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.

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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, sign up for Crista's weekly tips and tricks at CristaCowan.com.

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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, sign up for Crista's weekly tips and tricks at CristaCowan.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.