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How We Got Here Genealogy - Because Every Family Has a Story

History Podcasts

Exploring Genealogy and Family History. Family Historian Genealogist Brian Nash speaks to guests about their family or local history stories. As a genealogist, Brian focuses on the people, places, and events that make up people's family stories. Brian...

Location:

Canada

Description:

Exploring Genealogy and Family History. Family Historian Genealogist Brian Nash speaks to guests about their family or local history stories. As a genealogist, Brian focuses on the people, places, and events that make up people's family stories. Brian is a genealogist who started working on his own family tree over 30 years ago and has been able to trace one family line back to as early as 950 AD. Brian traces his own family from Scotland and Ireland to the New World where they wound up in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th centuries. In some cases, they fled their homela

Language:

English

Contact:

+1 9023032874


Episodes
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Black Sheep and Silver Foxes:The Dark Side of PEI’s Famous Industry

4/1/2026
Genealogist Brian Nash sits down with Laurie Langford to unravel a jaw-dropping family secret hidden within the history of Prince Edward Island. When Laurie began researching her great-grandfather, Benjamin Isaac Rayner, she expected to find standard genealogical records. Instead, she uncovered the scandalous life of a wealthy pioneer in PEI's highly lucrative silver fox industry.From cornering the market with the secretive "Big Six Combine" to leaving a trail of faked bankruptcies and Supreme Court battles, Rayner’s life was anything but ordinary. Laurie shares the unvarnished truth about her ancestor, detailing the first divorce on the Island dissolved by an Act of Parliament, a devastating 1931 car accident that created lasting Canadian case law, and the story of how he won Nantucket real estate in a high-stakes poker game.It’s a fascinating exploration of wealth, historic Canadian scandals, and the reality that the "black sheep" of the family often leaves behind the most compelling paper trail.In this episode, we cover:The Big Six Combine: How six men kept their silver fox breeding methods—and millions of dollars—a closely guarded secret.Making Case Law: The dramatic legal fallout of a 1931 car crash and Rayner's desperate attempts to hide his wealth to avoid paying damages.A Scandalous Separation: The intense legal hurdles behind getting a divorce on Prince Edward Island in the early 20th century.The Good vs. Evil of the Fox Boom: A look at a fascinating 1933 newspaper article that perfectly captured the duality of the industry's pioneers.Resources Mentioned:A Magnificent Gift Declined by CusackThe International Fox Museum (Summerside, PEI)The Rainer Handbook (Laurie's academic project on her family's history)Connect with the Show:Website: howwegothere.caBook a Free 30-Minute Consultation: bookings.howwegothere.caListen on Spotify: How We Got Here PodcastWatch on YouTube: @HowWeGotHere

Duration:01:08:02

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They Had to Leave Everything:

3/31/2026
Struggling with roadblocks and moving your family forward?Your family roll their eyes every time you mention an ancestor? The Heritage Legacy Roadmap is our solution to solve those and many other issues we commonly face. Book your Free Call https://howwegothere.ca/roadmap/ and we can help build a strategy that works for you.In this episode, Brian sits down with Tamara Buzina-Adams, author of The Last Ship to Freedom, to discuss the captivating journey of uncovering her family’s escape from post-imperial Russia. Tamara shares how her genealogical journey began unexpectedly while researching her husband’s Polish ancestry, eventually leading her back to five long-forgotten diaries written by her grandmother starting at age eleven. These diaries, written in beautiful pre-revolutionary Russian cursive, detail a harrowing yet vibrant 18-month period spent living aboard a ship during the chaotic Crimean evacuation of 1920.Throughout the conversation, Tamara highlights the "detective work" required to piece together a historical narrative when traditional records seem out of reach. She describes utilizing a diverse toolkit—from collaborating with fluent family members for translations to using Google Translate and connecting with distant relatives who possessed matching photographs of the very ship her grandmother lived on. By matching family stories of horses in the Black Sea with historical events like the evacuation at Novorossiysk, Tamara demonstrates how understanding the broader political and historical context can breathe life into the "dash" between an ancestor's birth and death dates.How to Find Tamara Buzyna AdamsLast Ship to Freedom is on Amazon: https://amzn.to/45QcsKwWebsite: https://www.tamarabuzynaadams.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_tamara_adams/ How We Got Here: Genealogy is hosted by family historian Brian Nash. Brian helps people not just trace their family tree, but understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make up their family's unique story.CONNECT & SUPPORT🌳 All My Links (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/howwegotheregenealogy 🙋 Ask a Genealogy Question: Visit https://ask.howwegothere.ca/ or email ask@howwegothere.ca ☕ Support the Channel (Buy Me a Coffee): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/howwegothere 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Genealogy Community (The Family Circle): https://familycircle.howwegothere.ca/About Brian NashBrian Nash is a family historian and the host of How We Got Here: Genealogy. He focuses on helping people not just trace their family tree, but to understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make each family's story unique.Brian began researching his own family history over 30 years ago. He proudly calls himself a "Celtic Canadian," having traced his own roots from Scotland and Ireland to their arrival in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th centuries. His ancestors’ stories are deeply woven into the fabric of Canadian history—some fled the Highland Clearances in Scotland, while others left Ireland during the Great Famine. They brought their expertise as coal miners and farmers from Scotland to Cape Breton and their mercantile and fishing skills from Ireland to the streets of Halifax.This personal connection to the past fuels Brian's passion for helping others discover their own heritage. As a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and genealogical societies in Nova Scotia, Scotland, and Prince Edward Island, Brian shares his extensive knowledge from his home base on PEI. He currently serves on the boards of the Prince Edward Island Community Museums Association and the Bedeque and Area Historical Society.Through How We Got Here Genealogy Services, Brian guides others to connect with their own vibrant family narratives, helping them understand not just who their ancestors were, but how they lived.

