Not what I was expecting but really interesting

This podcast really pulled me in. It is very well done and all captivating. You definitely listen!

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.

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.

We all have family ghosts, but this podcast is so interesting because it’s well made and good story telling.

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!!!

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.

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.

So glad I accidentally came upon this podcast! Just finished Season 1. So glad there are other seasons!

Always intriguing, thoughtful and the concept of being haunted by our history really resonates with me.

Wonderful storytelling!

I look so forward to your amazing, warm, funny , intelligent stories. Please come back soon?

Love this podcast so much! Great storytelling. Thank you for all you do!

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.

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 😊

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.

Excellent story telling beautifully executed.

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!

I’ve loved Family Ghosts since it started. And I absolutely LOVED this season 5 episode 7. Thank you for this story.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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

Love you guys, keep up the good work. Definitely one of my top 3 podcasts.

This is such a great podcast. It’s well done and addictive.

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.

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.

Real deep storytelling and exploration of family history and ghosts… fascinating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I have never listened to a podcast that is told so well. I want to listen all day! The stories are amazing. Well done!

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!

Does the world need another clone of “This American Life?” Booooooring.

Can’t stop listening to all these amazing stories

I love this podcast so much. It is a must listen. Great stories

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’.

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.

Don’t know how I’m just now finding this podcast, but thank heavens I did!!! Feeling some podcast binging in my future! Yay!!!

Really interesting stories. Helps me understand mental health challenges more as well. Thank you.

Great show! It truly nurtures my DL nosiness about other people’s lives!! Try it, you’ll like it!!

I absolutely love this podcast! We have a “family ghost” or ten! I love hearing these stories! ♥️♥️

LOVE this podcast. Thoughtful. Inspiring. Touching. Soooo very interesting!!

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.

Live this Podcast well done !

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.

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....

Was looking for something completely different, but not at all disappointed. Became a huge fan immediately!

Excellent production quality, interesting and unique concept. I listen to dozens of podcasts and this is a standout. Listening to it made me feel like I did when I first heard This American Life. It’s a work of art and I’m really impressed with it!

This was amazing! Thanks for sharing.