
The Research Like a Pro Genealogy Podcast
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.
Latest episodes

6 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 34min
RLP 354: Ancestors' Journals - Phinehas Richards in Church Archives
Nicole and Diana discuss the life of Phinehas Richards, Nicole's husband's 4th-great-grandfather. Nicole shares details about Phinehas's life, including his birth in Massachusetts, his marriage to Wealthy Dewey, and his work as a cabinet maker. She recounts Phinehas's conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, his baptism by Brigham Young, and his ordination as a high priest. Diana talks about Phinehas receiving a patriarchal blessing from Joseph Smith Senior in Kirtland, Ohio. They then shift focus to Joseph Smith Senior, the father of the prophet Joseph Smith. Diana shares information about his life, his calling as a patriarch, and a revelation he received that is now Doctrine and Covenants section 4. Nicole explains how listeners can find the patriarchal blessings of their ancestors on The Church's website and shares her personal experience with requesting and transcribing her ancestors' blessings. Listeners will learn about the lives of Phinehas Richards and Joseph Smith Senior, their connections to early church history, and how to access patriarchal blessings online. They will also hear about the sponsor of the episode, Newspapers.com, and how it can be used for genealogical research. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links Phinehas Richards and Joseph Smith Sr. - https://familylocket.com/phinehas-richards-and-joseph-smith-sr/ 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/

6 snips
Apr 14, 2025 • 20min
RLP 353: Citing Digitized Records on Family Search
Discover the intricate world of citing digitized records from FamilySearch. Learn how to access billions of records and the importance of precise citations. Hear about the complications of citing microfilm records, illustrated with a real Alabama case. Uncover tips for creating clear citations that include physical and digital details. Understand how different views of the same record affect citation outcomes. Master these skills to enhance your genealogical research and return to sources with ease!

Apr 7, 2025 • 25min
RLP 352: Levi Richards' Journal Account of Joseph Smith's First Vision
Nicole and Diana discuss Levi Richards' journal account of Joseph Smith's First Vision. Nicole shares her personal connection to Levi Richards, who is her husband's 4th-great-granduncle and the brother of Willard Richards. They talk about Levi's life, his mission to England, and his role as a physician. They then focus on Levi's journal and its significance as a historical source, specifically the 11 June 1843 entry where Levi recorded Joseph Smith's testimony about the First Vision. Nicole and Diana compare Levi's account to other sources, including Joseph Smith's journal and the Nauvoo Neighbor newspaper, and they analyze the details of the meeting. Listeners will learn about the different accounts of Joseph Smith's First Vision, including the one recorded in Levi Richards' journal. They will also learn about the importance of Levi's journal as a firsthand historical source and how to analyze historical documents. Additionally, they discuss Levi's later life, including his marriage to Sarah Griffith, their mission together, and their son. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links Levi Richards’ Journal Account of Joseph Smith’s First Vision - https://familylocket.com/levi-richards-journal-account-of-joseph-smiths-first-vision/ 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/

8 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 28min
RLP 351: Separating Women of the Same Name - Two Cleo Zinns
Discover the intriguing challenge of separating two women with the same name in genealogical research. The hosts share a captivating tale involving Cleo Zinns, unraveling complex family histories with the aid of census data and marriage records. Learn about the essential use of research logs and various sources to clarify identities. Explore how personal anecdotes reveal the importance of accurate documentation and correcting online trees. This discussion is a treasure trove of tips for tackling your own genealogical puzzles!

Mar 24, 2025 • 24min
RLP 350: Florence Creer Kelsey and Her First Job
In Episode 350 of the Research Like a Pro Genealogy podcast, Diana and Nicole discuss Florence Matilda (Creer) Kelsey's first job. Diana begins by asking Nicole what she has been working on or reading. Diana recaps RootsTech, mentioning classes on AI, locality research, and transcriptions, as well as meeting listeners. Diana then introduces the subject of the episode by asking listeners if they remember their first job outside the home. She notes that ancestors also likely worked and faced challenges like answering to a boss and learning new skills. Diana shares that she is writing about her maternal grandmother, Florence, for her 52 Ancestor post, focusing on Florence's experience teaching school as a teenager. Diana recounts that Florence was born in 1892 in Spanish Fork, Utah, and was the oldest of twelve children. When Florence was about fifteen, her mother had an accident, and Florence and her sister began working outside the home. Nicole reads from Florence's history where she describes teaching at Castilla, a small town in the mountains. The episode discusses the history of Castilla as a recreational area with hot springs and excursion trains. They examine the students Florence likely taught, identifying them as the children of the Southworth family, with whom Florence lived. Diana and Nicole conclude by sharing that Florence, despite finding the job unpleasant, was proud to help her family and purchase items for herself and her parents' home. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links Florence (Creer) Kelsey and the Challenge of a First Job - https://familylocket.com/florence-creer-kelsey-and-the-challenge-of-a-first-job/ 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/

