The Family Histories Podcast

The Family Histories Podcast

The Family Histories Podcast

The Family Histories Podcast is a show that celebrates those of us sat in archives, libraries, and spare bedrooms all around the world, tirelessly piecing together our collective social and family history.Join author and family historian Andrew Martin as he interviews a fellow genealogy addict about how they got hooked; listen to his guest tell the life story of their most fascinatingly good, bad, or plain ugly relative; and then it's time to face 'The Brick Wall' - where it's over to the listeners to see if they can help solve their family history puzzle.As a parting gift...

S08EP08 - The Paradox (Bonus)

S08EP08 - The Paradox (Bonus)

This is a short bonus episode, continuing on immediately after the cliffhanger at the end of 'The Nationalist' with Daniel Loftus. As Andrew realises he's not alone in the garage, they'll have to work together to fix a dangerous time travel paradox before it erases the podcast.Thank you once again for joining us for another series, and letting us have your ears. Whilst we're off making new episodes, why not check out our back catalogue with more than 60 guests! You can a

Dec 31, 2024 • 6:47

S08EP07 - 'The Nationalist' with Daniel Loftus

S08EP07 - 'The Nationalist' with Daniel Loftus

In this final full episode of Series Eight, host Andrew Martin meets Irish genealogist, speaker, occasional podcaster, and Project Infant founder, Daniel Loftus. He asks Daniel how he got hooked on researching his family history, challenges he's faced with DNA testing and adoption, and why he's leading a project that brings Mother and Baby Homes in Ireland under the spotlight.If you’d like to volunteer for Project Infant, you can do so at: https://projectinfant.ie/volunteerTHE LIFE STO

Dec 17, 2024 • 47:06

S08EP06 - "The Homesick" with Jennifer Jones

S08EP06 - "The Homesick" with Jennifer Jones

In this episode of Series Eight, host Andrew meets Australian genealogist Jennifer Jones, who tells him about how she got hooked on researching family history, her motivation to blog her research, and her One-Place Study in Pembrokeshire, Wales.THE LIFE STORY - THOMAS WATERS Jennifer has chosen to tell the life story of Thomas Waters, her 2x Great Grandfather who was born in 1829 in the little village of Dunton in Bedfordshire, England, but in 1852 he emigrates to Australia. It has always baffle

Dec 10, 2024 • 40:58

S08EP05 - 'The Marine' with Richard Holt

S08EP05 - 'The Marine' with Richard Holt

In this episode of Series Eight, host Andrew Martin meets professional genealogist Richard Holt. He finds out how Richard got hooked on family history, what made him turn professional, has he ever experienced 'imposter syndrome', and his efforts to access original Wills - and challenging a proposal by the UK Government's Ministry of Justice on the disposal of historic Wills. THE LIFE STORY - MATTHEW BUYRN (aka JOHN DUNMORE)  Richard has chosen to tell the life story of his 4x Grea

Dec 3, 2024 • 51:54

S08EP04a - The Nightingale of Iran (Bonus)

S08EP04a - The Nightingale of Iran (Bonus)

Hello folks,  I had such a lovely time recording our episode 'The Nightingale' with Danielle and Galeet Dardashti, that after having talked with them at length about the old tape cassette recordings of family conversations, celebrations, singing, and music that Danielle had found stashed in a box in their parents' basement, we decided it would be nice for you to hear some of those recordings for yourself!So, here's the full first episode of The Nightingale of Iran, aptly titl

Nov 30, 2024 • 34:15

S08EP04 - "The Nightingale" with Danielle and Galeet Dardashti

S08EP04 - "The Nightingale" with Danielle and Galeet Dardashti

Joining host Andrew Martin for this fourth episode of Series Eight is not one but two guests! We're delighted to welcome Emmy-winning journalist Danielle Dardashti and her musician and anthropologist sister Dr. Galeet Dardashti. Danielle and Galeet researched the history of their family in Iran via audio recordings they found at their parents' house, uncovering some fascinating insights into their father and grandfather's musical success. The episode highlights the importance of a

Nov 26, 2024 • 41:44

S08EP03 - 'The Collier' with Adam Simpson-York

S08EP03 - 'The Collier' with Adam Simpson-York

It's a special delivery in today's episode from Series Eight, as host Andrew Martin meets family history and military history researcher, champion eBayer, and postman, Adam Simpson-York. Andrew finds out how Adam got hooked on researching family history, how he has honed his research skills that enable him to buy family heirlooms on auction sites and then trace their living relatives, allowing him to reunite them with their descendants, and hears about his letters from a Queen.THE LIFE

Nov 19, 2024 • 39:17

S08EP02 - "The Twin" with Sylvia Valentine

S08EP02 - "The Twin" with Sylvia Valentine

Andrew meets genealogist and Chair of the Register of Qualified Genealogists, Sylvia Valentine. He hears about how she got hooked on researching family history, her love of life-long learning and research, and her opinions on the terrifying workhouses!THE LIFE STORY - NAOMI HAWARTH Sylvia has chosen to tell the life story of her Gt Grandmother, Naomi Hawarth, who was born as a twin, but was the only one of the two to survive. She was not the only twin to her parents, or to outlive a twin sister.

