• Protecting, Preventing, and Supporting with Phil Tammaro

    In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel and Amber sit down with Phil Tammaro, burn survivor, retired fire captain, and Burn Coordinator for the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). 🚒

    Phil shares how a burn injury at just two years old shaped his life, while his family’s long history in public safety ultimately inspired him to pursue a career in the fire service. He reflects on what it was like to serve as a firefighter while also carrying his own experience as a burn survivor, and how those two parts of his life have shaped his passion for fire safety, burn prevention, and supporting others.

    Drawing on more than three decades in the fire service, Phil shares practical fire safety and prevention tips and talks about his work with the IAFF to strengthen burn awareness and peer support within the fire service community. ❤️

    Phil also reflects on the power of connection in his own healing journey, including attending his first Phoenix World Burn Congress and returning nearly every year since. He shares how finding a community of people who understood his experience reinforced something he now carries into his own peer support work: no one should have to navigate recovery alone.  

    #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories

    ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!  

     

    Meet Our Guest 

    Phil Tammaro serves as the Burn Coordinator for the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), where he brings over 31 years of experience as a retired captain from the Billerica, MA Fire Department. He is a nationally recognized subject matter expert and speaker on fire safety, burn prevention, and peer support. From 2009 to 2024, he served as the IAFF 3rd District Burn Coordinator, during which he was awarded the 2016 American Burn Association Burn Prevention Award and the 2023 Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors Joe Hickey Fire Service Award.

    His personal experience as a burn survivor, combined with his professional background, uniquely qualifies him to effectively address the impact of burn injuries within the fire service and in our communities.

    Phil’s journey from burn survivor to fire fighter began when he was just a toddler. In 1971, at the age of two, he suffered 3rd degree burns over 35% of his body from an explosion in his home.  Phil spent many years at the Burn Centers in Boston as a patient undergoing numerous skin grafts and reconstructive surgeries to maintain full use of his legs.  His last surgery related to his burns was in 2024, 54 years after the fire.


    Links 


    Podcast Sponsor 

    Today’s podcast is powered by the National Fire Protection Association! NFPA is a nonprofit that seeks to save lives and reduce loss with information, knowledge, & passion. Learn more about fire safety and explore their educational resources by visiting www.nfpa.org. 

    Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.  

    S9E5 - 46m - Sep 8, 2026
  • Scars Don’t Change Our Value with Fahima Abbas

    In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel sits down with burn survivor and Phoenix SOAR Peer Supporter Fahima Abbas for a heartfelt conversation about emotional healing, self-confidence, and finding your voice. 🩷

    Fahima shares her burn survivor journey and how living with facial scars has shaped the way she sees herself and connects with others. She reflects on the challenges of rebuilding confidence and learning to love herself, as well as the powerful impact of finding an online community of burn survivors who understood her experience. ✨ That connection inspired Fahima to begin sharing her own story and eventually become a Phoenix SOAR Peer Supporter, so she could offer that same sense of understanding and hope to others.

    Together, Rachel and Fahima talk about what it means to feel comfortable being seen, the freedom that can come from owning your story, and why our scars never determine our worth. Scars don’t change our value—and finding the confidence to believe that can be an important part of healing. 💪

    #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories

    ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!  

     

    Meet Our Guest 

    Fahima Abbas is a burn survivor living with facial scars from a life-changing experience. Her journey with facial burns has shaped so much of who she is today and continues to influence how she sees herself, connects with others, and supports the burn community.

     

    Links 


    Podcast Sponsor 

    Today’s podcast is powered by the Bert Martin Foundation! The Bert Martin Foundation was established to assist those who help others and provide financial support for nonprofit organizations. We’re honored to have the Bert Martin Foundation as a long-standing Phoenix Society Partner.  

    Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.  


    S9E4 - 33m - Sep 1, 2026
  • Becoming the Headliner of Your Own Healing Story

    In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel and Amber sit down with Tracy Smaldino, a burn survivor, trauma survivor, author, keynote speaker, podcast host, and founder of Trauma Rock Stars™. 🎸

    Tracy shares her journey as the sole survivor of a fatal car accident that left her with severe burns as a child, and how she carried her trauma in silence for many years before beginning to lean into healing. Together, Rachel, Amber, and Tracy talk about the lasting impact of trauma, the challenges burn survivors can face with summer heat, and what it means to find your voice when you are finally ready to share your story.

    Tracy also shares how meditation, music, and her years in the music industry shaped the creation of Trauma Rock Stars™—a platform that frames healing like a concert, from the sound check to the headliner moment. 🎵 Her message is a powerful reminder that trauma does not define us, and every survivor has a Rock Star inside them.  

    #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories

    ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!  

    Meet Our Guest 

    Tracy Smaldino is a trauma survivor, author, keynote speaker, podcast host, and the founder of Trauma Rock Stars™ — a platform built on the belief that your trauma doesn’t define you, it refines you. Tracy’s story begins as the sole survivor of a fatal car accident that left her with severe burns as a child — and, years later, a survivor of sexual assault. For years she carried her trauma in silence. When she finally leaned into her healing journey, everything changed. She turned her pain into purpose and Trauma Rock Stars™ was born. As a burn survivor, Tracy brings a deeply personal understanding to her work — and an unshakeable belief that every person has a Rock Star inside them. Sometimes they just need someone to hand them the mic.

