Family Ghosts
Every house is haunted. In each episode of Family Ghosts, we investigate the true story behind a mysterious figure whose legend has followed a family for generations. Grandmothers who were secretly jewel smugglers, uncles who led double lives, siblings who vanished without a trace, and other ghostly characters who cast shadows over our lives in ways that might not be immediately obvious. We are all formed in part by our familial collections of secrets, intrigues, and myths. By engaging with each others’ legends, perhaps we can see each others’ realities more clearly. Hosted by Moth Grand Slam winner Sam Dingman, whos...
S5 E17 · Wed, June 05, 2024
Pack One Bag
"Pack One Bag" is exactly the sort of story we often tell on "Family Ghosts." A documentarian named David Modigliani grows up with a fairy tale version of his grandparents' daring escape from Fascist Italy. But as an adult, he discovers that the fairy tale was only part of the story. This revelation sends him across the ocean in search of answers to disturbing questions: why are there friendly letters from Benito Mussolini to David's great-grandfather? What happened to the family members who didn't make it out of the country and were forced to flee their homes? What responsibility does David have to his family's past - and to its future? It's an epic story of love, longing, separation, redemption, and the malleability of historical memory. And it just so happens to feature the voice talents of Signore Stanley Tucci! Your humble Ghost Host Sam worked closely with David for over two years as the story editor on "Pack One Bag," and we're excited to introduce you to the first episode. If you like it, follow the series in your podcast player of choice. Thank you for listening!
S5 E16 · Tue, March 19, 2024
FG Presents: The Burden
Introducing "The Burden," from legendary investigative reporter (and longtime friend of the Ghost Family) Steve Fishman.
S5 E15 · Thu, August 31, 2023
Good Company
Sam's quest to uncover a family ghost that lives in his radio. If you like what you hear, please check out “Good Company” on Apple Podcasts or Spotify .
Bonus · Wed, April 19, 2023
Sam's Breadcrumbs
Sam was recently featured on an episode of Breadcrumbs, hosted by his best and oldest friend Allen Brooks. In the course of their conversation, they ended up talking about things they’d never discussed - deepening their connection even further. If you like what you hear, find more episodes of Breadcrumbs here .
S5 E14 · Wed, April 05, 2023
The Midnight Disease
Sam shares an update on why Family Ghosts has been MIA lo these many months - and an exciting preview of a new beginning. If you like what you hear, please check out The Midnight Disease for the thrilling conclusion to episode one, and stay tuned for weekly episodes going forward. Thank you, Ghost Family.
S5 E13 · Fri, July 01, 2022
Bone Hill Reprise
An important update about Family Ghosts, and a reprise of a timely tale.
S5 E12 · Fri, June 17, 2022
An Electric Dissatisfaction
Josh Ritter tells Jayson De Leon about charting a course through the unknown.
S5 E11 · Fri, June 03, 2022
A Mississippi Story
Guy Story finds out his father had a secret. Before long, Guy finds himself on a treacherous journey of discovery about a mysterious desperado, and trying to figure out why everyone seems ashamed to admit they’re related to him. Check out Guy’s band: https://www.storytownband.com/ Read the blog post he wrote to accompany his song: https://www.storytownband.com/the-latest-from-storytown/2021/7/1/skeletons-in-the-closet . And watch the music video here: https://youtu.be/ke_8Uc_09Mg Family Ghosts is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kindred Spirits . For just $5 per month, Kindred Spirits get access to all of our episodes ad-free, and exclusive bonus content. If you have the means, please consider joining them today at http://patreon.com/familyghosts . And if you don’t have the means, no worries. Please consider supporting the show for free by leaving us a review in Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Thank you for listening.
S5 E10 · Sat, May 21, 2022
Hard Eights and Husky Boys
Stories about inscrutable older men with vital wisdom to share - if only we could figure out how to talk to them. Family Ghosts is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kindred Spirits - our community of supporters on Patreon. For just $5 per month, Kindred Spirits hear our episodes ad-free, and get access to bonus content that’s not available anywhere else. If you have the means, please consider joining them today at http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
S5 E9 · Fri, May 06, 2022
Manual Transition
Mark embarks on a rollicking quest to find a Cool Dad. Family Ghosts is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kindred Spirits - our community of supporters on Patreon. For just five dollars a month, Kindred Spirits hear our episodes ad-free, and they get exclusive bonus content that’s not available anywhere else. If you have the means, please consider joining them today at http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
S5 E8 · Fri, April 22, 2022
The Pretender & The Godfather
On the occasion of a major life milestone, Sam reflects on two of his wayward role models. Family Ghosts is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Kindred Spirits - our community of supporters on Patreon. For just $5 per month, Kindred Spirits hear our episodes ad-free, and they get exclusive bonus content. If you have the means, please consider joining them today at http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
S5 E7 · Fri, April 08, 2022
Telling Our Stories To Ourselves
Producer Veralyn Williams explores the power of subjective storytelling in the aftermath of her experience working on a particularly harrowing episode. Find more of Veralyn’s work at https://www.iamveralyn.com/ , learn more about Robin Boylorn here , and Tayari Jones here .
