Marshall Poe
Marshall Poe
David Nasaw, "The Wounded Generation: Coming Home After World War II" (Penguin, 2025)
David Nasaw, "The Wounded Generation: Coming Home After World War II" (Penguin, 2025)
David Nasaw, "The Wounded Generation: Coming Home After World War II" (Penguin, 2025)
Tuesday 16th December 2025
Explore the untold stories of WWII veterans in 'The Wounded Generation' with David Nasaw. Discover their hidden struggles and resilience.
55 minutes
Informative
Eye-opening
Compassionate
Honest
Raw
About this podcast
Author:
Marshall Poe
Overview:
Categories:
Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Navigating Alcohol Dependency
Navigating Intimate Relationships
Family Recovery from Addiction
Relationships & Community
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Episodes:
260 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Unpacking The Hidden Struggles of WWII Veterans
Episode Overview
- Veterans faced significant psychological challenges upon returning home.
- The GI Bill had a profound impact but wasn't accessible to all veterans.
- Family dynamics were heavily affected by the return of soldiers.
- PTSD and mental health issues were largely unrecognised at the time.
- Societal expectations placed additional burdens on returning soldiers.
"Wars do not end when the fighting men, boys, and women return home."
What drives someone to seek a life without alcohol? Historian David Nasaw dives into the complex aftermath of World War II in his latest work, "The Wounded Generation: Coming Home After World War II." This podcast episode offers a fascinating look at the untold stories of veterans who returned home not just as heroes but as individuals grappling with deep psychological wounds.
Nasaw shares personal anecdotes, including his father's struggle with alcoholism and PTSD, to illustrate the broader challenges faced by returning soldiers. The conversation touches on the societal expectations placed on women during the war, the struggles of soldiers dealing with PTSD, and the long-lasting impact of the GI Bill. Nasaw's insights challenge the traditional narrative of the 'Greatest Generation,' revealing a more nuanced picture of post-war America.
The episode also delves into the emotional and psychological toll on families, highlighting how veterans' return was often fraught with difficulties, from reintegration into civilian life to dealing with mental health issues that were largely unacknowledged at the time. With a touch of humour and a wealth of historical detail, this episode is a compelling listen for anyone interested in the hidden costs of war and the resilience required for recovery.
So, how do these stories reshape our understanding of history and recovery?
Listen to find out.