Ancestors and Algorithms: AI for Genealogy

Brian

Stuck on a family history brick wall? It's time to add the most powerful tool to your genealogy toolkit: Artificial Intelligence. Welcome to Ancestors and Algorithms, the definitive guide to revolutionizing your family tree research with AI. Forget the hype and confusion. This isn't just another podcast about AI; this is your hands-on, step-by-step masterclass using AI. Each week, host and researcher Brian demystifies the technology and shows you exactly how to apply AI tools to find ancestors, analyze records, and solve your toughest genealogy puzzles. We explore the incredible promise of AI while navigating its perils with an honest, practical approach. Learn to use AI as your personal research assistant—not a replacement for your own critical thinking. Join us to learn how to: Break through brick walls using AI-driven analysis and data correlation.Transcribe old, hard-to-read documents, letters, and census records in minutes.Use ChatGPT, Gemini, and other Generative AI to draft biographies, summarize findings, and organize your research.Analyze DNA matches and historical records to uncover hidden family connections.Master prompts that get you accurate results and avoid AI "hallucinations."Discover the latest AI tech and digital tools for genealogists before anyone else.Whether you're a beginner genealogist or a seasoned family historian, if you're ready to upgrade your research skills, this podcast is for you. Hit Follow now and turn AI into your ultimate secret weapon for uncovering your ancestry.

  1. DEC 16

    AI for Genealogy: AI Signature Analysis Uncovers Identity Theft - Polish Immigrant Mystery Case Study

    Discover how AI signature analysis solved a 120-year-old genealogy mystery involving identity theft, mining deaths, and desperate immigrants in Pennsylvania coal country. This complete tutorial demonstrates using free AI tools—Gemini, Claude, Perplexity, and ChatGPT—to analyze handwriting, compare documents, and uncover hidden family secrets. THE MYSTERY: Two property deeds, same name, same land—but completely different signatures. One showed educated European penmanship, the other barely literate scrawl. Were these signed by the same person? AI revealed the shocking truth: identity substitution after a tragic mining death. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: AI Signature Analysis: Use Gemini's free image analysis to objectively compare handwriting across documents. Get exact prompts for analyzing letter formation, pen pressure, and writing systems that distinguish one person from another. Document Pattern Recognition: Learn Claude's powerful chronological analysis technique to spot identity transitions, witness changes, and gaps in the documentary record that reveal when someone assumed a new identity. Historical Context Research: Master Perplexity's citation-backed research to understand why immigrants changed identities—mining accidents, unreported deaths, "paper sons," and substitute identities in early 1900s America. Theory Generation: Use ChatGPT to systematically generate and evaluate multiple explanations for genealogical mysteries, avoiding tunnel vision and confirmation bias. TECHNIQUES DEMONSTRATED: ✓ Free-tier AI tools only (Gemini, Claude, ChatGPT, Perplexity) ✓ Copy-paste ready prompts for immediate use ✓ Multi-tool workflow combining signature analysis, document comparison, and historical research ✓ Primary source verification methods ✓ Advanced genealogy proof standards with AI assistance REAL GENEALOGY CASE STUDY: Follow the investigation of Jan Kowalski, Polish immigrant who purchased Pennsylvania farmland in 1897—then "sold" it in 1902 with a completely different signature. AI tools revealed coroner reports, mining accident records, and boarding house keeper documentation proving the original Jan died in 1901, and another immigrant assumed his identity to claim naturalization papers and property. WHO THIS EPISODE IS FOR: → Genealogists with signature mysteries across multiple documents → Family historians comparing handwriting to determine if records match the same person → Researchers investigating immigrant identity changes, name variations, or missing relatives → Anyone stuck on brick walls where records don't align logically → Beginners wanting step-by-step AI genealogy workflows HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT: Compare signatures for one of your ancestors across multiple documents using the free Gemini analysis technique demonstrated in this episode. KEYWORDS: AI genealogy, signature analysis, handwriting comparison, ChatGPT genealogy, Claude AI family history, Gemini genealogy tools, Perplexity research, immigrant identity theft, Polish genealogy, naturalization records analysis, genealogy AI tools, family history chatbots, AI document analysis, genealogy brick walls Connect with Ancestors and Algorithms: 📧 Email: ancestorsandai@gmail.com 🌐 Website: https://ancestorsandai.com/ 📘 Facebook Group: Ancestors and Algorithms: AI for Genealogy - www.facebook.com/groups/ancestorsandalgorithms/ Golden Rule Reminder: AI is your research assistant, not your researcher. Join our Facebook group to share your AI genealogy breakthroughs, ask questions, and connect with fellow family historians who are embracing the future of genealogy research! New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe so you never miss the latest AI tools and techniques for family history research.

