Unearth the Past: A family history & genealogy podcast

Unearth the Past: A family history & genealogy podcast

Dr Michala Hulme

Step into the fascinating world of genealogy and family history with Unearth the Past, a podcast hosted by the charismatic Dr. Michala Hulme. This show masterfully blends riveting discussions, deep dives into historical contexts, and practical tips for uncovering your ancestral roots. Each week, Dr Hulme welcomes an eclectic mix of guests—musicians, actors, sports stars, and public figures—unravelling the remarkable and often surprising stories hidden within their family trees.Beyond these compelling narratives, the podcast serves as a treasure trove for genealogy enthusiasts, spotlighting essential tools and resources for research. It also paints a vivid picture of the soci...

S3 Ep9: A Taskmaster, a Knackerman and an Architect: Unearthing the Past with YouTuber Zac Alsop

S3 Ep9: A Taskmaster, a Knackerman and an Architect: Unearthing the Past with YouTuber Zac Alsop

Send us a textWhat happens when a modern-day rule-breaker and internet sensation uncovers his deep-rooted past? In this episode of Unearth the Past, host Dr Michala Hulme takes Zac Alsop—YouTuber, master of infiltration, and storytelling genius—on an unexpected journey into his own family history.From Derbyshire railway workers and architects shaping Manchester to a tragic naval disaster and a mysterious death after a pub night gone wrong, Zac’s family story is anything but ordinary. But will he

Feb 11, • 48:39

S3 Ep8: Finding May's Mum: Unearthing the Past with PR Pioneer Lisa Morton

S3 Ep8: Finding May's Mum: Unearthing the Past with PR Pioneer Lisa Morton

Send us a textIn this episode of Unearthed Past, historian and genealogist Dr. Michala Hume sits down with Lisa Morton, founder of the award-winning PR agency Roland Dransfield and host of We Built This City. Lisa shares her deep connection to Manchester and Salford, reflecting on her childhood, her entrepreneurial journey, and the stories that shaped her family. But this time, the tables are turned as Dr. Hume uncovers Lisa’s hidden family history, revealing incredible tales of resilience, migr

Jan 30, • 36:17

S3 Ep7: A lot of Darwen and a tiny bit of Corfu: Unearthing the Past with Adidas Spezial's Gary Aspden

S3 Ep7: A lot of Darwen and a tiny bit of Corfu: Unearthing the Past with Adidas Spezial's Gary Aspden

Send us a textFashion aficionados and history buffs alike, get ready to be inspired by the compelling journey of Gary Aspden, the creative force behind Adidas Spezial. Known for redefining contemporary sportswear, Gary takes us on a heartfelt journey through his deep connections to community, identity, and storytelling. In true Gary Aspden style, he reflects on how his upbringing in Darwen and Blackburn influenced his love for style, from childhood memories of hand-me-down toys to his first real

Jan 16, • 39:44

S3 Ep6: Adoption, Fish & Manchester's "Fagan":Unearthing the Past with podcast host Ian Beighton

S3 Ep6: Adoption, Fish & Manchester's "Fagan":Unearthing the Past with podcast host Ian Beighton

Send us a textIn this deeply moving episode of Unearth the Past, Dr. Michala Hume is joined by Ian Beighton, host of So, Whats Your Story? podcast. This time, however, Ian is in the hot seat as Michala unravels the mystery of his biological family tree—a story he’s been curious about his entire life.Ian shares his adoption journey, reflecting on the love of his adoptive mother and his suppressed yearning to understand his origins. With humour, anxiety, and raw emotion, Ian discovers a tapestry o

Dec 16, 2024 • 52:10

S3 Ep5: From Sierra Leone to Salford; Unearthing the Past with actor Warren Brown

S3 Ep5: From Sierra Leone to Salford; Unearthing the Past with actor Warren Brown

Send us a textIn this week's episode of Unearth the Past, Dr. Michala Hulme delves into the fascinating ancestry of award-winning actor and two-time Thai boxing world champion, Warren Brown. From his star roles in shows such as Luther and the BBC's Ten Pound Poms, Warren takes listeners on a deeply personal journey through family histories filled with untold stories and surprises.Discover Warren's emotional reflections on his paternal family history, a connection to a Nigeran prince and a promin

