Family Ghosts

by WALT FM
4,714

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.

Recent Episodes
Episodes loading...
Recent Reviews
  • DST -Ferris
    Excellent Content
    I simply love this podcast
  • Wilsonsk550
    Very Interesting & Unexpected
    I thought my friend was sharing a ghost haunting story. But it’s more like skeletons in the closet type story. I’ve only listened to S1/Episode 1. I really liked it & now want to research more of my family history, as my Mom told me about a Paternal grandfather on her maternal side. Plus the story of another female ancestor that married & remarried having quite a number of kids. I like how he records his family in interviews.
  • Qw467
    Interesting
    Not what I was expecting but really interesting
  • shuffedup
    Great Podcast!
    This podcast really pulled me in. It is very well done and all captivating. You definitely listen!
  • PrettyMinniee
    Great so far
    Very captivating and entertaining. Also, *SPOILER*…. Nikki from the 1st episode is clearly a malignant narcissist and the father is her enabler. Feel so bad for those kids, and love that people like Caila have been able to tell their stories through this podcast. Familial abuse/dysfunction is a real thing that affects families for generations, and things like this podcast help to make talking about it more commonplace.
  • pippsqueaker
    Thank you
    Thank you all for your hard work. I revisit this series when on long trips. Thank you to those willing to be so vulnerable. I am forever grateful and a more understanding person after listening. It’s helped me work thru mixed feelings about my past. These true tales are works of art…each painting a vivid and descriptive picture in my mind. You are each extraordinarily gifted.
  • Safe Jane
    Great podcast
    We all have family ghosts, but this podcast is so interesting because it’s well made and good story telling.
  • JenBroZ
    Perfect, just perfect
    Heartfelt, well produced, excellent storytelling, meaningful topics, host is ridiculously good at this, I’m so glad there are many many more episodes to binge!!!
  • kelly; west texas baby
    A Gift
    Normally I would effort here to articulate w equal brilliance regarding story telling, guests, your input when you have a guest and last to mention, song selection. But I can’t. This podcast makes me think, allows me to cry and surprises me w my own laughter. So, thanks. I’m touched and feel warmed by yours and your team’s gifts. You’re nailing it. It’s a sea of chaos but you remind us where we are rooted and how we communally recognize, respect and encourage the root of another.
  • EmLeFay
    Compelling storytelling
    I just stumbled on the episode Fatal Nickel — and its brutal view of the brutal Koch family. I was spellbound — even though I thought I knew quite a lot about this rapacious clan. Will be adding Family Ghosts to my regular podcasts.
  • HalfOne8482
    Intriguing every time
    So glad I accidentally came upon this podcast! Just finished Season 1. So glad there are other seasons!
  • vastvedt
    One of my favorite podcasts
    Always intriguing, thoughtful and the concept of being haunted by our history really resonates with me.
  • MrsBlackstar
    Love this podcast
    Wonderful storytelling!
  • tlezjb
    Thank You
    I look so forward to your amazing, warm, funny , intelligent stories. Please come back soon?
  • KM98654
    One of my favs!
    Love this podcast so much! Great storytelling. Thank you for all you do!
  • Zzzzzz[]
    Every story is interesting
    It gives you a window into other peoples lives that is not usually accessible. Worth your time and I consider that high praise in this world where everyone and everything is competing for your attention. The host has a nice voice and manner of speaking.
  • XandraXandra
    Fam Fan!
    I binged the entire series.. it was that compelling. When I reached the end, I felt a sense of loss. Every episode was unique, profound and delivered by impeccable storytellers. They made me feel like I was in an intimate fireside circle with those original humans who taught us who we are. This is definitely my favorite podcast. Sam, thanks for saving me from the dark cloud of true crime 😊
  • Ssuite
    Wow.
    Ok honestly, this was incredible. And yes, I’m related to Craig (married into the Mangums) but I feel HONORED to have heard this three part series “Pioneer Stock” and am looking forward to giving the other pieces a listen.
  • amts63
    Excellent story telling
    Excellent story telling beautifully executed.
  • happlewhite
    40 and being a grown up!
    Hey Sam! I have been enjoying your podcast for a few years, and it took your 40th birthday being so close to mine to get me to actually write something. 🤷‍♀️go figure. I distinctly remember my dad’s 40th with all the over the hill references. That is not the end of our similarities but I will say that I truly appreciate your voice. It love that you found a space for your art and am encouraged and inspired by your work. My life as a wife and mother of two young children ( one still and infant ) makes my art feel distant but I know that is only temporary. Thank you for getting me through these beautiful transitional times!
  • andi2747
    Love for the Story
    I’ve loved Family Ghosts since it started. And I absolutely LOVED this season 5 episode 7. Thank you for this story.
  • Corford
    What a delight
    I don’t remember how I found this podcast, but it is wonderful. I started listening to the Pioneer three part series from season 5 and I ended up engrossed until 6am. I am now addicted. Thank you for creating such engaging content.
  • Zabstaff
    Hoommmeeee grownnnnn
    There is nothing worse than that intro “home grown” nightmare. I want to punch holes in my ears. I can’t keep listening after that abrasion.
  • Dudes08
    Beautifully all over the place
