

The Research Like a Pro Genealogy Podcast
Nicole Dyer
Research Like a Pro is a podcast about genealogy research methodology. Diana Elder and Nicole Dyer of FamilyLocket.com discuss how to take your family history research to the next level and uncover more of your family tree. Learn about research objectives, analysis, locality research, research planning, source citations, report writing, case studies, and more. Diana and Nicole are the mother-daughter team at FamilyLocket.com and the creators of the Amazon bestselling book, Research Like a Pro: A Genealogist's Guide. Diana created the Research Like a Pro method after becoming an Accredited Genealogy professional through the International Commission for the Accreditation of Professional Genealogists. Discover the process that a professional genealogist uses and make progress on your own brick walls.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 27, 2025 • 38min
RLP 381: Love County Tax Records
In this episode, Nicole and Diana discuss Nicole's research adventures in Love County, Oklahoma, focusing on tax records. Nicole shares her experience of finding valuable genealogical treasures in an old jail, detailing the challenges she faced, such as a lack of workspace and a dying phone battery, and how she adapted. She explains the organization of the tax records, including multiple volumes per year and different organizational systems for land versus personal property and poll taxes. Diana and Nicole then discuss Nicole's first discoveries, tracing the Harris family through tax records, including the mystery of Dock Harris's absence in the 1920 records and the successful tracing of J.C. Harris and D.H. Harris in 1916. Nicole also shares her earliest record findings from 1908 and how she tracked family presence and movement through later years. A significant revelation from the 1920 tax roll regarding Arza Harris's land taxes is also highlighted. Listeners will learn about the importance of flexibility and persistence in onsite research, how to navigate historical tax records, and how these records can provide crucial economic context and help establish timelines for ancestors. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links Love County Tax Records: Research Adventures in an Old Jail - https://familylocket.com/love-county-tax-records-research-adventures-in-an-old-jail/ 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/

14 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 42min
RLP 380: Love County Courthouse Land Records
Join a thrilling genealogical treasure hunt at the Love County Courthouse, where land records for the Harris family unfold. Discover how meticulous preparation, including mapping locations and understanding Public Land Survey System, leads to incredible finds. Hear about Dock Harris's 1915 deed and the hidden gems in oil and gas records for family members. Learn tips on photographing records and navigating courthouse protocols to maximize research success, all while weaving a story of historical land transitions in Oklahoma.

Oct 13, 2025 • 42min
RLP 379: Handwritten Text Recognition with Google AI Studio
Welcome to Research Like a Pro! In this episode, Nicole and Diana discuss high-quality handwritten text recognition with Gemini 2.5 Pro in Google AI Studio. Nicole shares her experience transcribing a 1791 South Carolina deed, highlighting how accurate the transcription was using Google AI Studio. She explains that Google AI Studio is a free, web-based tool for prototyping and testing Google's Gemini AI models, and she finds it to be the most accurate way to transcribe handwritten documents. They also discuss the future of AI in handwritten text recognition, emphasizing that clear images of legible text are crucial for accurate AI transcriptions. Listeners will learn about the capabilities of Gemini 2.5 Pro for transcribing historical documents and how to use Google AI Studio for this purpose. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links High-Quality Handwritten Text Recognition with Gemini 2.5 Pro in Google AI Studio - https://familylocket.com/high-quality-handwritten-text-recognition-with-gemini-2-5-pro-in-google-ai-studio/ Deed: Anderson County, South Carolina, Mesne Conveyance A: 367-369, James Gillison to Burgess Reeves, 24 June 1791; image, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-CS73-JHPN : accessed 21 July 2025). Plat drawing: Abbeville County, South Carolina, Old Records B: 76, plat drawing of 200 acres for James Gillison, 27 October 1785; image, FamilySearch (https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/3:1:3Q9M-C34J-RJ37?view=fullText&keywords=James%20Gillison%2CRocky%20Creek&lang=en&groupId= : accessed 23 September 2025). 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/

12 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 1h 2min
RLP 378: Interview with Gavin Beinart-Smollan
Gavin Beinart-Smollan, a public historian and PhD candidate at NYU, explores the intricacies of Jewish immigration history. He shares fascinating insights on the National Desertion Bureau Card Catalog, revealing how it tracked deserted husbands and included details like causes of abandonment. Gavin explains the significance of a genealogy database created by the Jewish Board to connect individuals with their pasts, discussing the ethical implications of sharing these historical records. He also introduces the United Hebrew Charities dataset, shedding light on early charitable practices and social divides in New York.