    Links 

    Podcast Sponsor 

    Today’s podcast is powered by Buses by the Beach! Buses by the Beach is a community of VW bus enthusiasts based in West Michigan. They come together to camp, host amazing events, and raise funds to support Phoenix Society. And mark your calendars for the Bus Boo 2026, happening October 2nd - 4th in Dorr, Michigan. 

    Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.  

    S9E3 - 51m - Aug 18, 2026
  • Phoenix SOAR, Peer Support, and the Power of Burn Community with Rebecca Garber

    In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel sits down with Rebecca Garber, a nurse practitioner at HCA HealthONE Swedish Burn and Reconstructive Center in Englewood, Colorado.

    With more than 25 years of experience caring for burn-injured patients, Rebecca brings a powerful perspective on the clinical and emotional sides of recovery. 🩺 She shares what first drew her to burn care, how her understanding of healing has evolved over time, and why supporting patients and families goes far beyond physical recovery.

    Rebecca also discusses her connection to Phoenix Society and the impact of Phoenix SOAR, a peer support program that connects burn survivors and loved ones with trained supporters who have lived experience. 💙 She reflects on what makes peer support so meaningful, what she looks for in future peer supporters, and how Phoenix World Burn Congress has shaped the way she thinks about burn recovery, community, and care.

    This conversation is a reminder of the important role burn care professionals play—not only in helping patients heal, but in connecting them to hope, support, and community. 👏 

    #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories

    ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!  

     

    Meet Our Guest 

    Rebecca Garber is a nurse practitioner for the HCA Health 1 Swedish Burn and Reconstructive Center in Englewood, Colorado. She has cared for burn injured patients for more than 25 years. Rebecca works closely with the Phoenix SOAR peer supporters of her program. She is passionate about supporting this invaluable resource and training for future peer supporters. 

     

    Links 


    Podcast Sponsor 

    Today’s podcast is powered by AlloSource! AlloSource is one of the largest human tissue providers, honoring tissue donors by creating innovative skin allografts to help burn surgeons heal patients. Learn more at: https://allosource.org. 

    Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org. 

    S9E2 - 47m - Aug 11, 2026
  • A Burn Nurse’s Mission to Build Connection with Kailin Kyle

    Girls with Grafts is back for Season 9! 🎉 Rachel and Amber sit down with burn nurse Kailin Kyle to talk about her path into nursing and burn care, which began after her uncle was treated at the Connecticut Burn Center.

    Kailin shares how attending her first American Burn Association conference inspired her to become more involved with Phoenix Society and help revitalize her hospital’s Phoenix SOAR Program. ❤️ Now serving as Co-Lead Coordinator, she helps facilitate monthly support groups, coordinate certified peer support visits, and recruit new peer supporters.

    Together, they discuss the power of peer support—both through traditional visits and community-building experiences such as events and gatherings. Kailin also reflects on attending Phoenix World Burn Congress and shares advice for other burn care professionals interested in starting or rebuilding a peer support program.🏥

    #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories

    ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!  


    Meet Our Guest 

    Kailin Kyle has been a registered nurse for nearly five years and will celebrate three years as a burn nurse this summer. Her interest in burn care began in 2021, when her uncle was treated at the Connecticut Burn Center. After attending her first American Burn Association conference in 2023, Kailin became involved with Phoenix Society and later became Co-Lead Coordinator for the Connecticut Burn Center’s Phoenix SOAR Program. Today, she helps host monthly support groups, coordinates certified peer support visits, and recruits new peer supporters. Kailin is proud to help build a safe, supportive community for burn survivors in Connecticut.


    Links 

     

    Podcast Sponsor 

    Today’s podcast is powered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN)! BCEN is committed to advancing burn care through the Certified Burn Registered Nurse, or CBRN, credential — a certification designed to recognize specialized knowledge and expertise across the burn care continuum. 

    Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.  

    S9E1 - 41m - Aug 4, 2026
  • Choice, Comfort, and Courage: Helping Children Visit a Loved One in the Burn Center

    In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel sits down with Abby Horton, MS, CCLS, a Certified Child Life Specialist with over a decade of experience supporting children and families through burn injuries and medical trauma. Abby's work spans pediatric burn care, inpatient rehabilitation, and critical care, and she brings that depth of experience to a conversation about one of the challenges families navigating a burn injury often face: how to prepare children for a visit to the burn center. 🏥

    Drawing on her recent article in Journey Magazine, "Preparing Siblings and Children of Burn Survivors for a Burn Center Visit," Abby walks through why giving children a sense of choice and control matters so much, how caregivers can tell whether a child is ready to visit, and age-appropriate ways to talk about burn injuries and hospitalization. 🗣️ She also speaks candidly about the sibling experience—the fear, confusion, and guilt that can surface—along with the behavioral changes caregivers might see at home, from regression to withdrawal, and how to respond with patience rather than panic.

