Extreme Genes - America's Family History and Genealogy Radio Show & Podcast

Fisher visits with a man who has gained worldwide fame as “The Good Cemeterian.” Andrew Lumish has developed a passion for cleaning up tombstones in the Tampa area, especially military figures, and especially from the Civil War. Hear Andrew’s story and how you can learn to do what he does.

Fisher visits with two Wisconsin women who have come to call themselves “The Driveway Sisters.” One moved in just last year and shares a driveway with the other. What they didn’t know is that they are sisters! Hear the odd way they learned the truth about their close relationship. And it didn’t involve DNA!

Fisher visits with Oscar Hammerstein III (who goes by “Andy”) whose grandfather was half of the team of Rodgers and Hammerstein, who redefined Broadway.  Andy is quite the “genie” and is the go-to guy in his family when it comes to the Hammerstein family history. Andy will be a part of this year’s RootsTech Family History Conference in Salt Lake City, presenting background on his grandfather’s songs as they are sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.

Fisher visits with Maine resident Dan Dixey. Dan recently made news for being the recipient of a remarkable gold ring that was first discovered in a garden in Marblehead, Massachusetts in 1949. It dates back to 1737 and has ties to Dan’s family. Hear how it all came about and what Dan’s reaction was to receiving this remarkable gift.

Fisher visits with Dr. Scott Woodward, a DNA pioneer. Dr. Woodward weighs in on the controversy surrounding the use of GEDMatch profiles in cold case crimes. Then he explains what we should be looking at when we consider renting or selling our DNA to research companies.

Fisher chats with Joe Dooley, Past President General of the Sons of the American Revolution. The S.A.R. is currently in a partnership with Kings College in London, reviewing the personal papers of King George III and other high officials of the British government from the time of the Revolution. Joe reveals the goals of the project, and a story or two that has already come forth that had never been revealed before.

Ken Nelson, a World War I specialist with FamilySearch.org talks with Fisher about special material now available on the free site as we recognize the centennial of America’s entrance into the War To End All Wars, and the armistice that ended the conflict. If you had a family member in World War I, you’ll appreciate what Ken has to tell you about these great family history assets.

Fisher visits with “Your Genetic Genealogist” CeCe Moore about how her DNA research recently led police to an arrest in a three-decade-old cold case. It’s a first for CeCe who felt she had to consider the ethics and legality of such an action, and the feelings of the genealogy community. In the end, though, as she explains, it came down to one important factor. Hear what she had to say about it.

Fisher visits with Paul Woodbury, DNA specialist from Legacy Tree Genealogists. Paul has some very strong opinions about what recently happened in the Golden State Killer case and what we should be concerned about using GEDMatch moving forward. It may be one

Fisher visits with Christy Fillerup, a researcher with Legacy Tree Genealogists. Christy has some great tips on using 19th century “Parish Chest” records to learn more about poverty stricken ancestors. (We all have them.)

Fisher visits with Barry Fleig who took great exception to Chicago actually “losing” a cemetery. It was discovered when remains were being dug up during a construction project.  Barry explains the history of the cemetery, what happened when the construction stopped, and tells of the records he has been able to assemble concerning the dead who were buried there. He also explains how and why we should be vigilant in our own communities when it comes to urban cemeteries.

Fisher visits with the Photo Detective, Maureen Taylor. The two recently had a fascinating discussion about an English man who recently purchased a $10 photo on eBay that is believed by many to be a previously unknown photo of outlaw Jesse James worth, perhaps, over $2 million! But Maureen says “Not so fast!” She’ll explain the process of dating and identifying photos that may be of great use to you in your research.

Fisher visits with Jonny Perl of London about the craze he has pretty much single-handedly created with his site DNAPainter.com. DNA Painter is another amazing tool (it’s free!) that anyone can use to “paint” a representation of their chromosomes with DNA known to be from a particular ancestor or ancestral couple. And it’s ridiculously easy to do!

Fisher visits with Rishi Sharma. Rishi is twenty-one years old and spends every day interviewing World War II combat veterans. All of those that are left are now in their 90s. Find out how Rishi started down this path as a high school boy and what spurred on his interest. He’ll also share some of the compelling first hand stories he has learned.

Fisher visits with the O’Kelley cousins. They call themselves the Black O’Kelleys and the White O’Kelleys. They all share a common ancestor… a slave holder from Mississippi. Despite being “distant” cousins, there is nothing distant about their relationship. The O’Kelleys explain how both side have researched this branch of the family for decades, and how DNA proved what they already knew… they are family!