Dec 8, 2024 • 38:42

S3 Ep4: "There would be no thieves, if there were no receivers": Unearthing the Past with the Blossoms Joe Donovan

S3 Ep4: "There would be no thieves, if there were no receivers": Unearthing the Past with the Blossoms Joe Donovan

Send us a textJoin us on an extraordinary journey as Michala sits down with Joe Donovan from the band Blossoms, fresh off celebrating their fourth UK number-one album. Joe's infectious enthusiasm brings to life the band's achievements and artistic endeavours, setting the stage for a remarkable narrative.We then meander through Joe's family history, uncovering tales that span continents and centuries. From a family-owned haberdashery in Stockport to Jeremiah's stint in Knutsford prison, we start

Nov 11, 2024 • 48:28

S3: Ep3: Singing, Stockport and a Lunatic Asylum: Unearthing the Past with Blossoms' Tom Ogden

S3: Ep3: Singing, Stockport and a Lunatic Asylum: Unearthing the Past with Blossoms' Tom Ogden

Send us a textExperience a captivating journey through history and music as Dr Michala Hulme sits down with Tom Ogden, the charismatic lead singer of the British band Blossoms. Tom opens up about the band's meteoric rise and the creative sparks behind their upcoming album, "Gary." This episode promises an intimate look at the band's process and Tom's personal connection to his roots, all while giving a nod to the trials and triumphs of being in the spotlight.In this episode, the pair turn back t

Sep 30, 2024 • 47:38

S3 Ep2: Music, Manchester & a bit of the Midlands: Unearthing the Past with Sacha Lord

S3 Ep2: Music, Manchester & a bit of the Midlands: Unearthing the Past with Sacha Lord

Join Dr Michala Hulme for an unforgettable episode of Unearth the Past, where she sits down with the remarkable Sacha Lord, a Sunday Times best-selling author and world-renowned promoter. Learn about Sacha's exhilarating journey from the vibrant Manchester nightlife scene to helming iconic events like Park Life. You'll be captivated by tales from his book, filled with brushes with danger and moments of triumph. She also delves into Sasha's deep-rooted family history, uncovering his ancestors' si

Aug 27, 2024 • 40:41

S3 Ep1: Comedy, Cranes and Cains: Unearthing the past with comedian Paul Smith

S3 Ep1: Comedy, Cranes and Cains: Unearthing the past with comedian Paul Smith

Join Dr Michala Hulme on "Unearth the Past" as she unravels the incredible family history of Paul Smith, one of Britain's most loved comedians who is selling out arenas up and down the country with his hilarious Pablo tour. As Paul shares his journey, we explore his Irish heritage, which was discovered through an Ancestry DNA test.We also uncover Paul's Liverpool ancestors, with stories of resilience, hard work and a will to succeed. We also reveal the heart-wrenching loss of young Bernard Cain

Jul 29, 2024 • 47:57

S2 Ep12: Bricks, Peas, and a Dodgy Death: Unearthing the past with BAFTA-winning producer Juliet Charlesworth

S2 Ep12: Bricks, Peas, and a Dodgy Death: Unearthing the past with BAFTA-winning producer Juliet Charlesworth

Embark on a voyage through time with BAFTA-winning producer Juliet Charlesworth, as she pieces together the intriguing puzzle of her family's legacy. In the company of this British drama powerhouse, we venture into the posh origins and humble beginnings of the Reeves Charlesworth line, unearthing a narrative rich with heartwarming connections to the past. The saga continues with the industrious tale of Reeves Charlesworth Limited, a company that laid bricks and built futures since 1895. The firm

Apr 12, 2024 • 52:56

S2 Ep11: Roots of a Fighter: Unearthing the Past with Thai Boxing Legend Liam Harrison

S2 Ep11: Roots of a Fighter: Unearthing the Past with Thai Boxing Legend Liam Harrison

Join Dr Michala Hulme as she unpicks the extraordinary life of Liam "The Hitman" Harrison, the eminent eight-time Thai boxing world champion. His vibrant narrative captures a transformation from the football fields of his youth to the Muay Thai rings, where he clinched his global icon status. Liam opens up about his rise to the pinnacle of UK fighters, his storied international bouts, and how he's now pioneering the future of combat sports with his innovative coaching strategies and the burgeoni

