In the first two episodes of The Unidentifieds, we explored two decades-old cold cases involving remains found in southern Oregon. We learned how DNA and genealogical sleuthing gave a little boy and a young woman their names back.

But what is genetic genealogy? It goes far beyond the 23andMe gift card you received a few holidays ago from a relative.

In Episode 3, hosts Regan Mertz and Dave Killen look at the process of genetic genealogy and how advances in DNA technology have made it an enormously powerful tool for investigators.

They delve into the history, science and practice of genetic genealogy and how investigators are using it to solve decades-old unidentified human remains cold cases in Oregon and around the nation.

Mertz also delves into the world herself and takes an Ancestry DNA test to learn more about her genetic makeup.

Listen to Episode 3 here:

Subscribe to The Unidentifieds on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, YouTube or anywhere else you listen to podcasts. Be sure to give it a five-star rating. Find all previously released episodes below:

• Episode 1: No ID. No name. A mystery that endured for 47 years.
• Episode 2: A 2-year-old’s remains found in a southern Oregon reservoir identified 58 years later

Look for episode 4 on May 1.

— Andrew Theen and Regan Mertz