

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

4 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 31min
RLP 362: A Day at the Alabama Department of Archives and History
Diana takes a research trip to the Alabama Department of Archives and History, looking for details about her ancestor, Thomas B. Royston. She navigates the archives with the help of staff, uncovering tax records and census data revealing Royston's life and property. A significant 1842 tax assessment surprises her, marking his presence in Chambers County earlier than expected. Tips for effective research, such as pre-visit preparations and leveraging archivist expertise, enhance the exploration of genealogical treasures.

Jun 9, 2025 • 29min
RLP 361: Home Sweet Home - The House that Charles C. Creer Built
In this episode, Nicole and Diana discuss the ancestral home of Diana's great-grandparents, Charles Cannon Creer and Mary Margaret Peterson. Nicole introduces the topic of researching ancestral homes, emphasizing the importance of exploring the architecture and records like city directories, taxes, maps, and newspapers. Diana shares the story of Charles building a home in Spanish Fork, Utah, for his bride in 1892, which remained in the family for over a century. They talk about Charles' life, including his family background, education, and his work in farming and with his father in civic roles. Diana recounts how Charles gained construction experience and built the two-story home, which later expanded to accommodate their large family. The conversation also covers a significant incident where Mary suffered an accident that left her an invalid. Diana explains how this affected the family and their later years. They also examine the house's architectural style, using AI analysis and discussing features such as Gothic Revival influence, Classical Revival details, and Victorian-era vernacular. Diana shares research tips, including using title and deed records, census and city directories, historic and Sanborn Fire Insurance maps, newspapers, tax and building records, photographs, and architectural analysis. Finally, Diana highlights the discovery of the home's details in a 1908 Sanborn Fire Insurance map, which helps describe the materials and layout of the house. Listeners will learn how to research the history of an ancestral home using various records and tools, including AI analysis and historic maps. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links Home Sweet Home: The House that Charles C. Creer Built - https://familylocket.com/home-sweet-home-the-house-that-charles-c-creer-built/ 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/

5 snips
Jun 2, 2025 • 24min
360: The Indigo Girl – Eliza Lucas Pinckney in 18th Century South Carolina
Discover the fascinating life of Eliza Lucas Pinckney, a pioneer in 18th Century South Carolina agriculture. From her early years in Antigua to her groundbreaking work in indigo cultivation, her story is one of resilience and innovation. Explore the challenges faced by women in colonial America and how Eliza's letterbooks offer a glimpse into her remarkable character. Learn about the intertwining of historical research and creative writing in bringing ancestral stories to life, while engaging children creatively with family history.

May 26, 2025 • 30min
RLP 359: Belle Carpenter and 1875 Divorce
Dive into the tumultuous 1875 divorce case of Belle Carpenter, revealing her struggles with abandonment and societal stigma. Discover how AI tools are revolutionizing genealogical research, from transcribing court documents to generating insightful timelines. Unpack the intricacies of women's legal rights in post-Civil War Texas, alongside Belle's emotional and financial battles against her husband. The journey also highlights the challenges of researching common names and the power of newspaper archives in uncovering vital historical records.

9 snips
May 19, 2025 • 29min
RLP 358: Jemima Griggs and Joseph Knight Senior
Dive into fascinating genealogical connections between Joseph Knight Sr. and Jemima Griggs. Discover how DNA testing can reveal surprising family ties. Explore Knight's influence on early American history and his relationship with Joseph Smith Jr. Learn about Jemima's life and her family's legacy. The hosts discuss crucial future research steps and the complexities of documenting ancestry from the Massachusetts Bay Colony. Unravel the past while enjoying humorous anecdotes about the challenges of tracing family trees through time.

May 12, 2025 • 33min
RLP 357: AI and Full Text Search
Discover the power of FamilySearch's Full-Text Search for uncovering genealogical gems. Dive into how AI streamlines your research and enhances DNA analysis. The hosts share thrilling personal discoveries about their ancestor Thomas Beverly Royston and offer savvy tips for optimizing searches. Get insights on using AI tools like ChatGPT and Transkribus for accurate document transcription. They also tackle the challenges of researching enslaved ancestors, revealing the emotional impact of piecing together family histories.

May 5, 2025 • 29min
RLP 356: Clarinda and Jerusha- Puritan Roots to Pioneer Legacy
This podcast episode focuses on the genealogy of two women, Clarinda Knapp Allen and Jerusha Barden Smith, and their connection to early settlers and significant figures in American history and the Latter-day Saint movement. Nicole discusses her husband’s ancestry, specifically how his relatives married into the Hyrum Smith family. She then shifts focus to one of her own ancestors, Clarinda Knapp, whose relationship to Hyrum Smith’s wife, Jerusha Barden, becomes the central point of discussion. Diana and Nicole trace the lineage of both women back to their common ancestors, Caleb Knapp and Hannah Smith, who lived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. They explain how Caleb's father, Nicholas Knapp, arrived in Watertown in 1630 and later moved to Stamford, Connecticut. The episode details the different paths taken by the Knapp descendants. Nicole shares how Clarinda Knapp's line stayed in Stamford and Danbury, and eventually clarifies her life events including her baptism into the Latter-day Saint church, her travels, and her family. Diana describes Jerusha Barden's line and how it also passed through Danbury before her marriage to Hyrum Smith and her baptism into the same church. The hosts examine the lives of both women, including their religious experiences and migrations, highlighting how their ancestry connects them to early American history and the beginnings of a religious movement. Listeners will learn how to follow ancestral lines, connect to historical events and figures, and understand how genealogy connects people and stories. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links Texas Institute of Genealogical Research (TIGR) https://www.txsgs.org/tigr-2025/ TIGR Course 4 – Integrating AI into Genealogical Research and Writing https://www.txsgs.org/tigr-course-4-integrating-ai-into-genealogical-research-and-writing/ Clarinda Knapp Allen and Jerusha Barden Smith - https://familylocket.com/clarinda-knapp-allen-and-jerusha-barden-smith/ 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/

Apr 28, 2025 • 28min
RLP 355: Anna Nash and the Cowderys: Uncovering Family Connections
This episode focuses on Anna Nash and the Cowdery family connections. Nicole and Diana discuss the genealogical links between Nicole's husband's family and Oliver Cowdery, a prominent figure in early LDS church history. They start with Oliver Cowdery's background, including his work with Joseph Smith and his later life. The episode then shifts to Oliver's half-sister, Phebe Lawrence Cowdery, and her marriage to Daniel Smith Jackson, who has a connection to Nicole's husband's ancestor, Anna Nash. The hosts explore Daniel Smith Jackson's life, his conversion to the church, and his family's migration. They then discuss Anna Nash's ancestry and her marriage to Alpheus Gifford, a missionary. The hosts share a story about Anna Nash and snakes, and her later life. The episode concludes with future research ideas, including determining baptism dates, exploring potential connections between Anna and Daniel in Butternuts, New York, and tracking Phebe Cowdery's migration. Listeners will learn about the family connections between these individuals, their roles in early LDS church history, and potential avenues for further genealogical research. This summary was generated by Google Gemini. Links Anna Nash and Phebe Cowdery, Oliver Cowdery’s Sister - https://familylocket.com/anna-nash-and-phebe-cowdery-oliver-cowderys-sister/ 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 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!