Sick Burn Podcast

Thomas W Craig VIII
  • 5.0 (24)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

The Sick Burn Podcast "Explores the Bright Side to Life's Darkest Moments." 🔥🎙️ Aloha, I'm Thomas Craig. My journey from a life-changing plane crash to recovery revealed a powerful truth: resilience, positivity, and even humor can emerge from unimaginable pain.  Here we focus on positivity, optimism, and humor in the face of trauma, depression, and pain.  Together, with our incredible guests, we share stories of overcoming, finding hope, and sometimes laughing through the scars. Whether you’re facing your own challenges or seeking a little inspiration, this is your place for strength, transformation, and connection. 🤙🏽

  1. 23. Redefining Normal — Neurodiversity, Eating Disorders & Advocating for Change w/ Dan Roth

    MAY 8

    23. Redefining Normal — Neurodiversity, Eating Disorders & Advocating for Change w/ Dan Roth

    Send us Fan Mail Dan Roth (@danrothconsulting) has spent a lifetime learning how to navigate spaces that weren't built for people like him — and turning that experience into a mission to make the world more inclusive for everyone else.  Diagnosed as neurodivergent in 1989, Dan has spent decades doing the deep work of self-reflection, research, and advocacy. He's an Amazon Best Selling Author, a TEDx speaker, a Strategic People Operations Executive, and a nonprofit advisor whose work spans some of the most underrepresented areas in mental health — including eating disorders, body dysmorphia, neurodiversity, domestic violence, sexual assault, and disability rights.  But in this conversation, we go beyond the résumé. Dan opens up about his personal journey with an eating disorder, what it meant to be neurodivergent before anyone had the language for it, the challenges he and his wife faced during a difficult pregnancy, and how all of it ultimately shaped his purpose as an advocate, a father, and a human being. This is a wide-ranging, honest, and deeply human conversation about what it means to redefine normal — and why the world is better when we make room for everyone in it.    Connect with Dan Roth:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danrothconsulting/  TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/CRAbVQWH_MQ?si=kFDc8Pa6tf0lDPrU  Linktree: https://linktr.ee/DanRothConsulting    Connect with The Sick Burn Podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickburnpod  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sickburnpod  Threads: https://www.threads.net/@sickburnpod  Website: https://www.sickburnpodcast.com    🎧 Mahalo for listening! If this episode connected with you, please:  Subscribe to The Sick Burn Podcast so you never miss an episode. Share this conversation with someone who needs to hear it. Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes moments and updates.  Credits: Hosted & Executive Produced by Thomas Craig VIII Produced by Voice & Video — Bill Lanzarotta Audio Engineer — Mickey Dixon Edited by Lizi Bronson Graphics by Jeff Lee Special Thanks — Dan Roth    Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily represent those of The Sick Burn Podcast, its affiliates, or any organizations we are associated with. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. #SickBurnPodcast #DanRoth #Neurodiversity #EatingDisorderRecovery #BodyDysmorphia #MentalHealthAwareness #Advocacy #Inclusion #NeurodivergentLife #ADHDAwareness #DisabilityRights #TEDxSpeaker #RedefiningNormal #MentalHealthMatters #Resilience #HealingJourney #FindTheBrightSide #OvercomingAdversity #InspiringStories #RealConversations #PurposeDrivenLife #HopeAndHealing Support the show

    1h 4m
  2. What You Can Control | Mental Health & Acceptance w/ Will Craig

    APR 30 ·  BONUS

    What You Can Control | Mental Health & Acceptance w/ Will Craig

    Send us Fan Mail In this Instagram Live conversation with mental health advocate Will Craig, we explore acceptance — not as giving up, but as focusing your energy on what you actually control. When a plane crash survivor and a man living with a serious medical condition sit down to talk about trauma, loss, and healing, acceptance becomes the thing that sets you free.  Connect with Will at:  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mental_health_with_will/  Aloha and thank you for being here!  Connect with The Sick Burn Podcast:  • Website: https://www.sickburnpodcast.com  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickburnpod  • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sickburnpod  • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thomascraigviii 🎧 Mahalo for listening! If this episode connected with you, please:  • Subscribe to The Sick Burn Podcast so you never miss an episode.  • Share this conversation with someone navigating illness, uncertainty, or recovery.  • Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes moments and updates.  Credits:  Hosted & Executive Produced by Thomas Craig VIII  Produced by Voice & Video — Bill Lanzarotta  Audio Engineer — Mickey Dixon  Edited by — Lizi Bronson  Graphics by — Jeff Lee  Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily represent those of The Sick Burn Podcast, its affiliates, or any organizations we are associated with. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice.  #SickBurnPodcast #Acceptance #MentalHealth #WillCraig #Resilience #Trauma #MentalHealthAdvocate #Control #Healing #PersonalGrowth #MentalHealthMatters #AuthenticConversation #FindYourPower #OnlineSupport #podcastlife Support the show

