The Prison Within: How She Found Freedom After Auschwitz // Dr. Edith Eva Eger's "The Choice"

Can you break through the fear to find the hope and the light?

Dr. Edith Eger's memoir "The Choice" is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit that will leave you forever changed. My friend, Colette, and I dive deep into this transformative story of a teenage Hungarian ballerina who survived Auschwitz, lost her parents to the gas chambers, and eventually became a renowned psychologist helping others heal from trauma.

What sets this memoir apart is how Edith weaves her horrific experiences with profound wisdom about freedom, forgiveness, and the power of choice. From dancing for Dr. Mengele to save her life to the heart-wrenching guilt she carried for decades, Edith's journey shows us that while we cannot control what happens to us, we always control how we respond. Her mantra, "If I survive today, tomorrow I'll be free," carried her through unimaginable suffering.

The conversation explores how trauma affects us all, the dangers of denial, and why Edith believes "there is no hierarchy of suffering." Alex and Colette, a therapist herself, discuss how Edith's principles apply to everyday struggles and why her message resonates far beyond Holocaust literature. They reflect on her powerful insight: "The biggest prison is your own mind, and in your pocket you already have the key."

This episode contains detailed descriptions of Holocaust experiences that may be difficult for some listeners. However, like Edith's memoir, it ultimately leaves you with hope and a profound appreciation for life's possibilities when we embrace our power to choose. Listen with care, but know that this conversation might just change how you view your own capacity for healing and transformation. Colette also drops some beautiful nuggets of wisdom along the way!

Support the show:
On Patreon
Buy us a book
Buy cute merch

If you have any comments or questions, please connect with me on Instagram or email babesinbooklandpodcast@gmail.com. I’d love to hear your suggestions and feedback!

Link to this episode’s book:
The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Dr. Edith Eger

The Young Adult Version of this book:
The Ballerina of Auschwitz by Dr. Edith Eger

Other links:
NationalWW2Museum.org

Other ways to support/connect with Dr. Edith Eger
Instagram
https://dreger.yoursoulsearch.org/
 
Transcripts are auto-generated through Apple’s podcast app—they may not be perfect, but relying on them allows me to dedicate more time to the show! If you’re interested in being a transcript angel, let me know. 

This episode is produced, recorded, and edited by me.

Theme song by Devin Kennedy

Special thanks to my dear friend, Colette. You are a beautiful light in my own life!

Xx, Alex

Chapter Markers:
0:00: Episode Introduction
8:13: Meeting Dr. Edith Eger's Story
16:53: Life Before the Holocaust
32:21: The Horrors of Auschwitz
47:33: Surviving Beyond Liberation
1:04:31: Healing