

The Family History AI Show
Mark Thompson and Steve Little
Welcome to "The Family History AI Show," your go-to podcast for the latest news and views on artificial intelligence and family history.
Join Steve Little, world-class authority in AI and genealogy, and Mark Thompson, professional genealogist, educator, and technology expert, as they explore the fascinating intersection of family history and AI.
In each episode, Mark and Steve unpack the latest news and tools in AI, delivering clear, accessible insights on how you can transform your personal genealogy journey using AI and how AI is reshaping the genealogy community as a whole.
Join Steve Little, world-class authority in AI and genealogy, and Mark Thompson, professional genealogist, educator, and technology expert, as they explore the fascinating intersection of family history and AI.
In each episode, Mark and Steve unpack the latest news and tools in AI, delivering clear, accessible insights on how you can transform your personal genealogy journey using AI and how AI is reshaping the genealogy community as a whole.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 26, 2024 • 40min
EP14: Special Episode on ChatGPT's upgrade to o1-Preview, learn how to (almost) get o1-Preview for free.
Dive into the fascinating world of AI advancements as the hosts explore OpenAI's Project Strawberry and its new ChatGPT-o1 models. They uncover enhanced reasoning capabilities that could revolutionize genealogical research. Practical tips include using chain-of-thought prompting for free access to these tools. The discussion extends to what users can expect from upcoming OpenAI releases and the future Orion model. Plus, insights into the financial landscape driving these innovations make for an engaging listen!

Sep 18, 2024 • 55min
EP13: Gemini (finally!) Supports File Uploads, AI’s Impact on Learning, Gemini Adds Saved Prompts, Build Better Prompts With Examples
Discover the latest Google Gemini updates, including file upload capabilities and improvements in document processing. Explore how AI is reshaping education, offering personalized tutoring while balancing critical thinking concerns. Uncover the potential of OpenAI's upcoming 'strawberry' model, designed for enhanced reasoning. Dive into the implications of popular AI tools for genealogy research and the rise of Character AI among younger audiences. Lastly, examine ethical considerations and future trends in AI advertising.

Sep 10, 2024 • 57min
EP12: Hollywood AI Blunder, AI Image Generator Roundup, Google Lens Saves You Time Researching, Use AI For Translation
Discover how Hollywood's AI misstep offers vital lessons on fact-checking for genealogists. Explore the latest AI image generators and their unique capabilities. Learn about Google Lens’ new features, which streamline image and text search for research. Plus, find out how AI-driven translation tools can enhance your ability to navigate foreign documents. With practical tips and engaging discussions, this deep dive into AI transforms the way you approach family history research.

Aug 27, 2024 • 59min
EP 11: Microsoft Simplifies Research with “Deep Search”, Google Goes All In on AI, Have We Entered the Post-Photography Era?
Discover how Microsoft's Deep Search is set to change the game for AI-enhanced search capabilities, competing head-on with traditional tools. Google unveils exciting new AI features for Android, transforming the voice interaction landscape. The hosts tackle the evolving world of photography, discussing the implications of digital advancements and authenticity. Valuable tips on crafting effective prompts for AI are shared, while the ethical challenges of unregulated image generation technologies are explored. Dive into the dynamic intersection of AI, photography, and genealogy!

Aug 20, 2024 • 48min
EP10: Ancestry’s New AI Tools, Google Gemini Leaps Ahead, Master AI Extraction, and Google’s Olympic Ad Controversy
Discover Ancestry's exciting new AI tools that enhance genealogy research. The hosts dive into Google's impressive Gemini update and discuss the rise of small language models prioritizing privacy. Uncover practical strategies for AI extraction, making genealogy tasks easier. They also navigate the recent regulatory landscape and Google's controversial Olympic ad, exploring the balance of AI and genuine human emotion. Tune in for expert insights and innovative discussions on the future of family history!

