Send us a text In this episode of Unearth the Past, Dr Michala Hulme steps into the world of vintage fashion by delving into the extraordinary family history of fashion influencer and vintage queen Sophia Rosemary. What unfolds is a gripping tale of hardship, resilience, and unexpected revelations—a history shaped by strong women, wartime sacrifice, and even a Victorian-era crime. Through archival records and historical sources, Sophia uncovers a gripping courtroom drama involving one of her anc...
Mar 21, 2025•45 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Send us a text When Holly Johnson's voice first electrified the airwaves with Frankie Goes to Hollywood in the 1980s, few could have imagined the rich ancestral tapestry behind the man who urged us all to "Relax." Stepping away from his musical legacy, Holly joins us to unravel a family history that spans continents, military service, and unexpected cultural connections. Growing up in Liverpool – a city he describes as essentially "the capital of Ireland" – Holly's early years were shaped by sec...
Mar 13, 2025•54 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Send us a text What happens when a modern-day rule-breaker and internet sensation uncovers his deep-rooted past? In this episode of Unearth the Past , host Dr Michala Hulme takes Zac Alsop —YouTuber, master of infiltration, and storytelling genius—on an unexpected journey into his own family history. From Derbyshire railway workers and architects shaping Manchester to a tragic naval disaster and a mysterious death after a pub night gone wrong, Zac’s family story is anything but ordinary. But wil...
Feb 11, 2025•49 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Send us a text In this episode of Unearthed Past , historian and genealogist Dr. Michala Hume sits down with Lisa Morton , founder of the award-winning PR agency Roland Dransfield and host of We Built This City . Lisa shares her deep connection to Manchester and Salford, reflecting on her childhood, her entrepreneurial journey, and the stories that shaped her family. But this time, the tables are turned as Dr. Hume uncovers Lisa’s hidden family history , revealing incredible tales of resilience,...
Jan 30, 2025•36 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Send us a text Fashion aficionados and history buffs alike, get ready to be inspired by the compelling journey of Gary Aspden, the creative force behind Adidas Spezial. Known for redefining contemporary sportswear, Gary takes us on a heartfelt journey through his deep connections to community, identity, and storytelling. In true Gary Aspden style, he reflects on how his upbringing in Darwen and Blackburn influenced his love for style, from childhood memories of hand-me-down toys to his first rea...
Jan 16, 2025•40 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Send us a text In this deeply moving episode of Unearth the Past , Dr. Michala Hume is joined by Ian Beighton, host of So, Whats Your Story? podcast. This time, however, Ian is in the hot seat as Michala unravels the mystery of his biological family tree—a story he’s been curious about his entire life. Ian shares his adoption journey, reflecting on the love of his adoptive mother and his suppressed yearning to understand his origins. With humour, anxiety, and raw emotion, Ian discovers a tapestr...
Dec 16, 2024•52 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Send us a text In this week's episode of Unearth the Past , Dr. Michala Hulme delves into the fascinating ancestry of award-winning actor and two-time Thai boxing world champion, Warren Brown. From his star roles in shows such as Luther and the BBC's Ten Pound Poms , Warren takes listeners on a deeply personal journey through family histories filled with untold stories and surprises. Discover Warren's emotional reflections on his paternal family history, a connection to a Nigeran prince and a pr...
Dec 08, 2024•39 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Send us a text Join us on an extraordinary journey as Michala sits down with Joe Donovan from the band Blossoms, fresh off celebrating their fourth UK number-one album. Joe's infectious enthusiasm brings to life the band's achievements and artistic endeavours, setting the stage for a remarkable narrative. We then meander through Joe's family history, uncovering tales that span continents and centuries. From a family-owned haberdashery in Stockport to Jeremiah's stint in Knutsford prison, we star...
Nov 11, 2024•48 min•Season 3Ep. 4
Send us a text Experience a captivating journey through history and music as Dr Michala Hulme sits down with Tom Ogden, the charismatic lead singer of the British band Blossoms. Tom opens up about the band's meteoric rise and the creative sparks behind their upcoming album, "Gary." This episode promises an intimate look at the band's process and Tom's personal connection to his roots, all while giving a nod to the trials and triumphs of being in the spotlight. In this episode, the pair turn back...
Sep 30, 2024•48 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Send us a text Join Dr Michala Hulme for an unforgettable episode of Unearth the Past, where she sits down with the remarkable Sacha Lord, a Sunday Times best-selling author and world-renowned promoter. Learn about Sacha's exhilarating journey from the vibrant Manchester nightlife scene to helming iconic events like Park Life. You'll be captivated by tales from his book, filled with brushes with danger and moments of triumph. She also delves into Sacha's deep-rooted family history, uncovering hi...
Aug 27, 2024•41 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Send us a text Join Dr Michala Hulme on "Unearth the Past" as she unravels the incredible family history of Paul Smith, one of Britain's most loved comedians who is selling out arenas up and down the country with his hilarious Pablo tour. As Paul shares his journey, we explore his Irish heritage, which was discovered through an Ancestry DNA test. We also uncover Paul's Liverpool ancestors, with stories of resilience, hard work and a will to succeed. We also reveal the heart-wrenching loss of you...
Jul 29, 2024•48 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Send us a text Embark on a voyage through time with BAFTA-winning producer Juliet Charlesworth, as she pieces together the intriguing puzzle of her family's legacy. In the company of this British drama powerhouse, we venture into the posh origins and humble beginnings of the Reeves Charlesworth line, unearthing a narrative rich with heartwarming connections to the past. The saga continues with the industrious tale of Reeves Charlesworth Limited, a company that laid bricks and built futures since...
Apr 12, 2024•53 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Send us a text Join Dr Michala Hulme as she unpicks the extraordinary life of Liam "The Hitman" Harrison, the eminent eight-time Thai boxing world champion. His vibrant narrative captures a transformation from the football fields of his youth to the Muay Thai rings, where he clinched his global icon status. Liam opens up about his rise to the pinnacle of UK fighters, his storied international bouts, and how he's now pioneering the future of combat sports with his innovative coaching strategies a...
Apr 04, 2024•35 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Send us a text Discover the unforeseen twists and turns hidden within John May's family tree as the beloved comedian and actor sits down with us to share his extraordinary lineage. Tales of heroism and scandal unfold, as we find ourselves captivated by the stark contrasts of the past, from a man who couldn't swim yet saved a child to the complicated life of John's great-grandmother, Elizabeth. John's authentic reflections transport us back in time, and we uncover the heartrending loss of Henry D...
Mar 14, 2024•42 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Send us a text Imagine tracing your roots and finding a connection to a music hall legend from the early 20th century and a link to Jack the Ripper! That's the remarkable journey we embark upon with our guest, makeup artist sensation and influencer Mitchell Halliday. Accompanied by his mum, Jacque, together, we discover the enchanting history behind Mitchell's great-great-grandfather, Edgar Percy Halliday, and the legacy of artistic spirit that thrives in their family. Michala reveals new inform...
Feb 09, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Send us a text When life throws you a curveball, sometimes all you have is your strength and resilience to see you through. Welcome, genealogy enthusiasts, to another episode of "Unearth the Past." Today, we have the privilege of delving into the life of Kerry Kayes – a former bodybuilding champion, award-winning business owner, accomplished strength and conditioning coach, and renowned nutritionist. This is the story of a man whose life embodies the sheer power of the human spirit, from his ear...
Jan 27, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Send us a text When my friend Ian first told me about his quest to discover his birth parents, it struck a chord within me. As we sat down to record this episode, I knew we were about to embark on a narrative that would resonate with many. Ian's story unfolds from a childhood filled with unanswered questions. He candidly recounts the moment at twelve years old when he stumbled upon his adoption papers, setting in motion a lifelong journey of self-discovery that would challenge and fulfil him in ...
Jan 18, 2024•37 min•Season 2Ep. 7
Send us a text As I sat down with Vinny Shoreman, it became quickly apparent that his journey from a Manchester youth indifferent to football to a revered Mind Coach and Thai Boxing commentator was no ordinary tale. The Shoreman family story deeply intertwined with the city's sporting heritage, unfurls in our latest episode, bringing to light a legacy of perseverance through struggles like domestic violence and alcoholism. Vinny's candid reflections on his upbringing, without traditional guidanc...
Jan 09, 2024•34 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Send us a text This week, Michala is joined by TV presenter Matty White. In this emotional episode, we delve into the details behind Matty's family history and use DNA to tell him more about his ancestors and how they lived. It's an intimate voyage into identity, family secrets, and the threads that weave together the past and present. As we unearth the emotional narrative of learning about his family history, we see Matty answer some long-held questions about who he is and where he comes from. ...
Dec 27, 2023•40 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Send us a text Ever felt like life has dealt you a bad hand, and there's no coming back from it? Well, Michala's guest for today, boxing legend Martin Murray – former British and Commonwealth Middleweight Champion – is the embodiment of the saying, 'Where there's a will, there's a way.' Martin takes us through his tumultuous past, from a tough upbringing and prison stints to finding salvation in boxing. His story is a testament to resilience and transformation and how every experience serves a p...
