Finding a Birth Father Using DNA: “How We Did It”
Finding a birth father using DNA is possible but can be hit-or-miss with DNA alone. Read this story about how the experts at Legacy Tree Genealogists combined DNA testing results with historical research and family knowledge to help one woman find the...Genealogy Blogging Tips: Dictation App and More
Are you ready to start a genealogy blog (or improve one you already write)? Here’s a quick Q&A for you, prompted by questions by Genealogy Gems Premium member Kevin:
Q: “I am ready to start writing a blog but my typing is slow. Is there a dictation app (iOS) or software (Windows) that I could use to dictate my first drafts of my blog posts?
A: If you go to www.genealogygems.com and scroll down and enter “Dragon software” into the Amazon box and click “Go” it will pull up a great dictation program that might be just what you are looking for. (Using our Amazon box supports the free podcast – thank you!)
Q: Which blog site do you use and why did you select it?
A: I use Word Press for my website and blog. They have a free version at wordpress.com. Google also has Blogger which is free. I have a free series of videos on the Genealogy Gems YouTube channel about how to set it up. They are a few years old, but will give you the basic idea.
Q: Do you compose your blog posts directly on your site or do you type them in Word or some other word processing program then cut and paste them into your blog?
A: It’s best to compose them directly into a new post on Word Press or Blogger. Cutting and pasting out of Word will likely carry over unwanted formatting which can cause headaches.

Listen to the Family History: Genealogy Made Easy podcast by Lisa Louise Cooke. It’s a great series for learning the research ropes and well as refreshing your skills.
Ready to get inspired and tutored on genealogy blogging? Check out my FREE podcast series on how to start a genealogy blog. Click here to reach my Family History Made Easy podcast landing page, then start with episode 38 and continue through episode 42. You’ll learn step-by-step how-tos and you’ll be introduced to some inspiring blogs that WORK. We often hear about success stories from listeners who started a blog after hearing these episodes. (We’d love to hear YOUR success story, too!)
Newspapers and Obituaries for Genealogy – Episode 282 (Audio Podcast)
SHOW NOTES: In our first segment, Lisa Louise Cooke and her guest Jenny Ashcraft from Newspapers.com discuss how to use newspapers to fill in the missing stories in your ancestors’ lives. Jenny shares strategic tips on finding unique information many researchers miss.
In the second segment of this episode, Shannon Combs-Bennett, the author of the article A Genealogist’s Guide to Finding and Using Historical Obituaries published in Family Tree Magazine, covers everything you need to know about obituaries including:
- the important backstory on obituaries,
- what obituaries can tell you about your ancestors,
- where you can find obituaries, both online and offline,
- and strategies you can use when obituaries aren’t where you expected to find them.
Listen to the Podcast Episode
Click the media player below to listen now (AUDIO ONLY):
Show Notes and Videos
Watch the video version and read the show notes articles for these interviews:
- Reconstructing Ancestors’ Lives with Newspapers with Jenny Ashcraft
- Newspaper Obituaries for Genealogy with Shannon Combs Bennett
Resources
Log into your Premium membership and download the ad-free Show Notes cheat sheets that complement this episode:
- Reconstructing Ancestors’ Lives with Newspapers with Jenny Ashcraft show notes cheat sheet
- Newspaper Obituaries for Genealogy with Shannon Combs Bennett show notes cheat sheet
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Genealogy Gems Podcast App
Don’t miss the Bonus audio for this episode. In the app, tap the gift box icon just under the media player. Get the app here.
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Resources
Download the PDF show notes that complement this podcast episode.
Genealogy Gems Podcast Episode 258 DNA Problem Solving
DNA Problem Solving Strategies for Genealogy
Listen to Genealogy Gems Podcast Episode 258
To Listen click the media player below (AUDIO ONLY):
Watch the Original Video
This audio comes from my YouTube video series Elevenses with Lisa episode 44. You can watch the video interview at the Elevenses with Lisa episode 44 show notes page.
Get $10 off StoryWorth
Genealogy Gems Premium Members Exclusive Download:
Log into your Premium membership and then click here to download the handy PDF show notes that compliment this podcast episode.
Become a Genealogy Gems Premium Member
Premium Members have exclusive access to:
- Video classes and downloadable handouts
- The Genealogy Gems Premium Podcast
- Elevenses with Lisa downloadable ad-free show notes PDF cheat sheets
Become a member here.
Genealogy Gems Podcast App
Don’t miss the Bonus audio for this episode. In the app, tap the gift box icon just under the media player. Get the app here.
Get the Free Genealogy Gems Newsletter
The Genealogy Gems email newsletter is the best way to stay informed about what’s available with your Premium eLearning Membership. Sign up today here.
Our Sponsor:
MyHeritage: Click here to start finding your family history at MyHeritage

MyHeritage.com is the place to make connections with relatives overseas, particularly with those who may still live in your ancestral homeland.
Follow Lisa and Genealogy Gems on Social Media:
- Instagram.com/genealogygemspodcast
- Facebook.com/genealogygems
- Pinterest.com/lisalouisecooke
- YouTube.com/GenealogyGems
Podcast Resources