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Join Dr Michala Hulme on "Unearth the Past" as she unravels the incredible family history of Paul Smith, one of Britain's most loved comedians who is selling out arenas up and down the country with his hilarious Pablo tour. As Paul shares his journey, we explore his Irish heritage, which was discovered through an Ancestry DNA test.

We also uncover Paul's Liverpool ancestors, with stories of resilience, hard work and a will to succeed. We also reveal the heart-wrenching loss of young Bernard Cain and the harrowing experiences of Philip Cain during WWI. We also unearth the intriguing narrative of John Stenson, who made headlines in the 1880s for aiding the police during an assault.

Shifting our focus, we dive into Paul's maternal heritage, unveiling tales of heroism and tragedy that have shaped his ancestry. Discover the lineage of his great-grandfather Thomas Highton and the sombre story of Mary Ann Highton, who perished during the 1940 Blitz in Liverpool. This episode is a blend of humour, history, and heartfelt moments that you won't want to miss. Be sure to catch our engaging conversation with Paul Smith, and stay tuned for more incredible family stories in future episodes.


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Embark on a voyage through time with BAFTA-winning producer Juliet Charlesworth, as she pieces together the intriguing puzzle of her family's legacy. In the company of this British drama powerhouse, we venture into the posh origins and humble beginnings of the Reeves Charlesworth line, unearthing a narrative rich with heartwarming connections to the past.

The saga continues with the industrious tale of Reeves Charlesworth Limited, a company that laid bricks and built futures since 1895. The firm not only revolutionised housing development but also championed the welfare of the working class. Juliet shares personal snippets from her family's history that reveal the essence of the Charlesworth spirit—innovators with a penchant for bachelor's mushy peas and a vested interest in their community's health and wellbeing.

Closing our journey, we explore the colourful tapestry of Juliet's maternal family tree, with connections to American pioneers, literary icons, and possibly Scottish royals. Join us for this emotional and enlightening exploration, which promises to be as captivating as the stories Juliet brings to life on screen.

Presented by Dr Michala Hulme
Research Assistants: Javareia Saleem & Lucy Stott
Proudly Supporting the Power of One

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Join Dr Michala Hulme as she unpicks the extraordinary life of Liam "The Hitman" Harrison, the eminent eight-time Thai boxing world champion. His vibrant narrative captures a transformation from the football fields of his youth to the Muay Thai rings, where he clinched his global icon status. Liam opens up about his rise to the pinnacle of UK fighters, his storied international bouts, and how he's now pioneering the future of combat sports with his innovative coaching strategies and the burgeoning Hitman Fight League. It is a tale of passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to excellence that transcends the bounds of the sport.

The time-travelling saga doesn't stop at the ropes of the ring; we delve into the Harrison family's tree, unearthing tales of war heroism and industrious glassblowers. Discover the bravery and sacrifices made by Liam's ancestors during WWI, and the intricate papermaking legacy that followed. Each chapter of his family history, from survival stories and brushes with the law, to connections that have spanned generations, are woven together to form the tapestry of Liam's lineage. Join us for this gripping recount of personal memories and historical records, where the echoes of Liam's forebears resonate with the triumphs and challenges of his own storied career.

Useful Links:
Dr Michala Hulme
Liam Harrison
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Production Assistants:
Javareia Saleem
Lucy Stott

For research enquiries:
Rostherne Research

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Discover the unforeseen twists and turns hidden within John May's family tree as the beloved comedian and actor sits down with us to share his extraordinary lineage. Tales of heroism and scandal unfold, as we find ourselves captivated by the stark contrasts of the past, from a man who couldn't swim yet saved a child to the complicated life of John's great-grandmother, Elizabeth. 

John's authentic reflections transport us back in time, and we uncover the heartrending loss of Henry Dowdall Jr. at sea during WWII and an unexpected death in Peru. The emotional retelling breathes new life into the black-and-white pages of ancestry, reminding us that the past is more than just names and dates—it's a living narrative of the human spirit.
 
From the Hindles and Davies to the Ruddock migration, the familial bonds are painted in vivid detail, with historical photographs igniting a sense of recognition and connection. By the episode's end, there's a profound sense of gratitude—for the stories shared, the legacies honoured, and the listeners who join us on this journey through time.

Useful Links:
Michala Hulme or @drmichalahulme
Witney Antiques
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Ancestry DNA Testing Kit with Traits  - Amazon Affiliate Link

Presented by: Dr Michala Hulme
Production Assistants: Javareia Saleem & Lucy Stott

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Imagine tracing your roots and finding a connection to a music hall legend from the early 20th century and a link to Jack the Ripper! That's the remarkable journey we embark upon with our guest, makeup artist sensation and influencer Mitchell Halliday. Accompanied by his mum, Jacque, together, we discover the enchanting history behind Mitchell's great-great-grandfather, Edgar Percy Halliday, and the legacy of artistic spirit that thrives in their family.

Michala reveals new information about Jacque's father that she never knew, including some surprising Ancestry DNA Results. Join us for this heartwarming episode, where we celebrate the revelations that bind us to our past and guide our future.

Useful Links:
Michala Hulme or @drmichalahulme
@mmmmitchell @madebymitchell
Witney Antiques
Power of One
Ancestry DNA Testing Kit with Traits  - Amazon Affiliate Link

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When life throws you a curveball, sometimes all you have is your strength and resilience to see you through. Welcome, genealogy enthusiasts, to another episode of "Unearth the Past." 

