The Research Like a Pro Genealogy Podcast

ตอน

• RLP 416: George Washington and Richard Wiatt Royston - America 250 Ancestor 29.06.2026 39นาที

  Diana and Nicole discuss the America 250 Ancestors series, which focuses on researching colonial ancestors who lived during the Revolutionary War era. Diana shares her recent trip to Mount Vernon, where she experienced Revolutionary War Weekend and visited the slave quarters and memorial to learn about the 317 enslaved individuals who lived on the estate. Listeners learn how to use historical context to tell the stories of their own ancestors who lived during this foundational time in American history. Diana highlights her research into her fifth great-grandfather, Richard Wiatt Royston, and his connection to George Washington. She details how Richard and his wife Ann sold land to Fielding Lewis in a 1752 transaction that George Washington personally surveyed. Diana and Nicole examine records such as vestry books, tax lists, and petitions to piece together Richard's life in Gloucester County, Virginia, including the story of his son John's time as a runaway apprentice. Through these records and accounts of the extreme economic hardship and natural disasters in the post-Revolutionary era, they demonstrate how to utilize available documentation to construct a richer understanding of an ancestor's experiences and sacrifices. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links George Washington and Richard Wiatt Royston: America 250 Ancestor – Family Locket - https://familylocket.com/george-washington-and-richard-wiatt-royston-america-250-ancestor/   Sponsor – Newspapers.com For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.  Research Like a Pro Resources Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/ Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d Research Like a Pro with AI Workbook – Second Edition (eBook) - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-ai-workbook-second-edition-ebook/ 14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/ Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/ Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/ RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/ Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/ Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/ RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/ Thank you Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following: Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you! Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below. Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/ Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/
• RLP 415: Testing AI's Ability to Map Historical Land Records 22.06.2026 27นาที

  Diana Elder and Nicole Dyer examine the current capabilities of artificial intelligence for mapping historical land records. Nicole tests ChatGPT's ability to convert a metes and bounds description from a 1788 Arnold-West deed into an accurate land plat drawing. She compares the AI-generated results against a verified plat she previously created using DeedMapper software. Nicole experiments with several prompting strategies, including simple prompts, chain-of-thought, and meta-prompting. She discovers that while basic image generation struggles to create accurate diagrams, asking the AI to write and execute Python scripts yields technically correct representations. She also evaluates the newer "thinking" model, which autonomously uses logic and scripts to plot the land. Listeners learn that while AI serves as a helpful assistant for genealogy research, users need foundational knowledge in deed mapping to verify the accuracy of the results. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links Testing AI's Ability to Map Historical Land Records: ChatGPT Compared to DeedMapper - https://familylocket.com/testing-ais-ability-to-map-historical-land-records-chatgpt-compared-to-deedmapper/ Relevant previous podcast episodes Other links discussed in podcast Sponsor – Newspapers.com For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.  Research Like a Pro Resources Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/ Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d Research Like a Pro with AI Workbook – Second Edition (eBook) - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-ai-workbook-second-edition-ebook/ 14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/ Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/ Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/ RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/ Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/ Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/ RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/ Thank you Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following: Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you! Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below. Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/ Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/
• RLP 414: A Trip to the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center 15.06.2026 25นาที

  Diana and Nicole share their recent visit to the Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where they explore the facility's premier resources. Listeners learn how to use the Periodical Source Index (PERSI) to locate articles by keyword, surname, or locality. The pair explains the value of city directories for tracking individuals after 1950 to uncover addresses and occupations. They also offer guidance on utilizing published family histories, specifically on evaluating an author's methods and identifying primary source clues within these volumes. The discussion shifts to the library's expansive collection of locality-based books, including county histories and cemetery abstracts, and their methodology section containing various research guides. Listeners gain insight into the benefits of accessing subscription-based databases and locked FamilySearch collections while onsite. Finally, Diana and Nicole address the library's transition to digital microfilm viewing, noting that physical film remains accessible for those who prefer it. By the end of the episode, listeners understand how to prepare for a research trip to this center and maximize their time while working with its collections.  This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links APG Virtual Professional Management Conference - https://www.apgen.org/pmc2026.php Allen County Public Library Genealogy Center blog post by Diana - https://familylocket.com/a-trip-to-the-allen-county-public-library-genealogy-center/ PERSI (Periodical Source Index) - https://www.genealogycenter.info/persi/ ACPL Genealogy Databases - https://www.acpl.lib.in.us/genealogy/research-resources Sponsor – Newspapers.com For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.  Research Like a Pro Resources Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/ Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d Research Like a Pro with AI Workbook – Second Edition (eBook) - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-ai-workbook-second-edition-ebook/ 14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/ Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/ Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/ RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/ Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/ Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/ RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/ Thank you Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following: Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you! Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below. Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/ Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/
• RLP 413: Using Claude's Custom Skills for Genealogy Research Reports 08.06.2026 36นาที

  Hosts Nicole and Diana discuss using Claude's Custom Skills to automate genealogical report writing. Nicole begins by sharing her previous, challenging attempt to transform a Baldy Dyer research log spreadsheet into a research report using earlier Claude models. Diana provides an overview of Claude, noting its models (Haiku, Sonnet, Opus) and new features like Custom Skills, which are similar to Custom GPTs. Nicole explains that she set up a Custom Skill to convert spreadsheet files into research reports. The prompt instructs Claude to create a paragraph from each log row, describing the search and findings, and using the source citation as a markdown footnote. Claude successfully generates a report based on Nicole's Baldy Dyer research log. Nicole offers feedback to refine the skill. She asks Claude to synthesize the research results and comments into natural prose without making inferences, include direct quotes as block quotes, and handle negative search results more naturally. The hosts then review the report, noting its efficiency but also discussing a factual inconsistency the AI did not correlate—the conflict between the pre-existing objective's death date for Baldy Dyer (20 Nov 1814) and the new finding (February 1815). Nicole questions how much analysis and correlation she can entrust to the AI. Listeners learn how to use Claude's Custom Skills to generate genealogical research reports from a research log. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links From Spreadsheet to Research Report: Using Claude's Custom Skills for Genealogy - https://familylocket.com/from-spreadsheet-to-research-report-using-claudes-custom-skills-for-genealogy/ How to create custom Skills - https://support.claude.com/en/articles/12512198-how-to-create-custom-skills Sponsor – Newspapers.com For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.  Research Like a Pro Resources Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/ Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d Research Like a Pro with AI Workbook – Second Edition (eBook) - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-ai-workbook-second-edition-ebook/ 14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/ Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/ Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/ RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/ Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/ Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/ RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/ Thank you Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following: Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you! Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below. Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/ Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/
• RLP 412: Acadian Genealogy and Ancestral Intuition with Judy Nimer Muhn 01.06.2026 39นาที

