Vicki's favorite genealogy podcasts - 2026

Here are my favorite podcasts related to genealogy and family history research, in no special order. Enjoy!

1. The Family History AI Show - https://blubrry.com/3738800/ Co-hosted by Steve Little and Mark Thompson, the podcast offers practical tips on using AI tools for document transcription, handwriting recognition, and data organization, while covering the latest industry updates and ethical best practices.

2. Ancestral Findings, Genealogy Clips - http://ancestralfindings.com/genealogygold Hosted by Will Moneymaker, this is perfect if you want something quick. It offers short, bite-sized (around 15-minute) episodes filled with historical snippets, tips, and folklore to keep you inspired.

3. Research Like a Pro (Apple) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-research-like-a-pro-genealogy-podcast/id1419782085 Hosted by Diana Elder and Nicole Dyer, this is a community favorite for those who want a structured, methodical approach to their research. They break down professional genealogical standards into practical steps for hobbyists.

4. Extreme Genes (Spotify) - https://open.spotify.com/show/5LAmF28ClPss7oH5TsQ0MC Hosted by Scott Fisher, this show acts like the Indiana Jones of genealogy. It dives into the bizarre, unexpected, and extraordinary historical stories uncovered through family tree research.

5. Family Tree Magazine podcast - https://familytreemagazine.com/genealogy-podcast/ Hosted by Lisa Louise Cooke, this long-running, highly authoritative podcast connects directly with the popular magazine. It features interviews with industry experts covering everything from navigating specific historical records (such as census or divorce records) to preserving old family photos.

6. Research at the National Archives, Genealogy Live (Apple) - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/research-at-the-national-archives-and-beyond/id509036658 Hosted by award-winning author and researcher Bernice Alexander Bennett. The show features engaging interviews with industry experts, historians, and authors, focusing heavily on African American ancestral research, resource mapping, and practical strategies for unearthing diverse histories using the National Archives and other major repositories.

7. Family Twist Podcast - https://familytwistpodcast.com/ Features the personal journey of Kendall and Corey, a married couple who uncovered massive family surprises through DNA testing. The show explores themes of adoption, late-discovery adoptees, and reunited families, sharing heartfelt and complex stories of uncovering biological roots.

8. Hispanic Genealogy Talk (Spotify) - https://open.spotify.com/show/1EY6oMgfZ31ZG5ZysUS7VG Designed to encourage and guide researchers in uncovering their Hispanic ancestry. The show features a helpful mix of book and article recommendations, historical context, and interviews with expert Hispanic genealogists who share practical strategies for navigating regional records and overcoming common research obstacles.

9. Maureen Taylor, the Photo Detective - https://maureentaylor.com/category/the-photo-detective/ Hosted by photo historian Maureen Taylor, who teaches listeners how to unlock the family history stories hidden within old photographs. The show features interviews with experts in genealogy, fashion history, and photo restoration, offering practical tips on identifying ancestors, dating vintage images, and preserving digital photos.

10. The Genealogy Guys Podcast - https://www.genealogyguys.com/ Hosted by George G. Morgan and Drew Smith, this is one of the longest-running podcasts in the community. It’s fantastic for keeping up with the latest industry news, technology, and software updates in the genealogy world.

11. Conversations with Kenyatta - https://conversationswithkenyatta.buzzsprout.com/ Hosted by Kenyatta D. Berry, a renowned genealogist, author, and former co-host of PBS's Genealogy Roadshow. The show features insightful conversations with genealogists, historians, and storytellers, focusing on African American genealogy, historical contexts, and the profound impact of uncovering family lineages and diverse ancestry.

12. Genealogy Happy Hour - https://genealogyhappyhour.com/ A relaxed, conversational approach to genealogy, providing practical tips, research strategies, and website reviews designed to help listeners log their family trees, organize documentation, and enjoy the discovery process.

13. Genealogy Gems - https://lisalouisecooke.com/podcasts/ Also hosted by Lisa Louise Cooke, this show focuses heavily on actionable, quick, and easy-to-use research techniques, uncovering the best websites, and maximizing your research time.

14. Journeys into Genealogy - https://journeysintogenealogy.co.uk/ A UK-based podcast hosted by Emma Cox that features an eclectic mix of international topics. It includes great interviews with people sharing their family histories, as well as niche topics like using AI in family history, reading old handwriting, and regional research guides.