Duration:00:00:22

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Think Like a Historian: Contextualizing Your Family’s Past

3/30/2026
Book Your Free 30 Minute Consultation https://bookings.howwegothere.ca/ In this episode, host Brian Nash sits down with Darren Hall to discuss his research into his Loyalist ancestor, James Waugh. Hall’s passion for genealogy was sparked by his family roots in Prince Edward Island and foundational local histories like The Wrights of Bedeque. He emphasizes that effective genealogy requires looking beyond vital statistics—birth, marriage, and death—to understand the broader historical context. For his ancestors, this meant investigating the "story that brought them to Canada," moving beyond the simple fact of their arrival to explore the specific events of the American Revolution that dictated their movements. The investigation into James Waugh faced a significant "brick wall" for years because early land grants only listed him as being "late of New York." However, Darren’s breakthrough came through the digitized Carlton Papers, where he located a James Waugh on a 1778 muster roll in Pensacola, Florida. This discovery linked Waugh to British Indian agents Richard Parris and Alexander Cameron. Hall’s research suggests that Waugh was likely part of the Loyalist backcountry movement in South Carolina, traveling through the wilderness to Florida before eventually joining the refugee migration to Shelburne, Nova Scotia, and finally settling in PEI’s Wilmot Valley. A pivotal aspect of this research involved the use of Big Y-DNA testing, which produced a startling revelation for the Waugh family. The genetic results showed that the paternal line actually matches the surname Wilson, indicating a likely adoption or non-paternity event dating back to the 1600s. This highlights the power of combining traditional archival research with genetic genealogy to correct long-standing family assumptions. By tracing military records, land grants, and DNA, Hall provides a vivid picture of the displaced Loyalists who helped shape the early landscape of Atlantic Canada.

Duration:01:03:34

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The Lies You've Been Told About Your Settler Ancestors

3/30/2026
Ready to restart your family research journey and get on the right path? Book your free strategy call for The Family Historian Roadmap: https://www.howwegothere.ca/roadmap Stop relying on unverified hints, and let's map out your next steps to build a heavily sourced, accurate family tree Were your ancestors elite settlers, or were they displaced survivors? The history we are taught often skips over the brutal reality of cultural erasure, forced migrations, and the Clearances that sent our Scottish and Irish ancestors fleeing to Atlantic Canada. In this episode, I sit down with independent genealogical researcher Zita White to dismantle the myths surrounding our Celtic roots. We dive into the massive educational gap regarding the displacement of early settlers, why Ancestry hints might be leading you down the wrong path, and what your DNA results actually mean for your family tree. What we cover in this episode: The Ancestry Trap: Why platform hints are not facts and how to audit your family tree. Hidden Identities: Why your ancestors may have hidden their Irish roots for equal opportunity. The Reality of the Clearances: Arriving as refugees rather than colonizers. Decoding DNA: Understanding migration patterns vs. the myth of royal succession. Connect with Zita White: The People’s Chronicle-Annapolis Valley: [https://www.facebook.com/share/1DX3Y9ukAo/?mibextid=wwXIfr](https://www.facebook.com/share/1DX3Y9ukAo/?mibextid=wwXIfr) House of Lore Photography (Facebook): [https://www.facebook.com/share/1CbfLpZKxn/?mibextid=wwXIfr](https://www.facebook.com/share/1CbfLpZKxn/?mibextid=wwXIfr) House of Lore Photography (TikTok): @houseoflorephotography Books by Zita (Unrelated to Genealogy): Discover Yourself: [https://a.co/d/09aN4Dm0](https://a.co/d/09aN4Dm0) Get Your Shit together: [https://a.co/d/01IA8vIs](https://a.co/d/01IA8vIs) 28 Days of Self-Reflection: [https://a.co/d/0akS0HMh](https://a.co/d/0akS0HMh) How We Got Here: Genealogy is hosted by family historian Brian Nash. Brian helps people not just trace their family tree, but understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make up their family's unique story. CONNECT & SUPPORT: ☕ Support the Channel (Buy Me a Coffee): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/howwegothere 🙋 Ask a Genealogy Question: Visit https://ask.howwegothere.ca/ or email ask@howwegothere.ca About Brian Nash Brian Nash is a family historian and the host of How We Got Here: Genealogy. He focuses on helping people not just trace their family tree, but to understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make each family's story unique. Brian began researching his own family history over 30 years ago. He proudly calls himself a "Celtic Canadian," having traced his own roots from Scotland and Ireland to their arrival in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th centuries. His ancestors’ stories are deeply woven into the fabric of Canadian history—some fled the Highland Clearances in Scotland, while others left Ireland during the Great Famine. They brought their expertise as coal miners and farmers from Scotland to Cape Breton and their mercantile and fishing skills from Ireland to the streets of Halifax. This personal connection to the past fuels Brian's passion for helping others discover their own heritage. As a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and genealogical societies in Nova Scotia, Scotland, and Prince Edward Island, Brian shares his extensive knowledge from his home base on PEI. He currently serves on the boards of the Prince Edward Island Community Museums Association and the Bedeque and Area Historical Society. Through How We Got Here Genealogy Services, Brian guides others to connect with their own vibrant family narratives, helping them understand not just who their ancestors were, but how they lived. Remember, every family has a story to tell, and every story is worth exploring. #Genealogy #FamilyHistory...

