Sick Burn Podcast

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There came a moment when Lydia Richard (@wounds2wealth) chose to stop letting trauma dictate her life — it would become the beginning of her power. 

Lydia is a businesswoman, personal development coach, and mother whose journey from surviving sexual assault to rebuilding her identity is a profound example of what it looks like to transform pain into purpose. Her story isn’t about pretending everything is fine — it’s ab...

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Geoff Real has spent his life proving that strength isn’t defined by what you have — it’s built by what you refuse to give up. 

Born with one hand, Geoff refused to let circumstance define him. Through years of dedication, discipline, and mindset work, he transformed what others saw as a limitation into his greatest strength — proving that the real fight is always within. 

In this episode, Geoff and I discuss overcoming...

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Five years ago, Abbey Alexander’s life changed forever. 

While teaching English abroad in Cambodia, she was caught in a sudden gas explosion that left her with severe burns across much of her body — and a journey that would test every part of her spirit. 

But Abbey’s story is more than survival. It’s about humor in the healing, growth through hardship, and the courage to start again — even when everything you once knew ...

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This week on The Sick Burn Podcast, we’re bringing you special bonus episode: a live panel straight from San Diego Comic-Con 2025 — “I’m Me & It’s This Game’s Fault!” 

Hosted by Kurosh Jozavi of Savepoint Stories, this heartfelt, funny, and sometimes surprising conversation dives into how video games shape who we are. Alongside an incredible group of panelists (including me, Thomas Craig), we explore the games that...

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At first glance, G. Michael Hopf is a USA Today bestselling author. But behind the shelves of books lies a life shaped by combat, childhood trauma, and the pursuit of identity. A former U.S. Marine, now husband and father, Michael’s story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the courage to embrace his true self. 

In this conversation, we talk about the struggles of finding identity, the scars of loss, reframing pain ...

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Joe Dimeo’s life changed forever after a devastating car crash at just 18 years old that left him with burns over 80% of his body. In 2020, he became the first person in the world to survive a face and double hand transplant — a true medical miracle that gave him a second chance at life. 

But Joe’s story isn’t only about surviving the impossible. It’s about unshakable confidence, resilience, and how sharing his journey...

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Kevin Mokuahi’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience isn’t about never falling — it’s about getting back up, again and again, with more heart, more humor, and more hope than ever before. As a Parkinson’s advocate, endurance cyclist, and community leader, Kevin brings an incredible perspective on what it means to live fully, even in the aftermath of a life-altering diagnosis. 

In this episode, we talk about navi...

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Dr. Daniel E. Kennedy’s work is proof that storytelling can be a lifeline for people in their darkest moments. As a Doctor of Social Work, Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, and award-winning filmmaker, Daniel has dedicated his career to using film as a tool for healing, hope, and social change. 

His latest documentary, 10 Minutes 2 Live, is a powerful exploration of suicide, survival, and the courage it takes to...

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Gabe Estrada’s story is proof that passion and perseverance can take you farther than you ever imagined. After immigrating from Mexico, Gabe built a life rooted in family, drive, and creativity. By day, he’s an attorney and business owner. By night, he’s become one of the world’s most respected Star Wars collectors and creators — channeling his love of the galaxy far, far away into a community that inspires thousands....

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After losing his wife to cancer, Danny Lesslie found himself in a season of unlayering—grief, job loss, financial hardship, and the weight of fatherhood all hitting at once. But instead of shutting down, Danny chose to move with meaning. In this episode, we talk about what happens when everything you cling to for stability is stripped away, how faith shaped his healing, and what it means to rebuild from the inside out...

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At just 17 years old, Garrison Redd’s life changed in an instant. But that moment didn’t stop him — it became the beginning of a new mission. Today, Garrison is a Paralympian, elite powerlifter, Team USA adaptive climber, motivational speaker, author, and an advocate for purpose-driven life. 

In this episode, Garrison shares how he found strength after a spinal cord injury, built a career at the highest levels of power...

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In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month and to celebrate three months of The Sick Burn Podcast (Yee!), host Thomas Craig VIII takes the mic solo to reflect on the journey so far. From sharing stories of resilience and healing to laughing through the scars with incredible guests, this episode is both a thank-you and a look ahead. 

Thomas opens up about why this month means so much to him personally, what he's lea...

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In March 2021, Rebecca Koltun’s life changed in an instant. A catastrophic skiing accident left her paralyzed from the neck down—but that’s not where her story ends. From hospital beds to speaking stages, Rebecca has become a living testament to resilience, humor, and the power of showing up anyway. In this episode, Rebecca shares how she rebuilt her life post-injury, what drives her every day, and why laughter is one...

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Aloha and welcome to The Sick Burn Podcast, where we explore the bright side of life’s darkest moments. Today’s episode flips the script as Cristina Craig takes over the mic to interview her husband—our very own host, Thomas Craig. From surviving a catastrophic plane crash to rebuilding his life piece by piece, Thomas opens up about his journey through trauma, resilience, and rediscovering joy. This conversation goes ...

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Marshall Hugh isn’t just the frontman of the Marshall Law Band—he’s a movement. From uplifting protestors with music in Seattle’s CHOP zone to crafting a genre-blending hip-hop album that evolved into a Pulitzer-nominated project, Marshall’s story is a blueprint for purpose-driven art. In this episode, we dive into how music became his protest, how love became his compass, and why unity and action remain at the heart ...

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In this powerful episode, we're honored to welcome John Pendleton, a burn survivor and beacon of resilience. Once a blue-collar worker who faced a life-threatening electrical accident, John now inspires others with his journey from harrowing adversity to hope. Dive into his story as he shares how he overcame immense physical and emotional challenges, transforming his ordeal into a spark of hope and a source of pr...

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In this episode of the Sick Burn Podcast, we're thrilled to introduce Julian Williams, a Native Hawaiian pro surfer, creative spirit, and community volunteer who champions diversity in the surfing world. Julian's journey is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of dreams against all odds. After facing considerable challenges, including racism and the pressures of professional surfing, Julian has used his...

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Today, we’re honored to welcome Neil Karstetter—a paragliding pilot, devoted husband, badass videographer, and inspiring survivor. Neil’s life took a dramatic turn following a catastrophic paragliding accident that nearly left him permanently disabled. In this episode, Neil shares his harrowing journey from the precipice of despair to a renewed sense of life through the steadfast support of his wife and the newfound p...

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Today, we’re delighted to have Jenny Messing with us—a culinary artist, deeply caring mother, loving wife, and an all-around badass. Jenny is the creative force behind @thelittlejemkitchen, known for its popular lunch pop-ups. This was a stark change from her previous life working at a global sports brand. In this episode, Jenny shares her unexpected journey into the world of culinary arts, a passion she never knew ex...