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Researching the lives of women in the past

Datshiane Navanayagam gets tips from two genealogists who help people discover long-lost relatives from the present and the past.

Have you ever wondered if there were a scandal buried in your family history? Datshiane Navanayagam meets two female genealogists from the US and Ireland to discuss the desire many of us have to dig into our heritage.
Michele Soulli is an American genealogist who made headlines around the world when she tracked down the real "Brenda" from rap superstar Tupac's hit song Brenda's Got A Baby, and reunited her with the child she had put up for adoption.
Hilary McDonagh helps clients who want to trace their family histories or find missing heirs. In Ireland, where famine prompted girls to migrate overseas by themselves, Hilary has unearthed some incredible stories.
Producer: Hannah Sander

(Image credit: Hilary McDonagh (L), Michele Soulli (R))

Available now

27 minutes

Last on

Sat 14 Feb 2026 17:32GMT

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Broadcasts

  • Mon 9 Feb 2026 04:32GMT
  • Mon 9 Feb 2026 13:32GMT
  • Mon 9 Feb 2026 18:32GMT
  • Mon 9 Feb 2026 23:32GMT
  • Sat 14 Feb 2026 17:32GMT

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