S5 E6 · Fri, March 25, 2022
How Will You Spend Your Time? (A Family Ghosts Mixtape)
Seven songs from in (and around) our series that just might make you come unstuck in time. Featuring performances by: D and Chi , Allan, Martha Redbone , Kirya Traber , Jay Starling , and Jocelyn Mackenzie .
S5 E5 · Fri, March 11, 2022
Pioneer Stock, Part 3: Sacred Secrets
Craig learns the truth about the end of his Uncle Larry's life - and finds a new beginning for his own. Family Ghosts is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kindred Spirits . For just $5 per month, Kindred Spirits hear our episodes ad-free, and they get access to exclusive bonus content that’s not available anywhere else. If you have the means, please consider joining them today, at http://patreon.com/familyghosts . Find more of Craig’s stories here . Thank you for listening.
S5 E4 · Fri, February 25, 2022
Pioneer Stock, Part 2: A Life Deferred
Craig travels to Utah to unlock the mysteries of his Uncle Brent’s life - literally. Family Ghosts is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kindred Spirits , our community of supporters on Patreon. For just $5 per month, Kindred Spirits hear our episodes ad-free, and they get exclusive bonus content that’s not available anywhere else. If you have the means, please consider joining them today at http://patreon.com/FamilyGhosts . And either way, thank you for listening.
S5 E3 · Sat, February 12, 2022
Pioneer Stock - Part 1
Craig grows up in hiding from his uncles' secret lives, fearful that his family will one day discover his own secret. Listen to Craig on the Moth Radio Hour here , and find more of his work here . Family Ghosts is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Kindred Spirits , our community of supporters on Patreon . If you have the means, please consider joining them today at https://patreon.com/familyghosts . Thank you for listening!
S5 E2 · Thu, January 27, 2022
Don't Look Directly At It
Malcolm Gladwell shares a parable from the past, and Nick Markovich searches for the meaning of life. Hear more of Malcolm’s work on Revisionist History , and more of Jacob’s work on Deep Cover . Family Ghosts is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Kindred Spirits , our community of supporters on Patreon. For just $5 per month, Kindred Spirits hear our episodes ad-free, and they get access to exclusive bonus content. If you have the means, please consider joining them today at http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
S5 E1 · Fri, January 14, 2022
The Fatal Nickel
The wayward son of a manufacturing dynasty tries to sow fresh roots in his family tree. Sources: Jane Mayer Daniel Schulman Brian O’Reilly & Patty De Llosa Katharine Q. Seelye Family Ghosts is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kindred Spirits , our community of supporters on Patreon. For just $5 per month, Kindred Spirits hear our episodes ad-free, and get exclusive bonus content that’s not available anywhere else. If you have the means, please consider joining the Kindred Spirits at http://patreon.com/familyghosts . Thank you for listening!
S4 E26 · Fri, December 31, 2021
Something in the Wind
Sam has a memory he can't explain - which, in turn, explains a lot about Family Ghosts. Thanks to Marcy and Betsy - check out A Funny Feeling here . And find the Neighborhood Watch photo essay here . Family Ghosts is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kindred Spirits , our community of supporters on Patreon. If you have the means, please consider joining them today for just $5 per month: http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
S4 E25 · Fri, December 17, 2021
Untitled Dad Project
Janielle Kastner tries to get to know a man she never got to meet. Find and follow “Untitled Dad Project” wherever you’re listening to this. Family Ghosts is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Kindred Spirits , our community of supporters on Patreon. For just five dollars per month, Kindred Spirits get ad-free versions of all of our episodes, plus exclusive bonus content. If you have the means, please consider joining them today at http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
S4 E24 · Fri, December 03, 2021
You Know It's Wrong
Stories about rediscovering home in unexpected ways. Featuring Micaela Blei and Jeff Simmermon .
S4 E23 · Fri, November 19, 2021
They Don't Make 'Em Like That Anymore
Stories from Bradford Jordan and Ophira Eisenberg about reckoning with the fundamental truth (or, in some cases, lies) about who their mothers are. This episode is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Kindred Spirits, our community of supporters on Patreon. Please consider joining them for just five dollars per month. You’ll hear our episodes ad-free, get exclusive bonus content, and help keep Family Ghosts on the air!
