Genealogy, Healing, and the Stories That Shape Us

In this fascinating episode of Life Stories: People Helping People, Shara talks with Mica L. Anders, a professional genealogist, historian, and artistic placemaker whose work helps individuals uncover forgotten family stories. What started as a hobby turned into a calling — helping people trace their roots, heal old family wounds, and understand their identities in a deeper way.Mica shares how her background in art led her to create genealogy quilts, how DNA testing can reveal surprising truths, and how she helps both descendants of enslaved people and enslavers navigate their shared history. She also opens up about her work as the first history fellow at the Minnesota African American Heritage Museum, where she uncovered stories of African Americans who lived in Minnesota long before statehood.This conversation is full of insight, empathy, and encouragement — reminding us that everyone’s story matters and that curiosity about our past can bring healing and connection in the present.Topics include:*How Mica turned her love of art and history into a career*The challenges and beauty of African American genealogy*The surprising stories DNA can reveal*Why recording family stories now is so important*The healing that can come from understanding your ancestry*Her work uncovering early African American life in MinnesotaConnect with Mica: https://www.andersgenealogicalservices.com/Want to be a guest on Life Stories Podcast? Send Shara Goswick a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1718977880777072342a16683