    Whether you're a parent, a sibling, or someone who simply wants to better support a family going through this, Abby offers grounded, compassionate guidance for helping the youngest members of a burn survivor's circle feel seen, prepared, and cared for. ❤️

    #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories

    ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!  

     

    Meet Our Guest 

    Abby Horton, MS, CCLS, is a Certified Child Life Specialist with over a decade of experience supporting children and families impacted by burn injuries and medical trauma. Her work spans pediatric burn care, inpatient rehabilitation, and critical care, with a focus on trauma-informed, developmentally appropriate support, school re-entry, and family-centered programming. She continues to work in both hospital and community settings, including private practice, extending burn-informed care beyond the hospital.

     

    Links 


    Podcast Sponsor 

    Today’s podcast is powered by the Pritzker Hageman Law Firm! The Pritzker Hageman burn injury legal team helps burn survivors and their loved ones pursue compensation and justice throughout the United States. Learn more at: LegalJourney.guide.

    Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.  

    S8E15 - 57m - Jun 23, 2026
  • Answering the Call: Damon Spring on Firefighting, Recovery, and Giving Back

    When Damon Spring joined his local volunteer fire department, he was answering a call to serve his community. 🚒 During his rookie year, that calling changed his life forever. On August 18, 2018, Damon was caught in a wildfire burnover sparked by a helicopter crash, an event that would come to be known as the Sheep Creek Fire.

    In this episode, Rachel sits down with Damon to talk about what drew him to firefighting, the day everything changed, and the long road of physical and emotional recovery that followed. Damon opens up about the hardest stretch of his journey—years two through five post-injury—and the support that carried him through it.

    Now eight years into his firefighting career and a Phoenix SOAR Peer Supporter, Damon is turning his experience into hope for others. ❤️ He recently launched Scar Warriors, a social media community where he shares his story and offers encouragement to fellow survivors and anyone struggling with their mental health.

    #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories

    🔗 Looking for links? Check out our show’s description on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

    ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!  

     

    Meet Our Guest 

    Damon Spring is 29 years old and has been a volunteer firefighter for 8 years. During his rookie year, he was involved in a wildfire burnover sparked by a helicopter crash on August 18th, 2018, later known as the Sheep Creek Fire. Damon became a peer supporter for Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors because he wanted to help other survivors — something he hopes to continue growing in. He recently started a social media page called "Scar Warriors" as a way to share his story, help others, and offer a little hope to fellow survivors or anyone who's struggling mentally.


    Links 


    Podcast Sponsor 

    Today's podcast is powered by Summit Fire Consulting, a national fire protection engineering and code consulting firm helping people design and maintain complex buildings. Their experts interpret fire and building codes, design suppression and smoke management systems, and ensure safe egress in everything from healthcare facilities and historic buildings to stadiums and multi-family housing.

    Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org. 

    S8E14 - 34m - Jun 16, 2026
  • The Science of Staying Cool: Dr. Craig Crandall and the Burn Survivor Heat Risk Calculator

    Heat hits differently when you're a burn survivor—and this week, we're getting into the science behind why. ☀️

    Rachel and Amber sit down with Dr. Craig Crandall, Professor of Internal Medicine at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Director of the Thermal and Vascular Physiology Laboratory at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. For over 20 years, Dr. Crandall has been continuously funded by the NIH to study the long-term thermoregulatory and cardiovascular effects of severe burn injuries and he brings all of that expertise to the table in this conversation.

    We dig into how Dr. Crandall first found his way into burn research, what actually happens in a survivor's body during heat stress, and why heat tolerance looks so different after a burn injury. From there, we walk through the Burn Survivor Heat Risk Calculator—breaking down what each input means (think TBSA, burn location, body weight, activity level, and more) and why it matters for your safety. We also cover cooling strategies, why your heart rate might spike in the heat, and the critical role hydration plays in regulating your body temperature. 🏃

    We highly recommend watching this one on YouTube for the full experience!  

    #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories

    ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!  

     

    Meet Our Guest 

    Craig Crandall is a professor of Internal medicine at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and is the director of the Thermal and Vascular Physiology laboratory at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas. For over 20 years he has been continuously funded by the NIH to assess the long-term thermoregulatory and cardiovascular consequences of severe burn injuries.  


    Links 


    Podcast Sponsor 

    Today’s podcast is powered by the Board of Certification for Emergency Nursing (BCEN)! BCEN is committed to advancing burn care through the Certified Burn Registered Nurse, or CBRN, credential — a certification designed to recognize specialized knowledge and expertise across the burn care continuum. Learn more by visiting https://bcen.org.

    Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.  

