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Send us Fan Mail What happens when you begin researching your family history and discover something that changes the story you thought you knew? In this special episode, Trisha shares the personal story behind her new memoir, When DNA Tells a Different Story: The Journey Into My Non-Paternal Event Discovery. Trisha opens up about the unexpected DNA discovery that began a six-year journey of questions, emotions, family, identity, and ultimately finding strength in the truth. She also talks about why she decided to put her experience into words, what it was like writing such a personal memoir, and what she hopes readers will take away from her story. This isn't simply a story about DNA or genealogy. It's about what happens when new information changes something fundamental about the story of your life and how you move forward afterward. Preorders for When DNA Tells a Different Story are now open. Order your copy at journeythroughthegenerations.com. Support the show Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations 📬 Join Our Newsletter Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com/newsletter 🌐 Explore More Blog: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyThroughtheGenerations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeythroughthegenerations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVodHWarer8oea90hmbG9Q ☕ Support the Show Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/familyhistory 🎵 Music Music provided by Third House Productions https://soundcloud.com/third-house If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your community!

Send us Fan Mail Recorded live at the RootsTech 2026 conference in Salt Lake City, this episode of Journey Through the Generations features a conversation with genealogist and entrepreneur André Kearns, founder and CEO of Black Ancestries. Trisha sits down with André in the expo hall at the world’s largest genealogy conference to talk about how he got started in family history research, the evolution of genealogy over the past 20 years, and the powerful role that technology is playing in helping people uncover their stories. André shares how a simple request from his father to create a family tree for a reunion led him into decades of research, eventually tracing his family lineage back to a named African ancestor. He also discusses the importance of records, DNA matches, and emerging tools like AI-powered document transcription that are helping researchers uncover ancestors who were previously hidden in historical records. In addition, André talks about the mission behind Black Ancestries and his vision to help people of African descent uncover, celebrate, and preserve their family history across the global diaspora. To learn more about André and the work he is doing, or you want some help with your own research visit, https://blackancestries.com/ Support the show Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations 📬 Join Our Newsletter Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com/newsletter 🌐 Explore More Blog: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyThroughtheGenerations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeythroughthegenerations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVodHWarer8oea90hmbG9Q ☕ Support the Show Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/familyhistory 🎵 Music Music provided by Third House Productions https://soundcloud.com/third-house If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your community!

Send us Fan Mail Thinking about attending RootsTech this year but not sure if you should go in person or tune in virtually? In this episode, we break down what RootsTech is, what to expect from both options, and how to prepare so you actually get value from the experience. We share practical tips for planning your schedule, choosing sessions, networking with other family historians, and making the most of the expo hall, whether you are walking the floor in Salt Lake City or attending from home. If you want to avoid feeling overwhelmed and walk away with real progress in your family history research, this episode will help you go into RootsTech with a clear plan and realistic expectations. Support the show Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations 📬 Join Our Newsletter Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com/newsletter 🌐 Explore More Blog: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyThroughtheGenerations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeythroughthegenerations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVodHWarer8oea90hmbG9Q ☕ Support the Show Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/familyhistory 🎵 Music Music provided by Third House Productions https://soundcloud.com/third-house If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your community!

Send us Fan Mail For the final day of our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources, we’re highlighting the RootsTech website—a powerful, year-round resource for family historians. In this episode, we talk about what you can do on the RootsTech website beyond the annual conference. We discuss how to search the site, explore on-demand educational videos, discover content from genealogy experts, and use RootsTech as an ongoing learning hub no matter where you are in your research journey. From beginner topics to more advanced methodology, the RootsTech platform offers a wide range of sessions that can help you build skills, find inspiration, and stay connected to the genealogy community. If you’ve ever attended RootsTech—or wondered how to take advantage of its resources outside the conference—this episode will help you understand why the website is worth bookmarking and revisiting often. 🎧 Listen in as we wrap up the series and share how RootsTech fits into your genealogy media toolbox. Explore RootsTech: https://www.rootstech.org/ Support the show Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations 📬 Join Our Newsletter Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com/newsletter 🌐 Explore More Blog: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyThroughtheGenerations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeythroughthegenerations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVodHWarer8oea90hmbG9Q ☕ Support the Show Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/familyhistory 🎵 Music Music provided by Third House Productions https://soundcloud.com/third-house If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your community!

