The Genealogy Guys Podcast #437
Hosts: Drew Smith & George G. Morgan | Date: November 27, 2025
Overview
This lively episode marks the 20th anniversary of "The Genealogy Guys Podcast," the world's longest-running genealogy podcast. Hosts Drew Smith and George G. Morgan dive into big news from MyHeritage, expanding archival collections at FamilySearch and newspapers.com, and important updates for the genealogy community. They answer listener mail, discuss collaborative tools for big society projects, and preview special activities—including the WikiTree Challenge and RootsTech 2026. The duo’s hallmark warmth and nerdy humor keep the show engaging, practical, and welcoming to genealogists of all experience levels.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
MyHeritage Announcements
Whole Genome Sequencing Coming to MyHeritage
- [01:57] MyHeritage is becoming the first major consumer company to roll out whole genome sequencing via their at-home DNA kits, starting in January 2026.
- This promises more accurate ethnicity analysis and DNA matching.
- “The fact that they're even doing this is pretty darn amazing.” —Drew [02:40]
- MyHeritage DNA Sale: Big Black Friday sale (details omitted per guidelines).
Theory of Family Relativity Update
- [03:36] MyHeritage increased their "Theory of Family Relativity" connections by 103 million new theories (44% increase), now totaling 336 million.
- About 3.5 million DNA kits have at least one theory attached.
- Drew urges listeners to explore their new theories: “...take a look and see if you’ve got some new theories.” [04:34]
- Drew will revisit his personal experience with these theories at episode's end.
1921 England & Wales Census on MyHeritage
- [05:21] Now searchable on MyHeritage: 38 million household records from post-WWI Britain, the most recent UK census available until 2052.
- “It includes 38 million records providing really an extraordinary view of life in Britain just after the First World War.” —George [05:30]
- Context: FindMyPast’s original exclusive expired, now also available on Ancestry and MyHeritage.
AI-Extracted Marriage Records from Old Newspapers
- [07:37] 95 million marriage-related records (engagements, licenses, divorces) added, extracted via advanced AI from OldNews.com newspapers in the US, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Other Major Platform News
Legacy Family Tree Webinars in Spanish
- [08:40] New live and on-demand genealogy webinars entirely in Spanish.
- Next live session: Dec 9 at 11:00 AM EST.
- “We’re very excited about the fact that there are now Spanish language webinars available.” —Drew [10:51]
- Encouraged as a gift for Spanish-speaking family members interested in genealogy.
Newspapers.com & Gannett Partnership
- [11:33] Digitizing nearly 150 new newspaper titles; issues date as far back as 1785.
- Four newspapers contain over 200 years of issues.
- “We didn’t even have Constitution then.” —George [13:11]
FamilySearch Record Additions
- [13:14] Massive new collections added in October and November:
- October: 21 million new records across seven countries (Italy, Philippines, US, etc.)
- November: 18 million new records from ten countries (notably Dominican Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo)
- “If you’ve got ancestors in any of these countries, it’s time for you to go back and do another search.” —Drew [15:16]
Listener Email & Community Questions
The Korean War Project Database
- [17:18] Hal Barker highlights 30 years of crowdsourced Korean War casualty data, urging the community to use www.koreanwar.org.
- The site's data will be donated to FamilySearch in future.
- “We started crowdsourcing almost instantly 30 years ago and have had tens of thousands of people... create the most accurate casualty data from the Korean War anywhere.” —Hal [18:07 read by George]
Organizing Large Genealogy Society Projects
- [19:32] Julia asks for advice on project management tools for a community research project.
- Drew recommends Trello: “Trello, Trello, Trello…” [20:48]
- Drew explains using Trello to organize ~750 individual records in the Zion Cemetery project, enabling easy volunteer assignments and tracking.
- “This is so much better than... a spreadsheet... Trello works so much better.” —Drew [23:44]
- Trello’s visual boards, lists, and cards accommodate collaboration, file attachments, and progress tracking. Free for collaborators.
