Family Lore

4.6 (4.4K)
HISTORY
UPDATED WEEKLY

All families tell stories about themselves. Those stories are passed down, and like an intergenerational game of telephone, the details sometimes change from fact to fiction. But have you ever wondered how much of the lore is actually true? Family Lore is a weekly narrative podcast that celebrates and investigates ancestral mystique. Each episode begins with a guest sharing a fascinating family legend, followed by a historical deep-dive to uncover the truth and meaning behind the tale. Whether it’s a grandfather who flew before the Wright Brothers, a great-aunt who invented the margarita, or a great-uncle who killed a Texas ranching scion, each story offers an intimate glimpse into the familial fables that captivate us. Family Lore is an Audacy original podcast. For more compelling stories of American history, listen to Cement City and Hope, Through History (with Jon Meacham and The HISTORY® Channel), available in this feed.

See All (23)

TRAILER

Introducing Cement City: I Think I Like You

Two journalists stumble into a dying rust belt town with a Smog Museum and a mayor named Piglet… and not a whole lot else. They have one burning question: What’s it like to live here? In a town left for dead. But it’s not dead. Donora, PA will not go down without a fight. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S3

•

4 min

Jon Meacham

Host
Jeanne Marie Laskas

Host
Peniel E. Joseph

Guest

4.6

out of 5

4,408 Ratings

Loved this - tell us more!

Mar 26

A_S

Really want to hear the rest of the story.
Riveting and Real

05/21/2025

A State of the Union

Having been to Donora (I have family from there), I found this podcast so fascinating. But, because it could be the story of any small town in America that has hit hard times, it feels universal. It’s told with heart and with some really great storytelling. The outstanding writing and production stays with you long after you finish it. I hope they write more episodes. Highly recommend!
A Dose of Real

05/03/2025

PNW Jules

I haven’t lived in PA for over 25 years, but my god, this took me there. A slow walk through a the blasted landscape of a small town, with no particular agenda other than to get to know the people, their hopes and dreams…the personalities, the local politics, the accents. “I’m half tempted just to stay here and bowl.” Me too! Great work, yinz.
Deeply engrossing

04/17/2025

Dalex1953

This show pulls you in like emotional quicksand. One of the finest things you can ever listen to. Just block out a lot of time because you will find that it’s difficult to turn off.

All families tell stories about themselves. Those stories are passed down, and like an intergenerational game of telephone, the details sometimes change from fact to fiction. But have you ever wondered how much of the lore is actually true? Family Lore is a weekly narrative podcast that celebrates and investigates ancestral mystique. Each episode begins with a guest sharing a fascinating family legend, followed by a historical deep-dive to uncover the truth and meaning behind the tale. Whether it’s a grandfather who flew before the Wright Brothers, a great-aunt who invented the margarita, or a great-uncle who killed a Texas ranching scion, each story offers an intimate glimpse into the familial fables that captivate us. Family Lore is an Audacy original podcast. For more compelling stories of American history, listen to Cement City and Hope, Through History (with Jon Meacham and The HISTORY® Channel), available in this feed.