  The episode features guest Judy Nimer Muhn, a professional genealogist and author who specializes in French-Canadian, Acadian, and Indigenous ancestry. Judy is also the owner of Lineage Journeys and serves as the President of the Michigan Genealogical Council. Nicole and Diana discuss Acadian research with Judy, focusing on how she defines the Acadians and distinguishes them from French-Canadians. Nicole asks for the critical first steps researchers should take when beginning to use Acadian records, such as using Facebook groups and provincial archives. Judy talks about the challenge of condensing the history section for her Acadian Genealogy Guide and lists the principal archives, including collections at the University of Maine at Fort Kent and the Library and Archives of Canada. The conversation shifts to the unexpected feelings and "weirdness" that genealogists sometimes experience while researching. Judy shares how she, as a scientist and former licensed psychologist, reconciles these "psychic" feelings or moments of synchronicity with a scientific worldview. The hosts ask Judy how Hank Jones's book Psychic Roots changed her perspective on these strange connections. Judy explains what happens in the brain during these moments using cognitive psychology concepts like luck theory. The discussion touches upon how quantum mechanics may relate to connecting with the past and why many genealogists feel uncomfortable sharing these experiences. Listeners learn essential resources and initial steps for Acadian research and gain a scientific and psychological perspective on the powerful connections felt while tracing family history. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links Judy's Website - https://lineagejourneys.com/ Genealogy at a Glance: Acadian Genealogy Research - https://genealogical.com/store/genealogy-at-a-glance-acadian-genealogy-research/ Ancestors Calling: Science, Synchronicity and Sources - https://lineagejourneys.com/2026/04/15/ancestors-calling-science-synchronicity-and-sources/ Psychic Roots: Serendipity and Intuition in Genealogy by Hank Jones - https://genealogical.com/store/psychic-roots/ More Psychic Roots: Further Adventures in Serendipity & Intuition in Genealogy by Hank Jones - https://genealogical.com/store/more-psychic-roots/ Sponsor – Newspapers.com For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.  Research Like a Pro Resources Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/ Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d Research Like a Pro with AI Workbook – Second Edition (eBook) - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-ai-workbook-second-edition-ebook/ 14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/ Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/ Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/ RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/ Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/ Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/ RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/ Thank you Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following: Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you! Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below. Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/ Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/
• RLP 411: 23andMe Clustering and Chromosome Browser 25.05.2026 30นาที

  This episode of the Research Like a Pro Genealogy podcast focuses on the latest updates from 23andMe: the new DNA Relatives Clustering feature and the return of the chromosome browser. Nicole introduces the topic by explaining that both features are now available for premium users, stating that this move, while potentially disappointing for some, is necessary to support the profitability of DNA testing companies. Diana discusses the brand new DNA Relatives Clustering feature, clarifying that it organizes DNA matches into groups who share with each other, suggesting they descend from the same common ancestors. Listeners learn that a key benefit of this clustering is being able to hover over an intersecting cell to see the shared centimorgans between two people in the cluster. Nicole adds that users can also download their cluster results to a CSV file, which shows how much individuals share with each other. Diana illustrates the process by giving an example of creating a cluster from a DNA match named Susan, which involves using the "Cluster relatives in common" button. The hosts then shift their focus to the Advanced DNA Comparison Tool, also known as the chromosome browser. Diana clarifies that the tool is still useful for triangulation, allowing users to compare one match to another match. She explains that the main difference is that matches must be a "connection" with the test-taker to be placed in the primary comparison spot. Nicole notes a benefit where users can see if DNA overlaps in the "Relatives in Common" list, and clicking on that overlap takes them directly to the chromosome browser. Listeners gain a detailed understanding of how to use these new tools to advance their genetic genealogy research at 23andMe. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links 23andMe New Clustering Feature and Returning Chromosome Browser - https://familylocket.com/23andme-new-clustering-feature-and-returning-chromosome-browser/ 23andMe Customer Care Articles and blog posts: How to Use DNA Relatives Clustering at 23andMe - https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/38509301730839-How-to-Use-DNA-Relatives-Clustering-at-23andMe How to Start and Stop 23andMe Sharing https://customercare.23andme.com/hc/en-us/articles/212871747-How-to-Start-and-Stop-23andMe-Sharing Decoding Your Connections: Introducing Advanced DNA Comparison - https://blog.23andme.com/articles/reintroducing-advanced-dna-comparison Sponsor – Newspapers.com For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.  Research Like a Pro Resources Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/ Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d Research Like a Pro with AI Workbook – Second Edition (eBook) - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-ai-workbook-second-edition-ebook/ 14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/ Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/ Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/ RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/ Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/ Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/ RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/ Thank you Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following: Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you! Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below. Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/ Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/
• RLP 410: Catholic Nun Research with Sunny Morton 18.05.2026 42นาที

  This episode of the Research Like a Pro Genealogy podcast features guest Sunny Morton. Sunny is a genealogy educator, writer, and editor who specializes in US records, particularly those of religious denominations. She is the author of Searching for Sisters: A Guide to Researching Catholic Nuns in the United States. The discussion begins with the motivation behind writing the book, Searching for Sisters. Then, Sunny shares what the religious life was like for Catholic sisters and nuns. The episode covers practical research steps, including how a researcher can discover which institute a woman may have joined. The conversation addresses what types of records researchers might find in a religious archive. They also discuss publicly available records that can help researchers learn about the lives of sisters and nuns. Finally, the episode addresses how to best tell a sister's story and includes an example. Listeners learn essential strategies for researching the lives of Catholic nuns in the United States. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links Sunny's website - https://www.sunnymorton.com/ Sunny's book: Searching for Sisters: A Guide to Researching Catholic Nuns in the United States - https://genealogical.com/store/searching-for-sisters-a-guide-to-researching-catholic-nuns-in-the-united-states/ - Use promocode Church26 to take 15% off Review of "Searching for Sisters: A Guide to Researching Catholic Nuns in the United States: and Author Interview - https://familylocket.com/review-of-searching-for-sisters-a-guide-to-researching-catholic-nuns-in-the-united-states-and-author-interview/ Sponsor – Newspapers.com For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.  Research Like a Pro Resources Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/ Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d Research Like a Pro with AI Workbook – Second Edition (eBook) - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-ai-workbook-second-edition-ebook/ 14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/ Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/ Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/ RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/ Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/ Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/ RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/ Thank you Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following: Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you! Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below. Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/ Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/
• RLP 409: Negative Search Results vs. Negative Evidence: When Nothing Found Means Something 11.05.2026 24นาที

