Birds & Nerds | Families are complicated: Uncovering family secrets through genetic testing | Bill Griffeth
Release Date: 10/02/2025
Birds & Nerds | A pencil is just a pencil... unless it is a Blackwing
Birds & Nerds Podcast
A pencil is just a pencil… unless it’s a Blackwing. Welcome to the Birds & Nerds podcast. In each episode, we explore a random topic — today, we’re all in on the best pencil EVER made — and, as always, we find the connection to birds. The legendary Blackwing 602 pencil was first manufactured in the 1930s and was favored by the likes of John Steinbeck, Chuck Jones, Steven Sondheim, Quincy Jones and so many more writers, musicians, and artists. A broken piece of machinery brought a half-century of production to a halt until 15 years ago when California Cedar Products revived the...
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Birds & Nerds | There's strength in numbers: Lifting up the most vulnerable is good for everyone
Birds & Nerds Podcast
Did you know that 55% of Americans don't have enough savings to simultaneously weather a loss of income and a rise in expenses? In this episode of Birds & Nerds, we're talking about ways to financially strengthen vulnerable Americans, providing them with the financial security they need to reach their full potential. And, as always, we find examples in nature where protecting and lifting up the most vulnerable in the flock makes a stronger community. "In our country, we tend to think we can make everyone better off just by income. But it's actually the combination of income, benefits, and...
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Birds & Nerds | Families are complicated: Uncovering family secrets through genetic testing | Bill Griffeth
Birds & Nerds Podcast
"Genealogy is the pursuit of truth, and if you choose to begin researching your family’s history, you had better be prepared to accept whatever truths you uncover.” That's the advice from Bill Griffeth, retired CNBC anchor and author of two books on his own family history. Welcome to the Birds & Nerds podcast, hosted by me, Ramona Schindelheim! In each episode, I'm exploring a random topic I want to know more about with an expert in that field. Somehow, we always find the connection — sometimes unexpected — to my favorite animals, BIRDS! Bill is my nerd in this episode of the...
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Birds & Nerds | Getting AI governance right is critical, especially as we push its creative limits | Vilas Dhar
Birds & Nerds Podcast
Who is in charge of making sure AI is being used for us and not against us? And can we use artificial intelligence to understand what birds are saying to each other, and then learn how to talk with birds directly? That would be pretty cool, dontcha think!? Welcome to the Birds & Nerds podcast, hosted by Ramona Schindelheim! In each episode, I'm exploring a random topic I want to know more about with an expert in that field. Somehow, we always find the connection — sometimes unexpected — to my favorite animals, BIRDS! My nerd for this episode is Vilas Dhar, president of The...
info_outline"Genealogy is the pursuit of truth, and if you choose to begin researching your family’s history, you had better be prepared to accept whatever truths you uncover.” That's the advice from Bill Griffeth, retired CNBC anchor and author of two books on his own family history.
Welcome to the Birds & Nerds podcast, hosted by me, Ramona Schindelheim! In each episode, I'm exploring a random topic I want to know more about with an expert in that field. Somehow, we always find the connection — sometimes unexpected — to my favorite animals, BIRDS!
Bill is my nerd in this episode of the podcast and we have a lot to talk about. We discuss whether we will one day have mandatory genetic testing for insurance purposes, and we delve into the world of genealogy, exploring personal stories of family history, and the impact of DNA testing, including the emotional, often life-changing journey of uncovering family secrets. We each share a few of our own family secrets!
How does this all connect to birds? Turns out that some birds are not as monogamous as we were led to believe. Sanderlings, we are talking to you! It's complicated, just as it is with people! Yes, humor can be a coping mechanism for dealing with complex family dynamics, so we have quite a few laughs along the way.
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Books by Bill Griffeth on Amazon:
A Stranger in My Genes
By Faith Alone
Follow Bill Griffeth on social:
Instagram: @thebillgriffeth
Threads: @thebillgriffeth
Visit the Birds & Nerds website and subscribe to notifications: https://www.birdsandnerdspodcast.com/
Want to know more about me? I am an award-winning journalist and storyteller curious about everything!
Follow me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramonaschindelheim/