Stories That Live In Us

Have you ever thought about how deeply you can trace your roots with just a simple DNA test?Listen in on my conversation with Diahan Southard, a trailblazer in consumer genomics and the founder of Your DNA Guide.  She takes us through her story, starting as a microbiology student at Brigham Young University, continuing to her work with Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation, leading to her pioneering role in the field of genetic genealogy education.  Sparked by the advice of a high school English teacher and a fascination with archaeogenetics, Diahan has not only played a role in advancing the field, she has also experienced the personal and emotional impact of DNA discoveries in her own family.  In this episode, she shares her journey and invites us to discover the unexpected stories hidden within our own DNA.Follow Diahan:YourDNAGuide.comInstagram_______________________________________________Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

Becky Ellis takes us on an emotional journey through her intricate family dynamics shaped by her father's World War II experiences. Raised in a complex environment in 1970s California, Becky paints a vivid picture of navigating a childhood marked by her father's dual roles as a respected surgeon and unpredictable alcoholic. Her story is a powerful exploration of seeking paternal love and understanding amidst a fractured family, reflecting on the deep bonds formed in the face of adversity.Our conversation traverses Becky's relentless quest to uncover her father's untold war stories, including a poignant visit to Dachau that sparked a deeper understanding of his past. By delving into the harsh realities he faced as a staff sergeant, Becky uncovers the profound impact of wartime dehumanization on his civilian life. This transformative process not only allowed her father to share his experiences but also enabled Becky to find clarity and reconciliation with her own upbringing.The magic of storytelling emerges as a central theme, enabling Becky to bridge gaps within her family and connect with her own children. Through documenting her father's journey in a memoir, she confronts her past and acknowledges inherited traits, fostering deeper connections. This episode underscores the healing potential of sharing stories and recognizing parents as individuals with their own histories, offering a pathway to understanding and peace for families and communities alike._______________________________________________Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

Does anyone else feel like the veil between life and death, this world and the next, thins around this time of year?Halloween, All Saints Day, All Souls Day, and Dia de los Muertos mark the beginning of the holiday season—a time for family, nostalgia, and deep connection. This week also happens to be my birthday.From my early childhood, my birthday celebrations often mingled with Halloween themes. But it was on my 18th birthday, while cleaning up a vandalized cemetery, that I found a profound connection to my life’s passion: family history.For more than 30 years, my experiences have continually revealed the powerful links between life’s celebrations and the remembrance of the deceased. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for cultural traditions that honor those who have passed. It’s not just about looking back—it’s about forging deep connections with our roots and our family, regardless of which side of the veil they are on._______________________________________________Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

Does your family history include run-ins with the mafia, witches, and sea monsters?Suzanne Russo Adams always cherished her lively Italian family gatherings but wasn’t initially drawn to genealogy. It took tearful Latin lessons and storytelling at Sunday dinners to spark her passion for family history.After graduating from Brigham Young University with a degree in family history, Suzanne began her career at Ancestry. She later moved to FamilySearch, where her work led her to ancestral parish churches in Sicily and over 100 archives worldwide. Today, she's shaping future genealogists as an associate professor and director of the Center for Family History and Genealogy at her alma mater.Listen in as Suzanne and I discuss how exploring where we come from can deeply connect us to who we are and help define who we want to become.Learn more about Suzanne and the Center for Family History and Genealogy:  https://history.byu.edu/directory/suzanne-adams_______________________________________________Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

What if uncovering a family story you never knew could change the way you see yourself and the world? I believe family history has the power to do just that.Back in 2019, Ancestry and SundanceTV premiered a documentary short at the Sundance Film Festival called Railroad Ties. This film explores the legacy of the Underground Railroad and its lasting impact on the descendants of both those who were enslaved and those who fought for their freedom.Before you listen to this episode, I encourage you to watch the film. You can find it here: Watch Railroad Ties on YouTubeAfter watching, join me for an insightful interview with Gayle George. She shares how discovering this story not only connected her with ancestors she never knew but also inspired her to preserve and honor their legacies. From emotional revelations in old court records to the powerful act of marking unremembered graves, Gayle’s journey illustrates how knowing our roots can deepen our sense of identity and belonging.Discover more about Gayle's work and the legacy of her ancestors at WeemsThePeople.org and Awakeningho.me._______________________________________________Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

When someone asks where you're from, do you think of a place or the people? Is 'home' just a word, or does it evoke something more?In this episode, join me as I explore the notion of 'home' through stories from the life of my 3x great-grandfather, Samuel Mulliner. From the Scottish Highlands to the valleys of Utah, discover how the places he walked and the descendants he left behind shape my sense of home. His story, and the connections I've forged through rediscovering his legacy, underscore why family history holds such a significant place in my life. And, highlight ways we all can explore what it means to "come home." _______________________________________________Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

