diff --git a/code/modules/mob/living/say.dm b/code/modules/mob/living/say.dm
index 51988feaf22..b5ec333f1fa 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/living/say.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/living/say.dm
@@ -107,7 +107,11 @@ proc/get_radio_key_from_channel(var/channel)
 				listening_obj |= O
 
 		for(var/mob/M in player_list)
-			if(M.stat == DEAD && M.client && (M.client.prefs.toggles & CHAT_GHOSTEARS))
+			if (!M.client)
+				continue //skip monkeys and leavers
+			if (istype(M, /mob/new_player))
+				continue
+			if(M.stat == DEAD && M.client && (M.client.prefs.toggles & CHAT_GHOSTEARS) && src.client) // src.client is so that ghosts don't have to listen to mice
 				listening |= M
 				continue
 			if(M.loc && M.locs[1] in hearturfs)