In this deeply meaningful and powerful interview, I explore the profound journey of Joel Z. Waldman, who honors his mother’s survivorship decades later by co-hosting a true crime podcast with her—Karm Waldman, a notable Holocaust survivor and licensed therapist. This family’s roots are deeply grounded in a legacy of survival, resilience, and storytelling. I had the honor of interviewing author Joel Waldman about his notable podcast, Surviving the Survivor.
Meghan Forte: In what ways did you draw on your positive family memories or faith to survive such difficult times?
Joel Waldman: In the writing of Surviving the Survivor, my mom conveyed to me repeatedly that the first 4 years of her life she was surrounded by loving parents and grandparents who spent an inordinate amount of time educating and playing with her. This was emblazoned in her memory. So, when World War Two broke out and most of her family was murdered, it was these first 4 years that she clung on to. As she grew older and reformed bonds, it made me stronger too just witnessing her and knowing all that she’s been through.
Meghan Forte: As the son of a Holocaust survivor, how did you cultivate compassion for all the traumatic experiences your family endured?
Joel Waldman: It’s part of why I wrote Surviving the Survivor.
I never could really process what truly happened to my mom and her family and, therefore, it was hard to express what I feel is a proper level of empathy.
I had obviously seen movies and read books about the Holocaust prior to writing my book. But really understanding my mom’s story has given me the depth of knowledge to know how difficult it was for them.
Meghan Forte: Why is it important to share a survivor’s story with younger generations? Why does reminding young people of “Never Again” remain a crucial topic in social awareness?
Joel Waldman: My mom likes to say “Never Again!” Is a euphemism for we will never take it again. In other words, if you try to force us on cattle cars again, you’d better expect a fight.
The younger generation of Jews need to know what happened for exactly the same reason. To fully understand we once didn’t have the means to push back.
Now, we have Israel, one of the most sophisticated and technologically advanced countries in the world.
We’re powerful and as a people we’re not cowering to any group – or antisemitism – ever again. Never again!
Meghan Forte: What was a highlight or memorable moment of incorporating technology in your podcast? How did you teach or learn technology together with your mother?
Joel Waldman: This is what really brought humor to our podcast. The two of us have our disasters. Neither of us understand how any of the tech stuff works. Thank God for the people who taught us along the way.
We use something called Streamyard to go live on YouTube and my mom STILL calls it “Barnyard”. She thinks that’s what it’s called.
Meghan Forte: Do you feel that your podcast has taught valuable life lessons to people of all generations?
Joel Waldman: Our podcast covers true crime. My mother is a licensed therapist, so she’s very attracted to the psychology of what motivates people to commit crimes. I am a former network news correspondent. We’ve grown our podcast to more than 117K subscribers and 2 million monthly viewers on YouTube alone. And we work hard to advocate for victims and their families. We also proudly tout having the #BestGuests in #TrueCrime, which we really do, to discuss the biggest and most current cases.
Meghan Forte: In what ways was writing your book a healing process, and did it sometimes stir up painful memories ?
Joel Waldman: Writing is incredibly cathartic for me. It’s much easier for me to articulate thoughts using written words over the oral. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a long, difficult process. But in the end it’s truly worth it. I always hear people say they’re planning to write a book. Well, don’t plan. Just do it.
Meghan Forte: What was your writing process like?
Joel Waldman:A lot of writers like solitude. Not me. I’d go to a hipster-type food court in Miami. It’s always crowded and bustling with artsy people, and I’d put on headphones, crank Johnny Cash and write.
I write very conversationally, which is a skill I learned in broadcast news. So, I have a sense of what I want to write, and I just go.
I never did a re-write. I feel like if I try to be perfect it’ll never get done. So, I’d rather be imperfect and have a book than perfect without one.
Meghan Forte: How can we, as journalists, bring people together during difficult news topics and remind audiences that stories are meant to inform and connect us all?
Joel Waldman: We’re living through one of the most divisive and polarizing times in our history. And, as if things weren’t difficult enough, we were also pulverized as a society by Covid.
But the truth is despite tribal politics and division, most of us all want the same thing: a peaceful, meaningful and happy life with our families by our side.
As a journalist I try to keep this in mind and remind people of it.
Meghan Forte: What inspired you to become a broadcast journalist?
Joel Waldman: I’ve always been incredibly curious. I remember living in NYC in my early 20s wondering aloud, sort of like Jerry Seinfeld, “Who are all these people? What do they do?” Eventually I began reporting and my curiosity only grew. I had the privilege of interviewing everyone from past presidents to homeless people — and I learned something from everyone that I could share as a reporter.
Surviving the Survivor is a hit podcast hosted by Joel Waldman and his mother, a licensed mental health therapist. It has garnered the attention of listeners across the United States, including in the Philadelphia area. The hosts’ mission is to bring attention to, and advocate for, the victims and their families of the crimes discussed on Surviving the Survivor. There is also a book, titled, Surviving The Survivor: A Brutally Honest Conversation about Life (& Death) with My Mom: A Holocaust Survivor, Therapist & My Podcast Co-Host available on Amazon, which was published in May 2024.
Wow, thank you to Mr. Joel Waldman and his management team for sharing the incredible story of your family’s survival and for giving us insight into your podcast. A special thank you to Ms. Karm Waldman for your strength and empathy that continues to inspire the world.
Website of Surviving The Survivor
Listen to the Podcast, Surviving The Survivor, available on Apple, Spotify and PodChaser
Watch on Youtube
Patreon Membership
Email: survivingthesurvivor@gmail.com
Link Tree Profile of Surviving The Survivor Podcast
Merch of Surviving The Survivor
Book Available on Simon and Shulster and Amazon