The Last Boy...the inspiring "Survivor Stories Podcast" that inspired the Broadway-bound play

The stories of entrepreneurial giants who have built something from nothing inspire us:  Bernard Goldhirsh of Inc. Magazine, Harry Quadracci of Quad/Graphics, Daniel Lubetsky of the snack company Kind,  and Steve Mariotti of Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship. The stories of survivors also inspire us.  Like those of psychologist Tova Friedman and Sam Solasz of Master Purveyors. Harold Klein, the founder of Teletime Video along with his wife Nan, has interviewed all of them. Now Harold and Nan are expanding the meaning of entrepreneurship and survival to include remarkable people like Vietnam veteran Bill Vandegriff, who has overcome great personal hardship because of his experience as a soldier through his own grit and resilience. In Harold's own family tree, from his grandfather for whom he's named, to his own son Joe, you can see what Dr. Rachel Yehuda of Mt. Sinai has helped to bring to light - how resilience can be literally passed on from generation to generation. That resilience often comes in the form of entrepreneurship. And it often begins with a mentor. Did you know that one of the mentors of the great Martin Luther King's was Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, a figure central to Harold's faith? Steve's conversation with Harold is a profound one, which started on the steps of the 92nd Y after the world premiere of an episode of Harold and Nan's new documentary "Trauma to Triumph...the Rise of the Entrepreneur."  Harold's introductory remarks at the premiere, as well as the film, were an epiphany for Steve in how he views Sidney Taussig, the last boy, and his roommates who created their own government, and the longest-running underground publication of the Holocaust. Most of them would not survive, but their magazine of poems and prose does, proving that the entrepreneurial spirit can transcend hate, adversity, and even death. To learn more about Harold and Nan's important film series, visit traumatotriumphfilms.com.

Moving through the world with a voice that is always impassioned, Suzanne Cohn isn't one to whisper. But she had to as a hidden child, in 8 different Christian homes throughout the Polish countryside. She even hid, breathless, behind a Christmas tree while 3 Nazi soldiers searched one of them.  Listen to Suzanne recount this and other vivid memories from an unfathomable time.  She can still hear the first cries of her baby sister being born in hiding, and thinking she was a gift from above just for her. She can still taste the barley soup she received in a country hospital when she was so ill, her parents had no choice but to risk her coming out of hiding for her to get the medical attention she needed. She can still see the field of poppies her father showed her from the window of their room in the DP camp. Speaking of hidden, find out what was sewn inside the first stuffed animal Suzanne was given, as her family sailed to Australia to begin their new lives. This is Part 2 of a two-part conversation with Suzanne which took place towards the end of the pandemic. The way she experienced the quarantine, undoubtedly unique to anyone who survived the Holocaust, will inspire you. This episode is dedicated to every member of Suzanne's extended, adopted Christian family, who did so much to save her own family. The music for this episode is drawn from songs sung by the Keystone State Boychoir, who sang for Suzanne at her 80th birthday party. "O Holy Night," with soloist Bobby Hill, was recorded live with the Prague Symphony Orchestra, not far from Terezin Concentration Camp. Terezin (or Thereienstadt in German) is the setting for the play dedicated to Suzanne, The Last Boy...a new play with music. You can join Suzanne on Wednesday, April 27th, 2022 at 6pm for a one night-only performance of the show, "a benefit on Broadway...a Yom HaShoah to remember."  To learn more about what promises to be an extraordinary evening, join the e-list here.  Pictured is Suzanne (2nd from left) after the war, with her mother and siblings. To Suzanne's right is her younger sister Wendy, to her left is her older sister Rachel holding their baby brother Georgie. 

