Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally Told
"Flower in the River" podcast, inspired by my book of the same name, explores the 1915 Eastland Disaster in Chicago and its enduring impact, particularly on my family's history. We'll explore the intertwining narratives of others impacted by this tragedy as well, and we'll dive into writing and genealogy and uncover the surprising supernatural elements that surface in family history research. Come along with me on this journey of discovery.
Podcasting since 2023 • 121 episodes
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally Told
Latest Episodes
One Saved Lives. One Survived Twice. One Drew the Truth: Recovered Stories of the Eastland
In this episode, I’m circling back to three stories I’ve covered before—but they’re too important to leave behind.First up: Floyd C. Smith, a hardworking Chicago salesman who was near the dock when the Eastland capsized. He assist...
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Season 3
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Episode 120
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35:29
Three Stories. One Disaster. A Century of Silence
In this special retrospective, I’m circling back to some of the most powerful stories I’ve uncovered in my Eastland research—stories that have been entirely absent from the popular historical accounts of the disaster.Meet James Gardne...
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39:03
BONUS: The Night Nobody Came Knocking – A Father’s Day Story
This is a special bonus episode in honor of Father’s Day 2025.On an ordinary evening in 1960s Cleveland, an unexpected knock at the door changed the way I saw my father forever.This short, true story is a tribute to Robert ...
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6:37
Remember the Eastland… and Sell More Insurance!
In this episode, I explore an aspect of the Eastland Disaster that’s rarely investigated: the insurance industry’s response. It’s not as dry as it sounds!We take a deep look at The Insurance Post, an independent trade jour...
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Season 3
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Episode 118
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37:04
From Gettysburg Grit to Eastland Survival
In this episode, I share the compelling story of the Wagaman brothers from Pennsylvania, not far from Gettysburg. In 1915, both were aboard the Eastland when it capsized in the Chicago River—one as the ship’s chief cook, the other as a last-min...
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Season 3
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Episode 117
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35:15
