Episodes

  • Turning Genealogy Records into Compelling Stories – An Interview with Aryn S. Youngless
    Nov 1 2026

    In this interview, writer and genealogist Aryn S. Youngless offers tips for turning genealogy records into stories worth telling.

    https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/FTM-11-2026.mp3

    Feature: Turning Records into Stories

    Genealogy records are more than just points in history that show when your ancestors were born, where they lived, and when they died; they are also excellent opportunities for mining stories that you can share with others. In this interview, Aryn S. Youngless offers tips for doing just that.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    • What records might miss
    • Looking at gaps in the records for clues
    • The important of understanding the era
    • Using city directories and newspapers
    • Incorporating oral histories and personal narratives



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    Andrew Koch is the Editor of Family Tree Magazine.

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    33 mins
  • Making the Most of Family History Month – An Interview with Kate Smith
    Oct 1 2026
    In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine podcast, Andrew Koch interviews Kate Smith, Associate Director for Communications and Organizations at the National Genealogical Society, or NGS. She offers tips for getting involved during Family History Month in October. https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/FTM-10-2026.mp3 Feature: Observing Family History Month October is Family History Month, making the next several weeks an excellent opportunity to celebrate your family history, reengage in research projects you’ve set aside, and get involved with the genealogy community. In this episode of the podcast, Andrew Koch speaks with Kate Smith of the National Genealogical Society who offers tips for making the most of your own local genealogical societies this month. Mentioned in this episode: Why family history and family stories are importantGenealogical resources and tipsConnecting with local and regional genealogical organizationsWhy it’s worth supporting genealogical organizations and societiesChallenges faced by local genealogical societies and how to help overcome themWhy to take part in Family History Month Resources: NGS — Family History Month How to Celebrate Family History Month in October Family History Month has been celebrated every October since 2001. Discover all the ways you can join in on the fun and honor your own family history. Family Tree Magazine The Family History Month Handbook October is Family History Month, the perfect time to organize your research materials. In this free eBook, our experts offer tools to keep you on track. Family Tree Magazine Visit Our Sponsor The Mayflower Society This episode is brought to you by the Mayflower Society. A rich family story awaits you. And with the right guidance into the past, you can uncover the details that will bring it all together. The Mayflower Society is here to help with a team of adept researchers who can craft a report about your family’s unique history. Whether you’ve already confirmed descent from a Mayflower passenger or you’re just beginning your genealogical journey, the Mayflower Society’s experts can scour one-of-a-kind lineage resources to find answers. Start today by booking a free 30-minute consultation at TheMayflowerSociety.org. Your ancestor’s journey was remarkable. Embark on your own today. Stay in the Know Sign up now for our FREE daily newsletter and get: Expert tips and tricks to accelerate your research In-depth articles on a variety of genealogical topicsExclusive offers on new tools and resources Plus, find Family Tree Magazine on your favorite social channels! Andrew Koch is the Editor of Family Tree Magazine.
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    38 mins
  • Preserving Diplomas and School Memories – An Interview with Denise May Levenick
    Sep 1 2026

    In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine podcast, Denise May Levenick shares some valuable tips for preserving the keepsakes that matter most to you, including diplomas, artwork, and photos.

    https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/09-2026.mp3

    Feature: Preserving Diplomas, Photos and Other Keepsakes

    Time can take a toll on the documents, photos and other heirlooms you hold dear–items that tell a story about you or your family history. In this interview, Denise May Levenick shares some tips and tricks for keeping those valuable artifacts in good shape.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    • Displaying diplomas and certificates
    • Combating environmental wear and tear
    • Storing family heirlooms in your home
    • Dealing with water damage
    • Determining what to keep and what to toss
    • Balancing preservation and use of family items
    What Not to Preserve in Your Family History Collection When it comes to family history, our instinct is to preserve everything. But, knowing what not to keep is just as important as knowing what to save. Family Tree Magazine
    • Expert tips and tricks to accelerate your research
    • In-depth articles on a variety of genealogical topics
    • Exclusive offers on new tools and resources

    Plus, find Family Tree Magazine on your favorite social channels!

    Andrew Koch is the Editor of Family Tree Magazine.

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    37 mins
  • Breaking Brick Walls in Genealogy – An Overview with Andrew Koch
    Aug 1 2026

    In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine podcast, editor Andrew Koch offers strategies for breaking through brick walls as you conduct genealogy research.

    https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/FTM-08-2026.mp3

    Feature: Breaking Through Brick Walls

    Brick walls can disrupt any genealogist’s research plans. The good news? There may be a way through them. Family Tree Magazine Editor Andrew Koch addresses some common brick walls that genealogists encounters and offers some tips for overcoming them.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    • Identifying brick walls and the problems they present
    • Understanding research challenges
    • Search tips and how to expand search parameters
    • Collateral research strategies
    • Social history and why it is important
    • Making the most of timelines and maps
    6 Steps for Breaking Down Genealogy Brick Walls Find your footing and scale your highest research brick walls: missing ancestors, burned records, same-named people, and more. Family Tree Magazine
    • Expert tips and tricks to accelerate your research
    • In-depth articles on a variety of genealogical topics
    • Exclusive offers on new tools and resources

    Plus, find Family Tree Magazine on your favorite social channels!