    35 min

  2. DEC 9

    AI for Genealogy: Civil War Widow Denied - AI Uncovers Heartbreaking Pension Files

    She had six children, a 33-year marriage, and witnesses who knew her as Mrs. Hoffman. So why couldn't this Civil War widow prove she was married? In this heartbreaking case study, we dive into a 173-page pension file that reveals how one missing piece of paper destroyed a family—and how FREE AI tools helped me uncover the devastating truth behind rejected widow pension applications. What You'll Discover in This Episode: ✅ The Shocking Reality of Civil War Pensions - Why thousands of widows were denied benefits despite being legally entitled (this will make you angry) ✅ AI Handwriting Transcription That Actually Works - I'll show you the exact FREE tool that transcribed desperate letters written in shaky pencil on cheap paper—Catherine's own words: "My children are hungry" ✅ Free Legal Research at Your Fingertips - Learn how Perplexity helped me understand complex 1890s pension laws in 15 seconds (no law degree required) ✅ Multi-Document Analysis Like a Pro - Watch Claude compare witness statements, legal documents, and official records to spot exactly what the pension examiner would have seen ✅ The Church Fire That Changed Everything - How destroyed records created an impossible bureaucratic nightmare (and why this happened to thousands of families) Copy-Paste Ready Prompts Included: Every AI technique demonstrated with exact prompts you can use today on your own genealogy research—all with 100% FREE tools (no subscriptions needed) The Unresolved Mystery: Catherine Hoffman never got her pension. After her husband Samuel survived three years of Civil War combat, she spent 24 years dependent on her children. The farm was sold for unpaid taxes. But there's a fourth application mentioned in the file that I CAN'T FIND...and I need your help. Perfect For: Family historians researching Civil War ancestorsAnyone stuck with rejected applications (pension, land, citizenship)Genealogists who want to use AI ethically and effectivelyResearchers dealing with destroyed church records or missing documentsAnyone who's ever hit a brick wall with bureaucratic requirementsAI Tools Featured (All FREE): Perplexity (5 searches/day free tier)Gemini via Google AI Studio (completely free)Claude (generous free tier)What Makes This Episode Different: This isn't just another genealogy tutorial. It's a real mystery with emotional stakes, showing you techniques that work on ANY rejected application—pension, land claim, citizenship, you name it. Plus, you'll learn why verification matters just as much as discovery (Golden Rule: AI is your research assistant, not your researcher). Keywords: Civil War genealogy, widow pension research, AI genealogy tools, handwriting transcription free, genealogy brick wall, Pennsylvania German ancestors, destroyed church records, rejected pension application, genealogy case study, family history research, AI for genealogy, Civil War pension files, genealogy podcast 2025 Connect with Ancestors and Algorithms: 📧 Email: ancestorsandai@gmail.com 🌐 Website: https://ancestorsandai.com/ 📘 Facebook Group: Ancestors and Algorithms: AI for Genealogy - www.facebook.com/groups/ancestorsandalgorithms/ Golden Rule Reminder: AI is your research assistant, not your researcher. Join our Facebook group to share your AI genealogy breakthroughs, ask questions, and connect with fellow family historians who are embracing the future of genealogy research! New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe so you never miss the latest AI tools and techniques for family history research.

    38 min

  3. DEC 2

    AI for Genealogy: FamilySearch Full-Text Search - Find Ancestors in 30 Seconds Using AI (2+ Billion Records Unlocked!)