Duration:01:08:31

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The Lies You Believe About Your Settler Ancestors

3/30/2026
Ready to restart your family research journey and get on the right path? Book your free strategy call for The Family Historian Roadmap: https://www.howwegothere.ca/roadmap Stop relying on unverified hints, and let's map out your next steps to build a heavily sourced, accurate family tree Were your ancestors elite settlers, or were they displaced survivors? The history we are taught often skips over the brutal reality of cultural erasure, forced migrations, and the Clearances that sent our Scottish and Irish ancestors fleeing to Atlantic Canada. In this episode, I sit down with independent genealogical researcher Zita White to dismantle the myths surrounding our Celtic roots. We dive into the massive educational gap regarding the displacement of early settlers, why Ancestry hints might be leading you down the wrong path, and what your DNA results actually mean for your family tree. What we cover in this episode: The Ancestry Trap: Why platform hints are not facts and how to audit your family tree. Hidden Identities: Why your ancestors may have hidden their Irish roots for equal opportunity. The Reality of the Clearances: Arriving as refugees rather than colonizers. Decoding DNA: Understanding migration patterns vs. the myth of royal succession. Connect with Zita White: The People’s Chronicle-Annapolis Valley: [https://www.facebook.com/share/1DX3Y9ukAo/?mibextid=wwXIfr](https://www.facebook.com/share/1DX3Y9ukAo/?mibextid=wwXIfr) House of Lore Photography (Facebook): [https://www.facebook.com/share/1CbfLpZKxn/?mibextid=wwXIfr](https://www.facebook.com/share/1CbfLpZKxn/?mibextid=wwXIfr) House of Lore Photography (TikTok): @houseoflorephotography Books by Zita (Unrelated to Genealogy): Discover Yourself: [https://a.co/d/09aN4Dm0](https://a.co/d/09aN4Dm0) Get Your Shit together: [https://a.co/d/01IA8vIs](https://a.co/d/01IA8vIs) 28 Days of Self-Reflection: [https://a.co/d/0akS0HMh](https://a.co/d/0akS0HMh) How We Got Here: Genealogy is hosted by family historian Brian Nash. Brian helps people not just trace their family tree, but understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make up their family's unique story. CONNECT & SUPPORT: ☕ Support the Channel (Buy Me a Coffee): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/howwegothere 🙋 Ask a Genealogy Question: Visit https://ask.howwegothere.ca/ or email ask@howwegothere.ca About Brian Nash Brian Nash is a family historian and the host of How We Got Here: Genealogy. He focuses on helping people not just trace their family tree, but to understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make each family's story unique. Brian began researching his own family history over 30 years ago. He proudly calls himself a "Celtic Canadian," having traced his own roots from Scotland and Ireland to their arrival in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th centuries. His ancestors’ stories are deeply woven into the fabric of Canadian history—some fled the Highland Clearances in Scotland, while others left Ireland during the Great Famine. They brought their expertise as coal miners and farmers from Scotland to Cape Breton and their mercantile and fishing skills from Ireland to the streets of Halifax. This personal connection to the past fuels Brian's passion for helping others discover their own heritage. As a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and genealogical societies in Nova Scotia, Scotland, and Prince Edward Island, Brian shares his extensive knowledge from his home base on PEI. He currently serves on the boards of the Prince Edward Island Community Museums Association and the Bedeque and Area Historical Society. Through How We Got Here Genealogy Services, Brian guides others to connect with their own vibrant family narratives, helping them understand not just who their ancestors were, but how they lived. Remember, every family has a story to tell, and every story is worth exploring. #Genealogy #FamilyHistory...

Duration:01:08:31

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The Stories are Lost: Interviewing Relatives Before It's Too Late

11/13/2025
For a FREE 30-minute Family History Consultation, book your spot here: https://bookings.howwegothere.ca How We Got Here: Genealogy is hosted by family historian Brian Nash. Brian helps people not just trace their family tree, but understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make up their family's unique story. In this episode, Brian welcomes Will Weldon, a video journalist and filmmaker from Durham, North Carolina. Will is the author of the book, Innerviewing: Heart Forward Storytelling and Holistic Communication , which is focused on helping people have better, more empathetic conversations and interviews. Will joins Brian to discuss a topic central to genealogy: interviewing your relatives to capture their vital stories before they are lost. They delve into practical advice on overcoming technical hurdles using just a smartphone , making your family members comfortable by keeping the stakes low , and why capturing these stories now is crucial to prevent regret later. They also explore the power of open-ended questions to elicit emotional and deeper responses , how physical objects can trigger surprising memories , and the immense, irreplaceable value these recordings have as 'time capsules' for future generations—especially when facing degenerative illnesses like Alzheimer's or dementia. You can find out more about Will’s book and coaching at his website, willweldon.com. CONNECT & SUPPORT 🌳 All My Links (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/howwegotheregenealogy 🙋 Ask a Genealogy Question: Visit https://ask.howwegothere.ca/ or email ask@howwegothere.ca ☕ Support the Channel (Buy Me a Coffee): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/howwegothere 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Genealogy Community (The Family Circle): https://familycircle.howwegothere.ca/ About Brian Brian Nash is a family historian and the host of How We Got Here: Genealogy. He focuses on helping people not just trace their family tree, but to understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make each family's story unique. Brian began researching his own family history over 30 years ago. He proudly calls himself a "Celtic Canadian," having traced his own roots from Scotland and Ireland to their arrival in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th centuries. His ancestors’ stories are deeply woven into the fabric of Canadian history—some fled the Highland Clearances in Scotland, while others left Ireland during the Great Famine. They brought their expertise as coal miners and farmers from Scotland to Cape Breton and their mercantile and fishing skills from Ireland to the streets of Halifax. This personal connection to the past fuels Brian's passion for helping others discover their own heritage. As a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and genealogical societies in Nova Scotia, Scotland, and Prince Edward Island, Brian shares his extensive knowledge from his home base on PEI. He currently serves on the boards of the Prince Edward Island Community Museums Association and the Bedeque and Area Historical Society. Through How We Got Here Genealogy Services, Brian guides others to connect with their own vibrant family narratives, helping them understand not just who their ancestors were, but how they lived.