    I LOVE this podcast. Sometimes they start and I side eye it. Will this one even be entertaining? I’m not at all interested. The answer is always, yes. Sometimes they are funny, sometimes inspiring, and sometimes it’s just good story telling. I’ve literally laughed and cried, sometimes all in one episode. I love that the format changes to fit the narrative. That Sam Dingmam steps away when it fits the story better. It shows he really wants the story told right, not for his ego or benefit. I highly recommend giving season one a whole listen and see if you feel the same way!
  • duffenuff173
    A guest that hopefully won’t return
    I normally enjoy most episodes of this show but there was someone so off-putting on episode 53 “Something in the wind” that I absolutely can’t handle listening to this episode. I’m hopeful that they won’t be a recurring presence on the podcast.
  • tfvilla
    Listen
    Ok, not every episode is life-changing or thought-provoking. That being said, the show is VERY good at telling interesting stories and continually mixing up the format & story telling so that it never gets boring. No other podcast has made me laugh, cry, wonder, fume, and feel every other emotion. I 100% recommend this to all of my podcast friends.
  • Drohtin19
    Grounding listening
    Every time I listen to this podcast, I come away feeling grounded and surprisingly serene. Like I always thought I should feel as a kid after attending church with my grandma. I suppose it the sense of human connection I come away with. Thank you, Sam Dingman et al.
  • posseh
    What
    Why does this woman keep saying a yahhhhj a Million times! It was very very annoying and I never write anything negative on reviews but come on
  • Torchangel
    Love it!!
    Love you guys, keep up the good work. Definitely one of my top 3 podcasts.
  • msnh08
    Please listen!
    This is such a great podcast. It’s well done and addictive.
  • Tigerlily1402
    Amazing Podcast!
    This podcast is incredible! I think I stumbled upon it via Snap Judgement by NPR, another one of my favorite podcasts. Family Ghosts is so well produced with incredibly rich and diverse stories. I just had to become a Patreon supporter to show my appreciation and support for the podcast.
  • CJ5117
    Listen in…
    So happy to have tripped into this lovely podcast. Like sitting on the neighbor’s front porch…listening in to what’s going on inside. Thanks for these intriguing stories, Sam.
  • wideruled composition
    Beautifully done
    Real deep storytelling and exploration of family history and ghosts… fascinating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
  • Khoperice
    Captivating
    I have never listened to a podcast that is told so well. I want to listen all day! The stories are amazing. Well done!
  • ReyRosieMom
    Addictive!
    I cannot stop listening to these stories! The storytellers pull you in and keep you entranced the entire time! These people know how to tell a good story! So many are so touching and heartfelt and at times I find myself cracking up out loud! Great podcast!
  • Uncle angrybags
    Self-indulgent and boring
    Does the world need another clone of “This American Life?” Booooooring.
  • RositaCC
    My favorite podcast
    Can’t stop listening to all these amazing stories
  • Izzycnd
    Incredible storytelling
    I love this podcast so much. It is a must listen. Great stories
  • USCanuk1999
    Fantastic surprise!
    I actually thought this was going to be a show about ‘ghost stories’ which would offer some entertainment and fun BUT I was SO surprised and hooked immediately. This podcast is about family stories, mysteries and histories. It is my new obsession!! Thank you for reminding me that all families have ‘ghosts’.
  • mum2isla
    Loved the first season…
    I was HOOKED on season 1 and couldn’t wait to listen to each episode. Sadly the 2nd and 3rd seasons are a snooze! Too much rambling from the host.
  • EssDoubleYou
    My new FAV!!!
    Don’t know how I’m just now finding this podcast, but thank heavens I did!!! Feeling some podcast binging in my future! Yay!!!
  • Mr. Fivestring
    Helpful and interesting
    Really interesting stories. Helps me understand mental health challenges more as well. Thank you.
  • bmvizachero
    Great show!
    Great show! It truly nurtures my DL nosiness about other people’s lives!! Try it, you’ll like it!!
  • Christy75189
    Addictive
    I absolutely love this podcast! We have a “family ghost” or ten! I love hearing these stories! ♥️♥️
  • Suzankismaximus
    One of my favorite podcasts
    LOVE this podcast. Thoughtful. Inspiring. Touching. Soooo very interesting!!
  • thinsafetypin
    This Used to be One of My Favorite Podcasts
    It gets 3 stars for what it used to be. Now I don’t even know what it is. The first season or two was dynamite, amazing. Then it seems like Sam lost the plot of what he was trying to do. Just finally unsubscribed since it’s been about a year since there was an episode that felt like the old show.
  • lamore1
    Brilliant!
    Live this Podcast well done !
  • SWKBark
    All caught up
    I have been powering through Family Ghosts since my move last month. I’m sad to say I am all caught up and will have to listen as they are released. I’ve enjoyed every moment, now excuse me as a suffer withdrawals.
  • Linaedith
    Da power of da mind.....
    I love your podcast...it’s has a little bit of everything. It’s refreshing it also reminds of when you go to abuela’s house and all the daughters are sitting around and then here come the story time and us the grandkids are like “ oh here comes the “cheese”. For us Latinos cheese is short for “chisme”which means gossip...and NO one is safe from them not even us the Grandkids....
  • rbrtlee
    The best podcast I accidentally found.
    Was looking for something completely different, but not at all disappointed. Became a huge fan immediately!
Similar Podcasts
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.