Nov 12, 2024 • 49:49

S08EP01 - 'The Marchioness' with Bob Sorrentino

S08EP01 - 'The Marchioness' with Bob Sorrentino

In this first episode of Series Eight of The Family Histories Podcast, host Andrew Martin meets author, family historian, and the host of the Italian Roots and Genealogy YouTube series and podcast - Bob Sorrentino, and finds out about his Italian-American roots, and his connections to Italian and the wider European nobility. THE LIFE STORY - ISABELLA D'ESTE We're off to the 15th Century to hear about one of Bob's ancestors - Isabella d'Este (born 1474 in Ferrara, Italy) was

Nov 5, 2024 • 32:28

Series Eight Trailer

Series Eight Trailer

Our Eighth Series is here! But, before the first full episode arrives on 5th November 2024, there's just enough time for Andrew to pop back to compare notes with an old friend...In this new series we'll meet a Marchioness, a Twin, a 'Nightingale', a Marine, a Nationalist, a Collier, and a homesick migrant.Read more about our new series.- - -Episode Credits:Andrew Martin - Host and ProducerNicolas Balaguer - NostradamusThank you for listening! You can sign up to our email news

Nov 2, 2024 • 2:59

S07EP09 - 'The Place' with Dr. Angela Buckley, Dr. Nick Barratt, and Christine Payne

S07EP09 - 'The Place' with Dr. Angela Buckley, Dr. Nick Barratt, and Christine Payne

It's our 50th guest episode! So, to celebrate this special milestone episode, host Andrew Martin decides to head to the Society of Genealogists to meet three guests taking part in the annual All About That Place event. However, he doesn't quite end up where he expected... All About That Place is a series of talks brought to us by the Society of Genealogists, supported by the Society of One-Place Studies, British Association for Local History and Genealogy Stories. You can join in with the All Ab

Sep 20, 2024 • 31:33

S07EP08 - The Tower (Bonus)

S07EP08 - The Tower (Bonus)

This is a Series Seven Bonus Episode, following on immediately from the previous episode 'The Sailor' with Morag Peers.When two children inexplicably appear, host Andrew Martin and guest Morag Peers realise that the (shh: secret time) machine has moved time and location, and that they are now part of one of history's most baffling disappearances.- - -Episode Credits:Andrew Martin - Host and ProducerMorag Peers - GuestGeorge Orchard - King Edward VGeorge Mills - Richard, Duke of YorkThank you for

Jul 30, 2024 • 6:17

S07EP07 - 'The Sailor' with Morag Peers

S07EP07 - 'The Sailor' with Morag Peers

In this final full episode of Series Seven, host Andrew Martin meets Morag Peers - an award-winning professional genealogist who specialises in researching the lives of the people of Scotland. He hears how she got hooked on family history, how she ended up going professional, and her love of using passport records to trace family and world history.THE LIFE STORY - JOSEPH CLARKEMorag has chosen to tell the story of her 2x Great Uncle, Joseph Clarke. He was born in Kelton in 1846, into a family wi

Jun 18, 2024 • 52:06

S07EP06 - 'The Brother' with Scott Fisher

S07EP06 - 'The Brother' with Scott Fisher

Host Andrew Martin meets radio presenter and family historian, and host of the Extreme Genes radio show and podcast - Scott Fisher. He finds out how Scott got hooked on researching his family history, the lengths he goes to to solve genealogy puzzles, and how he ended up making his hit radio and podcast show. THE LIFE STORY - DONALD OLSEN  Scott has chosen to tell the life story of his maternal half-uncle Donald Olsen.Donald was one of several brothers who ended up serving in the Second World Wa

Jun 11, 2024 • 49:15

S07EP05 - 'The Poet' with Dai Davies

S07EP05 - 'The Poet' with Dai Davies

In the fifth episode of Series Seven, host Andrew Martin meets anthropologist and Welsh professional genealogist, Dai Davies, and finds out how they got hooked on researching family history, the challenges of researching Welsh family history from afar, and their thoughts on how the genealogy community could become a better place.THE LIFE STORY - DAVID DAVIES Dai has chosen to tell the life story of their 8x Great Uncle, David Davies who was born in 1754 in a small parish near Lampeter in West Wa

Jun 4, 2024 • 46:19

S07EP04 - 'The Résistant' with Marie Cappart

S07EP04 - 'The Résistant' with Marie Cappart

In this fourth episode of Series Seven, host Andrew Martin meets Anglo-Belgian professional genealogist, and country manager at MyHeritage - Marie Cappart, and finds out how she got addicted to researching her family history, what made her a 'DNA geek', and what it's like to work for MyHeritage. THE LIFE STORY - MARGUERITE NICHOLLSMarie has chosen to tell the life story of her Anglo-Belgian Great Aunt Marguerite Nicholls, who she discovered in her teenage years was missing from her family tree.M

May 28, 2024 • 53:00

S07EP03 - 'The Elevated' with Todd Lucero Sales

S07EP03 - 'The Elevated' with Todd Lucero Sales

In this third episode of Series Seven, host Andrew Martin meets professional genealogist, author, and host of The Filipino Genealogy Channel on YouTube - Todd Lucero Sales. Andrew hears how Todd got hooked on researching family history in the Philippines, the challenges of researching Filipino family history, the impact of hundreds of years of rule by Spain on records, and why he started his YouTube channel. THE LIFE STORY - FELICIANA MARIA CEBALLOS Todd has chosen to tell the story of his 4x Gr

May 21, 2024 • 48:01

S07EP02 - 'The Knitter' with Dave Annal

S07EP02 - 'The Knitter' with Dave Annal

In this second episode of Series Seven, host Andrew Martin meets professional genealogist, author, lecturer, Fellow, and former Principal Family History Specialist of the National Archives - Dave Annal. Dave tells Andrew how he got hooked on researching his family, how he ended up working for the National Archives, his thoughts and hopes on where he sees the genealogy industry going next, and his love of Wills.THE LIFE STORY - MARGARET HOWLAND  Dave has chosen to tell the life story of his pater

