When Colin Lester OBE speaks of his father’s legacy, the air fills with a charged blend of resilience and reverence. His tale, woven from the threads of a past marred by the Holocaust, unfolds to reveal a vibrant celebration of life’s enduring spirit. This episode is a tribute to those who hold the dance floor despite the shadows, honoring the survivors and their remarkable stories. As a testament to the human spirit, Colin shares how his family’s haunting experiences in the Gorlitz ghetto have left an indelible mark, contrasting the chilling realities they faced with the cherished opportunities that the UK provided to his father post-war.
The world of music beckons as we trace Colin’s extraordinary journey from the storied halls of Abbey Road Studios to the pinnacle of Artist Management and Label. The instinct for survival, as exhibited by his father during the darkest of times, reverberates through his tale, illustrating how such tenacity can translate into success in the most disparate of industries. We revel in the anecdotes of nurturing talent like Craig David, and the serendipitous moments that birth hits like “Why Does It Always Rain On Me?” by Travis—each story a testament to the power of legacy, music, and the connections they forge.
As we navigate the nuanced path of personal growth, Colin’s honesty about his battle with anger and the quest for emotional integrity offers a mirror to our own inner struggles. He credits his transformation to an unwavering commitment to self-awareness and the therapeutic process. Our conversation concludes on a note of mutual appreciation and acknowledgment of the progress we’ve each made, underscoring the importance of vulnerability and the courage it takes to confront our dragons. Join us for this profound exploration of gratitude, survival, and the enduring impact of one man’s journey on his life, his art, and the world around him.
Website: www.jemmusicgroup.com
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Malcolm Stern has worked as a group and individual psychotherapist for more than 30 years. He was a co-founder of Alternatives at St James’s Church in London and runs groups internationally.
He is the author of Falling in Love / Staying in Love (Piatkus 2004) and Slay Your Dragons with Compassion ( Watkins 2020). He co-presented Channel 4’s relationship series, ‘Made for Each Other’ in 2003 and 2004 and sailed on the ‘Rainbow Warrior’ with Greenpeace in the 1980s. The book he is currently writing is an exploration of the shadow and its necessity in our evolutionary development.
Malcolm Stern in conversation with guests.