  On this episode of Research Like a Pro, Diana and Nicole discuss how to transform unsuccessful searching into powerful proof by distinguishing between negative search results and negative evidence. Diana mentions that she is reading an article from the National Genealogical Society Quarterly about a DNA cluster that links two distant lines of descent. Diana shares that a search that yields "nothing" may be exactly the evidence a genealogist needs, drawing from her presentation at RootsTech 2026 on this topic. She uses her research on Henderson Weatherford as a case study for understanding the value of recording negative searches. Nicole then defines the three foundations of sound genealogical analysis. Direct evidence directly answers a research question, such as a death certificate stating a date of death. Indirect evidence requires combining multiple pieces of information to reason one's way to a conclusion. Negative evidence is a form of indirect evidence inferred from the absence of information that should exist under specific circumstances. Nicole clarifies that a negative search result is simply a logged research outcome, whereas negative evidence is only created after ruling out common causes for finding nothing, such as record loss, incomplete databases, or indexing errors. Diana then walks listeners through the seven steps of the Research Like a Pro process for systematically assembling negative evidence, which include defining a focused objective, conducting a locality study, citing every search, and writing a reasoned conclusion. Nicole notes that this process often requires several research phases to gather sufficient evidence, as in the Weatherford research. Listeners learn that when negative evidence is built through systematic, well-documented research, it is a legitimate and powerful form of proof. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links Negative Search Results vs. Negative Evidence: When Nothing Found Means Something - https://familylocket.com/negative-search-results-vs-negative-evidence-when-nothing-found-means-something/ Diana's negative evidence RootsTech Talk - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/when-nothing-found-means-something-negative-search-results-vs-negative-evidence Sponsor – Newspapers.com For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.  Research Like a Pro Resources Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/ Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d 14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/ Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/ Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/ RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/ Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/ Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/ RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/ Thank you Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following: Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you! Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below. Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/ Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/
• RLP 408: Buried Secrets - Interview with Ann Hanson 04.05.2026 52นาที

  This episode of Research Like a Pro features an illuminating interview with author and genealogist Anne Hanson. Anne is the author of Buried Secrets: Looking for Frank and Ida, a deeply personal family history that uncovers the hidden past of her paternal grandparents. A lifelong genealogist and writer, Anne specializes in researching ordinary lives in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Sweden, with a special interest in the late 19th and first half of the 20th centuries. Diana interviews Anne about her process of turning private family research into a published book. Anne shares how she decided when and how to include "Imagining the past" sections that blend fact-based research with imagined reconstructions. The host asks Anne about the emotional experience of writing about her grandparents, knowing their story had been deliberately hidden, and which scene or revelation in Buried Secrets was the hardest for her to write emotionally. Anne discusses how uncovering painful family secrets changes the view of our ancestors. The discussion also covers the research strategy or source that gave Anne the biggest breakthrough in solving the mystery of Frank and Ida's true identities. Diana asks Anne to reflect on the role her father's curiosity played in the research and how their relationship evolved through the shared genealogical journey. Listeners learn practical and emotional advice for overcoming "brick wall" ancestors and gain insight into how to balance meticulous genealogy with compelling storytelling. Anne closes by revealing her next research goal: finding her great-uncle Willard. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links Buried Secrets book on Amazon - https://amzn.to/4vVviv2 (affiliate link)  Anne's website - https://annehanson.com/  Excerpt from the book - https://annehanson.com/chapter-to-read/  Grub Street: Center for Creative Writing - https://grubstreet.org/ Sponsor – Newspapers.com For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.  Research Like a Pro Resources Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/ Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d Research Like a Pro with AI Workbook – Second Edition (eBook) - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-ai-workbook-second-edition-ebook/ 14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/ Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/ Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/ RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/ Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/ Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/ RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/ Thank you Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following: Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you! Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below. Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/ Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/
• RLP 407: Agentic Browsers and Native Integrations: Second Edition of RLP with AI 27.04.2026 32นาที

  This episode focuses on the newly updated second edition of the Research Like a Pro with AI genealogy workbook. Nicole and Diana discuss how the book shifts its attention from early 2025 models to the most powerful models available in mid-February 2026, specifically ChatGPT 5.2, Claude Opus 4.6, and Gemini 3. Diana highlights the most significant change, which is the introduction of "agentic" browsers, including Claude in Chrome, Perplexity Comet, and ChatGPT Atlas. These autonomous agents can now perform tasks like actively clicking through family tree lines to find research gaps, navigating library catalogs to compile relevant collections, and autonomously executing research plans directly from a Google Doc. Nicole details the expanded coverage of Handwritten Text Recognition (HTR), which now includes specialized tools such as Gemini in Google AI Studio, Leo for paleography, and Ancestry.com's Image Transcript beta tool. Diana covers the native AI features built into genealogy platforms like Ancestry's "Ideas" and FamilySearch's AI Research Assistant, as well as productivity tools like Goldie May and Airtable. Nicole notes that Airtable AI is now more accessible to free users and describes how its new Omni sidebar can synthesize evidence across multiple rows, such as pulling together scattered land and tax records to build a case for a parent-child relationship. Diana provides crucial privacy updates, alerting users that Claude now trains on user data by default, and she outlines the specific limits on "Deep Research" features. She also discusses NotebookLM's ability to process YouTube video transcripts and Gemini 3's "spatial grounding" capabilities for reading complex historical documents. Listeners learn that the 2026 Second Edition moves from manual AI prompting to autonomous, integrated research workflows, equipping genealogists with cutting-edge efficiency. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links Agentic Browsers and Native Integrations: Inside the New Edition of Research Like a Pro with AI - https://familylocket.com/agentic-browsers-and-native-integrations-inside-the-new-edition-of-research-like-a-pro-with-ai/ Research Like a Pro with AI Workbook – Second Edition (eBook) - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-ai-workbook-second-edition-ebook/ Sponsor – Newspapers.com For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.  Research Like a Pro Resources Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/ Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d 14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/ Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/ Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/ RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/ Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/ Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/ RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/ Thank you Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following: Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you! Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below. Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/ Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/
• RLP 406: Goldie May's New AI Tool with Richard Miller 20.04.2026 1ชม. 13นาที

