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

Resources:

williehandler.com

Willie on Substack

Willie on Instagram

Out From the Shadows

Deep Into the Weeds

The Road Ahead

Loved Mars, Hated the Food