May 14, 2024 • 53:40

S07EP01 - 'The Aunt' with Jackie Kohnstamm

S07EP01 - 'The Aunt' with Jackie Kohnstamm

In this first episode of Series Seven, host Andrew Martin meets Jackie Kohnstamm - a lecturer, author, playwright, and family historian. Jackie tells Andrew how she got hooked on researching family histories after hearing stories with missing bits, and then finding letters. She tells him what motivated her to write her book 'The Memory Keeper: A Journey Into The Holocaust To Find My Family', and...THE LIFE STORY - CHARLOTTE RYCHWALSKI Jackie has chosen to tell the life story of her mat

May 7, 2024 • 38:41

Series Seven Trailer

Series Seven Trailer

The Family Histories Podcast is back for Series Seven!Once again, host Andrew Martin, and his 19th century assistant Sándor Petőfi, welcome seven more guests, each with a fascinating life story, and of course a pesky genealogy research 'brick wall' for listeners to try to solve.However, before they welcome their first guest, there's something in the garage that needs some maintenance.... from an expert.- - -Episode Credits:Andrew Martin - Host & ProducerEtienne Durandt - Charl

May 1, 2024 • 3:19

S06EP08 - The Reminder (Bonus)

S06EP08 - The Reminder (Bonus)

Previously, on The Family Histories Podcast......  As last week's guest James Danter is zapped back in time via the (shhh: secret time) machine without any glitches, all seems well for the series' final episode. However, Andrew is knocked unconscious after tripping over a cable and causing something heavy to fall on his head.... Who are the ghostly voices he can hear, and what do they want? Find out now in this bonus episode inspired by Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol&apo

Dec 24, 2023 • 9:13

S06EP07 - 'The Loyalist' with James Danter

S06EP07 - 'The Loyalist' with James Danter

In this final full episode of Series Six, host Andrew meets James Danter - a family historian who is also a professional archaeologist. Andrew learns about how he got into both of these areas, and how they overlap and help him with his research in both fields. He also asks James on his thoughts of how these two areas could work closer.THE LIFE STORY - DARCY FOWLER  James has chosen to tell the story of his wife's ancestor, Darcy Fowler (later known as D'arcy Fowler) who trained and wor

Dec 19, 2023 • 53:00

S06EP06 - 'The Runaway' with Teresa Vega

S06EP06 - 'The Runaway' with Teresa Vega

In this Sixth episode of Series Six, host Andrew Martin meets family historian Teresa Vega and finds out how she got hooked on researching family history, how her background in anthropology has helped her research, her adventures with DNA testing to trace her Ramapough Lenape Nation ancestors, and her work on the Family Tree DNA Malagasy Roots project with TV's DNA Detective CeCe Moore.THE LIFE STORY - ANTONIA 'TUN' SNYDER Teresa has chosen to tell the life story of her 4x Great Grandmother, Ant

Dec 12, 2023 • 50:16

S06EP05 - 'The Churchwarden' with Jackie Depelle

S06EP05 - 'The Churchwarden' with Jackie Depelle

In this fifth episode of Series Six, host Andrew is joined by family history tutor Jackie Depelle. He finds out how she got interested in family history, how she became a full-time family history lecturer, her thoughts on how genealogists and academic researchers are working together, and how the genealogy industry could evolve in future.THE LIFE STORY - JOHN HAYHURST DAWSONJackie has chosen to tell the life story of John Hayhurst Dawson who was born in 1841 in the West Riding of Yorkshire, Engl

Dec 5, 2023 • 44:49

S06EP04 - 'The Accused' with Sven Grewel

S06EP04 - 'The Accused' with Sven Grewel

In this fourth episode of Series Six, host Andrew meets family historian Sven Grewel, who has been tracing his German ancestry for many years and has since become a professional genealogist. He explains how he got hooked on researching his family history, and the challenges of researching in Germany - a country that has frequently changed its borders through history.THE LIFE STORY - JOHANN CARL MAX SABEL Sven has chosen to tell the life story of his 2x Great Grandfather Johan Carl Max Sabel who

Nov 28, 2023 • 46:47

S06EP03 - 'The Nurse' with Clare Kirk

S06EP03 - 'The Nurse' with Clare Kirk

Our third episode of Series Six sees host Andrew Martin meet professional genealogist Clare Kirk, and he'll be finding out how she got hooked on researching her family history, why she does it for other people, what she does for Friends of Friendless Churches, and her hopes for an unusual 18th Century record in Buckinghamshire that reveals who the local cake man, rat man, and pig poker were!THE LIFE STORY - HARRIET READClare has chosen her husband's relative Harriet Read - a 'cous

Nov 21, 2023 • 56:34

S06EP02 - 'The Antiquarian' with Rick Glanvill

S06EP02 - 'The Antiquarian' with Rick Glanvill

In this second episode of Series Six, host Andrew Martin meets Rick Glanvill - a family historian, author, and tour guide, who is also the official historian of Chelsea Football Club. Andrew will be finding out how Rick got hooked on researching his family tree, how his work as a tour guide is affected by this, and how he ended up being the expert of a football club's history.THE LIFE STORY - WILLIAM URMSTON SEARLE GLANVILLE RICHARDS Rick has chosen to tell the life story of his third cousi

