Branching Out Genealogy Podcast

In this episode of the Branching Out Genealogy Podcast, Elizabeth Swanay O'Neal, CG®, and Tami Osmer Mize sit down with Judy Nimer Muhn. Judy, the owner of Lineage Journeys and a professional genealogist since 1993, specializes in French-Canadian, Acadian, Native American, and Scottish research. Judy has been researching her own family since she was 12 years old, and she's also the Awards Committee chair for the National Genealogical Society.We talk about the strange encounter that pushed Judy toward researching the science behind genealogical intuition, why she thinks the Genealogical Proof Standard is missing a third pillar alongside paper trails and DNA, and how epigenetics research is starting to back up what genealogists have felt for years.Plus: a Microsoft Copilot tip for transcribing old family letters, a new podcast recommendation, and some "tea" on DNA testing and a very silly viral news story.Note: the interview with Judy was recorded in November 2025; the rest of the episode was recorded in June 2026. We apologize for the delay in getting Judy's interview out to you.You may also notice brief, random flashes in Tami's video during the episode. We apologize for the glitch and appreciate your patience!TIMESTAMPS00:00:00 - Welcome00:01:58 - In today's episode: introducing Judy Nimer Muhn00:03:12 - Theme song00:03:39 - What we're loving: Microsoft Copilot for transcribing handwritten letters (Tami)00:08:06 - What we're loving: Artifacts podcast (Elizabeth)00:12:16 - Sponsor break00:15:56 - Interview with Judy Nimer Muhn begins00:16:47 - Starting genealogy research at age 1200:22:14 - Specializing across French-Canadian, Acadian, Scottish, and Native American research00:30:58 - Researching in Europe in the 1990s00:33:02 - What's next: a book contract and fur trade research00:35:17 - Ancestors Calling: the concept begins00:42:58 - The science behind it: quantum physics and epigenetics01:07:57 - Chairing the NGS Awards Committee01:11:28 - Judy's advice: "Keep listening!"01:12:16 - Teatime01:12:19 - DNA testing and medical history01:14:39 - The CIA alien DNA viral story01:20:33 - Closing and outroLINKS* Lineage Journeys (Judy Nimer Muhn): https://lineagejourneys.com* Ancestors Calling: Science, Synchronicity and Sources (Judy's blog post on the methodology): https://lineagejourneys.com/2026/04/15/ancestors-calling-science-synchronicity-and-sources/* NGS Awards and Competitions: https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/awards-competitions/* Artifacts: Stories from the Emotional History of the Internet: https://artifactspodcast.com* California AG lawsuit against 23andMe (HIPAA Journal): https://www.hipaajournal.com/california-ag-23andme-data-breach-lawsuit/* New York Post: CIA alien DNA claim: https://nypost.com/2026/05/26/lifestyle/cia-used-dna-from-23andme-ancestry-to-hunt-aliens-whistleblower-claims/Vivid-Pix: https://www.vivid-pix.com/ref/103*****The Branching Out Genealogy Podcast is produced by Elizabeth Swanay O'Neal, Certified Genealogist®, and Tami Osmer Mize. Elizabeth is the author of the family history lifestyle website Heart of the Family (thefamilyheart.com). Tami is the manager of the National Genealogical Society's calendar of events website ConferenceKeeper.org.

Every family genealogist knows the feeling: the boxes get handed to you. And sometimes what's inside leaves you speechless. In this short bonus from the cutting room floor, Tami opens up about the blond ponytail she found tucked away, snipped from her great-aunt's head over a century ago, when the young woman was a teenager. What do you do with a century-old ponytail? You don't throw it out. You pass it to the next generation, whether they want it or not!A quick, unscripted continuation of the conversation that kept going after the recording light went off during our episode with Daniel Horowitz.