    What if you could search through 2+ BILLION genealogy records in 30 seconds instead of spending hours browsing page by page? In this complete tutorial episode, you'll discover FamilySearch Full-Text Search—a free AI-powered tool that's revolutionizing how genealogists find their ancestors. This game-changing feature uses artificial intelligence to read handwriting in over 7,757 collections, making previously unsearchable records instantly discoverable. 🎯 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Getting Started (No Tech Skills Required!): How to access Full-Text Search with your free FamilySearch accountStep-by-step walkthrough of the search interfaceUnderstanding AI-generated transcripts and summariesWhen to trust AI results vs. when to verify original imagesSearch Techniques That Get Results: Using quotation marks, wildcards, and operators like a proFinding ancestors as witnesses (never indexed before!)Searching by occupation, location, or any word on the pageDGS numbers: How to search specific collections for targeted resultsAdvanced Strategies: The multi-collection sweep methodReverse searching by location instead of namesHow to find spelling variations automaticallyUsing AI-generated English summaries for foreign language recordsReal Success Story: Hear how Full-Text Search helped crack a 150-year-old Irish immigration mystery in just 30 minutes—finding a first marriage, three unknown children, and a county of origin that traditional searches never revealed. 💡 WHY THIS MATTERS: FamilySearch has over 5 billion digitized images, but only a fraction were searchable—until now. Full-Text Search uses AI handwriting recognition to create searchable transcripts of deeds, probate records, court documents, church records, and more. Instead of browsing 800 images hoping to spot your ancestor's name, you can search the entire collection in seconds. Current coverage includes: ✓ 7,700+ collections (growing weekly) ✓ 1.5 billion+ record images ✓ English, Spanish, and Portuguese records (more languages coming) ✓ Revolutionary War pensions, land deeds, wills, court records, and more ✓ 100% FREE with your FamilySearch account 🎓 YOUR HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT: Beginner: Set up Full-Text Search and practice one search Intermediate: Use wildcard operators to find name variations Advanced: Do a multi-collection sweep and document 3 new findings ⚠️ REMEMBER THE GOLDEN RULE: AI is your research assistant, not your researcher. This tool helps you FIND records faster, but you still verify, analyze, and build proof like the good genealogist you are. 🎧 NEW TO THE PODCAST? Start with Episode 1 to learn the foundations of using AI safely in genealogy research. We cover ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, and other AI tools specifically for family history—all with practical examples and copy-paste prompts you can use immediately. Connect with Ancestors and Algorithms: 📧 Email: ancestorsandai@gmail.com 🌐 Website: https://ancestorsandai.com/ 📘 Facebook Group: Ancestors and Algorithms: AI for Genealogy - www.facebook.com/groups/ancestorsandalgorithms/ Golden Rule Reminder: AI is your research assistant, not your researcher. Join our Facebook group to share your AI genealogy breakthroughs, ask questions, and connect with fellow family historians who are embracing the future of genealogy research! New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe so you never miss the latest AI tools and techniques for family history research.

    44 min

  4. NOV 18

    AI for Genealogy: FAN Club Method - How to Extract Census Records with AI & Find Missing Relatives

