Author A.J. Jacobs Talks Genealogy And The World's Family Tree

47:39

November 15, 2017

We're talking to author A.J. Jacobs about the family tree — his new take on genealogy, DNA and the ties that bind us.

An entry in the parish register in southern Germany, which marks the ancestor of U.S. President Barack Obama. (Daniel Maurer/AP)

For a country that celebrates self-invention, Americans sure do love family trees. Family history. Genealogy is a passion for millions. These days, genealogy is turbo-charged with all we can learn from genetic tests and DNA. Writer A. J. Jacobs took the plunge into full genealogical, DNA discovery and came out with a tale to tell about all we know and can know these days. It can be very surprising. This hour, On Point: the new age of DNA-powered genealogy shaking up family trees. --Tom Ashbrook

Guest:

A.J. Jacobs, author of "It's All Relative: Adventures Up And Down The World's Family Tree." (@ajjacobs)

From Tom's Reading List:

Excerpt of "It's All Relative":

This program aired on November 16, 2017.