Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen – Details, episodes & analysis
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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.
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Apple Podcasts
🇬🇧 Great Britain - howTo
24/03/2026#91🇬🇧 Great Britain - howTo
23/03/2026#57🇬🇧 Great Britain - howTo
13/01/2026#64🇺🇸 USA - howTo
16/11/2025#92🇨🇦 Canada - howTo
15/10/2025#81🇨🇦 Canada - howTo
03/06/2025#94🇨🇦 Canada - howTo
02/06/2025#61🇨🇦 Canada - howTo
29/04/2025#96🇨🇦 Canada - howTo
28/04/2025#72🇨🇦 Canada - howTo
27/04/2025#46
Spotify
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See allScore global : 58%
Publication history
Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.
Amy Johnson Crow: 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks
Episode 35
lundi 23 décembre 2024 • Duration 33:17
Prepare to be inspired as we feature the illustrious genealogist Amy Johnson Crowe on "Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen." Discover how Amy's knack for uncovering family histories has influenced countless enthusiasts, including our host Kathleen herself.
Embark on a journey through the innovative "52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks" program that champions genealogical exploration through weekly prompts.
Website: https://www.amyjohnsoncrow.com/52-ancestors-in-52-weeks-new/
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: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.
Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
Genealogy, Gratitude, & Giving Back: Celebrate With Us
lundi 2 décembre 2024 • Duration 04:22
Check out this Link: Eternal Veteran Network -What Impact Will This Donation Have?
What if the holiday season is just a lens into a richer, more complex history? Kathleen and I share heartfelt gratitude to all our listeners. We reminisce about the laughs, learning, and connections formed throughout our podcasting journey. This episode is not just about reflecting on what we've accomplished this year but also about looking forward to the exciting giveaways and surprises we have in store for you as a token of our appreciation.
We're also thrilled to introduce the Eternal Valor Network, an initiative by Tracing Ancestors dedicated to uniting community organizations that make it their mission to honor "forgotten veterans." Join us as we celebrate this passion project and the friendships we've cultivated along the way.
As we wrap up this year, we look forward to the new adventures and stories that lie ahead in our journey.
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: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.
Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
Hittin' the Bricks Mailbag: Ready to Jump the Pond?
Episode 26
jeudi 6 juin 2024 • Duration 24:14
In this episode, we answer inquiries from the HTB Mailbag.
Are you relying on online resources and phone communication to conduct remote research? Kathleen offers some tips to effectively communicate with repositories when conducting remote research.
Are there strategies or resources to explore in order to successfully access newspaper publications that have not yet been digitized without traveling?
Are you prepared to hand off your genealogical quest to an overseas researcher? Kathleen offers a framework of what's needed to uncover your immigrant ancestor's story using a professional overseas researcher.
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: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.
Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
FamilySearch A.I.: Your Brickwall Hammer
Episode 25
mardi 21 mai 2024 • Duration 26:31
Let's get techy with the latest Artificial intelligence tool from FamilySearch that's rewriting the rules on historical record-sleuthing.
Plus, family reunion planning; mistakes made & lessons learned.
Keep those genealogy questions coming!
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: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.
Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
Is this a Scam? DNA & Genealogy In the Mailbag:
Episode 24
dimanche 5 mai 2024 • Duration 23:28
Have you ever peered into your family tree and found a story that's tangled, moving, and a little surprising? That's exactly what Kathleen and I discuss in our latest podcast episode.
Kathleen answers two emails on air from the HTB Mailbag:
1. A compelling case is presented where a man seeks to understand his uncle's paternity, bringing to light the sensitive nature of uncovering hidden truths within our lineage.
2. A question on the ethics of genealogy research, emphasizing the importance of clear communication and honest cost transparency.
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: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.
Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
Researching Military Records: Meet Expert Lori
Episode 23
mardi 2 avril 2024 • Duration 25:46
We kick off Season 4 of Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen covering military research at the National Archives, St. Louis with Lori Berdak Miller of Redbird Research.
What if your ancestor's military personnel records were lost in the 1973 Fire?
Lori gives hints on reconstructing these lost records.
Her passion as a document retriever and military researcher shines through as she shares her finds within these military archival records.
Contact Lori at Redbird Research
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: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.
Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
Subscribe and Win: Special Offer
mercredi 6 mars 2024 • Duration 01:40
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: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.
Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
Genealogy in Black & White
Episode 22
dimanche 3 mars 2024 • Duration 26:24
Is Black and White genealogy research different?
John dropped by the office to have a chat with Kathleen. It gets personal!
linktr.ee/hittinthebricks
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: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.
Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
A Grave Situation: Buried on the Farm
Episode 21
jeudi 15 février 2024 • Duration 26:30
Have you ever hit a brickwall in your family history research that seemed insurmountable? Howard Murray joined us from Colorado to trace his elusive two times great-grandmother Francis/Frances. She vanished from records between 1880 and 1900. Our HTB with Kathleen conversation offers strategies that you may use to leap over similar hurdles.
Surprise: Family ties emerge as Howard and Kathleen uncover their shared DNA connection from Saline County, Missouri and Pratt County, KS ancestors.
Our chat with Howard is an episode you won't want to miss. Join us and possibly find the missing piece in your family legacy!
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: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.
Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.
Placing Out Children: Riders of the Orphan Trains
Episode 20
jeudi 1 février 2024 • Duration 24:04
Researching your ancestor was "placed out" during the orphan train movement of 1854 - 1920's? Brace yourself for an episode that might just reshape how you research this pivotal, yet shadowy, segment of American history.
John questions Kathleen on the transport of children bustling East Coast cities to all 48 states. No state was missed as the trains traversed the heartland's rural expanses to the reach the southern and western states.
Kathleen brings a wealth of knowledge to our conversation, casting a light on the diverse tapestry of experiences faced by the orphaned children. John is also seeking more information on his half-brother, Bob, who grew up within the walls of a boys' "boarding home" rather than the family homes.
This episode doesn't just recount the past; it connects us to the human stories that continue to echo through time.
Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen is supported by our generous sponsors:
MyHeritage.com
Caymus Vineyards, CA
& Private Donors to TracingAncestors.com
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: Off the Wall with Kathleen John and Chewey video recorded specials.
Hittin' the Bricks is produced through the not-for-profit, 501c3 TracingAncestors.org.









