Send us a textJoin us on an extraordinary journey as Michala sits down with Joe Donovan from the band Blossoms, fresh off celebrating their fourth UK number-one album. Joe's infectious enthusiasm brings to life the band's achievements and artistic endeavours, setting the stage for a remarkable narrative.We then meander through Joe's family history, uncovering tales that span continents and centuries. From a family-owned haberdashery in Stockport to Jeremiah's stint in Knutsford prison, we sta...
Send us a textExperience a captivating journey through history and music as Dr Michala Hulme sits down with Tom Ogden, the charismatic lead singer of the British band Blossoms. Tom opens up about the band's meteoric rise and the creative sparks behind their upcoming album, "Gary." This episode promises an intimate look at the band's process and Tom's personal connection to his roots, all while giving a nod to the trials and triumphs of being in the spotlight.In this episode, the pair turn bac...
Send us a textJoin Dr Michala Hulme for an unforgettable episode of Unearth the Past, where she sits down with the remarkable Sacha Lord, a Sunday Times best-selling author and world-renowned promoter. Learn about Sacha's exhilarating journey from the vibrant Manchester nightlife scene to helming iconic events like Park Life. You'll be captivated by tales from his book, filled with brushes with danger and moments of triumph. She also delves into Sacha's deep-rooted family history, uncovering ...
Send us a textJoin Dr Michala Hulme on "Unearth the Past" as she unravels the incredible family history of Paul Smith, one of Britain's most loved comedians who is selling out arenas up and down the country with his hilarious Pablo tour. As Paul shares his journey, we explore his Irish heritage, which was discovered through an Ancestry DNA test.We also uncover Paul's Liverpool ancestors, with stories of resilience, hard work and a will to succeed. We also reveal the heart-wrenching loss of yo...
Send us a textEmbark on a voyage through time with BAFTA-winning producer Juliet Charlesworth, as she pieces together the intriguing puzzle of her family's legacy. In the company of this British drama powerhouse, we venture into the posh origins and humble beginnings of the Reeves Charlesworth line, unearthing a narrative rich with heartwarming connections to the past. The saga continues with the industrious tale of Reeves Charlesworth Limited, a company that laid bricks and built futures sin...
Send us a textJoin Dr Michala Hulme as she unpicks the extraordinary life of Liam "The Hitman" Harrison, the eminent eight-time Thai boxing world champion. His vibrant narrative captures a transformation from the football fields of his youth to the Muay Thai rings, where he clinched his global icon status. Liam opens up about his rise to the pinnacle of UK fighters, his storied international bouts, and how he's now pioneering the future of combat sports with his innovative coaching strategies...
Send us a textDiscover the unforeseen twists and turns hidden within John May's family tree as the beloved comedian and actor sits down with us to share his extraordinary lineage. Tales of heroism and scandal unfold, as we find ourselves captivated by the stark contrasts of the past, from a man who couldn't swim yet saved a child to the complicated life of John's great-grandmother, Elizabeth. John's authentic reflections transport us back in time, and we uncover the heartrending loss of...
Send us a textImagine tracing your roots and finding a connection to a music hall legend from the early 20th century and a link to Jack the Ripper! That's the remarkable journey we embark upon with our guest, makeup artist sensation and influencer Mitchell Halliday. Accompanied by his mum, Jacque, together, we discover the enchanting history behind Mitchell's great-great-grandfather, Edgar Percy Halliday, and the legacy of artistic spirit that thrives in their family. Michala reveals new info...
Send us a textWhen life throws you a curveball, sometimes all you have is your strength and resilience to see you through. Welcome, genealogy enthusiasts, to another episode of "Unearth the Past." Today, we have the privilege of delving into the life of Kerry Kayes – a former bodybuilding champion, award-winning business owner, accomplished strength and conditioning coach, and renowned nutritionist. This is the story of a man whose life embodies the sheer power of the human spirit, from...
Send us a textWhen my friend Ian first told me about his quest to discover his birth parents, it struck a chord within me. As we sat down to record this episode, I knew we were about to embark on a narrative that would resonate with many. Ian's story unfolds from a childhood filled with unanswered questions. He candidly recounts the moment at twelve years old when he stumbled upon his adoption papers, setting in motion a lifelong journey of self-discovery that would challenge and fulfil him i...