Today, we have the privilege of delving into the life of Kerry Kayes – a former bodybuilding champion, award-winning business owner, accomplished strength and conditioning coach, and renowned nutritionist. This is the story of a man whose life embodies the sheer power of the human spirit, from his early days grappling with undiagnosed dyslexia to his ascent as a British champion bodybuilder and founder of CMP Professional. Kerry's candidness about his personal battles and the losses that have shaped him will move you as much as it did me.

As if his life journey weren't compelling enough, Kerry's family tree brings secrets and surprises from Toronto to the Isle of Man. We discuss the emotional discovery of his half-sisters and how the nomadic past of his ancestors has left a legacy of wanderlust in him. Join us for an episode that is not just about the intricacies of family history but also about Kerry's tenacious spirit, inspiring you to look at your challenges with a renewed sense of hope and courage. It's a story of loss, love, and legacy that will stay with you long after you've listened.

To watch the podcast on YouTube, click here.

To contact Michala, you can do so via her website, www.michalahulme.com
A huge thank you to this week's sponsor, Witney Antiques

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When my friend Ian first told me about his quest to discover his birth parents, it struck a chord within me. As we sat down to record this episode, I knew we were about to embark on a narrative that would resonate with many. Ian's story unfolds from a childhood filled with unanswered questions. He candidly recounts the moment at twelve years old when he stumbled upon his adoption papers, setting in motion a lifelong journey of self-discovery that would challenge and fulfil him in ways he never anticipated.

The narrative reaches its climax as Ian details his hesitant yet hopeful outreach to biological relatives. The complex tapestry of emotions faced by adoptees surfaces, from the fear of rejection to the elation of connection, as Ian traverses the highs and lows of these encounters. His story culminates in the profound discovery of a half-sister, a serendipitous finding that brings unexpected joy and a sense of completeness to his journey. Ian's experience, shared with raw honesty and reflective insight, offers listeners a glimpse into the transformative power of uncovering one's origins and the indelible impact it has on an individual's life story.

To watch the podcast on YouTube click here!

To contact Michala, you can do so via her website, www.michalahulme.com
If you would like to reach out to Ian, you can do so via, www.ianroyle.com
A huge thank you to this week's sponsor, Witney Antiques

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As I sat down with Vinny Shoreman, it became quickly apparent that his journey from a Manchester youth indifferent to football to a revered Mind Coach and Thai Boxing commentator was no ordinary tale. The Shoreman family story deeply intertwined with the city's sporting heritage, unfurls in our latest episode, bringing to light a legacy of perseverance through struggles like domestic violence and alcoholism. Vinny's candid reflections on his upbringing, without traditional guidance, and how he carved a path to success, underscore the resilience embedded in his family's DNA—a narrative of strength and inspiration that's sure to resonate with anyone facing their own battles.

Through our conversation, the echoes of Manchester's historical pulse reverberate as we trace Vinny's ancestry back to 1766, revealing not just a family's story, but the spirit of a city. We honor the memory of his gt Uncle, Benjamin Shoreman, a war veteran who fought in some of the bloodest battles of WWI. Vinny's reflections on his mother's unwavering fortitude and the indelible influence of his late brother Paul weave a poignant fabric of familial bonds, humour, and belief. Prepare to be moved by an episode that transcends a simple recounting of history, offering instead a powerful exploration of the human condition through the lens of one family's remarkable journey.

To watch this episode on YouTube, Click Here!

A huge thank you to today's sponsor, Witney Antiques
To contact Dr Michala Hulme: www.michalahulme.com
To contact Vinny Shoreman: www.theshoremansolution.com

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This week, Michala is joined by TV presenter Matty White.

In this emotional episode, we delve into the details behind Matty's family history and use DNA to tell him more about his ancestors and how they lived.

It's an intimate voyage into identity, family secrets, and the threads that weave together the past and present. As we unearth the emotional narrative of learning about his family history, we see Matty answer some long-held questions about who he is and where he comes from. 

Get the tissues ready!! This is an emotional one!!

To watch this episode on YouTube, Click Here!

Massive thanks to this week's sponsor Witney Antiques.
If you would like to contact Michala, you can do so at www.michalahulme.com
You can contact Matty on social media @mattyfwhite

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Ever felt like life has dealt you a bad hand, and there's no coming back from it? Well, Michala's guest for today, boxing legend Martin Murray – former British and Commonwealth Middleweight Champion – is the embodiment of the saying, 'Where there's a will, there's a way.' Martin takes us through his tumultuous past, from a tough upbringing and prison stints to finding salvation in boxing. His story is a testament to resilience and transformation and how every experience serves a purpose in our lives.

But life doesn't always deal the same cards for everyone. Our journey takes a sombre turn as we unravel the heart-wrenching story of the Greenhalgh family. The tragic death of Elizabeth Greenhalgh, the repercussions on her son, John, and the war experiences of the Greenhalgh brothers are accounts that give us a glimpse into the dark side of life. These stories not only shed light on the struggles families go through during challenging times but also the impact they have on future generations.

Family is an integral part of who we are, and tracing back our roots can often lead to fascinating discoveries. As we dig deeper into Martin Murray's lineage, we uncover intriguing connections and surprising stories. From the significance of Silkstone Street in his family tree to tracing back his roots to Ireland, Martin's family history is as captivating as his personal journey. And as we bring this episode to a close, we even share some tips on how you can start your own journey of uncovering your family tree. So, are you ready to embark on this journey of discovery, despair, and determination with us?

To contact Michala, please visit http://michalahulme.com
To purchase Martin's brilliant book 'Sinner and Saint: The Inspirational Story of Martin Murray', click here.
A huge thank you to this week's sponsor, Witney Antiques.

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