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. 2025-11-26

    Why Most People Feel Disconnected From Their Family History (and How to Change That)

    Ep 52: Today’s episode dives into something I hear all the time — from beginners and longtime researchers alike: “I want to feel connected to my ancestors… but I just don’t.” If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unsure where to start, or like you’re “missing something,” this conversation is going to feel like a deep exhale. I’m sharing why so many people feel disconnected from their lineage, what might be getting in your way, and the surprising places the real connection actually begins. I also open up about a recent personal experience with one of my ancestors that completely shifted my energy during a hard week — something I’ve never shared publicly before. If you’ve been craving a sense of belonging, guidance, or meaning in your family story, this episode is for you. And if listening stirs something in you — if you feel that little nudge to finally learn how to do this work — my Rooted + Rising Course Bundle is available right now for a special price of $297 until November 30th. It’s the best place to start or restart your family history journey with support, clarity, and connection. Explore the course bundle here:knowyourancestors.co/rooted-rising

    16 min

  2. 2025-11-19

    How to Spot Trauma & Resilience in Your Ancestors’ Lives

    Ep 51: Most people think genealogy is just names and dates. But when you slow down and look closely at the records, you can start to see clues about what your ancestors actually lived through — the trauma and the resilience that shaped your family line. In this episode, we talk about: What to look for Signs of trauma: early death, loss of children, divorce, separation, poverty, institutionalization, court cases, forced migration, war, epidemics.Signs of resilience: remarriage after loss, stable work or housing, strong family ties, community or church service, entrepreneurship, education. Where to find the clues Census recordsNewspapersVital & church recordsCourt, probate, military, and migration recordsHistorical context (what was happening around them) You’ll learn how to piece these clues together to understand not just your ancestors, but the patterns you’ve inherited — and the strengths you can claim. Links Rooted & Rising Bundle — Learn how to research your family tree and interpret the stories you find - get 2 self-guided courses for $297 - deal ends Nov 30. Your Origin Story — I have two discounted spots left (payment plans available). Book a free 15-min call Custom Genealogy Research — $75/hr for ancestral trips, brick walls, or general research help. Book a free 15-min call Follow me on Instagram

    21 min

  3. 2025-11-14

    Remember: Day Three - Know Why it Matters (and next steps)

    Ep 50: Welcome to Day 3 of Remember, the final day in this 3-day journey to reconnect with your ancestors in a deeper, more meaningful way. If you haven’t yet, you can get the free workbook and access all three sessions here In Day 3: Know Who You Are, we reflect on why this work matters. I share personal stories of feeling real strength from my ancestors during difficult seasons — and how knowing even a little about their lives can shift the way we see ourselves, with more grace, context, and courage. We close the journey with a grounding guided experience: imagine yourself at the center of a great tree — roots deep, branches reaching — as you invite one or more ancestors to step forward in support. You’ll leave with a felt sense that you are held, strengthened, and not alone. You’ll experience: Stories and reflections on how ancestral connection brings meaning, resilience, and self-understanding A calming, heart-opening guided practice to feel your ancestors’ support Gentle journal prompts to integrate what you discovered and carry it forward ✨ Thank you for being part of Remember. Continue your journey: 🌿 Get the free Remember Workbook and access all 3 days 🌸 Join the waitlist to express interest in a future group program 🕯️ Book a free 15-minute call to explore personalized options like Ancestral Analysis or The Genealogy Journey ⚡ Special offer: There are currently 2 discounted Ancestral Analysis spots available, starting at $1,000 off the regular price. Watch on YouTube

    30 min

  4. 2025-11-13

    Remember: Day Two - Know How to Do It

    Ep 49 : Welcome back to Day 2 of Remember, a 3-day journey to reconnect with your ancestors in a deeper, more meaningful way. If you haven’t already, you can get the free workbook and full 3-day experience here In Day 2: Know How to Do It, we’re learning how to follow the threads — how to begin uncovering your ancestors’ stories through simple, meaningful steps. In this session, I’ll walk you through how to start (or revisit) your family tree using FamilySearch or Ancestry, and share what I’ve learned from years of research — how to gather what you already know, add new information with confidence, and avoid common pitfalls that can lead to inaccurate connections. You’ll see how this process doesn’t have to be overwhelming — it’s about curiosity, discovery, and connection. You’ll learn: How to begin or update your family tree with FamilySearch or Ancestry Tips for verifying information and avoiding common mistakes How to find clues that bring your ancestors’ stories to life A guided meditation to connect with one ancestor’s presence and strengthReflection prompts to deepen your sense of belonging ✨ Day 3 will be available tomorrow. Want to go deeper? Get the free Remember Workbook and access all three sessions at https://knowyourancestors.co/remember Watch on YouTube