S4 E22 · Fri, November 05, 2021
City Folk
Sam gets a ghostly answer to a decade-old question.
Bonus · Mon, October 25, 2021
The Rumor
A mysterious story has haunted the city of Baltimore for 25 years. Can Sam unravel the truth...before the truth unravels him? Follow The Rumor on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or wherever you like to listen.
S4 E21 · Thu, October 21, 2021
Superheroes
Stories about unexpected impulses with deep generational roots. Hubby Jenkins tells the story of discovering a deep connection with his banjo, and Dr. Njoki McElroy tells the story of an evil happening in Sherman, Texas. Find more of Hubby's music at https://hubbyjenkins.com/ , and read more about Dr. McElroy at http://www.drnjokimcelroy.com/ . This episode is made possible by the generous support of the Kindred Spirits , our community of supporters on Patreon. For just $5 per month, Kindred Spirits hear our episodes ad-free, and get exclusive access to bonus episodes. If you have the means, please consider joining the Kindred Spirits at http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
S4 E20 · Thu, October 07, 2021
The Soft War
Thi Bui tells producer Jennifer Lai about the delicate process of asking her parents about their worst experiences - and the even more delicate process of turning those conversations into works of art. Listen to Jennifer’s current project, The Slowdown, here . And find Thi’s memoir, “The Best We Could Do,” here . Family Ghosts is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kindred Spirits , our community of supporters on Patreon. For just $5 per month, Patreon supporters get access to all of our episodes ad-free, as well as exclusive bonus content not available anywhere else. If you have the means, please consider joining the Kindred Spirits at http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
S4 E19 · Fri, September 24, 2021
A Dime for Mr. Fetterman
This week, we're celebrating family stories that seem simple on the surface, but are actually the keys to understanding our entire personalities. Featuring comedians Pat Regan and Gastor Almonte. Listen to Pat's podcast, Seek Treatment , and watch Hacks , the show he writes for, on HBO Max. Find more of Gastor's stories on PBS and Comedy Central , and check out his album, Immigrant Made .
S4 E18 · Fri, September 10, 2021
A Hollywood Ending
Following the tragic murder of his brother Asher, Mac's family finds disparate ways of re-assembling their shattered lives. Mac’s essay originally appeared in Gawker .
S4 E17 · Thu, August 26, 2021
Forever Is A Long Time
Everyone in Ian's family gets divorced. Now that he's been married for a few years, he wants to know if his relationship is doomed. Listen to the full series of “Forever Is A Long Time” on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or wherever you’re listening to this. And check out our Patreon page for a longer version of Sam and Ian’s conversation from the end of this episode.
S4 E16 · Fri, August 13, 2021
The Namesake - Part 3
"I feel really lucky that Danny is Danny." The conclusion of our miniseries with Jessie Pascarelli . This episode was made possible in part by the generous support of the Kindred Spirits , our community of supporters on Patreon. If you have the means, please consider joining them today for just $5 per month at http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
S4 E15 · Fri, July 30, 2021
The Namesake - Part 2
"You can open up a book and choose a sentence at random, and derive meaning from it." This episode is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kindred Spirits - our community of supporters on Patreon. Please consider joining them for just $5 per month: http://patreon.com/FamilyGhosts .
Bonus · Tue, July 27, 2021
Snatching Sinatra
For the last few months, Sam's been hard at work with John Stamos (yes, that John Stamos) on a top-secret project. In this special bonus episode, you’ll hear a preview of the wild, true story of Barry Keenan, who kidnapped Frank Sinatra, Jr in 1963. Follow “The Grand Scheme: Snatching Sinatra” wherever you listen to podcasts to hear the full story.
