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 • 119 episodes
Flower in the River: A Family Tale Finally Told
Latest Episodes
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
Letters, Ledgers, and Lost Lives
It’s May 31st—an important date if, like me, you have roots in Johnstown, Pennsylvania. On this day in 1889, the South Fork Dam gave way, and a wall of water wiped out most of the city. Over 2,000 lives were lost. It was a manmade disaster—trag...
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Season 3
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Episode 116
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37:59
A Jeweler, a Woman Diver, a Candy Butcher: Eastland’s Unlikely Trio
The untold stories of the 1915 Eastland disaster continue to surface over a century later through forgotten newspaper accounts and overlooked connections. These rediscovered narratives reveal how this Chicago tragedy touched lives across Americ...
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Season 3
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Episode 115
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34:58
