The number of people doing DNA tests and charting their family trees online has skyrocketed over recent years. And it can be an incredibly meaningful journey-- and also one that is shocking and upsetting. This week we speak with renowned genealogist and journalist Jennifer Mendelsohn about all kinds of stories, from the heartwarming to the stomach-churning, and explore what to keep in mind if you start on the search yourself. What's the meaning of "family"? Does our DNA tell us anything about who we really are? Why is the draw toward finding out our ancestry so powerful? We talk about all of it, in today's Baggage Check.

For more on Jennifer Mendelsohn's recently announced collaboration with the Center for Jewish History, to provide free DNA kits to Holocaust survivors and their children, check out the DNA Reunion Project.

Follow Baggage Check on Instagram @baggagecheckpodcast and get sneak peeks of upcoming episodes, give your take on guests and show topics, gawk at the very good boy Buster the Dog, and send us your questions!

Here's more on Dr. Andrea Bonior and her book Detox Your Thoughts.

Here's more on this podcast, which somehow you already found (thank you!)

Credits: Beautiful cover art by Danielle Merity, exquisitely lounge-y original music by Jordan Cooper