Your DNA matches hold powerful clues, but it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume. In this session, we will cover practical strategies to keep your research streamlined and productive. You’ll see how to use Ancestry and MyHeritage labels as powerful filters (not filing cabinets!), focus on the right matches, and apply simple tools like DNA Painter’s matrix to spot meaningful patterns. With a clear step-by-step framework as scaffolding, you’ll discover how to stay organized, reduce confusion, and make steady progress on your family history.
In this engaging Legacy Family Tree Webinar, genetic genealogy expert Diahan Southard presents practical and inspiring strategies for managing and interpreting DNA results more effectively in family history research. “Organizing Your DNA Results: The 2025 Update” focuses on turning genetic data into actionable insights by using color-coding, labeling, and organization techniques that simplify complex match lists. Blending methodical instruction with personal storytelling, Southard empowers genealogists to approach their DNA results with confidence, clarity, and purpose—reminding viewers that DNA isn’t just data; it’s a bridge to identity, family connection, and discovery.
Key Takeaways:
Transform Labels into Filters, Not Files: Southard introduces a mindset shift for organizing DNA matches—labels should function as filters to reveal patterns and connections rather than as static filing systems. Through strategic color coding (cool colors for paternal, warm for maternal lines), genealogists can quickly recognize familial patterns and identify both endogamy and potential breakthroughs.
Recognize and Prioritize “Best Mystery Matches”: Southard defines three levels of DNA relationships—matches to date (no trees yet), go steady (partial trees worth expanding), and marry (fully confirmed relatives). This playful framework guides researchers in allocating time efficiently and progressing toward solid genealogical conclusions.
Use Tools Like the DNA Painter Matrix for Clarity: Demonstrating the power of Jonny Perl’s DNA Painter Matrix tool, Southard shows how visualizing shared centimorgans among multiple matches helps reveal likely relationships. The approach transforms complex data into organized hypotheses ready for genealogical verification.
Throughout the webinar, Southard emphasizes that DNA organization is about more than efficiency—it’s about uncovering stories that bring peace, reconciliation, and understanding within families. Her moving account of a viewer’s discovery that reshaped a family’s identity underscores the profound personal impact of organized DNA work.
To experience the full depth of Southard’s methods—including live demonstrations, visual examples, and detailed explanations—view the complete webinar in the Legacy Family Tree Webinar Library. The presentation is an invaluable resource for anyone eager to refine their genetic genealogy process and discover more meaningful family connections.
For further learning, genealogists are encouraged to explore the additional resources and handouts included in the webinar syllabus, which offer step-by-step guides, recommended tools, and extended reading from Your DNA Guide and related educational materials.
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Syllabus
I never thought of that labeling system; I’m definitely going to try it out! Also, the story you shared about the person you met at RootsTech 2025, who discovered through your techniques that his grandfather wasn’t actually his grandfather, made me tear up. Truly touching. You have a gift for storytelling and conveying meaning, and I don’t say that often. Thank you!
Thank you, Diahan, You did an awesome job as always! I especially like the way you explain the dots system this time, especially with the example you gave of the DNA match of the 3 dots grouping belonging to the 2C1R & not to the 2 dot grouping belonging to the 3C. I finally get the dot system in full now, lol. I have heard you teach twice now on the dna painter Matrix thing so I need to just go practice & see how it works but it seems exciting so thanks for sharing how it works.
Diahan is an excellent teacher. She is passionate about DNA AND genealogy. DNA is complex, but she has developed a system that enables regular folks used it in an effectual way. She should be on the Mt Rushmore of DNA and genealogy icons. Seriously. She has brought the complexity of DNA to the common people to where it is no longer intimidating. I have seen seminars and webinars and read blogs and books by some of the other “names” in the field, but her teaching finally made my DNA matches useful.
I’ve watched a few of your webinars on organizing DNA matches with the dot system and it just hasn’t clicked until today’s webinar. Thank you.
Lots of light bulb moments, also slap on the forehead moments too! I know this, Diahan has told me this before! Haven’t done much DNA for a long while, just getting back to it so my 1 take away for today is to redo my dots!!!!
I always enjoy listening to Diahan. I recently got more family members tested so now have more BKM so it was good to be reminded again. I am looking forward to trying it all out and maybe it is time to redo my matching since I now have more cousins to add to the mix! The only downside is that I can no longer upload to myHeritage and if my family is spread out all over the globe it is not that easy to just buy an additional kit.
Diahan explained things very consicely with great word picture terms like dating, going steady and marrying! She has a very friendly and enjoyable voice. I especially liked how she gave permission to beginners to take just a part of what she was teaching and yet inspired us that we won’t always be beginners!!
Really clarified how to handle use Match Labelling, managing Best mystery Matches (BMM) and how to treat matches with various numbers of labels.