Journey Through the Generations

Recorded live at the RootsTech 2026 conference in Salt Lake City , this episode of Journey Through the Generations features a conversation with genealogist and entrepreneur André Kearns , founder and CEO of Black Ancestries . Trisha sits down with André in the expo hall at the world’s largest genealogy conference to talk about how he got started in family history research, the evolution of genealo...

Thinking about attending RootsTech this year but not sure if you should go in person or tune in virtually? In this episode, we break down what RootsTech is, what to expect from both options, and how to prepare so you actually get value from the experience. We share practical tips for planning your schedule, choosing sessions, networking with other family historians, and making the most of the expo...

For the final day of our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources , we’re highlighting the RootsTech website —a powerful, year-round resource for family historians. In this episode, we talk about what you can do on the RootsTech website beyond the annual conference. We discuss how to search the site, explore on-demand educational videos, discover content from genealogy experts, and use RootsTech as an...

For Day 11 of our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources , we’re focusing on Google Books and why it’s an essential—but often overlooked—tool for genealogy research. In this episode, we talk about how Google Books allows researchers to full-text search millions of digitized books, including rare and out-of-print family histories, local and county histories, city directories, and other published reco...

For Day 10 of our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources , we’re talking about books and the critical role they play in genealogy and family history research. In this episode, we discuss what books can reveal that online records sometimes can’t, why preserving them matters, especially as books continue to be challenged and removed from libraries, and how written history helps protect our stories for...

In this episode, we discuss how Google Alerts can be a helpful tool for genealogy and family history researchers. We explore how alerts can be used to stay informed about new information related to surnames, family locations, historical events, and research topics without constantly searching for updates. This episode highlights how Google Alerts can support ongoing research and help family histor...

For Day 8 of our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources , we’re talking about genealogy podcasts and why they’ve become such a valuable tool for family historians. In this episode, we discuss how podcasts can help you learn new research techniques, stay current on genealogy trends, and hear real-life family history stories from experts and fellow researchers. We also touch on the variety of genealog...

For Episode 7 of our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources , we’re talking about genealogy software and how it can help you organize, manage, and expand your family history research. In this episode, we highlight two popular programs,  RootsMagic and Family Tree Maker,  and discuss why many researchers choose software to keep control of their family trees while still connecting to major online data...

Phillip and Trisha discuss how music applies to their genealogy research and how it could help you. Support the show Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations 📬 Join Our Newsletter Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up at: https://www.journeythroughthegenerations.com/newsletter...

For Day 5 of our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources , we’re turning our attention to genealogy on television . In this episode, we talk about popular genealogy TV shows such as Finding Your Roots , Who Do You Think You Are? , and Relative Race , along with a few lesser-known programs that bring family history research to life in different ways. We discuss how these shows blend storytelling, hist...

For Day 4 of our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources , we’re highlighting a powerful and deeply meaningful resource: the Center for Family Research located inside the International African American Museum (IAAM) in Charleston, South Carolina. In this episode, we talk about how the Center supports African American family history research through access to historical records, expert guidance, and s...

For Day 3 of our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources , we’re diving into one of the most surprisingly powerful tools for family historians: social media . In this episode, we talk about how platforms like Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and specialized online communities can help you find resources, connect with relatives, discover research tips, and stay updated on genealogy trends. We share examp...

For Day 2 of our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources , we’re spotlighting one of the most powerful—and completely free—tools available to family historians: FamilySearch . In this episode, we walk through why FamilySearch remains a foundational resource for both beginners and experienced researchers. We discuss its vast collection of records, global family tree, research wiki, and how its collabo...

Today kicks off our 12 Days of Genealogy Media Resources , and we’re starting with a classic favorite: 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks by genealogist Amy Johnson Crow . In this episode, we talk about how this year-long writing challenge works. Whether you’re brand new to writing about your ancestors or looking for a motivating framework to stay consistent, this challenge offers approachable weekly themes...

In this episode, we’re talking about what’s new, what’s exciting, and what’s coming up in the world of genealogy. We break down several major updates, including: Big expectations and early buzz surrounding RootsTech 2026 The impact and future of the hit genealogy series “Finding Your Roots” Upcoming Black Friday deals on DNA kits, online subscriptions, webinars, and research tools How to use the h...

Phillip and Trisha break down their experience at the 2025 AAHGS Conference! We share what we did throughout the event, the classes we attended, and the sessions that stood out the most.  Whether you were there or missed it this year, this quick recap highlights our favorite takeaways and what we’re excited to bring back to our own genealogy work. Tune in for a fast, fun rundown of AAHGS 2025! We’...

Phillip & Trisha took some time out of the conference to record a quick podcast about the first half and how much of a good time we were all having. In this episode, you'll hear noise in the background because of where we were set up in the convention center. We hope this doesn't distract you while listening. Enjoy the episode. We’ve got exciting news to share! We're launching o...

We’re celebrating Family History Month with a fresh season of Journey Through the Generations ! In this special episode, Phillip and Trisha introduce (and reintroduce) themselves in a fun, genealogy-inspired way—by answering a series of family history questions. From favorite discoveries to the stories that shaped their passion for genealogy, listeners will get to know the voices behind the podcas...

Phillip and Trisha are back with a brand-new episode. In this episode, they dive into the upcoming genealogy conferences you won’t want to miss. Whether you’re a seasoned family history researcher or just getting started, these gatherings are the perfect place to learn, connect, and get inspired. Here’s what you’ll hear in today’s episode: Highlights of the AAHGS Conference happening in Charleston...

Trisa talks about how she has digitized some of her family's documents and photos, and some tips to help you begin digitizing your own files, photos, and records. Support the show Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations 📬 Join Our Newsletter Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to your inbox....

Trisha does the podcast alone and gets you caught up on what we've been up to since RootsTech in March.  Spoiler Alert: We've been busy. Enjoy and share with others. Support the show Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations 📬 Join Our Newsletter Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to new resources delivered straight to you...

We recorded our podcast LIVE at RootsTech in Salt Lake City. We enjoyed learning about new research tools and visiting the library.to put those tools into practice, meet our genealogy friends, and make new ones. What a time. We hope you enjoy this. Please listen and share with your genealogy FAN club. Don't know what a FAN club is? Search for that episode in our playlist and listen. We have m...

Here's our annual RootsTech tips podcast, which shares tips on how to do RootsTech. We share things we've experienced over the years to help you prepare for your visit. We'll be there in person, so if you see us, stop us, and let's take a selfie. Enjoy the episode. Support the show Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations 📬 Join Our Newsletter Get exclusive genealog...

RootsTech 2025 is almost here, and we are ready to go. In this episode, we share with you some of the experiences you'll get to participate in at RootsTech to help you get ready. RootsTech is held in Salt Lake City, UT, March 6-8, 2025. A virtual option is available on the exact dates for those who cannot attend in person. This option is free, but you still need to register. Support the show...

Phillip and Trisha discuss one of their favorite Facebook groups - Academy of Legacy Leaders: A Group of Family History Enthusiasts. The link to the group is below. https://www.facebook.com/groups/837335496737693 Support the show Stay Connected with Journey Through the Generations 📬 Join Our Newsletter Get exclusive genealogy tips, research tools, behind-the-scenes updates, and early access to ne...