Interview with Janet Applefield Episode Title: Surviving the Holocaust: A Conversation with Janet Applefield Host: Dr. Allen Lycka Guest: Janet Applefield, Holocaust Survivor and Author Summary: In this profound episode, Dr. Allen Lycka speaks with Janet Applefield, a child survivor of the Holocaust, clinical social worker, and author of the memoir "Becoming Janet: Finding Myself in the Holocaust." Janet shares her harrowing yet inspiring journey from surviving the Holocaust to dedicating her life to raising awareness about the dangers of prejudice and discrimination. Key Points: Introduction to Janet Applefield (0:00) Dr. Lycka introduces Janet Applefield, highlighting her work and her memoir.Janet's mission to raise awareness about prejudice and discrimination. Janet's Early Life and Holocaust Survival (2:00) Born in Krakow, Poland, Janet (originally named Gustava) describes her early childhood.The impact of the Nazi invasion in 1939 and her parents' desperate decision to save her life by giving her away.Janet’s experiences with multiple strangers, both kind and abusive, during the war. Life Lessons from Trauma (10:30) Dr. Lycka discusses the importance of recognizing the evil of turning a blind eye.Janet talks about the good and bad choices made by ordinary people during the Holocaust. Forgiveness and Moving Forward (15:00) Janet shares her perspective on forgiveness, influenced by her father’s beliefs.Discussion on how bitterness and hatred can ruin one’s life. Hiding in Plain Sight (20:00) Janet’s experiences of hiding her Jewish identity using a Catholic girl's identity.Her continuous struggle with identity even after the war ended. Life After the War (25:00) Janet and her father’s return to their town post-war and the hostile environment they encountered.The journey to the United States and the challenges they faced, including her father’s need for medical treatment. Settling in America (30:00) Janet’s first impressions of America and their new life in New Jersey.The significant step of her father marrying an American citizen to ensure their stay in the U.S. Adapting and Thriving (35:00) Janet’s move to Toronto and later to Massachusetts.The importance of embracing her identity and finding peace with her past. Sharing Her Story and Legacy (40:00) The significance of sharing her story to educate and inspire future generations.Janet's memoir, "Becoming Janet: Finding Myself in the Holocaust," and its role as her legacy. Final Thoughts on Living a Fantastic Life (45:00) Janet emphasizes the importance of giving back and making positive choices.Dr. Lycka’s challenge to listeners to perform acts of kindness and the profound impact of small positive actions. Closing Remarks (50:00) Dr. Lycka invites listeners to take the Life Quality Assessment at www.lifequalityassessment.com.Encouragement to engage in actions that lead to a fantastic life. Links and Resources: Janet Applefield on FacebookJanet Applefield on InstagramPurchase Janet's memoir: "Becoming Janet: Finding Myself in the Holocaust"Life Quality AssessmentDr. Lycka Celebrates Sponsors: Commercial Breaks: Included at 18:00 and 38:00 Contact Information: Host: Dr. Allen LyckaGuest: Janet ApplefieldPodcast Website: [Link to Podcast Website] Follow Us: FacebookTwitterInstagram BIO: As a child survivor of the Holocaust and a clinical social worker, Janet Singer Applefield has spent over 40 years speaking with thousands of students, educators, religious groups, government officials, and librarians to raise awareness and understanding of the dangers of prejudice while encouraging audiences to stand up to any kind of discrimination and injustice. In her engaging and touching memoir, Becoming Janet: Finding Myself in the Holocaust she shares her story of trauma and provides a powerful and personal connection between the past and present. Social Media: Official site: janetapplefield.com Connect on: Facebook Instagram
