Family Tree Magazine Podcast

Becoming a Professional Genealogist – An Interview with Diana Elder (AG) and Nicole Dyer: Episode 140

18 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Diana Elder (AG) and Nicole Dyer join Lisa to discuss the process of becoming a professional genealogist. Plus, how to organize your DNA matches and m...

A Closer Look at NBC’s “Roots Less Traveled” – An Interview with Host Faruq Tauheed: Episode 139

15 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Lisa interviews Faruq Tauheed, host of the NBC TV series “Roots Less Traveled" about the show and his own genealogy journey. Plus, highlights from t...

Simple Steps to Practical Genealogy – An Interview With Brian Sheffey: Episode 138

17 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Host Lisa Louise Cooke interviews Brian Sheffey, author of the book Practical Genealogy: 50 Simple Steps to Research Your Diverse Family History. List...

How to Capture Family Stories Before They’re Lost – An Interview with Rachael Rifkin: Episode 137

20 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Lisa talks with author Rachael Rifkin about preserving our family history before it's lost to time. Plus, great websites to help with your writing pro...

How DNA Tests Shape Our Idea of Family – An Interview with Libby Copeland: Episode 136

17 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Lisa interviews author Libby Copeland and discusses how consumer DNA tests are changing the way we think of family. Plus, free DNA websites and much m...

Unusual and Underused Records for Researching Female Ancestors: Episode 135

18 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Join Lisa and her guests as she discusses unusual and underused records for researching your female ancestors. Plus: Dutch genealogy websites, genetic...

How to Research Enslaved Ancestors: Episode 134

19 Feb 2020

Contributed by Lukas

This month, Lisa is joined by contributing editor Sunny Morton to discuss key strategies for researching enslaved African American ancestors.

Timeless Strategies for Genealogy Research Success: Episode 133

17 Jan 2020

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, founding editor David A. Fryxell reflects on the past 20 years in genealogy and shares his favorite timeless genealogy research strat...

The Best State Websites for Genealogy: Episode 132

16 Dec 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Join Lisa and her guests for an update on Family Tree Magazine's new edition of the best state websites for genealogy!

Picture-Perfect Photo Books: Episode 131

25 Nov 2019

Contributed by Lukas

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 ...

Online Records Roundup: Episode 130

01 Mar 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Discover valuable resources for online records with this month's genealogy podcast.

Gain Major Genealogy Problem-solving Skills: Episode 129

19 Feb 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Add these genealogy problem-solving tricks and strategies to your research arsenal with this February 2019 podcast.

Make This Year Your Most Organized Yet: Episode 128

18 Jan 2019

Contributed by Lukas

Get the key genealogy organization tricks to make 2019 your best year yet.

The 2018 Genealogy Year in Review: Episode 127

19 Dec 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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!

Exploring Your UK Ancestry: Episode 126

27 Nov 2018

Contributed by Lukas

If you have any UK ancestry, you won't want to miss this episode! Lisa and her guests discuss the best UK websites, the genes that make up the British...

Genealogy Problem Solving: Episode 125

30 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Learn strategies for your biggest genealogy problems, discussing the difference between DNA types and looking at FamilySearch’s Communities.

Immigration and Our Ancestors: Episode 124

02 Oct 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This month we’re discussing unusual immigration records, plus find out which websites are best for saving and sharing your research.

Best Genealogy Websites of 2018 (Live from FGS): Episode 123

31 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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, ...

DNA and Adoption: Podcast Episode 122

24 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In this month’s podcast, we’re not only discussing DNA and adoption, but also premiering several new segments.

Celebrating the 10th Anniversary of the Podcast: Episode 121

28 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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...

The New Family Tree Magazine: Episode 120

24 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

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 Tre...

All About Ancestry.com: Episode 119

26 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Ready to dive into Ancestry.com? Grab your headphones and join Lisa and her guests as they discuss top tips for maximizing the site.

Online Trees: Episode 118

21 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This month Lisa focuses on online family trees. We'll be discussing tips for digitizing your history, MyHeritage's tree hints, and much more!

What’s New in Genetic Genealogy: Episode 117

27 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This month is all about genetic genealogy. We'll be discussing Ancestry.com’s new Migrations tool, top DNA websites, and much more!

Famous Family Trees: Episode 116

25 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Our January Podcast is all about famous family trees. Join Lisa as she discusses heraldry and the upcoming royal wedding.

Best of Genealogy in 2017: Episode 115

03 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In our December 2017 podcast, we'll be discussing DNA and adoption, plus some of our favorite things from 2017!

