In this episode, we broadcast live from the Long Hall Pub in Dublin. It's a thank you to our wonderful listeners in Dublin. In this session, we cover a bit about what to think about when you are researching your own ancestry.
Fun facts - Over 40 million people worldwide have taken a DNA test from companies like Ancestry.com and 23andMe, making it one of the most popular consumer genetics services globally. Many users find surprises in their genetic makeup. It's estimated that 12-15% of users discover unexpected ethnicity results or previously unknown relatives. The discovery of half-siblings, unknown biological parents, or even secret family histories is a common experience.
These genetic databases are quite extensive as an example 23andMe's database can connect you to up to 1,500 genetic relatives. Some users have found relatives as close as first cousins they never knew existed.
Christine and Muge touch upon what can be learned from some of these services and real lived experiences of tracing family roots.