    1 hr
  3. Bonus: One Piece of Advice for Your Hardest Moment? | The Sick Burn Final 2nd Question

    MAR 24 ·  BONUS

    Bonus: One Piece of Advice for Your Hardest Moment? | The Sick Burn Final 2nd Question

    Send us Fan Mail Everyone hits a wall. A moment where you don't know how to keep going. I asked every guest on The Sick Burn Podcast the same final question — "What's one piece of advice you'd give to somebody going through their hardest moment?" — and what came back was something I wasn't expecting. Real answers. Raw answers.  The kind you only get from people who've actually been through it. If you're in a hard season right now — this one's for you.  Aloha and thank you for being here!  Connect with The Sick Burn Podcast:  • Website: https://www.sickburnpodcast.com  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickburnpod  • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sickburnpod  • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thomascraigviii  🎧 Mahalo for listening! If this episode connected with you, please:  • Subscribe to The Sick Burn Podcast so you never miss an episode.  • Share this conversation with someone navigating illness, uncertainty, or recovery.  • Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes moments and updates.  Credits:  Hosted & Executive Produced by Thomas Craig VIII  Produced by Voice & Video — Bill Lanzarotta  Audio Engineer — Mickey Dixon  Edited by — Lizi Bronson  Graphics by — Jeff Lee  Disclaimer:  The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily represent those of The Sick Burn Podcast, its affiliates, or any organizations we are associated with. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice.  #SickBurnPodcast #HardTimes #advice #resilience #MedicalResilience #AdaptiveLiving #DisabilityVisibility #HealthJourney #LivingWithHeartFailure #Resilience #OvercomingAdversity #HopeAndHealing #MentalHealthMatters #FindingTheBrightSide #KeepGoing #InspiringStories #RealConversations #HumanStrength #PodcastInterview #PurposeDrivenLife #burnsurvivor Support the show

    22 min
  4. Bonus: What Is Giving You Peace Right Now? The Sick Burn Final 1st Question

    FEB 24 ·  BONUS

    Bonus: What Is Giving You Peace Right Now? The Sick Burn Final 1st Question

    Send us Fan Mail It’s been a little while since our last full episode, but we’re actively working on what’s next.  In the meantime, I wanted to share something special. On every episode of The Sick Burn Podcast, I ask my guests the same two questions. This is the first one:  What is currently giving you the most amount of peace?  The responses were honest, eye-opening, and a powerful reminder that peace often looks different than we expect. I hope it shifts your perspective the way it shifted mine.  Aloha and thank you for being here!  Connect with The Sick Burn Podcast:  • Website: https://www.sickburnpodcast.com  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickburnpod  • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sickburnpod  • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thomascraigviii  🎧 Mahalo for listening! If this episode connected with you, please:  • Subscribe to The Sick Burn Podcast so you never miss an episode.  • Share this conversation with someone navigating illness, uncertainty, or recovery. • Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes moments and updates.  Credits:  Hosted & Executive Produced by Thomas Craig VIII  Produced by Voice & Video — Bill Lanzarotta  Audio Engineer — Mickey Dixon  Edited by — Lizi Bronson  Graphics by — Jeff Lee  Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily represent those of The Sick Burn Podcast, its affiliates, or any organizations we are associated with. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice.  #SickBurnPodcast #peace #findingpeace #resilience #MedicalResilience #AdaptiveLiving #DisabilityVisibility #HealthJourney #LivingWithHeartFailure #Resilience #OvercomingAdversity #HopeAndHealing #MentalHealthMatters #FindingTheBrightSide #KeepGoing #InspiringStories #RealConversations #HumanStrength #PodcastInterview #PurposeDrivenLife #burnsurvivor Support the show

