long journey into the w…

1
A Dog Saves a Missing Boy After Hours in the Desert 14:33

2M ago14:33

14:33

A doctor in Florida is using art to honor his cancer patients’ recovery. A ranch dog rescues a lost toddler in the Arizona desert. A new museum in south Jersey lets visitors dig for fossils on a mass extinction site. Thanks to a young fan, a first-time author’s book is now a best seller. Plus, this public safety power couple retires after a combine…

1
Interview with the Host: Karyn Harding 1:11:27

2M ago1:11:27

1:11:27

The interview you all have been clambering for. We switch things up a little as Kim takes the lead and interviews host, Karyn, about her process, life, history, and how it all ties together to right now. We'll be back next episode with another look at Kim's ancestry! Support the show! Connect with us on Instagram and TikTok and don’t forget to rate…

1
An Ancient Wolf is Back: The Path to Save Another 15:55

2M ago15:55

15:55

An NHL star makes history and for a good cause. Two tortoises become first-time parents in their late nineties. Scientists say they’ve revived the extinct dire wolf and used the same tech to help save a critically endangered one. Going offline is a requirement to join this social club. Plus, a frat reunites a woman with her dog 300 miles away. Lear…

1
The Heart Transplant that Connected Two Families 16:37

2M ago16:37

16:37

Chicks of America’s favorite bald eagle couple have been named. How a school superintendent in PA gets stringed instruments in students’ hands for free. A teen heart transplant recipient's push for organ donation awareness. These 90-somethings found a new way to fight loneliness and stay connected. Plus, lost wedding photos took an incredible journ…

1
John L. O'Donnell: Third-Great-Grandfather 47:20

2M ago47:20

47:20

This episode is about MJURDER! That is, murder. Turns out that Kim's 3rd-great-grandfather, John O'Donnell, was a man who contained multitudes--involved in crime, scandal, and maybe romance? Set in the hills of northwest Virginia, join us as we unravel the 1869 murder of Port Republic. Support the show! Connect with us on Instagram and TikTok and d…

1
The Barber Who Pays Kids to Read 16:05

2M ago16:05

16:05

A barbershop in Pennsylvania is boosting reading levels and confidence. Millions around the world are hooked on a Dutch city’s fish doorbell livestream. The National Cherry Blossom Festival in DC kicked off with a new activity for a good cause. Researchers in the UK are using AI to understand the emotions of a farm animal better. Plus, a former rac…

1
A Sports Bar Where Barriers (and Brackets) Are Broken 14:31

3M ago14:31

14:31

A world-first in Sydney could offer a lifeline for those waiting for a heart transplant. A high school teacher in Pennsylvania created a kindness challenge for her students. The Sports Bra bar is attracting major attention as March Madness kicks off. A New Jersey woman returned a library book that’s nearly a century overdue. Plus, local police and …

1
The Beahm Family (Definitely NOT Jim Beam) 44:42

3M ago44:42

44:42

You ever think you're really good at your newfound hobby and then get humbled real quick. Yeah me either. Just kidding, this episode is all about how I believed that Kim was related to Jim Beam and was a whiskey princess, but it turns out that I was wrong and now there is egg on my face. But Kim doesn't need mediocre whiskey to tell her that she's …

1
This Actor Wiped Out Debt for 900 Families 14:39

3M ago14:39

14:39

A three-year-old boy conquered his fears and saved his great-grandmother. The Montana Bar Fairies are turning grief into action in a state plagued by drunk driving. A college student in Boston helps women in need feel seen and beautiful. Actor Michael Sheen paid off $1.3 million worth of debt for his neighbors. Plus, this guy has been diving for lo…

1
One Mom Turned Her Struggle Into a Movement 18:19

3M ago18:19

18:19

We’re celebrating International Women’s Day with five stories about women making a difference around the globe. Pumpspotting helps breastfeeding moms connect virtually and physically. Artists in this market have been doing better than men at auctions. A woman-led tribe is on a mission to protect salmon and the rivers they live in. This network’s he…

1
Generational Wealth, Scarcity, and Family Legacy with Kate Northrup 38:09

3M ago38:09

38:09

Ep 44: In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Kate Northrup, author, entrepreneur, and founder of Relaxed Money, to explore her ancestral lineage and how it connects to her work in healing our relationship with time and money. We dive deep into the generational patterns of wealth, scarcity, and abundance that have shaped her family’s story…

1
Season Two is coming (and a personal update) 32:41

3M ago32:41

32:41

It's been a minute, and we've got some exciting updates about Season Two--not the least of which is that it's releasing on March 17. *gasp* It's nice to have something to look forward to! Especially for your charming and genealogy-loving host, Karyn, who has had an especially wild (read: bad) year so far. We get into some personal updates--a passin…

1
The Guy Who Created His Dream Job 15:40

3M ago15:40

15:40

Doctors had to get crafty to save a three-month-old's life. A retired ocean liner is embarking on its final journey with a new mission for the record books. A dog lover left the corporate world and found his calling behind a camera. A new study pinpoints where massive sources of clean energy could exist. Plus, why a family cat is living her best ni…