  This episode features guest Richard Miller, who discusses the Goldie May AI assistant. Richard explains the AI assistant was added to provide genealogists with an injection of brain power when they feel stuck on a family line. He says the tool helps users find answers by proposing different thinking options. They discuss how the tool assists with core research tasks. The AI assistant helps with research objectives by reviewing sources for gaps and performing pedigree analysis. It connects via Tree Crossing to tree programs like Rootsmagic and Legacy, allowing users to ask the AI assistant about their tree data. For building a timeline, Goldie May generates a "subway map" timeline showing the approximate progression of a person's life over time, incorporating data and historical context from FamilySearch, which the AI assistant can then reason over. The hosts discuss the AI assistant's role in documentation and planning. The AI assistant generates citations approximating Evidence Explained and can create custom citations in any style from pasted content or screenshots. Since Goldie May is a browser extension, this allows the AI assistant to read a webpage, write a citation and description, and attach the source to FamilySearch. For locality research, users can send screenshots of records or wiki pages to Goldie May, which provides context for the AI chat. The AI accesses the Goldie May Catalog, a listing of collections across major and minor genealogy sites, and suggests records to search. The discussion covers transcription, where the AI assistant uses Gemini 3 to transcribe images added to the research log. For research logging, the AI analyzes automatically logged links and data to create reports, summarize projects, and summarize where the user left off. Finally, Richard shares how the AI assists with writing; she prompted the model to review sources and memories about an ancestor to generate a historically accurate story at a 4th-grade level. Listeners learn how to use the Goldie May AI assistant to streamline tedious tasks, improve documentation, and efficiently generate family narratives. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links Goldie May - https://www.goldiemay.com/ Tree Crossing - https://treecrossing.com/ Goldie May AI Assistant Videos: AI just changed how much genealogy you can get done - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHoTMgopnIk The FULL, raw look at Goldie May's AI assistant for genealogists - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kimoZDQPN5g New genealogy AI features announced this week at RootsTech 2026 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRtjvfe7zyo  Sponsor – Newspapers.com For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.  Research Like a Pro Resources Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/ Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d 14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/ Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/ Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/ RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/ Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/ Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/ RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/ Thank you Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following: Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you! Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below. Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/ Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/
• RLP 405: Interview with Mark and Steve of the Family History AI Show 13.04.2026 38นาที

  Nicole and Diana open the episode by discussing Claude in Chrome for Pedigree Triangulation before introducing their interview with Mark and Steve about AI, who host the Family History AI Show. Mark Thompson also runs the Making Family History blog, and Steve Little writes on his Substack, Vibe Genealogy AI. Steve is the AI Program Director for the National Genealogical Society. They both teach widely about AI topics and family history, including their own courses. Diana shares her specific workflow for locality research, explaining her "round-robin" approach of gathering raw data from multiple AI models, such as ChatGPT and Perplexity, and then feeding that output into Claude to distill and format the information. The hosts then discuss the idea of verification as a learning tool, arguing that fact-checking the AI's transcription or summary is where the deepest learning takes place, shifting the researcher's focus from typing "drudgery" to the "art" of correlation. They discuss the future of AI and genealogy, concluding that AI will not replace the "human element" in genealogy, such as intuition and persistence. Listeners will learn practical tips on using a multi-model AI "stack" for more accurate, professional results and gain a balanced view of how AI excitement is tempered by the continued importance of the human genealogist. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links Steve Little's RootsTech classes - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/speakers/steve-little/en Mark Thompson's RootsTech classes - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/speakers/mark-thompson/en AI Genealogy Insights - Steve Little's former blog -  https://aigenealogyinsights.com/blog/ Vibe Genealogy - Steve Little's Substack - https://vibegenealogy.ai/ The Family History AI Show Webpage – https://blubrry.com/3738800/ The Family History AI Show at Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-family-history-ai-show/id1749873836 Mark's website – Making Family History – www.makingfamilyhistory.com Sponsor – Newspapers.com For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.  Research Like a Pro Resources Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/ Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d 14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/ Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/ Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/ RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/ Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/ Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/ RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/ Thank you Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following: Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you! Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below. Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/ Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/
• RLP 404: RootsTech Class 2026 Class Takeaways 06.04.2026 47นาที

