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Artwork for Ancestors and Algorithms: AI for Genealogy

Ancestors and Algorithms: AI for Genealogy

Brian
Genealogy
Artificial Intelligence
AI Tools
Chatgpt
Perplexity
Census Records
Google Gemini
Claude
Immigrant Ancestors
Pennsylvania
Google Notebooklm
Family History
Historical Context
Naturalization Records
Transkribus
Death Certificate
Passenger Arrival Records
Jan Kowalski
Handwriting Recognition
Research Strategies

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 researc... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes52Foundeda year ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistorySociety & Culture

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Artwork for Ancestors and Algorithms: AI for Genealogy

Latest Episodes

A family believed their ancestor arrived in Australia a free man in the 1830s. A 190-year-old government pardon said otherwise, and nobody had ever read past the word "Pardon" printed across the top of it.

In this episode of Ancestors and Algorithms... more

YouTube

During the Chinese Exclusion Act, one immigrant's 200-page federal case file was built to hide his real name, and nearly succeeded.

For sixty-one years, the Chinese Exclusion Act barred an entire ethnicity from immigrating to the United States, with... more

YouTube

A single 1917 WWI draft card, plus a naturalization petition filed seven years later, reveal an Italian immigrant's real birth name. This is a real, start-to-finish example of using AI for genealogy research, ChatGPT, Claude, and NotebookLM working t... more

YouTube

Use ChatGPT, Perplexity, and Claude to email any archive in the world, including drafting a formal German-language request, in under 15 minutes.

Most genealogists stop when online records run out. But the records you need are often one professional ... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Host

Brian
Host and researcher focused on applying AI to genealogy; presents practical workflows and prompts to drive research.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 35 ratings
  • My Go-to podcast for using AI & Genealogy

    Brian does an excellent job of clearly outlining tips and strategies for using different AI platforms to dive deeper into your genealogy research.

    AI is changing rapidly and Brian offers the latest insights while being cautious about the limitations that can affect your research.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cdn_mom
    Canadaa month ago
  • Game changer

    Listening to this podcast has changed my research in AMAZING ways. Tips and tools to make it accurate, interesting and productive!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    gemmadenk
    United States2 months ago
  • So many ideas

    This is a great tool that gives you many choices using AI for genealogy! Going down the rabbit hole but sources are given with perplexity as a workhorse. Thank you

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    geniemom3
    United States6 months ago
  • Excellent Teacher

    I’m really enjoying listening to your podcasts. They are very clear and easy to listen to and follow along. A great way to learn how to use AI without being overwhelming.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jaypm55
    Australia6 months ago
  • Great show!

    One of my favorite podcasts. I learn so much in every episode and even go back and re-listen because it’s hard yo absorb so much information. Brian is a great teacher and this show is a perfect mix of information, advice, how-tos, and even some humor.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    NMBlitt
    United States7 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Clear, actionable guidance with AI that actually helps advance research.
Shows how to organize findings and maintain rigorous documentation.
The host explains methods in a practical, non-intimidating way.
Prompts and workflows are repeatable and useful for tackling brick walls.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This series positions AI as a practical research assistant for genealogy, offering hands-on workflows that combine AI tools with traditional record analysis to break through brick walls. Episodes emphasize careful reasoning, source evaluation, and transparent documentation, using tools like AI chat systems, handwriting transcription, and multi-document analytics to surface, organize, and verify ancestral connections across eras and regions. Unique strengths include repeatable methodologies, explicit prompts, and a strong emphasis on ethics and GPS (genealogical proof standards) while showcasing diverse case studies—from Irish and Italian migrations to land records and historical newspapers. Potential listeners who want actionable, tool-assi... more

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this podcast launched a year ago and published 52 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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