In this final episode of Season Nine , host Andrew Martin meets professional genealogist, scientist, and owner of Pharos Tutors - Dr. Karen Cummings . He hears about how she got interested in family history, her adventures in DNA testing, her thoughts on the future of the genealogy industry, and why even hobbyist family historians should consider studying courses. THE LIFE STORY - JONATHAN HORSLEY Karen has chosen to tell the life story of her husband's ancestor Jonathan Horsley born in Coggesha...
Jun 17, 2025•48 min•Season 9Ep. 7
In this sixth episode of Series Nine , host Andrew Martin meets genealogist Asad Khabibullin . He hears how Asad got hooked on family history, the challenges he has faced in tracing his ancestors from the Republic of Tatarstan, and his thoughts on how the genealogy community could become a more helpful place for new-starters. THE LIFE STORY - VALIT HALITOV Asad has chosen to tell the life story of his relative Valit Halitov who lived in the village of Olı Mäñgär in the Republic of Tatarstan. The...
Jun 10, 2025•47 min•Season 9Ep. 6
In this fifth episode of Series Nine , host Andrew Martin meets professional family historian, author, and former FamilySearch volunteer, Robin R. Foster and hears about how she got hooked on researching her family history, her drive to help people through online communities like Facebook and Substack, and how she found herself surrounded by sources when she joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. THE LIFE STORY - BEVERLEY VANCE Robin has chosen to tell the life story of her 2x G...
Jun 03, 2025•34 min•Season 9Ep. 5
In this fourth and mid-way episode of Season Nine , host Andrew Martin meets professional genealogist John Boeren and hears about how he got hooked on researching his Dutch ancestry, why he became a professional researcher, and how he ended up being awarded a Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau in 2018 for services to local history and genealogy. THE LIFE STORY - MAARTEN VAN LEEUWEN John has chosen to tell the life story of his 4x Great Grandfather, Maarten van Leeuwen, who was born in 1795 in ...
May 27, 2025•54 min•Season 9Ep. 4
In this third episode of Season Nine , host Andrew Martin meets Gary Stanley - a family historian who has researched his Romany roots. Andrew hears about Gary's research web project in which he documents all references in the UK and USA of Roma families, and he explains the challenges of researching relatives, the benefit of baptismal records and newspapers, and how he participated in a DNA test led by Professor Turi King. THE LIFE STORY - ELIZABETH NICHOLS Gary has chosen to tell the life story...
May 20, 2025•33 min•Season 9Ep. 3
Host Andrew Martin meets genealogist Helen Brooks for this second episode of Series Nine . Andrew hears how Helen's family history research got started by a button, the importance of writing everything down when your aunt tells stories, and her love of photographs. THE LIFE STORY - GERTRUDE LESTER / SISTER HELENE DU ST. SACRAMENT Helen's choice of life story is her Great Aunt Gertrude Lester who later became a Catholic nun known as Sister Helene du St. Sacrament within the order Les Filles de la...
May 13, 2025•44 min•Season 9Ep. 2
In this first episode of Season Nine of The Family Histories Podcast, host Andrew Martin meets Canadian genealogist Ron Williams whose family tree research resulted in him encountering a 57 year old mystery... Understandably, Ron couldn't not investigate and in doing so, uncovered a fascinating story which he then turned it into a book. THE LIFE STORY - ALFRED VICTOR WILLIAMS Ron has chosen to tell the fascinating story of his paternal Grandfather - Alfred Victor Williams - one that involves mys...
May 06, 2025•51 min•Season 9Ep. 1
We're back! It's time for Season Nine of The Family Histories Podcast. Your host - family historian Andrew Martin , will once again be joined by seven guests, for seven more fascinating life stories and of course a load of those pesky brick walls for you to help solve. As usual... as a 'thank you' treat, each guest is given a return trip back in time in Andrew's (shh: secret time) machine, all with the help of his assistant - the 19th century missing Hungarian poet and revolutionary, Sándor Pető...
May 01, 2025•2 min
For this special ninth episode of Series Eight , we're taking part in Podcasthon 2025 - an annual global event for podcasters to collectively raise awareness of charities they care about. With our guest, we've chosen to support the charity Mind, and you can hear more about their work and access support here: mind.org.uk . If you're outside the UK, you can find international support here . NOTE: This episode contains archaic terminology, and historic references to conditions and treatment methods...
Mar 18, 2025•55 min•Season 8Ep. 9
This is a short bonus episode, continuing on immediately after the cliffhanger at the end of 'The Nationalist' with Daniel Loftus . As Andrew realises he's not alone in the garage, they'll have to work together to fix a dangerous time travel paradox before it erases the podcast. Thank you once again for joining us for another series, and letting us have your ears. Whilst we're off making new episodes, why not check out our back catalogue with more than 60 guests! You can also sign up to our emai...
