The Eighth Series of The Family Histories Podcast began with a trailer on 2nd November, and ran from 5th November with weekly episodes. An additional episode was released as part of Podcasthon in March 2025.
The series hears from 8 guests, who tell stories that introduce us to a Marchioness, a marine, a twin sister, a singing sensation, a collier, a homesick migrant, and an Irish nationalist.
Series Eight Trailer
In our Series Eight trailer, host Andrew Martin pops back in time to compare notes with an old friend… Nostradamus!
Episode 1: ‘The Marchioness’ with Bob Sorrentino
Andrew meets family historian and podcaster, Bob Sorrentino, and hears about his ancestor who helped Leonardo Da Vinci.
Episode 2: ‘The Twin’ with Sylvia Valentine
Andrew meets professional genealogist Sylvia Valentine and hears about how her ancestor – a twin – shared traits with her siblings and wider family.
Episode 3: ‘The Collier’ with Adam Simpson-York
Andrew meets postman and family historian Adam Simpson-York, and hears how his ancestor went from danger in the mines to the horror of ‘the death railway’.
Episode 4: ‘The Nightingale’ with Danielle & Galeet Dardashti
Andrew meets sisters Danielle and Dr. Galeet Dardashti and hears about how they researched their grandfather – a singing sensation in Iran.
Episode 5: ‘The Marine’ with Richard Holt
Andrew meets professional genealogist and tutor, Richard Holt, and hears about how war at sea affected his relative’s mental health.
Episode 6: ‘The Homesick’ with Jennifer Jones
Andrew meets Australian genealogist Jennifer Jones, and hears about a man’s sudden migration that left him truly homesick.
Episode 7: ‘The Nationalist’ with Daniel Loftus
Andrew meets Irish genealogist and mother and baby home researcher, Daniel Loftus, and hears about a man’s commitment to Irish Nationalism.
Episode 8: The Paradox (Bonus)
Andrew is visited by a familiar face but can they and Sándor work together to solve a deadly paradox that threatens to erase the podcast.
Episode 9: ‘The Invisible’ with Jane Hough and Kathryn Burtinshaw
Andrew welcomes back Jane Hough, and meets Kathryn Burtinshaw as they delve into the murky history of mental health in this Podcasthon episode.