The Ackerman Center Podcast

In this episode, Martin Kimel talks about his book, "The Pessimist’s Son: A Holocaust Memoir of Hope" published in May 2025. He is hosted by Dr. David Patterson, who holds the Hillel A. Feinberg Distinguished Chair of Holocaust Studies at the Ackerman Center for Holocaust Studies. Their conversation moves through the heart of the story—its themes of family, identity, and the emotional legacy it carries. Martin reflects on what inspired his work, the writing process behind it and also shares how the project evolved over time and what he hopes readers carry with them once they’ve turned the final page.

In this inaugural episode of the first Spanish-language podcast at UTD, Dr. Shilyh Warren, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies and affiliate faculty of the Ackerman Center, and Dr. Paula Cuellar Cuellar, Assistant Professor of History and Fellow of the Jacqueline and Michael Wald Professorship at the Bass School, sit down with Ms. Ana Lorena Delgadillo, J.D., a leading international human rights lawyer recognized worldwide for her work on truth, justice and reparations. In the podcast, Ms. Delgadillo reflects on her path as a human rights advocate for migrant rights, and victims of forced disappearances, and femicide. Additionally, Ms. Delgadillo shares insights on her work as the current Latin American member of the United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances.

In this episode, Dr. Mehak Burza interviews Sabro Bengaro, a Ph.D. candidate at The University of Texas at Dallas, who will soon be defending his dissertation, "Germany, Jihad , and the Assyrian Genocide of 1915". Sabro discusses the motivations behind his research, his academic journey and his dedication to preserving Assyrian memory.

What happens when memory, scholarship and cutting-edge technology come together? In this episode, Dr. Nils Roemer and Dr. Mehak Burza sit down with Professor Jeffrey Price to discuss the creation of the Digital Twin of the Ackerman Center. The conversation explores how the collaboration between the Ackerman Center and the VAST Lab (Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Simulation Technology Research) under the supervision of Professor Jeffrey Price has brought this innovative project to life. Designed as an interactive representation of the Center, it allows users to explore the Center's resources and exhibits, fostering a deeper understanding of Holocaust history and its enduring impact.

This episode concludes the special two-part series on the Kinder Doll Animation Project. Hosted by Dr. Mehak Burza, this conversation highlights the faculty's role as creators, thinkers and visionaries behind Kinder Doll Animation Project- UT Dallas' first-ever stop-motion puppet animation. The faculty share their perspectives on shaping a project that merges disciplines—animation, sculpture, music, screenwriting, and history—into a unique storytelling experience. They further reflect on the creative process, the challenges of bringing the Kindertransport story to life, and the powerful intersection of art, history, and education.

This episode is the first in a special two-part series on the Kinder Doll Animation Project- a groundbreaking collaboration between UT Dallas students and faculty that tells the story of the Kindertransport through stop-motion animation.

In this episode, Dr. Mehak Burza sits down with Dr. Christine Veras, director of both the Experimental Lab and the Kinder Doll animation project, along with the talented student team who helped bring it to life. As the university’s first-ever stop-motion puppet animation, the project merges art, history, and storytelling in extraordinary ways. Dr. Veras and the student team share insights into the creative journey of transforming memory and history into motion.

In this episode Dr. Nils Roemer and Dr. Mehak Burza sit down with filmmaker Anthony D’Ambrosio, director of the film Triumph of the Heart. Set to release on 12 September, this extraordinary film tell the true story of St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Polish Catholic priest who made the ultimate sacrifice at Auschwitz when he volunteered to die in place of another prisoner.

The conversation dives into the creative journey behind the movie: what inspired D’Ambrosio to tell this story, the artistic choices that shaped its narrative, and the challenges of bringing a vision of resilience, courage, and memory to the big screen.

In this episode, Dr. Nils Roemer and Angie Simmons delve into the harrowing experiences of a Jewish family in Poland during the Nazi invasion. Using powerful testimony footage, they explore stories of resilience, survival, and the lasting impact of history. Tune in for a compelling conversation that brings these personal narratives to life.

In this episode, Dr. Mehak Burza speaks with Dr. Jerzy Wójcik, a distinguished scholar and guide born in Oświęcim (Auschwitz), Poland. A graduate of Jagiellonian University with a PhD in political science, Dr. Wójcik has dedicated his career to Holocaust education through his work with institutions such as the Auschwitz-Birkenau State Museum and the Jagiellonian University Center for Holocaust Studies. Dr. Wójcik shares his journey from growing up in the shadow of Auschwitz to guiding both in-person and virtual tours of the site. The discussion explores how he tailors tours for diverse audiences, navigates the challenges of conveying historical accuracy, and confronts Holocaust denial. He also reflects on the significance of virtual tours, which he began in 2020, and what he hopes participants take away from this deeply impactful experience.

Join us in this episode as Dr. Hanno Berger and Angie Simmons discuss the Hulu original series "We Were the Lucky Ones", based on Georgia Hunter’s novel. They explore the authenticity of the adaptation, its emotional impact, and what it’s like to experience this powerful story on screen. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on history, storytelling, and the significance of bringing these narratives to life.