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October 21, 2025 46 mins

Feeling overwhelmed by Perplexity AI? You're not alone. Most genealogists have heard about this powerful AI research tool but don't know where to start—or they've tried it once, got confused by all the buttons and options, and went right back to their comfort zone.

But what if I told you that Perplexity AI could become your most powerful genealogy research tool? That it could help you solve brick walls that have stumped you for years? That it's actually FREE to use and doesn't require a paid subscription to get incredible results?

In this comprehensive 45-minute episode of Ancestors and Algorithms, I take you on a complete journey through Perplexity AI—from absolute beginner to advanced power user. No jargon. No intimidation. Just practical, step-by-step guidance for family historians who want to supercharge their research.

What You'll Learn:

Getting Started (Even If You're Brand New to AI)

  • How to access Perplexity (website, apps, and the game-changing Comet Browser)
  • Understanding the interface without feeling overwhelmed
  • Your first genealogy search in under 60 seconds
  • Why Perplexity gives you sources ChatGPT doesn't

Real Brick Wall Breakthrough Stories

  • How I solved a 2-year Scottish immigration mystery in 3 minutes using Research Mode
  • The "Assisted Emigration Scheme" discovery that changed everything
  • Why Perplexity found sources no other tool could locate

The Comet Browser Revolution

  • What is Comet and why genealogists are raving about it
  • The Comet Assistant that reads every webpage with you
  • How to use Background Assistants for multi-tasking research
  • Practical examples: analyzing census records, obituaries, and immigration documents
  • Why having AI integrated into your browser changes research forever

Real-World Genealogy Applications

  • Finding obscure archives and record collections
  • Understanding historical context around ancestors' lives
  • Translating foreign language documents
  • Creating research plans for complex brick walls
  • Comparing different historical sources quickly
  • Discovering settlement patterns and migration routes

This Episode Is Perfect For:

  • Complete beginners who've never used Perplexity before
  • Intermediate users who feel like they're only scratching the surface
  • Advanced researchers ready to level up with Comet Browser
  • Anyone frustrated with traditional research methods
  • Genealogists who want to work smarter, not harder

What Makes This Different: This isn't just theory. I walk you through actual genealogy scenarios, show you exactly which buttons to push, give you word-for-word prompts you can copy, and explain why certain features matter for family history research specifically.

Whether you're researching in the United States, Canada, Europe, or anywhere else in the world, these Perplexity techniques will transform how you approach genealogy research.

Connect with Ancestors and Algorithms:

📧 Email: ancestorsandai@gmail.com
🌐 Website: https://ancestorsandai.com/
📘 Facebook Group: Ancestors and Algorithms: AI for Genealogy - www.facebook.com/groups/ancestorsandalgorithms/

Golden Rule Reminder: AI is your research assistant, not your researcher.

Join our Facebook group to share your AI genealogy breakthroughs, ask questions, and connect with fellow family historians who are embracing the future of genealogy research!

New episodes every Tuesday. Subscribe so you never miss the latest AI tools and techniques for family history research.




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