Dec 31, 2024•7 min•Season 8Ep. 8
In this final full episode of Series Eight , host Andrew Martin meets Irish genealogist, speaker, occasional podcaster, and Project Infant founder, Daniel Loftus . He asks Daniel how he got hooked on researching his family history, challenges he's faced with DNA testing and adoption, and why he's leading a project that brings Mother and Baby Homes in Ireland under the spotlight. If you’d like to volunteer for Project Infant, you can do so at: https://projectinfant.ie/volunteer THE LIFE STORY - P...
Dec 17, 2024•47 min•Season 8Ep. 7
In this episode of Series Eight , host Andrew meets Australian genealogist Jennifer Jones , who tells him about how she got hooked on researching family history, her motivation to blog her research, and her One-Place Study in Pembrokeshire, Wales. THE LIFE STORY - THOMAS WATERS Jennifer has chosen to tell the life story of Thomas Waters , her 2x Great Grandfather who was born in 1829 in the little village of Dunton in Bedfordshire, England, but in 1852 he emigrates to Australia. It has always ba...
Dec 10, 2024•41 min•Season 8Ep. 6
In this episode of Series Eight , host Andrew Martin meets professional genealogist Richard Holt . He finds out how Richard got hooked on family history, what made him turn professional, has he ever experienced 'imposter syndrome', and his efforts to access original Wills - and challenging a proposal by the UK Government's Ministry of Justice on the disposal of historic Wills. THE LIFE STORY - MATTHEW BUYRN (aka JOHN DUNMORE) Richard has chosen to tell the life story of his 4x Great Grandfather ...
Dec 03, 2024•52 min•Season 8Ep. 5
Hello folks, I had such a lovely time recording our episode 'The Nightingale' with Danielle and Galeet Dardashti , that after having talked with them at length about the old tape cassette recordings of family conversations, celebrations, singing, and music that Danielle had found stashed in a box in their parents' basement, we decided it would be nice for you to hear some of those recordings for yourself! So, here's the full first episode of The Nightingale of Iran, aptly titled "The Time Machin...
Nov 30, 2024•34 min
Joining host Andrew Martin for this fourth episode of Series Eight is not one but two guests! We're delighted to welcome Emmy-winning journalist Danielle Dardashti and her musician and anthropologist sister Dr. Galeet Dardashti . Danielle and Galeet researched the history of their family in Iran via audio recordings they found at their parents' house, uncovering some fascinating insights into their father and grandfather's musical success. The episode highlights the importance of audio recording...
Nov 26, 2024•42 min•Season 8Ep. 4
It's a special delivery in today's episode from Series Eight , as host Andrew Martin meets family history and military history researcher, champion eBayer, and postman, Adam Simpson-York . Andrew finds out how Adam got hooked on researching family history, how he has honed his research skills that enable him to buy family heirlooms on auction sites and then trace their living relatives, allowing him to reunite them with their descendants, and hears about his letters from a Queen. THE LIFE STORY ...
Nov 19, 2024•39 min•Season 8Ep. 3
Andrew meets genealogist and Chair of the Register of Qualified Genealogists, Sylvia Valentine . He hears about how she got hooked on researching family history, her love of life-long learning and research, and her opinions on the terrifying workhouses! THE LIFE STORY - NAOMI HAWARTH Sylvia has chosen to tell the life story of her Gt Grandmother, Naomi Hawarth , who was born as a twin, but was the only one of the two to survive. She was not the only twin to her parents, or to outlive a twin sist...
Nov 12, 2024•50 min•Season 8Ep. 2
In this first episode of Series Eight of The Family Histories Podcast, host Andrew Martin meets author, family historian, and the host of the Italian Roots and Genealogy YouTube series and podcast - Bob Sorrentino , and finds out about his Italian-American roots, and his connections to Italian and the wider European nobility. THE LIFE STORY - ISABELLA D'ESTE We're off to the 15th Century to hear about one of Bob's ancestors - Isabella d'Este (born 1474 in Ferrara, Italy) was the wife of Francesc...
Nov 05, 2024•32 min•Season 8Ep. 1
Our Eighth Series is here! But, before the first full episode arrives on 5th November 2024, there's just enough time for Andrew to pop back to compare notes with an old friend... In this new series we'll meet a Marchioness, a Twin, a 'Nightingale', a Marine, a Nationalist, a Collier, and a homesick migrant. Read more about our new series . - - - Episode Credits: Andrew Martin - Host and Producer Nicolas Balaguer - Nostradamus Support the show Thank you for listening! You can sign up to our email...
Nov 02, 2024•3 min
It's our 50th guest episode! So, to celebrate this special milestone episode, host Andrew Martin decides to head to the Society of Genealogists to meet three guests taking part in the annual All About That Place event. However, he doesn't quite end up where he expected... All About That Place is a series of talks brought to us by the Society of Genealogists, supported by the Society of One-Place Studies, British Association for Local History and Genealogy Stories. You can join in with the All Ab...