    S8E13 - 58m - Jun 10, 2026
  • A Son and Father’s Story of Resilience, Recovery, and Life After a Burn Injury

    In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel sits down with Dr. Charles McKenzie and his son, Scott, to talk about burn recovery, family support, and the lasting impact of community.❤️

    Scott was just 10 years old when he survived a fuel tank explosion that left him with severe burns and a long recovery, including six weeks at the Arizona Burn Center. Now a 17-year-old high school senior, rugby player, and outdoor adventurer, Scott reflects on his injury, returning to school, and the incredible support he received from family, friends, and his community—including a memorable school drop-off in a Ferrari from fellow local survivor Jason! 🚗

    Charlie talks about his experience as both a parent and a pediatric dentist. He also discusses how Scott’s recovery inspired him to help develop specialized oral appliances to better support patients with facial burns.

    Together, Scott and Charlie share advice for parents and caregivers, what it means to give back, and how the burn community continues to show resilience, connection, and the power of living full lives after injury. ✨

    To learn more about Charlie’s work with specialized oral appliances for facial burns, visit Kenzie Therapy at kenzietherapy.com

     #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories

    ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!  

     

    Meet Our Guests 

    Dr. Charles McKenzie is a pediatric dentist at Valleywise Health, home of the Arizona Burn Center—and he’s joining us today alongside his son, Scott. Scott is a 17-year-old high school senior, outdoor adventurer, rugby player, and all-around fixer who’s known for his kindness and inclusivity. When he was just 10 years old, Scott survived a fuel tank explosion that left him with severe burns and a long recovery, including six weeks in the burn center. That life-changing experience shaped both of their paths. While Scott grew into the resilient, community-minded teen he is today, Dr. McKenzie combined his experience as a father and a dentist to help develop specialized oral appliances to better support patients with facial burns—work he now continues as part of the hospital burn care team.

     

    Podcast Sponsor 

    Today’s podcast is powered by Cunningham Law Firm! Located in Phoenix, Arizona and helping clients nationwide, the Cunningham Law Firm specializes in personal injury, wrongful death and burn related cases. Learn more by visiting https://cunninghamlawfirm.com.  

    Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.  

    S8E12 - 53m - Jun 4, 2026
  • You Are Uniquely You: Celebrating Face Equality Week with Phyllida Swift

    This week on Girls with Grafts, Rachel and Amber welcome Phyllida Swift, CEO of Face Equality International, for a special episode celebrating Face Equality Week. 💛

    Phyllida shares her journey to becoming a global advocate for face equality and why this work is deeply personal and meaningful to her. Together, they explore what face equality really means—and why it matters for burn survivors and anyone living with a visible difference.

    The conversation dives into this year’s Face Equality Week theme, hospitality, and what it looks like to create spaces where everyone feels truly welcomed, respected, and included, whether in restaurants, workplaces, or daily life. Phyllida also shares cultural views on facial differences from around the world and recent global wins that are changing perceptions and making a difference. 🌎

    This episode reminds us that everyone deserves to feel seen, valued, and included just as they are! 

    #SeenAndServed #FaceEqualityWeek #FEW #IFEW #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories

    ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!  

     

    Meet Our Guest 

    Phyllida Swift is an appearance activist and the CEO of Face Equality International, an NGO campaigning to end the discrimination and indignity experienced by the global facial difference community. After sustaining facial scars in a car accident in 2016, she set out to reshape the negative narratives that dictate the public perception of scars and disfigurements. Her TEDX explores the harms caused by disproportionately poor media representation of facial difference via villains and vulnerable people on screen. 

     

    Links 


    Podcast Sponsor 

    Today’s podcast is powered by Kerecis! From a small town in northwest Iceland, Kerecis develops, manufactures, and sells patented fish-skin soft tissue regeneration products. Kerecis GraftGuide is their intact fish-skin especially developed for the management of burn wounds. Learn more about Kerecis by checking out their website www.kerecis.com or reach out to info@kerecis.com if you are interested in using their products.

    Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.  

    S8E11 - 48m - May 12, 2026
  • Finding Strength in Connection: Ariadna’s Journey from Survivor to Supporter

    In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel talks with Ariadna Bernal about her journey after a gas explosion left her with burns over 90% of her body. Ariadna describes her early days, starting with treatment in Mexico and then continuing her care at Shriners Hospitals for Children in California. She also shares how important her mom was, always staying by her side through everything. ❤️

    Together, they explore the emotional and mental side of recovery, including the moment Ariadna first connected with another burn survivor and realized she wasn’t alone. That connection became a turning point, inspiring her to give back through peer support. Ariadna explains how community, empathy, and shared experiences helped her heal in ways that medical care alone could not.

    Now a dedicated Phoenix SOAR Peer Supporter, Ariadna is actively involved in the Spanish Phoenix SOAR program, helping expand access and connection for Spanish-speaking survivors and families. She is also studying Psychology, hoping to work in a clinical setting, ideally at Shriners, to support children and teens after burn injuries. Her story shows how connection can turn pain into purpose. 🌟 

    #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories

    ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!  

     

    Meet Our Guest 

    A few years ago, Ariadna Bernal life changed completely after an explosion in her home caused by a gas buildup, which left her with severe burns over 90% of her body. It was a long and painful journey, but the unconditional support of her family and access to psychological care were key in helping her heal both physically and emotionally.