Sharing Family History for the Holidays: Episode 114

21 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In our November 2017 podcast, Lisa shares tips on creating a family history book, plus websites for sharing your family history.

Research Secrets from the Pros: Episode 113

25 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Lisa investigates tips for breaking down brick walls, knowing when to hire an expert, and chats with the FTU Dean.

101 Best Free Genealogy Websites of 2017: Episode 112

21 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Lisa discusses the 101 Best Genealogy Sites of 2017, along with interviews from the editors of Family Tree Magazine.

Fall Virtual Genealogy Conference Preview: Podcast Episode 111

21 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Learn what you can expect from the Fall Virtual Genealogy Conference, including previews of what you learn and how to make the most of the experience.

Strategic DNA Testing: Episode 110

17 Jul 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Lisa dives into the topic of DNA testing, from the latest news from two of the best-known companies, getting started, and working with your results.

Mapping Your Family History: Episode 109

16 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this podcast episode, we talk about using old maps and mapping tools to learn more about your ancestors through the places they've lived and loved.

Researching Your Heritage: Episode 108

18 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this May 2017 podcast episode, host Lisa Louise Cooke brings in genealogy research experts Claire Santry and James Beidler to talk about researchin...

Ancestors in the Great War: Episode 107

18 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Learn how to research your ancestors during World War I.

Genealogy Websites: Episode 106

15 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this genealogy podcast episode, discover fabulous online resources for finding your family history and working with the ones you frequent.

African-American Genealogy Research: Episode 105

15 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In this month's podcast, we celebrate Black History Month with tips for finding your African-American ancestors.

Plan for Genealogy Success in 2017: Episode 104

18 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Kick off the year with these tips to formulate your plan for successful genealogy research.

State-Based Ancestry: Episode 103

15 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this December podcast, we explore state-based genealogy research and the available tools and techniques for discovering our U.S. ancestors.

Stepping Into Your Ancestor’s Shoes: Episode 102

16 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Gain invaluable insight into the lives of your ancestors by learning how to use social history to reconstruct their neighborhoods, find new records, a...

Cemeteries and Genealogy: Episode 101

19 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Learn all about what cemetery records you can find and how they can benefit your genealogy research in this month's podcast.

Our 100th Podcast Episode!

15 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Family Tree Magazine is celebrating our 100th episode with this special, hour-long podcast. From unusual surnames to special censuses, get the great g...

Best Genealogy Websites August 2016: Episode 99

15 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, Lisa Louise Cooke and company discuss the best genealogy websites for 2016, recently published by Family Tree Magazine.

Organizing Your Research: Episode 98

15 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

The secret to great genealogy: Learn how to organize your family history research with the tips, tools and techniques in this July 2016 podcast. 

Maximizing Military Records: Episode 97

16 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Follow along with Family Tree University and host Lisa Louise Cooke as we cover the essentials of researching your ancestors' military service.

Tracing Hard-to-Find Ancestors: Episode 96

16 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Get genealogy tips for researching those hard-to-find ancestors: using newspaper archives, finding missing people in the census and more.

Tracing Immigrant Ancestors: Episode 95

14 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

In this April, 2016 episode of the get the scoop on tracing your immigrant ancestors, from tips on finding German and Eastern European ancestors, to t...

Online Genealogy Tools and Apps: Episode 94

15 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Learn about some great online tools, apps and resources you can use in your genealogy research.

The Best Methods for Searching Your Family Last Names: Episode 93

17 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Get the best genealogy research tips and tools for searching your family's last names - from how to handle common surnames to making use of geographic...

Set Yourself up for Genealogy Success in 2016: Episode 92

19 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Set yourself up to make your genealogy research efforts successful in 2016, with ideas for organizing your work with spreadsheets, top tips for making...

Cloud Computing for Genealogists: Episode 91

17 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

In this month's episode, wrap up the year with Lisa Louise Cooke and her tips on using the cloud to back up your genealogy research online.

Brick Wall Busting Strategies: Episode 90

16 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

In this month's episode, learn how to break down those brick walls in your family tree with fantastic tips and tools from Lisa Louise Cooke and her gu...

Conquering the Courthouse II: Episode 89

14 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Join Lisa Louise Cooke and guest Sunny Morton to learn four tips to learn how to use courthouse records in your family search and create a plan that w...

Organizing Your Genealogy: Episode 88

18 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

This episode is all about getting organized so you can quickly store and secure your genealogical findings and build your genealogy portfolio.

Best Genealogy Websites of 2015: Episode 87

10 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Get the scoop on the 101 best websites in genealogy and search strategies for maximizing your investigations.

