Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen

Kathleen Brandt
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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.

  1. Quantum Genealogy: Method versus Metaphor

    FEB 10

    Quantum Genealogy: Method versus Metaphor

    Let us know what you think! Episode Overview Hittin’ the Bricks with Kathleen is the genealogy podcast that features your questions and her answers, focusing on clear reasoning, historical context, and practical research methods. In this episode, host Kathleen Brandt unpacks the growing buzz around the term “quantum genealogy,” explaining why it functions as a metaphor rather than a research method—and why real genealogical breakthroughs still depend on careful human analysis. The episode examines how DNA evidence, overlapping matches, and complex family structures can feel uncertain or contradictory, while clarifying where computing tools help—and where they do not decide conclusions. In This Episode, You’ll Learn What people usually mean when they say “quantum” in a genealogy contextWhy quantum computing does not change biological inheritance or kinshipHow new evidence requires reanalysis and revised conclusionsWhere DNA tools assist research and where human judgment remains essentialWhy buzzwords can obscure, rather than clarify, good genealogical practiceTopics Covered “Quantum genealogy” as a metaphor for uncertainty and overlapThe limits of quantum computing in genealogical researchOverlapping DNA matches and shared ancestryComplexities in African American genealogy, including endogamyBlood quantum basics and its role in tribal enrollmentInterpretation, context, and evidence-based reasoningCommunity conversation at the Nelson-Atkins Museum (Kansas City)Episode Discussion & Key Moments Kathleen breaks down how the term “quantum genealogy” has entered popular conversation and why it can be misleading when treated as a method rather than a metaphor. She explains that while computing power can accelerate comparison and sorting of data, it does not alter the realities of inheritance, kinship, or historical context. The episode also addresses challenging areas of research, including African American genealogy, where overlapping DNA matches, endogamy, and incomplete records demand especially careful interpretation. Kathleen clarifies the role—and limits—of blood quantum, emphasizing why legal or enrollment definitions should not be confused with genealogical proof. Key questions examined include: Why does DNA evidence sometimes seem contradictory?How should researchers respond when new evidence changes earlier conclusions?What role should technology play versus human reasoning?Events & Community Conversation Community discussion at the Nelson-Atkins Museum, Kansas CityFree event; light refreshments servedWhy This Episode Matters As genealogy tools grow more powerful, this episode reinforces a critical principle: technology assists research, but interpretation belongs to people. Clear thinking, context, and evidence—not buzzwords—remain the foundation of sound genealogical conclusions. About the Podcast Hittin’ the Bricks with Kathleen is the genealogy podcast that features your questions and her answers, helping listeners navigate complex evidence, historical nuance, and modern research tools with clarity and confidence. Subscribe & Connect 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: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

    16 min
  2. New Year: Old Ancestors, New Eyes

    JAN 19

    New Year: Old Ancestors, New Eyes

    Let us know what you think! Episode Overview Hittin’ the Bricks with Kathleen is a podcast focused on genealogy, local history, and practical methods for turning scattered records into meaningful family narratives. In this episode, host Kathleen Brandt shifts the focus from collecting as many names as possible to building one strong ancestral branch by revisiting familiar records with sharper questions and better research tools. Using the guiding principle “one ancestor, one record, three questions,” this episode demonstrates how focused analysis can transform disconnected documents into a coherent and readable life story. In This Episode, You’ll Learn Why choosing a single ancestor can accelerate genealogical breakthroughsHow focusing on one record group reveals deeper patterns and inconsistenciesWhat three questions to ask of every document you findHow timelines, checklists, and re-reading notes expose overlooked cluesWays to turn raw data into stories your family can actually readTopics Covered Selecting one ancestor to study for an extended periodFocusing on a single record group (pensions, land, or census)Asking new analytical questions of familiar documentsBuilding timelines and using simple research checklistsRe-reading old notes to surface missed detailsApplying the FAN method to track friends, associates, and neighborsTranslating research data into narrative formCase study: James Nelson Strader and Civil War pension recordsSetting monthly research goals and sharing progressEpisode Discussion & Key Moments Kathleen explains how genealogists often stall by spreading their efforts too thin across many names. By intentionally narrowing the scope to one ancestor at a time, researchers can ask better questions and recognize patterns that are invisible in broad family trees. The episode walks through practical techniques such as building timelines, using checklists, and applying the FAN method to witnesses and neighbors. Kathleen also revisits the value of re-reading old research notes, demonstrating how previously overlooked clues can emerge when viewed through a new analytical lens. A detailed case study of James Nelson Strader illustrates how Civil War pension records can be mined repeatedly to reconstruct a fuller, more accurate life story. Key questions examined include: What changes when you focus on depth instead of breadth?How can a single record group support long-term research?What makes genealogical work understandable to non-researchers?Resources & Research Tools Mentioned Civil War pension filesCensus, land, and pension record groupsFAN (Friends, Associates, Neighbors) methodResearch timelines and checklistsWhy This Episode Matters This episode encourages a sustainable and disciplined approach to genealogy—one that prioritizes understanding over accumulation. By focusing deeply on one ancestor, researchers can create accurate, readable histories that preserve meaning for future generations, not just data. About the Podcast Hittin’ the Bricks with Kathleen helps listeners break through genealogy brick walls by c 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: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