    Over time, she discovered the power of community by connecting with other burn survivors. Through a social worker at the hospital, she was introduced to this support network and given the opportunity to become a peer supporter. Since then, she has been actively involved, offering support through empathy and lived experience while accompanying others on their path to recovery.

    Ariadna is passionate about reading, music, painting on canvas, and spending time with family and friends. She is currently pursuing a degree in Psychology, with the goal of specializing in the clinical field. Her biggest dream is to one day work at Shriners Hospital for Children, where she is also a patient, so she can support children and teenagers who, like her, have faced the impact of burn injuries.

     

    Links 

     

    Podcast Sponsor 

    Today’s podcast is powered by the National Fire Protection Association! NFPA is a nonprofit that seeks to save lives and reduce loss with information, knowledge, & passion. Learn more about fire safety and explore their educational resources by visiting www.nfpa.org.

    Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org. 

    S8E9 - 39m - May 5, 2026
  • Your Injury Doesn’t Define You—It Can Be a Catalyst for Change with Kelsay Parrott

    This week on Girls with Grafts, Rachel talks with burn survivor Kelsay Parrott about healing that goes beyond the physical and finding purpose in pain. 🩷

    Kelsay shares her story of being burned at four years old and how, for many years, she focused on physical recovery without fully addressing the mental and emotional effects of her injury. She explains what it was like to finally start deeper healing and how it changed her life.

    The conversation shows the power of connection, from the community she found at burn camp to the time she secretly signed herself and her mom up for Phoenix World Burn Congress. That choice became a turning point, giving her a sense of belonging, support, and a place where she felt understood.

    Kelsay also explains how her experiences led her to earn a Master’s degree in Christian Ministry focused on trauma and disability. Now, she uses her story to support others in recovery. She believes that even the most painful experiences can lead to purpose. ✨ 

    #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories

    ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!  

     

    Meet Our Guest 

    Kelsay Parrott is a burn survivor whose story began at the age of four when she was severely burned in a candle accident and given less than a 5% chance of survival. After enduring the physical trauma of her injuries, she later faced the unseen battle of the mental and emotional aftermath.

    Through finally receiving the support and care she needed, Kelsay began a journey of healing that transformed her pain into purpose. Today, she strives to be a beacon of hope for others walking through trauma and recovery.

    Kelsay holds a Master of Arts in Christian Ministry with a focus on trauma and disability. She regularly writes on her blog, *Healing a Burned Soul*, where she shares encouragement, faith, and insights for those navigating the complexities of trauma. She is also currently working toward launching a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing care and support for trauma survivors, caregivers, first responders, and others impacted by trauma. Kelsay's life motto is "if my pain can change one person's life, it was all worth it."


    Links 

     

    Podcast Sponsor 

    Today’s podcast is powered by Buses by the Beach! Buses by the Beach is a community of VW bus enthusiasts based in West Michigan. They come together to camp, host amazing events, and raise funds to support Phoenix Society. And mark your calendars for the 2026 Bus Benefit, happening May 22nd-25th in Trufant, Michigan. 

    Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.  

    S8E9 - 51m - Apr 21, 2026
  • The Magic of Showing Up: Volunteerism & Burn Camp with Madeleine Carson

    In this special National Volunteer Week episode of Girls with Grafts, we welcome Madeleine Carson, Director of Programs at Burns Recovered and our Volunteer of the Month. We talk about the power of community, connection, and supporting others. 🤝 Madeleine shares how she became involved in the burn survivor community—including a full-circle moment where Amber, who works at United Rentals, became part of a meaningful connection: United Rentals reached out to Madeleine at Burns Recovered to support a survivor, Amber was looped into the conversation, and together they helped move the project forward. It’s a fun, unexpected example of how small connections within our community can come together to make a real impact.

    Rachel and Madeleine also talk about the many programs Burns Recovered offers, including pediatric burn camps, adult retreats, and family events. They also talk about Madeleine’s role as Board President of the International Association of Burn Camps (IABC) and how working together across the burn community helps more people access these important experiences. 🏕️ The heart of this episode is the special feeling of burn camp. These camps help people form lifelong friendships, build confidence, and remind survivors they are not alone. 

    Whether you are a volunteer, a survivor, or someone interested in helping, this conversation shows how powerful it is to show up, support others, and be part of something bigger. 💛

    #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories

    ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!  

     

    Meet Our Guest 

    Madeleine Carson is originally from Maryland but has called St. Louis, Missouri her home for the past 16 years. She is a clinically trained social worker and has been serving as the director of programs with Burns Recovered since 2019. Madeleine was drawn to the burn survivor community after learning about the existence of burn camps for pediatric burn survivors.  Madeleine is a camp kid at heart, having attended and then worked at the same day camp in suburban Maryland for 14 consecutive summers.

    Madeleine is not a burn survivor herself, but she understands the healing power of being part of a community of people with shared lived experience. Since joining Burns Recovered in 2019, she has made it her mission to create open and compassionate spaces for burn survivors of all ages to gather and support one another such as a week-long pediatric burn camp, weekend-long retreats for adult burn survivors and young-adult burn survivors and a weekend-long family camp.

