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 challenges and triumphs of piecing together her family's narrative, offering insights into the process of unra ..read more

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 resilience. Join us as we uncover the importance of curiosity in fostering human connection, empathy, and ..read more

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 not only on their familial roots, but also on universal themes of identity, belonging, and the intricate ..read more

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 ancestors, but to envision what life was like from their perspective and experience. About Elizabeth ..read more

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 and information literacy at a range of UK universities. She lives in Oxford with her husband and dogs ..read more

Our conversation delves into the remarkable life of Vivian 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, Vivian uncovers the intricacies of her family's history and shares the lessons she learned along the way. About Vivian: Dr. Vivien Sieber worked in biosciences research, education development, learning technology and information literacy at a range of UK universities. She lives in Oxford with her husband and dogs ..read more

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 of belonging. Connect with Stephanie on Instagram @TheDNAJourney or check out her website StephanieRen ..read more

What do you do when you discover an ancestor who made choices that hurt others? Today I discuss four ways people typically respond to these negative discoveries: ignoring, justifying, judging, and observing. Each approach has pros and cons, but through personal stories and experiences, I explain why observing and seeking to understand our ancestors is the most powerful way to see them more clearly. The most fascinating part of the process is how the same technique can change your life and relationships in the present. "When that thing keeps coming up in your mind, why not just face it?" Take-a ..read more

What do you do when you discover an ancestor who made choices that hurt others? Today I discuss four ways people typically respond to these negative discoveries: ignoring, justifying, judging, and observing. Each approach has pros and cons, but through personal stories and experiences, I explain why observing and seeking to understand our ancestors is the most powerful way to see them more clearly. The most fascinating part of the process is how the same technique can change your life and relationships in the present. "When that thing keeps coming up in your mind, why not just face it?" Take-a ..read more

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 write about the stories of those people whose lives were stolen from them and whose stories have been buri ..read more