    Discover how to use the FAN Club method (Friends, Associates, Neighbors) combined with free AI tools to extract entire census neighborhoods into spreadsheets and find missing relatives. In this complete tutorial, I share exactly how I found my German immigrant ancestor's missing brother hiding five houses away on the 1910 census—after he'd been invisible for 115 years. What You'll Learn: How to extract 60+ people from census records into spreadsheets in under 10 minutes using free AI (Gemini 2.5 Flash, Claude Sonnet 4.5, ChatGPT)The FAN Club methodology for cluster research: analyzing Friends, Associates, and Neighbors to break genealogy brick wallsUnderstanding CSV files (Comma-Separated Values) and why they're essential for genealogy data analysisPattern recognition techniques: surname clustering, birthplace analysis, and chain migration trackingHow to verify AI-extracted census data and spot handwriting errorsCreating research plans with Perplexity AI for follow-up documentationFinding siblings, cousins, and extended family through neighborhood analysisThe Case Study: After tracing Heinrich Mueller from Pennsylvania to Bavaria in Episode 15, I still couldn't find his brother Jakob—a wheelwright who family stories said immigrated around 1909. Instead of drowning in database searches for "Jakob Mueller" (a common German name), I used AI to extract Heinrich's entire 1910 census neighborhood: 23 households, 67 individuals, organized into a Google Sheet in 90 seconds. The patterns revealed everything: three Mueller families from Bavaria, 18 Bavarian immigrants clustered together, a clear chain migration wave from 1898-1910. And there was Jakob—dwelling 203, five houses from Heinrich, same birthplace, complementary occupation, arriving two years after his brother. AI Tools Featured (All FREE): Gemini 2.5 Flash - Primary tool for census extraction with Google Sheets integrationClaude Sonnet 4.5 - Best for difficult handwriting and older recordsChatGPT Free Tier - Alternative for clear handwritingPerplexity AI - Research planning with cited sourcesFor Beginners: Never used a spreadsheet? Never heard of CSV files? This episode explains everything in plain English. I walk you through Google Sheets basics, sorting, filtering, and pattern analysis—no technical experience required. International Listeners: While this episode uses U.S. census records as examples, the FAN Club method works with UK census (1841-1921), Australian state census records, and Canadian census. I explain adaptations for international researchers throughout. Three-Level Homework: Beginner: Extract ONE household from any census using AIIntermediate: Extract one complete census page and identify surname patternsAdvanced: Compare two census years for your ancestor and track neighborhood changesConnect with Ancestors and Algorithms: 📧 Email: ancestorsandai@gmail.com 🌐 Website: https://ancestorsandai.com/ 📘 Facebook Group: Ancestors and Algorithms: AI for Genealogy - www.facebook.com/groups/ancestorsandalgorithms/ Golden Rule Reminder: AI is your research assistant, not your researcher. Join our Facebook group to share your AI genealogy breakthroughs, ask questions, and connect with fellow family historians who are embracing the future of genealogy research! New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe so you never miss the latest AI tools and techniques for family history research.

    35 min

  5. NOV 11

    AI for Genealogy: Tracing Your Immigrant Ancestor with AI - Death Certificate to German Church Records

    What if you could trace your immigrant ancestor from their American death certificate all the way back to their exact birthplace in the old country—in just six hours? In this complete case study episode, I share exactly how I did it using four AI tools strategically. This isn't theory. This is a real research journey I completed last week, tracing German immigrant Heinrich Mueller from his 1923 Pennsylvania death to his 1875 baptism in Stuttgart. I'm walking you through every tool I used, every prompt that worked, every mistake I made, and every document I found. 🔍 THE COMPLETE IMMIGRANT RESEARCH ROADMAP Starting with just vague family stories of "somewhere in Germany," I built a complete paper trail: Pennsylvania death certificate → extracted key details with Claude AINaturalization records → analyzed with ChatGPT for exact arrival informationEllis Island manifest → transcribed with Gemini's breakthrough handwriting recognitionHamburg departure records → decoded German columns with PerplexityGerman church records → tackled old German script (plus when you REALLY need Transkribus)🎯 WHAT YOU'LL LEARN This 45-minute deep dive shows you: Which AI tool to use for each document type (and why it matters)Word-for-word prompts you can copy for YOUR researchHow to verify AI results across multiple sources (genealogical proof standards)When "AI in a pinch" is good enough vs. when you need specialized toolsResearch planning strategies that save hours of random searchingHow to handle foreign language records and old handwritingInternational adaptations for UK, Australian, and other researchers💡 WHY THIS EPISODE IS DIFFERENT Unlike most genealogy podcasts that discuss techniques theoretically, I'm sharing my actual research notes. You'll hear about the failed prompts, the "aha!" moments, and the strategic decisions I made at each step. This is the complete methodology you can replicate for Italian, Irish, Polish, Chinese, Mexican, or any immigrant ancestor. 🌍 FOR INTERNATIONAL LISTENERS Whether your ancestors came through Ellis Island, UK ports, or Australian immigration stations, this process works. I include specific adaptations for researchers outside the United States throughout the episode. 🛠️ AI TOOLS FEATURED (November 2025 Current Versions) Claude Sonnet 4.5 - systematic document analysisPerplexity AI - research planning with cited sourcesChatGPT (GPT-5) - naturalization form extractionGemini 2.5 Flash/Pro - handwriting transcription breakthrough🎧 PERFECT FOR: Genealogists hitting brick walls with immigrant ancestorsAnyone stuck at "somewhere in [country]" with no specific locationResearchers intimidated by foreign language recordsPeople who want to learn AI for genealogy but don't know where to startProfessional genealogists looking to increase research efficiencyNEXT EPISODE: Census Records + AI + FAN Method (Friends, Associates, Neighbors) = Breakthrough Research Connect with Ancestors and Algorithms: 📧 Email: ancestorsandai@gmail.com 🌐 Website: https://ancestorsandai.com/ 📘 Facebook Group: Ancestors and Algorithms: AI for Genealogy - www.facebook.com/groups/ancestorsandalgorithms/ Golden Rule Reminder: AI is your research assistant, not your researcher. Join our Facebook group to share your AI genealogy breakthroughs, ask questions, and connect with fellow family historians who are embracing the future of genealogy research! New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe so you never miss the latest AI tools and techniques for family history research.

