Know Your Ancestors

Megan Hillyer

I’m Megan Hillyer, professional genealogist and host of Know Your Ancestors. This podcast is about more than building a family tree, it’s about discovering the strength, belonging, and healing that come from knowing your lineage. Each episode is an invitation to explore the power of your ancestors’ lives and how their stories can shape and guide your own. At its heart, this podcast is about one truth: when you know your ancestors, you know yourself.

  1. 6D AGO

    I Could Feel Them There: A Heritage Trip to Wales

    Ep 72: If you've ever felt a pull toward the land your ancestors came from — like some part of you belongs somewhere you've never been — this episode is for you. In the summer of 2024, I traveled to Northern Wales with most of my family to stand where our ancestors stood, 100 years after my grandmother left as a four-year-old girl. And it changed me. In this episode, I share what that experience was really like — the preparation, the moments that brought me to tears, and the unexpected discoveries that still give me chills. We talk about: How to prepare for a heritage trip so it actually feels meaningful (not just like sightseeing) The Gaelic concept of dúthchas — and why it perfectly describes what I felt the moment I arrived What happened inside a 16th-century Welsh church when my family sang hymns together How a last-minute Ancestry find led us down winding farm roads to a headstone we almost didn't look for The one thing I wish I had brought on the trip — and why it matters for your family too Why standing on ancestral land is something Google Earth simply cannot replicate But this is about more than just travel. Because when you stand where your ancestors lived, worked, and worshipped — when you breathe the same air and walk the same land — something shifts. You start to feel your roots in a way that no amount of research can fully give you. Ready to plan your own ancestral journey? If you want to visit your ancestral homeland and actually feel connected while you're there, I create personalized Ancestral Journey Maps. I'll help you: Identify 5–10 meaningful locations to visit in your ancestral homeland Understand the backstory of each location and why it mattered to your family Get the historical context that brings your ancestors' lives to life Have a printed guide you can hold in your hands while you're there This is where genealogy becomes something you can feel. 👉 Book a free discovery call here: https://knowyourancestors.co/book-call  Have questions or not sure if it's right for you? Send me a message — I'd love to chat. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganhillyer  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meganhillyer  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knowyourancestorsco

    18 min

  2. APR 29

    You CAN learn how to research your ancestors....it's easier than you think

    Ep 71: A lot of people think that genealogy research is super hard, confusing, and overwhelming. But it's actually a very doable thing....and is easier now than ever. In this episode I walk you through how to get started and share a couple tools that can help: 1. The FamilySearch Research Wiki: https://www.familysearch.org/en/wiki/Main_Page 2. Family Tree Foundations - Self-guided Online Course: https://knowyourancestors.co/family-tree-foundations And just for podcast listeners, you can use code PODCAST for 30% off Family Tree Foundations. Enjoy! Find me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganhillyer/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/knowyourancestorsco TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meganhillyer

    16 min

  3. APR 22

    You’re Not Missing Ancestral Culture — You’re Disconnected From It

    Ep 70: You feel it… that pull toward your roots. Wanting something deeper, but not knowing where to start. In this episode, we’re talking about culture—and why so many of us feel disconnected from it. Because it didn’t disappear. It was forgotten. I share why this disconnection happens and how you can begin finding your own culture again—without borrowing from others. Inside, we cover: - Why “white culture” can feel missing - How culture was lost through migration and assimilation - 3 simple ways to start discovering your roots ✨ Melanie Marisol’s free email sequence: https://thelineagerevival.com/pages/gift ✨ Start your Origin Initiation: https://knowyourancestors.co/origin

    15 min

  4. APR 15

    You want to start learning about your ancestors...now what?

    Ep 69: If you’ve ever thought, “I want to learn about my ancestors… but I don’t even know where to begin,” this episode is for you. There is so much information out there, and it can feel overwhelming fast. But the truth is, getting started doesn’t have to be complicated. In this episode, I walk you through three simple steps to begin researching your family history in a way that is grounded, meaningful, and actually doable. We talk about: - Why you shouldn’t blindly trust everything written in family records - How to start building your family tree (without getting lost in the process) - The best way to choose your first ancestor to research - A powerful (and often overlooked) tool that can guide your research step-by-step - Why focusing on just one person can completely change your experience But this is just the beginning. Because researching names and dates is only the first layer. When you go deeper, you can start to see patterns, understand what your ancestors lived through, and begin to feel their strength, resilience, and wisdom in your own life. Ready to Go Deeper? If you want support walking through this process, and learning how to truly connect with your ancestors...you’re invited to join The Ancestor Power Project. Inside, you’ll learn how to: - Map where your ancestor lived - Identify patterns of trauma and resilience - Understand how their experiences shaped your family line - Integrate their strength and wisdom into your life This is where genealogy becomes something more. 👉 Join here: https://ancestorpowerproject.com/ If you have questions or feel unsure if it’s right for you, send me a message - I’d love to connect Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meganhillyer TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@meganhillyer Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meganhillyer

