Out From the Shadows with Willie Handler
Episode description
Willie Handler was born to Holocaust survivors. Though his home was loving, the trauma his parents endured left deep scars that shaped his life in ways he only came to understand much later.
During the pandemic, Willie began exploring his family’s history and the intergenerational trauma he carried. What started as a way to honor his parents became a transformative journey. It unearthed buried memories, led to tough therapy sessions, and inspired his powerful new book, Out From the Shadows.
Along the way, Willie interviewed nearly 100 others with similar stories. He brings their voices together in a book that sheds light on the resilience of generations shaped by unimaginable pain.
My conversation with Willie left me in awe of his courage. His story is one of reinvention and hope—and I can’t wait for you to hear it.
We discussed:
Why growing up with distant parents left Willie in survival mode
How a HR consultant convinced Willie to retire
When he realized it was time to unearth his survivor experience
The challenges Willie faced in getting the memoir published
His advice for aspiring authors in their Chapter X
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