1
These Young Emoji Designers Want to Make History 16:35

4M ago16:35

16:35

A California woman who lost her home in the Eaton Fire has a 3D plan to rebuild. When a father couldn’t find toys and apparel featuring Black historical figures, he created his own. We’ll tell you why a London youth group is on a mission to create emojis with Black and mixed-race hairstyles. A space robotics engineer is helping make farming easier …

1
50 Years of Love (And the Research to Prove It) 15:44

4M ago15:44

15:44

In this special edition of CNN 5 Good Things all about love for Valentine’s Day, volunteers in every state are delivering roses and heartfelt cards to senior citizens. An animal shelter is playing matchmaker across the country. The psychologists behind the famous "36 Questions That Lead to Love" are celebrating 50 years of marriage – they share the…

1
Discovering Ancestral Healing with Dee Taggart 38:47

4M ago38:47

38:47

Ep 43: In this episode of Know Your Ancestors, I sit down with Dee Taggart, a breathwork facilitator and intuitive cranial sacral therapist, to explore the deep connections between ancestry, healing, and personal transformation. Dee shares how her spiritual journey led her to uncover the presence of her grandmother, Virginia Lee Gibbs, during a hea…

1
Another Football Game is Gaining Yardage 15:15

4M ago15:15

15:15

The Super Bowl may be the main event this week, but flag football is quickly becoming the next big thing. New research is advancing what we know about ape intelligence. A remote cottage in Ireland is one of the world’s top Michelin-starred restaurants. A young boy’s bravery in a moment of crisis is earning him the title of a real-life superhero. Th…

1
A Lunar New Year Ritual That Gets Messy (In a Good Way) 15:58

4M ago15:58

15:58

A 21-year-old piano tuner brought music and joy back to a busy airport. We’ll tell you how researchers are working to protect bees from pesticide poisoning. Tossing food in the air is a Lunar New Year tradition these chefs won’t miss. Scientists are studying a 1.2-million-year-old piece of ice to learn about climate change. Six months ago, a presch…

1
The High School Hero Who Saved His Rival’s Life 14:01

5M ago14:01

14:01

Thailand became the first south Asian country to recognize marriage equality. How a high school basketball player’s quick thinking on the court saved a life. This start-up makes special backpacks that turn into a reading light for places with no electricity. The Golden State Warriors make a superfan’s day. Plus, a tiny French town just got 10 milli…

1
Dry January Doesn’t Mean Boring Options 15:57

5M ago15:57

15:57

A seafood restaurant in California rallied volunteers and donations to support those impacted by the LA wildfires. Scientists uncovered a nearly 500-foot-long dinosaur highway in England. Researchers test if fairy tales can inspire kids to make healthier food choices – the results are pretty magical! Robots dive into action to restore a key compone…

1
Heroes Emerge from the Flames in the City of Angels 15:34

5M ago15:34

15:34

We’ll tell you about some good Samaritans who are helping feed and protect their neighbors impacted by the wildfires in Los Angeles. Volunteers distribute thousands of free winter clothing items across parks in the Twin Cities. A veteran judge in North Carolina has a new colleague – his daughter. A Virginia Zoo selects a name for its new baby pigmy…

1
These Goats Will Eat Your Christmas Tree 14:45

5M ago14:45

14:45

A nonprofit in Boston is giving free access to education, playtime and meals to kids who have experienced homelessness. A 23-year-old runner shares why he’s taking on the 183.4 mile World Marathon Challenge. Ready to chuck your Christmas tree? Let these farm animals in Massachusetts take it off your hands. Rats love to take some joy rides. Plus, a …

1
What's next? 10:18

5M ago10:18

10:18

Congratulations... you're not a beginner anymore. But what's next for the podcast?By Ed Adams

1
Celebrating Good News of 2024 15:11

5M ago15:11

15:11

A self-proclaimed street librarian has a new way to deliver free books to kids in Baltimore. A high school student’s dream of treating skin cancer is getting closer to coming true. A nonprofit in Phoenix helps those experiencing homelessness unwrap a little happiness this holiday season. A filmmaker who’s collecting stories about happiness hits mor…

1
My Viking Ancestors? 44:40

5M ago44:40

44:40

Wishful linking is a genealogical crime, and this episode, I become one of the criminals. Join us as we talk about what links me to the Vikings, and then keep joining us as we promptly disprove it. Support the show! Connect with us on Instagram and TikTok and don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you get podcasts. You can also find u…

1
Moxxy Forensic Investigations 25:00

6M ago25:00

25:00

Katie Thomas and Kaycee Connelly from Moxxy Forensic Investigations join me for a conversation about Investigative Genetic Genealogy and how people can help them in their quest to bring closure to families, and communities. https://www.moxxyforensics.com/donateBy Ed Adams

1
Santa's Son Steps into His Father's Boots 14:52

6M ago14:52

14:52

Meet the Traveling Piano Man spreading joy across the US through music. People with memory loss disorders are getting sound prescriptions. The youngest-ever World Chess Champion returns home to a hero’s welcome. A beloved local Santa in New York passed away, but his son is carrying on his legacy. Plus, could mouse sperm orbiting Earth be the future…