Discover Your Roots Hints: Episode 86

16 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

This month, learn how to start searching for your family history with hints from Discover Your Roots, Instant Discoveries on MyHeritage, the Family Tr...

Rooting Out Research Mistakes: Episode 85

16 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

This month's theme is Rooting Out Research Mistakes. Lisa interviews contributing editors for tips on how to keep your genealogy clean of errors.

Archiving Family Photos: Episode 84

18 May 2015

Contributed by Lukas

This month we have tips on photo organizing secrets, 25 keepsake family photo projects and Lisa provides strategies for navigating the Library of Cong...

Source Citations Made Easy: Episode 83

16 Apr 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Lisa interviews guests about key strategies for creating simple source citations. Plus, Lisa walks through how to use WorldCat's source documentation ...

Mapping Mania: Episode 82

16 Mar 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Lisa interviews guests about mapping strategies, websites to find and use old maps like HistoryGeo, David Rumsey and Google Earth, and the brand new F...

Online Genealogy Hints & Hacks: Episode 81

18 Feb 2015

Contributed by Lukas

This month's theme is Online Genealogy Hints and Hacks. We talk about tips for sites from Google to Facebook to FamilySearch.org.

The Past & Future of Genealogy: Episode 80

16 Jan 2015

Contributed by Lukas

In the 15th Anniversary episode of the podcast, host Lisa Louise Cooke asks the editors and writers of Family Tree Magazine to reminisce about the pas...

2014 Genealogy Year in Review: Episode 79

16 Dec 2014

Contributed by Lukas

We'll discuss major genealogy news to happen in 2014, the best family history websites of 2014, and tips from the best webinars to take place this yea...

DNA & Your Genealogy: Episode 78

14 Nov 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Special guest CeCe Moore discusses what it’s like to research for the PBS show “Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates Jr.”

Haunting Ancestral Cemeteries: Episode 77

20 Oct 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This month we're haunting ancestral cemeteries! Analyze ancestral tombstones, find obituaries online and learn how to make a cemetery research trip.

Your Genealogy Preparedness Plan: Episode 76

16 Sep 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This month is all about Genealogy Preparedness. Learn how to backup your research, archive physical files and ensure long-term preservation of your ge...

Best Genealogy Websites of 2014: Episode 75

13 Aug 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Listen for highlights from our 15th annual listing of the 101 Best Genealogy Websites.

All About Ancestry.com: Episode 74

15 Jul 2014

Contributed by Lukas

In this month's episode, learn all about Ancestry.com including the site's recent attack from hackers and about the retirement of popular Ancestry.com...

Tracing Your Military Ancestors: Episode 73

12 Jun 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This month's theme is Tracing Military Ancestors. Learn how to find info on your female veteran ancestors, what military records you can find and much...

Genealogy Road Trips and Tours: Episode 72

15 May 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Prepare for your summer genealogy road trips and tours with this episode, including what to pack and the best apps for researching on the road.

Record and Preserve Your Family’s Story: Episode 71

15 Apr 2014

Contributed by Lukas

For many genealogists, the goal of their research is to share it with future generations. This month, learn about some helpful tools for doing just th...

Combating Brick Walls: Episode 70

14 Mar 2014

Contributed by Lukas

Because brick walls are such a consistent nuisance for genealogists, learn how to combat them with the latest tips and tricks from the experts.

The Latest High-Tech Genealogy Research Tools: Episode 69

13 Feb 2014

Contributed by Lukas

On the heels of the annual RootsTech conference, learn about the latest high-tech research tools, including the massive databases on Ancestry.com.

The 175th Anniversary of Photography: Episode 68

16 Jan 2014

Contributed by Lukas

This episode's theme is the 175th Anniversary of Photography. Learn about photo editing and retouching for genealogists, cool photo features on sites ...

State Sources: Episode 67

17 Dec 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This episode's theme is State Sources. Learn about the best state websites for your genealogy, go inside the wealth of information at the Kentucky His...

Discovering Your Ethnic Heritage: Episode 66

15 Nov 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This episode's theme is Ethnic Heritage. Learn about your immigrant ancestors through church records, the National Archives of Norway, Czech and Slova...

Digitize Your Home Movies: Episode 65

15 Oct 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This month's theme is Family History Month. Learn how to convert old home videos, organize your genealogy, and how to use the site Tribal Pages. Plus:...

Geography and Genealogy: Episode 64

17 Sep 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This month's theme is Genealogy and Geography. Learn how to trace your ancestral village, how to add "local flavor" to your genealogy and more.