Send us a textAs I sat down with Vinny Shoreman, it became quickly apparent that his journey from a Manchester youth indifferent to football to a revered Mind Coach and Thai Boxing commentator was no ordinary tale. The Shoreman family story deeply intertwined with the city's sporting heritage, unfurls in our latest episode, bringing to light a legacy of perseverance through struggles like domestic violence and alcoholism. Vinny's candid reflections on his upbringing, without traditional guida...
Send us a textThis week, Michala is joined by TV presenter Matty White. In this emotional episode, we delve into the details behind Matty's family history and use DNA to tell him more about his ancestors and how they lived. It's an intimate voyage into identity, family secrets, and the threads that weave together the past and present. As we unearth the emotional narrative of learning about his family history, we see Matty answer some long-held questions about who he is and where he comes from...
Send us a textEver felt like life has dealt you a bad hand, and there's no coming back from it? Well, Michala's guest for today, boxing legend Martin Murray – former British and Commonwealth Middleweight Champion – is the embodiment of the saying, 'Where there's a will, there's a way.' Martin takes us through his tumultuous past, from a tough upbringing and prison stints to finding salvation in boxing. His story is a testament to resilience and transformation and how every experience serves a...
Send us a textWhat if the stories of your ancestors could reveal unexpected truths and reshape your understanding of family? Join Dr Michala Hulme for a captivating conversation with genealogist Daniel Loftus. Their journey begins with the roots of genealogy, as Daniel shares his personal experience of navigating through the intricate branches of his family tree, piecing together dates and facts that reveal fascinating family stories. As Michala and Daniel navigate through the history of Irel...
Send us a textUnearth the secrets of your past as we invite you to join our riveting conversation with Genealogy Jude, a passionate family history detective. Michala and Jude take you on a journey into the world of genealogy, enveloped in Jude's captivating tales of exploring old graveyards and discovering hidden records. We throw light on the revolutionary changes technology has brought to genealogy research, but don't forget to remind you of the irreplaceable value of stepping into archives...
Send us a textWE ARE BACK WITH SEASON 2!!! Yes, Michala is back with your favourite family history podcast, and we are kicking off with a bang! Dream of uncovering your family's hidden past? Join us in a captivating conversation with genealogy enthusiast Jonny Perl, the founder of the brilliant DNA Painter website, whose quest for family history was kindled by his mother's tales of her ancestors.Ever wondered how DNA testing can help unearth your roots? We dive into the intriguing world of DN...
Send us a textAre you curious about your ancestors and their stories? Would you be surprised if your past held secrets you never imagined? Join me, Michala and my guest, Paul McNeil, as we uncover hidden truths from our pasts and learn that things aren't always as they appear. We share eerie tales of our personal experiences, including a chilling story of a piano playing by itself, possibly a sign from the beyond.The journey to the past can be challenging but rewarding. In our quest to unrave...
Send us a textReady to unearth the secrets behind your home's history? Join me, Dr. Michala Hulme, and my cherished guest, Melanie Backe-Hansen, a revered house historian, as we journey through the captivating world of house histories. Together, we discover the intricate links that bind family history, local history, and house history, highlighting the significance of understanding your home's past. At the same time, Mel unravels her personal journey into the realm of house histories, while i...
Send us a textExcitement ripples through every word when our special guest, Dr Nick Barratt, an esteemed genealogist and medieval historian, known for TV shows such as Who Do You Think You Are?, weaves tales of his intriguing journey into the world of genealogy. Unravelling family mysteries, Nick's fascinating discoveries about his own lineage are a testament not only to the power of DNA in genealogical research but also to our shared human curiosity about our roots. From unearthing his great...
Send us a textPrepare to be captivated as Michala embarks on a journey into the often-overlooked world of newspapers in genealogy research. She's joined by the brilliant Rose Staveley-Wadham from the British Newspaper Archive, who shares her wealth of knowledge on how to unlock the secrets hidden in old newspapers and breathe life into your family tree. From court reports to gossip columns, every page is a treasure trove of information just waiting to be unearthed.Intriguing stories from the ...