Duration:00:46:13

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From Waterford to Water Street: An Interview on Newfoundland Genealogy with Craig Morrissey

10/15/2025
For a FREE 30-minute Family History Consultation, book your spot here: https://bookings.howwegothere.ca In this Episode, Brian welcomes Craig Morrissey of More You Genealogy and The Rooms archives to explore Newfoundland genealogy. Craig details the essential resources for family history, starting with the provincial archives at The Rooms, which is named for traditional "fishing rooms." He breaks down the early European settlement, primarily driven by the cod fishery, drawing people from southeast Ireland and southwest England. He also highlights crucial records, including Colonial Office and merchant records, necessary before civil registration began in 1891–92. The episode also covers the impact of industrial change and the significant history of out-migration to the "Boston States," offering advice on tracing ancestors through border documents and digital archives. Craig concludes with a genealogist's "Holy Grail"—the missing 1911 Census and the fire-destroyed Catholic records for Harbour Grace—and stresses the value of methodical, patient research.How We Got Here: Genealogy is hosted by family historian Brian Nash. Brian helps people not just trace their family tree, but understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make up their family's unique story. CONNECT & SUPPORT 🌳 All My Links (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/howwegotheregenealogy 🙋 Ask a Genealogy Question: Visit https://ask.howwegothere.ca/ or email ask@howwegothere.ca ☕ Support the Channel (Buy Me a Coffee): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/howwegothere 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Genealogy Community (The Family Circle): https://familycircle.howwegothere.ca/ Brian Nash is a family historian and the host of How We Got Here: Genealogy. He focuses on helping people not just trace their family tree, but to understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make each family's story unique. Brian began researching his own family history over 30 years ago. He proudly calls himself a "Celtic Canadian," having traced his own roots from Scotland and Ireland to their arrival in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th centuries. His ancestors’ stories are deeply woven into the fabric of Canadian history—some fled the Highland Clearances in Scotland, while others left Ireland during the Great Famine. They brought their expertise as coal miners and farmers from Scotland to Cape Breton and their mercantile and fishing skills from Ireland to the streets of Halifax. This personal connection to the past fuels Brian's passion for helping others discover their own heritage. As a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and genealogical societies in Nova Scotia, Scotland, and Prince Edward Island, Brian shares his extensive knowledge from his home base on PEI. He currently serves on the boards of the Prince Edward Island Community Museums Association and the Bedeque and Area Historical Society. Through How We Got Here Genealogy Services, Brian guides others to connect with their own vibrant family narratives, helping them understand not just who their ancestors were, but how they lived. About Brian Nash

Duration:01:10:49

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The Biggest Small Town: Preserving Glace Bay's Story

9/25/2025
For a FREE 30-minute Family History Consultation, book your spot here: https://bookings.howwegothere.ca In this episode Brian talks to Joe MacPherson from Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. Joe is the creator of the Facebook group "You Know You're From Glace Bay When," which has connected thousands of people from the area. He discusses how the group and his writing about the community have helped people relive memories, reconnect with old friends, and remember a town that has changed significantly since its days as a bustling coal town. Joe recounts growing up in Glace Bay in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, sharing stories about "shooting the drag," the St. Paul's Church fence as a youth meeting spot, and the diverse businesses run by immigrant families. He also talks about organizing the "Fence Folk reunion" in 2010, which brought people home from all over the world and raised thousands of dollars for local charities. The conversation highlights the importance of preserving personal and community history through storytelling and the power of social media to connect people and keep memories alive. How We Got Here: Genealogy is hosted by family historian Brian Nash. Brian helps people not just trace their family tree, but understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make up their family's unique story. CONNECT & SUPPORT🌳 All My Links (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/howwegotheregenealogy 🙋 Ask a Genealogy Question: Visit https://ask.howwegothere.ca/ or email ask@howwegothere.ca ☕ Support the Channel (Buy Me a Coffee): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/howwegothere 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Genealogy Community (The Family Circle): https://familycircle.howwegothere.ca/ About Brian NashBrian Nash is a family historian and the host of How We Got Here: Genealogy. He focuses on helping people not just trace their family tree, but to understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make each family's story unique.Brian began researching his own family history over 30 years ago. He proudly calls himself a "Celtic Canadian," having traced his own roots from Scotland and Ireland to their arrival in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th centuries. His ancestors’ stories are deeply woven into the fabric of Canadian history—some fled the Highland Clearances in Scotland, while others left Ireland during the Great Famine. They brought their expertise as coal miners and farmers from Scotland to Cape Breton and their mercantile and fishing skills from Ireland to the streets of Halifax.This personal connection to the past fuels Brian's passion for helping others discover their own heritage. As a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and genealogical societies in Nova Scotia, Scotland, and Prince Edward Island, Brian shares his extensive knowledge from his home base on PEI. He currently serves on the boards of the Prince Edward Island Community Museums Association and the Bedeque and Area Historical Society.Through How We Got Here Genealogy Services, Brian guides others to connect with their own vibrant family narratives, helping them understand not just who their ancestors were, but how they lived.

