Branching Out Genealogy Podcast

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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In this episode, Tami and Elizabeth discuss the concept of "reverse genealogy" with Cheri Hudson Passey, who has recently authored a book on the subject. They explore the methods of finding living relatives, the differences between researching living individuals and ancestors, and the emotional aspects of connecting with family. Cheri shares her experience of writing her book and the importance of clear communication when reaching out to relatives.
Afterward, Tami demonstrates how easy it is to open multiple websites simultaneously by using the browser extension “Open Multiple URLs.”
During Teatime, the hosts discuss recent changes to what the VA is sending when one makes a FOIA request through birls.org. Elizabeth compares the file she received in February with the useless letters genealogists are receiving now. Then, Tami discusses the reasons behind the upcoming closure of the Plaza Hotel in Salt Lake City, Utah. Those planning to attend the 2026 RootsTech Conference should consider making hotel reservations sooner rather than later due to this closure!
Finally, Tami shares a couple of Family History Month announcements regarding upcoming events by Vivid-Pix. If you are in the area, you won’t want to miss these!
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TIMECODE CHAPTERS
00:00:00 - INTRO
00:00:38 - Introduction to Genealogy Podcast
00:01:27 - Thank you to our Listeners and to WikiTree Challenge Elves
00:02:57 - Tami's Milo Allen Update
00:04:31 - Sponsor Break
00:05:01 - Introduction to Cheri Hudson Passey
00:05:49 - Interview with Cheri Hudson Passey
00:28:11 - Tech Tip: Open Multiple URLs
00:30:54 - Teatime
00:33:15 - Changes in how VA Fills FOIA Requests from birls.org
00:40:38 - The Plaza Hotel Closure and Future Plans
00:43:55 - Vivid-Pix Event Announcements
00:46:18 - OUTRO
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