“Free Your Voice” Podcast with Host Dustin Plantholt Featuring Guest Karen Kirsten

"Free Your Voice" with Dustin Plantholt

In this episode of “Free Your Voice,” hosted by Dustin Plantholt, Karen Kirsten offers an evocative narrative from her WWII memoir, "Irena's Gift." Karen discusses the emotional landscape shaped by the Holocaust's lasting impact on her family, emphasizing how a mysterious letter upended her understanding of her mother's past. This letter revealed a hidden rescue by a Nazi officer, redefining her family history. The discussion further delves into Karen's personal journey to uncover these secrets, reflecting on how this quest influenced her identity and her work as a Holocaust educator. Throughout the podcast, Karen articulates the complexity of handling historical trauma, advocating for the necessity of acknowledging dark pasts to understand present realities. Her insights reveal the intricate layers of human resilience and the critical role of storytelling in healing and education. The conversation not only highlights the profound effects of generational trauma but also explores the nuances of moral questions that arise when confronting such histories.