In this episode, Brianne interviews author Diahan Southard, creator of Your DNA Guide, who brings a much-needed dose of enthusiasm to the talk about genealogy, a biological parent search, and DNA testing! Diahan's perspective adds balance to the conversation about the role and value of DNA and how it connects us to relatives living and those already passed.  

Listen as Diahan shares how her own DNA story began, starting in the early 2000s when the world of genetic genealogy was just getting started! 

Diahan's PLAN for approaching DNA testing has five key steps. Learn what she means by: 

- Are you asking a good DNA question? 

- Are you testing the right person? 

- Are you taking the right kind of DNA test?  

- Have you chosen the right testing company? 

- Are you performing the appropriate kind of analysis?

Diahan's step-wise approach to DNA testing helps people needing an organized approach, whether you're searching for biological relatives or are using it for your family's genealogy research. 

Confused by the various types of "cousin"? Diahan gives a clear explanation of the difference between a first, second, and more distant cousin and how the terms "removed" and "half" fit in. 

Wondering whether to test yourself or another relative for genealogical purposes? Diahan shares her reasoning for starting with a test on the oldest living relative who is willing to test.

Trying to put pieces together to figure out who in a family is someone's biological father? We discuss the need to be slow and methodical as you go through results and so you don't jump to the wrong conclusion, like naming the wrong brother as someone's biological father.

Overwhelmed by words you come across in the DNA world like mitochondria, autosomal DNA, centimorgan, or Y chromosome? Diahan takes the mystery out of these and other commonly used terms.

If you decide DNA testing might hold the key to answering your questions, know that there are sites like YourDNAGuide that help you get going and unstuck along the way and sites like Watershed DNA when an unexpected finding comes along.  

Find a copy of the book Your DNA Guide on Amazon in paperback or e-book 

or directly from Diahan's site (use the code "WatershedDNA" for a 20% discount!)

and follow Diahan on social media

Instagram @diahansouthard 

Twitter @DNAdiahan 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YourDNAGuide/

Find more resources and guidance on WatershedDNA.com. Sign up for the monthly newsletter and never miss a new episode or announcement!