  This episode features listener takeaways from the recent RootsTech 2026 conference. Diana discusses the overall positive impressions of the event, noting the high quality of the presentations and the unanimous message about disclosing the use of AI and double-checking its work. Nicole and Diana review several classes on AI, including transforming family history into song, understanding AI's role in archival stewardship, and mastering the basics of AI for genealogy. They share lessons on using AI to abstract information from records, create citations, and analyze research logs to identify gaps. Diana also discusses her class on using AI to clarify complex court records by translating obsolete terms and organizing chronological data. The hosts share insights on specialized research areas, methodology, and records. Diana highlights classes on DNA, including using shared-match grids to analyze and group DNA matches and a methodology to defeat the "Genealogy Gremlin" by evaluating match pedigrees and mitigating confirmation bias. They share a listener's review of Michael Lacopo's session on how to successfully approach non-responsive cousins to encourage them to share their DNA. The hosts discuss classes on research methodology, such as resolving same-name issues by building identity profiles and constructing timelines, and using genealogical analysis to solve conflicting birth dates. Diana notes that a class on probate files reveals that these records contain many rich documents beyond the will, offering clues about an ancestor's associates and lifestyle. They also share Sue Taylor's review a class on Italian records that explains the Latin grammatical forms—nominative, genitive, and accusative—found in civil and parish records. Listeners learn how to access recordings and handouts from RootsTech to apply new AI tools to their research, master advanced DNA analysis techniques, and apply genealogical proof standards to complex records and challenging research questions. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links to RootsTech Classes RootsTech Classes in the On-Demand Library - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/library Even if there's no recording, you can always review the handout! AI and Genealogy ●       Musical Memories - Transforming Family History into Song with AI (recorded) by Brandon Camp of Storied - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/musical-memories-transforming-family-history-into-song-with-ai ●       Preserving the Past with Emerging Tech: AI's Role in Archival Stewardship (recorded) by Bret Weekes, John Morrey, John Alexander, Jimmy Zimmerman - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/preserving-the-past-with-emerging-tech-ais-role-in-archival-stewardship ●       Your AI Toolkit: Essential Tools for Family History Success (recorded) by Laryn Brown - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/your-ai-toolkit-essential-tools-for-family-history-success ●       AI & Family History: Foundations & First Steps: Mastering AI Basics for Genealogy (recorded) by Steve Little - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/ai-family-history-foundations-first-steps-mastering-ai-basics-for-genealogy ●       FamilySearch for Latinos: Using AI to Grow Your Tree (recorded) by Ada Luque Nelson - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/familysearch-for-latinos-using-ai-to-grow-your-tree ●       FamilySearch Full-Text Search – Your Golden Path to Ancestral Discovery (recorded) by David Ouimette - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/familysearch-full-text-search-your-golden-path-to-ancestral-discovery ●       AI-Powered Research Logs: From Chaos to Clarity in Your Genealogy Data (recorded - not online yet) by Diana Elder - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/ai-powered-research-logs-from-chaos-to-clarity-in-your-genealogy-data ●       From Complex to Clear: Transform Court Records with AI Tools [in-person only] by Diana Elder - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/from-complex-to-clear-transform-court-records-with-ai-tools ●       The Future of AI in Genealogy (recorded) by David Ouimette, Steve Little, Diana Elder, Mark Thompson, Dave Vance - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/the-future-of-ai-in-genealogy ●       DNA Evidence Analysis with AI (recorded) by Nicole Dyer - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/dna-evidence-analysis-with-ai DNA ●       Using Shared-Match Grids and Matrices In Your Family History Research [in-person only] by Jonny Perl - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/using-shared-match-grids-and-matrices-in-your-family-history-research ●       DNA Swim School: 1-3. Diahan Southard. Shared matches. (recorded) by Diahan Southard - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/dna-swim-school-part-1-floating-with-one-dna-match ●       Using Autosomal DNA Analysis to Identify an Ancestor's Likely Parents (recorded) by Alice Childs - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/using-autosomal-dna-analysis-to-identify-an-ancestors-likely-parents ●       DNA Analysis Methodology: Defeat the Genealogy Gremlin (recorded) by Karen Stanbary - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/dna-analysis-methodology-defeat-the-genealogy-gremlin ●       Hi, We're Related! Successful Communication With Your DNA Matches [in-person only] by Michael Lacopo - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/hi-were-related-successful-communication-with-your-dna-matches Methodology ●       Genealogical Proof in Practice: Resolving Conflicts and Building Sound Conclusions [in-person only] by D. Joshua Taylor - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/genealogical-proof-in-practice-resolving-conflicts-and-building-sound-conclusions ●       The GPS in Practice: Examples of Reasonably Exhaustive Research (recorded) by Angela Packer McGhie - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/the-gps-in-practice-examples-of-reasonably-exhaustive-research ●       When Nothing Found Means Something: Negative Search Results vs. Negative Evidence (recorded) by Diana Elder - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/when-nothing-found-means-something-negative-search-results-vs-negative-evidence ●       Untangling the Darling Web: Advanced Strategies for Same Name Resolution (recorded) by Bonnie Wade Mucia - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/untangling-the-darling-web-advanced-strategies-for-same-name-resolution ●       Which Date Is Right? Solving Birthdate Conflicts Through Genealogical Analysis (recorded) by Carolynn Ladd - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/which-date-is-right-solving-birthdate-conflicts-through-genealogical-analysis Records and Sources ●       Taxes & Tithes: Researching Enslaved Communities in Colonial Virginia [in-person only] by Orice Jenkins - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/taxes-and-tithes-researching-enslaved-communities-in-colonial-virginia ●       Double Dates and Lost Days: Making Sense of the Calendar Switch [in-person only] by Seema Kenney - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/double-dates-and-lost-days-making-sense-of-the-calendar-switch ●       Indentured Servitude: Michael Brophy. Where to search for information. [in-person only] by Michael Brophy - [URL is missing] ●       Cards, Clevises, and Calomel: What Probate Files Can Reveal about Our Ancestors (recorded) by Nancy Peters - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/cards-clevises-and-calomel-what-probate-files-can-reveal-about-our-ancestors ●       Provenance & Proof: Advanced Strategies for Finding and Using Manuscripts In Your Research (recorded) by Kelly Richardson - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/provenance-proof-advanced-strategies-for-finding-and-using-manuscripts-in-your-research Geographic & Ethnic Research ●       Civil and Parish Records in Italy: From the Council of Trent to the 20th Century. (recorded) by Daniel Taddone - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/civil-and-parish-records-in-italy-from-the-council-of-trent-to-the-20th-century ●       New Adventures in the Americas: Colonial research like never before [in-person only] by Kristilee J. Manuel - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/new-adventures-in-the-americas-colonial-research-like-never-before ●       Mastering the Four Prongs of Onsite Genealogy Research [in-person only] by Michael D. Lacopo - https://www.familysearch.org/en/rootstech/session/mastering-the-four-prongs-of-onsite-genealogy-research Sponsor – Newspapers.com For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.  Research Like a Pro Resources Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/ Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d 14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/ Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/ Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/ RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/ Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/ Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/ RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/ Thank you Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following: Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you! Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below. Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/ Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/
• RLP 403: Transforming Court Records Research with AI: Analyzing 30.03.2026 41นาที