8 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 28min
RLP 349: RootsTech 2025 Tech Announcements
Discover the latest innovations from RootsTech 2025 as the hosts unveil exciting genealogy tools. Learn about AncestryDNA's 'Matches by Cluster' feature for better DNA matching and the revamped FamilySearch catalog. Explore the Ancestry Networks feature for creating family groups and the MyHeritage CousinFinder, which connects you with relatives without DNA tests. The Together app from FamilySearch helps families share stories securely, while DNA Painter enhances ancestral migration mapping. Stay updated with these cutting-edge resources to elevate your genealogy research!

Mar 10, 2025 • 39min
RLP 348: William Kelsey's Diary and Spiritual Manifestations
In this episode of Research Like a Pro, Nicole and Diana discuss their ancestor, William Henry Kelsey, and the spiritual manifestations he recorded in his diary. They explore William's early life in England, his conversion to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and his missionary service. The discussion includes details about William's family, his various residences, and his marriage to Harriet Huggett. Nicole shares specific entries from William's diary, including accounts of spiritual experiences he had as a child and visions seen by others during his missionary service. The conversation also covers William's migration to Utah and his life there. Listeners will learn about the historical context of early members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links William Henry Kelsey’s Diary and Spiritual Manifestations - https://familylocket.com/william-henry-kelsey-and-spiritual-manifestations/ AI Workbook - https://familylocket.com/product/research-like-a-pro-with-ai-workbook 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/

Mar 3, 2025 • 31min
RLP 347: Effie Kelsey and BitterSweet-A Poem, Researching Material Culture

Feb 24, 2025 • 35min
RLP 346: The Mystery of Claude "Dock" Harris' Nickname
Diana and Nicole explore the mystery of Diana's great-grandfather's nickname, Dock Harris. They discuss how his name was recorded as D.H., Dock H., or Dock in records, which was puzzling because it seemed like a nickname. They explain how this caused confusion for Diana's father, Bob, when he began researching the family history. Bob knew his grandfather as Grandpa Harris and had no other information to go on. The family bible even listed his name as Dock Harris. The hosts talk about how further research revealed that Dock's actual first name was Claude. They share details from a World War II draft registration card where Claude Harris is listed with Dock's birthdate and other identifying information. The card was dated 25 April 1942 and listed his address as Diamond, Missouri, an unusual location for Dock. As the hosts explain, additional research into Dock's medical records revealed that he was briefly away from the state hospital in Vinita, Oklahoma, where he was living at the time. This allowed him to register for the draft under his given name of Claude. They consulted multiple AI models and the 1880 census to determine if "Dock" was a common nickname in Texas. The hosts found that "Dock" was used as an informal or affectionate name for men and was derived from "Doctor." They confirm that Dock was a common nickname in Texas and conclude that Claude Harris went by the nickname Dock. Listeners will learn how to research nicknames and discover the value of using AI and census records to learn more about their ancestors. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links The Mystery of Claude “Dock” Harris’ Nickname - https://familylocket.com/the-mystery-of-claude-dock-harris-nickname/ 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/

Feb 17, 2025 • 23min
RLP 345- Edward Raymond Kelsey- Horseman and Sheriff's Posse Member
Discover how to pick a favorite photo and the fascinating stories behind it! Dive into the life of Edward Raymond Kelsey, a horse lover and a member of the Sheriff's Posse. Learn about innovative AI tools that analyze photos, revealing rich details about settings and clothing. Explore how historical newspapers can unearth family legacies and thrilling ancestral tales. Let these insights inspire you to research your own family history and preserve it for future generations!
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.