Nov 14, 2023 • 50:53

S06EP01 - 'The Quilter' with Phyllis Biffle Elmore

S06EP01 - 'The Quilter' with Phyllis Biffle Elmore

Series Six of The Family Histories Podcast begins with host Andrew Martin meeting family historian, storyteller, and author of 'Quilt Of Souls: A Memoir' - Phyllis Biffle Elmore. She explains what got her hooked on researching family history, the value of listening to our elders, and collecting oral histories.THE LIFE STORY - LULA HORN Phyllis has chosen to tell the life story of her grandmother Lula Horn, born in 1883 in Sandersville, Mississippi, USA, whom she met for the first time

Nov 7, 2023 • 39:10

Series Six Trailer

Series Six Trailer

Series Six is ready! However, before we join our first guest, Andrew thinks there's just enough time to go out for some celebratory drinks... or perhaps shots - assuming no-one gets bard...Our first episode arrives on 7th November 2023 - see the full list of our forthcoming Series Six guests and episode schedule by checking out our Series Six page.- - -Episode Credits:Andrew Martin - Host and ProducerRobert Neumark Jones - William ShakespeareJohn Spike - Sándor PetőfiThank you for listening! You

Oct 31, 2023 • 3:44

S05EP08 - 'The Rioter' with Andrew Martin (Bonus)

S05EP08 - 'The Rioter' with Andrew Martin (Bonus)

Previously on The Family Histories Podcast....Whilst trying to send the previous episode's guest Kelly Cornwell back in time, Andrew makes a mistake and suddenly finds himself in an alternate dimension where things are the same but also a little bit different. In this reality, the host of The Family Histories Podcast is author and historian Dr. Wanda Wyporska who has been waiting for her guest - Andrew!  In this Series Five bonus episode, Wanda hears how family historian Andrew Martin got hooked

Jul 18, 2023 • 45:40

S05EP07 - 'The Shoemaker' with Kelly Cornwell

S05EP07 - 'The Shoemaker' with Kelly Cornwell

In this final episode of Series Five, host Andrew Martin meets professional genealogist Kelly Cornwell and hears about her love of researching family history, and how that led on to her going professional, as well as her work on an extremely niche One-Place Study.The Life Story - Rebecca Monksfield Kelly has chosen to tell the life story of her 5x Great Aunt Rebecca Monksfield of Shoreditch, London, who, like her mother, worked for a shoe factory. However, a chance search in newspapers followed

Jun 13, 2023 • 51:22

S05EP06 - 'The Cousin' with John Erickson

S05EP06 - 'The Cousin' with John Erickson

NOTE: This episode contains discussion on the topics of eugenics, suicide, and abuse. Please consider others when listening aloud. In this sixth episode of Series Five - The Cousin, host Andrew meets Pulitzer Prize winning journalist, and now family history author John Erickson. Andrew will be finding out about how John's 30 years in journalism has helped him with researching his family, how his mother surprised him with news of her younger brother, and how the life of his Grandmother has a

Jun 6, 2023 • 38:32

S05EP05 - 'The Constable' with Fiona Brooker

S05EP05 - 'The Constable' with Fiona Brooker

Andrew is joined by professional genealogist Fiona Brooker for this fifth episode of Series Five. Andrew finds out how she researches family history in Scotland and England from New Zealand, as well as the challenges of researching within New Zealand and its privacy laws. She reveals how she got hooked on family history, and also shares her thoughts on how our modern lives will be researched in future.THE LIFE STORY - THOMAS URQUHART Fiona has decided to tell the life story of her Great Grandfat

May 30, 2023 • 50:03

S05EP04 - 'The Glazier' with Paul Chiddicks

S05EP04 - 'The Glazier' with Paul Chiddicks

In this fourth episode of Series Five, host Andrew meets family historian, blogger, and Family Tree Magazine columnist Paul Chiddicks. He tells Andrew how he got into family history, about his Old Palace School Bombing project, and shares his ideas for some genealogy-themed Lego sets.The Life Story - William Wootton Paul has chosen to tell the life story of his maternal Great Grandfather William Tom Wootton, who was born in 1863 in Kentish Town, London. Paul describes him as an 'entrepreneu

May 23, 2023 • 52:09

S05EP03 - 'The Missionary' with Kim Brengle

S05EP03 - 'The Missionary' with Kim Brengle

In this third episode of Series Five - The Missionary - host Andrew meets family historian Kim Brengle and hears how she got hooked on tracing her family history, and how she manages to trace her nomadic relatives.The Life Story - Daniel and Emily OliverKim has chosen to share the life story of her Great Grandparents Daniel and Emily Oliver, and this is one that sees Daniel leave his agricultural labouring life in Caithness, Scotland, and Emily leaving her Quaker family in Yorkshire, to both ind

May 16, 2023 • 48:05

S05EP02 - 'The Righteous' with Michal Razus

S05EP02 - 'The Righteous' with Michal Razus

In this second episode of Series Five - The Righteous - host Andrew meets Slovak professional genealogist, and host of the Slovak Ancestry Podcast, Michal Razus. Andrew finds out how Michal got into researching family history, the challenges of researching in Slovakia, and finds out about his work to assist people with citizenship.The Life Story - Michal Razus Michal has chosen his 2x Great Grandfather also named Michal Razus as his relative to tell the life story of. This Michal was born in 190