  Diana and Nicole discuss the analysis phase of their AI-assisted research into the 18th-century court orders between Samuel Daniel and the Roystons in Colonial Virginia. They explain how AI helps them understand complex legal terms like "imparlance," "covenant," "trespass upon the case," and "replevin bond" within the context of the court cases. Going through a case-by-case analysis, they trace the legal strategy that began after apprentice John Royston ran away from Samuel Daniel in 1770. They discuss Richard Wiatt Royston's initial trespass suit, Daniel's failed attempt to sue the minor John Royston, and the protracted litigation that ultimately led to Daniel successfully suing Richard as the apprenticeship guarantor, which resulted in a £10 award. They also analyze the execution on a replevin bond, which reveals details about Daniel's financial struggle. Listeners will learn how to effectively use AI as an assistant to find, transcribe, interpret, and organize complex court records faster, without sacrificing the fundamental principles of sound genealogical research. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links Transforming Court Records Research with AI: A Case Study from Colonial Virginia Part 2: Analysis - https://familylocket.com/transforming-court-records-research-with-ai-a-case-study-from-colonial-virginia-part-2-analysis/ Sponsor – Newspapers.com For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.  Research Like a Pro Resources Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/ Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d 14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/ Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/ Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/ RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/ Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/ Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/ RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/ Thank you Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following: Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you! Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below. Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/ Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/
• RLP 402: Transforming Court Records Research with AI: Finding and Logging 23.03.2026 32นาที

  In this episode, Transforming Court Records Research with AI: Finding and Logging, Diana and Nicole discuss how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the challenging process of working with historical court records. Diana introduces the topic by explaining that while court records are treasure troves of genealogical information, they are often unindexed and difficult to read, featuring archaic legal terminology. She presents a case study of her research to identify Samuel Daniel of Middlesex County, Virginia. She explains her breakthrough was using FamilySearch's AI-Powered Full-Text Search to quickly locate twelve scattered court record entries spanning 1773 to 1774, detailing a complex legal dispute between Samuel Daniel and the Royston family, which would have been highly time-consuming with traditional browsing. Diana shares key search strategy tips, such as using quotes for exact phrase matching and trying variant spellings. Nicole then explains the subsequent steps in the AI workflow, starting with transcribing the relevant court pages using Google AI Studio. Diana describes how she organizes the findings by logging the court orders in a research log and then uploading the compiled records to an AI tool to create a chronological table that clarifies the legal actions and outcomes of the case. Nicole wraps up the discussion by outlining critical considerations for maintaining professional genealogical standards, including verifying AI transcriptions, documenting the process, and understanding AI's limitations. Listeners will learn practical strategies for using full-text search, transcription, and organization tools powered by AI to access and analyze challenging court records more effectively. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links Transforming Court Records Research with AI: A Case Study from Colonial Virginia Part 1 – Finding and Logging - https://familylocket.com/transforming-court-records-research-with-ai-a-case-study-from-colonial-virginia-part-1-finding-and-logging/ Sponsor – Newspapers.com For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.  Research Like a Pro Resources Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/ Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d 14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/ Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/ Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/ RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/ Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/ Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/ RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/ Thank you Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following: Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you! Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below. Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/ Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/
• RLP 401: Airtable Research Log Updates for 2026 16.03.2026 29นาที

  In this episode of Research Like a Pro, Diana and Nicole discuss the all-new Version 4.2 (2026) of the Research Like a Pro with DNA Airtable Research Log. The updates are designed to streamline the genetic genealogy workflow, making DNA research more flexible and reducing duplicate data entry.  Diana details the biggest change: the "Test-taker" and "DNA Match" fields in the DNA Match Details table are renamed to "Person 1 (P1)" and "Person 2 (P2)." This simple but powerful update allows users to record the shared DNA between any two people, including matches and their shared matches, which is particularly useful for analyzing data from Ancestry Pro Shared Matches, MyHeritage, and FTDNA. Nicole highlights that the family tree URLs, kit administrator fields, and match usernames are now centralized exclusively in the People table. This makes them lookup fields in other tables, meaning users enter the information only once and save significant time. Furthermore, Nicole discusses the Timeline table enhancement, where a new formula automatically converts varied date entries (e.g., "March 1857") into a standardized sortable format. Diana confirms that core tables like Locations, FANs, and Segments remain the same, preserving existing workflows. Listeners will learn how to make the most of the new base, with tips for migrating data from older versions. Diana concludes that the changes are designed for maximum efficiency, helping researchers focus more on analysis and discovery. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links RLP with DNA Research Log 4.2 (2026) Airtable Template Updates - https://familylocket.com/rlp-with-dna-research-log-4-2-2026-airtable-template-updates/ RLP with DNA Airtable Template 2026 – Updates and Change Log (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1UYWptPpc02N5S8Rn8muSoGXvE2SfCkcl_DehG9TVRvQ/edit?usp=sharing Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/ Research Like a Pro Institute Courses including Merging and Separating Identities - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/ Sponsor – Newspapers.com For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.  Research Like a Pro Resources Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/ Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d 14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/ Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/ Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/ RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/ Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/ RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/ Thank you Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following: Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you! Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below. Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/ Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/
• RLP 400: From Searcher to Researcher: Listener Takeaways from 400 Episodes 09.03.2026 45นาที

