In this episode, Chuck Thuss sits down with Charles Van Kessler for a deeply moving conversation about survival, faith, resilience, and purpose. Born in Amsterdam during World War II, Charles survived the horrors of the Holocaust, losing his family, enduring abuse in a state-run orphanage, and spending years alone on the streets as a child.

Against all odds, Charles’s life became a story of hope. Through faith, perseverance, and an unshakable belief that his life had meaning, he found his way to America, rebuilt his life, and devoted himself to helping others live healthier, more empowered lives. At 84 years old, Charles shares wisdom forged through unimaginable hardship and a lifetime of service.

This is an episode about the darkest chapters of history, the power of faith during despair, and what it truly means to keep going when everything has been taken from you.

You’ll Hear About

• Charles’s childhood during World War II and surviving the Holocaust
• Life inside a state-run orphanage and years spent alone on the streets
• How faith helped him survive suicidal thoughts and unimaginable loss
• His journey to America and rebuilding life from nothing
• Turning pain into purpose through health innovation and children’s charities

Always in your corner,

Chuck

Guest Bio

Charles Van Kessler was born in Amsterdam during World War II and survived the horrors of the Holocaust. After losing his family and enduring abuse, homelessness, and deep emotional pain as a child, Charles rebuilt his life through faith, resilience, and a commitment to helping others. Today, alongside his wife Linda, he is the founder of Passion 4 Health and Passion 4 K.I.D.S., organizations dedicated to improving health and supporting abused, neglected, and disabled children. Charles’s life is a testament to perseverance, purpose, and the power of giving back.