May 9, 2023 • 42:29

S05EP01 - 'The Carpenter' with Jenni Phillips

S05EP01 - 'The Carpenter' with Jenni Phillips

In this first episode of Series Five of The Family Histories Podcast, host Andrew Martin meets genealogist Jenni Phillips, and finds out how she got hooked on family history, why she can't get enough of studying genealogy, her love of family and local history societies, and the lengths she goes to to research house history.The Life Story - John Spring Jenni has chosen to tell the life story of her 7x Gt Grandfather John Spring of West Cholderton in Wiltshire, England. John was a carpenter,

May 2, 2023 • 52:11

Series Five Trailer

Series Five Trailer

The Family Histories Podcast returns for its fifth series on 2nd May 2023, but before episode one arrives, there's just enough time for a spot of tea... in 1811... with Jane Austen!Host Andrew Martin returns for Series Five, along with seven more genealogy addicted guests, seven more fascinating life stories, and seven more annoying family history research brick walls that will need your help to demolish them. Of course, there's also a secret time machine in the garage, but we know you won't tel

Apr 25, 2023 • 2:49

S04EP08 - The List (Bonus)

S04EP08 - The List (Bonus)

Previously.... on The Family Histories Podcast:Computer has given host Andrew and guest Simon Last a stark warning and now they find themselves in immediate danger... but from what, and who can save them?This is the Series Four bonus episode, following on from the cliff-hanger of episode seven - 'The Reunited'.- - -Episode CreditsSeries Four, Episode Eight (Bonus)Andrew Martin - Host and ProducerSimon Last - GuestCourtney Dunn - ComputerJohn Spike - Sándor PetőfiShow notes and more at:

Dec 20, 2022 • 5:06

S04EP07 - 'The Reunited' with Simon Last

S04EP07 - 'The Reunited' with Simon Last

In this final episode of Series Four, host Andrew meets professional genealogist and author Simon Last. Andrew will find out about Simon's love of War Memorials, his work with the Western Front Association and the Commonwealth Graves War Commission, why he turned professional, and his love for collecting postcards. The Life Story - Tadeusz Bialosiewicz Simon tells the story of his grandfather, Tadeusz Bialosiewicz of Poland, whom he discovered over 20 years ago, after Simon was researching

Dec 13, 2022 • 42:33

S04EP06 - 'The Politician' with Claire Bradley

S04EP06 - 'The Politician' with Claire Bradley

In this sixth episode of Series Four, Andrew meets Irish professional genealogist Claire Bradley. He'll be finding out how she got hooked on family history, the impact of the Irish Civil War on her family history research, how she's teaching genealogists, and her time as a genealogist in control of the national @Ireland twitter account.The Life Story - Michael JoyceClaire has chosen her 2x Great Grandfather, Michael Joyce who was born in Limerick, County Limerick, Ireland, in 1851.Michael was bo

Dec 6, 2022 • 49:57

S04EP05 - 'The Lucky' with Paul Roberts

S04EP05 - 'The Lucky' with Paul Roberts

In this episode from Series Four, host Andrew Martin meets author and former journalist Paul Roberts to find out how he got hooked on researching his family's history. He'll find out how Paul's early research skills helped his work as a journalist, and how he managed to write a book about 30 men who fought in the First World War.Life Story - Sam Roberts  Paul has chosen to share the life story of his 1st Cousin, 2x Removed, Sam Roberts. Sam was born in 1895 in Teignmouth, Devon, England, and he

Nov 29, 2022 • 52:24

S04EP04 - 'The Correspondent' with Janice Nickerson

S04EP04 - 'The Correspondent' with Janice Nickerson

In this fourth episode of Series Four, host Andrew Martin meets Canadian professional genealogist and author, Janice Nickerson, who specialises her research into the families and history of Upper Canada, the Hudson Bay Company, and crime and punishment. Andrew will be finding out how she got hooked on family history, the value of court records, the challenges of researching in Canada, and the how she gets non-genealogists and children interested in family history.Life Story - Emma Bell Chant Jan

Nov 22, 2022 • 49:15

S04EP03 - 'The Resolute' with Shaquan McDowell

S04EP03 - 'The Resolute' with Shaquan McDowell

In this third episode of Series Four, host Andrew Martin meets with historian, author, TEDx speaker, and family historian, Shaquan McDowell to find out how he got hooked on researching his family, his adventures with DNA, and how he got involved in the New York Times' 1619 Project. Life Story - Elizabeth Scott Shaquan has chosen to tell the story of his 5x Great Grandmother, Elizabeth Scott - a Free Person of Colour born in 1810 in Spartanburg, South Carolina.Whilst her country was going th

Nov 15, 2022 • 53:37

S04EP02 - 'The Unexpected' with Else Churchill

S04EP02 - 'The Unexpected' with Else Churchill

In this second episode of Series Four, host Andrew Martin meets with Else Churchill, who has spent 40 years working in the genealogy community, and is the Genealogist at the Society of Genealogists in London. She also regularly teaches, lectures, and has played a pivotal role in organising conferences, and representing the family history community at national and governmental level.   Life Story - Else's Mother and Father    After decades of research into the Churchill family of Herefordshire in

Nov 8, 2022 • 52:40

S04EP01 - 'The Undead' with Linda Kvist

S04EP01 - 'The Undead' with Linda Kvist

In this first episode of Series Four- 'The Undead', host Andrew Martin meets Swedish genealogist Linda Kvist to find out about her love of family history, how she became a DNA coach, how she uses archives and Arkiv Digital to trace her Swedish ancestors, and how she DNA tested a non-human family member! Life Story - Nils Peter Bengtsson Linda tells the life story of her partner's ancestor Nils Peter Bengtsson, a man who was born in 1858 and emigrated to the USA. In about 1900, and