  In this celebratory episode of the Research Like a Pro podcast, Diana and Nicole highlight the incredible impact the RLP process has had on their listeners by sharing several inspiring success stories. They read comments from researchers, one of whom explains how the RLP workflows help them conquer imposter syndrome, and another who shares a journey from feeling overwhelmed as a beginner to pursuing accreditation. Multiple individuals note that the RLP method turned them from "searchers" into "researchers," providing the structure and discipline necessary to break down brick walls, and in one instance, even launch a genealogy business.  Nicole shares fun podcast statistics, including that all 400 episodes equate to 250 hours of continuous listening, and that the total downloads for each podcast episode are roughly equivalent to filling the home-side bleachers of a high school stadium. Diana and Nicole then summarize the core benefits listeners gain from applying the RLP process, which include overcoming overwhelm, building confidence to go from intermediate to professional, and staying motivated by connecting with peer groups. They conclude by discussing the profound purposes of family history, such as making new discoveries, uncovering the truth, and rescuing ancestors from anonymity, which ultimately helps listeners connect with the past and preserve their family's stories for future generations. Listeners learn how to be more productive and disciplined and how the RLP process provides the confidence and structure needed to advance their genealogical research. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links Episode 1 from seven and a half years ago, July 16, 2018 - https://familylocket.com/rlp-1-introduction/ Top Ten Most Downloaded Episodes of RLP RLP 185: Revisiting Timelines and Analysis Again – 6,047 - https://familylocket.com/rlp-185-revisiting-timelines-and-analysis-again/ RLP 184: Revisiting Research Objectives Again – 5,872 - https://familylocket.com/rlp-184-revisiting-research-objectives-again/ RLP 186: Revisiting Locality Research Again – 5,820 - https://familylocket.com/rlp-186-revisiting-locality-research-again/ RLP 190: Revisiting Report Writing Again – 5,762 - https://familylocket.com/rlp-190-revisiting-report-writing-again/ RLP 156: Tracing 19th Century Germans with Heidi Mathis... – 5,692 - https://familylocket.com/rlp-156-tracing-19th-century-germans-part-1-the-nitty-gritty-of-german-names/ RLP 2: Research Objectives – 5,690 - https://familylocket.com/rlp-2-research-objectives/ RLP 1: Introduction – 5,665 - https://familylocket.com/rlp-1-introduction/ RLP 158: RLP with DNA Course with Allison Part 1 – 5,660 - https://familylocket.com/rlp-158-rlp-with-dna-ecourse-part-1/ RLP 100: Top Ten Tips to Research Like a Pro – 5,610 - https://familylocket.com/rlp-100-top-ten-tips-to-research-like-a-pro/ RLP 197: Proving Your Pedigree with DNA with Debra Hoffman – 5,606 - https://familylocket.com/rlp-197-proving-your-pedigree-with-dna-with-debra-hoffman/ Upcoming Conferences NGS GenTech Toolbox workshop by Nicole - Transcribing Handwritten Documents with Artificial Intelligence - https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/gentechtoolbox/transcribing-handwritten-documents-with-ai/ North Carolina Genealogical Society Virtual Conference March 27 – Using AI to Abstract 19th Century North Carolina Deeds by Nicole - https://www.ncgenealogy.org/event/2026-ncgs-virtual-conference/  National Genealogical Society Conference May 27-30 in Fort Wayne, Indiana - https://conference.ngsgenealogy.org/ - Nicole & Diana are giving several lectures on using AI to understand terminology, Barsheba Tharp DNA case, deciphering handwriting, court records, and finding females in court records. Sponsor – Newspapers.com For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.  Research Like a Pro Resources Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/ Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d 14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/ Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/ Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/ RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/ Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/ Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/ RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/ Thank you Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following: Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you! Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below. Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/ Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/
• RLP 399: Merging and Separating Identities with Jan Joyce 02.03.2026 1ชม. 10นาที

  Diana and Nicole speak with Jan Joyce, AG, CG, CGL, who developed and coordinates the new virtual institute course, "Merging & Separating Identities: Strategies and Tactics to Solve." Jan explains that the most common mistake genealogists make is failing to recognize they have a "same-name problem" and assuming multiple records belong to a single person. She notes that the challenge of merging and separating identity cases (M/S) is accelerating because of more digitized records, the explosion of DNA testing, and the rise of AI tools. Jan shares her own breakthrough M/S case, which involved a woman named Susan Gliddon in three different geographic locations, and an example of a student who had mistakenly merged two different William Thompsons for five years. Listeners learn that if they suspect an M/S case, they should immediately stop adding information to that part of their tree and begin systematically recording every descriptor for the individual into a spreadsheet. The multi-week course teaches a rigorous, step-by-step methodology, including the use of identity dossiers, timelines, and correlation techniques, using a Common Data Set to focus on learning the techniques themselves. Students gain the confidence to untangle complex cases and transform their research approach by learning to apply systematic methods to any genealogical research problem. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links Merging and Separating Identities Course registration: https://familylocket.com/product/merging-and-separating-identities/ Transform Chaos into Clarity: Organizing Your Merging and Separating Cases - https://familylocket.com/transform-chaos-into-clarity-organizing-your-merging-and-separating-cases/ Overview of the Merging and Separating Identities Course - https://familylocket.com/overview-of-the-merging-and-separating-identities-course/ From Chaos to Clarity: How Merging & Separating Identity Techniques Identified David Dewitt's Father - https://familylocket.com/from-chaos-to-clarity-how-merging-separating-identity-techniques-identified-david-dewitts-father RLP 256: Alford/Johnson Research – Interview with James Johnson - https://familylocket.com/rlp-256-alford-johnson-research-interview-with-james-johnson/ an interview with James Wesley Johnson, author of A Horse, A Gunfight, And The Law: A Historical Account of Our Alfords in Texas (name-change due to hiding from the law) Testimonials Student Experiences – Merging & Separating Identities - https://vimeo.com/1097036140/783bd4549f "This course was honestly the best course I've taken. Period." – EB "You outdid yourself with this course...so many great strategies and approaches to apply to tough research problems. I appreciate all of your hard work, effort, and sharing of knowledge to make us all better genealogists." – KT "What a stupendous week, Jan! Thank you so much for offering this course and for rounding up so many great speakers. I learned things from every person who spoke (whether as an official speaker or a member of the group taking the class)." – BS "The class pushed me out of my tunnel vision." – PG "I have to admit that I was skeptical if this approach would work for me — but I found it a great way to make connections as well as step away from my computer and stand a bit. So refreshing to learn something new that is fun too!" – KT "I have really enjoyed this course. It has made me think differently about so many things. While the focus was on M/S, so much of what was taught and discussed can be used in 'everyday research' which for me is usually 'problem solving.'" – RC "After Kim Richardson did her presentation, I should have just stayed up all night. I couldn't sleep because of all the ideas in my head. LOL!" – PG "I am always so impressed with your courses! You have a great teaching style and are respectful and patient with all participants. I learn so much from you and really appreciate your willingness to share your knowledge with the class." – CD "Today was really helpful - I feel like I learned new things at the right pace. I end the day energized rather than drained and overwhelmed." – KT "I'm really enjoying the course. Learning something new every day." – TF "I liked getting the materials each day, as opposed to getting a syllabus. I was more inclined to look at all the materials when they came to me in smaller batches." – PG Sponsor – Newspapers.com For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.  Research Like a Pro Resources Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/ Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d 14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/ Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/ Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/ RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/ Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/ Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/ RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/ Thank you Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following: Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you! Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below. Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/ Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/
• RLP 398: FamilySearch Wiki with Virginia Pratt 23.02.2026 39นาที