    14 min
  5. 22. Kody Schaffner: Powered by Resilience — Heart Failure, Hope & Fighting Back

    12/19/2025

    22. Kody Schaffner: Powered by Resilience — Heart Failure, Hope & Fighting Back

    Send us Fan Mail Kody Schaffner’s life is powered by resilience — literally. Living with advanced heart failure, Kody (@justadudeonbatteries) relies on a Left Ventricular Assist Device (LVAD), a mobile life-support system that keeps his heart pumping and his future moving forward. But Kody’s story isn’t just about survival — it’s about perspective, gratitude, and refusing to let fear define your life.  In this episode, Kody opens up about what it’s really like to live with an LVAD, the realities of open-heart surgery, and how quickly life can change when your health is no longer guaranteed. We talk about vulnerability, healing, patience, and learning how to find purpose in uncertainty. Kody shares how he reframed strength, learned to accept help, and continues to show up with hope even on the hardest days.  This conversation is a powerful reminder that resilience doesn’t always look loud or dramatic — sometimes it looks like waking up, adapting, and choosing to keep going.  ⏱️ Chapter Timestamps  1. Intro to Kody & “Just a Dude on Batteries” – 00:01:18  2. Early Trauma: Fatal Car Accident at 18 & Losing His Girlfriend and Family Members – 00:03:20  3. Climbing Cell Towers High on Drugs & Living in Full-Blown Addiction – 00:05:05  4. Six-Figure Remodeling Business, Home Depot Collapse & First Heart Failure Diagnosis – 00:07:11  5. Rock Bottom: Living in His Truck, & Finally Going Back to the Hospital – 00:11:25  6. Turning Down the LVAD, Choosing Long-Term Life Over Short-Term Fixes – 00:15:12  7. Regaining Independence: Managing His LVAD & Walking Into the Gym – 00:17:52  8. Daily Gym Videos, Cognitive Therapy & Rewiring a Brain Stuck in Depression – 00:23:23  9. From Instant Gratification to Discipline, & Fully Owning “Just a Dude on Batteries” – 00:31:31  10. The Gym Healing His Heart (8% to 45%) and His Advice for Anyone at Rock Bottom – 00:42:15  Connect with Kody Schaffner:  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justadudeonbatteries  • Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justadudeonbatteries  • Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@Justadudeonbatteries⁩ Connect with The Sick Burn Podcast:  • Website: https://www.sickburnpodcast.com  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickburnpod  • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sickburnpod  • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@sickburnpod  🎧 Mahalo for listening! If this episode connected with you, please:  • Subscribe to The Sick Burn Podcast so you never miss an episode.  • Share this conversation with someone navigating illness, uncertainty, or recovery.  • Follow us on social media for behind-the-scenes moments and updates.  Credits:  Hosted & Executive Produced by Thomas Craig VIII  Produced by Voice & Video — Bill Lanzarotta  Audio Engineer — Mickey Dixon  Edited by — Lizi Bronson  Graphics by — Jeff Lee  Special Thanks — Kody Schaffner  Disclaimer:  The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily represent those of The Sick Burn Podcast, its affiliates, or any organizations we are associated with. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice.  #SickBurnPodcast #KodySchaffner #HeartFailureAwareness #LVADLife #LifeWithLVAD #HeartWarrior #ChronicIllnessAwareness #InvisibleIllness #MedicalResilience #AdaptiveLiving #DisabilityVisibility #HealthJourney #LivingWithHeartFailure #Resilience #OvercomingAdversity #HopeAndHealing #MentalHealthMatters #FindingTheBright Support the show

    46 min
  6. 21. Miguel Jimenez Vergara: Pushing Beyond Limits — Racing, Resilience & Relentless Drive