This is Part 2 of a great three-part conversation with St. Louis Symphony Orchestra violist Michael Casimir. If you, or someone you know, wants to be a professional artist, this is a must listen. Michael answers the big question - does he think young people should "go for it." The episode begins with him resolving the cliff hanger at the end of Part 1 - does he still hear those voices in his head that tell him he got the job because he's a person of color.  He gives props to teacher Roberto Diaz of Curtis Institute who inspired him to not go down the road of pursuing substitute positions reserved for black musicians, and instead "break down the door" by striving to be the best of the best and win a position outright based on sheer talent.  He talks about having stand partners at Julliard and Curtis  years younger than him who played better, and how it lead to panic attacks over thoughts of being an unemployed musician. Michael offers fascinating insights into the harrowing process of auditioning for professional orchestras. Host Steve Fisher also shares what he typically advises young people to do when they ask if they should go into the arts, and cites the exception he made with Michael's fellow Keystone State Boychoir (KSB) alum Bobby Hill in the aftermath of his spontaneous, viral performance for the Pope. Steve and Michael talk about the importance of authentic partner arts programs with under-resourced schools, the importance of community-based arts programs for both underserved AND privileged young people. Steve  tells a funny but poignant story about two founding members of KSB, from very different backgrounds, on a flight to South Africa. Steve and Michael also muse on other topics, such as how not boring your audience is more important than being artistically perfect, letting your body "sing," and what it takes to get your task master Dad to finally give you the keys to the car.  You can visit Michael's website here.  Join the podcast e-list by clicking here and be entered into a drawing to win a trip to New York to see The Last Boy...a new play with music on Broadway, meet the cast backstage and attend the VIP after-party. 

Imagine you making the sign of the cross and saying your prayers at night just as you were taught, but it seems to make your mother sad.  In fact, every time you do, she cries. She's grateful that you know them, because they are the very reason you are still alive. But it breaks her heart because she knows what you as a little girl do not...you are Jewish. Imagine a year in a ghetto, days under a school auditorium stage, weeks in a factory utility closet, several years either hiding in a Christian home or posing as the owners' relatives.  Imagine arriving in Australia, knowing no one, but grateful you have survived and are finally free to start your life again. And then imagine meeting a young man from abroad, who calls you after he's returned home, and asks you to join him half way across the world to start over yet again. Imagine living the American dream in ways you could never fathom, but never forgetting - in the words of your father - that what matters most is not what you own, but what is in your heart and mind because no one can take that away from you. Meet Suzanne Cohn, a hidden survivor, who finds all of this still hard to imagine even though she's lived it.  Hate denied Suzanne's grandmother a long life. As a child, Suzanne witnessed her being selected by the Nazis, who would have her dig a her own grave and then murder her. As the 59 year-old matriarch was taken away, she predicted a long, fruitful one for her granddaughter, and that premonition has been realized. Fruitful in many ways, but what has remained central in Suzanne's mind and heart, is family.  The soundtrack for this two part episode is drawn from songs sung by the Keystone State Boychoir for Suzanne at her 80th birthday party. Bobby Hill, soloist. You can join Suzanne at the one night-only Broadway benefit performance of the play dedicated to her, The Last Boy...a new play with music. To find out more, join the e-list here. 

This podcast has often remembered young men who never realized their potential because of hate and discrimination. Here's a young man who HAS - St. Louis Symphony Orchestra violist Michael Casimir. Michael was raised in West Philadelphia, a real life Fresh Prince of...Missouri. Unlike Will Smith's character, Michael was not troubled. In fact, his father's dedication to his son's musical future ensured Michael didn't have a lot of time to get in trouble.  But that's not to say he didn't have fun and get into a bit of mischief along the way - including his concert tour adventures in South Africa, Brazil, Alaska and Japan as a founding member of Keystone State Boychoir.  Michael recounts hilarious stories with his fellow choirboys, as well as how his experiences in a boychoir helped him achieve his dream.  He and host Steve Fisher also talk frankly about racism - not only in the world, but within ourselves. Don't miss Part 1 of a fascinating three part conversation with someone who has beat the odds. You can visit Michael's website here. The piece heard throughout this podcast is Handel/Halvorsen's Passacglia for violin and viola, with Elissa Lee Koljonen on violin and Michael Casimir on viola. To watch it on YouTube, click here. Join the e-list by clicking here and be entered into a drawing to win a trip to New York to see The Last Boy...a new play with music on Broadway, meet the cast backstage and attend the VIP after-party. 