    Andrew Koch is the Editor of Family Tree Magazine.

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    15 mins
  • Exploring ArkivDigital – An Interview with Kathy Meade
    Jul 15 2026

    In this episode of Best Websites, Kathy Meade walks us through ArkivDigital, an extensive site that offers many valuable materials for genealogists to explore.

    https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/07-15-2026-BW.mp3

    Feature: Making Use of ArkivDigital for Genealogy Research

    ArkivDigital is a Swedish gnealogy website that boasts a robust collection of aerial photos, digitized church books, and more. In this interview, Swedish Genealogy Expert and North American Representative Kathy Meade offers a behind-the-scenes look at the website and shares what genealogists can gain from taking advantage of its resources.

    Also mentioned in this episode:

    • Coverage of Records from 1600s to 1990s
    • Resources for Swedish-American Genealogy
    • How ArkivDigital Makes Use of AI
    • Major Collections of Swedish Records
    • How to Access for Free
    • Subscription Information

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    Sign up now for our FREE daily newsletter and get:

    • Expert tips and tricks to accelerate your research
    • In-depth articles on a variety of genealogical topics
    • Exclusive offers on new tools and resources

    Plus, find Family Tree Magazine on your favorite social channels!

    Andrew Koch is the Editor of Family Tree Magazine.

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    21 mins
  • Understanding the American Revolution as a Genealogist – An Interview with Michael Strauss
    Jul 1 2026

    In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine podcast, Michael Strauss talks about the American Revolution and what genealogists should know as they research their ancestors.

    https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/FTM-07-01-2026.mp3

    Feature: Understanding the American Revolution

    America’s 250th birthday is on the horizon. With that in mind, some genealogists may be curious about their ancestors who lived through or fought during the American Revolution. Michael Strauss offers an overview of the American Revolution and provides resources that may prove valuable.

    Also mentioned in this episode:

    • Common misconceptions about the American Revolution and researching those who fought in it
    • The value of pension files
    • Tips for those seeking records from the National Archives
    • Everyday life for those living through the American Revolution—plus historic events and contemporary destinations for celebrating American independence
    • How to learn more about Loyalist ancestors

    Sign up now for our FREE daily newsletter and get:

    • Expert tips and tricks to accelerate your research
    • In-depth articles on a variety of genealogical topics
    • Exclusive offers on new tools and resources

    Plus, find Family Tree Magazine on your favorite social channels!

    Andrew Koch is the Editor of Family Tree Magazine.

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    24 mins
  • All About the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) – An Interview with Katharine Andrew
    Jun 15 2026

    In this episode of Family Tree Magazine’s Best Website, Katharine Korte Andrew explains what the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) is and the resources it offers genealogists who are researching American Revolutionary-era ancestors.

    https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/BW06-15-2026.mp3

    Feature: Using the Daughters of the American Revolution’s Databases
    Though it’s created from application documents, DAR’s “Genealogical Research System” (GRS) isn’t just for active members. The collections there can provide valuable details about family members from a few generations ago back to the American Revolution—whether or not you or a qualifying ancestor actually joined the DAR. This interview with DAR member (and Family Tree digital editor) Katharine Andrew gives an overview of the free-to-search GRS portal and the records you can find there.

    Also mentioned in this episode:

    • An overview of the Genealogical Research System’s various databases, which cover Patriot ancestors, their descendants, past DAR members and more
    • Examples of the records in these databases, used over the decades by women applying to the DAR
    • A detailed tutorial for searching the GRS, plus tips for finding ancestors there and requesting original copies of records
    • Other resources for researching Revolutionary-era ancestors—both those who fought and those who were simply witnesses

    Stay in the Know

    Sign up now for our FREE daily newsletter and get:

    • Expert tips and tricks to accelerate your research
    • In-depth articles on a variety of genealogical topics
    • Exclusive offers on new tools and resources

    Plus, find Family Tree Magazine on your favorite social channels!

    Andrew Koch is the Editor of Family Tree Magazine.

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    29 mins
  • Progress on the 10 Million Names Project – An Interview with Lindsay Fulton
    Jun 1 2026

    In this episode of the Family Tree Magazine, Andrew Koch interviews Lindsay Fulton about the 10 Million Names Project, its mission, and its current progress.

    https://media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/media.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/content.blubrry.com/family_tree_magazine/FTM-06-2026.mp3 Feature: 10 Million Names Project

    American Ancestors, also known as the New England Historic Genealogical Society is proud to announce the 10 Million Names Project, a central database that includes all 10 million people who were enslaved in what is now the United States. American Ancestors Chief Research Officer and head of the 10 Million Names research project offers some insight into the project and its current development.

    Mentioned in this episode:

    • Why Names Matter in Genealogy
    • Collaborative Efforts and Partnerships
    • Tips for Effective Searching
    Stay in the Know

    Sign up now for our FREE daily newsletter and get:

    • Expert tips and tricks to accelerate your research
    • In-depth articles on a variety of genealogical topics
    • Exclusive offers on new tools and resources

    Plus, find Family Tree Magazine on your favorite social channels!

    Your Host

    Andrew Koch is the Editor of Family Tree Magazine.

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    23 mins