Duration:01:00:44

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A Rock for the Duke, A Toast for An Ancestor

8/6/2025
For a FREE 30-minute Family History Consultation, book your spot here: https://bookings.howwegothere.ca Join Brian Nash in this episode of "How We Got Here" for a captivating conversation with guest Jamie Bailey, who returns to share the latest chapter in his family's remarkable history. [cite_start]Jamie recounts the story of his ancestors, the Baileys, who were evicted from their home in Sutherland, Scotland, during the Highland Clearances. He details their arduous five-week journey in 1814 aboard a timber ship, the *Perseverance of Aberdeen*, to start a new life in Pictou County, Nova Scotia.This move from tenant farmers to landowners marked a pivotal moment, setting the stage for generations of prosperity and opportunity that their descendants would come to enjoyThe discussion takes an exciting turn as Jamie recounts his recent pilgrimage to Scotland, a journey to walk in the footsteps of his ancestors. With the help of a local historian, he located the exact site of his family's former village and the ruins of their home, providing an emotional and overwhelming connection to his past. This personal quest offers a powerful testament to the value of genealogical research, exploring how understanding our origins can provide a profound sense of identity and connection across generations. Jamie and Brian also delve into the lasting impact of Scottish immigrants on the culture and development of Nova Scotia and Canada as a whole.. How We Got Here: Genealogy is hosted by family historian Brian Nash. Brian helps people not just trace their family tree, but understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make up their family's unique story. CONNECT & SUPPORT 🌳 All My Links (Linktree): https://linktr.ee/howwegotheregenealogy 🙋 Ask a Genealogy Question: Visit https://ask.howwegothere.ca/ or email ask@howwegothere.ca ☕ Support the Channel (Buy Me a Coffee): https://www.buymeacoffee.com/howwegothere 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Join our Genealogy Community (The Family Circle): https://familycircle.howwegothere.ca/ Brian Nash is a family historian and the host of How We Got Here: Genealogy. He focuses on helping people not just trace their family tree, but to understand the history surrounding the people, places, and events that make each family's story unique. Brian began researching his own family history over 30 years ago. He proudly calls himself a "Celtic Canadian," having traced his own roots from Scotland and Ireland to their arrival in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th centuries. His ancestors’ stories are deeply woven into the fabric of Canadian history—some fled the Highland Clearances in Scotland, while others left Ireland during the Great Famine. They brought their expertise as coal miners from Scotland to Cape Breton and their mercantile skills from Ireland to the streets of Halifax. This personal connection to the past fuels Brian's passion for helping others discover their own heritage. As a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) and genealogical societies in Nova Scotia, Scotland, and Prince Edward Island, Brian shares his extensive knowledge from his home base on PEI. He currently serves on the boards of the Prince Edward Island Community Museums Association and the Bedeque and Area Historical Society. Through How We Got Here Genealogy, Brian guides others to connect with their own vibrant family narratives, helping them understand not just who their ancestors were, but how they lived. About Brian Nash

Duration:00:49:31

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Awful, or Awful Kind? The Story of the Middlemore Children

7/8/2025
In this episode, Brian sits down with Historian and Author Sara Underwood to discuss a side of Prince Edward Island history that stands in stark contrast to its famous fictional orphan, Anne of Green Gables. Sara's book, "Awful Kind: The Story of the Middlemore Children and Prince Edward Island," shines a light on the real, and often tragic, stories of British Home Children. You’ll hear how a conversation with a descendant sparked a deep dive into the archives, leading to the remarkable discovery of thousands of individual case files for children sent from the Middlemore Homes to the Maritimes. Sara reveals the shocking truths she uncovered from the records. These children weren't brought over for adoption; they were primarily a source of cheap labor to fill a shortage of domestic servants and farmhands. Hear the heart-wrenching stories of their lives: children as young as seven expected to do the work of a man , the profound sadness and stigma that followed many for life , and the desperate ways they tried to reconnect with family back in England. For anyone who believes they may have a Home Child ancestor, Sara shares the crucial first steps to begin your own search. About Brian Nash As a genealogist, Brian focuses on the people, places, and events that make up people's family stories. Brian is a genealogist who started working on his own family tree over 30 years ago and has been able to trace one family line back to as early as 950 AD. Brian traces his own family from Scotland and Ireland to the New World where they wound up in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th centuries. In some cases, they fled their homelands due to the Highland Clearances in Scotland or the Potato Blight in Ireland. They took their Expertise as Coal Miners from Scotland to Cape Breton or their Mercantile and Manufacturing Skills from Ireland to the streets of Halifax Brian has been a member of the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia, the Scottish Genealogical Society, and the Prince Edward Island Genealogical Society. Brian currently resides in Prince Edward Island, Canada, with his family. Check out Brian on Link Tree https://linktr.ee/howwegotheregenealogy Have a Family History Question? 🙋‍♀️❓❔ Visit https://ask.howwegothere.ca/ or send an email to ask@howwegothere.ca ☕ Support the Channel Buy Brian a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/howwegothere Become a Part of The Future of Genealogy and Join The Family Circle our New Genealogy Community - for Free!!! Visit https://familycircle.howwegothere.ca/ and sign up for Free.

Duration:00:35:38

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The Man For whom Time Stands Still ...

6/11/2025
In this episode, Brian sits down with Peter Kelly, the driving force behind The Woodland Escape, a YouTube channel devoted to bringing 18th-century homesteading and living archaeology to life. From hand-forging nails on an open hearth to building birch-bark canoes and authentic blockhouses, Peter and his team have spent the last four and a half years recreating every aspect of early Canadian frontier life on their “Kelly’s Station” site, nestled midway between Toronto and Ottawa. You’ll hear how Peter’s fascination with period craftsmanship—from tanning leather by brain-tanning it over coals to casting lead musket balls in historic molds—evolved into a community refuge for living historians, complete with education days for local students. We also dive into the personal side of his work: tracing his own family’s journey from 19th-century Ireland to Northern Ontario, the wild tales of logging-camp kitchens and Revolutionary-era Quaker youths sent on horseback to negotiate land deals, and why those rich narratives matter just as much as names and dates on a family tree. Together we explore what “living history” can teach us about our ancestors’ values of community, self-reliance, and storytelling—and how unearthing those stories can deepen our own appreciation for where we came from. Whether you’re a seasoned genealogist or just beginning to wonder about your roots, Peter’s experiences remind us that the memories we preserve today will become tomorrow’s family legends. So sit back and grab your favorite beverage. Perhaps a glass of Canadian rye whisky for sipping. Unless, of course, you’re listening to this while you’re driving—then you better stick to coffee.