    12/09/2025

    21. Miguel Jimenez Vergara: Pushing Beyond Limits — Racing, Resilience & Relentless Drive

    Send us Fan Mail Miguel Jimenez Vergara is a competitive adaptive athlete, wheelchair racer, and one of the most unstoppable humans you’ll ever meet. From a young age, Miguel felt a deep pull toward movement, competition, and testing both his body and his mind. Over the years, that pull turned into a lifestyle built on consistency, challenge, and an unwavering commitment to becoming better every single day.  In this episode, Miguel opens up about the mindset behind his training, why he chases discomfort, and how racing became both his outlet and his compass. We talk about identity, discipline, burnout, mental toughness, and the quiet battles people rarely see — the internal work that fuels true resilience. Miguel’s story isn’t about recovering from one defining moment… it’s about choosing to grow through thousands of small, intentional ones.  Whether you’re an athlete, someone rebuilding your confidence, or someone searching for purpose, Miguel’s perspective will leave you fired up and rethinking what you’re capable of. 1. Intro to Miguel & the Mindset of a Champion – [00:01:07] 2. Why He Calls It “Wheelchair Racing” & Honoring the Sport’s History – [00:02:32] 3. Born Without Legs: Early Childhood, Disability, and First Realizations – [00:06:57] 4. Middle School, High School & Earning Respect Through Grit – [00:07:33] 5. Discovering Philosophy, Stoicism & Reframing His Disability – [00:11:16] 6. Sacrifice, Solo Travel & Doing Whatever It Takes to Compete – [00:17:04] 7. From Sled Hockey to Chula Vista: Committing Fully to Track & the Paralympic Dream – [00:23:18] 8. Flow State, Mind Over Body & Racing Ten Feet at a Time – [00:31:06] 9. Time as the Ultimate Equalizer & Advice for Life’s Hardest Moments – [00:40:13] 10. Teamwork, Killing the Ego & What’s Next for Miguel (NYC Marathon & LA 2028) – [00:44:21] Connect with Miguel here:  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miguel._.36/  Connect with us here:  • Website: https://www.sickburnpodcast.com  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickburnpod  • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thomascraigviii  • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thomascraigviii  🎧 Mahalo for tuning in! If you enjoyed today’s bonus episode, please:  • Subscribe to The Sick Burn Podcast so you never miss an episode.  • Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes fun.  • Share this episode with a fellow gamer or friend who loves the power of play.  Credits: Hosted & Executive Produced by Thomas Craig VIII  Produced by Voice & Video – Bill Lanzarotta  Audio Engineer – Mickey Dixon  Edited by – Lizi Bronson  Graphics by – Jeff Lee  Special Thanks – Miguel Vergara  Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily represent those of The Sick Burn Podcast, its affiliates, or any organizations we are associated with. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice.  #SickBurnPodcast #MiguelJimenezVergara #EnduranceAthlete #RacingMindset #Resilience #Discipline #MentalToughness #PushingLimits #FindTheBrightSide #AthleteMindset #Perseverance #KeepGoing #HumanPerformance #SickBurnPod Support the show

    49 min
  7. 20. Lydia Richard: Reclaiming Power After Trauma — From Wounds 2 Wealth

    11/21/2025

    20. Lydia Richard: Reclaiming Power After Trauma — From Wounds 2 Wealth

    Send us Fan Mail 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 about doing the hard, intentional work of healing, reclaiming worth, and choosing to rise. In this conversation, we talk about the emotional and psychological layers of recovery, the courage it takes to face your story, and how Lydia built a life rooted in strength, faith, mindset, and self-respect. She reminds us that healing isn’t quick or clean — but it is possible, and it can lead to a richer and more meaningful life than before.  If you’re in a season where hope feels far away, Lydia’s voice is one you’ll want to hear.  Connect with Lydia here:  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wounds2wealth/  • Website: https://lydiarichard.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnyjvyDxUpxOVJuAUssQrMTcYs6bET36bBdhDcyZA_tzv2mbM4kxX8ysOyf8w_aem_gv43-8oFBM3o-8jXDWOidA  • Coaching / Resources: https://stan.store/wounds2wealth?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnmzZmMlOlj0RwV4G2Q7APyA6G9SbgAjcMFpZP_l_EcBuJ_HlhEJl7J_9-SHs_aem_NrVK_HRStzhBvokeK1fajg  Connect with us here:  • Website: https://www.sickburnpodcast.com  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickburnpod  • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thomascraigviii  • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thomascraigviii  🎧 Mahalo for tuning in! If you enjoyed today's episode, please:  • Subscribe so you never miss a future episode  • Leave a rating or review to help us grow  • Share this conversation with someone who needs it  We love hearing from our listeners — email us anytime at thomas@sickburnpodcast.com  Credits: Hosted & Executive Produced by Thomas Craig VIII Produced by Voice & Video – Bill Lanzarotta Audio Engineer – Mickey Dixon Edited by – Lizi Bronson Graphics by – Jeff Lee Special Thanks – Rosie Flores and Lydia Richard  Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily represent those of The Sick Burn Podcast, its affiliates, or any organizations we are associated with. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. #sickburnpodcast #HealingJourney #TraumaRecovery #Resilience #MindsetShift #MentalHealthMatters #Empowerment #OvercomingAdversity #SelfWorth #InspirationDaily #PostTraumaticGrowth #WomenSupportingWomen #YouAreNotAlone #HopeAndHealing #HealingCommunity #SpeakYourTruth #BreakTheSilence #EmotionalRecovery #PositiveMindset #ResilientWomen #HealingAfterTrauma #SurvivorStrong #TraumaInformed  Support the show