S4 E14 · Fri, July 16, 2021
The Namesake - Part 1
Jessie's name is the continuation of her aunt's story. But no one's ever told Jessie the real story of her aunt. This episode is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Kindred Spirits , our community of Patreon supporters. For just $5 per month, Kindred Spirits get ad-free versions of all of our episodes, plus exclusive bonus content you won’t find anywhere else. If you have the means, please consider joining them today: http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
S4 E13 · Thu, July 01, 2021
Motherland - Part 2
“Saving face would not rescue my mother.” Read more of Jiayang’s writing for The New Yorker here: https://www.newyorker.com/contributors/jiayang-fan . This episode is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kindred Spirits , our community of supporters on Patreon. For just $5 per month, Kindred Spirits hear our episodes ad-free, and get access to bonus content that’s not available anywhere else. If you have the means, please consider joining them, at http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
S4 E12 · Fri, June 18, 2021
Motherland - Part 1
“The two of us became the embodiment of the Chinese phrase xiang yi wei ming - mutual reliance for life." Read more of Jiayang's work here , and find her piece on ghost scams here . This episode is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kindred Spirits, our community of supporters on Patreon. If you have the means, please consider joining the Kindred Spirits for just $5 per month at http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
S4 E11 · Fri, June 04, 2021
The Old Block
Jim grabs the baton, and Gastor sees the face behind the mask. You can hear more of Jim's work on "Blindspot: The Road to 9/11" at https://www.npr.org/podcasts/908344999/blindspot-the-road-to-9-11 , and more of Gastor's on "The War Report" at https://anchor.fm/warreportpod . This episode is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kindred Spirits, our community of supporters on Patreon. If you have the means, please consider joining them at http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
S4 E10 · Thu, May 20, 2021
38: The Reality Map (or The Faith Exam, Part 2)
Andrew tells the family ghost story behind a Family Ghosts story. Learn more about Andrew and hear more of his work at http://gildedaudio.org . Our work is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kindred Spirits , our community of listeners who commit $5 per month to keeping Family Ghosts in your headphones. If you have the means, please consider joining them at http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
Bonus · Thu, May 13, 2021
BONUS: My Brother From Beyond
Louise’s brother Jessie was everyone’s best friend, and so she felt she had to conceal her happiness when he died. Louise tells us about their complicated relationship and the unexpected things that have happened since he passed. This is an episode of a wonderful podcast called "The Secret Room," which you can find and follow wherever you listen to "Family Ghosts," or at http://www.thesecretroompodcast.com. If you're a Patreon supporter, make sure to check out our Kindred Spirits feed, where we've posted an exclusive interview with Ben Hamm, host of "The Secret Room." Thank you for listening, and we'll be back next week with an all-new episode of our show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S4 E9 · Fri, May 07, 2021
37: The Walls of Jericho
When Erin moves to England, her mother presents her with a life-altering choice. Learn more about Erin at her website, https://www.erinhbarker.com/ . Hear more of her work on the Story Collider podcast , and The Moth . This episode is brought to you by the Kindred Spirits , our community of supporters on Patreon. For just $5 a month, Kindred Spirits hear our episodes ad-free, get exclusive bonus episodes you won't hear anywhere else, and provide essential support for the work we do here at Family Ghosts. If you have the means, please consider joining them: http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
S4 E8 · Fri, April 23, 2021
36: Still Close
Sam receives an unexpected message from the past, delivered by a Spiritualist medium in a mysterious town called Lily Dale. Learn more about Tiffany Hopkins at [nobox.us/unseen](nobox.us/unseen), and find Steven Cantor's work at https://www.stickfigureproductions.com/ . You can stream "No One Dies in Lily Dale" here . This episode is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kindred Spirits , our community of supporters on Patreon. If you have the means, please consider joining them at http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
Bonus · Thu, April 15, 2021
BONUS: Missing Brianna Maitland
While you're waiting for next week's all-new episode of Family Ghosts, Sam invites you to check out "Missing," a show about families wrestling with the psychic weight of their family ghosts in real time. If you like it, search for "Missing" from Crawlspace Media wherever you're listening to this. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S4 E7 · Thu, April 08, 2021
Guests
Mary Terrier tells the story of a woman who seems to hold all the keys. Read more Mary Terrier at http://maryterrier.com . This episode is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kindred Spirits , our community of supporters on Patreon . Please consider becoming a member today: http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
S4 E6 · Thu, March 25, 2021
Foxes
Kimberly King Parsons tells the story of a mother telling a story about her daughter telling a story. Learn more about Kim and buy "Black Light," her collection of stories, here . Family Ghosts wouldn't be possible without the generosity of the Kindred Spirits , our community of supporters on Patreon. If you have the means, please consider joining them for just $5 per month at http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
S4 E5 · Thu, March 11, 2021
Rack & Cue
Bradford and Paul come to terms with the people they wish their parents could be - and the people they actually are. Find more of Bradford's stories at http://www.bradfordjordan.com/stories . Find Paul's work with TestifyATX here , and his classes at Merlinworks here . This episode is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kindred Spirits , our community of supporters on Patreon. For just $5 per month, Kindred Spirits get early access to our episodes, hear them ad-free, and get bonus content that doesn't appear here in the main feed. If you have the means, please consider joining them at http://patreon.com/FamilyGhosts .