    In her free time, Madeleine serves as the Board President of the International Association of Burn Camps (IABC). Madeleine enjoys baking bread, reading, and lounging on the couch with her old dogs, Enzo and Tesla. She is so excited to watch World Cup Soccer this summer and to attend a game in Kansas City for her 40th birthday! 

     

    Links 


    Podcast Sponsor 

    Today’s podcast is powered by Jensen Hughes! Since 1939, Jensen Hughes has been a global leader in fire protection engineering and safety solutions. Jensen Hughes combines expert knowledge, innovative strategies, and groundbreaking research to help clients protect lives, property, and reputations—making the world a safer, more resilient place.

    Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.  

    S8E8 - 50m - Apr 21, 2026
  • Connection Beyond the Hospital: A Girls with Grafts x H.E.A.L. Collaboration

    In this special episode, Girls with Grafts joins forces with the H.E.A.L. Changed by Fire Podcast for an important conversation about connection, healing, and the resources that help burn survivors after they leave the hospital. 🏥 Rachel, Lori, and Jen talk about how groups like Phoenix Society and Change by Fire are helping to close the gap between medical recovery and long-term healing. Their goal is to make sure survivors and their families can find support wherever they are in their journey.

    They talk about how peer support programs like Phoenix SOAR can make a big difference, and how digital spaces and podcasts help more people find community. Sharing survivor stories is also shown to be an important part of healing. The conversation points out that when organizations in the burn community work together, more survivors can get the support, resources, and care they need. ❤️

    #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories

    ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!  


    Meet Our Guests 

    Lori Janik is a holistic trauma therapist and mother of three who serves as Secretary and Community Outreach Director on the Board of Directors for Changed by Fire. She discovered her “why” for supporting the burn community years ago while working with burn survivors in an inpatient setting. There, she witnessed the deep emotional and social struggles survivors and families face long after physical injuries begin to heal. Lori brings clinical expertise, compassion, and advocacy to Changed by Fire. She is committed to helping survivors reconnect with their bodies, rebuild their lives, and find community. Lori is proud to lead these conversations on the H.E.A.L. Podcast, highlighting the voices of survivors, families, and burn care professionals.

    In 2017, Jen Severance experienced a life‑changing burn injury after collapsing while cooking at home. She spent a month in the burn unit undergoing multiple surgeries and a long, challenging recovery. Jen documented her journey through photos and explored countless healing modalities, from scar massage to physical therapy, compression garments, and cupping. Today, Jen’s life is richer because of the love and inspiration she found in the burn survivor community. As guest host of the H.E.A.L. Podcast, Jen brings empathy, courage, and authenticity to each episode, helping others feel understood and supported as they navigate life after burn injury.


    Links 


    Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.  

    S8E7 - 59m - Apr 7, 2026
  • Selfish for Survival with Chris Akin

    In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel talks with Chris Akin, a burn survivor, entrepreneur, and media personality. Together, they discuss resilience, determination, and how to make the most of each day.

    Chris tells the story of the industrial explosion that caused his burn injury and describes his early days recovering in the hospital and how his determination shaped his recovery. 💪 Rachel and Chris also chat about the mindset that helped him move forward. Chris shares that he had to be selfish during recovery, focusing on whatever he needed to heal and return to life, even after being told he had little chance of survival.

    They also talk about Chris’s book and his journey as a writer, including what inspired him to share his story and how the experience changed his life. Chris doesn't necessarily see the accident itself as positive, but he explains that the lessons he learned from surviving it led his life in a positive direction. 💛 

    #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories

    ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!  

     

    Meet Our Guest 

    Chris Akin is a burn survivor, author, and media personality whose life changed dramatically after a catastrophic industrial explosion in 1994 left him with burns over 69% of his body. Given little chance of survival and facing predictions of amputation and lifelong disability, Chris defied the odds and fought his way through an intense and painful recovery. In his memoir, Call Me Chris: A Tale of Healing, Recovery, Selfishness and Resolve, he shares a brutally honest account of surviving severe burns, navigating the emotional and physical realities of recovery, and rebuilding his life after trauma. Known for his candid storytelling and dark humor, Chris offers a powerful perspective on resilience, identity, and the determination it takes to move forward after a life-altering injury. 


    Links 


    Podcast Sponsor 

    Today’s podcast is powered by the Donor Alliance Foundation & the Brookby Foundation! Both of these foundations play a critical role in supporting Phoenix Society and our programs. Their partnerships help us continue to create spaces for healing, connection, and advocacy—and we couldn’t do it without them! 

    Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.  

    1h 0m - Mar 24, 2026
  • Love Is Blind… But Scars Aren’t: Ashley Nelson on Dating with Hidden Burns

    This week on Girls with Grafts, Amber and Rachel sit down with Ashley Nelson for an honest conversation about identity, confidence, and dating after a burn injury.