Apr 4, 2024 • 35:04

S2: Ep 10: From Liverpool to Peru, with a bit of Manchester: Unearthing the Past with John May

S2: Ep 10: From Liverpool to Peru, with a bit of Manchester: Unearthing the Past with John May

Discover the unforeseen twists and turns hidden within John May's family tree as the beloved comedian and actor sits down with us to share his extraordinary lineage. Tales of heroism and scandal unfold, as we find ourselves captivated by the stark contrasts of the past, from a man who couldn't swim yet saved a child to the complicated life of John's great-grandmother, Elizabeth.  John's authentic reflections transport us back in time, and we uncover the heartrending loss of Henry Dowdall Jr. at

Mar 14, 2024 • 42:21

S2: Ep9: Finding the Creative Gene with Mitchell Halliday

S2: Ep9: Finding the Creative Gene with Mitchell Halliday

Imagine tracing your roots and finding a connection to a music hall legend from the early 20th century and a link to Jack the Ripper! That's the remarkable journey we embark upon with our guest, makeup artist sensation and influencer Mitchell Halliday. Accompanied by his mum, Jacque, together, we discover the enchanting history behind Mitchell's great-great-grandfather, Edgar Percy Halliday, and the legacy of artistic spirit that thrives in their family. Michala reveals new information about Jac

Feb 9, 2024 • 33:34

S2: Ep 8: "We Were All Shocked, You Didn't Know How to Tell Me..." - with Kerry Kayes

S2: Ep 8: "We Were All Shocked, You Didn't Know How to Tell Me..." - with Kerry Kayes

When life throws you a curveball, sometimes all you have is your strength and resilience to see you through. Welcome, genealogy enthusiasts, to another episode of "Unearth the Past."  Today, we have the privilege of delving into the life of Kerry Kayes – a former bodybuilding champion, award-winning business owner, accomplished strength and conditioning coach, and renowned nutritionist. This is the story of a man whose life embodies the sheer power of the human spirit, from his early days grappl

Jan 27, 2024 • 36:56

S2: Ep7: The Journey to Find Ian's Birth Parents

S2: Ep7: The Journey to Find Ian's Birth Parents

When my friend Ian first told me about his quest to discover his birth parents, it struck a chord within me. As we sat down to record this episode, I knew we were about to embark on a narrative that would resonate with many. Ian's story unfolds from a childhood filled with unanswered questions. He candidly recounts the moment at twelve years old when he stumbled upon his adoption papers, setting in motion a lifelong journey of self-discovery that would challenge and fulfil him in ways he never a

Jan 18, 2024 • 36:33

S2: Ep6: A Tale of Resilience and a Family's Sporting Heritage in Manchester with Vinny Shoreman

S2: Ep6: A Tale of Resilience and a Family's Sporting Heritage in Manchester with Vinny Shoreman

As I sat down with Vinny Shoreman, it became quickly apparent that his journey from a Manchester youth indifferent to football to a revered Mind Coach and Thai Boxing commentator was no ordinary tale. The Shoreman family story deeply intertwined with the city's sporting heritage, unfurls in our latest episode, bringing to light a legacy of perseverance through struggles like domestic violence and alcoholism. Vinny's candid reflections on his upbringing, without traditional guidance, and how he c

Jan 9, 2024 • 34:15

S2: Ep5: Past, Present and Future... Tell me who I am... with Matty White

S2: Ep5: Past, Present and Future... Tell me who I am... with Matty White

This week, Michala is joined by TV presenter Matty White. In this emotional episode, we delve into the details behind Matty's family history and use DNA to tell him more about his ancestors and how they lived. It's an intimate voyage into identity, family secrets, and the threads that weave together the past and present. As we unearth the emotional narrative of learning about his family history, we see Matty answer some long-held questions about who he is and where he comes from. Get the tissues

Dec 27, 2023 • 40:27

S2: Ep 4: Tracing Martin Murray's Roots: A Fascinating Journey of Resilience and Redemption

S2: Ep 4: Tracing Martin Murray's Roots: A Fascinating Journey of Resilience and Redemption