S4 E4 · Thu, February 25, 2021
Unwell: A Midwestern Gothic Mystery
Sam takes you on a trip to a mysterious boarding house in Mt. Absalom, Ohio - a community riddled with secrets and lost memories. Learn more about Unwell at https://www.unwellpodcast.com . Family Ghosts is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kindred Spirits , our community on Patreon. For just $5 a month, Kindred Spirits get early access to all our episodes, hear them ad-free, and get exclusive content that's not available anywhere else. If you have the means, please consider joining them at http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
S4 E3 · Thu, February 11, 2021
A Crane in the Bay - Part 3
After more than thirty years of following roads to nowhere, Kate carves her own path. This episode is made possible by the generous support of the Kindred Spirits . For just $5 per month, Kindred Spirits get early access to all of our episodes, hear them ad-free, and get exclusive bonus content that's not available anywhere else. If you have the means, please consider becoming a member at http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
S4 E2 · Thu, January 28, 2021
A Crane in the Bay - Part 2
Kate flees the haunting silence of Baltimore - but no matter where she goes, Eddy's ghost isn't far behind. After decades of torment, she decides to open her own investigation into her father's disappearance. This episode is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kindred Spirits - our community of supporters on Patreon . For just $5 per month, Kindred Spirits get early access to all of our episodes, hear them ad-free, and enjoy bonus content not available anywhere else. On top of all that, Kindred Spirits get the good feeling of knowing they’re making the work we do here at WALT FM possible – because the fact is without them, it simply wouldn't be. So if you have the means, please consider becoming a member today at http://patreon.com/familyghosts . And either way, thank you for listening.
S4 E1 · Thu, January 14, 2021
A Crane in the Bay - Part 1
When an unnatural disaster befalls her family, Kate demands answers. But no one's willing to talk. Read David Simon's 1992 article about Kate and her family here . This episode is made possible by the generous support of the Kindred Spirits, our community of supporters on Patreon . For just $5 per month, Kindred Spirits enjoy early access to all of our episodes, and hear them ad-free, and also get exclusive bonus content that's not available here in the main feed. If you have the means, please consider joining them at http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
Bonus · Thu, January 07, 2021
Fisher Family Ghosts
Introducing the first episode of our first-ever Family Ghosts spinoff: Fisher Family Ghosts, a companion podcast to celebrate the 20-year anniversary of HBO's "Six Feet Under." Join Sam and co-host Adrien Behn (Strangers Abroad) for weekly discussions and debates about the Fisher family, whose fictional exploits in Alan Ball's classic dramedy inspired Sam to create Family Ghosts. If you like what you hear, please subscribe to Fisher Family Ghosts wherever you're listening to this - you'll find two additional episodes already waiting for you in the feed! P.S. Don't forget: season 4 of Family Ghosts premieres one week from today! Talk to you then, Ghost Family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bonus · Wed, December 23, 2020
The Limitations of Truth
Sam is joined by fellow audio storytellers Eleanor Hyde and TK Dutes for a conversation about the power and pitfalls of subjective storytelling. Listen to Unwell: A Midwestern Gothic Mystery here, and find more of Eleanor's work here. Find The Weeksville Project here, and more of TK's work here. And don't miss the fourth season of Family Ghosts, coming to your headphones on January 14th, 2021! This episode is made possible by the generosity of the Kindred Spirits, our community of supporters on Patreon. For just $5 a month, Kindred Spirits get early access to all of our stories, hear them ad-free, and enjoy exclusive bonus content not available anywhere else. If you have the means, please consider joining them at http://patreon.com/familyghosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bonus · Fri, December 18, 2020
T.S.B.
