x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Stories That Live In Us

Crista Cowan | The Barefoot Genealogist

What if the most powerful way to strengthen your family’s future is to look to the past?I’m Crista Cowan, known online as The Barefoot Genealogist. I created this podcast to inspire you to form deeper connections with your family - past, present, and future. All families are messy and life is constantly changing but we don’t have to allow that to disconnect us. I’ve spent my whole life discovering the power of family history and I know that sharing the stories that live in you can change

society & culture personal journals

All Episodes

34:33

Thanks for the Memories (with George Ott) | Episode 39

Stories That Live In Us ·

2024/12/26

What happens when you present Bob Hope with his family history, and he has no joke to crack? In this episode, professional genealogist George Ott shares moving stories from his decades-long career, including unforgettable moments with Hollywood legends Bob Hope and Jimmy Stewart, who both found themselves brought to tears by discoveries about their family histories. Having started his career in 1975, George reveals how family connections can transcend fame, fortune, and even family feuds - from

en-us

41:13

It Doesn't Take A Lot (with Jason Terry) | Episode 38

Stories That Live In Us ·

2024/12/19

When a 20-year-old WWII pilot makes fudge in a POW camp on Christmas Day, he teaches a lasting lesson...Jason Terry shares how his grandfather's small act of kindness in a German prison camp during WWII sparked a family legacy of service that spans generations. Through stories of answered prayers, harrowing escapes, and a precious Red Cross package shared with fellow prisoners, we discover how even the smallest gestures can create lasting impact. This moving conversation reveals how family st...

en-us

30:36

Finding Heroes (with Wayne Abbott and David O'Keefe)...

Stories That Live In Us ·

2024/12/12

Have you ever wondered if there are forgotten family heroes in your past? In this episode, documentarians Wayne Abbott and David O'Keefe reveal how combining historical records, artifacts, and family research can bridge generational gaps and uncover powerful family stories. Through their work on Ancestry's "Finding Heroes" podcast, they share emotional moments of families discovering ancestors they never knew – including a son who finally connected with the father he never met through a simpl...

en-us

28:28

A Phone Call From Heaven (with Jenny Ashcraft) |...

Stories That Live In Us ·

2024/12/05

When Jenny Ashcraft joked with her dying father about needing a 'cell phone call from heaven' to start family history... that's exactly what she got. Just days after her father's funeral, a mysterious package arrived from a stranger who felt compelled to send her family records after reading her father's obituary. Follow Jenny's journey from a reluctant beginner to becoming part of the Ancestry team, including an incredible series of discoveries in Pennsylvania that

en-us

28:00

Sometimes You Don't Like the Answer (with Lisa Elzey)...

Stories That Live In Us ·

2024/11/28

Two genealogists discover they might share a Mayflower connection - but there's a twist.In this special Thanksgiving episode, my producer Lisa Elzey and I explore our connection to America’s founding story, take a memorable trip to Plymouth Plantation, and learn that sometimes uncovering the truth means letting go of cherished family lore. Through our journey, we reveal how the real power of family history lies not in the famous names on our family tree, but in the authentic stories we uncove...

en-us

36:34

Back to the Cherokee Nation (with Nicka Sewell-Smith)...

Stories That Live In Us ·

2024/11/21

Not everyone stumbles on a photo of a relative hanging in a hotel bathroom, but Nicka Sewell-Smith isn’t just anyone. And, that’s not even the most interesting story she has to tell. From family reunions to battles for tribal citizenship, Nicka reveals an American tale that challenges common narratives about Native American and African American history. Her persistence and use of modern technology helped her document more than 4,000 descendants of formerly enslaved ancestors and u...

en-us

40:58

The Fabric of Who You Are | (with Diahan Southard) |...

Stories That Live In Us ·

2024/11/14

Have you ever thought about how deeply you can trace your roots with just a simple DNA test?Listen in on my conversation with Diahan Southard, a trailblazer in consumer genomics and the founder of Your DNA Guide. She takes us through her story, starting as a microbiology student at Brigham Young University, continuing to her work with Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation, leading to her pioneering role in the field of genetic genealogy education. Sparked by the advice of a high...

en-us

36:03

Dad, I Want to Know About the War (with Becky Ellis)...

Stories That Live In Us ·

2024/11/07

Becky Ellis takes us on an emotional journey through her intricate family dynamics shaped by her father's World War II experiences. Raised in a complex environment in 1970s California, Becky paints a vivid picture of navigating a childhood marked by her father's dual roles as a respected surgeon and unpredictable alcoholic. Her story is a powerful exploration of seeking paternal love and understanding amidst a fractured family, reflecting on the deep bonds formed in the face of adversity.Our ...

en-us

19:13

Not Much of a Saint | Episode 31

Stories That Live In Us ·

2024/10/31

Does anyone else feel like the veil between life and death, this world and the next, thins around this time of year?Halloween, All Saints Day, All Souls Day, and Dia de los Muertos mark the beginning of the holiday season—a time for family, nostalgia, and deep connection. This week also happens to be my birthday.From my early childhood, my birthday celebrations often mingled with Halloween themes. But it was on my 18th birthday, while cleaning up a vandalized cemetery, that I found a profound...

en-us

38:57

La Cugina d'Americana (with Suzanne Russo Adams) |...

Stories That Live In Us ·

2024/10/24

Does your family history include run-ins with the mafia, witches, and sea monsters?Suzanne Russo Adams always cherished her lively Italian family gatherings but wasn’t initially drawn to genealogy. It took tearful Latin lessons and storytelling at Sunday dinners to spark her passion for family history.After graduating from Brigham Young University with a degree in family history, Suzanne began her career at Ancestry. She later moved to FamilySearch, where her work led her to ancestral parish ...

en-us

40:02

Why Didn't We Know This Story (with Gayle George) |...

Stories That Live In Us ·

2024/10/17

What if uncovering a family story you never knew could change the way you see yourself and the world? I believe family history has the power to do just that.Back in 2019, Ancestry and SundanceTV premiered a documentary short at the Sundance Film Festival called Railroad Ties. This film explores the legacy of the Underground Railroad and its lasting impact on the descendants of both those who were enslaved and those who fought for their freedom.Before you listen to this episode, I encourage yo...

en-us

29:19

I Had Come Home | Episode 28

Stories That Live In Us ·

2024/10/10

When someone asks where you're from, do you think of a place or the people? Is 'home' just a word, or does it evoke something more?In this episode, join me as I explore the notion of 'home' through stories from the life of my 3x great-grandfather, Samuel Mulliner. From the Scottish Highlands to the valleys of Utah, discover how the places he walked and the descendants he left behind shape my sense of home. His story, and the connections I've forged through rediscovering his legacy, unde...

en-us

47:03

Be At The Things That Matter Most (with The Cowan...

Stories That Live In Us ·

2024/10/03

Do we have a family motto? Not officially. But if we did, it might be "Cowans Show Up For Each Other!" As for my personal creed as an aunt? It's simple: Love each of them for exactly who they are and help them discover who they want to become.In this episode, freshly returned from a week-long cruise to Alaska and recorded just eight hours after our arrival, you'll hear me chat with all seven of my niblings. We laugh, they respond in the monosyllabic style only teenagers have mastered, but thr...

en-us

32:22

Moments of Really Beautiful Things (IAJGS LIVE) |...

Stories That Live In Us ·

2024/09/26

What do Lake Como, Italy, a Jewish genealogy conference, and a surprise discovery in Chicago all have in common? They are all elements of a story I shared in front of a live audience in Philadelphia just a few weeks ago.Listen in as I recount the story of one of the most impactful experiences in my career in family history. Discover how the events leading up to this experience prepared my mind and heart to receive the lessons it had to teach me.____________________________________...

en-us

42:00

A Whole Other Tree of Possibilities (with Todd...

Stories That Live In Us ·

2024/09/19

Imagine tackling a 5000-piece jigsaw puzzle without ever seeing the picture it’s supposed to form. Sometimes, you might spend hours focused on fitting just one section together, while at other times, you might simply add a piece or two as you pass by. This metaphor beautifully mirrors the process of uncovering family stories — a journey of patience, persistence, and unexpected discoveries.Todd Godfrey, Vice President of Global Content at Ancestry®, leads the efforts to acquire, digitize, inde...

en-us

22:59

HBO Gift Lounge | Episode 24

Stories That Live In Us ·

2024/09/12

It’s Emmys Weekend in Los Angeles. What does that have to do with family stories?Well, back in 2018, Ancestry hosted a luxury gift lounge during a Hollywood award show weekend. Unlike typical gift lounges where celebrities grab swag, snap photos, and move on, we offered them a different experience. A chance to connect with their past. We transformed a fancy hotel suite, complete with a grand faux tree, and gave the stars an opportunity to dive into their family history with ...

en-us

30:15

You Lose Them Twice (with Julie Taggart) | Episode 23

Stories That Live In Us ·

2024/09/05

We call ourselves Gen X women but many of us are quickly becoming the “sandwich generation.” It’s a term that invokes feelings of being squeezed between raising children, welcoming grandchildren, and caring for aging parents all while juggling never ending demands on our time and emotions.With six children ranging in age from 11 to 21 and a mother succumbing to dementia, my friend (and cousin) Julie Taggart, is managing this season of her life so beautifully. That doesn’t mean it isn’t ...

en-us

35:41

From People Who've Done Hard Things (with Jordan...

Stories That Live In Us ·

2024/08/29

Telling your children that they can do hard things is one thing, but sharing stories of their ancestors—who faced great challenges—transforms that simple statement into a profound insight. When children learn that the same blood flows in their veins, the message evolves from a clichéd saying to a powerful assertion that inspires resilience.As the father of young children, Jordan Lundskog understands the power of family stories firsthand. As a product manager at Ancestry, he is deeply co...

en-us

36:51

Turn It Into the Wind (with Erik and Emily Orton) |...

Stories That Live In Us ·

2024/08/22

Ever wondered what it takes to turn an ordinary life into an extraordinary adventure? This episode features Erik and Emily Orton, a couple who have redefined family living through the power of intentional storytelling and daring choices. Inspired by Joseph Campbell's hero's journey, they left their stable life in New York City to spend a year sailing the high seas with their five children. Emily reveals how a book by Donald Miller changed their worldview on crafting meaningful life narratives...

en-us

26:30

Open Heart, Open Mind, Open Ears (with Maria Mendoza)...

Stories That Live In Us ·

2024/08/15

Many people take an AncestryDNA test just to get the ethnicity estimate, curious about where in the world their DNA is from. However, they often overlook that their results include a match list - thousands of people in the Ancestry network with whom they share DNA, indicating a family relationship. Sometimes a really close one. For adoptees like Maria, this match list can be the beginning of a whole new journey of discovery and connection.Maria Mendoza was raised knowing she...

en-us

80 results

Similar Podcasts

The Daily Horoscope

The Daily Horoscope

The Michael Decon Program

Michael Decon

Kalimera Koveos

Andrea Koveos

The Documentary Podcast

BBC World Service

Smarter leben

DER SPIEGEL