How One Father Turned Trauma into Triumph

In this heartfelt interview, Betsy Wurzel speaks with Steven Eichenblatt, author of Pretend They Are Dead: A Father’s Search for the Truth, about turning trauma into triumph through courage, forgiveness, and self-awareness. Steven’s powerful memoir became a #1 Amazon bestseller in both New Releases: Dysfunctional Families and Lawyer & Judge Biographies, sharing a raw look into emotional pain and resilience.

Steven discussed the title’s chilling origin—advice once given to his biological father, Allen Nestlé, by a psychiatrist. He opened up about the deep scars left when his father abandoned eight-year-old Steven, his twin sister, and younger brother. Later, Steven’s mother remarried Richard, a man with four children of his own and strict, punishing rules. Adopted by someone he despised, Steven endured years of emotional hardship that shaped his understanding of pain and survival.

Together, Betsy and Steven explored how unresolved childhood wounds can follow us into adulthood—often shaping our ability to connect with others. They reflected on how society in the 1960s and 1970s rarely spoke about abuse, while many women felt pressured to stay silent and tolerate harmful behavior. Steven emphasized the importance of choosing not to remain a victim but to reclaim one’s story and live victoriously.

One haunting revelation came when Steven described witnessing a fatal car crash at sixteen—only to learn decades later that the victim was his father, Allen. Writing Pretend They Are Dead was both cathartic and painful, forcing him to confront memories long buried but ultimately freeing him to move forward with compassion and strength.

Through their discussion, Betsy highlighted how healing begins when we face our pain with honesty and support. She praised Steven’s memoir as raw, emotional, and deeply inspiring—a book that will resonate with anyone seeking peace after family trauma. “This was a page-turner,” Betsy shared. “I laughed, I cried, and I wanted to hug young Steven.”

Listen to this interview with Betsy and Steven as they share a compelling discussion on turning trauma into triumph  🎵 Click here to listen….

About the Author 

Steven Eichenblatt is a graduate of Florida State University and the University of Florida College of Law. A practicing attorney and father of five, he has devoted more than 30 years to advocating for children as a pro bono guardian ad litem and representing families of 9/11 first responders. As a founding partner of Page & Eichenblatt, he has received multiple awards for legal excellence and community service.

Tune in to hear Betsy Wurzel and Steven Eichenblatt share insights on resilience, recovery, and transforming trauma into triumph:

👉 Betsy thanks Steven Eichenblatt for sharing his extraordinary story of courage and compassion.

📌 You can learn more, order the book, or invite Steven to speak with your group at www.stevenscotteichenblatt.com.
🔖The book is also available on Amazon—Steven would appreciate your honest review and feedback.

💬 Betsy highly recommends Pretend They Are Dead for book clubs, youth discussions, and anyone exploring emotional healing through storytelling.

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