Send us Fan Mail For Day 11 of our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources, we’re focusing on Google Books and why it’s an essential—but often overlooked—tool for genealogy research. In this episode, we talk about how Google Books allows researchers to full-text search millions of digitized books, including rare and out-of-print family histories, local and county histories, city directories, and other published records that may not be indexed anywhere else. These materials often contain references to ancestors that don’t appear in traditional genealogy databases. We discuss how using specific search terms, name variations, and advanced search operators can dramatically improve your results, especially when researching common surnames. We also cover how filters—such as publication date ranges, content type, and “full view” availability—can help you focus on materials published during your ancestor’s lifetime. If you’ve ever struggled to find context, background, or written references to your family beyond census and vital records, this episode will help you think differently about how books can support your genealogy research. 🎧 Listen in for practical strategies, real examples, and tips you can start using right away. Support the show Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations 📬 Join Our Newsletter Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com/newsletter 🌐 Explore More Blog: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyThroughtheGenerations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeythroughthegenerations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVodHWarer8oea90hmbG9Q ☕ Support the Show Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/familyhistory 🎵 Music Music provided by Third House Productions https://soundcloud.com/third-house If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your community!

Send us Fan Mail For Day 10 of our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources, we’re talking about books and the critical role they play in genealogy and family history research. In this episode, we discuss what books can reveal that online records sometimes can’t, why preserving them matters, especially as books continue to be challenged and removed from libraries, and how written history helps protect our stories for future generations. We also share personal experiences of finding our own families in books, highlighting how powerful and meaningful those discoveries can be. 🎧 Listen in for the books we discuss and why we believe every family historian should have them in their research toolbox. Links Blackville, Arkansas - Fashioned by a Former Slave: Stories from Individuals Who Remember Blackville - https://amzn.to/4p43LD0 Black Roots: A Beginner's Guide to Tracing the African American Family Tree - https://amzn.to/4p1Zv6W Somerset Homecoming - https://amzn.to/4pFNPIl The Family Tree Toolkit: A Comprehensive Guide to Uncovering Your Ancestry and Researching Genealogy - https://amzn.to/49iFRyW The Complete Idiot's Guide to Genealogy - https://amzn.to/4qcD8N7 Some of the book links included in this episode’s show notes are affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you choose to make a purchase through those links, at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the work we do and allow us to continue creating genealogy and family history content. We only share resources we genuinely believe are valuable to researchers. Support the show Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations 📬 Join Our Newsletter Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com/newsletter 🌐 Explore More Blog: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyThroughtheGenerations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeythroughthegenerations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVodHWarer8oea90hmbG9Q ☕ Support the Show Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/familyhistory 🎵 Music Music provided by Third House Productions https://soundcloud.com/third-house If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your community!

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we discuss how Google Alerts can be a helpful tool for genealogy and family history researchers. We explore how alerts can be used to stay informed about new information related to surnames, family locations, historical events, and research topics without constantly searching for updates. This episode highlights how Google Alerts can support ongoing research and help family historians keep track of new discoveries as they emerge. Support the show Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations 📬 Join Our Newsletter Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com/newsletter 🌐 Explore More Blog: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyThroughtheGenerations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeythroughthegenerations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVodHWarer8oea90hmbG9Q ☕ Support the Show Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/familyhistory 🎵 Music Music provided by Third House Productions https://soundcloud.com/third-house If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your community!

