Round-Up of Genealogy Internet Radio Shows

Genealogists are in a time of abundant information. They can access information and education about genealogy from traditional sources as well as internet websites, social media (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, etc), webinars (i.e. online seminars) and the occasional live streaming from conferences.

One medium that most genealogists aren't likely familiar with is internet radio. Genealogists are active there too. The programs broadcast on internet radio can be educational but they are often informational or newsy. Most are in a talk show format and include discussions or interviews. They can be a refreshing change from the more typical offerings.

The internet radio shows featured here are all broadcast on Blog Talk Radio. The shows are presented live and streamed across the internet to the general public. That means anyone in the world with a fast enough internet connection can tune in. Simply click on the link for the show at the time of the live broadcast and your default broadcast player will play the show for you. Of course, speakers or a headset are a must for being able to hear the audio.

If you can't listen live, tune in afterward and listen to the broadcast as a replay in podcast format. Your experience won't be any different unless of course the show host is taking live callers or giving away prizes. You won't be able to participate in that after the fact.

You may be wondering what the difference is between an internet radio show and a podcast. Internet radio shows are broadcast live and have the ability to interact with a live audience. Podcasts are pre-recorded. Live internet radio shows are converted to podcasts after the live episode so they provide the best of both worlds.

Here are the Blog Talk Radio Genealogy shows that are currently available (check their websites for upcoming schedules and on-demand archived broadcasts):

The Forget-Me-Not Hour with Jane Wilcox
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/janeewilcox
Jane Wilcox hosts an hour long genealogy show every two weeks. She typically interviews one guest and covers a theme during each show. The shows cover a broad range of genealogical topics that are of general interest to most genealogists. 

Research at the National Archives & Beyond with Bernice Bennett
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bernicebennett
Bernice Bennett's genealogy radio show airs weekly on Thursday nights at 9pm EST and covers a broad range of genealogical topics with a particular emphasis on African American genealogy. Her shows runs about 90 minutes and she regularly features guests.

My Society presented by the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS)
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mysociety
This show is presented twice a month on Saturdays at 2pm EST. The show is geared toward providing help and ideas for genealogical societies. The hosts are either Thomas MacEntee or Randy Whited. The show features one or more guests.

Anita Talks Genealogy with Anita Wills
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/anita-wills
Anita Talks Genealogy, which focuses on African American genealogy, airs every Wednesday and Friday from 7:00-8:00pm EST. The show features guests and the live audience is encouraged to call in during the show.

Fieldstone Common with Marian Pierre-Louis
http://my.blogtalkradio.com/fieldstonecommon
Fieldstone Common is an hour long show every Thursday at 1:00pm EST. It focuses on history and genealogy in New England and northeastern United States. The show features interviews with historical stakeholders such as historians, genealogists, curators, archivists, archaeologists and much more. Door prizes are given out each week during the live episode.

GeneaBloggers with Thomas MacEntee
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/geneabloggers
This show is no longer presenting live episodes but there are numerous archived episodes from its run from February 2011 to April 2012. The 90-minute show hosted by Thomas MacEntee featured two or three guests and timely discussion topics.


Photo Credit: photo by visual.dichotomy and used under the creative commons license.