Aug 7, 2024 • 50min
EP9: Building Better Prompts, Facebook’s LLM May Benefit Family History, MyHeritage Retires an AI Feature
Co-hosts Mark and Steve dive into Meta's open-source AI strategy and its potential benefits for genealogy. They discuss MyHeritage's decision to retire an AI feature and explore exciting new tools in Adobe Illustrator. This week’s tip focuses on crafting effective AI prompts using a role, task, and format approach. The RapidFire segment highlights delays from Apple, Google’s prowess in math, and OpenAI's new SearchGPT. With advancements in image recognition, the podcast is a must-listen for anyone navigating the evolving landscape of AI in family history.

Jul 31, 2024 • 48min
EP8: Save Time by Summarizing, Meta's Game-Changing AI Upgrade, FamilySearch's Summarization Feature, Is the AI Bubble About to Burst?
Explore the latest advancements in Meta AI and its implications for genealogy research. FamilySearch introduces AI-powered summarization features to ease the navigation of dense historical records. The hosts tackle concerns about AI hype and share strategies to hone summarization skills, crucial for genealogists. Rapid discussions cover Google's privacy policy updates, Apple's training data controversies, and exciting new partnerships in AI education. It's a fascinating look at how technology is reshaping the world of family history.

Jul 24, 2024 • 39min
EP7: Perplexity Upgrade, AI Ethical Issues, Building Better Prompts, Siri Upgrade Delayed
In this episode, hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little dive into Perplexity's big upgrade, enhancing research capabilities for family historians. They tackle pressing ethical concerns in AI, exploring copyright issues and training data controversies that impact genealogists. The show introduces a new series on building better prompts, offering practical tips to maximize AI tools. In the rapid-fire segment, they cover open-source developments, geopolitical influences on AI, and exciting updates from industry leaders like Anthropic, OpenAI, Google, and Apple. Whether you're a tech-savvy genealogist or new to AI, this episode provides valuable insights to navigate the evolving landscape of family history research in the digital age. Tune in for expert analysis and practical advice on leveraging AI in your genealogical pursuits.Timestamps:Welcome and introduction2:12 AI In the News2:30 Story 1: Perplexity upgrade7:20 Story 2: Ethical issues in AI13:55 Tip of the Week: Build Better Prompts21:40 AI Rapid Fire21:40 Open source developments in AI24:08 Geopolitical issues affecting AI tools26:38 Anthropic's Claude and new features29:08 Changes in OpenAI board membership32:35 Google Pixel 9 AI features37:20 Delay in Apple's Siri upgrades38:53 Tout Fini!Resource Links• Perplexity: https://www.perplexity.ai/• OpenAI: https://openai.com/• Microsoft: https://www.microsoft.com/• Google: https://www.google.com/• Anthropic: https://www.anthropic.com/• Apple: https://www.apple.com/• ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com/• Claude AI: https://www.anthropic.com/• Google Gemini: https://deepmind.google/technologies/gemini/• NVIDIA: https://www.nvidia.com/• Meta (Facebook): https://about.meta.com/• Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/