Send us Fan Mail For Day 8 of our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources, we’re talking about genealogy podcasts and why they’ve become such a valuable tool for family historians. In this episode, we discuss how podcasts can help you learn new research techniques, stay current on genealogy trends, and hear real-life family history stories from experts and fellow researchers. We also touch on the variety of genealogy podcasts available, from beginner-friendly shows to deeper, topic-focused conversations, and how listening can fit easily into your daily routine. If you’re looking for a way to keep learning while on the go, this episode will help you think about how genealogy podcasts can support your research journey. 🎧 Listen in for the shows we mention and how we recommend using podcasts as part of your genealogy toolbox. Links to podcasts mentioned in the episode: 🎙️ Genealogy Gems —https://genealogygemspodcast.com/ 🎙️ Genealogy Cafe —  https://generationscafe.libsyn.com/2018/09 🎙️ Daughter Dialogues — Apple Podcasts (Also searchable on most podcast apps like Spotify, Google Podcasts, etc.) 🎙️ Speak On It! with Janice & Cherekana - https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/speak-on-it--6474164 🎙️ Ancestor’s Footprints with Bernice Alexander Bennett — Apple Podcasts Support the show Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations 📬 Join Our Newsletter Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com/newsletter 🌐 Explore More Blog: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyThroughtheGenerations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeythroughthegenerations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVodHWarer8oea90hmbG9Q ☕ Support the Show Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/familyhistory 🎵 Music Music provided by Third House Productions https://soundcloud.com/third-house If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your community!

Send us Fan Mail For Episode 7 of our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources, we’re talking about genealogy software and how it can help you organize, manage, and expand your family history research. In this episode, we highlight two popular programs, RootsMagic and Family Tree Maker, and discuss why many researchers choose software to keep control of their family trees while still connecting to major online databases. We touch on key features, compatibility with Ancestry and FamilySearch, pricing considerations, and why these tools can be useful for both beginners and experienced genealogists. If you’ve ever wondered whether genealogy software is right for you—or which option might fit your research style—this episode will help you start asking the right questions. Support the show Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations 📬 Join Our Newsletter Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com/newsletter 🌐 Explore More Blog: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyThroughtheGenerations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeythroughthegenerations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVodHWarer8oea90hmbG9Q ☕ Support the Show Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/familyhistory 🎵 Music Music provided by Third House Productions https://soundcloud.com/third-house If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your community!

Send us Fan Mail Phillip and Trisha discuss how music applies to their genealogy research and how it could help you. Support the show Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations 📬 Join Our Newsletter Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com/newsletter 🌐 Explore More Blog: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyThroughtheGenerations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeythroughthegenerations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVodHWarer8oea90hmbG9Q ☕ Support the Show Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/familyhistory 🎵 Music Music provided by Third House Productions https://soundcloud.com/third-house If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your community!

Send us Fan Mail For Day 5 of our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources, we’re turning our attention to genealogy on television. In this episode, we talk about popular genealogy TV shows such as Finding Your Roots, Who Do You Think You Are?, and Relative Race, along with a few lesser-known programs that bring family history research to life in different ways. We discuss how these shows blend storytelling, history, and research, what they get right, and how viewers can use them as inspiration for their own family history journeys. Whether you enjoy celebrity-driven discoveries, competitive research formats, or emotional reunions, genealogy TV shows can spark curiosity, encourage deeper research, and help make family history more accessible to a wider audience. If you’ve ever watched an episode and thought, “I want to try that with my own family,” this conversation is for you. Support the show Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations 📬 Join Our Newsletter Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com/newsletter 🌐 Explore More Blog: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyThroughtheGenerations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeythroughthegenerations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVodHWarer8oea90hmbG9Q ☕ Support the Show Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/familyhistory 🎵 Music Music provided by Third House Productions https://soundcloud.com/third-house If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your community!

Send us Fan Mail For Day 4 of our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources, we’re highlighting a powerful and deeply meaningful resource: the Center for Family Research located inside the International African American Museum (IAAM) in Charleston, South Carolina. In this episode, we talk about how the Center supports African American family history research through access to historical records, expert guidance, and specialized tools designed to help researchers trace their lineage through the era of slavery and beyond. We discuss how you can support the museum, donate your personal archives, and how the Center connects personal family stories to the broader African American experience. Whether you’re planning a visit to Charleston or exploring options for advancing your research, the Center for Family History at IAAM is a must-know genealogy resource. Learn more about the Center for Family History at IAAM: https://iaamuseum.org/center-for-family-history/ Support the show Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations 📬 Join Our Newsletter Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com/newsletter 🌐 Explore More Blog: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyThroughtheGenerations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeythroughthegenerations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVodHWarer8oea90hmbG9Q ☕ Support the Show Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/familyhistory 🎵 Music Music provided by Third House Productions https://soundcloud.com/third-house If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your community!