    Ashley shares how she changed her mindset from seeing herself as a “burn victim” to a “burn survivor,” and how this new perspective changed how she views herself. She also talks about her dating experiences, including how she tells her story, the support she received, and the tough moments that helped her grow. ❤️

    Ashley also describes small acts of courage, like getting a pedicure at a nail salon while people stare, and reminding herself that her scars do not define her worth. 💅 We also talk about Love Is Blind Season 10, Emma Betsinger, and how pop culture can start important conversations about vulnerability, being seen, and handling tough topics in relationships.

    This episode is real, relatable, and reminds us that confidence isn’t about hiding your scars. It’s about owning your story. ✨ 

    #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories

    ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!  

     

    Meet Our Guest 

    Ashley Nelson is 33 years old and sustained burns over 35% of her body at the age of 24. She currently works as a Sales Account Manager and holds a degree in Psychology.

     

    Links 

     

    Podcast Sponsor 

    Today’s podcast is powered by Gropper & Nejat, a personal injury firm dedicated to supporting burn survivors in New York and New Jersey. They understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that come with burn injuries and fight tirelessly to secure justice and compensation for their clients. Receive a free consultation today by visiting groppernejat.com.

    Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org. 

    S8E5 - 49m - Mar 10, 2026
  • How to Decide if Reconstructive Scar Surgery Is Right for You with Dr. Cliff Sheckter

    In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel talks with burn surgeon and researcher Dr. Cliff Sheckter about how to give survivors better tools and information when they are thinking about reconstructive scar surgery. 🩺

    We discuss the Decision Aid for Reconstructive Scar Surgery, a new resource to help survivors decide if surgery is right for them. Dr. Sheckter explains why this tool was made, what questions it helps answer, and how it helps survivors think about both practical results and quality of life. ❓ We discuss why some survivors may feel let down even after a successful procedure and look at how expectations, identity, and healing are all closely linked.

    Rachel and Dr. Sheckter also look at the bigger picture, including gaps in research about scar outcomes, how “quality of life” is measured in burn recovery, and what future studies may focus on. This episode offers practical and encouraging advice to help you make choices that feel right for you.  

    #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories

    ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!  

     

    Meet Our Guest 

    Dr. Cliff Sheckter is the Burn Center Director at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, which serves the San Francisco Bay Area in burn and trauma care. He is double board certified in plastic/reconstructive surgery and surgical critical care and dedicates his practice to burn patients and survivors. He completed his medical/surgical training at USC, Stanford, and the University of Washington. Dr. Sheckter is an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Stanford University and teaches medical students and residents comprehensive burn care. He is also a health policy researcher and has published multiple articles related to burn survivor quality-of-life and health economics in burn care.


    Links 


    Podcast Sponsor 

    Today’s podcast is powered by AlloSource! AlloSource is one of the largest human tissue providers, honoring tissue donors by creating innovative skin allografts to help burn surgeons heal patients. Learn more about AlloSource and their continuing education hours by visiting their Resource Marketplace Listing directly on Phoenix Society’s website. 

    Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.  

    S8E4 - 57m - Mar 3, 2026
  • Healing Is a Journey, Not a Destination with Mikki Rothbauer: Why Support Group Needs You

    This week on Girls with Grafts, Rachel talks with Mikki Rothbauer, a psychotherapist who has spent over twenty years helping burn survivors and their families at Regions Hospital Burn Center.

    Mikki talks about what she has learned from years of supporting burn survivors, from the first days after injury to long-term healing. 💛 She leads burn support groups and coordinates a hospital-based Phoenix SOAR program. Mikki often reminds patients, “support group needs you.” In this episode, she explains why letting survivors choose to join peer support can be an important part of recovery.

    Rachel and Mikki discuss the emotional impacts of burn injuries, how to know when it may be time to get professional mental health help, and how resilience and confidence support healing. 💪 We also talk openly about topics that are often overlooked, like body image, sexuality, and intimacy after a burn injury, sharing both survivor and caregiver perspectives with honesty and care.  

    #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories

    ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!  

     

    Meet Our Guest 

    Mikki Rothbauer, MSW, LICSW, is a pediatric and adult burn and trauma psychotherapist who has worked with burn survivors and their families in a Level 1 trauma center for more than 21 years. She is deeply passionate about supporting survivors of burn and trauma injuries and considers it a privilege to be part of each patient’s healing journey.

    Recognizing that burn and trauma injuries impact the entire family, Mikki works closely with patients and their support systems from the onset of injury through the months and years that follow. She emphasizes cognitive behavioral strategies to help address acute stress and PTSD symptoms, and her clinical focus also includes grief and loss, cosmetic differences, hidden burns and injuries, survivor’s guilt, and work-related injuries.

    Mikki enjoys working with patients of all ages and uses a collaborative, patient-centered approach to support individuals as they return to living full and meaningful lives. She facilitates burn support groups, coordinates her center’s SOAR peer support program, and has a special interest in addressing body image and sexuality concerns during recovery.

    In addition to her clinical work, Mikki has contributed to the field through published articles and book chapters related to trauma and burn recovery. She considers it a true honor to walk alongside patients and their loved ones as they navigate recovery after traumatic injury.


