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
Jan 6, 2025 • 53min
EP21: 12 Days of OpenAI Deep Dive, ChatGPT Canvas Easier to Use, Voice & Vision Unite in ChatGPTs mobile apps, Tips for Free AI Tools
OpenAI's latest innovations take center stage, with highlights on their '12 Days of OpenAI' campaign and new reasoning models. The Canvas tool becomes widely accessible, enhancing project organization and AI collaboration. ChatGPT's Advanced Voice Mode introduces a camera view, transforming mobile genealogy research. Tips reveal how to utilize free AI tools effectively, while discussions cover Apple's careful AI updates and Harvard's donation of a million books for training. The festive Santa Chat feature adds a whimsical touch to user interactions.
14 snips
Dec 30, 2024 • 1h 7min
EP20: Top AI Tools Worth Paying For in 2025, AI Tools Not Worth Paying For, 12 Days of OpenAI Begins, Use AI Hallucinations to Your Advantage
Discover the top AI tools to invest in for 2025 and which ones to avoid, with surprising insights. Dive into OpenAI's '12 Days of OpenAI' and learn about the new O1 reasoning model for family history research. Embrace AI hallucinations as creative tools rather than setbacks, unlocking innovative problem-solving. Explore Microsoft's Copilot Vision beta and Apple’s cautious approach to AI, alongside Google's exciting memory feature in Gemini. Plus, hear about the substantial funding boost for Elon Musk's XAI and its potential impact.
Dec 3, 2024 • 52min
EP19: 2024's Top 5 AI Genealogy Breakthroughs, MyHeritage LiveMemory Goes Viral, The Bluesky Migration
Discover how AI is revolutionizing genealogy with MyHeritage's viral LiveMemory tool, which animates old photos. Mark and Steve unveil the top five AI breakthroughs for genealogists, including FamilySearch's full-text search that unlocks vast collections of handwritten records. They also discuss the migration of genealogists to the new social platform, Bluesky. Plus, get practical tips on using AI to trace your ancestors' origins and learn about rapid advancements from tech giants like Google and Amazon.
Nov 21, 2024 • 44min
EP18: Claude Improves AI Writing, ChatGPT Desktop Apps Arrive, OpenAI Joins AI-Enhanced Search Race, Apple Begins AI Rollout, Meta Brings Reuter’s News to Facebook
Discover how Claude 3.5 is revolutionizing AI writing, making research reports easier to craft. Explore new desktop apps from OpenAI that enhance voice interaction for genealogy tasks. Get tips on harnessing free AI tools for family history research effectively. Dive into AI agents' future and Apple's cautious rollout of AI features in iOS 18.1. Plus, learn about Meta's partnership with Reuters, and what it means for AI-generated content in the media landscape.
Nov 12, 2024 • 54min
EP17: AI Writing Gets Easier with OpenAI’s New Canvas Feature, Chatbots Try to Replace Traditional Software, Privacy Protection and AI, Big NotebookLM Updates
Discover how OpenAI's new Canvas feature is set to transform document creation for genealogists with its innovative split-screen interface. The hosts dive into the competition between AI platforms and traditional software, predicting a shift in content creation practices. Privacy in AI use gets a spotlight with practical tips to protect sensitive data. Plus, hear about groundbreaking updates like NotebookLM's audio features and Apple’s forthcoming AI enhancements in iOS 18.1. Embrace the future of genealogy with AI insights galore!
Oct 15, 2024 • 59min
EP16: Genetic Genealogy Conference Roundup, Open AI Launches Canvas, AI Disclosure, Google Photos Goes AI, Nobel Prizes Focus on AI
Co-hosts share insights from the East Coast Genetic Genealogy Conference, focusing on Dana Leeds' innovative AI charting techniques. They discuss OpenAI's new Canvas feature and Google's tools for transforming documents into engaging podcasts. The importance of disclosing AI-generated content in genealogy is highlighted. In RapidFire, they cover Google Photos' AI enhancements, Nobel Prizes awarded for AI innovations, and Microsoft's new Copilot Vision. Tech enthusiasts and family historians will find valuable insights on AI's evolving role in genealogy.
Oct 1, 2024 • 53min
EP15: Talking with Your Chatbot is Now a Reality, FamilySearch Adds Canadian Records to Full-Text Search, & new Responsible AI Use Series Begins
Discover the exciting advancements in conversational AI, including OpenAI's voice interactions that make chatting with bots feel natural. Learn how FamilySearch has enriched its records with new Canadian data, revolutionizing genealogical research. The hosts emphasize the crucial need for responsible AI use, particularly in verifying information to prevent the pitfalls of AI 'hallucinations.' Tools like Google's NotebookLM also promise to enhance research, making it easier for genealogists to navigate the digital landscape.
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.
