Sign up for the Family Tree Newsletter! Plus, you’ll receive our 10 Essential Genealogy Research Forms PDF as a special thank you.
Get Your Free Genealogy Forms
"*" indicates required fields
Hear about the best genealogy tools and tips directly from Family Tree Magazine’s editors and experts! Tune in to the Family Tree Podcast and the Best Websites Podcast for a dose of genealogy education and fun.
In this bi-monthly online radio show, host Lisa Louise Cooke takes you behind the scenes to learn more about genealogy topics from our magazine, courses and more. On the first of each month, you can tune in to the Family Tree Magazine Podcast, which features interviews with genealogy experts and Family Tree editors on how to use specific strategies and tools to access crucial genealogy records and resources, along with sneak peeks at the latest tools from Family Tree. Later in the month, join us for the Best Websites Podcast, where you will get in-depth tutorials, behind-the-scenes looks, and notable updates on some of the most valuable websites and digital tools for researching your family history.
Listen to our most recent episodes, or subscribe to listen on your favorite podcast service. Share your story with us! If you have a family history discovery you’d like to share on the podcast, email us at FamilyTree@Yankeepub.com.
Most Recent Podcast Episodes
2025
Episode 194: Comparing the Top Three Genealogy Websites – An Interview with Sunny Morton | March 2025
In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine podcast, Sunny Morton takes a look at three popular genealogy websites (Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org and MyHeritage) and compares them and their features.
ADVERTISEMENT
Episode 193: Celebrating 25 Years of Family Tree Magazine – An Interview with Maureen Taylor | February 2025
In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine podcast, Maureen Taylor offers tips for preserving cherished family photos for years to come.
Episode 192: Celebrating 25 Years of Family Tree Magazine – An Interview with Andrew Koch | January 2025
In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine podcast, Editor-in-Chief Andrew Koch reflects on 25 years of Family Tree Magazine and discusses what the future holds!
2024
Episode 191: Understanding Cousinhood – An Interview With Lisa Lisson | December 2024
In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine Podcast, Lisa Lisson explains what makes a person a cousin and offers tips for determining cousinhood.
ADVERTISEMENT
Episode 190: Writing About the Places Your Ancestors Lived – An Interview With Laura Hedgecock | November 2024
In this episode, Laura Hedgecock offers tips for writing about places as you tell your family’s story. Also, Lisa Louise Cooke talks with Jenny Ashcraft from Newspapers.com.
Episode 189: Understanding Death Heirlooms – An Interview With Robbie Gorr | October 2024
In this episode, Robbie Gorr introduces us to the morose but fascinating world of death heirlooms, explaining what they are and what we can learn from them.
Episode 188: Exploring Pre-1850 Censuses – An Interview With Lindsey Harner | September 2024
In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine Podcast, Lindsey Harner offers tips for navigating census records before 1850.
Episode 187: How to Bring Your Ancestors to Life in Writing – An Interview With Rhonda Lauritzen | August 2024
In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine Podcast, author Rhonda Lauritzen offers tips for writing your ancestors in an engaging, unique way.
Episode 186: Planning Your Summer Heritage Trip – An Interview with Sunny Morton | July 2024
In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine podcast, Lisa Louise Cooke speaks with Sunny Morton about choosing the best heritage tour companies and seeking out the most valuable resources as you plan your heritage trip.
Episode 185: Mastering ChatGPT for Genealogy – An Interview with Steve Little | June 2024
In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine podcast, Steve Little of the National Genealogical Society chats with Andrew Koch about AI tools like ChatGPT and how to use them effectively for genealogy research.
Episode 184: Understanding the 10 Million Names Project – An Interview with Lindsay Fulton | May 2024
In this episode, Lindsay Fulton from American Ancestors speaks with us about the 10 Million Names Project, its purpose and how you can get involved.
Episode 183: Handling Inherited Research and Objects – An Interview with Lahni Carney | April 2024
In this episode, New Media Editor Rachel Christian talks with her cousin, professional organizer Lahni Carney about handling inherited research and items with care.
Episode 182: Overcoming Brick Walls in Your Irish Genealogy Research – An Interview with Eliza Watson | March 2024
In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine podcast, author and genealogist Eliza Watson provides some valuable tips for researchers looking to overcome obstacles in their Irish genealogy research.
