Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen
Kathleen Brandt
A "brick-wall" DIY genealogy podcast that features your questions and Kathleen Brandt's answers. She wants your stories, questions, and “brick walls”. But be ready to add to your "to-do" list. As Kathleen always says, this is a Do it yourself (DIY) genealogy podcast. “I'll show you where the shovel is, but I'm not digging up your family.”
Maybe, you have no idea where to start searching for an ancestor. Or, perhaps you want to know more about your family folklore. Host Kathleen has 20 years in the industry and is the founder of a3genealogy. She's able to dispense genealogy research advice and encouragement in understandable terms that won't get you lost in genealogy jargon. Along with her husband and co-host, John, she helps you accomplish "do-it-yourself" research goals, learn some history, and have a bit of fun along the way. Light-hearted and full of detailed info, Hittin' the Bricks is your solution for your brick-wall research problems.
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Top 10 Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Missing Ancestor? All About Benjamin
Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen
03/03/23 • 32 min
Kathleen and Rhonda go in search of the elusive Dr. Benjamin Fuller. The timeframe covers the prohibition era. As Kathleen says, you have to be creative when your brickwall conundrum is: 1 man; with 2 wives; who uses 3 names; covers 4 states; and 5 counties. She also says, "This is a do it yourself (DIY) genealogy podcast. “Ill show you where the shovel is, but I'm not digging up your family.”
Learn more tips to the researching your legal (and not so legal) missing ancestor:
Further research tips? Ancestor Was Prohibition Era Pharmacists, Druggists, or Doctors?
Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.
Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
Adoption, Door-Knocking, DNA & Reunions
Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen
02/22/23 • 34 min
Kathleen talks to Charlotte from New York about how to untangle the DNA which paints a very interesting picture of the relationships in her biological family. A complex issue needs heavy-hitting research tips and hints to break through this wall. This DIY genealogy research will take dedication and lots of extra on-site research.
Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.
Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
Tracing Greek Ancestry: The Chopelas Chronicles
Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen
07/11/23 • 27 min
Ever wonder how your newly arrived immigrants tackled the new land? Join us for a fascinating journey as we trace the Greek ancestry of our neighbor and guest, Stephanie Holthaus. Stephanie captivates us with tales of her maternal grandfather, Pete Constantine Chepolas. We aid Stephanie through a maze of Greek related ancestral records to trace her family from Greece to Texas with a few stops along the way. Plus, we explore an unexpected twist in Stephanie's ancestry — a DNA cousin of Turkish descent!
Tune in for this engrossing exploration into family history and DYI Greek genealogy!
Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.
Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
Identifying Native Americans: The Mysteries of the Tyeskey Lineage
Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen
07/25/23 • 30 min
Ever wondered what mysteries your family name might hold? Our guest, Dina Newman from Kansas City, shares her captivating DIY genealogy journey of tracing her roots, uncovering unexpected connections and piecing together a complex family history. As we delve into the unusual last name of Tyeskey, we explore not only a tale of adopted surnames but also a story that reaches back to ex-slave Phyllis Petite and a Texas plantation owner, Jack Bell. This isn't just a tale of name changes; it's a deep dive into the identities that names can shape, and the stories they silently hold.
As we navigate the winding roads of Dina's family history, we uncover the intriguing heritage of the Tyeskey family, and their ties to Oklahoma and Texas. We also shed light on the riveting tale of Phyllis Petite, revealing unexpected historical threads that challenge the familiar narratives of Dina's family history. From Fort Gibson to Rusk County, Texas, prepare to embark on an enthralling excursion into the past, unraveling mysteries, and exploring the fascinating intersection of names, family, and identity.
Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.
Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
Vetting Sources: Rotten Trees in the Carpenter Family
Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen
08/08/23 • 32 min
This episode challenges assumptions and forces Nancy to cross-reference documents to reveal the true lineage of a family. In this DIY genealogy expedition, Kathleen delves into the mysteries of the Carpenter family, unearthing alias names and debunks relationships. Trees, census records, biographical sketches are riddled with errors!
We also acknowledge our amazing sponsors and vibrant Facebook community. We cordially invite you to share your thoughts on this episode.
Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.
Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
Tracking Lineage: DAR and County Formation Analysis
Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen
11/21/23 • 30 min
Unravel the mysteries of genealogy with Ann Blackburn, our distinguished guest and hobbyist genealogist from St. Louis, Missouri! Let's delve into the complexities of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) application process as Ann reveals her ordeal with incorrect historical details provided by earlier descendants.
Be sure to listen to the special appearance from Chewey 's Mystery Minute as he walks us through a county formation analysis.
Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.
Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
Combing the Barbers: KY, MO, KS
Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen
12/19/23 • 25 min
The military records of Dante Barber's third great-grandfather, David Barber confirmed David enlisted in the Civil War - USCT at Ft Leavenworth, Kansas. David and wife Sophia Bullitt, were born in KY. Yet, all of their children were born in Missouri.
In this DIY genealogy project, Dante will have to comb through records of KY, MO and Kansas to get his genealogical question answered: What can we learn about David Barber, born about 1819, prior to the Civil War?
Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.
Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
Dare to Write: Meet David W Jackson, Part 1
Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen
07/15/24 • 25 min
"My Jackson family identified as Caucasian for the last five generations, but after 30 years of genealogical research I rediscovered a family secret. My great-great-grandfather, Arthur Jackson, was born an African-American slave in Virginia in 1856."
David W. Jackson, founder of the Orderly Pack Rat and author of "Born a Slave," reveals the hidden chapters of his family's past. He has written or contributed to over 60 titles. David shares his unique strategies for structuring his book, the importance of timelines, and the breakthroughs achieved through "cluster research."
Get an insider's perspective on the world of self-publishing as David provides invaluable tips on managing citations, the nuances between self-publishing and traditional publishing, and the challenges of promoting one's work. Learn about his experiences with Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP).
David W. Jackson
[email protected]
orderlypackrat.weebly.com
Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.
Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
Placing Out Children: Riders of the Orphan Trains
Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen
02/01/24 • 24 min
Researching your ancestor was "placed out" during the orphan train movement of 1854 - 1920's? Brace yourself for an episode that might just reshape how you research this pivotal, yet shadowy, segment of American history.
John questions Kathleen on the transport of children bustling East Coast cities to all 48 states. No state was missed as the trains traversed the heartland's rural expanses to the reach the southern and western states.
Kathleen brings a wealth of knowledge to our conversation, casting a light on the diverse tapestry of experiences faced by the orphaned children. John is also seeking more information on his half-brother, Bob, who grew up within the walls of a boys' "boarding home" rather than the family homes.
This episode doesn't just recount the past; it connects us to the human stories that continue to echo through time.
Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen is supported by our generous sponsors:
MyHeritage.com
Caymus Vineyards, CA
& Private Donors to TracingAncestors.com
Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.
Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
The Elusive Ancestor: Quest for Great-Grandfather Richard Bush
Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen
06/22/23 • 30 min
We've got an intriguing genealogy mystery on our hands, as we chat with Bonnie Flatt from Illinois about her brick wall: Her DIY research reveals her great-grandfather, Richard Bush. Born in 1834 in either Illinois or Indiana, Richard's origins remain elusive, and Bonnie's quest for answers has led her to explore various strategies, such as understanding the naming conventions of the time period, investigating land records, and examining military records, wills, deeds, and probates.
Elusive Ancestor Research Tips
Unscramble the family using and analyzing the following:
- Marriage Records
- Analyzing Census Records by following children names, and ages and others living in the home.
- County Court Records
- Cemetery Records. Or death certificates if recorded by state
- DNA Analysis to connect to family, if applicable. May wish to use a professional.
- Wills
- Land Records
- Military records
Need More Information visit a3Genealogy blog: Elusive Ancestor Research tips and Hints posted 25 Jun 2023: linktr.ee/a3genealogy
Be sure to bookmark linktr.ee/hittinthebricks for your one stop access to Kathleen Brandt, the host of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen. And, visit us on YouTube: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.
Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen have?
Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen currently has 47 episodes available.
What topics does Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen cover?
The podcast is about Do It Yourself, History, Research, How To, Ancestry, Family, Podcasts, Education and Dna.
What is the most popular episode on Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen?
The episode title 'Unraveling Roots: Revealing Kaufman Ancestral Secrets' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen?
The average episode length on Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen is 25 minutes.
How often are episodes of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen released?
Episodes of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen are typically released every 16 days, 7 hours.
When was the first episode of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen?
The first episode of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen was released on Jan 7, 2023.
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