Jul 17, 2024 • 41min
EP6: Claude Projects vs Custom GPTs, Student FAQs, The Importance of Chatting with your Chatbot
In this episode of The Family History AI Show, hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little discuss the latest advancements in AI tools for genealogists.Discover how Anthropic’s new Claude Projects feature stacks up against OpenAI’s custom GPTs, and learn about essential reusable prompts for genealogical research.We also highlight key insights from the GRIP Annual Institute’s AI panel, addressing top questions from genealogy students.Don’t miss our AI Tip of the Week, where we reveal strategies for effective chatbot interactions to enhance research efficiency: basic prompt advice.Stay informed with rapid-fire updates on the newest developments from OpenAI, Google, and Eleven Labs. Tune in for expert advice and the latest AI news to boost your family history research.Timestamps:[00:00:00] Introduction: Overview of the episode's topics[00:00:11] Family History AI in the News[00:00:45] Claude Projects by Anthropic[00:06:40] Comparison of Claude Projects and OpenAI Custom GPTs[00:14:20] GRIP Institute on AI and Genealogy[00:24:45] Family History AI Tip of the Week[00:24:58] Chatting with Your Chatbot: Importance of Prompting Basics[00:28:20] AI RapidFire[00:28:35] OpenAI Updates: Mac app release; ChatGPT voice assistant delay[00:30:45] Google Updates: Gemini integration with Gmail and Google Docs[00:32:30] OpenAI Content Licensing Deals[00:35:40] Eleven Labs Text-to-Speech: Licensed voices for realistic text-to-speech[00:40:40] Closing Remarks: Recap of the episode; Upcoming eventsResource LinksAnthropic Claude Projects: https://www.anthropic.com/news/projectsOpenAI Custom GPTs: https://chatgpt.com/gptsGenealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP): https://www.gripitt.orgOpenAI ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.comAnthropic Claude: https://www.anthropic.com/claudeGoogle Gemini: https://ai.google.com/geminiTime Magazine: https://time.comThe Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.comEleven Labs: https://elevenlabs.ioTags: AI Tools, Genealogy, Claude Projects, OpenAI, ChatGPT, Anthropic, Custom GPTs, Reusable Prompts, GRIP Annual Institute, Family History, Genealogical Research, Artificial Intelligence, LLMs, Chatbot Tips, AI in Genealogy, Time Magazine, Eleven Labs, Text to Speech, Google Gemini, AI News, Podcast

Jul 3, 2024 • 24min
EP5: Claude Sonnet 3.5 is the Best AI update in Months, The AI Industry Reacts to Apple Intelligence, AI Highlights from GRIP Genealogy Institute.
Hosts Mark Thompson and Steve Little discuss Steve's recent AI course for genealogists at GRIP and the rapid pace of learning and practical applications for genealogy. They examine the industry-wide effects of Apple's focus on AI privacy and security, including at OpenAI. The launch of Anthropic's Claude 3.5 Sonnet is a major advancement, offering huge improvements for genealogical research. This week’s Tip of The Week emphasizes the value of using AI for small, repetitive tasks. They also cover new industry-wide initiatives for identifying AI-generated images, updates to Adobe Acrobat's AI features, and the growing global interest in AI for genealogy.Timestamps:Family History AI in the News00:43 - Steve's Update on "AI from Basics to Breakthroughs" at GRIP (Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh).06:42- Apple Intelligence’s industry Impact on privacy and security in AI.08:59 - Claude 3.5 Sonnet is a significant development in AI.Tip of the Week:15:26 - Six Minutes Over Silver Bullets.AI Rapid Fire17:53 – A new consortium, led by Adobe, is helping identify AI-generated images.19:43 - Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant Update allows multiple documents to be analyzed or summarized simultaneously.22:09 – The Global Impact of AI on the Family History Community24:06 – Tout FiniResource Links: National Genealogical Society https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/GRIP (Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh) https://www.gripitt.org/Apple Intelligence https://machinelearning.apple.com/OpenAI https://openai.com/Claude 3.5 Sonnet (by Anthropic) https://www.anthropic.com/Google Gemini https://ai.google/Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/features/ai-assistant.htmlOntario Genealogical Society https://ogs.on.ca/Society of Australian Genealogists https://www.sag.org.au/Genealogy and Artificial Intelligence Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/genealogyandaiFamilySearch https://www.familysearch.org/Ancestry https://www.ancestry.com/MyHeritage https://www.myheritage.com/Tags:Genealogy, Family History, Artificial Intelligence, AI in Genealogy, Genealogy Research, AI Education, Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh, GRIP, National Genealogical Society, DNA Analysis, Document Transcription, Historical Photographs, AI Models, Privacy and Security, Safe Super Intelligence Inc, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Genealogy Technology, Pedigree Charts, AI Tools, Adobe AI Consortium, Adobe Acrobat AI Assistant, International Genealogy, Ontario Genealogical Society, Society of Australian Genealogists, AI Applications in Genealogy