    11 min

  5. APR 8

    The Real Reason I Created the Ancestor Power Project

    Ep 68: Last week, I ran a free 3-day challenge—and what came out of it surprised me. In this episode, I’m sharing the real reason behind the Ancestor Power Project… not just what it is, but why I felt called to create it in the first place. This isn’t just about building a family tree. It’s about understanding your ancestors as real people—what they lived through, what they carried, and how their strength still shows up in you today. I talk about: Why traditional genealogy often feels incompleteThe difference between researching your ancestors and actually knowing themHow patterns of trauma and resilience can show up across generationsThe deeper meaning behind the word “power” (and why I almost didn’t choose it)What becomes possible when you focus deeply on just one ancestor If you’ve ever felt like there’s more to your family history than names and dates… this episode will open something up for you. ✨ If you want to experience this for yourself, you can still join the free 3-Day Ancestor Power Challenge:👉 knowyourancestors.co/powerchallenge ✨ And if you’re ready to go deeper, learn more about the 8-week Ancestor Power Project:👉 ancestorpowerproject.com

    18 min

  6. APR 2

    DAY 3: The Connection Click — What Your Ancestor’s Life Means for You

    Ep 67: This is the final day of the 3-Day Ancestor Power Challenge — and where everything shifts. You’ve chosen an ancestor.You’ve started uncovering their life. Now… you begin to understand what it means for you. In this episode, you’ll be guided to find what I call the “connection click” — that one detail that makes your ancestor feel real. The moment they stop being just a name…and become someone you can actually see, understand, and feel connected to. From there, we take it one step deeper:→ What did they live through?→ Who did they have to be to live that life?→ And where does that same strength exist in you? This is where genealogy becomes something more than research. This is where it becomes personal. ✨ This is where their story becomes part of yours. Join the full experience: Get the worksheet + access to the private Facebook group here: https://knowyourancestors.co/powerchallenge LIVE Sharing Circle (tonight - April 2 2026): Come share your experience, hear others, and go deeper into this work. I’ll also be sharing how you can continue beyond the challenge. 7PM MT on Zoom (register above for the link) Replay available if you can’t attend live If this resonated with you, I’d love to hear what you discovered about your ancestor.

    6 min

  7. APR 1

    Day 2: Look Deeper — What One Record Can Reveal

    Ep 66: In Day 2 of the 3-Day Ancestor Power Challenge, we slow down and take a closer look at a single record. Instead of collecting more and more documents, you’ll learn how to see more in what you already have. Choose one record—like a census, vital record, or newspaper—and write down every detail you can find. Small details matter. This is where real understanding begins. By the end of today, you may be surprised how much more you can learn from just one source. If you’re participating in the full challenge, you’ll also get the worksheet and support inside the Facebook group. 👉 Join the challenge here to access the worksheet + community: https://knowyourancestors.co/powerchallenge

    13 min

  8. MAR 31

    Day 1: Choose Your Ancestor | 3-Day Ancestor Power Challenge

    Ep 65: This episode is Day 1 of the 3-Day Ancestor Power Challenge. Today, you’ll choose one ancestor and begin getting familiar with their life — using only what you already know. If you want to fully participate in the challenge (with the worksheet + community support), you can join here: 👉 Get the worksheet + join the challenge + join the FB group: https://knowyourancestors.co/powerchallenge

    5 min
See All (73)

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

I’m Megan Hillyer, professional genealogist and host of Know Your Ancestors. This podcast is about more than building a family tree, it’s about discovering the strength, belonging, and healing that come from knowing your lineage. Each episode is an invitation to explore the power of your ancestors’ lives and how their stories can shape and guide your own. At its heart, this podcast is about one truth: when you know your ancestors, you know yourself.

Information

  • Creator
    Megan Hillyer
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    73
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Megan Hillyer
  • Show Website
    Know Your Ancestors

You Might Also Like