Ever felt like life has dealt you a bad hand, and there's no coming back from it? Well, Michala's guest for today, boxing legend Martin Murray – former British and Commonwealth Middleweight Champion – is the embodiment of the saying, 'Where there's a will, there's a way.' Martin takes us through his tumultuous past, from a tough upbringing and prison stints to finding salvation in boxing. His story is a testament to resilience and transformation and how every experience serves a purpose in our l

Dec 18, 2023 • 41:43

S2: Ep 3: Unveiling the History of Ireland's Mother and Baby Homes with Daniel Loftus

S2: Ep 3: Unveiling the History of Ireland's Mother and Baby Homes with Daniel Loftus

What if the stories of your ancestors could reveal unexpected truths and reshape your understanding of family? Join Dr Michala Hulme for a captivating conversation with genealogist Daniel Loftus. Their journey begins with the roots of genealogy, as Daniel shares his personal experience of navigating through the intricate branches of his family tree, piecing together dates and facts that reveal fascinating family stories. As Michala and Daniel navigate through the history of Ireland's mother and

Dec 7, 2023 • 53:10

S2: Ep 2: Journey into Your Past with Genealogy Jude: DNA Technology, Unseen Records and Lost Family Tales

S2: Ep 2: Journey into Your Past with Genealogy Jude: DNA Technology, Unseen Records and Lost Family Tales

Unearth the secrets of your past as we invite you to join our riveting conversation with Genealogy Jude, a passionate family history detective. Michala and Jude take you on a journey into the world of genealogy, enveloped in Jude's captivating tales of exploring old graveyards and discovering hidden records. We throw light on the revolutionary changes technology has brought to genealogy research, but don't forget to remind you of the irreplaceable value of stepping into archives and unravelling

Nov 29, 2023 • 37:49

S2: Ep1: Unraveling the Mysteries of Your Ancestry with DNA Painter's Jonny Perl

S2: Ep1: Unraveling the Mysteries of Your Ancestry with DNA Painter's Jonny Perl

WE ARE BACK WITH SEASON 2!!! Yes, Michala is back with your favourite family history podcast, and we are kicking off with a bang! Dream of uncovering your family's hidden past? Join us in a captivating conversation with genealogy enthusiast Jonny Perl, the founder of the brilliant DNA Painter website, whose quest for family history was kindled by his mother's tales of her ancestors.Ever wondered how DNA testing can help unearth your roots? We dive into the intriguing world of DNA research, with

Nov 22, 2023 • 38:14

Ep 17: Illegitimate Ancestors: Why We Hate a Horizontal Black Line on a Birth Certificate!

Ep 17: Illegitimate Ancestors: Why We Hate a Horizontal Black Line on a Birth Certificate!

Are you curious about your ancestors and their stories? Would you be surprised if your past held secrets you never imagined? Join me, Michala and my guest, Paul McNeil, as we uncover hidden truths from our pasts and learn that things aren't always as they appear. We share eerie tales of our personal experiences, including a chilling story of a piano playing by itself, possibly a sign from the beyond.The journey to the past can be challenging but rewarding. In our quest to unravel our roots, we g

Sep 15, 2023 • 40:40

Ep 16: Unearthing the Hidden Stories of Your House with TV's Melanie Backe-Hansen

Ep 16: Unearthing the Hidden Stories of Your House with TV's Melanie Backe-Hansen

Ready to unearth the secrets behind your home's history? Join me, Dr. Michala Hulme, and my cherished guest, Melanie Backe-Hansen, a revered house historian, as we journey through the captivating world of house histories. Together, we discover the intricate links that bind family history, local history, and house history, highlighting the significance of understanding your home's past. At the same time, Mel unravels her personal journey into the realm of house histories, while imparting practica

Sep 6, 2023 • 50:16

Ep 15: Dr Nick Barratt on Genealogy and Family History

Ep 15: Dr Nick Barratt on Genealogy and Family History

Excitement ripples through every word when our special guest, Dr Nick Barratt, an esteemed genealogist and medieval historian, known for TV shows such as Who Do You Think You Are?, weaves tales of his intriguing journey into the world of genealogy. Unravelling family mysteries, Nick's fascinating discoveries about his own lineage are a testament not only to the power of DNA in genealogical research but also to our shared human curiosity about our roots. From unearthing his great-uncle's pre-Cold