1
Other Podcasts 8:40

6M ago8:40

8:40

I can't thank you enough for listening to this podcast... I've really enjoyed working on it. But just like you've listened to this one, I listen to plenty of other genealogy podcasts, and I wanted to share the ones that I listen to most. In no particular order: Genealogy Gems Family Tree Magazine Podcast Hittin the Bricks with Kathleen The Research…

1
Women Will Have a League of Their Own... Again 14:23

6M ago14:23

14:23

A new, rare exhibit is bringing a 150-million-year-old dinosaur to life. Women will get the chance to play pro baseball again. A catastrophe on a couple’s wedding day turned into a beautiful memory. How a Dutch recycling company is tackling footwear waste. Plus, the 2024 CNN Hero of the Year and Young Wonders have been chosen. Learn more about your…

1
The Kesteloos (feat. Kathleen Larsen) 1:04:45

6M ago1:04:45

1:04:45

We’re doing something a little bit different this episode. We sit down with friend of the podcast, Kathleen Larsen and dive into a story from her family tree. Together, we learn about one man’s gutsy, one-way trip across the ocean, the new life he makes in America, and the legacy his family left behind. Through his story and the story of the people…

1
Continuing Education 12:55

6M ago12:55

12:55

Keeping your edge sharp is important as a researcher. You can learn a lot just by doing, but what about when you feel yourself starting to plateau? Let's talk about continuing education in Genealogy. BYU Family History Program Boston University Genealogy Studies Program Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburg Institute of Genealogy and Histori…

1
From Ashes to Art: Notre Dame’s Revival 14:27

6M ago14:27

14:27

A treasured gothic architectural gem reopens to the public five years after a fire. Bike Buses put a fresh spin on the commute to school for kids and parents across the US. A 11-year old lead the charge for cleaner air in Connecticut classrooms. A woman saved her twin sister’s life in a rare organ transplant. AI is helping farmers speed up crop bre…

1
Read the descriptions! 8:11

6M ago8:11

8:11

Would you drive cross country without a map? Then don't go researching within collections if you haven't read the description. Think of it as your roadmap for how to use the collection and what you can and can't find within.By Ed Adams

1
Would You Bust a Move for A Free Cup of Coffee? 15:06

6M ago15:06

15:06

A choir helps people with Alzheimer's and dementia find joy and purpose. A formerly unhoused New Yorker helps feed people on the city’s streets. People from all over North Carolina came together to feed Hurricane Helene survivors on Thanksgiving. A coffee shop in Massachusetts went viral for giving away free coffee on one groovy condition. Plus, th…

1
Find Birth, Marriage, and Death Records for Your Ancestors from England & Wales (after 1837) 20:45

6M ago20:45

20:45

Ep 42: If you have ancestors that lived in England or Wales after 1837, watch (or listen) to learn how to order their civil registration records (birth, marriage, and death). In this episode I share how I searched for civil registration records for the last episode with Zach Mander. These records are very reliable to locate and have useful informat…

1
William Bradford: Twelfth-Great-Grandfather (with Micah Pick) 1:07:47

6M ago1:07:47

1:07:47

It's a special Thanksgiving episode! We dive into the fraught history of our Mayflower ancestors with friend, Micah Pick, who also happens to share a famous Pilgrim ancestor with host, Karyn. Join us as we talk about the life of the Mayflower colonists, and we attempt to pick at the threads of the American mythology that surrounds them. You can fin…

1
Non-Paternity Events 13:24

7M ago13:24

13:24

Until I got into genetic genealogy, I had no idea how common misattributed parentage was. The reality is, most people's trees, if they aren't also using genetic matches to validate everything, likely have the wrong biological parents in one or more places in the tree. Today we talk about how to figure out your relationship to a match that has a non…

1
Betty White Gets a Stamp 14:34

7M ago14:34

14:34

A 17-year-old girl won a prestigious award this week advocating for the rights of girls in Afghanistan. Scientists have discovered the world's largest stretch of coral. A TV legend is getting her own stamp next year. A society of magicians wants to welcome back a member who tricked them. Plus, this 31-year-old woman smashed the record for hiking th…

1
Naval Roots and Australian Origins with Zach Mander 48:47

7M ago48:47

48:47

Ep 41: Zach Mander is a radio host and comedic content creator, living in Brisbane, Australia. He knew very little about his ancestors and was curious about learning when they first came to Australia. In this episode, I shared about the life of his great grandfather Lance Harold Mander, his unexpected beginnings, and arrival in Australia. Follow Za…

1
Audit your tree 12:00

7M ago12:00

12:00

It's only natural that the more genealogy we do, the better we get at it. In genealogy being better means being finding more records and being more accurate. So what do you do about all that work you did earlier when your skills weren't as developed. It's time for an audit. @theWGTPod on Twitter Find me on Facebook…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

How To Research Your Family Tree Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen