Linda Broenniman knew little about her Hungarian heritage until a surprising revelation at the age of 27 changed everything. Discovering her Jewish roots and the heroic actions of her family members during the holocaust became a turning point in her quest to delve deeper into her family's past. With warmth and authenticity, Linda reflects on the personal transformations that occurred as she delved into her family history, emphasizing the power of understanding one's roots and the blessings t...
Apr 24, 2024
25 min
As a public historian, Fayge had always been interested in history. It wasn't until she moved to West Philadelphia, close to where her ancestors lived, that she began her search in earnest. Her exploration was also intertwined with her reconnection to Judaism, prompting a deeper desire to understand her family's story. Fayge shares how delving into her family's history has deepened her sense of belonging and connection to her Jewish identity and community. She also discusses the challen...
Apr 17, 2024
20 min
Julie Pham, a Vietnamese boat person, shares her family's journey as refugees fleeing communism and establishing a new life in the United States. Through Julie's experiences and insights as a historian, listeners will explore the power of multiple truths, the push and pull factors of immigration, and the dynamics of being an insider and an outsider in different communities. We delve into the significance of understanding family history and its impact on shaping individual perspectives and res...
Mar 13, 2024
28 min
Join Danielle and Galeet Dardashti as they share their journey of discovery to learn why their father's family left Iran during the Golden Age for Jews. With limited access to records to answer their questions, the sisters relied on interviewing over 85 individuals, including family members, scholars, and unexpected acquaintances. They have reconstructed an engaging story that transcends cultural boundaries and challenges preconceived notions. What they learned sheds light n...
Feb 28, 2024
29 min
In retrospect, Elizabeth Keating wishes she would have used her skills as an anthropologist when she interviewed her mother about family history. To help others avoid her mistakes, Elizabeth shares how we can use interviews with living family members to uncover the everyday experiences and cultural nuances of previous generations. Elizabeth encourages listeners to embrace the value of family stories and their priceless insights to help us understand not only what happened to our a...
Dec 20, 2023
29 min
Our conversation delves into the remarkable life of Vivien Sieber's Czech-born grandmother, who faced adversity and triumphs during World War II. From owning a cinema in Vienna to finding refuge in England and caring for girls who fled their families as part of the Kinder Transport, Vivien uncovers the intricacies of her family's history and shares the lessons she learned along the way. About Vivien: Dr. Vivien Sieber worked in biosciences research, education development, learning technology...
Nov 30, 2023
28 min
All of your ancestors were perfect, right? Unfortunately, everyone has ancestors who disappoint us with their choices. In this episode, I talk about four ways we respond when we discover an ancestor made choices that hurt others. As we learn to be more open to putting our ancestors' choices into the context of their lives we can see them as real people, living with the effects of their environment, the choices of their family members and others around them, as well as their own choices. An...
Aug 2, 2023
24 min
In Stephanie Renée's story, there's an exploration of identity and belonging that resonates deeply. She began her journey seeking to fill in the gaps left by the early loss of her mother. Her path took an unexpected turn when she discovered her mother was adopted, leading her into the world of genetic genealogy. Despite the hurdles she faced, Stephanie was driven to understand her roots and expand her familial network, bringing her closer to understanding her lineage and establishing a sense ...
Aug 2, 2023
30 min
Annie Hartnett recently started exploring her family's connections to slave ownership, which took her on a transformative path of discovery. By doing so, Annie gained a deeper understanding of her roots, and as a result, developed an increasingly authentic relationship with herself, her country, and those around her. Fascinated by the forgotten stories of those enslaved, she now dedicates her time to researching and writing about them and hopes to inspire others to do the same. "I want to wr...
Jun 28, 2023
29 min
Jacqueline Jannotta's genealogy research uncovers a family history of mob ties and tragedy, revealing the ripple effects of trauma and the importance of understanding our shared humanity. Through her genealogical research, Jacqueline gained a greater understanding and compassion for her ancestors, particularly her tough, outspoken grandmother. The trauma experienced by her family shaped their personalities and relationships, and it made her realize the importance of understanding one's roots...
May 31, 2023
27 min
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