Joel Waldman on Navigating Grief, Trauma, and Finding Purpose in Storytelling

What happens when an Emmy award-winning journalist quits his high-profile career to launch a true crime podcast with his 80-something mother—a Holocaust survivor and therapist? In Surviving the Survivor, Joel Waldman and his mother, Carmela, dive deep into gripping true crime stories, featuring top attorneys, detectives, and experts. Their unique dynamic blends investigative insight with Carmela’s sharp wisdom and unfiltered humor, making for a podcast that is as compelling as it is heartfelt.

In this episode, Joel and Carmela discuss their journey from human interest storytelling to finding their niche in true crime, the generational impact of trauma, and the brutally honest conversations that led to Joel’s book, Surviving the Survivor. Along the way, they explore resilience, grief, and the absurdities of life—always with wit, candor, and a dose of Carmela’s signature wisdom.