Send us Fan Mail For Day 3 of our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources, we’re diving into one of the most surprisingly powerful tools for family historians: social media. In this episode, we talk about how platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and specialized online communities can help you find resources, connect with relatives, discover research tips, and stay updated on genealogy trends. We share examples of how social media groups have helped researchers break through brick walls, learn new techniques, and collaborate with others who share their ancestral regions or surnames. Whether you're new to genealogy or have been researching for years, social media can open doors you never expected. Helpful Social Media Tools for Genealogy Research 1. Facebook Groups Great for connecting with researchers who share: Geographic interests (e.g., “Arkansas Genealogy,” “African American Genealogy”)Surname researchDNA helpBeginner questions  Facebook remains one of the most active genealogy communities online.2. YouTube Free video tutorials from: FamilySearchAncestryProfessional genealogists  Learn how to analyze records, write family stories, use DNA tools, and more.3. Instagram Useful for: Following genealogy educatorsCreators who share quick research tipsInspiration for storytelling and family history projects4. TikTok Short-form videos covering: Genealogy hacksRecord breakdownsDNA explanations  (Your audience may or may not use TikTok, but genealogists are active there.)5. Genealogy-Specific Social Platforms WikiTree – collaborative family tree with community challengesMyHeritage’s Photo Tools (via their mobile app) – colorization, restorationAncestry Message Boards – still active and searchable by topic or surname6. X (formerly Twitter) Good for: Following genealogy professionalsResearch announcementsConference updates (RootsTech, AAHGS, etc.)Support the show Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations 📬 Join Our Newsletter Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com/newsletter 🌐 Explore More Blog: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyThroughtheGenerations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeythroughthegenerations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVodHWarer8oea90hmbG9Q ☕ Support the Show Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/familyhistory 🎵 Music Music provided by Third House Productions https://soundcloud.com/third-house If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your community!

Send us Fan Mail For Day 2 of our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources, we’re spotlighting one of the most powerful—and completely free—tools available to family historians: FamilySearch. In this episode, we walk through why FamilySearch remains a foundational resource for both beginners and experienced researchers. We discuss its vast collection of records, global family tree, research wiki, and how its collaborative features can help you uncover new information and connect with relatives you never knew you had. Whether you’re building your first tree or diving deep into archival collections, FamilySearch offers guidance, community, and millions of records at your fingertips. We also share tips for getting the most out of the site and what new users should know before diving in. Explore FamilySearch: https://www.familysearch.org/ Support the show Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations 📬 Join Our Newsletter Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com/newsletter 🌐 Explore More Blog: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyThroughtheGenerations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeythroughthegenerations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVodHWarer8oea90hmbG9Q ☕ Support the Show Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/familyhistory 🎵 Music Music provided by Third House Productions https://soundcloud.com/third-house If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your community!

Send us Fan Mail Today kicks off our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources, and we’re starting with a classic favorite: 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks by genealogist Amy Johnson Crow. In this episode, we talk about how this year-long writing challenge works. Whether you’re brand new to writing about your ancestors or looking for a motivating framework to stay consistent, this challenge offers approachable weekly themes that spark creativity and curiosity. We share our own thoughts on how to adapt it and how beginners can get started. Learn more about the challenge: https://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/52-ancestors-in-52-weeks/ Support the show Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations 📬 Join Our Newsletter Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com/newsletter 🌐 Explore More Blog: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JourneyThroughtheGenerations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journeythroughthegenerations/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDVodHWarer8oea90hmbG9Q ☕ Support the Show Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/familyhistory 🎵 Music Music provided by Third House Productions https://soundcloud.com/third-house If you enjoyed this episode, share it with your community!