How One Father Turned Trauma into Triumph (2)

Think healing from childhood trauma is impossible? Betsy Wurzel and
Steven Eichenblatt prove it’s not—through truth, courage, and
forgiveness.


In this heartfelt interview, Betsy Wurzel speaks with Steven
Eichenblatt, author of Pretend They Are Dead: A Father’s Search for
the Truth, about transforming trauma into triumph through courage,
forgiveness, and self-awareness. Steven’s memoir became a #1 Amazon
bestseller in both New Releases: Dysfunctional Families and Lawyer
& Judge Biographies, sharing a raw look into emotional pain and
resilience.

Steven revealed the title’s chilling origin—advice once given to
his biological father, Allen Nestlé, by a psychiatrist. He
recounted abandonment, emotional hardship, and years of silence
that shaped his understanding of survival. Together, Betsy and
Steven explored how unresolved childhood wounds can shadow
adulthood and limit our ability to connect. They discussed how the
1960s and 1970s often silenced abuse survivors, especially women
who felt pressured to endure harmful behavior. Steven emphasized
choosing not to remain a victim but to reclaim one’s story and live
victoriously.

 One haunting revelation came when Steven described witnessing
a fatal crash at sixteen—only to learn decades later that the
victim was his father. Writing Pretend They Are Dead forced him to
confront buried memories yet ultimately freed him to move forward
with compassion and strength. Betsy praised the memoir as raw,
emotional, and deeply inspiring. “This was a page-turner,” she
shared. “I laughed, I cried, and I wanted to hug young
Steven.”

  Listen now as Betsy Wurzel and Steven Eichenblatt share how
facing pain with honesty and support can lead to healing and
hope.

About the Author: Steven Eichenblatt is a graduate of Florida State
University and the University of Florida College of Law. A
practicing attorney and father of five, he has spent more than 30
years advocating for children as a pro bono guardian ad litem and
representing families of 9/11 first responders.

Betsy thanks Steven Eichenblatt for sharing his extraordinary story
of courage and compassion. At Passionate World Talk Radio, we
believe real conversations matter.
Subscribe and follow so you never miss an inspiring new
episode!

Become a supporter of this podcast:
https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/chatting-with-betsy--4211847/support.


At Passionate World Talk Radio, we believe real conversations
matter. Stay inspired and keep listening to Chatting with Betsy at
www.passionateworldtalkradio.com.