Dan Savage has helped redefine what it means to be a family in the 21st Century. And given his ancestors, it’s no surprise why. Dan’s family history traces back to the 1920s Chicago mob scene, a South Asian autocracy, and to a New York City apartment filled with men trying to save a community. We’ll tell these stories and introduce Dan to a surprise relative. CREDITS: Twice Removed is produced by Meg Driscoll, Ngofeen Mputubwele, Audrey Quinn, and Kimmie Regler. Our senior producer is Eric Mennel. Editing by Jorge Just and Alex Blumberg. Original music and mixing by Haley Shaw. Research and Genealogy help from J. Mark Lowe, Krista Reynen, Eowyn Langolf, Erika Howton and the folks at Geni. Additional music by R-A-C, Tyler Strickland and Blue Dot Sessions. Special thanks to Gene Trimble, Monica Garcia, Senator Dick Durbin (also a cousin of Dan’s), Riz Rollins, Amina Steinfels, Charles Manning and Richard Godbeer. Twice Removed is a production of Gimlet Media. Our website -- where you can see photos from our research -- GimletMedia.com/TwiceRemoved. We’re on Twitter and Facebook @TwiceRemoved. I’m @ajjacobs, because I am AJ Jacobs. See you next week. Our Sponsors Audible - Start your free 30-day trial by going to Audible.com/twiceremoved Blue Apron - Get your first three Blue Apron meals delivered for free by going to blueapron.com/twice Squarespace - Go to squarespace.com and use the offer code "TWICE REMOVED" at checkout to get 10% off your first purchase Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Twice removed is Gimlet Media's new family history show. Each episode we take a guest and build a massive family tree filled with people they are connected to. We then follow one branch of that tree, stopping at the most fascinating people and stories along the way. At the end of the hour, we introduce the guest to a surprise relative, someone they couldn't possibly have imagined they're related to. It's a family reunion unlike any other. They could be filled with delight... or abject horror. You never know. It's family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices