Unraveling Hidden Family History: The Impact of the Holocaust and Intergenerational Trauma

There's a Lesson in Here Somewhere

What would you do if you received an email that unraveled a hidden chapter of your family history? Join us as we embark on a powerful and emotional journey with Michael Hickins, former Wall Street Journal reporter and author of 'The Silk Factory.' A mysterious email from a nephew he'd never known sets Michael on a path to uncover his family's past, which intertwines with the Holocaust, as he learns of a silk factory that was in his family for generations until his father was imprisoned in a concentration camp. Michael travels with his family to Ansbach, Germany, to learn more about the silk factory and the tragic impact of the Holocaust on his parents. This episode explores the importance of sharing our personal stories, uncovering our roots, and understanding the sources of painful experiences at both the individual and collective levels that can be passed along as intergenerational trauma.
As Michael digs deeper, he confronts the emotional complexities of reconnecting with a painful past. His travels to Ansbach, where he finds scarce Jewish historical markers, and Wiesbaden, where historians document his family's deportation, highlight the stark contrasts in how societies choose to acknowledge and remember. The conversation broadens to include his father's harrowing wartime experiences and the post-war mystery of the family's silk factory, painting a poignant picture of survival, loss, and unresolved legacies. Through this narrative, we navigate the intersections of memory, identity, and the weight of history on personal lives.
As we discuss concepts such as epigenetics and intergenerational trauma, we explore how societal acknowledgment—or lack thereof—can influence healing. Michael shares his reflections on his father's hidden fury and its influence on his life, offering insights into how visiting historical sites and engaging with family narratives can aid in breaking cycles of inherited trauma. We discuss the transformative power of storytelling and the crucial role of societal recognition in fostering a healthier future, offering hope that understanding one's roots can lead to healing for future generations.
You can get The Silk Factory here: https://a.co/d/bxK4y9N

Michael's Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0C2WMNFC4
Michael’s personal blog: https://michaelmissing.com/

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1. Unraveling Hidden Family History: The Impact of the Holocaust and Intergenerational Trauma (00:00:00)

2. Lessons From Silk Factory (00:00:02)

3. Family History Unveiled Through Travel (00:10:48)

4. Acknowledging Generational Trauma and Faith (00:27:28)

5. Exploring Family History Through Artifacts (00:40:57)