Duration:00:44:27

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She is Making History Cool Again!

5/12/2025
Become a Part of The Future of Genealogy and Join The Family Circle our New Genealogy Community - for Free!!! Visit https://familycircle.howwegothere.ca/ and sign up for Free.In this episode, Brian talks to Kayleigh Currie, the museum manager at the Bedeque Area Historical Museum in Bedeque, Prince Edward Island. Brian, who is also on the board of the Bedeque Area Historical Society and knows Kayleigh personally, engages in a conversation highlighting her enthusiasm and passion for her role. They discuss how Kayleigh's experiences growing up near King's Landing in New Brunswick and working there as a reenactor significantly influenced her love for history and museum work.This episode underscores the importance of personal and family histories. To further explore your own ancestral connections and engage with others who share a passion for genealogy, be sure to check out the new How We Got Here genealogy community at https://familycircle.howwegothere.caAs a genealogist, Brian focuses on the people, places, and events that make up people's family stories. Brian is a genealogist who started working on his own family tree over 30 years ago and has been able to trace one family line back to as early as 950 AD.Brian traces his own family from Scotland and Ireland to the New World where they wound up in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th centuries. In some cases, they fled their homelands due to the Highland Clearances in Scotland or the Potato Blight in Ireland. They took their Expertise as Coal Miners from Scotland to Cape Breton or their Mercantile and Manufacturing Skills from Ireland to the streets of HalifaxBrian has been a member of the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia, the Scottish Genealogical Society, and the Prince Edward Island Genealogical Society. Brian currently resides in Prince Edward Island, Canada, with his family. For a Free 30 minute Family History Consultation click here https://bookings.howwegothere.ca☕ Support the Channel - Buy Brian a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/howwegothere🙋‍♀️❓❔ If you have a question you're looking for an answer to goto https://ask.howwegothere.ca/ or send an email to ask@howwegothere.ca 🧬Get Your DNA Tests to Assist you in Your Family History Research at my Amazon store*https://amzn.to/4arazEuSupport the Channel - Buy Brian a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HowWeGothereEmail Brian - info@howegothere.ca

Duration:01:01:56

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Finding Your French Ancestry

3/31/2025
For a Free 30 minute Family History Consultation click here https://bookings.howwegothere.ca💲💲 Save 10% on "Scottish Ancestry" and "Family Research being Done" mugsfor the first 100 orders using the discount Code "SCOTS" https://tinyurl.com/yc2ysrwm 💲💲Check out this story of one family's Scottish ancestry and why they came to Canada.https://youtu.be/Vw0XRB9x0f0?si=I2GeDpqMrsQ1YTsQJoin this channel to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/@HowWeGotHere/joinThe fourth part of his history of the Scots-Irish Brian explores the complex history of the Ulster-Scots and how they helped to shape and define Canadian Culture. As a genealogist, Brian focuses on the people, places, and events that make up people's family stories. Brian is a genealogist who started working on his own family tree over 30 years ago and has been able to trace one family line back to as early as 950 AD.Brian traces his own family from Scotland and Ireland to the New World where they wound up in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th centuries. In some cases, they fled their homelands due to the Highland Clearances in Scotland or the Potato Blight in Ireland. They took their Expertise as Coal Miners from Scotland to Cape Breton or their Mercantile and Manufacturing Skills from Ireland to the streets of HalifaxBrian has been a member of the Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia, the Scottish Genealogical Society, and the Prince Edward Island Genealogical Society. Brian currently resides in Prince Edward Island, Canada, with his family. ☕ Support the Channel - Buy Brian a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/howwegothere🙋‍♀️❓❔ If you have a question you're looking for an answer to about them or any other family history question ⭐⭐ Please Fill in this form to Ask Your Question: https://ask.howwegother.ca ⭐⭐And Brian may answer your question on a future video or live stream 🧬Get Your DNA Tests to Assist you in Your Family History Research at my Amazon store*https://amzn.to/4arazEuSupport the Channel - Buy Brian a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HowWeGothereEmail Brian - info@howegothere.caListen to the How We Got Here Podcast on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WJo0xg...​Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/HWGHPodcaster​Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowWeGotHere2#genealogy #ScottishPlantations #UlsterHistory #IrishConflict #canada #ulster-scots #IrishHeritage

Duration:01:27:55

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Your Family's Story Needs to Be Heard

12/27/2023
Starting the 2024 Season off right In this Episode Brian Nash talks to Journalist and Businessman Joseph Quaderer Founder and CEO of StorySavor.about the process of writing a good biography. Biography writing is often one thing that Family Historians often struggle with they have the facts and figures but need to build the story. Joseph shares his experiences and some tips for gathering information and interviewing family members to help equip you for this sometimes daunting task. Joseph shares Brian's vision that everybody has a story worth telling and he left a career in Finance on Wall Street to study journalism so he could share other's stories with the world. This is a must-listen to episode for every family historian that will help take you from simply producing a family tree to writing the stories represented on those branches. ---------------------------------------------------- I want to hear from you. If you have a question, comment or you would like to be a guest on a future episode to share your family's story fill out the quick form below. https://forms.gle/iDyQUe4tgen5Ci578 Today's Guest Joseph Quaderer - Founder and CEO of Story Savor www.storysavor.com joseph.quaderer@storysavor,com Keep up-to-date with How We Got Here Genealogy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@howwegothere Twitter: https://twitter.com/HowWeGotHere2 Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/HWGHPodcaster/ Music: TRIBUTE TO O'CAROLAN by Luna Bujalesky Licensed under Creative Commons BY Attribution 4.0 License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Duration:01:13:11

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Finally an Empire Greater than the Romans.