Do we have a family motto? Not officially. But if we did, it might be "Cowans Show Up For Each Other!" As for my personal creed as an aunt? It's simple: Love each of them for exactly who they are and help them discover who they want to become.In this episode, freshly returned from a week-long cruise to Alaska and recorded just eight hours after our arrival, you'll hear me chat with all seven of my niblings. We laugh, they respond in the monosyllabic style only teenagers have mastered, but through it all, you'll catch a real glimpse of how we turn family chaos into cherished memories._______________________________________________Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

What do Lake Como, Italy, a Jewish genealogy conference, and a surprise discovery in Chicago all have in common?  They are all elements of a story I shared in front of a live audience in Philadelphia just a few weeks ago.Listen in as I recount the story of one of the most impactful experiences in my career in family history.  Discover how the events leading up to this experience prepared my mind and heart to receive the lessons it had to teach me._______________________________________________Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

Imagine tackling a 5000-piece jigsaw puzzle without ever seeing the picture it’s supposed to form. Sometimes, you might spend hours focused on fitting just one section together, while at other times, you might simply add a piece or two as you pass by. This metaphor beautifully mirrors the process of uncovering family stories — a journey of patience, persistence, and unexpected discoveries.Todd Godfrey, Vice President of Global Content at Ancestry®, leads the efforts to acquire, digitize, index, and publish tens of billions of historical records — each one a puzzle piece in its own right. On his personal quest to piece together his family tree, Todd has delved deep into these records, learning more about his ancestors and the lives they led.But Todd’s story adds another layer to the complex picture of family history. As an adoptee, he embarked on a carefully measured exploration through AncestryDNA®, to unveil the identity of his biological family. This journey expanded his family tree and opened up a new world of possibilities and connections._______________________________________________Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

It’s Emmys Weekend in Los Angeles.  What does that have to do with family stories?Well, back in 2018, Ancestry hosted a luxury gift lounge during a Hollywood award show weekend. Unlike typical gift lounges where celebrities grab swag, snap photos, and move on, we offered them a different experience.  A chance to connect with their past.  We transformed a fancy hotel suite, complete with a grand faux tree, and gave the stars an opportunity to dive into their family history with DNA kits and expert on-site guidance.It was fun (and a little surreal) to watch people I had only seen on TV light up with excitement when I helped them make discoveries about their family.  But, the true highlight came when a towering actor from HBO’s Ballers sat down with me to start exploring his family tree. The emotional experience he had, right there in that bustling Hollywood hotel, taught me a meaningful lesson about the healing and connecting power of family history.Tune in to hear how exploring your family tree can turn from simple curiosity to a profound, life-changing experience. Because family history isn't just about filling in names on a chart; it's about understanding where—and who—we come from, and finding the Stories That Live In Us._______________________________________________Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

We call ourselves Gen X women but many of us are quickly becoming the “sandwich generation.” It’s a term that invokes feelings of being squeezed between raising children, welcoming grandchildren, and caring for aging parents all while juggling never ending demands on our time and emotions.With six children ranging in age from 11 to 21 and a mother succumbing to dementia, my friend (and cousin) Julie Taggart, is managing this season of her life so beautifully.  That doesn’t mean it isn’t hard.  Sometimes heartbreakingly so.  But, her focus is firmly fixed on faith and family allowing her to find meaning through the experience.And family history plays a major role in how she navigates the constant transitions in her life by giving her perspective and opportunities to deeply connect with her family - past, present, and future.Listen in on our conversation to hear how we discovered we are related and the role a family tree chart played in that discovery and, more importantly, in the family culture Julie has created.*****Order your own fill-in-the-blank family tree chart (and use the code I mention in the episode to get free shipping):  FamilyChartmasters.com_______________________________________________Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

Telling your children that they can do hard things is one thing, but sharing stories of their ancestors—who faced great challenges—transforms that simple statement into a profound insight. When children learn that the same blood flows in their veins, the message evolves from a clichéd saying to a powerful assertion that inspires resilience.As the father of young children, Jordan Lundskog understands the power of family stories firsthand.  As a product manager at Ancestry, he is deeply committed to creating tools to help people preserve and share their own family stories.From intriguing tales of pioneers and Civil War veterans to personal anecdotes about his grandfather's legacy, Jordan shares how uncovering these stories has bridged the gap between past and present. Learn about the transformative power of knowing where and who you come from, and how this knowledge can impact our lives today._______________________________________________Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