Nov 1, 2022 • 42:18

Series Four Trailer

Series Four Trailer

Series Four of The Family Histories Podcast is ready! It's time for the brand new Series Four of The Family Histories Podcast with seven more brilliant family historians, seven fascinating life stories, and seven more of those pesky research brick walls for you to help solve.  For a list of our list of Series Four guests and all the latest updates about the podcast, visit familyhistoriespodcast.com It all begins on 1st November 2022 ..... assuming host Andrew Martin can get home on time fro

Oct 28, 2022 • 3:04

S03EP08 - The Great (Bonus)

S03EP08 - The Great (Bonus)

In this short Series Three bonus episode, we return right back to the ending of Episode Seven, where guest Sheldon K. Goodman and host Andrew Martin are facing a perilous fate where a bearded stranger has them both held at sword-point.Who is this stranger, where did he come from, and what does he want?- - - Episode CreditsSeries Three, Episode Eight (Bonus)Andrew Martin - Host and ProducerSheldon K. Goodman - GuestPrince Sterling - CharlemagneYetunde Abiola - GuestShow notes and more at: familyh

Jul 19, 2022 • 5:50

S03EP07 - 'The Forgotten' with Sheldon K. Goodman

S03EP07 - 'The Forgotten' with Sheldon K. Goodman

In this seventh and final episode of Series Three, host Andrew Martin meets public historian and tour guide, Sheldon K. Goodman, to find out about how he became obsessed with family history, why he co-founded the Cemetery Club, and how he researches and shares the often hidden lives of LGBTQ+ people.Life Story: John Traynor Sheldon has chosen his Great Grandfather's life story to share with us, but it's one that's filled with pain and trauma.When Sheldon's Grandfather was just 4 years old, in a

Jun 14, 2022 • 45:09

S03EP06 - 'The Matriarch' with Yetunde Abiola

S03EP06 - 'The Matriarch' with Yetunde Abiola

In this sixth episode of Series Three - THE MATRIARCH, Andrew meets genealogist and RootsTech Ambassador Yetunde Abiola to find out how she researches her family history in Jamaica and Nigeria, and what kind of records are available in two countries involved in the slave trade in seemingly different ways. Life Story: Agnes Ancita Chambers Yetunde has chosen her 2x Great Grandmother Agnes Ancita Chambers for her Life Story.After being shown a photograph of Agnes dressed in her finery, Yetunde nee

Jun 7, 2022 • 45:44

S03EP05 - 'The Priest' with Jill Ball

S03EP05 - 'The Priest' with Jill Ball

NOTE: This episode names and discusses the life of a First Nations Indigenous Australian who has died. If you wish to skip this section, you can do so from the 6m 15s mark, until the 7m 44s minute mark.In this fifth episode of Series Three - THE PRIEST, host Andrew Martin meets Australian former-librarian now genealogy addict, Jill Ball. He'll find out about how she got into family history, how she found her convict ancestors, her work as President of The Lake Macquarie Family History Group

May 31, 2022 • 51:42

S03EP04 - 'The Defiant' with David Mendoza

S03EP04 - 'The Defiant' with David Mendoza

In this fourth episode of Series Three - THE DEFIANT, host Andrew meets with the President of the Sephardic Genealogical Society, David Mendoza to find out how he got into tracing his family's history, and what it's like to trace Sephardic roots. Life Story - Miguel de Mendonça Valladolid David has chosen his ancestor's nephew Miguel de Mendonça Valladolid as the life story to share, and this is a remarkable story about a man's defiance against religious persecution, and his

May 24, 2022 • 46:52

S03EP03 - 'The Emigrant' with Helen Parker-Drabble

S03EP03 - 'The Emigrant' with Helen Parker-Drabble

In this third episode of Series Three, host Andrew Martin meets author, genealogist, and  counsellor Helen Parker-Drabble to find out how she got hooked on family history, what exactly is a 'geneatherapist', and how she uses this skill within her research to help understand her ancestors' psychological inheritance. Life Story: Walter Parker Helen has chosen to tell the life story of her Grandfather Walter Parker, who was born in the village of Upwell in Norfolk, England in 1885. Walter is also t

May 17, 2022 • 49:44

S03EP02 - 'The Trapped' with Chris Paton

S03EP02 - 'The Trapped' with Chris Paton

In this second episode of Series Three, host Andrew Martin meets professional genealogist, author, and genealogy tutor - Chris Paton, and finds out how he got hooked on family history, and what it's like to research family history in Scotland, Ireland, and Northern Ireland. He asks Chris about his tutoring work with genealogy course provider Pharos, and his former television producer career with the BBC. Life Story - Jessie MacFarlane Chris has chosen his Great Grandmother Jessie Paton (bor

May 10, 2022 • 52:45

S03EP01 - 'The Benefactor' with Denise Geelhart

S03EP01 - 'The Benefactor' with Denise Geelhart

In this first episode of Series Three, host Andrew Martin meets genealogist and fellow podcaster Denise Geelhart. He'll find out how she got hooked on family history, how she researches her American and German roots, and balances that with researching the family history of the perpetrators and victims of true crime for her Murderous Roots podcast.Life Story: Joseph Haberstroh Denise has chosen her German 3x Gt Grandfather, Joseph Haberstroh, who was born near Frieberg im Breisgau, in Baden,

May 3, 2022 • 50:04

Series Three Trailer

Series Three Trailer

We're excited to announce that Series Three of The Family Histories Podcast is ready, and once again host and family historian Andrew Martin will be meeting 7 more genealogy-addicted guests, will be hearing about the lives of 7 more fascinating relatives, and there's 7 more annoying research brick walls that we'll be asking for your help to solve.We're also excited to announce the guests too - Chris Paton, Helen Parker-Drabble, David Mendoza, Jill Ball, Yetunde Abiola, and Sh

Apr 26, 2022 • 1:27

S02EP08 - The Present (Bonus)

S02EP08 - The Present (Bonus)

In this Series Two short bonus episode, we join host Andrew Martin in the garage, as he explains to Sándor Petőfi, why his gift has to be returned to 18th century London.However, they're interrupted by a long overdue guest returning to the present day, and she has clearly been having a wonderful time...---Episode Credits:Series Two, Episode Eight (Bonus)Andrew Martin - Host and ProducerJohn Spike - Sándor PetőfiRuby - HodgeRuth Bramley - GuestShow notes and more: familyhistoriespodcast.com.Thank

Feb 15, 2022 • 3:14

S02EP07 - 'The Sapper' with Emma Jolly

S02EP07 - 'The Sapper' with Emma Jolly

In this seventh and final episode of Series Two (sorry folks!), host Andrew meets professional genealogist and author, Emma Jolly. He'll be finding out how she got into family history, what it was like to work on TV shows Who Do You Think You Are? and Mancs In Mumbai, and ideas on how to encourage children to become interested in family history.Relatively Speaking - William Jolly  Emma has chosen her paternal Great Great Grandfather, William Jolly born in 1842 in Montrose, Forfarshire (now

Dec 14, 2021 • 48:14

S02EP06 - 'The Captain' with Steve Jackson

S02EP06 - 'The Captain' with Steve Jackson

In this sixth episode, host Andrew Martin meets family historian Steve Jackson, who not only traces his family tree, but also undertakes a One-Name Study for the Atcherley surname, and a One-Place Study too. We'll be finding out how he got into genealogy, and the challenges he's faced whilst researching.  Relatively Speaking - Captain James Atcherley  We're all at sea, as Steve tells us about his 2nd Cousin, 7x Removed, Captain James Atcherley. Captain James fought as part of Admi

Dec 7, 2021 • 52:17

S02EP05 - 'The Noble' with Marina Brizhatova

S02EP05 - 'The Noble' with Marina Brizhatova

In this fifth episode, The Noble, host Andrew Martin is joined by professional genealogist Marina Brizhatova. She'll be explaining what it's like to research ancestry in Russia, what kind of records are available, and how she got into genealogy.  Relatively Speaking - Vladimir Udovenko  Marina chose her step-mother's great grandfather Vladimir Udovenko as her Life Story to tell, and this is a story of a secret identity, but not a voluntary one. It wasn't until many years after Vladimir's death,

Nov 30, 2021 • 43:50

S02EP04 - 'The Pimp' with Justin Cascio

S02EP04 - 'The Pimp' with Justin Cascio

In this fourth episode, The Pimp, host Andrew Martin is joined by writer and Mafia genealogist Justin Cascio. We'll be finding out about how he got into researching his Sicilian family history, and the challenges of researching there, He'll also tell us about how his ancestors lived as immigrants in the US.  Relatively Speaking - Giuseppe Longo  Justin has chosen his Gt Grandfather Giuseppe Longo (sometimes 'Joseph') for his life story, and we're straight into a life of

Nov 23, 2021 • 36:57

S02EP03 - 'The Swindler' with Nathan Dylan Goodwin

S02EP03 - 'The Swindler' with Nathan Dylan Goodwin

In this third episode, host Andrew Martin meets genealogical crime mystery author, Nathan Dylan Goodwin to find out how he got into family history, how he keeps his ancestral reality separate from his fantasy worlds of Morton Farrier, Mrs McDougall, and the Venator Cold Case Team, and we'll get some teasers from the brand new Morton Farrier book.  Relatively Speaking - Silas Thomas  Nathan has chosen his ancestor Silas Thomas, of Sussex, England, and it's an unusual story featuring an unusual me

Nov 16, 2021 • 48:13

S02EP02 - 'The Granddaddy' with True Lewis

S02EP02 - 'The Granddaddy' with True Lewis

In this second episode - The Granddaddy - Andrew meets genealogist True Lewis and discovers how she got hooked on researching her family tree, what challenges she faces when researching her enslaved African-American ancestors, her work to research her American Revolutionary ancestor, and she talks about her co-host role on the Black Pro Gen Live show.Relatively Speaking - Ike Ivery  True has chosen her 2x Great Grandfather Isaac 'Ike' Ivery for her life story.Ike was born into slavery

Nov 9, 2021 • 48:00

S02EP01 - 'The Tailor' with Ruth Bramley

S02EP01 - 'The Tailor' with Ruth Bramley

In this first episode of Series Two - The Tailor, host Andrew Martin talks to genealogist and former-colleague Ruth Bramley about how she got hooked on tracing her Jewish family history, her passion for re-creating history, and how she traced the history of an object known as 'Alice'.Relatively Speaking: Woolf BernstockRuth tells the story of her 2x Great Grandfather Woolf Bernstock who was born in Warsaw, Poland in about 1844. By 1876, working as a tailor, he, his wife and family moved to Ports