4/6/2023
As a Genealogist Brian focuses on the people, places, and events that make up the people's family stories. In this edition of his podcast Brian talks to Short Docomentary produce Bertie Brosnan https://www.youtube.com/@BertieBrosnan . Bertie does videos about Ancient Irish History and has been recently working on Videos about the Irish Diaspora. Brian is a Genealogist who started working on his own family tree over 30 years ago and has been able to trace one family line back to as early as 950 AD. Brian traces his own family from Scotland and Ireland to the New World where they wound up in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th Century in some cases fleeing their homelands due to the Highland Clearances in Scotland or the Potato Blight in Ireland in others taking their Expertise and Coal Miners from Scotland to Cape Breton or their Mercantile and Manufacturing Skills from Ireland to the streets of Halifax Brian has been a member of; The Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia, The Scottish Genealogical Society, and the Prince Edward Island Genealogical Society. Brian currently resides in Prince Edward Island Canada with his family. Thinking of starting your family tree or do have you hit a brick wall you'd like some advice on book a free 30 minute private consultation with Brian: https://calendly.com/howwegothere/half-hour-preliminary-genealogy-meeting Support the Channel - Buy Brian a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HowWeGothere Email Brian - info@howegothere.ca Listen to the How We Got Here Podcast on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WJo0xg...​ Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/HWGHPodcaster​ Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowWeGotHere2

Duration:01:01:16

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Unlock the Power of Your Family Tree: An Acadian's Inspiring Journey

2/15/2023
Free Family Tree Templates and Worksheets and a 30 minute genealogy consultation https://tinyurl.com/3bdk2seh In this insightful and educational YouTube video, Family Historian Brian Nash sist down with Marc Bastarache, an 11th generation Acadian, to learn about how learning his family history shaped his worldview. Marc's ancestors have a fascinating history, having been originally from outside Port Royal in Acadie (modern day Nova Scotia) before being deported to South Carolina. Despite this, they managed to escape and embark on a journey that saw them walk to Lake Ontario, get captured by the Hurons, and eventually escape and travel by canoe to be reunited with their families in refugee camps. The Acadians have a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with roots that can be traced back to 17th century France. Over time, the Acadians have developed their own unique language, music, and traditions, which have been passed down through generations. They have a deep connection to the land and their communities, and their culture has been shaped by their experiences as a displaced people. Through his own research, Marc rediscovered this distinct Acadian unique culture and gained a deeper understanding of his own heritage. In this video, he shares how his story and that of his Ancestors are intertwined and how the knowledge of your family history can impact your whole perspective on life while providing a valuable and personal insight into the past. Whether you're an Acadian, or simply interested in genealogy and history, this video is sure to be both informative and entertaining. So don't miss out on this opportunity to learn about the power of knowing your family history, the rich cultural heritage of the Acadians, and how it can shape your worldview. As a Genealogist Brian focuses on the people, places, and events that make up the people's family stories. Brian is a Genealogist who started working on his own family tree over 30 years ago and has been able to trace one family line back to as early as 950 AD. Brian traces his own family from Scotland and Ireland to the New World where they wound up in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th Century in some cases fleeing their homelands due to the Highland Clearances in Scotland or the Potato Blight in Ireland in others taking their Expertise and Coal Miners from Scotland to Cape Breton or their Mercantile and Manufacturing Skills from Ireland to the streets of Halifax Brian has been a member of; The Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia, The Scottish Genealogical Society, and the Prince Edward Island Genealogical Society. Brian currently resides in Prince Edward Island Canada with his family. Check out these other videos that might interest you Make Your Family Tree Come To Life with This Free Genealogy Website - https://youtu.be/t-Q91lKwmTA 5 Tips for Growing Your Family Tree in 2023 - https://youtu.be/k75po54JX9w Genealogist Evaluates Family Tree DNA Test Results - https://youtu.be/JlBqTZsl6w0 Genealogy Resources Play List - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL-xa8qK5xPzJiMpji0678sj7SFzYxWvGv Support the Channel - Buy Brian a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HowWeGothere Email Brian - info@howegothere.ca Listen to the How We Got Here Podcast on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WJo0xg...​ Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/HWGHPodcaster​ Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowWeGotHere2 Music Clips Used LIVE FROM THE COOK SHACK - THE STRAY BIRDS - "St. Anne's Reel" by Youtuber Banjo Gal https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3XUzdlOoUk

Duration:00:59:56

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The Value of Family Artifacts and Talking to Grandparents

1/18/2023
Join Brian's channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/@howwegothere/join Tools for starting your own family tree: https://tinyurl.com/HWGH-Tools Check out Our Free Genealogy Discord server https://discord.gg/QfxABEHu8f On this podcast Genealogist Brian Nash talks to Fred Israels about the value in Family Heirlooms and talking to seniors to developing a clearer picture of your family history Fred's YouTube Page https://www.youtube.com/@fredisraels9583 As a Genealogist Brian focuses on the people, places, and events that make up the people's family stories. Brian is a Genealogist who started working on his own family tree over 30 years ago and has been able to trace one family line back to as early as 950 AD. Brian traces his own family from Scotland and Ireland to the New World where they wound up in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th Century in some cases fleeing their homelands due to the Highland Clearances in Scotland or the Potato Blight in Ireland in others taking their Expertise and Coal Miners from Scotland to Cape Breton or their Mercantile and Manufacturing Skills from Ireland to the streets of Halifax Brian has been a member of; The Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia, The Scottish Genealogical Society, and the Prince Edward Island Genealogical Society. Brian currently resides in Prince Edward Island Canada with his family. Thinking of starting your family tree or do have you hit a brick wall you'd like some advice on book a free 30 minute private consultation with Brian: https://calendly.com/howwegothere/one-hour-genealogy-consultation-and-follow-up Buy Brian a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HowWeGothere Email Brian - info@howegothere.ca Listen to the How We Got Here Podcast on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WJo0xg... Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/HWGHPodcaster Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowWeGotHere2

