Welcome to Beyond the Records

Welcome to Beyond the Records — the podcast that brings family history to life.

I’m Tracy, your host and guide through the fascinating world of genealogy, social history, and the everyday lives of people in times gone by.

I’ve been exploring my own family history for over 30 years, tracing stories across England, Ireland, Scotland, Aotearoa New Zealand, and America. While names and dates are important, it’s the human experiences behind them that truly matter — the places our ancestors lived, the work they did, the customs they followed, and the choices they made.

In each episode, we’ll go beyond the paper trail to uncover the social context that shaped their lives — from coalfields to gold towns, from heartbreak to resilience, from the expected to the extraordinary.

And this isn’t just my journey — it’s ours. Beyond the Records is a collaborative space where your stories, questions, and discoveries help shape future episodes. Whether you’re just starting your family tree or deep into the archives, I’d love to hear from you. Together, we’ll explore the mysteries, memories, and moments that connect us across time.