Family Ghosts

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**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, whose stories have been featured on NPR, Risk!, TBTL, and The Moth Radio Hour.

Latest Episodes:

51: You Know It's Wrong Dec 03, 2021

Show notes

Stories about rediscovering home in unexpected ways. Featuring Micaela Blei and Jeff Simmermon.

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50: They Don't Make 'Em Like That Anymore Nov 19, 2021

Show notes

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!

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49: City Folk Nov 05, 2021

Show notes

Sam gets a ghostly answer to a decade-old question.

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BONUS: The Rumor Oct 25, 2021

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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.

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48: Superheroes Oct 21, 2021

Show notes

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.

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47: The Soft War Oct 07, 2021

Show notes

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.

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46: A Dime for Mr. Fetterman Sep 24, 2021

Show notes

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.

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45: A Hollywood Ending Sep 10, 2021

Show notes

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.

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44: Forever Is A Long Time Aug 26, 2021

Show notes

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.

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43: The Namesake - Part 3 Aug 13, 2021

Show notes

"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.

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