Duration:00:48:57

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Taking a break from Genalogy to Talk about Talking

12/21/2022
To see the perks you get by joining Brian's YouTube Channel as a member : https://www.youtube.com/@howwegothere/join Tools for starting your own family tree: https://tinyurl.com/HWGH-Tools If you haven't checked out my Free Genealogy Discord Server In this video Genealogist Brian Nash talks with Brendan from Mastertalks about public speaking tips for genealogists to help take some of the worry off of sharing your family History or Giving your first talk at a genealogy event. Brendan's YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@MasterTalks As a Genealogist Brian focuses on the people, places, and events that make up the people's family stories. Brian is a Genealogist who started working on his own family tree over 30 years ago and has been able to trace one family line back to as early as 950 AD. Brian traces his own family from Scotland and Ireland to the New World where they wound up in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th Century in some cases fleeing their homelands due to the Highland Clearances in Scotland or the Potato Blight in Ireland in others taking their Expertise and Coal Miners from Scotland to Cape Breton or their Mercantile and Manufacturing Skills from Ireland to the streets of Halifax Brian has been a member of; The Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia, The Scottish Genealogical Society, and the Prince Edward Island Genealogical Society. Brian currently resides in Prince Edward Island Canada with his family. Thinking of starting your family tree or have you hit a brick wall you'd like some advice on book a free 30 minute private consultation with Brian: https://calendly.com/howwegothere/half-hour-preliminary-genealogy-meeting Support the Channel - Buy Brian a Coffee https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HowWeGothere Email Brian - info@howegothere.ca Listen to the How We Got Here Podcast on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WJo0xg...​ Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/HWGHPodcaster​ Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowWeGotHere2

Duration:00:26:41

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Loyal and True: The Orange Lodge of Torbrook Nova Scotia

12/1/2022
Join the How We Got Here Genealogy's YouTube channel to access perks: https://www.youtube.com/@howwegothere/join Tools for starting your own family tree: https://tinyurl.com/HWGH-Tools Author Brian McConnell joins host Brian Nash and in this episode, they discuss the Loyal Orange Lodge and its members and their work and influence on Atlantic Culture. Brian McConnell talks about his book "Loyal and True" about the Local Lodge from Torbrook Mines Nova Scotia and how he started researching this particular lodge after his discovery of two former members' tombstones. As a Genealogist, Brian focuses on the people, places, and events that make up the people's family stories. Brian is a Genealogist who started working on his own family tree over 30 years ago and has been able to trace one family line back to as early as 950 AD. Brian traces his own family from Scotland and Ireland to the New World where they wound up in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th Century in some cases fleeing their homelands due to the Highland Clearances in Scotland or the Potatoe Blight in Ireland in others taking their Expertise and Coal Miners from Scotland to Cape Breton or their Mercantile and Manufacturing Skills from Ireland to the streets of Halifax Brian holds memberships in; The Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia, The Scottish Genealogical Society, and the Prince Edward Island Genealogical Society. Brian currently resides in Prince Edward Island Canada with his wife and children. Resources Mentioned in This Episode: Loyal and True: Spurgeon L.O.L. # 1624 : The Orangemen War Memorial in Wentworth Park, Sydney The Black Knights of Nova Scotia: The Black Knights of Nova Scotia The L.O.B.A. in Canada https://www.amazon.ca/L-B-Canada/dp/B094PHQPX4

Duration:01:04:23

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Good Enough to Eat For Our Ancestors

11/23/2022
Genealogist Brian Nash focuses on the people, places, and events that make up the people's family stories. In this podcasr, he talks about Food and Family History with Elizabeth Morrison of My Mother's Cookbooks Blog. So many of our memories of family members and celebrations are tied to food. So much of our who we are as families and cultural identity revolves around food and the food experiences of our Ancestors. Check out Elizabeth's Blog at https://my-mothers-cook-books.ca/blog/ Brian is a Genealogist who started working on his own family tree over 30 years ago and has been able to trace one family line back to as early as 950 AD. Brian traces his own family from Scotland and Ireland to the New World where they wound up in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the 18th and 19th Century in some cases fleeing their homelands due to the Highland Clearances in Scotland or the Potato Blight in Ireland in others taking their Expertise and Coal Miners from Scotland to Cape Breton or their Mercantile and Manufacturing Skills from Ireland to the streets of Halifax Brian holds memberships in; The Genealogical Association of Nova Scotia, The Scottish Genealogical Society, and the Prince Edward Island Genealogical Society. Brian currently resides in Prince Edward Island Canada with his wife and children. #Genealogy #Scotland #recipes #family Order A DNA Kit My Heritage DNA kit - https://amz.run/5Rmv Ancestry DNA Kit - https://amz.run/5Rn1 23 and Me DNA Kit - https://amz.run/5Rn2 Tell Me DNA Kit - https://amz.run/5Rn3 Support the Channel Buy Brian A Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/HowWeGot...​ Website - http://www.howegotehere.ca/​ Email Brian - info@howegothere.ca How We Got Here Podcast on Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/0WJo0xg...​ Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/HWGHPodcaster​ Twitter - https://twitter.com/HowWeGotHere2

Duration:00:51:15