Sep 20, 2024•32 min•Season 7Ep. 9
This is a Series Seven Bonus Episode, following on immediately from the previous episode 'The Sailor' with Morag Peers. When two children inexplicably appear, host Andrew Martin and guest Morag Peers realise that the (shh: secret time) machine has moved time and location, and that they are now part of one of history's most baffling disappearances. - - - Episode Credits: Andrew Martin - Host and Producer Morag Peers - Guest George Orchard - King Edward V George Mills - Richard, Duke of York Suppo...
Jul 30, 2024•6 min•Season 7Ep. 8
In this final full episode of Series Seven , host Andrew Martin meets Morag Peers - an award-winning professional genealogist who specialises in researching the lives of the people of Scotland. He hears how she got hooked on family history, how she ended up going professional, and her love of using passport records to trace family and world history. THE LIFE STORY - JOSEPH CLARKE Morag has chosen to tell the story of her 2x Great Uncle, Joseph Clarke . He was born in Kelton in 1846, into a famil...
Jun 18, 2024•52 min•Season 7Ep. 7
Host Andrew Martin meets radio presenter and family historian, and host of the Extreme Genes radio show and podcast - Scott Fisher . He finds out how Scott got hooked on researching his family history, the lengths he goes to to solve genealogy puzzles, and how he ended up making his hit radio and podcast show. THE LIFE STORY - DONALD OLSEN Scott has chosen to tell the life story of his maternal half-uncle Donald Olsen . Donald was one of several brothers who ended up serving in the Second World ...
Jun 11, 2024•49 min•Season 7Ep. 6
In the fifth episode of Series Seven , host Andrew Martin meets anthropologist and Welsh professional genealogist, Dai Davies , and finds out how they got hooked on researching family history, the challenges of researching Welsh family history from afar, and their thoughts on how the genealogy community could become a better place. THE LIFE STORY - DAVID DAVIES Dai has chosen to tell the life story of their 8x Great Uncle, David Davies who was born in 1754 in a small parish near Lampeter in West...
Jun 04, 2024•46 min•Season 7Ep. 5
In this fourth episode of Series Seven , host Andrew Martin meets Anglo-Belgian professional genealogist, and country manager at MyHeritage - Marie Cappart , and finds out how she got addicted to researching her family history, what made her a 'DNA geek', and what it's like to work for MyHeritage . THE LIFE STORY - MARGUERITE NICHOLLS Marie has chosen to tell the life story of her Anglo-Belgian Great Aunt Marguerite Nicholls , who she discovered in her teenage years was missing from her family t...
May 28, 2024•53 min•Season 7Ep. 4
In this third episode of Series Seven , host Andrew Martin meets professional genealogist, author, and host of The Filipino Genealogy Channel on YouTube - Todd Lucero Sales . Andrew hears how Todd got hooked on researching family history in the Philippines, the challenges of researching Filipino family history, the impact of hundreds of years of rule by Spain on records, and why he started his YouTube channel. THE LIFE STORY - FELICIANA MARIA CEBALLOS Todd has chosen to tell the story of his 4x ...
May 21, 2024•48 min•Season 7Ep. 3
In this second episode of Series Seven , host Andrew Martin meets professional genealogist, author, lecturer, Fellow, and former Principal Family History Specialist of the National Archives - Dave Annal . Dave tells Andrew how he got hooked on researching his family, how he ended up working for the National Archives, his thoughts and hopes on where he sees the genealogy industry going next, and his love of Wills. THE LIFE STORY - MARGARET HOWLAND Dave has chosen to tell the life story of his pat...
May 14, 2024•54 min•Season 7Ep. 2
In this first episode of Series Seven , host Andrew Martin meets Jackie Kohnstamm - a lecturer, author, playwright, and family historian. Jackie tells Andrew how she got hooked on researching family histories after hearing stories with missing bits, and then finding letters. She tells him what motivated her to write her book 'The Memory Keeper: A Journey Into The Holocaust To Find My Family', and... THE LIFE STORY - CHARLOTTE RYCHWALSKI Jackie has chosen to tell the life story of her maternal au...
May 07, 2024•39 min•Season 7Ep. 1
The Family Histories Podcast is back for Series Seven ! Once again, host Andrew Martin , and his 19th century assistant Sándor Petőfi , welcome seven more guests , each with a fascinating life story, and of course a pesky genealogy research 'brick wall' for listeners to try to solve. However, before they welcome their first guest, there's something in the garage that needs some maintenance.... from an expert. - - - Episode Credits: Andrew Martin - Host & Producer Etienne Durandt - Charles Ba...
May 01, 2024•3 min0
Previously, on The Family Histories Podcast...... As last week's guest James Danter is zapped back in time via the (shhh: secret time) machine without any glitches, all seems well for the series' final episode. However, Andrew is knocked unconscious after tripping over a cable and causing something heavy to fall on his head.... Who are the ghostly voices he can hear, and what do they want? Find out now in this bonus episode inspired by Charles Dickens' 'A Christmas Carol'... - - - Episode Credit...
Dec 24, 2023•9 min•Season 6Ep. 8
