Family Tree Talk

In this episode of Family Tree Talk , Nathan uncovers an unexpectedly large number of Dinahs and Francises in his tree — are they a coincidence, or a genealogical puzzle waiting to be solved? Meanwhile, Helen dives into two intriguing investigations: her Granny’s wartime sweetheart and a 5x great-grandfather with curious “home guard” ties in the 18th century. Remarkably, both Nathan and Helen actu...

In this episode of Family Tree Talk , hosts Helen Tovey and Nathan Ward share the latest twists and turns in their family history research. This week, Nathan decided to resist the usual rabbit holes and focus on growing his tree — but puzzling records soon had him questioning what he could safely add. Meanwhile, Helen tuned into her grandmother’s fascinating WW2 memories of working for SIS (Specia...

In this episode of Family Tree Talk , hosts Helen Tovey and Nathan Ward speak to Dr Mike Esbester, head of the Railway Work, Life & Death Project, to uncover the rich history of railway workers in the UK. Marking the 200th anniversary of the modern railway (Railway200), Mike explores the huge impact the railways had on our ancestors’ lives — from the jobs they did to the dangers they faced. Le...

In this episode of Family Tree Talk , hosts Helen Tovey and Nathan Ward catch up on their latest family history finds. Helen shares a brilliant new way she’s discovered to encourage relatives to record their memories — perfect for preserving living history. Meanwhile, Nate’s deep in decision-making mode, wondering which historical document to focus on next and which tempting research rabbit hole t...

Feeling stuck in your family history research – or simply drowning in a sea of notes and records? In this episode of Family Tree Talk , host Helen Tovey is joined by professional genealogist and educator Dr Sophie Kay to explore how a clear research methodology can transform the way you work. Discover how research logs, well-framed questions , and practical research plans can bring structure, clar...

In this episode of Family Tree Talk , hosts Helen Tovey and Nathan Ward delve into Nathan’s latest genealogy discoveries — from a potential First World War soldier to a nun and an RAF airman (or maybe even a pilot!). As Nathan tries to piece together these intriguing lives, he turns to Helen for advice on how to be sure he's got the right people in his tree. Tune in for practical tips, expert insi...

In this episode of Family Tree Talk , hosts Helen Tovey and Nathan Ward chat to DNA Detective Michelle Leonard about how to use DNA results to break through your toughest family history brickwalls. Michelle shares practical advice on how to get started with DNA research and explains how her in-depth DNA Bootcamp course can help you make sense of your Ancestry DNA matches — no matter your experienc...

In this episode of Family Tree Talk , hosts Helen Tovey and Nathan Ward are joined by passionate family historian Karen Evans, who shares her expert advice on getting the most out of the Ancestry website. From clever search strategies to solving tricky tree problems, Karen offers practical tips and insider tricks to help you research smarter and break down those brick walls. It’s a must-listen for...

In this latest episode of Family Tree Talk , hosts Helen Tovey and Nathan Ward are joined by a special guest — their boss, Matt Hill! Together, they share their strangest family history discoveries, the heirlooms they treasure most, and which ancestor they'd invite to dinner. From tracing long-lost relatives in America to tales of 1800s travel adventures, this episode is packed with fascinating st...

In this episode of Family Tree Talk , Helen Tovey and Nathan Ward get stuck into some real family history discoveries and practical tips. Helen shares how Ancestry Hints helped her trace her grandpa’s cousin’s dad—and why she’s a total convert to Hints! Meanwhile, Nathan digs into an intriguing email from listener Marilyn, who suspects a shared connection with him. Could they be related? Plus, you...

In this episode of Family Tree Talk , Helen Tovey catches up with newbie-ish family historian Nathan Ward to see how he’s getting on with his research—and it turns out, he’s made amazing progress! From uncovering historic documents to following online hints, Nate shares the highs and lows of his family history journey. Helen offers advice on using hints wisely and avoiding common pitfalls. Togethe...

In this episode, Nathan shares surprising new leads uncovered in ancestor death certificates, while Helen delves into a WWII squadron diary from The National Archives that reveals dramatic details about her grandfather being shot down. Plus, the duo explores how AI could assist Nathan in taking his family history research to the next level. Tune in for real discoveries, research tips, and a look a...

Tune in for tips to keep calm, step back, and enjoy your genealogy. (Usually) family history really doesn’t need to be a race, but is instead something that is best savoured slowly! Nathan Ward, Designer of Family Tree , and Helen Tovey, Editor, chat about their research endeavours and ponder this and that about genealogy. “Keep up the good work and keep making me smile over the ironing board!” –...

Digging into their family stories, Nathan Ward, Designer of Family Tree , and Helen Tovey, Editor, chat about their recent research endeavours – piecing together tales of multiple marriages, VE Day experiences and more. Plus learn how to merge duplicate ancestors on your Ancestry tree (you never know when you may need this tip!).

You take a DNA test – that’s the easy part! But what happens next? In this week’s Family Tree Talk editor of Family Tree, Helen Tovey, and designer Nate Ward catch up with DNA advisor Karen Evans. She’ll be sharing top tips on how to begin exploring your DNA test results. What to do… what to not do… and how to get it right! She’ll be covering what ethnicity estimates mean. Taking you on a tour of...

How do you go about getting better at family history? Family Tree editor Helen Tovey and designer Nate Ward discuss ways to level up those genealogy skills! From taking a course to taking the time to slow down, there are numerous ways to improve your genealogy research skills. Tune in to find out more.

Family history brickwalls can occur at any stage of the genealogy journey – whether you’re a few steps in, or have been researching for decades. In this episode tree-tracing rookie Nathan Ward chats about his sticking points and brainstorms with Helen Tovey ways to get unstuck! There are always solutions to try… check them out!

Family Tree team members Helen Tovey and Nathan Ward chat family history – including the particular challenges of how to trace our female family members, and solutions to help us do it! (Plus Nathan also muses: can he blame his love of chocolate on a DNA trait)?

Follow our quick guide to some of the key family tree tools on Ancestry, with Family Tree editor, Helen Tovey. Plus Family Tree designer Nathan Ward shares his research experiences of reading WW1 unit war diaries (it’s emotional). And a quick peek at Mitotree – the DNA tree that tells the shared story of our motherlines, going back 100,000 years!

Helen Tovey, editor of Family Tree, and Nathan Ward, designer (aka the Running Genealogist) chat family history, speaking of their recent discoveries including a First World War solider and the records that can help to trace the war years of a WW1 British soldier.

It can be… as Duncan discovers. This week on Family Tree Talk, editor Helen Tovey speaks with an old friend, Duncan Vessey, about his recent experiences as a newbie embarking on his family history journey. ‘Expected the unexpected’ are wise words of warning for the uninitiated, as he would learn all too quickly - finding answers to mysteries in recent generations can be challenging, sometimes even...

In this week’s Family Tree Talk, Nathan Ward, aka the Running Genealogist, and designer of Family Tree, shares his new-found love of getting away from the screen to do some family history on foot. There really is nothing like visiting places related to your family history. In conversation with Helen Tovey, editor of Family Tree.

Helen & Nate are joined this week by professional genealogist Jude Rhodes. She’s here to share a different perspective to help Nate on his family history journey. Plus Nate hits on an idea to combine two of his favourite past-times – running and genealogy…

Yes it’s painstakingly slow, precise, particular – but that’s also the joy of genealogy research. Immersing yourself in a family history search. Join Helen & Nate for a real-time genealogy session as they go on the hunt for Auntie Mildred Along the way find tips to help you take control of your search and do your genealogy smarter

Helen puts on her super sleuth hat and tries to help a listener solve a family history mystery, giving plenty of top research tips along the way. Meanwhile, Nathan sulks about his DNA test results