Episode 181: Preparing for RootsTech 2024 – An Interview with Sunny Morton | February 2024
In this episode, Family Tree Magazine Editor and Podcast Guest Host Andrew Koch interviews Sunny Morton about the highly anticipated genealogy conference RootsTech, what to expect and what past conferences had to offer.
Episode 180: Celebrating 15 Years of the Family Tree Magazine Podcast | January 2024
In this episode, we celebrate 15 years of the Family Tree Magazine podcast by revisiting some of our most popular interviews. First, we learn from Rich Venezia once more about finding ancestors’ hometowns. Then, we review some tried-and-true heirloom preservation tips from Denise May Levenick. Finally, we listen as your DNA Guide Diahan Southard explains what to do about missing or unexpected matches.
2023
Episode 179: Podcast Interview Highlights from 2023 | December 2023
In this episode, we look at some of the most memorable interviews from 2023, including Lisa Alzo sharing her family history research plan and Denise May Levenick offering tips for preserving old family recipes and kitchenware. Also, Family Tree Magazine Editor Andrew Koch provides a 2023 genealogy year in review.
Episode 178: When AI and Genealogy Unite – An Interview with Thomas MacEntee | November 2023
In this episode, Thomas MacEntee shares some of the incredible ways that AI is shaping the world of genealogy and what this might mean for genealogists. Also, Lisa Alzo shares some excellent tips for writing your family history.
Episode 177: Spotting Inconsistencies in Census Records – An Interview with Robyn Smith | October 2023
In this episode, Robyn Smith explains how census records can be potentially misleading due to inconsistencies. Also, Gena Philibert-Ortega offers tips for preserving your favorite family recipes.
Episode 176: Strategizing Your Italian Genealogy Research – Tips from an Article by Melanie D. Holtz | September 2023
In this episode, Lisa Louise Cooke reviews an article written by Melanie D. Holtz, which offers some excellent tips on Italian genealogy research. Also, learn how to read even the most challenging handwriting on your ancestors’ documents with the help of Colleen Stutz.
Episode 175: Picking the Perfect DNA Test – An Interview with Shannon Combs-Bennett | August 2023
In this episode, Shannon Combs-Bennett highlights the top DNA tests and their most notable offerings to help you decide which one best fits your needs. Also, author Charlotte Barnes tells us how we can get the kids in our lives interested in genealogy.
Episode 174: Finding Your U.S. Colonial Ancestors – An Interview with David Fryxell | July 2023
In this episode, David Fryxell offers practical advice for researching U.S. colonial ancestors. Plus, learn how to preserve heirloom American flags for many years to come.
Episode 173: Navigating the 1931 Census of Canada – An Interview with Kathryn Lake Hogan | June 2023
In this episode, Kathryn Lake Hogan tells us what we can find in the highly anticipated 1931 Census of Canada and offers some strategies for searching it efficiently. Plus, learn how to plan a memorable family reunion this summer with Shamele Jordan.
Episode 172: Exploring the History Behind Post-Mortem Photography – An Interview with Robbie Gorr | May 2023
In this episode, Robbie Gorr shares the eerie but beautiful history and art behind Victorian post-mortem photography. Plus, learn how to keep those original photo prints safe with Photo Detective Maureen Taylor.
Episode 171: Piecing Together Your Ancestor’s Life with Newspapers – An Interview with Stephen Wendt | April 2023
In this episode, Stephen Wendt shows us how we can uncover stories about our ancestors and learn more about them as people simply by gleaning old newspapers. Also, learn how to create an inspiring outline to guide you as you write your family history.
Episode 170: Finding the Maiden Names of Female Ancestors – An Interview with Shelley Bishop | March 2023
In this interview, Shelley Bishop offers some strategies and resources for tracking down the maiden names of female ancestors. Also, learn what you can do with those family photos that smell less than pleasant.
Episode 169: Researching Your Family History at Your Local Library – An Interview with Anna Rose Johnson | February 2023
In this episode, Anna Rose Johnson provides tips for taking advantage of the many resources offered by local libraries to find your ancestors. Also, learn how to preserve heirloom utensils and other kitchenware.
Episode 168: How to Make the Perfect Genealogy Research Plan – An Interview with Lisa Alzo | January 2023
In this episode, Lisa Alzo offers practical tips for creating your own genealogy research plan. Plus, learn how to better organize that research (including any documents and other valuable resources).
