
Family Secrets
Family Secrets. We all have them. And while the discovery of family secrets can initially be terrifying or traumatic, often these discoveries have the power to liberate, heal, and even uplift us. Join Dani Shapiro, bestselling author of the memoir Inheritance, and her guests as they explore astonishing family secrets and uncover the extraordinary lessons the truth can teach us.
Latest episodes

8 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 56min
The Rage Didn’t End Until the Mystery Did
Marianne Chambari, an insightful essayist and author of 'A Little Less Broken,' navigates her intricate journey of understanding identity, family secrets, and self-discovery. She candidly discusses the feeling of being out of place in a wealthy community and the challenges of addressing cultural identity. Marianne unpacks her struggles with misdiagnosis and societal perceptions, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance. Her experiences as an autistic woman highlight the journey for validation and understanding, ultimately fostering hope for a more inclusive future.

Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 13min
Defensive Wounds
Erin grows up in and around violence and anger. But nothing could have prepared her for the tragic discovery she makes at age twenty-seven.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 12, 2025 • 50min
The Perfect Happy Family
Through the dual lens of a devoted sister and parent, Julie explores the emotional terrain of family illness and secrecy, puzzling over how she can care for others without losing herself entirely.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 5, 2025 • 47min
Just Like an Arrow
As Sarah navigates the world as an artist and writer, she must confront the genetic history—its myriad patterns and traumas—at the heart of her story, her very self.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 29, 2025 • 51min
I’m The Man You’re Looking For
Brando’s father is an American Indian incarcerated political activist. Or is he? His mother tells a lot of stories. It’s almost impossible to know what’s true and what isn’t.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 22, 2025 • 3min
Family Secrets: Season 12 Trailer
We're back with a new season of extraordinary stories. Join us next Thursday, My 29th for the premiere of Family Secrets Season 12.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 6, 2025 • 2min
A 2025 Update From Dani
Catching up with our Family Secrets family.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 9, 2025 • 33min
I Got a Lion
Griffin grew up in a family whose illustrious life defined them. But beneath their fame were the secrets that shaped his world.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 2, 2025 • 44min
I Thought I Was Telling the Truth
At the age of sixteen, Jill began a relationship that lasted most of her life with her much-older professor. Twenty-five years ago, she wrote a memoir. But with time comes new memories, new clarity. She’s realized something: it's time to tell the story again, and differently.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 26, 2024 • 55min
We’ve Met Once Before
In her quest for answers about her biological mother in South Korea, Tracy finds more—and in some ways, less—than what she’s bargained for.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.