Featured Discussions
WikiTree Challenge
- [25:22] Both hosts discuss the WikiTree Challenge: crowdsourced research projects aimed at genealogy leaders.
- Drew recounts being a previous guest: “It’s kind of like Drew Smith: This Is Your Life! Here’s what people found.” [27:15]
- Upcoming Challenge for George:
- Kick-off Chat: Dec 4, 12 PM EST
- Weekend Discussion: Dec 6, 12 PM EST
- Conclusion/Wrap-up: Dec 11, 12 PM EST
- George’s anticipation: “I have some brick walls... I'm excited... I'm looking forward very much.” [30:22]
- Past challenges uncovered surprising connections and record types across multiple countries for Drew.
The Importance of Contextual and Historical Research
- “If you think working on your genealogy just means being online, you're wrong. You have to... research the history and geography of the places...” —George [32:48]
Major Events: RootsTech 2026
- [33:05] RootsTech, the premier genealogy conference in Salt Lake City and online:
- Dates: March 5-7, 2026
- Online: 200+ free sessions in 26+ languages, including live-streamed keynotes.
- In-Person: 250+ exclusive live sessions, 120+ exhibitors, discounted early-bird pricing ($99 for 3 days, $69 for one day).
- Drew will present three talks, including a new session on Artificial Intelligence and Genealogy.
DNA Research & Tree Verification on MyHeritage
- [36:43] Drew describes reviewing MyHeritage theories of relativity:
- He’s contacting tree owners about unverified information, e.g., his great-great-grandfather Charles King's parentage.
- “I've started messaging them and saying, ‘Can you give me any info on how we know who Charles King’s parents are?’” —Drew [38:09]
- Emphasizes the value of collaboration, not copying unverified connections: “That’s part of the joy of genealogy, is the collaboration.” —George [40:08]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “The fact that they're even doing this is pretty darn amazing.” —Drew, about full genome sequencing by MyHeritage [02:40]
- “If you think working on your genealogy just means being online, you're wrong.” —George [32:48]
- “That's my favorite four letter word: free.” —George, about RootsTech online [33:59]
- “I ordered books about the Scots Irish ... I have 9 books that I have to spend some time reading.” —George, humorously celebrating deep historical research [32:10]
- “Nobody's genealogy is ever finished, so that's true.” —Drew [36:43]
- “We do it. Not. I mean, yes, there’s a serious side ... but there’s also an enjoyment ... It’s supposed to be fun.” —Drew [40:12]
- “If you’re getting started in genealogy, [your librarian] may be your first contact as you go out to help you...” —Drew, on teaching genealogy librarians [42:28]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 01:57 — Whole genome sequencing announcement (MyHeritage)
- 03:36 — MyHeritage Theory of Family Relativity update
- 05:21 — 1921 England & Wales Census on MyHeritage
- 07:37 — 95 million AI-extracted marriage records
- 08:40 — Legacy Family Tree Webinars available in Spanish
- 11:33 — Newspapers.com partnership with Gannett
- 13:14 — FamilySearch new records for Oct/Nov 2025
- 17:18 — Korean War Project listener email
- 19:32 — Project management with Trello for society projects
- 25:22 — WikiTree Challenge explained; George’s upcoming challenge
- 33:05 — RootsTech 2026 preview
- 36:43 — Using MyHeritage theories for tree verification
- 40:12 — Genealogy is supposed to be fun and collaborative
Conclusion
The episode is a treasure trove of up-to-date news, practical strategies for collaborative research, and genuine enthusiasm for the evolving world of genealogy. It is perfect for genealogists looking for the latest resources, big event previews, and tried-and-true tools for research projects, all delivered with the wit and warmth of two lifelong experts.
For questions, feedback, or your own genealogy challenges, contact the hosts at genealogyguysmail.com