Nov 2, 2021 • 52:55

Series Two Trailer

Series Two Trailer

The trailer for Series Two of The Family Histories Podcast is here! That means only one thing - Series Two is imminent.Subscribe for free now to receive the first episode of the series as soon as it is released on 2nd November 2021.Find out more about Series Two, and keep up with the latest news at: familyhistoriespodcast.com.Thank you for listening! You can sign up to our email newsletter for the latest and behind the scenes news. You can find us on Twitter @FamilyHistPod, Facebook, Instagram,

Oct 26, 2021 • 0:55

S01EP08 - The Epilogue (Bonus)

S01EP08 - The Epilogue (Bonus)

In this little bonus Series One episode - The Epilogue, we rejoin Episode 7 guest Pam Smith, and 19th century Hungarian revolutionary and poet Sándor Petőfi, just as an explosion leaves them both in danger in the garage, and Andrew has suddenly vanished....- - -Episode credits:Series One, Episode EightAndrew Martin - Host and ProducerPam Smith - GuestJohn Spike - Sándor PetőfiShow notes and more at: familyhistoriespodcast.com Thank you for listening! You can sign up to our email newsletter for t

Aug 24, 2021 • 3:19

S01EP07 - 'The Activist' with Pam Smith

S01EP07 - 'The Activist' with Pam Smith

In the seventh and final episode of this series (sorry folks!), host Andrew Martin meets Pam Smith, a family historian who went from hobbyist, to professional genealogist, and then to local historian. We'll find out how she made those moves, how she ended up co-founding the research site NameAndPlace.com, and her dual loves of North Yorkshire and heraldry.Relatively Speaking: Pam's choice of life story is that of her Great Great Uncle, Albert 'Ginger' Goodwin. Ginger left the

Jul 13, 2021 • 50:58

S01EP06 - 'The Witness' with David Ryan

S01EP06 - 'The Witness' with David Ryan

Host Andrew Martin is joined by David Ryan, an Irish family historian who discovered his passion for genealogy after studying for his MA in Medieval History. He'll be telling us how he made this transition, the challenges of researching family history in Ireland, and what it's like to work for Ancestry as one of their team of professional genealogists. Relatively Speaking: David has chosen to tell the life story of his Great Great Grandfather John Hyland. He'll explain the hardshi

Jul 6, 2021 • 41:32

S01EP05 - 'The Quack' with Valmay Young

S01EP05 - 'The Quack' with Valmay Young

In this episode, host Andrew Martin meets genealogist Valmay Young to find out how she got into researching her far-flung family tree. We'll also hear about what it's like to work for a county archives, and her work with the Families In British India Society (FIBIS).Relatively SpeakingValmay chooses her 3x Gt Grandfather, Richard Sheridan Wardley. As you'll hear, he sounds like a complicated man, with regular vanishing acts, trips to the USA, his attempt to publish someone else&ap

Jun 29, 2021 • 39:27

S01EP04 - 'The Entrepreneur' with Lisa Louise Cooke

S01EP04 - 'The Entrepreneur' with Lisa Louise Cooke

In this episode, host Andrew is joined by family historian, author, lecturer, and podcaster Lisa Louise Cooke (Genealogy Gems). She talks about how she got hooked on researching her own family history as a child. Relatively SpeakingLisa chooses her husband's entrepreneurial grandfather Harry Cooke as her life story. We follow him from his beginnings in mid-19th century rural Huntingdonshire, to Kent in England, before a double family tragedy sends the family off for a brand new life in Cana

Jun 22, 2021 • 45:53

S01EP03 - 'The Butcher' with George Hall

S01EP03 - 'The Butcher' with George Hall

In this episode, host Andrew meets George Hall - a fairly recent convert to researching family history, who will talk about how he got into researching as a Generation Z genealogist. He'll  explain what it's like to be a younger researcher, the tools he uses, and the work of The Hidden Branch, and his One-Place study.Note: There is a background sound throughout this episode that was not detected whilst recording. Unfortunately despite our best efforts, we've not been able to remove it, and hope

Jun 15, 2021 • 45:17

S01EP02 - 'The Laundress' with Jane Hough

S01EP02 - 'The Laundress' with Jane Hough

In this episode, host Andrew Martin talks to UK genealogist Jane Hough about how she got hooked on researching her family tree in the 1980s, and her impressive DNA deciphering tactics that is getting her closer to solving an illegitimacy mystery. Relatively Speaking - Mary Stone Jane chooses her 5x Great Grandmother, Mary Stone, as the life story to share with us - detailing her life in Stourton, Gloucestershire as a laundry worker, through to an error of judgement that saw her being transported

Jun 8, 2021 • 48:28

S01EP01 - 'The Tyrant' with Daniel Smith-Ramos

S01EP01 - 'The Tyrant' with Daniel Smith-Ramos

In this first episode of Series One of The Family Histories Podcast sees host Andrew Martin talks to his guest Daniel Smith-Ramos - a genealogist with Spanish, English, and Italian-American ancestry. Daniel explains how he got hooked on researching his family history, the challenges of researching in Spain and the Spanish language, and we'll find out about how his new venture Revista Descendientes hopes to help make it easier.  THE LIFE STORY - ALONSO MARTÍNEZ Daniel chooses to share the life st

Jun 1, 2021 • 49:12

Series One Trailer

Series One Trailer

Series One of The Family Histories Podcast is coming! If you make sense of the census, go potty for parish registers, or gaga over gravestones, then this is the show for you.  Our host - author and family historian Andrew Martin - will be meeting the quiet army of family historians who are tirelessly breathing life back into our collective family and social history.Each episode we'll meet a genealogy addict, find out how they got hooked, hear about one of their most fascinating relative&apo

Mar 29, 2021 • 0:55

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