7 snips
Sep 29, 2025 • 26min
RLP 377: Visiting the Cassia County Historical Society and Museum
Discover the treasures hidden in local historical societies and museums! Hear how a visit to the Cassia County Historical Society in Idaho unveiled family tributes and pioneer stories. Explore intriguing museum features like a detailed topographic map, a World War II exhibit highlighting local soldiers, and captivating displays of farm tools and vintage clothing. Plus, learn about the significance of preserved scrapbooks and how they enrich genealogical research. This enlightening journey sheds light on the importance of local history in uncovering your family's past!

Sep 22, 2025 • 34min
RLP 376: Preparing for Onsite Research - Part 3
Dive into the crucial step of calling facilities before your genealogy research trip. Discover why it’s essential to verify hours and potential restrictions, as shared through travel anecdotes from Love County and Kentucky. Learn about accessibility concerns in research environments, like seating and equipment needs. Understand photography rules and the importance of documentation policies. Practical tips and personal experiences will help you navigate and maximize your onsite research adventures.

10 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 33min
RLP 375: Preparing for Onsite Research - Part 2
Discover the importance of thorough locality research and detailed planning for onsite genealogy investigations. Dive into contrasting experiences from Love County, Oklahoma, where meticulous preparation led to success versus the hasty approach in Hardin County, Kentucky, which caused challenges. Learn how the formation dates of jurisdictions and effective cataloging systems can shape research outcomes. Gain tips on creating focused research plans, utilizing newspaper clues, and prioritizing useful records for efficient onsite searches.

9 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 32min
RLP 374: Preparing for Onsite Research - Part 1
Nicole and Diana share essential tips for a successful genealogy research trip. They stress the importance of clear research objectives and how a targeted approach can lead to better outcomes. Insights from Nicole's trips illustrate the difference between effective and exploratory methods. Creating a comprehensive timeline of known information is highlighted as a crucial step in planning. They also tease upcoming topics like locality research and facility contacts, setting the stage for continued learning.

Sep 1, 2025 • 34min
RLP 373: Heirloom Charts with Robert Stevens
Welcome to Research Like a Pro, where Diana and Nicole host Robert Stevens, co-founder of Heirloom Charts. Robert, who began genealogy in 2010 to help his wife, Jodi, join the DAR, discusses their family-run business that creates customized lineage charts, emphasizing their custom-made, meticulously researched designs. They typically use approved record copies from hereditary societies like the DAR or Mayflower Society and sometimes hire professional researchers to ensure accuracy. Robert shares that charts start at $159 and highlights a custom project tracing a couple's lineage to Edward III. He also announces their upcoming children's book, "William the Marshal, the Greatest Knight that Ever Lived!", which includes space for a child's lineage. Listeners can learn more and order charts at heirloomcharts.com, with delivery taking 4-6 weeks. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links https://www.heirloomcharts.com/ Navigating Lineage Societies: A Guide to Connecting with Your Ancestral Heritage by Robert Stevens - https://www.heirloomcharts.com/post/navigating-lineage-societies-a-guide-to-connecting-with-your-ancestral-heritage Sir William Marshal 1st Earl of Pembroke, Regent of England profile at FamilySearch - https://www.familysearch.org/en/tree/person/details/LBGV-7WG William Marshal, 1st Earl of Pembroke Wikipedia Article - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Marshal,_1st_Earl_of_Pembroke 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/

9 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 27min
RLP 372: Onsite Research - Beyond Digitized Records
Discover the untapped treasures of genealogical records still hidden in courthouses and archives. Nicole shares her thrilling onsite research adventures, from finding ancestral diaries to encountering unexpected challenges in Kentucky. The discussion highlights essential strategies for effective research trips, including planning, problem-solving, and communication tips. Learn how to maximize your time and efforts in various repositories while uncovering unique family histories that digital records might miss. This captivating journey will inspire you to delve deeper into your genealogy!


