Genealogy is a lifelong learning journey, and the world of genealogy podcasts and webinars provides an invaluable resource for both novice and experienced genealogists. Whether you’re just starting your family history research or you’re a seasoned pro looking to refine your skills, podcasts and webinars offer flexible, engaging, and often free opportunities to learn from experts, connect with others in the genealogy community, and discover new resources to enhance your research. In this post, we’ll explore the benefits of genealogy podcasts and webinars, recommend some of the best options, and offer tips for making the most of these educational tools.

Why Genealogy Podcasts and Webinars Are Essential

The world of genealogy is vast and ever-evolving. New tools, technologies, and resources emerge frequently, and staying up to date can be challenging. Podcasts and webinars are fantastic tools for continuous learning, offering several key benefits:

• On-Demand Learning: Podcasts and webinars are available anytime, anywhere, allowing you to learn at your own pace and on your schedule.
• Expert Advice: Many genealogy podcasts and webinars feature interviews with experts in the field, providing insights and tips you might not find in books or articles.
• Diverse Topics: From beginners’ guides to advanced research techniques, genealogy podcasts and webinars cover a wide range of topics, making it easy to find content that matches your interests and skill level.
• Interactive Learning: Webinars often include live Q&A sessions, allowing you to ask questions and engage directly with instructors and fellow learners.

Best Genealogy Podcasts to Listen To

Podcasts are an excellent resource for genealogists who prefer audio learning. You can listen while commuting, doing household chores, or relaxing at home. Here are some of the top genealogy podcasts to check out:

1. The Genealogy Guys Podcast

• Description: As one of the longest-running genealogy podcasts, The Genealogy Guys Podcast covers a variety of topics ranging from research tips to genealogical news and interviews with experts.
• Listen Here: Genealogy Guys Podcast

2. Genetic Genealogy Tips & Techniques

• Description: This podcast, hosted by the DNA testing company FamilyTreeDNA, focuses on genetic genealogy, offering tips for analyzing DNA test results, finding DNA matches, and using DNA for family tree building.
• Listen Here: Genetic Genealogy Tips & Techniques

3. The Family Tree Magazine Podcast

• Description: Produced by Family Tree Magazine, this podcast includes interviews with genealogy experts, tips for research, and product reviews. It’s a great resource for genealogy enthusiasts at all skill levels.
• Listen Here: Family Tree Magazine Podcast

4. The Genealogy Show Podcast

• Description: Offering a range of tips, ideas, and resources for family history research, The Genealogy Show Podcast dives into topics such as record types, specific genealogical areas, and interviews with genealogists.
• Listen Here: The Genealogy Show Podcast

5. The Ancestor Roadshow

• Description: This podcast brings together genealogists and experts who answer listeners’ genealogy questions, offering practical advice and ideas for finding ancestors, breaking through brick walls, and more.
• Listen Here: The Ancestor Roadshow

Best Genealogy Webinars for Continuous Learning

Webinars are a great way to deepen your knowledge of genealogy. Many webinars offer real-time, interactive opportunities to learn directly from experienced genealogists, ask questions, and network with others in the genealogy community.

1. RootsTech Webinars

• Description: RootsTech is one of the largest genealogy conferences in the world, and they offer free webinars and online events. The content covers everything from research strategies to the latest technological innovations in the field of genealogy.
• Sign Up Here: RootsTech

2. Legacy Family Tree Webinars

• Description: Legacy Family Tree offers a vast collection of live and on-demand webinars featuring genealogy experts. The topics range from beginning genealogy to advanced DNA techniques and specialized research areas.
• Sign Up Here: Legacy Family Tree Webinars

3. National Genealogical Society (NGS) Webinars

• Description: The NGS offers a wide range of webinars on topics including vital records, military records, and genealogical methodology. Membership grants you access to hundreds of recorded webinars from top genealogy professionals.
• Sign Up Here: NGS Webinars

4. GenealogyWise Webinars

• Description: GenealogyWise offers free and paid webinars and interactive online events on various topics, from beginner tips to advanced research strategies. It’s a great platform for joining live sessions and connecting with other genealogy enthusiasts.
• Sign Up Here: GenealogyWise Webinars

5. MyHeritage Webinars

• Description: MyHeritage offers both live and on-demand webinars on a variety of topics related to genealogy, DNA testing, and family tree building. The sessions are led by experts in the field and are available in multiple languages.
• Sign Up Here: MyHeritage Webinars

Tips for Making the Most of Genealogy Podcasts and Webinars

1. Take Notes

• Make a habit of taking notes while listening to podcasts or attending webinars. Jot down key points, resources mentioned, and any new techniques you want to explore further.

2. Pause and Rewind

• Genealogy can be a complex topic, and it’s okay to pause, rewind, or re-listen to parts of a webinar or podcast that you find particularly useful or confusing. Don’t hesitate to replay sections to fully grasp the content.

3. Engage with the Community

• Many webinars and podcasts encourage listener interaction, whether through live Q&A, community forums, or social media. Engaging with others allows you to get answers to your specific questions and expand your network within the genealogy community.

4. Keep Learning

• Don’t stop at one podcast or webinar. The genealogy field is vast, and continuous learning is key to becoming a more skilled researcher. Regularly tune in to new webinars, join fresh podcast episodes, and explore topics outside your usual focus.

5. Review the Resources

• Many podcasts and webinars include a list of resources in the show notes or webinar materials. Take time to review these resources after the session and incorporate them into your research.

Conclusion

Genealogy podcasts and webinars are powerful tools for genealogists of all experience levels. They offer flexible, accessible, and often free opportunities to learn from experts, stay up-to-date with the latest research trends, and enhance your genealogical skills. By regularly tuning into these resources, you’ll keep your research techniques sharp, discover new methods, and connect with others in the genealogy community. Whether you’re researching your family’s roots or learning new strategies for brick wall breakthroughs, the world of genealogy podcasts and webinars is there to help you on your journey.

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Useful Resources:

• RootsTech: https://www.rootstech.org
• Legacy Family Tree Webinars: https://familytreewebinars.com
• NGS Webinars: https://ngsgenealogy.org
• GenealogyWise Webinars: https://www.genealogywise.com
• MyHeritage Webinars: https://www.myheritage.com