76 episodes

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, whose stories have been featured on Risk!, TBTL, Benjamen Walker’s Theory of Everything, and The Moth Radio Hour.

Family Ghosts WALT FM

    • Society & Culture
    • 4.8 • 125 Ratings

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, whose stories have been featured on Risk!, TBTL, Benjamen Walker’s Theory of Everything, and The Moth Radio Hour.

    The Fatal Nickel

    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!

    • 37 min
    Don't Look Directly At It

    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.

    • 39 min
    Pioneer Stock - Part 1

    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!

    • 38 min
    Pioneer Stock, Part 2: A Life Deferred

    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.

    • 37 min
    Pioneer Stock, Part 3: Sacred Secrets

    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.

    • 57 min
    How Will You Spend Your Time? (A Family Ghosts Mixtape)

    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.

    • 38 min

Customer Reviews

4.8 out of 5
125 Ratings

125 Ratings

Wellywadey ,

❤️That you should be happy❤️ S1 Ep 6

This story is so amazingly beautiful.

tracerapottsy ,

Beautiful

Your podcast is BEAUTIFUL AND AWESOME!
The WHOLE WORLD would wanta listen!
Thank you SO MUCH!!

Tracy
Melbourne

(Yes I’m caps locking with EXCITEMENT!)

BrisGeorge ,

Hauntingly beautiful stories ...

... giving glimpses into other people’s lives. Well told, relatable, and filled with glorious moments of revelation. This podcast has made me feel more human in these difficult times, and has made me feel better about the humans with whom I share this world. Thank you.

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