Death, DNA, and Family Secrets: How Trauma Lives in Our Genes

What if the unexplained feelings of grief, anxiety, or disconnection you carry aren't entirely your own? In this compelling episode, I sit down with Michelle Scheibner, author of 'Hush', to explore how the secrets and trauma of our family history can echo through generations, impacting our lives in ways we never imagined.Michelle's journey of discovery began when she found an old leather suitcase filled with documents after her mother's death. These papers revealed her father's hidden Jewish heritage and his harrowing escape from Nazi Germany - a history that had been carefully concealed throughout her life. Through her work in epigenetics and inherited family trauma, Michelle explains how traumatic experiences can actually modify our DNA, affecting future generations. Her research, backed by groundbreaking studies from Dr Rachel Yehuda at Mount Sinai School, demonstrates how children of Holocaust survivors and mothers present at Ground Zero show identical anxiety markers and cortisol levels as their traumatised parents.As an adult orphan who lost both parents and later her significant other, Chris, to cancer, Michelle's personal story illustrates how unresolved family trauma can manifest in our lives. Through narrative therapy and deep personal work, she transformed her understanding of grief and identity, moving from a place of blame to one of appreciation for the resilience she inherited from her parents. Her journey offers hope and practical guidance for anyone seeking to understand their own unexplained feelings or recurring patterns.Key Insights:●      The science of epigenetics reveals how trauma can be passed down through generations via our DNA●      Unresolved family secrets and trauma can manifest as unexplained feelings of grief, anxiety, or disconnection●      Our relationship with our mother/primary caregiver from birth to age seven creates the blueprint for all future relationships●      Healing begins when we let go of the stories we've been telling ourselves and embrace our true narrativeResources and Tools for Healing:●      Journaling with coloured pens (avoid digital methods)●      Narrative therapy and coaching●      DNA testing for understanding heritage●      Michelle's book 'Hush'Remember; You may not be ready to die, but at least you can be prepared.Take care,CatherineWe'd love to hear from you. Send us a text :-)Death is hard, make death admin easy with the Critical Info Platform. It’s a simple, secure system that helps you prepare and share your legacy, wishes and personal paperwork.It’s packed with prompts, guides and even a To Do List to help you easily gather critical information for a complete end-of-life plan.Leave behind a legacy, not a mess.Sign up now to your free trial at critical info.com.auNo credit card needed. Every Tuesday at 7pm, I host Critical Chat Tuesdays — free, online conversations where you can ask questions or just listen.No pressure. No expectation.Because this isn’t about planning for “someday” — it’s about being ready for whatever life throws your way.Join anytime at criticalinfo.com.au/events MY LOVED ONE HAS DIED, WHAT DO I DO NOW?Our guide, ‘My Loved One Has Died, What Do I Do Now?’ provides practical steps for the hours and days after a loved one's death. Download it here.SUPPORT SERVICESIf you're feeling overwhelmed by grief, find support through our resources and bereavement services here.Support the showSupport the 'Don’t Be Caught Dead' podcast with a one-off or regular donation to help Critical Info, a certified social enterprise, keep creating free, high-impact conversations about death, grief and planning—every contribution fuels our mission to reduce the burden on families and build a more death-literate, compassionate community. Donate here now.Learn more: https://criticalinfo.com.au/Connect with Don't Be Caught Dead podcast host Catherine Ashton & Critical info on socials:https://linktr.ee/catherine_critical_info?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=c1879300-84db-4c70-9270-18d17d3ec22aMusic composer: Ania Reynolds - https://www.aniareynolds.com/