Aug 24, 2023 • 47:27

Ep 14: From Court Reports to Gossip Columns: A Genealogist's Guide to the British Newspaper Archive

Ep 14: From Court Reports to Gossip Columns: A Genealogist's Guide to the British Newspaper Archive

Prepare to be captivated as Michala embarks on a journey into the often-overlooked world of newspapers in genealogy research. She's joined by the brilliant Rose Staveley-Wadham from the British Newspaper Archive, who shares her wealth of knowledge on how to unlock the secrets hidden in old newspapers and breathe life into your family tree. From court reports to gossip columns, every page is a treasure trove of information just waiting to be unearthed.Intriguing stories from the past land right a

Aug 16, 2023 • 41:53

Ep 13: Latest news and reviews from the world of genealogy

Ep 13: Latest news and reviews from the world of genealogy

Have you ever found an old, faded photograph of an ancestor and wished you could breathe new life into it? Imagine turning monochromatic memories into vivid visuals or even catalyzing static pictures into dynamic avatars. In this engaging episode, we take a deep dive into the world of MyHeritage, an innovative platform that can transform your understanding of family history. We not only explore its captivating features like photo colorisation, image enhancement, and avatar creation but also crea

Aug 10, 2023 • 30:27

Ep 12: Exploring 19th Century Death Records

Ep 12: Exploring 19th Century Death Records

Are your ancestors whispering secrets from the 19th century, waiting for you to discover them? Embark on a thrilling journey with me, Dr Michala Hulme as we unearth these enigmas etched in death and burial records. Together, we'll decode the cryptic handwriting on pre-1812 records and navigate the Civil Registration Index, a treasure trove waiting to be explored.The 19th century was a time of trials and tribulations, its harsh realities reflected in child mortality rates. Urban areas teeming wit

Aug 3, 2023 • 31:37

Ep 11: Underworld Unveiled: A Dive into the British 19th-Century Criminal Archive

Ep 11: Underworld Unveiled: A Dive into the British 19th-Century Criminal Archive

Welcome back, fellow history enthusiasts, to another captivating journey through the mystifying remnants of our ancestral past. This time, we traipse down the darker alleys of history, unearthing tales of mischief, misdeeds, and the evolution of the criminal justice system from the 18th to the 20th century. Joining Michala on this thrilling expedition is Paul McNeil, lending his expertise to shed light on the shadowy corners of our genealogical archives.From the audacious 1860's femme fatale who

Jul 26, 2023 • 51:41

Ep 10: A Journey through UK's Workhouse History with Peter Higginbotham

Ep 10: A Journey through UK's Workhouse History with Peter Higginbotham

Get ready to step into the time machine with me, Michala, and our esteemed guest, Peter Higginbotham, also known as "Mr Workhouse". We're geared up to take you on a fascinating exploration of the history and evolution of workhouses in the UK. Join us as we unravel how this historical shift led to the Poor Relief Act of 1601, the Workhouse Test Act of 1720, and the boom of parish workhouses in the 1700s.We'll then take a deep breath and plunge into the 19th-century workhouse system. Together, we

Jul 20, 2023 • 59:51

Ep 9: A Genealogical Journey through the UK Census with DNA Journey Expert Paul McNeil

Ep 9: A Genealogical Journey through the UK Census with DNA Journey Expert Paul McNeil

Get ready for an enlightening journey into the world of genealogy, as Michala and Paul McNeil uncover the critical role of the UK census in tracing family history. They will give you a behind-the-scenes peek at how these in-depth records, dating from as early as 1801, have reshaped our understanding of the past. The watershed moment, of course, was the 1841 census which became a key reference point, providing never-before-seen insights like address and occupation all in one record. Also, don't m

Jul 10, 2023 • 49:52

Ep 8: Unlocking Family History with Ancestry's Crista Cowan

Ep 8: Unlocking Family History with Ancestry's Crista Cowan

Are you ready for a journey into the past? Don't just expect to find dates and names, as your family tree can unravel captivating tales and intriguing mysteries. This week, Michala had the pleasure of chatting with Ancestry's Crista Cowan, also known as the Barefoot Genealogist. The pair guide you through the process of building your family tree on Ancestry and show you how to unlock the stories that make your family uniquely yours. You'll learn how a simple birth certificate can spark a journey