101 Best Genealogy Websites: Episode 63

13 Aug 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This month's theme is 101 Best Genealogy Websites 2013. Learn about some of this year's best websites, including the Newberry Library, FamilySearch.or...

Civil War Roots: Episode 62

16 Jul 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This month's theme is Civil War Roots. Learn how to find your Gettysburg ancestors, honor the battlefield with a virtual visit, and learn to navigate ...

Family History Freebies: Episode 61

14 Jun 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This month's theme is Family History Freebies. Learn about some free family history tools, Heritage Quest, and how to become a FamilySearch.org Power ...

Conquering the Courthouse I: Episode 60

20 May 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This month, explore overlooked and underused sources with courthouse records, probate records and Cyndi's List.

American History: Episode 59

16 Apr 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This month, explore American history for genealogists with historic maps, social history tools and the Family Tree Magazine "Top 40 Genealogy Blogs".

Finding Your Female Ancestors: Episode 58

19 Mar 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This month, research your female roots by learning how to tease out maiden names, sources to check, and learning more about the historical context of ...

Heritage in Historical Photography: Episode 57

13 Feb 2013

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, learn tips on historic photo identification and preservation from the Family Photo Detective, learn about the historical photograph i...

Explore Online Resources: Episode 56

14 Jan 2013

Contributed by Lukas

This month, explore genealogy online by learning about Google Books, WikiTree.com, Ancestry.com and the Ultimate Google for Genealogists Collection.

Documenting Your Journey: Episode 55

14 Dec 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Celebrate the holidays by recording your family history. Learn quick tips for getting your name on the bookshelf or take an online course on creating ...

Digitize Your Documents and Photos: Episode 54

15 Nov 2012

Contributed by Lukas

This month, give thanks for your family by digitizing your documents and photos. Learn tricks for scanning old pictures, and get the details on digita...

A Grave Podcast: Episode 53

19 Oct 2012

Contributed by Lukas

This month, celebrate Halloween by diving into your heritage. Learn how to navigate a cemetery, tips and tricks for tombstones and the benefits of Fin...

Preventative Medicine for Your Research: Episode 52

13 Sep 2012

Contributed by Lukas

This month, practice some preventative medicine with your family tree by guarding it from sick sources, learn what DNA tests can reveal about your gen...

Mobile Genealogy: Episode 51

20 Aug 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Take your genealogy on the road with some great new mobile apps, learn tips and tricks for family history travel, and tour the top mobile websites of ...

Researching the War of 1812: Episode 50

17 Jul 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Celebrate The War of 1812 Bicentennial, get an update on the 1940 census, learn tips for Revolutionary War genealogy resources and how to search the D...

Finding Historical Context: Episode 49

27 Jun 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Find out some outstanding resources to uncover the social history of your ancestors, and get a taste of your family's food heritage.

Understanding the 1862 Homestead Act: Episode 48

17 May 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Understanding the 1862 Homestead Act, using the Newberry Atlas of Historical Boundaries, and demystifying confusing land record terms. Plus: Why Faceb...

Tips for Researching the 1940 Census: Episode 47

15 Apr 2012

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode, we're celebrating the release of the 1940 census with tips, websites and resources you can use in your research.

Finding Living Relatives: Episode 46

30 Mar 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Finding living relatives, verifying data from online family trees, and an interview with Daniel Horowitz, Chief Genealogist at MyHeritage.com. Plus: U...

Social Security Death Index: Episode 45

24 Feb 2012

Contributed by Lukas

The campaign to save the Social Security Death Index, an interview with Mocavo’s Chief Genealogist, a sneak peek at the Spring 2012 Virtual Conferen...

Catch Up with MyHeritage’s Daniel Horowitz: Episode 44

24 Jan 2012

Contributed by Lukas

Finding living relatives, verifying data from online family trees and an interview with Daniel Horowitz, Chief Genealogist at MyHeritage.com.

Navigating Naming Conventions: Episode 43

22 Dec 2011

Contributed by Lukas

This month's podcast features tips on naming conventions, as well as a discussion of the Western States Historical Marriage Index.

Preserving Your Family’s Recipes: Episode 42

19 Nov 2011

Contributed by Lukas

Tips on how to get relatives to discuss family history, a discussion of the Historic American Cookbook Project, and news on the Genealogists for Famil...

Using Autosomal DNA to Solve Family Mysteries: Episode 41

19 Oct 2011

Contributed by Lukas

In this episode we explore using autosomal DNA testing to solve family mysteries, planning a research trip to Salt Lake City and more.