Sam tells the story of how his uncle unwittingly escorted him to the scummy side of the street. Plus: more news about Season 4 of Family Ghosts, coming your way on January 14th, 2021. Learn more about Robin's show Yum's the Word here. This episode is made possible thanks to the generosity of the Kindred Spirits, our community of supporters on Patreon. For just $5 a month, Kindred Spirits get early, ad-free access to our episodes, bonus content not available here in the main feed, and other cool surprises - this week, they got a sneak peek at the new Season 4 show art. If you have the means, please consider joining them at http://patreon.com/familyghosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bonus · Thu, December 10, 2020
Two Goofs and a Con
Sam talks to his old friend Ben about an elaborate con that changed the course of both of their lives. PLUS: more exciting updates about our new season, coming January 21, 2021. This episode is made possible by the Kindred Spirits, our community of supporters on Patreon. For just $5/month, Kindred Spirits get early access to our stories, hear them ad-free, and exclusive access to bonus content that's not released in the main show feed. If you have the means, please consider joining the Kindred Spirits at http://patreon.com/familyghosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bonus · Thu, December 03, 2020
Trying to Wipe Out a Shadow (S4 Update)
Ophira Eisenberg tells a story about her family's legacy of dark humor and lying. Plus: an exciting update about Season 4 of our show. This episode is made possible by the Kindred Spirits, our community of supporters on Patreon. If you have the means, please consider supporting our work for just $5 a month at http://patreon.com/familyghosts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Bonus · Mon, September 14, 2020
FG Presents: Unfinished - Short Creek
Short Creek is a community on the Utah/Arizona border divided by much more than a state line. On one side are fundamentalist, polygamous Mormons who believe the town should be run by God—and his prophet. On the other are ex-believers who want democracy—and the right to believe (or not believe) as they want. When the prophet, Warren Jeffs, goes to prison for sex crimes, the community has to face its painful past...and struggle to define its future. From Witness Docs and Critical Frequency, hosts Ash Sanders and Sarah Ventre move beyond the headlines and embed in the community to bring you Unfinished: Short Creek, a very American story about the battle between freedom of religion and freedom from religion that asks whether people on two sides of a deep divide can rediscover common ground. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
S3 E12 · Wed, March 11, 2020
The Faith Exam
Julian joins a church in Poughkeepsie, and discovers a decades-old secret about her uncle. ~41~ Learn more about Andrew Chugg at https://gildedaudio.org/ , and about Christina Roussos at https://www.christinaroussos.com/ . This episode was made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kindred Spirits, our community of supporters on Patreon. In addition to ad-free episodes, Kindred Spirits get early access to all of our work, and hear exclusive bonus episodes that aren't available anywhere else. This week, they're hearing a special behind-the-scenes interview with Andrew Chugg. If you have the means, please consider joining the Kindred Spirits at http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
S3 E11 · Wed, March 04, 2020
The Mission
Decades after her brother's mysterious disappearance, Toni finally learns the truth about what happened to him. ~41~ This is episode is made possible thanks to the support of the Kindred Spirits , our community of supporters on Patreon. In addition to ad-free episodes, Kindred Spirits get early access to all of our episodes, as well as bonus exclusives you won't hear anywhere else. This week, they're hearing a very special excerpt from our Family Ghosts Live show at the Bell House last summer. If you have the means, please consider joining them by donating $5 per month at http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
S3 E10 · Wed, February 19, 2020
Spirit World
Mythic masonry, a haunted crucifix, and the Marfa lights. This week: Jim peeks behind the veil of Gothic horror, Susan's mom goes looking for - and finds - evidence of the afterlife, and Melle searches the highways of Louisiana for some missing pages of her family's history. ~41~ This episode is made possible by the generous support of the Kindred Spirits , our supporters on Patreon. In addition to early access to episodes, Kindred Spirits hear all our stories ad-free, and get exclusive bonus content. This week, they're hearing audio from last summer's run of Family Ghosts Live shows. If you have the means, please consider supporting our work by donating $5/month at http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
S3 E9 · Wed, February 12, 2020
The Ambassador
Mac and his mom have a lot to talk about: her relationship with her psychic, his brother's murder, and a life-altering betrayal that happened decades ago. But with her health in rapid decline, Mac's starting to worry it might be too late to get any answers. ~41~ This episode is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Kindred Spirits - our supporters on Patreon. In addition to getting early access to all our episodes, and hearing them ad-free, Kindred Spirits get special bonus episodes that aren't available anywhere else. This week, they're hearing Mac read the Gawker essay that inspired this week's story. If you have the means, please consider becoming a Kindred Spirit for just $5 a month at http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
S3 E8 · Wed, February 05, 2020
Little Stonehenges
Following her father's death, a ghost appears in Natalie's childhood home and refuses to leave. Natalie has spent the last few decades attempting to decode the ominous messages it left behind. ~41~ This episode is made possible by the generous support of the Kindred Spirits, our supporters on Patreon. In addition to early access to all of our episodes, Kindred Spirits hear them ad-free, and get bonus episodes that aren't available anywhere else. This week, they're hearing a story from Sam about a supernatural experience of his own. If you have the means, please consider joining the Kindred Spirits for just $5/month at http://patreon.com/familyghosts . And to learn more about "There Is Evil In This House," the play Natalie wrote based on her haunting, click here: https://newplayexchange.org/users/23061/natalie-dressel .