Daniel Horowitz has been the Chief Genealogist at MyHeritage for nearly two decades. He started his genealogy journey at age 13 in Venezuela, got bitten by the genealogy bug, moved to Israel, met MyHeritage CEO Gilad Japhet at a conference in New York, and the rest is... family history. These days, Daniel travels the world giving lectures, connecting local genealogy societies with the resources they need, and serving as the connective tissue between MyHeritage and the genealogy community.We caught up with Daniel at RootsTech 2026, where MyHeritage came with a lot to talk about!***In this episode, Elizabeth Swanay O'Neal, CG®, and Tami Osmer Mize sit down with Daniel Horowitz to get the full rundown on everything MyHeritage launched at RootsTech 2026, including full genome DNA testing, Scribe AI (the feature that made a woman cry — in a good way — in front of a computer at the MyHeritage booth), Family Graph, Country Flags, Gaia, and a teaser about an upcoming records collection Daniel absolutely refused to name.Plus: we're riding the wave of a new "old" trend and discussing the War of 1812 pension files (which are almost fully digitized and free to access on Fold3). During Teatime, we're spilling some very "unsweet" tea about Massachusetts Bill H.5377 — a budget bill that could slam the door on access to vital records if genealogists don't push back.IN THIS EPISODE[00:01:38] In today's episode[00:02:41] Opening[00:03:00] What we're loving (genealogists have been doing it for years)[00:09:37] War of 1812 pension files on Fold3 (free!)[00:10:24] Sponsor Break: Vivid-Pix[00:11:03] Interview: Daniel Horowitz, Chief Genealogist, MyHeritage[00:14:23] MyHeritage full genome DNA testing[00:16:00] Scribe AI: transcription, translation, and historical context[00:17:53] Family Graph: the AI-powered timeline graphic[00:18:37] The AI transition video from the keynote[00:21:07] Gaia: your AI genealogy research assistant (and why it stays in your tree)[00:26:12] Country Flags: a visual take on your family tree[00:29:31] What's coming next at MyHeritage[00:31:04] How to become a MyHeritage Friend[00:33:00] Sweet tea: Evidentia 3+ is out (and existing users get it free)[00:33:37] Unsweet tea: Massachusetts H.5377 and what's at stake for vital records access[00:39:02] What you can do about H.5377[00:39:16] Closing and OutroLINKSMyHeritage: https://www.myheritage.com Gilad Japhet's RootsTech 2026 Session (video): https://blog.myheritage.com/2026/03/myheritage-founder-and-ceo-gilad-japhet-at-rootstech-2026/MyHeritage RootsTech 2026 Roundup: https://blog.myheritage.com/2026/03/rootstech-2026-roundup/War of 1812 Pension Files on Fold3 (free): https://www.fold3.com/publication/761/us-war-of-1812-pension-files-1812-1815Evidentia Software: https://evidentiasoftware.com/APG letter opposing Massachusetts H.5377: https://www.apgen.org/docs/APG_Massachusetts_Budget_Letter_4_May_2026.pdfMassachusetts Genealogical Council Call to Action: https://www.massgencouncil.org/post/act-now-gov-healey-s-supplemental-budget-contains-both-good-and-very-bad-news-for-genealogistsFind your Massachusetts state legislator: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator

Kate Guanci says she looks at family history upside down. After half an hour with her at RootsTech 2026, we kind of think she's onto something.***
In this episode of the Branching Out Genealogy Podcast, Elizabeth Swanay O'Neal, CG®, and Tami Osmer Mize sit down with Kate Guanci, founder and CEO of Archoral, in an interview recorded live at RootsTech 2026.

Kate shared the story of why she walked away from the traditional pedigree chart and built profile-based software that captures more than 14,000 different kinds of relationships, including the chosen family, mentors, and community members who shape our lives but rarely make it onto a family tree.

We also talk about Archoral's partnership with Vivid-Pix, the meaning behind the name "Archoral," and why Kate believes the people we choose, and the people who choose us, shape our family history just as much as the ones we're related to by blood.

Plus a new format change for the show ("What We're Loving"), a desk chair recommendation, a Microsoft 365 Copilot tip, and some genuinely good news from New York for a change.