Family Tree Magazine Presents: Best Websites
Best Websites Episode 25: Best Websites – Discovering Your Irish Heritage with RootsIreland.ie – An Interview with Dr. Brendan Scott
In this episode, Dr. Brendan Scott, manager of Roots Ireland, discusses the importance of the RootsIreland.ie website for Irish family history research.
Best Websites Episode 24: Best Websites – Exploring WorldCat.org – An Interview with Sunny Jane Morton
In this episode of Best Websites, Sunny Jane Morton introduces us to WorldCat, a site that allows users to search libraries across the country in just a couple of clicks.
Best Websites Episode 23: Best Websites – Study the Atlas of Historical County Boundaries with Lisa Louise Cooke
In this episode of Best Websites, Lisa Louise Cooke offers a walk-through of the Atlas of Historical County Boundaries, hosted by The Newberry Library.
Best Websites Episode 21: Explore One-Step Pages – An Interview with Stephen Morse
In this episode of Best Websites, Stephen Morse highlights his website One-Step Pages, which has been going strong since 2001 and offering many tools for finding genealogical records.
Best Websites Episode 20: Finding Ancestors Who Fought in Major Conflicts with the ABMC – An Interview with Benjamin Brands
Best Websites Episode 19: Best Websites – Genealogical Research Meets DNA Testing – An Interview with Katherine Borges
In this episode of Best Websites, Lisa speaks with Katherine Borges of the International Society of Genetic Genealogy (ISOGG) about using DNA test results to inform your genealogical research.
Best Websites Episode 18: Having Fun With Genealogy With Genea-Musings – An Interview With Randy Seaver
In this episode of Best Websites, Lisa Louise Cooke chats with Randy Seaver of Genea-Musings, a long-running genealogy blog packed with genealogy tips, stories and even a little bit of humor.
Best Websites Episode 17: Diving Into Reclaim the Records – An Interview With Brooke Schreier Ganz
In this episode of Best Websites, Lisa Louise Cooke talks with Brooke Schreier Ganz from Reclaim the Records, a group that aims to make genealogical records more accessible to researchers.
Best Websites Episode 15: Best Websites: Celebrating 101 Best Websites – An Interview with David Fryxell
In this episode of Best Websites, Lisa Louise Cooke chats with David Fryxell about some of the highlights from Family Tree Magazine‘s 2024 list of 101 Best Websites.
Best Websites Episode 14: Exploring Full-Text Search at FamilySearch with Andrew Koch
In this episode of Best Websites, Family Tree Magazine editor Andrew Koch walks us through the full-text library from FamilySearch.
Best Websites Episode 13: Making the Most of GEDmatch – An Interview with Kitty Munson Cooper
In this episode of Best Websites, DNA Expert Kitty Munson Cooper offer tips for using GEDmatch to better understand your DNA test results.
Best Websites Episode 12: Revisiting Ellis Island Passenger Search Portal with Kathryn Marks
In this episode, we revisit the April 2023 interview with Kathryn Marks, in which she offers a walk-through of the Passenger Search database as a tool for finding ancestors who arrived in America via the Port of New York.
Best Websites Episode 11: FamilySearch Image Portal – A Discussion with Ryan Roughan and Chris McConkie
In this episode, Experience Manager Ryan Roughan and Web Designer Chris McConkie from FamilySearch walk us through the FamilySearch Image Portal, its search functions and what you might discover as you explore.
Best Websites Episode 10: Virtual Genealogical Association – An Interview with Jeanette Sheliga
In this episode of Best Websites, we hear from Virtual Genealogical Association president Jeanette Sheliga about the Virtual Genealogical Association (VGA), its monthly programs and special interest groups and the benefits that come with getting involved with a virtual community devoted to genealogy.
Best Websites Episode 9: Meyers Gazetteer – An Interview with James Beidler | September 2023
In this episode, James Beidler highlights Meyers Gazetteer and how you can use it to better understand Germany’s boundary changes and how they might guide your German genealogy research.
Best Websites Episode 8: Cyndi’s List – An Interview with Cyndi Ingle | August 2023
In this episode of Best Websites, Cyndi Ingle of Cyndi’s list shares some of the excellent resources that her website has to offer and some tips for making the best use of these resources as you research your family history.
