Great podcast

I have know about this podcast but finally listen. One day it as all I listened to. I was brought to tears listening to one I made a quick not HBO gift…. I also relate to 1920 census issues I check all the time hoping I eventually find my great grandmother and grandmother at two years old. Thank you great job.

Just listened to the Martha Brown story from Civil War times. WOW, so grateful for peace. These are great stories and really inspire me to keep researching my family history. Thank you!

Crista’s kind and open-minded interviewing skills bring out the best stories in her guests. She inspires me dig deeper into my own genealogy.

This was such a wonderful share! I especially loved when she said, I cannot think of very many things in my life other than my children that are going to outlast me. When I think about my own life—both my career and personal experiences—I realize that my children and grandchildren are what will outlast me. However, I hope that stories I’ve written and shared about my family will be passed down for generations to come.

I have enjoyed listening to every episode. There is a wealth of information that is helpful for researching my ancestors. I got excited when I heard episode 28 “I Had Come Home” because Crista mentioned she lives in the same city I grew up in. I grew up under Timpanogas Mountains and miss seeing them every day.

Your podcast is such a delight! I love to learn of and hear of people’s stories and backgrounds. As a child I always wanted to know more of my own family history but there was so little anyone knew. With great determination I made my first breakthrough in 2010 and have kept at it with some great success ever sense. I have so much to learn but am so grateful for what I have. Your podcast is such a delight and I am a fan , thank you. Tammy

I recently listened to Episode 40 of Stories That Live In Us. I listened to it twice, in fact. This episode, sharing the story of a half-sister DNA discovery for Crista’s mom offered a perspective about how this kind of discovery impacts others beyond the NPE themselves. As an NPE (Not Parent Expected) myself, I’ve been immersed in the NPE community’s experiences—our pain, our stories, our resilience—but this was the first time I truly absorbed and understood that there are many sides of an NPE discovery. Nine years ago, I learned that my dad wasn’t my biological father. It was the most traumatic experience of my life. For many of us, this revelation changes everything and redefines our sense of self. But this episode showed how this discovery has a ripple effects that touches everyone—siblings, parents, extended family—and how they all navigate the journey toward acceptance differently. This struck a deeply personal chord for me. Two years ago, I wrote a heartfelt letter to my new half-siblings. They’ve never responded, and I’ve heard through the grapevine they think it is all a lie and do not want a relationship with me. It’s a painful experience to be rejected. But this episode reminded me that the journey of peace and acceptance isn’t the same for everyone and that my half-siblings’ decision isn’t necessarily about me—it’s a choice they’ve made to cope in their own way. Hearing this story, where an NPE discovery brought connection and beauty to a family, was bittersweet for me, of course. But it offered hope and a reminder to NPEs of the possibilities that can come with time and understanding. This episode is a must-listen for anyone touched by DNA discoveries, offering a compassionate look at the broader dynamics of family, connection, and healing. Jenny Hawran Windsor, CT

Please don’t ever stop making these podcasts. I have taken something to heart with each episode. I feel like they are helping me grow as a genealogist and a person. I always have tissues ready, but in a good way.

Fascinating, intriguing and heart warming. It's worth your time.

Omg! Crista. I loved this story so so much! It’s been my favorite so far. I can’t wait to hear more. What an amazing podcast you have created! You have inspired me in many ways to ask for and tell more stories to family members! And also to write them down! Even if they are not complete stories. Thanks so much!

Since finding Crista on YouTube and listening to her podcasts I have learned so much more in order to correct and maintain my family trees. We must save and share our stories before they are lost for our future generations.

I just learned about the podcast at the IAJGS Conference. I found it both inspiring and heartwarming as I continue writing my family history memoir.

I have been an Ancestry user for over 20 years. When I found this podcast, I binged listened to all of the episodes until I was caught up. The stories that Crista brings each week are amazing, inspiring and motivating to want to keep you search and writing your family's history . I can't wait for the next episode every week. Thank you Crista!!❤️

This is such a wonderful podcast! I love hearing people’s stories and Crista provides a wonderful framework for us to learn and advance our own stories. Highly recommend this podcast both to those who are doing genealogy work on their families but also anyone who enjoys hearing family stories.

I’ve been an Ancestry user for 25 years, & I consider my tree a work in progress gift to keep the stories of those who came before alive & my legacy to those who come after me. This podcast reinforces & motivates me to keep doing my research! Like the episode about a family letter, I found a 35 pg document on Ancestry written by a distant cousin. My 3rd Gr Grandparents and 7 of 9 children & their families migrated from Walker County, Georgia to Washington County, Arkansas in the early 1850’s. It details day to day life as well as surviving the Battle of Prairie Grove fought on the ridge where they lived. I am descended from the daughter who did not migrate & never knew this information, so finding this story among others are priceless! I eagerly await each episode!

I first heard Crista speak at Roots Tech earlier this year and loved her session. I was so excited to find this podcast and love each one so much. The stories are wonderful and the entire podcast is inspiring to keep being involved in family history, especially in my family stories. Thank you Crista!

…from a fabulous storyteller! I listen to many genealogy podcasts but this one is at the top of the list. I can’t wait to see where her next episode will take us - oh, the power of story!

Sadly, I have been too busy preparing for my family’s first reunion to get to listen to Crista’s new podcast. Imagine my surprise when my daughter and navigator suggested a new highly rated podcast when we lost radio reception! We just listened to 13 episodes straight as we traversed the country from Texas to Kentucky! What a way to inspire and rejuvenate! Thank you for reinforcing the value of the exhausting efforts to prepare to tell these stories.

