WILDCIDE

Content Warning: This episode contains descriptions of violence, genocide, and human suffering. Listener discretion is advised.

In this compelling and deeply introspective episode, we delve into one of humanity’s darkest chapters: the Holocaust. Beginning with a look at the state of Germany in the 1930s, we explore the political and economic collapse that created the fertile ground for Adolf Hitler’s rise to power and the horrifying events that followed. We discuss the establishment of Auschwitz, the largest and most infamous Nazi concentration and extermination camp, and examine the systemic and meticulous organization of genocide carried out within its walls.

At the heart of this episode lies the chilling story of Josef Mengele, the so-called "Angel of Death." We unravel his background, exploring how his ambition, obsession with success, and fervent belief in Nazi ideology propelled him to become one of history’s most notorious figures. Mengele’s brutal experiments on prisoners, especially twins, are recounted with careful attention to detail, shedding light on the depth of his inhumanity.

As we navigate through the horrors of Auschwitz, we also examine the psychological toll on survivors and the intergenerational trauma experienced by their descendants. We reflect on the importance of remembrance and education to ensure these atrocities are never forgotten or repeated.

Finally, we follow Mengele’s escape after the collapse of the Third Reich, highlighting how post-war chaos and bureaucratic failures allowed him to evade justice for decades. This episode is a sobering exploration of the Holocaust, a tribute to its victims, and a call to reflect on the societal factors that allowed such atrocities to occur.

Resources:

Vera Alexander’s Testimony: https://collections.ushmm.org/search/catalog/irn1001717

Ze’ev Sapir Testimony: https://collections.ushmm.org/search/catalog/irn100158

Find other Holocaust Resources at The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum

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Art for the podcast was created by Kelly Steen. Editing/Production for the podcast by Bltzwolff ([email protected]).

​WILDCIDE Podcast and any content posted is presented solely for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.

References:

Friedlander, Saul. Nazi Germany and the Jews: 1933-1945. HarperCollins, 1997.

Levi, Primo. If This Is a Man. Orion Publishing, 2008.

Lifton, Robert Jay. The Nazi Doctors: Medical Killing and the Psychology of Genocide. Basic Books, 2000.

Totten, Samuel, and Paul R. Bartrop, eds. Dictionary of Genocide. ABC-CLIO, 2008.

Josef Mengele | Holocaust Encyclopedia, https://encyclopedia.ushmm.org/content/en/article/josef-mengele

Josef Mengele | Biography, Death, Angel of Death, & Facts | Britannica, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Josef-Mengele

Josef Mengele - Wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josef_Mengele

Nazi Dr. Josef Mengele - CANDLES Holocaust Museum, https://candlesholocaustmuseum.org/educational-resources/josef-mengele.html

Josef Mengele | Early Life, Auschwitz Experiments & Escape - Lesson, https://study.com/academy/lesson/josef-mengele-experiments-angel-of-death-at-auschwitz-birkenau.html

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. (n.d.). Jewish prisoners are marched through the snow on their way to forced labor assignments outside the camp. [Photograph]. Retrieved January 25, 2025, from https://collections.ushmm.org/search/catalog/irn1001580

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. (n.d.). Eichmann Trial -- Session 71-- Witness Vera Alexander. Retrieved January 25, 2025, from https://collections.ushmm.org/search/catalog/irn1001717

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. (n.d.). The Holocaust: A learning site for students. Retrieved from https://www.ushmm.org

Weigmann K. (2001). In the name of science. The role of biologists in Nazi atrocities: lessons for today's scientists. EMBO reports, 2(10), 871–875. https://doi.org/10.1093/embo-reports/kve217