Best Websites Episode 7: Family Tree Magazine’s 2023 Best Websites – An Interview with Sunny Jane Morton | July 2023
In this episode, Sunny Jane Morton highlights Historypin.org, an excellent free resource that allows you to share and tag images, videos and stories in one place.
Best Websites Episode 6: Family Tree Magazine’s 2023 Best Websites – An Interview with Rick Crume | June 2023
In this episode of Best Websites, author Rick Crume highlights some of the excellent websites that made the cut for 2023 on Family Tree Magazine’s lists of 101 Best Genealogy Websites and 75 Best State Websites.
Best Websites Episode 5: AncientFaces.com – An Interview with Daniel Pinna | May 2023
In this episode of Best Websites, co-founder Daniel Pinna showcases everything that his platform AncientFaces has to offer as a tool for searching and sharing family memories and as a community.
Best Websites Episode 4: Ellis Island Passenger Search Portal – An Interview with Kathryn Marks | April 2023
In this episode of Best Websites, Kathryn Marks of the Family History Center at Ellis Island tells us how to use the Passenger Search database to find ancestors who arrived in America via the Port of New York.
Best Websites Episode 3: RootsTech.org – Enjoy Conference Video Content at Home | March 2023
From March 2nd to March 4th, genealogists from all over the world gathered in Salt Lake City for the highly anticipated genealogy conference, RootsTech 2023. But even if you couldn’t make it in person, you can still enjoy quality RootsTech content from the comfort of home. In this episode, Jen Allen from FamilySearch highlights the RootsTech.org on-demand library and how you can search it to find informative video content.
Best Websites Episode 2: Enslaved.org – An In-Depth Look with Shamele Jordon | February 2023
In this episode of Best Websites, genealogist and writer Shamele Jordon highlights the many resources available on Enslaved.org, a website perfect for those who wish to research African American genealogy.
Best Websites Episode 1 : Ancestry.com Card Catalog Walk-Through with Lisa Louise Cooke | January 2023
In this episode of Best Websites, Lisa Louise Cooke walks us through Ancestry.com’s expansive card catalog and reveals how this resource can be used to find valuable records for free.
Past Episodes
2022
Episode 168: How Witness Records Can Guide Your Genealogy Research – An Interview with Robyn Smith | December 2022
In this podcast, genealogist Robyn Smith tells us how you can use witness records to guide your genealogy research. Plus: learn what you can do with those photo negatives and how to navigate WikiTree.
Episode 167: Build Your Family Tree with DNA – An Interview with Diahan Southard | November 2022
In this episode, Diahan Southard shares how you can create your family tree with just your DNA. Also: learn about how DNAPainter.com can help you better understand your DNA test results and what tools you can use to more effectively tell your ancestors’ stories.
Episode 166: Find Your Ancestor’s Old World Town of Origin – An Interview with Rich Venezia | October 2022
In this episode, professional genealogist Rich Venezia offers some valuable research tips that will help you track down your ancestor’s Old World town of origin and find meaningful records. Plus: learn how to clean tombstones efficiently and respectfully and how you can use DeadFred.com to search for old photos of your ancestors and upload your own photos.
Episode 165: Crafting Your Genealogy Will — An Interview with Denise May Levenick | September 2022
In this episode, Denise May Levenick offers tips for creating your genealogy will so that your research can live on for generations. Also: learn how to navigate the Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps as handy genealogical tools and how to find meaningful clues about your ancestors simply by studying what they are wearing in old photos.
Episode 164: Tips for Filipino Genealogy — An Interview with Todd Lucero Sales | August 2022
In this episode, professional genealogist Todd Lucero Sales offers some tips to those new to researching their Filipino heritage. Plus: learn how to streamline your genealogy research materials by knowing what to keep and what to toss and discover the capabilities of the genealogy software program RootsMagic.
Episode 163: Solving Mysteries Behind Conflicting Birthdates — An Interview with Lindsey Harner | July 2022
In this episode, Lindsey Harner walks through 5 questions that can help you solve the puzzle of an ancestor’s conflicting birthdate across many different records. Plus: learn about some tools you can use to share your family videos and photos online and how to navigate the Periodical Source Index (PERSI).
Episode 162: Exploring the Freedmen’s Bureau – An Interview with Shelley Viola Murphy | June 2022
In this episode, Shelley Viola Murphy highlights the Freedmen’s Bureau and its accessibility for genealogical research. Also: find out what resources made the 2022 Best Genealogy Websites list and learn how one TikTok user is using the platform to explore cemeteries and uncover stories from the past.
