If You Love Genealogy Podcasts Like Me
A quick review of my top 3 favorites - tell me yours!
I admit it, I am a family history story junkie. I just love to read and listen to other peoples fascinating stories of their lives, their ancestor’s lives and the hunt to track down those stories! Which is probably why I spend more time reading than writing here on Substack. <sorry/not sorry>
Photo on screen by Vika Strawberrika on Unsplash. Around it, my workspace.
My Favorite Podcasts as of April 2025
I immediately listen to “Stories That Live in Us”, Crista Cowan’s podcast, as soon as a new episode drops every week. There are always so many take-aways. And I have to admit, more often than not, I cry at some point in the show. I usually listen to it once on my headphones or while driving, then when I have a quiet moment, watch the video version, because I love to see expressions as someone tells their story. Crista asks some beautiful questions, and she is such a gracious hostess.
The most recent, Episode 55 from April 17, “Marry A Genealogist” is down right adorable! Please listen to it and tell me what you think!
My take-aways:
Note 1: “Marry a genealogist.” Gotcha. On it. Good plan. Genealogy serendipity at its finest. Truly, such a beautiful story and a match meant to be, described by guest speaker, Irene Hantman.
Note 2: Start asking my cousins for their Grandma and Grandpa stories! Why this has not been a priority yet, I do not know. I am one of the youngest on both sides. Three of my four grandparents had passed before I was born, and the last one, my Pappy, died when I was but 2. I have several letters of his to my mother where he talks about me and know from those letters that I was very loved, as were all of his “grand grands”, as he called us.
I have 37 Granath first cousins and 33 Ogle first cousins. Yes, indeed. 70 first cousins. Even though we have lost a good number, surely lots must remember more than I do about our common grandparents, right? Time to get busy. Zoom interviews maybe?
My second favorite podcast is still “Extreme Genes”. The interaction between Scott Fisher and David Allen Lambert is sweet and keeps me smiling. I love their stories, the way they help listeners and their take on everything genealogy related. Even though there are no new episodes being released, I started over at the beginning and am just floored at the amount of fascinating topics they have discussed over the years. Some I remember hearing at the time, but I am glad they are online to listen to. I listen on youtube, but they are on most of the regular podcast players also.
My take-aways every episode: Talking about the genealogy space with friends is fun! And genealogy never gets old!
And last but not least, my third favorite is “Genealogy Gems” from Lisa Louise Cooke. 293 episodes and counting, and again, you can go back and listen to any of the older ones, and they are still great. She has remastered some of the early ones, and they are available on her website (link below). Most of her content is free; however, you can pay for Premium extended education and it is quality. Her “Elevenses with Lisa” segments during the pandemic helped keep me sane and working on my genealogy. One of the things I love the most is that “Genealogy Gems” is transcribed on her website, and you can read them there (with ads), or purchase a membership that includes those as ad-free pdf handouts. I like having options. Our local genealogical society is going to have her speak in May, and I am really looking forward to it.
My take-aways: She really makes any topic interesting and presents new tools in an easy to use manner. I can always count on her to bring the latest in those never-ending Google tool changes, too.
I’m always looking for new genealogy podcasts and vlog channel content. What’s your favorite recently? Please share in the comments below.
I love genie podcasts too Kyla. Genealogy Gems is a favourite. I also love Family History Podcasts. I was interviewed by Andrew last year.
https://familyhistoriespodcast.com/
Good job