

Family Secrets
iHeartPodcasts
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

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
In this engaging conversation, Jill Cement, a novelist and professor at the University of Florida, reflects on her life-changing relationship with a much-older professor that began at sixteen. She discusses the evolution of her memories over time—how they've shaped her identity and understanding of truth. Jill dives into the intricacies of mentorship, the impact of her Jewish upbringing, and the delicate balance of love and artistic identity. She also candidly addresses the hidden truths within family dynamics and the profound influences of aging on creativity.

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.

Dec 19, 2024 • 58min
The Sky Didn't Fall
Sacha Mardu, a talented cartoonist and memoirist known for her work 'Past Tense,' shares her journey of untangling family secrets. She reflects on her childhood marked by trauma and dysfunction, revealing how art and storytelling have served as powerful tools for healing. The conversation covers the complexities of family dynamics, including the emotional impact of generational trauma and the liberation found in confronting and sharing difficult narratives. Sacha’s insights shed light on the transformative power of therapy and personal connection.

Dec 12, 2024 • 56min
An Active Annihilation
Growing up in Ahmedabad, one of India’s fastest-growing cities in the early 2000s, Zara’s world ignited –both literally and figuratively.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 5, 2024 • 37min
Let’s Go Into the Woods
When Garth was growing up, he managed to hide his struggles from his parents. But when Garth becomes a parent himself, he must decide when—and if, at all—to come out of hiding. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.