    24 min

  5. 2025-11-12

    Remember: Day One - Know What's Possible

    Ep 48: Welcome to Day 1 of Remember, a 3-day journey to reconnect with your ancestors in a deeper, more meaningful way. Over these three sessions, you’ll discover how to move beyond names and dates — and begin to truly know the people who came before you. 👉 You can get the free workbook and full 3-day experience ⁠here⁠ In Day 1: Know What's Possible, we begin by opening our hearts to what’s possible when we approach genealogy not just as research, but as relationship. I share how my own connection to my ancestors shifted when I stopped collecting information and started creating genuine connection. You’ll learn: - A new way of seeing genealogy as a path to healing and belonging - How to begin this journey safely and with an open heart - Why your ancestors’ stories matter more than perfect records - A grounding meditation to help you feel your ancestors’ love and support ✨ Day 2 will be available tomorrow. If this work resonates with you, visit ⁠https://knowyourancestors.co/remember⁠ to access the full series and companion workbook — completely free. ⁠Watch on YouTube

    18 min

  6. 2025-11-05

    The Stories We Inherit with Ruthie Lindsey

    Ep 47: In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Ruthie Lindsey — author of There I Am: The Journey from Hopelessness to Healing. Ruthie’s story is one of deep resilience, beauty, and the power of choosing life and love even in the midst of chronic pain. We talk about healing, lineage, and what it means to reconnect with yourself and the people who came before you. Ruthie’s honesty and warmth are contagious — you’ll leave this conversation feeling seen, hopeful, and grounded in your own journey. You can find Ruthie here: Website: https://www.ruthielindsey.com Substack: https://ruthielindsey.substack.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthielindsey/ If this conversation made you curious about your own ancestors and the stories that shaped you, I’d love to help you uncover them. I offer personalized lineage research to help you understand where you come from — and who you come from. Learn more at https://knowyourancestors.co/services Follow along on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knowyourancestors If you enjoyed this episode, take a second to leave a rating or review — it helps others find the show and join us on this journey of remembering and connection.

    51 min
  7. Relaunch 2.0 — Finding My Way Back

    2025-10-22

    Relaunch 2.0 — Finding My Way Back

    Ep 46: Join Remember: A 3-Day Journey to Honor Your Ancestors and Connect With Your Roots! We’ll meet October 27-29 for three short, guided sessions (about 30 minutes each) to reflect on your ancestors, uncover their stories, and feel their presence. It’s free to join at knowyourancestors.co/remember. After closing my group membership and taking a step back, I realized I needed to simplify and reconnect to the heart of Know Your Ancestors. In this episode, I’m sharing what’s changed, what’s next, and how I’m bringing both the practical and spiritual sides of genealogy together. You’ll hear about: Why I decided to close my group membership and start fresh How I’m pairing genealogy research with ancestral connection What to expect from upcoming episodes (solo stories, guest conversations, and more) My new offerings — including Ancestral Analysis and The Genealogy Journey The free 3-day experience Remember that’s happening soon If you’re ready to feel supported by your lineage, to know your ancestors and know yourself — this next chapter is for you. Sign up for Remember: knowyourancestors.co/rememberConnect with me: megan@knowyourancestors.coFollow on Instagram: @knowyourancestors

    14 min

  8. 2025-05-27

    Your Ancestors Are Closer Than You Think: A Preview of Know Your Ancestral Guides

    Last summer, I walked the land where generations of my ancestors lived in northern Wales. In today’s episode, I share what that experience stirred in me—and how it inspired the free class I’m teaching this week: Know Your Ancestral Guides.If you’ve ever felt the pull of your lineage or wondered where to begin connecting with your ancestors, this class is for you.Register here (it’s free!):https://knowyourancestors.co/guideWe start Wednesday at 10am MT / 12pm ET. See you there!

    6 min
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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 - 2025
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Megan Hillyer
  • Show Website
    Know Your Ancestors

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