    48 min

  6. NOV 4

    AI for Genealogy: How to Use AI for DNA Genealogy - Analyze Genetic Matches & Break Through Brick Walls Safely

    Staring at hundreds of DNA matches with no idea where to start? Wondering if AI can help solve your genealogy DNA mysteries? In this groundbreaking episode of Ancestors and Algorithms, discover how to safely combine DNA results with AI chatbots to revolutionize your family history research—without compromising anyone's privacy. What You'll Learn in This Episode: This comprehensive guide teaches genealogists exactly how to use AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity to analyze DNA matches, understand centimorgan relationships, and create research strategies that actually work. DNA Basics for Beginners: Learn what centimorgans mean, how DNA matching works, and why that 387 cM mystery match might be your key to breaking through a brick wall. We break down relationship ranges from parent/child (3,500 cM) to third cousins (50-100 cM) in simple, understandable terms. Privacy Protection First: Discover what you should NEVER share with AI chatbots (including raw DNA files and identifying information about living people), plus step-by-step instructions for opting out of training data on ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity. Your family's genetic privacy matters—learn how to protect it. AI Chatbot Comparison for DNA Work: Get the complete breakdown of which AI tools work best for DNA genealogy. Compare ChatGPT (with GPT-5 and Thinking models), Claude Sonnet 4.5, Gemini 2.5 Flash and Pro, and Perplexity's multi-model approach. Learn which features matter for genetic genealogy and whether free versions are enough. 5 Practical DNA + AI Techniques You Can Use Today: Relationship Analysis: Turn centimorgan numbers into actionable research leadsMatch Pattern Recognition: Identify how multiple matches connect to each otherResearch Strategy Planning: Get AI to suggest which records to search and whyCreating Descendancy Charts: Visualize complex relationships with AI-generated diagramsLearning DNA Concepts: Master X-DNA inheritance, triangulation, and moreReal-World Case Study: Follow along as we walk through an actual DNA mystery solved using AI assistance. See exactly what prompts were used, how the AI responded, and how traditional genealogy research confirmed the findings. This isn't theory—it's practical application you can replicate. Safe AI + DNA Integration: Learn what IS safe to share with AI chatbots: anonymized centimorgan numbers, match patterns without names, general DNA questions, and research strategy queries. Discover how to give AI the puzzle pieces it needs without compromising privacy. Perfect For: Adoptees searching for biological families, genealogists with unknown ancestors, anyone overwhelmed by DNA match lists, researchers wanting to combine traditional methods with AI innovation, and family historians who want to work smarter, not harder. Keywords: AI genealogy, DNA matches, genetic genealogy, ChatGPT for genealogy, centimorgans explained, DNA privacy, AI chatbots, ancestry research, family history AI, adoptee search, unknown ancestors, DNA analysis Connect with Ancestors and Algorithms: 📧 Email: ancestorsandai@gmail.com 🌐 Website: https://ancestorsandai.com/ 📘 Facebook Group: Ancestors and Algorithms: AI for Genealogy - www.facebook.com/groups/ancestorsandalgorithms/ Golden Rule Reminder: AI is your research assistant, not your researcher. Join our Facebook group to share your AI genealogy breakthroughs, ask questions, and connect with fellow family historians who are embracing the future of genealogy research! New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe so you never miss the latest AI tools and techniques for family history research.

