There’s no easy way to write this post, so we’re just going to pour ourselves a drink and say it: after more than ten years, we’re pressing pause on Genealogy Happy Hour.
Ten plus years. It still feels surreal to type that. When Amy and I started this little podcast, we had no idea it would grow into what it became — a community, a conversation, a monthly ritual for so many of you all over the world. You showed up episode after episode, and that has meant everything to us.
So why now? Honestly, it’s just life doing what life does. Work has gotten bigger and more demanding for both of us. Family needs have shifted — the kind that ask more of your time and your heart than you expect. And we’ve each found ourselves pulled in new directions creatively and professionally. It didn’t feel right to keep producing the show at half-speed or with half-presence. You’ve always deserved our full enthusiasm, and right now, we can’t honestly give it.
We want to be clear about one thing: this is not goodbye forever. We are absolutely reserving the right to pour fresh glasses and fire up the microphones again whenever the time feels right. The door is not closed — it’s just quietly swung shut for a while. If we’ve learned anything from genealogy, it’s that every story has more chapters.
To our guests, our collaborators, our fellow genealogy nerds — thank you for sharing your expertise and your stories with us. And to our listeners: you are the reason we kept going, episode after episode, year after year. Your emails, your social media messages, your enthusiasm at conferences — you made this feel like community rather than content.
We also want to take a moment to sincerely thank our sponsors over the years. Your support made it possible for us to keep the lights on, the mics running, and the happy hours flowing. We are deeply grateful for every partnership and for believing in what we were building.
The back catalog isn’t going anywhere. Pour yourself something and revisit an old episode whenever you need a little happy hour in your day.
With so much love and gratitude,
Amy and Penny
Your presence and expertise will be sorely missed. Thank you for all you’ve taught me, especially for giving me the confidence to take my own “Ohio Genealogy Road Trip”. And thank you for the addiction to Nathan Dylan Goodwin. Your genealogy podcast is unlike any other. I will continue to refer to some episodes as long as they are available.
Judy
Judith, thank you so much for listening to us talk about our favorite subject. I am so glad you were able to take away some things from our podcasts.
Enjoyed your podcast and your wine selections and reviews. Life gets in the way, and other priories take president. Hope at some point in future you do return.
Best of luck to both of you. Job well done. Joyce Parin
Joyce, thank you for listening and you never know what will happen in the future. A break might be just what we need for a bit.
I love listening to your podcast. When you took your break a few years ago, I was so unhappy and I was afraid you would not reutrn. After a break you returned to my joy and listening pleasure.
Life can be very demanding at times and if a break is needed, you two truly deserve this. I will re-listen to past podcasts as I await your return. I have learned so much from these podcast. Being a Buckeye also, I loved your visit to Ohio.
Have a good rest and come back when you are ready. Best wishes.
Rebecca, thank you so much for your kind words. Sometimes a break us just what’s needed to reinspire.
Amy and Penny,
I so sorry to see you go but completely understand that life changes. I have learned so much from both of you over the years and you made genealogy accessible and enjoyable. Best of luck!
Thank you, Elaine, for your kind words. So glad you were able to take something away from our podcast.
I’m so sad to hear this but completely understand. I take care of my 94 year old dad and have a daughter about to graduate from Grad school. I retired early due yo shifting priorities as well. I have been hoping to meet you some time. I’m a fellow Floridian and live south of Jax in the community of Saint Johns just north of St. Augustine. Maybe some day we will meet. Take care! Melissa Cain McKnight
Melissa, Thank you for listening and understanding. You do have a lot going on in your life as well. Maybe someday we will meet up at a genealogical event.
I have loved all your shows and have found several of the wines you have recommended. I am going to miss your stories and knowledge and the wine. Hope to hear your voices again soon
Hi Vicki, thank you so much for listening and trying out some of the wine suggestions. Hope you found one you like. We are going to miss sharing our stories too!