Episode 161: Find German-Speaking Ancestors Outside Germany – An Interview with James Beidler | May 2022
In this episode, James Beidler offers practical tips for tracking down German-speaking ancestors who lived outside Germany. Plus: learn how to preserve special family treasures and navigate David Rumsey’s Map Collections Project, a priceless genealogical tool.
Episode 160: Become a 20th Century Census Expert — An Interview with Gena Philibert-Ortega | April 2022
In this episode, Gena Philibert-Ortega joins us to discuss the importance of understanding 20th century census records as genealogists. Plus: we explore how to participate in the indexing of the 1950 census and sniff out both facts and fictions in family stories.
Episode 159: Preparing for the 1950 Census Release | March 2022
In this episode we’re getting ready for the release of the 1950 census by learning how to research ancestors through the 1940s, as well as how to find your ancestors’ Enumeration District with Steve Morse’s One-Step Webpages. Plus, unlikely sources for family photos and much more!
Episode 158: Overcoming Challenges in African American Genealogy Research — An Interview with Shamele Jordon | February 2022
In this episode, Family Tree University instructor Shamele Jordon joins us to discuss challenges in African American genealogy research and how family historians can overcome them. Plus we explore websites for French genealogy records, newspaper research and a new online storytelling tool.
Episode 157: Becoming a Forensic Genealogist — An Interview with Dr. Claire Glynn | January 2022
Have you ever wondered what it would take to become a forensic genealogist? In this episode, Dr. Claire Glynn joins us to discuss a new program that trains participants how to apply genetic and traditional genealogy to forensic investigations. Plus: genealogy writing strategies, Findmypast tips and much more.
2021
Episode 156: Preserve Your Family History in the New Year | December 2021
In this episode, our host Lisa Louise Cooke and her guests discuss what archival supplies you need to safely protect and preserve your family history. Plus, editor Andrew Koch reviews the most significant genealogy news in 2021 and looks looks ahead to what’s new in 2022. Listen for all this and more, and set yourself up for genealogy success in the new year!
Episode 155: Researching Ancestors Among the Five Tribes — An Interview with Judy Muhn | November 2021
In this episode, genealogist and author Judy Nimer Muhn discusses how to research ancestors who who belonged to one of the United States’ five largest indigenous tribes today: Navajo, Cherokee, Sioux, Chippewa and Choctaw. Plus, Diahan Southard is back to shed some light on DNA Painter and what third-party DNA tools can tell you about your genetic ancestry.
Episode 154: The History of Obituaries and Where to Find Them | October 2021
In this spooky episode of the Family Tree Podcast, we learn how to locate and use historical obituaries for genealogy research. We’ll also compare the the three major cemetery websites and take a closer look at the origins of Halloween. Join our host Lisa Louise Cooke and her guests as we explore these topics and much more.
Episode 153: Genealogy and Spirituality — An Interview with Author Lori Erickson | September 2021
Do you feel a spiritual connection to your ancestors? In this episode, our host Lisa Louise Cooke interviews author Lori Erickson about the connection between genealogy and spirituality. Plus, our DNA expert Diahan Southard is back to discuss how and why ethnicity estimates change, and we take a look at a Facebook group that returns lost family heirlooms to their rightful homes.
Episode 152: Our Ancestors’ Psychology: An Interview with Author Helen Parker-Drabble | August 2021
In this episode of the Family Tree Podcast, Lisa interviews author Helen Parker-Drabble about how so-called “modern” mental health problems like anxiety or depression shaped the lives of our ancestors, and how understanding their experiences can benefit future generations. Plus, our DNA expert is back and we chat with Devon Lee of the YouTube channel Family History Fanatics.
Episode 151: Shining a Spotlight on Marriage Records | July 2021
At Family Tree Magazine we like to shine a light on the most important sources for your genealogical research, and marriage records rank right up there at the top of the list. In this episode, Lisa is joined by Amanda Epperson to discuss how and why to research marriage records. Plus, our DNA expert is back to explain why you should upload your tree to your DNA test results.
Episode 150: Overcoming Scanning Challenges | June 2021
Scanning documents and photos is an important step in preserving family history – but what about those items that are hard to scan (like slides and photo negatives)? In this episode, learn how to scan these items and overcome more common scanning challenges.