    Links 

     

    Podcast Sponsor 

    Today’s podcast is powered by the Bert Martin Foundation! The Bert Martin Foundation was established to assist those who help others and provide financial support for nonprofit organizations. We’re honored to have the Bert Martin Foundation as a long-standing Phoenix Society Partner.  

    Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org. 

    S8E3 - 58m - Feb 17, 2026
  • “It’ll Get Better”: Shaun Free on Healing After a Workplace Burn Injury

    In honor of National Burn Awareness Week, Rachel and Amber sit down with burn survivor Shaun Free to talk about survival, healing, and the powerful growth that can come after trauma. Shaun shares the story of the propane explosion that changed his life, his long road through recovery, and how he reframed PTSD into what he calls post-traumatic growth. 💪

    From building a propane forge and crafting knives as part of his healing, to returning to teach motorcycle safety classes just weeks after leaving the hospital, Shaun opens up about finding purpose again through creativity, service, and community. He also reflects on the mental side of recovery, his experience as a counselor at Camp Eyabsut, and what it was like to tattoo over grafted skin.

    With honesty, humor, and heart, Shaun’s story is a reminder that recovery isn’t just about surviving—it’s about discovering who you can become on the other side. 💛 

    #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories #NBAW #Ameriburn

    ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!  

     

    Meet Our Guest 

    On March 13, 2018, Shaun Free survived a devastating industrial propane explosion. The 3,000-gallon delivery truck he was working beneath leaked 300 gallons of liquid propane, forming a thick, knee-high cloud that blanketed the ground. As Shaun tried to shut the main valve, something ignited the pool of gas he was lying in. In a blinding flash, his life changed forever. He crawled out from under the truck while on fire and saw widespread destruction—along with a life-saving snowbank Shaun ran to, using it to extinguish the flames.

    He was airlifted from Montana to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. Shaun sustained burns over 46% of his body, required multiple surgeries, coded, and experienced a near-death event. He remained intubated for 10 days while battling double pneumonia, MRSA in a burn graft on his left leg, and numerous other complications that kept him in the Burn ICU for weeks.

    This experience revealed who he was and what he was capable of overcoming. Shaun learned how to make the most of a terrible situation, how to look beyond the chaos, and how to focus on anything that could help improve his circumstances. He now shares his journey—along with the experiences, successes, and failures that shaped his recovery—in the hope of guiding and inspiring others.

     

    Links 


    Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.  

    S8E2 - 39m - Feb 3, 2026
  • In the Wake of Switzerland’s Bar Fire: Lessons from the Station Nightclub Fire

    Season 8 of Girls with Grafts opens with a powerful and timely conversation following the recent Crans-Montana bar fire tragedy. In this special episode, Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors CEO Amy Acton steps into the moderator’s seat, guiding a discussion that centers both the human impact of fire and the need for prevention.

    Amy is joined by Lorraine Carli, Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy at National Fire Protection Association, along with Rob Feeney and Gina Russo, both survivors of The Station Nightclub Fire. Together, they reflect on the parallels between past and present tragedies, examine gaps in fire safety systems and accountability, and explore how complacency, policy decisions, and community action can mean the difference between life and loss. 💛

    This episode goes beyond headlines—It’s a sobering but hopeful start to season 8, reminding us that prevention is possible, and that change begins when we choose to act. 🙏

    #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories

    ⭐️ Enjoyed the show? Tell us by leaving a 5-star review and sharing on social media using hashtag #GirlswithGrafts and tagging Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors!  

     

    Meet Our Guests

    Lorraine Carli joined NFPA in 2006 and serves as Vice President of Outreach and Advocacy, overseeing media, public affairs, government affairs, advocacy, wildfire initiatives, and public education. She also leads NFPA’s U.S. and Canada regional operations and NFPA Journal®. Lorraine holds degrees from Northeastern University and the University of Massachusetts and serves in leadership roles with the Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition, the National Fallen Fire Fighters Foundation, the Electric Safety Foundation International, and The Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors.

    Rob Feeney is a survivor of The Station Nightclub Fire and a dedicated fire safety advocate. He is a trained Phoenix SOAR Peer Supporter and Phoenix Advocate and received the Phoenix Society Advocacy Award in 2013 for his work on fire sprinkler legislation. Rob also serves as a firefighter and assistant fire prevention officer with the Onset Fire Department in Massachusetts and writes for the NFPA Fire Sprinkler Initiative.

    Gina Russo is a survivor of The Station Nightclub Fire and a Phoenix SOAR Peer Supporter. After sustaining severe burns and losing her fiancé in the fire, she turned to storytelling and advocacy as part of her healing journey. Gina is the author of From the Ashes and is passionate about supporting new survivors as they navigate recovery and rebuild their lives.

     

    Links 


    Podcast Sponsor 

    Today’s podcast is powered by the National Fire Protection Association! NFPA is a nonprofit that seeks to save lives and reduce loss with information, knowledge, & passion. Learn more about fire safety and explore their educational resources by visiting www.nfpa.org.

    Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.  

    S8E1 - 50m - Jan 9, 2026
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