Jul 3, 2023 • 43:48

Ep 7: Enhancing Your Genealogy Research with Find My Past

Ep 7: Enhancing Your Genealogy Research with Find My Past

Have you ever hit a brick wall in your family history research, only to discover a treasure trove of new information just waiting to be uncovered? Join Dr Michala Hulme in this fascinating episode as she chats with Mary McKee, Head of Digitisation and Content Publishing at Find My Past, who shares her insights on the user-friendly interface, getting accurate search results, and the constantly growing genealogy records available on their platform. Learn about the project with the Greater Manchest

Jun 26, 2023 • 47:24

Ep 6: Genealogy Gems: Online Resources to Trace Your Family History

Ep 6: Genealogy Gems: Online Resources to Trace Your Family History

Have you ever wanted to dig deeper into your family history and uncover hidden stories? Join Dr Michala Hulme and genealogy expert Paul McNeill, as they share their favourite lesser-known websites to help you uncover your ancestors' fascinating tales and the places they called home. The pair discuss gems like British History Online to create a sense of place and the National Library of Scotland maps to chart how an area changed over time, giving insight into our ancestors' mobility and choices.I

Jun 19, 2023 • 44:55

Ep5: Unlocking Your Irish Roots: Expert Tips on Genealogy, DNA Testing, and Immigration Records

Ep5: Unlocking Your Irish Roots: Expert Tips on Genealogy, DNA Testing, and Immigration Records

Struggling to trace your Irish roots? Join us as we chat with Dr. Jennifer Doyle and Eamon Healy, experts in Irish genealogy, who share invaluable insights into researching your family tree. Starting with the importance of having a county of origin, they guide us through 19th and 20th-century civil records, the limitations of Irish census records, and how pension search forms can help trace individual ancestors.Discover how DNA testing has revolutionized genealogical research, as Jennifer and Ae

Jun 12, 2023 • 44:23

Ep 4: DNA - The more you look, the more you find!

Ep 4: DNA - The more you look, the more you find!

This week, Ancestry's Pro Genealogy DNA expert Laura House (@HouseGenealogy) explains how DNA can be used in our family history research, why we should pay particular attention to cousin matches and why we might need to sniff a lemon. Yes, SNIFF A LEMON!!To contact Michala, or if you have any questions for our experts, please email unearththepast@gmail.com or visit www.michalahulme.comTo support the making of this podcast, please visit https://patreon.com/DrMichalaHulmeSupport the Show.

Jun 5, 2023 • 38:02

Ep 3: Accept Nothing, Believe Nobody, Check Everything!

Ep 3: Accept Nothing, Believe Nobody, Check Everything!

This week Michala is joined by DNA Journey's Paul McNeil and Family Tree Magazine's Paul Chiddicks. This is an episode not to be missed! McNeil makes a shocking DNA discovery at the age of 64, and Chiddicks reveals the surprising distance his family has travelled since the mid-eighteenth century. For more information about Paul Chiddicks and his family history, check out his website, www.chiddicksfamilytree.com To learn more about Paul McNeil's work, check out his website www.timedectives.blogTo

May 29, 2023 • 47:59

Ep 2: A chat with author & presenter John Henry Phillips

Ep 2: A chat with author & presenter John Henry Phillips

In this episode, Michala chats to John Henry Phillips, author of The Search and presenter on Channel 4's, The Great British Dig. In 2016, John Henry volunteered with a military charity that took veterans to Normandy. A mix-up over the accommodation led to an unlikely friendship with 92-year-old WWII veteran Patrick Thomas, who was only one of 10 survivors onboard landing craft L.C.H. 185 when it struck a mine off the coast of France. John Henry gave Patrick his word that he would build a memoria

May 22, 2023 • 47:39

Ep 1: The TV Expert Edition

Ep 1: The TV Expert Edition

This week Michala chats with her fellow ITV DNA Journey experts, Brad Argent and Paul McNeil.  They should be talking about how much it costs to build a family tree; however, it turns into a chat about many topics, including what Brad says to get through customs, and Paul reminisces about his lock-picking daysSupport the Show.

May 10, 2023 • 42:05

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