Ever wondered what it takes to turn an ordinary life into an extraordinary adventure? This episode features Erik and Emily Orton, a couple who have redefined family living through the power of intentional storytelling and daring choices. Inspired by Joseph Campbell's hero's journey, they left their stable life in New York City to spend a year sailing the high seas with their five children. Emily reveals how a book by Donald Miller changed their worldview on crafting meaningful life narratives. You'll hear how their bold decisions have inspired their children, who are now between the ages of 16 and 26, to become protagonists in their own stories.Join us as we explore the Ortons' journey, highlighting their commitment to living with intention and resilience. Erik and Emily share the challenging yet rewarding experiences of navigating both literal and metaphorical storms. From a harrowing overnight crossing to the invaluable lessons learned, their stories illustrate the importance of being prepared for adversity while focusing on positive outcomes. The couple also reflects on how their approach to handling challenges has strengthened their marriage over 28 years, giving their family a legacy of endurance and adaptability.In this insightful conversation, we delve into the Ortons' unique pre-departure practice of listing potential worst-case scenarios alongside positive possibilities. This powerful exercise has fortified their mental resilience, making them adept at facing life's uncertainties. Discover how small, everyday choices and intentional storytelling can shape a family's culture for generations. Learn the transformative power of imagining positive outcomes and how this simple yet effective shift in focus can open doors to new opportunities. Tune in to find out how the Ortons continue to craft an inspiring and fulfilling family narrative that will resonate for years to come.______________________________About Erik and Emily:Erik Orton is an Emmy Award-winning writer and producer. Emily Orton is an educator, author and public speaker. Their life design framework mutes fear and accelerates growth. They are parents to five adult children, including their youngest with Down Syndrome. They raised their family in upper Manhattan for 23 years where Erik worked on such shows as Wicked, Les Miserables and The Phantom of the Opera. When their kids were 6-16 years old, Erik and Emily bootstrapped life aboard a fixer upper sailboat in the Caribbean. They sailed as a family from St. Martin back to New York City. Their memoir about the experience (Seven at Sea) is a New York Times Top 10 Travel book. After life on the boat, they continued to travel the world with their children through Europe, the South Pacific, Africa, and across North and South America in planes, trains, boats and vans. They are the co-founders of The Awesome Factory, a coaching and travel adventure company that leads retreats and sailing adventures all over the world.Find Erik and Emily at:WebsiteBook - Seven at SeaPodcast: What Could Go RightFacebookInstagramYoutube_______________________________________________Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

Many people take an AncestryDNA test just to get the ethnicity estimate, curious about where in the world their DNA is from.  However, they often overlook that their results include a match list - thousands of people in the Ancestry network with whom they share DNA, indicating a family relationship.  Sometimes a really close one.  For adoptees like Maria, this match list can be the beginning of a whole new journey of discovery and connection.Maria Mendoza was raised knowing she was adopted at birth.  Content with her life and the family that raised her, she never felt a need to seek out her biological family.  But, after taking a DNA test, Maria unexpectedly connected with relatives she never knew existed, unlocking a story that spans borders and generations.Maria’s story - from the family that raised her to the family she is raising - has been forever altered now that she has connected with the family of origin that she was never quite sure she wanted to know.  Listen in as she shares how she is navigating complex emotions and sensitive family dynamics all while successfully establishing new relationships and deepening connections._______________________________________________Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

How does a country boy from Montana meet a city girl from Pennsylvania and create a life filled with laughter and deep connection?Meet storytelling powerhouses Scott Seiffert, Vice President at DreamWorks Animation, and his wife, Lisa Dyson, a dedicated middle school librarian and actress. Together, they reveal the profound ways in which stories—from whimsical childhood books to haunting tales by Edgar Allan Poe—have molded their family culture and helped shape their daughter's identity.Join us as Scott reminisces about evenings at his family's Montana cabin, where his grandparents' vivid tales painted a lively picture of life in the Wild West. Meanwhile, Lisa reflects on her roots in Philadelphia and shares compelling stories of an immigrant ancestor who was just a child when he bravely crossed an ocean alone.We explore how emotional connections deepen when we uncover our ancestors’ stories, emphasizing the importance of preserving these narratives. These heartfelt memories and traditions are more than just tales; they are a vital part of our heritage and identity.Scott and Lisa also share their unique experience on the HGTV show "Revealed," where they learned surprising details about their family history through AncestryDNA tests. A designer incorporated these discoveries into a home remodeling project, surrounding them with whimsical reminders of their origins.Finally, we delve into the philosophical and deeply personal concept of crafting one’s own obituary. Who gets to tell your life story, and what will they say? Scott and Lisa approach this with a sense of humor, pondering who will get the last word.Join us for an episode that celebrates the enduring power of storytelling in shaping who we are and connecting us with our loved ones._______________________________________________Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

