Categories: Podcast

Unraveling DNA Testing with Diahan Southard

Curious about your genetic ancestry? Ready to unearth secrets about your family’s past that are hidden within your DNA? Join us as we embark on a journey of discovery with Diahan Southard, creator of Your DNA Guide, who unravels the intricacies of DNA testing and genetic ancestry. Diane guides us through this enigmatic world, shedding light on the distinctions between culture, ethnicity, and heritage, and their impact on interpreting DNA test results. She introduces the concept of reference populations, highlighting its pivotal role and potential limitations in categorizing individuals to a specific location.

The adventure continues as we dive deeper into the specifics of DNA ethnicity results and haplogroups. Diahan demystifies why DNA test results can vary between companies and evolve over time. She elaborates on the critical aspects of reference populations, algorithms, and statistics, and why a larger dataset can produce more accurate results. Our conversation emphasizes the importance of participating in research to improve the accuracy of results for your community, heightening the excitement of this genealogical exploration.As we round off our captivating discussion, we unveil the astonishing power of DNA testing in revealing unexpected family connections. Hear about individuals who unraveled surprising links to historical figures and places, emphasizing the significance of understanding the culture, ethnicity, and heritage of both sides of a family. Diahan offers practical tips for interpreting DNA test results, making this episode a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone intrigued by their family history or eager to learn more about the world of DNA testing. Tune in and let us embark on this journey together.

What do your DNA ethnicity results mean? It’s the most-asked question in DNA testing! To help you better understand them, we’ve compiled a free downloadable guide to your ethnicity estimates. It explains how much you can trust them, why they are evolving, and how they can help you better understand your heritage right now.

Your DNA Guide

And don’t forget to use Coupon Code ITALIANROOTS

Podcast

Video

What is the Mango Theory? What are Reference Populations?

Podcast

Growing Up Italian: Food, Family, and Tradition

In this conversation, chef, author, and filmmaker Margie Raimondo shares her journey from a successful career in high tech to embracing her Italian roots through cooking. After a life-changing experience during 9/11, Margie reevaluated her life and moved to Arkansas, where she discovered a vibrant Italian community. She reflects on her childhood in an immigrant neighborhood, the importance of family traditions, and her culinary journey that took her to Italy, where she learned the art

February 22, 2025 No Comments

Podcast

The Northern Italian Experience in America

In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Ernesto Milani, who shares his family’s migration story from Italy to the United States, particularly focusing on the early Italian immigrants in America. They discuss the correspondence between family members across the ocean, the establishment of Italian settlements in the Southern United States, and the significant role of mutual aid societies in supporting Italian immigrants. Ernesto also shares the poignant story of Rosa, an Italian immigrant who became a

February 9, 2025 No Comments

Podcast

Sicilian Citizenship Adventure

In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Kristen Hertzog about her journey of relocating from the United States to Italy, exploring her family heritage, the challenges of obtaining dual citizenship, and the cultural differences she has encountered. Kristen shares her experiences of living in a small Italian village, the bureaucratic hurdles she faced, and the importance of language in building relationships. They also discuss the romanticized view of Italian life versus the reality, and how both

February 6, 2025 No Comments

Podcast

Italian Genealogy Extreme Records

In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino and Daniel Niemiec delve into the intricate world of genealogy, exploring Daniel’s extensive research into his family history, which includes over 90,000 ancestors. They discuss migration patterns, the significance of family connections, and the emotional weight of discovering both extraordinary and tragic family stories. Daniel shares insights from his research, including the challenges of tracing lineage, the impact of historical events on family dynamics, and the fascinating tales of

January 31, 2025 No Comments

Podcast

Genealogy Tips – Katy Bodenhorn

In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Katy Bodenhorn, a professional genealogist, discussing her journey into genealogy, the importance of historical societies, and tips for aspiring genealogists. They explore the challenges and rewards of genealogy research, the significance of family stories, and the evolving landscape of genealogy with technology and DNA testing. Katy shares insights on her business, the services she offers, and the fascinating stories that emerge from genealogical research. Find Katy on Facebook Takeaways

January 23, 2025 No Comments

Podcast

Researching Porticello Sicily

In this engaging conversation, Bob Sorrentino and Carlo Treviso delve into the rich history and culture of Sicily, exploring Carlo’s personal journey of discovering his Sicilian roots and the inspiration behind his novel, Siciliana. They discuss the process of writing historical fiction, the significance of female protagonists, and the importance of preserving Italian culture and traditions in America. Takeaways • Carlo’s journey to Sicily sparked his interest in writing. • Sicilian culture was not fully

January 17, 2025 No Comments