As I sit across from Julian Russell, his story unfolds like an intricate tapestry, revealing the vibrant threads of his aristocratic lineage interwoven with the somber hues of his family’s history during the Holocaust. This episode peels back layers of privilege and pain, as Julian recounts his departure from a predestined life of ease to forge a trail of self-discovery and empowerment. Our dialogue traverses the transformative cultural tides of the 1970s, the era that beckoned him to pursue a deeper calling, and the birth of his Life Talent Program, aimed at guiding others to their own profound revelations and purpose.
The heart of our conversation pulses with the complexities of childhood trauma, as I unveil the shadows cast by my mother’s heroic yet haunting wartime service and how PTSD fractured the tender bonds of family. We grapple with the enduring scars of such experiences, and I share the catharsis found through therapy and spiritual growth, including the poignant moment I embraced the bodhisattva vow to honor my late brother. Julian and I explore the necessity of addressing our inner conflicts to not only mend but also to enrich the lives of others, exemplifying the healing power of introspection and the promise of legacy in the light of personal transformation.
In the closing moments of our discussion, we contemplate humanity’s deepest challenges—from the silent reverberations of transgenerational trauma to the urgent call to safeguard our planet. The stories of our ancestors and the lessons of history serve as both cautionary tales and beacons of resilience, prompting us to make sustainable choices and embrace our role in the world’s unfolding narrative. With Julian by my side, we reflect on the joy of living fully, the audacity to seek adventure, and the unwavering commitment to personal integrity and collective responsibility, leaving our listeners with a sense of hope and the inspiration to craft their own journey towards a more harmonious existence.
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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 overcoming & thriving through adversity.
