39: The Old Block

39: The Old Block

Author: WALT FM June 4, 2021 Duration: 38:55
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s a presence in every family tree, a story whispered at reunions or buried in old letters. Family Ghosts, from WALT FM, digs into those lingering family legends, the enigmatic relatives whose true stories have shaped generations in unseen ways. This isn’t about paranormal activity, but the very real, often unresolved mysteries that haunt our own histories. Each episode is a deep investigation into a single figure-perhaps a grandmother rumored to have been a jewel smuggler, an uncle who maintained a double life, or a sibling who disappeared without explanation. Through careful research and intimate storytelling, the podcast uncovers the facts and fictions surrounding these ghostly characters. Listeners will hear how these ancestral shadows influence family dynamics, secrets, and identities, revealing that we are all, in part, constructed from these inherited fragments of mystery. It’s a thoughtful exploration of memory, truth, and the silent forces within our lineages, making for a compelling listen that sits at the rich intersection of society and culture. Tune in to discover what, or who, might be quietly haunting your own story.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 78

Family Ghosts
Podcast Episodes
61: The Pretender & The Godfather [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:59
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…
60: Telling Our Stories To Ourselves [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:09
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 mo…
59: How Will You Spend Your Time? (A Family Ghosts Mixtape) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:37
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. Learn more about…
58: Pioneer Stock, Part 3: Sacred Secrets [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00:24
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…
57: Pioneer Stock, Part 2: A Life Deferred [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:57
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…
56: Pioneer Stock - Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:35
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 pos…
55: Don't Look Directly At It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:25
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 poss…
54: The Fatal Nickel [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:11
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…
53: Something in the Wind [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:24
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…
52: Untitled Dad Project [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:03
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,…