    17 min
  3. Military: The French, the British and the Indians

    JAN 6

    Military: The French, the British and the Indians

    Let us know what you think! Episode Overview Hittin’ the Bricks with Kathleen is a podcast centered on genealogy, local history, and understanding how large historical events leave long shadows in family records. In this episode, host Kathleen Brandt examines how the French and Indian War (1754–1763) created ripple effects that appear decades later as mystery migrations, unexpected pensions, and land grants that confuse modern researchers. This episode focuses on how early military service, shifting alliances, and uneven record-keeping before the American Revolution shaped family trees in ways that are often misattributed or overlooked. In This Episode, You’ll Learn Why the French and Indian War explains many unexplained family movementsHow service records before 1775 differ from Revolutionary War documentationThe distinctions between provincial troops, militias, and British regularsWhere to find overlooked military and civil records tied to early serviceHow land grants and pensions often trace back to this earlier conflictTopics Covered French and Indian War timeline and geographic scopeFragmented colonial record-keeping before 1775Provincial troops vs. militia vs. British regular forcesNative nations as military allies and the unequal rewards they receivedAfrican American service, injury, and paths to manumissionMuster rolls, pay lists, council minutes, and court recordsGeorge Washington’s papers as an early name indexBounty land in Virginia and North CarolinaInterpreting Revolutionary War pension filesPopulation movement before formal paperwork existsEpisode Discussion & Key Moments Kathleen traces how the French and Indian War laid the groundwork for later political revolution while quietly reshaping families across colonial America. She explains why records from this period often appear scattered, incomplete, or indirect—and why researchers must widen their search beyond standard military files. The episode breaks down practical strategies for locating provincial troop records, militia references, council decisions, and court mentions, as well as how to use George Washington’s papers as a gateway to otherwise hidden names. Kathleen also addresses how Native nations and African Americans participated in the conflict, often receiving delayed, unequal, or poorly documented compensation. Key questions examined include: Why do some ancestors appear to surface suddenly in Revolutionary records?How did earlier wars move families long before pensions or land grants were issued?What kinds of documents quietly preserve evidence of service?Resources & Research Starting Points Provincial troop muster rolls and pay listsColonial council and court minutesGeorge Washington’s papersVirginia and North Carolina bounty land recordsRevolutionary War pension files (read every page)Why This Episode Matters Many genealogical puzzles attributed to the American Revolution actually begin earlier. Understanding the French and Indian War helps researchers correctly interpret migration, land ownership, military service, and delayed benefits—allowing family histories to be 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: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

    26 min
  4. Serial Killers And Family Trees

    12/14/2025

    Serial Killers And Family Trees

    Let us know what you think! We share how to research suspected ties between family history and serial killers, balancing DNA with records and community context. Check out:  killer.cloud Do you have a genealogical question for Kathleen? Drop us a line at hitting the bricks at gmail.com and Let us know. 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: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

    20 min
  5. The Season of Giving

    EPISODE 2,555

    The Season of Giving

    Let us know what you think! Your December gift helps us preserve truth, honor ancestors, and teach the next generation.  www.tracingancestors.org 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: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

    1 min

  6. 11/25/2025

    Every Soldier Has a Story: Civil War Veteran Returns Home

    Let us know what you think! We close the loop on the life of Civil War Veteran Joseph Chedester, whose ashes were left unburied for a century and whose honors finally reached his second great-granddaughters. The Final Salute The Eternal Valor Network, a Tracing Ancestors Project (501c3) Original Final Salute, Des Moines Oct 2024; Kathleen Receiving Veteran Chedester's burial flag for unknown family Full Video 14 Nov 2025,  KCCI 9 News, Iowa, Ben Kaplan Honoring Iowa Veterans Descendants Found and Burial Flag Passed to Family 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: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

    12 min
  7. American Archives Month: Paper Trails and Hidden Tales

    10/26/2025

    American Archives Month: Paper Trails and Hidden Tales

    Let us know what you think! We celebrate American Archives Month with ways to get more treats than tricks when using using national, state, and local archives on your brick wall.  This episode is a celebration of the archivists, collections and forgotten files that keep our family histories alive. Do you have genealogical questions for Kathleen? Drop us a line at hitting the bricks at gmail.com and let us know 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: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

    18 min
  8. Secrets of Probate: Hiding in Plain Sight

    10/06/2025

    Secrets of Probate: Hiding in Plain Sight

    Let us know what you think! We unpack how end of life records like probate, wills and testaments can be the undoing of even the most stubborn brickwall. Stacey Janssen and Jeremy Keel of Janssen Estate Probate & Elder Law demystify the legal jargon of wills, probate and guardian records. Do you have a genealogical question for Kathleen? Drop us a line at hitting the bricks at gmail.com and let us know. 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: @HTBKRB with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials. Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.

    31 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Kathleen Brandt
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    63
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen
  • Show Website
    Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen

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