  This episode features Virginia Pratt, who brings decades of expertise to the discussion, including five years on the FamilySearch Research Wiki Team and a bachelor's degree in Family History from BYU. Virginia joins Nicole and Diana to discuss the essential, free online genealogical resource: the FamilySearch Research Wiki. Nicole asks Virginia to explain the Wiki's purpose, access methods, and how to navigate the main page, noting that it should be used for finding information on localities and record types, not individuals. Diana then asks Virginia to explain locality pages, where Virginia details what researchers can find at the country, state, and county levels regarding record keeping and jurisdictions. The conversation transitions to topic pages, where Virginia explains how they help genealogists find background information on records for specific areas, including online resources, historical context, and language-specific terms. Finally, Nicole asks Virginia to walk listeners through a practical example of using the Wiki for research in the John J. Hoover case study, demonstrating how to find information about records available in Henry County, Indiana, and Otero County, Colorado. Listeners will learn how to use the FamilySearch Research Wiki to find explanations of record types, develop effective research strategies, and successfully locate records for their ancestors worldwide. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links Research Like a Pro Institute Courses including Merging and Separating Identities - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/ Virginia's four-part series on the Wiki at Family Locket: Using the FamilySearch Research Wiki – Part 1: Getting Startedhttps://familylocket.com/using-the-familysearch-research-wiki-part-1-getting-started/ Using the FamilySearch Research Wiki – Part 2: Understanding Locality Pageshttps://familylocket.com/using-the-familysearch-research-wiki-part-2-understanding-locality-pages/ Using the FamilySearch Research Wiki – Part 3: Understanding Topic Pageshttps://familylocket.com/using-the-familysearch-research-wiki-part-3-understanding-topic-pages/ Understanding the FamilySearch Research Wiki – Part 4: Case Studyhttps://familylocket.com/understanding-the-familysearch-research-wiki-part-4-case-study/ Sponsor – Newspapers.com For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.  Research Like a Pro Resources Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/ Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d 14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/ Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/ Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/ RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/ Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/ RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/ Thank you Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following: Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you! Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below. Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/ Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/
• RLP 397: What Genealogists Can Learn from Colum McCann's "TransAtlantic": Writing Family History 16.02.2026 25นาที

  The episode opens with Diana and Nicole catching up on their latest work, focusing on testing AI models for accuracy in handwritten-text transcription tasks. The hosts then discuss the novel TransAtlantic by Irish author Colum McCann and what family historians can learn from its structure to write better family narratives. Diana explains that the novel views the immigration story from the Irish perspective, following the fictional character Lily Duggan and three subsequent generations, with the prose connecting each fictional character to a true story and an actual historical figure. Nicole shares the first historical snapshot, covering Lily Duggan's 1845 meeting with the formerly enslaved abolitionist Frederick Douglass in Ireland. She then details the 1919 Atlantic crossing of Lily's daughter Emily and granddaughter Lottie, where they witness the first non-stop transatlantic flight by aviators Alcock and Brown. Diana picks up the thread by discussing Lottie's later meeting with US Senator George Mitchell during his 1998 peace brokering visit to Northern Ireland, and the final chapter, where Lily's great-granddaughter, Hannah, possesses the unopened letter that connects all the women. Listeners learn three key ideas for writing their own family stories: use a focal object passed down through generations, consider historical characters an ancestor may have encountered, and research important historical events in the time and place their ancestors lived to understand how those events may have impacted them. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links What Genealogists Can Learn from Colum McCann's "TransAtlantic": Writing Family History - https://familylocket.com/what-genealogists-can-learn-from-colum-mccanns-transatlantic-writing-family-history/ TransAtlantic: A Novel, by Colum McCann - https://amzn.to/3Z0KBDI (affiliate link) Sponsor – Newspapers.com For listeners of this podcast, Newspapers.com is offering new subscribers 20% off a Publisher Extra subscription so you can start exploring today. Just use the code "FamilyLocket" at checkout.  Research Like a Pro Resources Airtable Universe - Nicole's Airtable Templates - https://www.airtable.com/universe/creator/usrsBSDhwHyLNnP4O/nicole-dyer Airtable Research Logs Quick Reference - by Nicole Dyer - https://familylocket.com/product-tag/airtable/ Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide book by Diana Elder with Nicole Dyer on Amazon.com - https://amzn.to/2x0ku3d 14-Day Research Like a Pro Challenge Workbook - digital - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-digital-only/ and spiral bound - https://familylocket.com/product/14-day-research-like-a-pro-challenge-workbook-spiral-bound/ Research Like a Pro Webinar Series - monthly case study webinars including documentary evidence and many with DNA evidence - https://familylocket.com/product-category/webinars/ Research Like a Pro eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-e-course/ RLP Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-study-group/ Research Like a Pro Institute Courses - https://familylocket.com/product-category/institute-course/ Research Like a Pro with DNA Resources Research Like a Pro with DNA: A Genealogist's Guide to Finding and Confirming Ancestors with DNA Evidence book by Diana Elder, Nicole Dyer, and Robin Wirthlin - https://amzn.to/3gn0hKx Research Like a Pro with DNA eCourse - independent study course -  https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-ecourse/ RLP with DNA Study Group - upcoming group and email notification list - https://familylocket.com/services/research-like-a-pro-with-dna-study-group/ Thank you Thanks for listening! We hope that you will share your thoughts about our podcast and help us out by doing the following: Write a review on iTunes or Apple Podcasts. If you leave a review, we will read it on the podcast and answer any questions that you bring up in your review. Thank you! Leave a comment in the comment or question in the comment section below. Share the episode on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest. Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. Sign up for our newsletter to receive notifications of new episodes - https://familylocket.com/sign-up/ Check out this list of genealogy podcasts from Feedspot: Best Genealogy Podcasts - https://blog.feedspot.com/genealogy_podcasts/