When you are raised in a household of faith and then make choices that take you away from the path your parents envisioned for you since before your birth, it can cause them a lot of pain. Some parents work through their own pain and allow their love for you and the grace of their God to override their own disappointment and fears. Other parents react badly. Peggy Lawrence's parents reacted badly. It wasn't even that she left religion, she just left their religion. Unfortunately, she lived in a community that was predominantly of that faith, and so she was forced to leave. Leave her home, leave her family, leave her town. Being on your own is hard enough at 28 or 38. Being on your own at 18.  As a woman. In 1727. It’s almost impossible to fathom.This episode is not just a journey through time but a reflection on how and why stories are passed down through generations, shaping our identities and our values.How do we choose which stories to tell and retell?  And why do these stories matter?_______________________________________________Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

What if the secrets to your family's past were hidden in plain sight, just waiting to be discovered?Rusty Wright’s quest began with a simple desire to know more about a grandfather he never met. What starts as a straightforward inquiry unfolds into an epic cross-country saga. Along the way, he discovers a draft card filled out in a surprising location and traces the roots of a family fragmented by time and distance.Joining us in this episode is Lisa Elzey, my podcast producer and a Senior Story Producer at Ancestry. Her job revolves around uncovering and sharing family stories, and she's exceptionally skilled at it. In this episode, she offers a step-by-step guide on how each of us can do the same when searching for and sharing our own family stories.With Lisa's expert guidance, Rusty uncovers the enigmatic life of his grandfather, Leland. As the story takes shape and is shared, new chapters continue to unfold, revealing the deep impact our past can have on our present._______________________________________________Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

When children are raised knowing the stories of the strong, fearless women in their family tree they are more likely to feel empowered to chase their own dreams.Raised with tales of the trailblazing women in her family, Ms. Cathy Hughes, a pioneering entrepreneur and the first African American woman to head a publicly traded corporation, drew strength from her formidable foremothers to overcome daunting obstacles. But it was the untold story of her great-great-grandmother, Charlotta Pyles—an enslaved woman who engineered her family's escape with the help of unexpected allies—that profoundly shifted her perspective and inspired her to reshape her own legacy.This newfound insight into Charlotta's courage and resourcefulness inspired Ms. Hughes to extend her influence beyond her immediate achievements, mentoring the next generation of women leaders and redefining what it means to be a powerful woman today. Discover how the legacy of bravery and resilience has empowered Ms. Hughes to forge paths for others, just as it did for her._______________________________________________Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

Do you revel in solving a good brain teaser or completing a crossword puzzle?  Climbing your family tree can feel a little like piecing together a tricky jigsaw.  It is certainly about more than just collecting names on a pedigree chart like a simple dot to dot.Early in his career, Josh Harman was a young, slightly overconfident, product manager at Ancestry who thoroughly enjoyed solving technical problems but thought genealogy was boring. He didn’t understand the obsession.  Listen in as he shares some of the transformative moments that helped him evolve from simply doing his job to truly embracing the role he played in facilitating deeply meaningful experiences for others. This journey not only changed his professional outlook and contributions but echoed through his personal life and helped reshape his understanding of his own identity and values.Join us to explore how piecing together your own family history can deeply connect you with your past and illuminate your place in your family narrative.  That process will light up your brain as much as any puzzle._______________________________________________Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.

How did a simple search on Ancestry.com spark a lifelong passion, a stronger mother-daughter bond, and a stint as a host on a popular genealogy television show? Tune in to find out.As we celebrate Independence Day, join me as I chat with Mary Tedesco, the dynamic co-host of PBS's Genealogy Roadshow. Discover how her initial curiosity about her Italian grandparents' immigration story blossomed into a fulfilling genealogy career. From tracing her mother’s extensive family across 27 states to uncovering her Revolutionary War patriot ancestor, George Brenner, Mary’s journey is a vibrant reflection of America itself—a rich tapestry interweaving past and present.An active member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Mary also shares her experiences within this iconic organization, highlighting impactful community service projects, particularly during the pandemic.With “America 250” on the horizon, her enthusiasm for commemorative efforts is palpable and infectious, urging us all to preserve our heritage and inspire future generations to cherish our shared American story.Celebrate lineage and liberty this Fourth of July by delving into a story that bridges generations and ignites patriotic spirit.******Mary's Bio:Mary Tedesco is a professional genealogist, speaker and former Co-Host of the PBS television series “Genealogy Roadshow.” She actively volunteers with the Daughters of the American Revolution, currently serving as the National Chair of the Insignia Committee and Massachusetts State Vice Regent. Other volunteer positions include: Councilor of New England Historic Genealogical Society and Texas Genealogical College (TGC) board member and chair of the Scholarship Committee. Mary holds an MBA from the University of Notre Dame, a BA in Mathematics from Boston University and a certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University’s Center for Professional Education. _______________________________________________Please rate and review this podcast and then share it with your family and friends.For ideas on how to connect more deeply with your family through family stories, follow Crista on Instagram @CristaCowan.