ARCHORAL DISCOUNT CODE:Use code PODCAST50P for 50% off ANY Archoral Subscription until 31 July 31 2026.
TIMESTAMPS00:00 - Intro02:59 - "What We're Loving"03:50 - Elizabeth's pick: her new desk chair07:08 - Tami's pick: Microsoft 365 Copilot for Excel10:54 - Sponsor Break11:31 - Behind the scenes at the RootsTech Studio16:48 - Interview with Kate Guanci17:20 - The 6,000 square foot warehouse18:18 - Why family history isn't siloed18:49 - Profile-based vs. tree-based archives19:14 - 14,000 relationship combinations22:51 - What does "Archoral" mean?23:13 - The Vivid-Pix partnership and the caregiving connection24:33 - Communal archiving, explained25:29 - The Preservation Initiative pilot at Panola College25:42 - How Memory Station and Archoral connect27:27 - A different mindset for family history29:27 - Hitting every learning style31:45 - Tutorials and the 500-year view34:41 - Teatime35:25 - The wait time for New York vital records (a continuing rant)35:53 - Sweet tea: NYSED, NYSL, NYSA, and FamilySearch collaboration38:28 - 250,000 pages of NY State Archives records now online39:02 - America 250 and the Loyalist records40:53 - OutroRESOURCES & LINKSArchoral: https://archoral.com/Vivid-Pix: https://www.vivid-pix.com/ConferenceKeeper: https://conferencekeeper.org/Heart of the Family: https://thefamilyheart.com/RootsTech: https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstechNYSED announcement on the NYSL/NYSA/FamilySearch collaboration: https://www.nysed.gov/news/2026/office-cultural-education-announces-collaboration-familysearch-expand-access-genealogyFamilySearch: https://www.familysearch.org/Elizabeth's desk chair (Amazon affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4nqa3xLSPONSORS & DISCLOSURESThis episode is sponsored by Vivid-Pix. All product opinions are our own. As an Amazon Associate, this podcast earns from qualifying purchases.CONNECT WITH USWebsite: https://branchingout.showEmail: hello@branchingout.showFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/branchingoutgenpod/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/branching_out_genealogy_pod/X: https://x.com/branchingoutgenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/branching-out-genealogy-podcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BranchingOutGenealogyPodcastIf you're enjoying the Branching Out Genealogy Podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, and share with a friend who loves family history. It's the best way to help others find us!

Explore how photo restoration, memory care, and family history intersect in this inspiring conversation with Rick Voight, CEO of Vivid-Pix. Learn how personal photos can boost cognitive health, strengthen storytelling, and help families preserve their legacy.
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In this episode of the Branching Out Genealogy Podcast, we speak with Rick Voight, CEO and co-founder of Vivid-Pix, about the science and impact of photo Reminiscence Therapy, a powerful tool that uses restored images to support memory and cognitive wellness—especially for individuals living with dementia.

We explore how Vivid-Pix evolved from photo enhancement software to a leader in memory preservation, working with genealogists, libraries, archives, museums, and aging-services professionals. Rick shares insights into tools like the Memory Station and Memory Cards, explains the brain science behind photo Reminiscence Therapy, and discusses how families can use photos to spark meaningful conversations and strengthen emotional connection.

You’ll also hear updates from the genealogy community, a practical tech tip, and a fun look at why so many of us—even celebrities—may have royal connections in our family tree.

If you're passionate about genealogy, memory care, digital preservation, or helping families share their stories, this episode offers valuable guidance you can use right away.
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TIMECODE CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction & Episode Overview
01:52 Genealogy News
07:23 Interview with Rick Voight
11:45 Photo Reminiscence Therapy & Brain Health
20:55 Vivid-Pix Programs & Community Initiatives
29:40 Memory Station & Memory Cards
40:44 Rick’s Spring Tour
48:03 Metadata, Ethics & the Future of Photos
57:04 Tech Tip: Reopen Closed Browser Tabs
58:25 Teatime
01:04:46 Closing

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ABOUT OUR GUEST: RICK VOIGHT
Rick Voight is the co-founder and CEO of Vivid-Pix, a company dedicated to improving, restoring, and preserving photographs. His work bridges the fields of genealogy, aging, and cognitive health, utilizing photo Reminiscence Therapy and accessible technology tools to help families preserve their stories while supporting memory care. Rick collaborates with libraries, museums, aging specialists, and dementia-care professionals across the U.S.

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