    1h 1m
  8. 19. Geoff Real: Fighting for More — The One-Handed Fighter Redefining Possibility

    10/31/2025

    19. Geoff Real: Fighting for More — The One-Handed Fighter Redefining Possibility

    Send us Fan Mail 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 disadvantage, building confidence through challenges, and what it means to truly redefine possibility. His journey isn’t just about winning titles — it’s about mastering the art of resilience, self-belief, and purpose.  1. Intro to Geoff – 00:00:41:09  2. Growing Up with One Hand & Rock Climbing Story – 00:02:05:18  3. Wrestling, Martial Arts & Early Influences – 00:04:09:27  4. Middle School Moves, Music Influence, and Emotional Challenges – 00:07:03:01  5. High School Struggles, Illness & Injury – 00:20:25:01  6. Rebellion, Football Comeback & Music Success – 00:33:27:28  7. Jiu Jitsu Journey & Pursuing Black Belt – 00:46:26:13  8. Battling Testicular Cancer & Mindset – 01:04:19:02  9. The One-Handed Fighter Documentary Origins – 01:11:06:10  10. What Brings Him Peace & Advice for Hard Times – 01:15:20:11  Connect with Geoff here:  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geoffreal/  Connect with us here:  • Website: https://www.sickburnpodcast.com  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickburnpod  • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thomascraigviii  • Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thomascraigviii  🎧 Mahalo for tuning in! If you enjoyed today’s bonus episode, please:  • Subscribe to The Sick Burn Podcast so you never miss an episode.  • Follow us on social media for updates and behind-the-scenes fun.  • Share this episode with a fellow gamer or friend who loves the power of play.  Credits:  Hosted & Executive Produced by Thomas Craig VIII  Produced by Voice & Video – Bill Lanzarotta  Audio Engineer – Mickey Dixon  Edited by – Lizi Bronson  Graphics by – Jeff Lee  Special Thanks – Geoff Real  Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the participants and do not necessarily represent those of The Sick Burn Podcast, its affiliates, or any organizations we are associated with. This podcast is for entertainment purposes only and should not be taken as professional advice. #SickBurnPodcast #GeoffReal #Resilience #OneHandedFighter #BJJ #JiuJitsu #MMA #MindsetShift #AdaptiveAthlete #OvercomingAdversity #KeepGoing #FindTheBrightSide #MentalToughness #InspiringStories #SickBurnPod Support the show

    1h 20m
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5
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

The Sick Burn Podcast "Explores the Bright Side to Life's Darkest Moments." 🔥🎙️ Aloha, I'm Thomas Craig. My journey from a life-changing plane crash to recovery revealed a powerful truth: resilience, positivity, and even humor can emerge from unimaginable pain.  Here we focus on positivity, optimism, and humor in the face of trauma, depression, and pain.  Together, with our incredible guests, we share stories of overcoming, finding hope, and sometimes laughing through the scars. Whether you’re facing your own challenges or seeking a little inspiration, this is your place for strength, transformation, and connection. 🤙🏽

Information

  • Creator
    Thomas W Craig VIII
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sick Burn Podcast
  • Show Website
    Sick Burn Podcast

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