
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.
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 260 | Founded | 8 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Category | Society & Culture | |||

Tom’s father takes up all the oxygen in the room with a presence that's larger than life. Larger, in fact, than the many lives he keeps hidden from his wife and children. Tom must reckon with this legacy as he sets out to forge his own.
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For most of her life, Darcy’s identity is a mystery. Who’s her mother? Who’s her father? And who, in the end, is she?
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A childhood rife with political upheavel, violence and loss. An adulthood overtaken by distrust and manipulation. And then, finally, the truest friend and companion -- a Jack Russell terrier named Coco--helps Fatima break free and discover the joy th... more
When tragedy befalls Laurie’s crowded family, she and her eight remaining siblings—and their deeply detached and peculiar parents—must navigate the unthinkable. And too, the unsayable—because in this haunted home, nothing is said at all.
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Is every memoirist a prodigy? The first ten minutes of every episode is someone blathering about how special they were as a child. I’m sure it’s not just egotism. Or the fact that these memoirists grow up rich and catered to. Really disappointing how this podcast is just about rich peoples’ supposed struggles. Oh boohoo my story was criticized in college. Traumatized for life now.
I love the voice of the Dani, the podcaster, and the generally calm tone of the podcast while diving into deeply emotional topics... makes it much easier to listen to.
As a divorced mother who actually has to work, this episode is so out of touch. You went to elite schools and became a lawyer. You inherited money. You had two homes. Try living off one salary without alimony or child support and having to pay rent that is exponentially more than you can afford. Try paying with pennies to buy groceries because that’s all you have. This episode is a slap in the face to single mothers who are actually trying to make ends meet.
This podcast truly speaks to me, so I’m going to overlook the fact that there are WAYYYY too many ads 😅 The ads may drive me nuts, but the stories are absolutely fascinating and the host is excellent. I’m glued to this podcast.
Family Secrets is a remarkable podcast that reaches far beyond hidden truths. It’s about lives lived and not lived, and the quiet complexity of being human.
Dani Shapiro is an outstanding host—genuine, tender, and deeply attuned. She knows how to gently explore facets of people’s secrets, creating conversations that feel both intimate and deeply human.
Simply put, one of the best podcasts out there. Thank you.
Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
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Apple Podcasts | #66 |
Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.
Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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The show centers on intimate, often family-based revelations and the process of truth-telling, featuring memoirists, journalists, academics, and activists who share personal histories of secrecy, trauma, and resilience. Episodes frequently explore how hidden pasts shape identities, relationships, and life choices, with a strong emphasis on healing through confession, storytelling, and public accountability. Notable traits include a steady stream of author guests discussing their work within memoir and trauma recovery, a calm, empathetic interview style, and a blend of high-profile investigations with deeply personal narratives. This combination makes it compelling for listeners who value thoughtful, emotionally anchored conversations about ... more
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Family Secrets launched 8 years ago and published 260 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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Recent guests on Family Secrets include:
1. Darcy Ballentine
2. Fatima Bhutto
3. Laurie Herzl
4. Mimi Nickter
5. Jackie Blankenship
6. Belle Burden
7. Mimi Nichter
8. Belle Burton
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