Episode 149: Researching Indentured Servant Ancestors | May 2021
In this episode, join our host Lisa Louise Cooke and her guests as they discuss strategies for researching indentured servants, websites for Jewish genealogy research and so much more.
Episode 148: Explore Your Family History at the Allen County Library Genealogy Center | April 2021
This month’s podcast features an in-depth look at the vast genealogy resources available at the Allen County Public Library in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Librarian Allison Singleton joins Lisa to discuss how this library can help anyone on their genealogy journey, no matter where they are. Plus, our DNA expert is back to discuss chromosome browsers, author David Fryxell shares his favorite websites for Civil War research, and much more.
Episode 147: How to Research Your Irish Ancestry | March 2021
In this episode, Lisa and her guests explore records and resources for tracing Irish ancestry. Plus, our DNA expert explains how to interpret your ethnicity results.
Episode 146: RootsTech Goes Virtual – An Interview with Jen Allen on RootsTech Connect | February 2021
The biggest genealogy event of the year has gone virtual! Lisa talks with RootsTech’s Jen Allen to see what participants can expect from RootsTech Connect. Plus, our DNA expert sheds some light on re-testing, and we get an inside look at the Freedmen’s Bureau records available on FamilySearch.
Episode 145: Free Genealogy Resources and Money-Saving Tips | January 2021
In this episode, we’re bringing you some of our favorite free genealogy resources and money-saving tips so you can start your year off strong (without breaking the bank). Plus, our DNA expert discusses how transferring your raw data can be a money-saving technique for acquiring more DNA matches.
2020
Episode 144: How to Handle Difficult or Uncomfortable Facts When Writing Family History | December 2020
Lisa interviews author Annette Gendler about how to address difficult or uncomfortable information when writing your family’s history. Plus, tips from our DNA expert on how to persuade relatives to take a DNA test, as well as a closer look at the genealogy resources available at the State Library of Pennsylvania.
Episode 143: Researching Mayflower Connections – An Interview with Chris Child | November 2020
Chris Child, editor of the Mayflower Descendant journal, joins Lisa to discuss strategies genealogists can use to discover their connection to the Mayflower passengers. Plus, our DNA expert is back to talk about how to understand missing or unexpected matches in your DNA test results, and much more!
Episode 142: Decoding Grave Symbols – An Interview with Joy Neighbors | October 2020
Author Joy Neighbors joins Lisa to talk about cemetery research and how you can use gravestone symbols to discover more about your ancestors. Plus, our DNA experts discusses testing deceased relatives and we explore strategies for success on Find a Grave.
Episode 141: What Will Genealogy Look Like Post COVID-19? | September 2020
In this month’s episode, Lisa talks with genealogist and librarian Daniel Klein about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected genealogy research and what genealogy will look like in the future. Plus, our DNA expert is back with tips on ethnicity estimates, and Lisa shares some of her favorite genealogy apps.
Episode 140: Becoming a Professional Genealogist – An Interview with Diana Elder (AG) and Nicole Dyer | August 2020
Mother-and-daughter genealogy team Diana Elder (AG) and Nicole Dyer join Lisa to discuss the process of becoming a professional genealogist. Our DNA expert Diahan provides organizational strategies for DNA matches, and author Rick Crume gives us a closer look at the digitized newspapers available on GenealogyBank.
Episode 139: A Closer Look at NBC’s “Roots Less Traveled” – An Interview with Host Faruq Tauheed | July 2020
Lisa interviews Faruq Tauheed, host of the NBC TV series “Roots Less Traveled” about the show and his own genealogy journey. Plus, highlights from the 101 Best Websites for Genealogy and a look at the burgeoning market of health-focused DNA tests.
Episode 138: Simple Steps to Practical Genealogy – An Interview with Brian Sheffey | June 2020
Lisa interviews Brian Sheffey, author of the book Practical Genealogy: 50 Simple Steps to Research Your Diverse Family History. Listen for practical tips you can apply to your genealogy research, plus the latest edition of our 101 Best Websites for Genealogy and much more.
Episode 137: How to Capture Family Stories Before They’re Lost – An Interview with Rachael Rifkin | May 2020
This episode, Lisa talks with author Rachael Rifkin about preserving our family history before it’s lost to time. Plus: some great online writing tools and pointers from our DNA expert on opting in (or out) of DNA research studies.