 #011. What is it like to be the child of a Holocaust Survivor? What is it like to sit in an Off Broadway theatre and watch a play inspired by your father's story of rescuing the longest running underground publication of World War II. Don't miss this powerful, poignant first episode of Season 2 with Michele Taussig, eldest child of Terezin Concentration Camp survivor and the "last boy" Sidney Taussig. Did you know that The Last Boy podcast help inspired The Last Boy...a new play with music? If you didn't see the world premier this past July in New York, you have not one but two chances this season - both Off Broadway and ON! To purchase tickets ahead of the public, for special offers, and to be entered into a drawing to win a trip to New York to see The Last Boy a new play with music on Broadway and meet the cast, sign up for The Last Boy e-list here. 

#010. Welcome to the Season 1 finale of "The Last Boy." This episode was live streamed in audio and video on the eve of Michael Gruenbaum's 90th birthday. If you'd like to SEE as well as hear this very special gathering to celebrate Michael's milestone, visit fishermannpodcasts.com. By becoming a member you will have exclusive access to this video, and other special videos. Thanks to all the listeners, subscribers and members around the world.  Stay tuned for Season 2! On behalf of Sid, Michael, Inge, and all the children of Terezin, until next time..Peace...Mír...Frieden...Shalom...As-salamu alaikum.

#009. Don't miss more of Sid and Marion's "Harry met Sally" exchanges that will warm your heart. So will Vedem entries about summer and autumn. Sid recalls the summer marriage of Dorm Number 1 leader Valtr Eisinger. He also remembers summer flies, bed bugs and fleas!, as well as the infamous Red Cross visit. The season of autumn brought back for Sid more harrowing memories, like the 12-hour "Terezin Census" that the Nazis carried out after a few prisoners escaped. And for anyone who survived Terezin, fall surely evokes memories of the transports of September and October, 1944. They were the last to leave Terezin before the war's end, taking over 18,000 people east to Auschwitz. Most of them would not survive. But their spirit lives on when you listen! Please do, subscribe, download and review. And share with a friend! More show notes and links are here.

#008. In their magazine Vedem, the boys of Terezin's Dorm Number One captured the seasons vividly, resulting in some of the most poignant entries in this underground publication - the longest running one of the Holocaust. They tell the story of not only the transformation of the earth throughout the seasons as they saw it behind the fortress walls of Terezin, but of their own transformation. Sid and his friends not only were robbed of a carefree childhood, but of a dignified coming of age. But Sid and Marion's "Harry met Sally" exchange will make you laugh. And hearing them laugh together after 67 years of marriage (and counting!) is a wonderful reminder that in the end, hate lost.

#007. The previous episode was Part I of this important conversation about Cancel Culture and anti-Semitism - in the past and in the present. In this episode, Part II, Steve spends time with survivor Michael Gruenbaum, who has some incredible insights about the DeSean Jackson post and Holocaust survivor Ed Mosberg's non-Cancel Culture approach to the controversy. Warning: as a former fellow "Eagle," Michael doesn't let Mr. Jackson off so easy.  As in Part I, larger questions around forgiving vs. hating are explored.For more detailed show notes, links and resources for this episode, click here.

#006. When Eagles wide receiver DeSean Jackson posted an anti-Semitic quote on Instagram, many were quick to call for him to be fired. But Holocaust survivor Edward Mosberg chose a different path and invited the NFL player to dialogue, and to travel with him to Auschwitz so Jackson can learn firsthand about the evils of the Nazis. In this first part of this conversation, host Steve Fisher has 3 questions for YOU the listener around 3 different stories involving anti-Semitism - both in the past and the present. He then speaks to survivors Sidney Taussig and Inge Auerbacher and asks them the same questions. When do you forgive? Is "not hating" the same thing as "forgiving?" You'll be surprised at who thinks what. The following episode, Episode 7 is part two of this important conversation, featuring survivor Michael Gruenbaum.For more detailed show notes, links and resources for this episode, click here.

