Episode 181: War Boys: Generational Trauma, Survival, and the Stories We Inherit (featuring Jason Prokowiew)

What happens when we finally ask the questions we've been carrying for decades?  Jason Prokowiew joins us to discuss his powerful memoir, War Boys: A Father and Son Memoir. The book explores Jason's journey of interviewing his father about surviving childhood under Nazi occupation during World War II and the lasting impact those experiences had on generations that followed.Jason shares how a series of recorded conversations with his father evolved into a unique "braided memoir" that intertwines wartime survival with present-day reflections on family, identity, and healing. Together, we explore the complexities of generational trauma, the difference between surviving and thriving, and why understanding our family histories can help us better understand ourselves.The conversation also examines the challenges of having difficult conversations with loved ones, the importance of patience and support when exploring family stories, and how narratives continue to evolve long after they are first told.Whether you work in behavioral health, are interested in trauma and resilience, or have ever wondered about the untold stories within your own family, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of listening and connection.About the GuestJason Prokowiew received the PEN America/Jean Stein Grant for Literary Oral History and a Fulbright Scholar Award for  War Boys. His writing has appeared in The North American Review, The Guardian, Salon, Roxane Gay's "The Audacity," and on WORLD Channel's Stories from the Stage, where his piece "Sing" is the most watched in the show's history. He's received support from Bread Loaf, Tin House, Ragdale, and the Mass Cultural Council. He lives on a lake in Massachusetts with his husband Dave and their greyhound Champ.Links:https://www.jasonwprokowiew.com/www.warboysbook.comhttps://www.instagram.com/jasonprokowiew/https://bsky.app/profile/jasonprokowiew.bsky.socialhttps://www.amazon.com/War-Boys-Father-Son-Memoir/dp/1949487709Support the showThank you for listening to this episode of Talking Addiction & Recovery Podcast.To learn more about the podcast visit www.andrewjschreier.com To inquire being a guest on the podcast or sponsorship opportunities you can e-mail [email protected] podcast is also a platform for FREE continuing education.  Licensed and certified professionals are able to listen to select episodes at no cost.  Listen to an episode.  Take a quiz.  Complete an eval.  Earn a certificate.  Learn more at www.andrewjschreier.com/continuing-educationTalking Addiction & Recovery Podcast is the follow-up to the book "Addiction & Recovery" by author and clinician Andrew J. Schreier.  This podcast explores discussions regarding important issues related to addiction and recovery.  Information you learn here is not typical of what you will find in academic textbooks and resources; and comes from the experiences of a clinical supervisor, clinical substance abuse counselor, and licensed professional counselor and the work with individuals and others involved in this field.  Listen as guests join the show and cover a wide range of topics looking to educate individuals, families, communities, organizations, institutions, mental health professionals, educators, and anyone else impacted by addiction and recovery.  Content is not intended to be treatment and is not affiliated with any specific group.