Episode 136: How DNA Tests Shape Our Idea of Family – An Interview with Libby Copeland | April 2020
This month Lisa interviews author Libby Copeland on her new book The Lost Family and discusses how consumer DNA tests are changing the way we think of family relationships. Plus: a look at the reliability of DNA, free DNA websites and more.
Episode 135: Unusual and Underused Records for Researching Female Ancestors | March 2020
Join Lisa and her guests as she discusses unusual and underused records for researching your female ancestors. Plus: Dutch genealogy websites, genetic communities, and a few great genealogy accounts to follow on social media.
Episode 134: How to Research Enslaved Ancestors | February 2020
This month, Lisa is joined by contributing editor Sunny Morton to discuss key strategies for researching enslaved African American ancestors. Plus, a quick tutorial on RootsTech apps from FamilySearch’s Jen Allen, tips for deciphering shared matches in your DNA and much more.
Episode 133: Timeless Strategies for Genealogy Research Success | January 2020
In this episode, founding Family Tree Magazine editor David A. Fryxell reflects on the past 20 years in the genealogy world and shares his favorite timeless genealogy problem-solving strategies
2019
Episode 132: The Best State Websites for Genealogy | December 2019
Join Lisa and her guests for an update on Family Tree Magazine’s new edition of the best state websites for genealogy!
Episode 131: Picture-Perfect Photo Books | November 2019
The podcast is back and better than ever with new tips, tricks and interviews with the experts. Join Lisa as she tackles perfect photo books and much more.
Episode 130: Online Records Roundup | March 2019
Discover valuable resources for online records with this month’s genealogy podcast.
Episode 129: Gain Major Genealogy Problem-solving Skills | February 2019
Add these genealogy problem-solving tricks and strategies to your research arsenal with this February 2019 podcast.
Episode 128: Make 2019 Your Most Organized Year Yet | January 2019
Get the key genealogy organization tricks to make 2019 your best year yet.
2018
Episode 127: The 2018 Genealogy Year in Review | December 2018
2018 has been a busy year in the genealogy world! We’re wrapping it up with a recap, and chatting about what we look forward to in 2019. Join us!
Episode 126: Exploring Your UK Ancestry | November 2018
This episode is all about UK ancestry. Lisa and her guests discuss the best UK websites, the genes that make up the British Isles, and much more!
Episode 125: Genealogy Problem Solving | October 2018
Learn strategies for your biggest genealogy problems, discussing the difference between DNA types and looking at FamilySearch’s Communities.
Episode 124: Immigration and our Ancestors | September 2018
This month we’re discussing unusual immigration records, plus find out which websites are best for saving and sharing your research.
Episode 123: Best Genealogy Websites of 2018 (Live from FGS) | August 2018
Recorded live at the FGS conference in Ft. Wayne, Indiana, it’s our annual Best Genealogy Websites episode. We’re discussing our 101 best sites list, interviewing Daniel Horowitz from MyHeritage, chatting with Rick Voight from Vivid-Pix and much more. Don’t miss this episode!
Episode 122: DNA and Adoption | July 2018
In this month’s podcast, we’re not only discussing DNA and adoption, but also premiering several new segments.
Episode 121: Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Podcast | June 2018
The Family Tree Podcast is celebrating its 10 year anniversary! Join us as we discuss some of our favorite stories and interviews from the last decade.
Episode 120: The New Family Tree Magazine | May 2018
Need help deciding which DNA test is right for you? In this month’s podcast we’ll share tips for selecting your test. We’re also discussing Family Tree Magazine‘s new look. Join us!
Episode 119: All About Ancestry.com | April 2018
Ready to dive into Ancestry.com? Grab your headphones and join Lisa and her guests as they discuss top tips for maximizing the site.
Episode 118: Online Trees | March 2018
This month Lisa focuses on online family trees. We’ll be discussing tips for digitizing your history, MyHeritage’s tree hints, and much more!
Episode 117: What’s New in Genetic Genealogy | February 2018
This month is all about genetic genealogy. We’ll be discussing Ancestry.com’s new Migrations tool, top DNA websites, and much more!
Episode 116: Famous Family Trees | January 2018
Our January Podcast is all about famous family trees. Join Lisa as she discusses heraldry and the upcoming royal wedding.
Family Tree Magazine podcast! We’re sharing our best tips, resources and more.
ADVERTISEMENT