Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen

Kathleen Brandt

A "brick-wall"  DIY genealogy podcast that features your questions and Kathleen Brandt's answers. She wants your stories, questions, and “brick walls”.   But be ready to add to your "to-do" list.  As Kathleen always says, this is a Do it yourself (DIY) genealogy podcast. “I'll show you where the shovel is, but I'm not digging up your family.”
Maybe, you have no idea where to start searching for an ancestor. Or, perhaps you want to know more about your family folklore. Host Kathleen has 20 years in the industry and is the founder of a3genealogy. She's able to dispense genealogy research advice and encouragement in understandable terms that won't get you lost in genealogy jargon. Along with her husband and co-host, John, she helps you accomplish "do-it-yourself" research goals, learn some history, and have a bit of fun along the way. Light-hearted and full of detailed info, Hittin' the Bricks is your solution for your brick-wall research problems.

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Episodes

Unmarked Graves to Living History: Salus Populi
5d ago
Unmarked Graves to Living History: Salus Populi
Let us know what you think!Discover the hidden stories of African American history in Missouri with our passionate guests, Michelle Cook and Riley Sutherland from the Salus Populi Project. Michelle and Riley are on a mission to bring to light the overlooked narratives of the United States Colored Troops (USCT) and unmarked African American burials in Missouri. With Michelle's storytelling prowess and Riley's academic insights from Harvard, they reveal the power of pension records in reconstructing entire communities and personal histories, all while bridging significant gaps in historical knowledge.Join us as we explore the untapped potential of pension records and their role in uncovering rich historical narratives. By sharing these stories, we empower descendant researchers and shine a light on individual contributions during pivotal events like the Civil War. Michelle and Riley's work underscores the transformative impact of making these hidden documents available to the public, fostering a deeper understanding of the past.Groups like Salus Populi and the Eternal Valor Network are making history an interactive experience, connecting past with present through genealogy and archival research. If you wish to participate in the Salus Populi Project contact Michelle or Riley: Salus Populi Project.   Oh..and follow them on social media!Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!
Tracing Adoptions: Sofia's Journey Unveiled
Oct 2 2024
Tracing Adoptions: Sofia's Journey Unveiled
Let us know what you think!Join us as we sit down with Sofia Stewart, a remarkable intern from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Sofia's journey began in a Russian orphanage and led her to Arkansas, where her deep-seated passion for sociology and understanding societal dynamics took root. Through her work at Tracing Ancestors, backed by the Mellon Grant program, Sofia channels her background into grant writing and creatively designing promotional content, all while unveiling the profound importance of genealogy in shaping our stories.Ever wondered about the hidden narratives within your family tree? This episode promises a captivating exploration of Romani ancestry and the complexities of adoption. Sophia shares personal and historical insights, from the deportation of Romani people to Siberia to the traditional Russian naming patterns that link her to her roots. We dive into her family history, including the lives of her parents, Alex and Faina, and the significance of DNA in uncovering close relatives and piecing together her adoption story. Tune in for a rich tapestry of identity, history, and the power of storytelling in genealogy.Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!
Honoring Veterans: The Final Salute
Sep 10 2024
Honoring Veterans: The Final Salute
Let us know what you think!How would you feel if your loved one's ashes were left forgotten on a dusty shelf or found on the side of the road? In this episode of Hittin’ the Bricks with Kathleen, we unravel the journey of Lanae Strovers, a dedicated funeral director and trainer, who has found over 300 unclaimed urns. With great compassion and determination, Lanae is committed to giving these forgotten souls dignified burials. Joined by Dennis Allen a retired firefighter, and Cris Nagla, this trio has organized mass burials with overwhelming community support. Dennis and Cris run Avon Cementery of Des Moines, IA.Lanae has also partnered with the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Adel, IA. In this episode she shines a light on the powerful ceremonies held to honor unclaimed veterans in Iowa. Host Kathleen Brandt, will be participating in the upcoming Final Salute 27 ceremony Sep 2024. Learn more about this public event at The Final Salute (FB page). The movie based on a live story can be found on Tubi or Prime Video. Use link below: Chasing the Dead RequiemCan't make it in person: Feed Event We invite you to stay connected for more inspiring stories and submit your genealogical questions. Subscribe at linktr.ee/hittinthebricksBe sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!
Dare to Write: Meet David W. Jackson, Part 2
Jul 22 2024
Dare to Write: Meet David W. Jackson, Part 2
Let us know what you think!Part 2 of our interview with David W. Jackson dives deeper into the creation and distribution of your Do It Yourself Genealogy Book."My Jackson family identified as Caucasian for the last five generations, but after 30 years of genealogical research I rediscovered a family secret. My great-great-grandfather, Arthur Jackson, was born an African-American slave in Virginia in 1856."David W. Jackson, founder of the Orderly Pack Rat and author of "Born a Slave," reveals the hidden chapters of his family's past. He has written or contributed to over 60 titles. David shares his unique strategies for structuring his book, the importance of timelines, and the breakthroughs achieved through "cluster research."Get an insider's perspective on the world of self-publishing as David provides invaluable tips on managing citations, the nuances between self-publishing and traditional publishing, and the challenges of promoting one's work. Learn about his experiences with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).David W. Jacksondavid.jackson@orderlypackrat.comorderlypackrat.weebly.comBe sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!
Dare to Write: Meet David W Jackson, Part 1
Jul 15 2024
Dare to Write: Meet David W Jackson, Part 1
Let us know what you think!"My Jackson family identified as Caucasian for the last five generations, but after 30 years of genealogical research I rediscovered a family secret. My great-great-grandfather, Arthur Jackson, was born an African-American slave in Virginia in 1856." David W. Jackson, founder of the Orderly Pack Rat and author of "Born a Slave," reveals the hidden chapters of his family's past. He has written or contributed to over 60 titles. David shares his unique strategies for structuring his book, the importance of timelines, and the breakthroughs achieved through "cluster research."Get an insider's perspective on the world of self-publishing as David provides invaluable tips on managing citations, the nuances between self-publishing and traditional publishing, and the challenges of promoting one's work. Learn about his experiences with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).David W. Jacksondavid.jackson@orderlypackrat.comorderlypackrat.weebly.comBe sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!
Placing Out Children: Riders of the Orphan Trains
Feb 1 2024
Placing Out Children: Riders of the Orphan Trains
Let us know what you think!Researching your ancestor was "placed out" during the orphan train movement of 1854 - 1920's? Brace yourself for an episode that might just reshape how you research this pivotal, yet shadowy, segment of American history. John questions Kathleen on the transport of children bustling East Coast cities to all 48 states.  No state was missed as the trains traversed the heartland's rural expanses to the reach the southern and western states.Kathleen brings a wealth of knowledge to our conversation, casting a light on the diverse tapestry of experiences faced by the orphaned children.  John is also seeking more information on his half-brother, Bob, who grew up within the walls of a boys' "boarding home" rather than the family homes. This episode doesn't just recount the past; it connects us to the human stories that continue to echo through time.Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen is supported by our generous sponsors:     MyHeritage.com     Caymus Vineyards, CA & Private Donors to TracingAncestors.comBe sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org. Thanks to MyHeritage for their generous support to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen! Follow us on social media and subscribe to HTB with Kathleen in order to enter your name in our monthly MyHeritage Complete Package giveaway starting Jan 2024!