Dec 18, 2023•42 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Send us a text What if the stories of your ancestors could reveal unexpected truths and reshape your understanding of family? Join Dr Michala Hulme for a captivating conversation with genealogist Daniel Loftus. Their journey begins with the roots of genealogy, as Daniel shares his personal experience of navigating through the intricate branches of his family tree, piecing together dates and facts that reveal fascinating family stories. As Michala and Daniel navigate through the history of Irelan...
Dec 07, 2023•53 min•Season 2Ep. 3
Send us a text Unearth the secrets of your past as we invite you to join our riveting conversation with Genealogy Jude, a passionate family history detective. Michala and Jude take you on a journey into the world of genealogy, enveloped in Jude's captivating tales of exploring old graveyards and discovering hidden records. We throw light on the revolutionary changes technology has brought to genealogy research, but don't forget to remind you of the irreplaceable value of stepping into archives a...
Nov 29, 2023•38 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Send us a text WE ARE BACK WITH SEASON 2!!! Yes, Michala is back with your favourite family history podcast, and we are kicking off with a bang! Dream of uncovering your family's hidden past? Join us in a captivating conversation with genealogy enthusiast Jonny Perl, the founder of the brilliant DNA Painter website, whose quest for family history was kindled by his mother's tales of her ancestors. Ever wondered how DNA testing can help unearth your roots? We dive into the intriguing world of DNA...
Nov 22, 2023•38 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Send us a text Are you curious about your ancestors and their stories? Would you be surprised if your past held secrets you never imagined? Join me, Michala and my guest, Paul McNeil, as we uncover hidden truths from our pasts and learn that things aren't always as they appear. We share eerie tales of our personal experiences, including a chilling story of a piano playing by itself, possibly a sign from the beyond. The journey to the past can be challenging but rewarding. In our quest to unravel...
Sep 15, 2023•41 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Send us a text Ready to unearth the secrets behind your home's history? Join me, Dr. Michala Hulme, and my cherished guest, Melanie Backe-Hansen, a revered house historian, as we journey through the captivating world of house histories. Together, we discover the intricate links that bind family history, local history, and house history, highlighting the significance of understanding your home's past. At the same time, Mel unravels her personal journey into the realm of house histories, while imp...
Sep 06, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Send us a text Excitement ripples through every word when our special guest, Dr Nick Barratt, an esteemed genealogist and medieval historian, known for TV shows such as Who Do You Think You Are? , weaves tales of his intriguing journey into the world of genealogy. Unravelling family mysteries, Nick's fascinating discoveries about his own lineage are a testament not only to the power of DNA in genealogical research but also to our shared human curiosity about our roots. From unearthing his great-...
Aug 24, 2023•47 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Send us a text Prepare to be captivated as Michala embarks on a journey into the often-overlooked world of newspapers in genealogy research. She's joined by the brilliant Rose Staveley-Wadham from the British Newspaper Archive, who shares her wealth of knowledge on how to unlock the secrets hidden in old newspapers and breathe life into your family tree. From court reports to gossip columns, every page is a treasure trove of information just waiting to be unearthed. Intriguing stories from the p...
Aug 16, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Send us a text Have you ever found an old, faded photograph of an ancestor and wished you could breathe new life into it? Imagine turning monochromatic memories into vivid visuals or even catalyzing static pictures into dynamic avatars. In this engaging episode, we take a deep dive into the world of MyHeritage, an innovative platform that can transform your understanding of family history. We not only explore its captivating features like photo colorisation, image enhancement, and avatar creatio...
Aug 10, 2023•30 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Send us a text Are your ancestors whispering secrets from the 19th century, waiting for you to discover them? Embark on a thrilling journey with me, Dr Michala Hulme as we unearth these enigmas etched in death and burial records. Together, we'll decode the cryptic handwriting on pre-1812 records and navigate the Civil Registration Index, a treasure trove waiting to be explored. The 19th century was a time of trials and tribulations, its harsh realities reflected in child mortality rates. Urban a...
Aug 03, 2023•32 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Send us a text Welcome back, fellow history enthusiasts, to another captivating journey through the mystifying remnants of our ancestral past. This time, we traipse down the darker alleys of history, unearthing tales of mischief, misdeeds, and the evolution of the criminal justice system from the 18th to the 20th century. Joining Michala on this thrilling expedition is Paul McNeil, lending his expertise to shed light on the shadowy corners of our genealogical archives. From the audacious 1860's ...
Jul 26, 2023•52 min•Season 1Ep. 11