#005. Can you imagine making your Bar Mitzvah in a concentration camp?  The Last Boy, Sid Taussig, did in a secret prayer room in Terezin. Special guest, 12 year old Max Ringold compares notes with Sid, as Max prepares for his Bar Mitzvah. His teacher Lisa Litman joins us for a fascinating and fun conversation.  Also joining us is special guest, goat volunteer Josh Ziegler, who just made his Bar Mitzvah… on Zoom! He shares with us a silver lining of virtual services...goats at your service!

#004. Children of the Holocaust lost their innocence long before arriving at a concentration camp. It was a journey of sometimes small, sometimes big, terrible moments. For guest Michael Gruenbaum, the journey began at age 8, when he watched a Jewish couple leap to their death from their apartment balcony as the Nazis marched into Prague on March 15th, 1939. With many stops along the way, Michael completed that journey in May of 1945 when a train arrived in Terezin from Holocaust. The train door opened, and "the girl with the beautiful red hair" called out to him: "Meesha! Meesha! It's me, Inke!" He would never be the same, and either will you when you hear Michael recount this and other heart wrenching - yet hopeful - experiences. He reads excerpts from his compelling book Somewhere There is Still A Sun. This episode will move you, inspire you, and transform you. This episode features the Pennsylvania Girlchoir and Keystone State Boychoir singing Stephen Schwartz' 1999 Academy Award winning song, "When You Believe," from the soundtrack of the Prince of Egypt.  It's powerful lyric, "though hope is frail it's hard to kill," is fitting as we discover that in the place of the loss of innocence, Michael reached for hope. Visit fishermanpodcasts.com to get exclusive, monthly access to powerful videos and more.

#003. Know a young person who has struggled with what the pandemic has taken from them?  Worried about how our children will overcome 3 months of lost school time? DON'T MISS this chance to be MOVED, INSPIRED, HOPEFUL! Our last boy, Sidney Taussig, and his friend and fellow Terezin survivor Michael Gruenbaum offer pearls of wisdom from their own journeys of overcoming incredible hardships. Boys from the Keystone State Boychoir give voice to Sid's friends in Dorm Number 1 who wrote about their struggles in Vedem magazine - the longest running underground publication of the Holocaust. You'll learn which of them survived and who perished.  Visit fishermanpodcasts.com to become a member and get exclusive access to powerful videos and more.

#002. The Last Boy brings you incredible survivor stories as they tell them. Before we continue with the journey of Sidney Taussig, meet Inge Auerbacher, another friend and survivor of Terezin. In fact, Inge led me to Sid. In my lively conversation with Inge today, I share with her two encounters that were deeply upsetting and unsettling. I love to tell stories, but these are two I wish I didn't have to tell. Hate. We know where hate can lead us. But where does hate begin? It begins with words. Words in our head. And then words on our lips. And then sometimes those words become hateful acts. You're about to go on a journey with Inge and me that will remind you in a very powerful, shocking way, that hate can come from anywhere, even religion. And anyone. Even a survivor.

#001: Let host Steve Fisher take you back in time to May 8th 1945, when 15 year old Sid Taussig was the very last boy remaining in Terezin Concentration Camp's Dorm Number One. You'll discover why the world is indebted to Sid. Steve will then introduce you to "The Last Boy" himself, 90 years young, who will enchant you with the first installment of this heartwarming, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting story of a room full of teenage boys determined to do something extraordinary under impossible circumstances.  In this inaugural episode of The Last Boy, you'll be introduced to Sid's incredible journey, as well as Steve and his Keystone State Boychoir's remarkable journey to come to know and love him.  By episode's end, you'll have been begun an incredible journey yourself.Visit fishermanpodcasts.com to learn more about The Last Boy and other amazing podcasts.