    26 min

  7. OCT 28

    AI for Genealogy: AI Hallucinations in Genealogy - How to Prevent False Family History & Control ChatGPT, Claude & Perplexity Errors

    Are you using ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or Perplexity for genealogy research? AI hallucinations—when artificial intelligence confidently generates false information about your ancestors—represent one of the biggest dangers facing family historians today. Groundbreaking research from OpenAI published in September 2025 finally reveals WHY large language models make up plausible-but-false family history, and HOW you can prevent it with better prompting techniques. This essential episode teaches you exactly how to control AI accuracy and protect decades of genealogy research. Whether you're a beginner intimidated by AI technology or an intermediate researcher who's encountered frustrating errors, you'll discover practical strategies that reduce hallucinations by up to 45%. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: The Science Behind AI Hallucinations: OpenAI's peer-reviewed research explains why AI chatbots guess instead of admitting "I don't know"—using a multiple-choice test analogy that makes the problem crystal clear. Understand why genealogists are particularly vulnerable to AI-generated misinformation. Real Genealogy Case Studies: Three detailed examples showing how AI invents ship names and passenger records, creates non-existent archive collections with realistic URLs, and generates precise migration statistics without actual data. Each includes warning signs to recognize and better prompting approaches. The Hallucination Test: Try a simple experiment using a fictional genealogist (Dr. Edmund Fairweather) to experience AI hallucinations firsthand. This hands-on test works with any AI tool and helps calibrate your "hallucination detector." 7 Copy-Paste Prompt Templates: The "According To" Prompt - Direct AI to base responses on specific sourcesThe Uncertainty Permission Prompt - Reward AI for admitting "I don't know"The Step-Back Prompt - Request general context before specific detailsThe Source-Citation Request - Always demand verification methodsThe Chain-of-Verification Prompt - Make AI verify its own statementsThe Constrained-Choice Prompt - Provide options instead of open questionsThe Role-Specific Prompt - Assign an honest genealogist personaEach template includes real genealogy examples and explanations of why it works. Complete Action Plan: Learn how to audit your current prompting habits, create a personal template library, implement progressive prompting strategies, build verification habits, and apply "trust but verify" to all AI-assisted genealogy research. PERFECT FOR: Beginner genealogists worried about AI mistakes, intermediate researchers optimizing ChatGPT/Claude/Perplexity usage, traditional family historians curious about safe AI adoption, and anyone concerned about AI accuracy in genealogy. Connect with Ancestors and Algorithms: 📧 Email: ancestorsandai@gmail.com 🌐 Website: https://ancestorsandai.com/ 📘 Facebook Group: Ancestors and Algorithms: AI for Genealogy - www.facebook.com/groups/ancestorsandalgorithms/ Golden Rule Reminder: AI is your research assistant, not your researcher. Join our Facebook group to share your AI genealogy breakthroughs, ask questions, and connect with fellow family historians who are embracing the future of genealogy research! New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe so you never miss the latest AI tools and techniques for family history research.

