Episode Summary: Is AI a genealogy best friend or a "hallucinating" hazard? This week, we explore how AI tools are helping professional researchers and hobbyists alike process data at lightning speed. From transcribing messy records to identifying migration patterns that used to take weeks to uncover, Lisa and Kristin share their "boots on the ground" experience with the latest technology.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The AI Revolution: Why the jump from 2023 to 2025 felt like 100 miles per hour.

• Tool Talk: A comparison of ChatGPT, Google Gemini, Claude, and Grok.

• Prompting Skills: The importance of "Role Play" (e.g., "Act as a professional genealogist with 40 years of experience") and why clear expectations yield better data.

• NotebookLM: Using Google’s new tool to interact with your own PDFs and research books.

• Ethics & Privacy: Why you should never assume privacy when chatting with an AI and how to disclose AI use in your final reports.

Guest Resources:

• Genealogy Gems Website: lisalouisecooke.com

• YouTube: @GenealogyGems

• Facebook: Genealogy Gems

• Instagram: @genealogygemspodcast

Connect with Legacy Tree: Visit us at legacytree.com to learn how we can help you discover your family’s legacy.

In this episode of The Legacy Tree Podcast, we’re joined by Richard Hill from DNA Favorites, who sits down with Sarah, an advanced researcher on Legacy Tree Genealogists’ DNA team, to explore the powerful — and sometimes unexpected — stories hidden in our DNA.

Together, Richard and Sarah discuss Richard’s personal DNA journey and the discoveries that reshaped how he understands his own family history. They talk through what DNA can reveal beyond names and dates, how genetic genealogy can open new paths when traditional records fall short, and why DNA discoveries often carry deep emotional weight alongside the answers.

This conversation isn’t about formulas or test comparisons — it’s about identity, connection, and the truths that can emerge when DNA fills in the gaps of the past.

• Learn more about Richard Hill and his work: 👉 https://linktr.ee/RichardHill

• Explore professional genealogy research with Legacy Tree Genealogists: 👉 https://legacytree.com

When you get your DNA test results, there's a good chance your DNA matches aren't as straight-forward as you had hoped, and there's a lot of room for misinterpretation. In this week's episode we share helpful things to consider as you begin your journey into the world of genetic genealogy!

Resources:

How to Determine Genetically Equivalent Relationships

DNA Painter Shared cM Project

Learn more about pedigree collapse or endogamy

Do you need help with your genealogy research or interpreting your DNA Test Results?

The experts at Legacy Tree Genealogists are here to help.

Contact Legacy Tree Genealogists by visiting https://www.legacytree.com to request a free quote and learn more about what it's like to work with a professional genealogy firm.

May your week be full of discoveries.