I’ve been actively doing genealogy for a little over ten years. Early on someone said “A family history blog is a cousin trap”.(true!) what I discovered was I liked the facts but I loved the stories. Cristal’s episode about Peggy Lawrence illustrates this perfectly. Can’t wait to dig into her other episodes on my morning walks.

Today a friend of mine recommended Crista Cowan's new podcast "stories that live in us". If you have ever heard Crista give a talk you will already know how engaging she is when she speaks. The first episode will draw you in as she recounts the ancestor that most intrigued her and led her into years of research to discover her story. I found myself hooked as she read the details from a death record, completely invested in whether or not the death record revealed the names of her ancestor's parents. She is a very good storyteller. I’m delighted to have been introduced to this podcast and look forward to listening to each episode. Thank you Crista for your work and for bringing this project to fruition after years of dreaming about making it possible.

I am really enjoying the inspiring stories from other family historians. The presentation style is so fun.

I look forward to every episode. A great story told in each one!

This podcast has become my very favorite and I’m always excited when a new episode releases! Christa’s voice is pleasant to listen to and I love her interview style, but the real star is her content. It’s so encouraging to hear stories of people connecting to their past, and to learn the history often associated with them. In today’s media world I often feel bombarded by negativity. This podcast is a refreshing and much-needed antidote. Thanks Crista, for inspiring me to dive more deeply into my own ancestry in search of stories I can pass down to future generations!

I absolutely love the stories and the connections made! I’m hoping this will give me ideas on how I can help to solve the mystery of who my mom’s paternal grandfather was.

Crista gets to the heart of stories that shape individuals and generations. Family by family each story reminds me of the transformational power of sharing our stories with each other.

Crista is opening my world! One episode at a time… & each with wisdom, encouragement, & wit. People - we are being instructed by a master family sleuth in this podcast, so listen up! There’s a nugget of knowledge that opens up in my mind each time I listen. Thanks Crista & carry on!

I love hearing people talk about their lives and especially when it includes genealogy. Listening to Crista and her dad put so many quick smiles on my face and made me long for the near daily conversations I shared with my mom, who has been gone over ten years now, as I uncovered so many facets of our family’s history. Keep the conversations coming, Crista!

The story of what’s still being done to locate missing servicemen was extremely moving.

I anticipate Crista’s podcast every Thursday. Today was especially heartwarming listening to her dad talk about his grandparents.

I heard about your podcast on the ancestry facebook page and immediately looked for it. So glad I did!

I have followed Crista Cowan for years on Ancestry YouTube and was so excited to listen to her new podcast. Crista has a Love of genealogy and it comes through in every story she tells. Even if a topic doesn’t peak my interest I still listen to it and I’m never disappointed. I always get so much from each one. Would love for students to learn these lessons in school. Bravo Crista!

Thanks to Crista Cowan and her guests for this podcast. The episodes are interesting, informative and inspiring.

Just finished listening to this episode. What a moving thought provoking piece. It is so important that we don’t forget the victims and their stories. I can’t wait to learn more about this collection.

Love these stories.

Crista is such a wealth of knowledge and her stories are always so compelling. I look forward to each new episode.

I am very impressed with the stories you have presented. I always thought that the genealogy stories were sort of boring because they were full of dates and not really about the people. What I have listened to is about the people and history and are very interesting. Now to try and covey some of my own stories to my family. Thanks Crista.

Christa has a gift in her ability to engage the listener as she brings stories to life. Her content is varied, and each time I listen I feel motivated to continue sharing and preserving my family stories.

Crista is a wonderful storyteller and genealogist. Her podcast is a great way to get excited about not only genealogy but the importance of writing/recording family stories.

Crista has a talent for talking to guests so they may not only share their family stories, but she evokes the emotions these stories hold. You can feel and hear the depth of these feelings with every guest and in Crista too. I share her passion for family history and stories. Listening to these podcasts keeps me motivated to share our own family history with my family, particularly the younger generations.

Thank for giving life to these old treasures we call stories

Love the stories on these podcasts. Gives me hope of finding my family stories. To share with the next generation. Thanks Crista for sharing. Thanks Marty

I love that this podcast incorporates family stories and genealogy!!

This was a fascinating podcast! While I have no nuns in my family so far, to hear there are so many forgotten stories out there is sad. What great information that with some work you can research these courageous women. Thank you !

This is the first episode I have listened to. I took it on my walk this morning. I didn’t hear any “meadowlarks” sing but lots of other birds were chirping as I walked our rural road! I absolutely loved this story. I understand how much research Sunny had to do to uncover the wonderful details of Sister Mary Bertilla’s life. Just an amazing and touching story. I now have to go back and listen to the other 6 episodes! Thank you both for sharing. Lynnette

I have loved all the episodes of this podcast. Crista is easy to listen to and a great interviewer. The stories and ideas shared so far have been mind blowing. I feel more motivated to work on my family history and share more stories with my kids than I ever have. Thank you for starting this. I look forward to each episode.

Thank you Crista for this podcast I have totally enjoyed all the episodes, feel like I’m sitting with Crista on a porch or a table it just feels so comfortable. After I’m done listening sometimes days later, that little light bulb will light up and I will say oh yeah Crista mentioned this technique. I have to say that I relate to episode 3 in so many things talked about, it’s me. I am ready for more.

Great new podcast! Love the stories!

Love this podcast

Christa’s personal journey in genealogy has always been so inspiring to me as I have listened to her before. A podcast is a perfect way to spread her message about storytelling and the positive effects it can have generationally. I hope to continue to learn from her and her guests how to share the stories of my own family. Such interesting episodes so far!