    45 min

  8. OCT 21

    AI for Genealogy: Perplexity AI Complete Guide for Genealogy - Master Every Feature to Break Through Brick Walls in Family History Research

    Feeling overwhelmed by Perplexity AI? You're not alone. Most genealogists have heard about this powerful AI research tool but don't know where to start—or they've tried it once, got confused by all the buttons and options, and went right back to their comfort zone. But what if I told you that Perplexity AI could become your most powerful genealogy research tool? That it could help you solve brick walls that have stumped you for years? That it's actually FREE to use and doesn't require a paid subscription to get incredible results? In this comprehensive 45-minute episode of Ancestors and Algorithms, I take you on a complete journey through Perplexity AI—from absolute beginner to advanced power user. No jargon. No intimidation. Just practical, step-by-step guidance for family historians who want to supercharge their research. What You'll Learn: Getting Started (Even If You're Brand New to AI) How to access Perplexity (website, apps, and the game-changing Comet Browser)Understanding the interface without feeling overwhelmedYour first genealogy search in under 60 secondsWhy Perplexity gives you sources ChatGPT doesn'tReal Brick Wall Breakthrough Stories How I solved a 2-year Scottish immigration mystery in 3 minutes using Research ModeThe "Assisted Emigration Scheme" discovery that changed everythingWhy Perplexity found sources no other tool could locateThe Comet Browser Revolution What is Comet and why genealogists are raving about itThe Comet Assistant that reads every webpage with youHow to use Background Assistants for multi-tasking researchPractical examples: analyzing census records, obituaries, and immigration documentsWhy having AI integrated into your browser changes research foreverReal-World Genealogy Applications Finding obscure archives and record collectionsUnderstanding historical context around ancestors' livesTranslating foreign language documentsCreating research plans for complex brick wallsComparing different historical sources quicklyDiscovering settlement patterns and migration routesThis Episode Is Perfect For: Complete beginners who've never used Perplexity beforeIntermediate users who feel like they're only scratching the surfaceAdvanced researchers ready to level up with Comet BrowserAnyone frustrated with traditional research methodsGenealogists who want to work smarter, not harderWhat Makes This Different: This isn't just theory. I walk you through actual genealogy scenarios, show you exactly which buttons to push, give you word-for-word prompts you can copy, and explain why certain features matter for family history research specifically. Whether you're researching in the United States, Canada, Europe, or anywhere else in the world, these Perplexity techniques will transform how you approach genealogy research. Connect with Ancestors and Algorithms: 📧 Email: ancestorsandai@gmail.com 🌐 Website: https://ancestorsandai.com/ 📘 Facebook Group: Ancestors and Algorithms: AI for Genealogy - www.facebook.com/groups/ancestorsandalgorithms/ Golden Rule Reminder: AI is your research assistant, not your researcher. Join our Facebook group to share your AI genealogy breakthroughs, ask questions, and connect with fellow family historians who are embracing the future of genealogy research! New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe so you never miss the latest AI tools and techniques for family history research.

    46 min
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About

Stuck on a family history brick wall? It's time to add the most powerful tool to your genealogy toolkit: Artificial Intelligence. Welcome to Ancestors and Algorithms, the definitive guide to revolutionizing your family tree research with AI. Forget the hype and confusion. This isn't just another podcast about AI; this is your hands-on, step-by-step masterclass using AI. Each week, host and researcher Brian demystifies the technology and shows you exactly how to apply AI tools to find ancestors, analyze records, and solve your toughest genealogy puzzles. We explore the incredible promise of AI while navigating its perils with an honest, practical approach. Learn to use AI as your personal research assistant—not a replacement for your own critical thinking. Join us to learn how to: Break through brick walls using AI-driven analysis and data correlation.Transcribe old, hard-to-read documents, letters, and census records in minutes.Use ChatGPT, Gemini, and other Generative AI to draft biographies, summarize findings, and organize your research.Analyze DNA matches and historical records to uncover hidden family connections.Master prompts that get you accurate results and avoid AI "hallucinations."Discover the latest AI tech and digital tools for genealogists before anyone else.Whether you're a beginner genealogist or a seasoned family historian, if you're ready to upgrade your research skills, this podcast is for you. Hit Follow now and turn AI into your ultimate secret weapon for uncovering your ancestry.

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