S3 E7 · Wed, January 29, 2020
Your Ghost
Three stories about the moment when the static dissolves, and a transmission from the past comes through loud and clear. Featuring Sandi Marx ( https://www.sandijmarx.com/ ), Richard Cardillo ( https://themoth.org/storytellers/richard-cardillo ), Nimisha Ladva ( https://twitter.com/nimishaladva ), and Maggie Carson ( http://maggiecarsonmusic.com ). ~41~ This episode is made possible by the generous support of the Kindred Spirits, our supporters on Patreon. For just $5/month, Kindred Spirits get early access to all of our episodes, hear them ad-free, and get exclusive bonus episodes that aren't available anywhere else. If you have the means, please consider joining them at https://www.patreon.com/FamilyGhosts .
S3 E6 · Wed, January 22, 2020
The Trove
Mariah travels to a country she's never been to in hopes that she can find a man she's never met: her father. ~41~ This episode is supported in part by the Kindred Spirits - our supporters on Patreon. For just $5 a month, Kindred Spirits get early access to all of our episodes, hear them ad-free, plus exclusive bonus episodes that aren't available anywhere else. This week, they're getting a behind the scenes conversation between Sam and Mariah about the development process for this week's story. If you have the means, please consider joining the Kindred Spirits at http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
S3 E5 · Wed, January 15, 2020
Collateral For Ten Million
Kierran grew up hearing stories about her grandfather's adventures owning diamond mines, tangling with the mafia, robbing banks, and other wild tales. But as she's gotten older, Kierran's starting to realize some of those stories might be total B.S. And if they are, she wants to know why everyone was so willing to let him get away with it. ~41~ The Kindred Spirits, our supporters on Patreon, have already heard this episode ad-free - and they're also getting exclusive bonus episodes you can't hear anywhere else. If you have the means, please consider joining them for just $5 a month at http://patreon.com/familyghosts .
S3 E4 · Wed, January 08, 2020
A Boy In A Story
David tells the story of three unlikely family members who shaped his life. ~41~
S3 E3 · Wed, December 18, 2019
The Clotilda Legacy, Part 3: The Reckoning
Ring the bell so the world will know. ~41~
S3 E2 · Wed, December 11, 2019
The Clotilda Legacy, Part 2: The Stronghold
Joycelyn and Darron try to escape the shadow of the Meaher family's pervasive influence in Africatown. ~41~
S3 E1 · Wed, December 04, 2019
The Clotilda Legacy, Part 1: The Descendants
Africatown is a small community in Mobile, Alabama, where many families share a painful history. For decades, their story has been an open secret - until now. ~41~
Trailer · Wed, November 20, 2019
Season 3 Trailer: A Circle of Ghosts
The official trailer for Season 3 of our show - coming to your headphones on December 4th. ~41~
S2 E10 · Wed, July 03, 2019
Bone Hill - Act 2
Martha's family makes a home on Black Mountain, and reckons with the past. "From whence we came, we shall return. From the old ways, our lessons learned." - Martha Redbone
S2 E9 · Wed, July 03, 2019
Bone Hill - Act 1
Martha's family has their land stolen, and then their identity. More than a hundred years later, Martha wants to set the record straight. "In the still of our hollows, we hear the calling of our Lord. Black coal is running through our veins." - Martha Redbone
S2 E8 · Wed, June 26, 2019
A Settling in the Bones
Kirya's childhood home was haunted by two elusive ghosts - the fleeting presences of her grandfathers, neither of whom she knew much about. When she discovers an old audio cassette recording of herself making up songs and stories about the world she thought she understood, she decides it's time to seek out some real answers. "Here's to missed beginnings, and things that never start - for these are the ghosts that run around in my heart. When I see that where I'm going isn't where I want to be, I get the urge to call you up, and see if you would come and meet me." - Slaid Cleaves
S2 E7 · Wed, June 19, 2019
The Sasquatch of Spring Valley
After Asher's uncle dies, the family goes to clean out his apartment, and discovers a box of love letters from a woman they've never met. "Yes, you call me in the morning. You call me in the morning - I'll tell you what to do if you call me in the morning." -Harry Nilsson
S2 E6 · Wed, June 12, 2019
June & George
Kimberly's grandparents find themselves imprisoned without cause. When they're released, they refuse to talk about it, leaving Kimberly and her family with a lot of questions about what happened. "Try to separate a man from his soul. You only strengthen him and lose your own." - Brother Ali
S2 E5 · Wed, June 05, 2019
The Chinese Food Incident
A mysterious burglary has haunted the Falco family for 25 years. This week, we try to catch the thief. "What comes easy, you better hold on to. Because when it gets tough, believe me when I tell you: all you got is what you been through." - Melissa Ferrick
S2 E4 · Wed, May 29, 2019
His Minor Years
A souvenir from from Meara's great-uncle turns out to be a clue about a scandal that almost tore her family apart. "I've got a box of old photographs - mostly pictures of you. I never look at those pictures anymore - I guess you got your negatives, too. They're playin' oldies on the radio - kick the clutch and shift the gears. You can drive all night long, but you can't get there from here." - Trout Fishing In America
S2 E3 · Wed, May 22, 2019
The Love Family, Part 3 - Constance & Composure
Posey tries to uncover the connection between the loss of her mother and her parents' time in the Love Family. "I've lived my whole life for it to come down to this. Remember me if I forget." - Charlie Parr
S2 E2 · Wed, May 15, 2019
The Love Family, Part 2 - Vision & Completion
Love is real. "Those of us who are lost and low - we know how you feel. We know it's not right, but it's real." - Laura Marling
S2 E1 · Wed, May 15, 2019
The Love Family, Part 1 - Love & Logic
After a fateful acid trip in 1967, a man named Paul tries to build his ideal family. "You and I both know that the house is haunted. You and I both know that the ghost is me." - Shakey Graves
Trailer · Wed, May 01, 2019
Season 2 Trailer: We Never Really Talked About Our Past
The official trailer for Season 2 of our show. New episodes begin on May 15th. "I've been told there is a power in the blood. Is it enough? Is it enough to carry me back from where I am, to where I was? I hope there is some power in my blood." - Josh Ritter
S1 E7 · Wed, December 20, 2017
None Of Your Business
Sam discovers he has an uncle he never knew about. He starts asking questions his father never thought he'd have to answer - and gets answers he never knew he needed. For more information about our show, please visit our website: http://familyghostspodcast.com . And if you have a story you'd like us to consider for a possible future season, don't hesitate to email us: sam@walt.fm . Thank you for listening to the first season of Family Ghosts - where every house is haunted.
S1 E6 · Wed, December 13, 2017
That You Should Be Happy
Micaela is haunted by a recurring dream - a vision from her family's harrowing past. This week, she tries to figure out what it means. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram : @famghoshow. Thank you for listening! Learn more about Micaela Blei at her website: https://www.micaelablei.com/ .
S1 E5 · Wed, December 06, 2017
Lookin' Good, Charlie
After his dad dies when Mark is only 14, Mark is forced to make his way without much guidance - his only memories of his father are tender, stubbly hugs and an old leather shaving kit. What did Mark's dad mean to him? And will he ever kill it in a dance montage? For our full episode archive and lots more information about our show, visit our brand-new website: http://familyghosts.panoply.fm . For more stories like this one, listen to Mark's podcast, " Other Men Need Help ." Find us on Twitter and Instagram : @famghoshow. Thank you for listening!
S1 E4 · Wed, November 29, 2017
A Spirit of Vengeance
NOTE: This episode contains graphic descriptions of violence. Jill grew up hearing the terrifying legend of Austin Riddick, who her mom always called "the crazy man from Mississippi." But as an adult, she starts to question her mom's version of the story. The closer she gets to the truth about Austin, the closer she comes to confronting the truth about herself. Find our show on Twitter and Instagram : @famghoshow. Thanks for listening to the show!
S1 E3 · Wed, November 22, 2017
Sue's Clues
When Nick's grandfather died in 1994, something bizarre happened: his aunt Susan stole the body and hid it. Susan died shortly thereafter, and for the last twenty-three years, Nick and his family have agonized over his grandfather's whereabouts - but much to Nick's frustration, never enough to actually try and find him. This week, Nick asks "Family Ghosts" host Sam Dingman to see what he can do. Find us on Twitter and Instagram: @famghoshow. Thanks for listening!
S1 E2 · Wed, November 15, 2017
No Brown Spots
Everything changed for Caila on June 22, 2010. On today's episode, she finally confronts the truth about what happened that night.
S1 E1 · Thu, March 23, 2017
The Family Jewels
One afternoon in 1961, a mysterious woman in sunglasses wandered into my grandfather's jewelry shop and stole his heart. Two years later, she vanished without a trace, leaving his life and career in ruins. For years, that's all I knew about her - until a few months ago, when I decided to start asking questions.
Trailer · Tue, March 21, 2017
Season 1 Trailer: Every House Is Haunted
Coming November 15th: true stories of the spirits that haunt our family histories. Each week, we'll bring you a different family's attempt to exorcise their ghost. Our pilot episode, "The Family Jewels," produced as part of the Panoply Pilot Project, is available now. Follow us on Twitter and Instagram : @famghoshow. And remember: every house is haunted.
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