Girls with Grafts

Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors
  • 5.0 (29)
  • NON-PROFIT

Girls with Grafts is a podcast hosted by Amber Wilcox and Rachel Kudlak, Burn Survivors, and supporters of the nonprofit, Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. The Girls with Grafts podcast is for burn survivors, caregivers, hospital staff, and corporate partners in the burn community. Hear in-depth conversations about burn survivor stories, gain resources for managing a burn injury, hear up-to-date information about Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors community news, and listen in on burn prevention and advocacy information.

  1. From Tragedy to Action: Lessons from the Switzerland Bar Fire

    2D AGO

    From Tragedy to Action: Lessons from the Switzerland Bar 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 GuestsLorraine 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 Learn more about NFPA’s “Safety Doesn’t Happen by Chance” campaign: https://www.dontchancesafety.org Read NFPA’s press release on the Switzerland bar fire: https://www.nfpa.org/news-blogs-and-articles/blogs/2026/01/02/new-years-day-fire-in-the-swiss-alps  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.

    50 min
  2. A Painful Blessing: Francisco Padilla’s Journey from Burn Survivor to Physical Therapist

    12/30/2025

    A Painful Blessing: Francisco Padilla’s Journey from Burn Survivor to Physical Therapist

    In the Season 7 finale of Girls with Grafts, Amber and Rachel sit down with physical therapist, burn survivor, and clinic owner Dr. Francisco Padilla for an inspiring full-circle conversation about healing, purpose, and the power of movement. 💛 Francisco begins by sharing the story of his accident and the long road through recovery, including the pivotal role physical therapy played in his healing. He opens up about the PT mentors who believed in him, encouraged him to return to school, and ultimately inspired him to earn his Doctorate of Physical Therapy. The conversation then turns to his journey from patient to practitioner. Francisco reflects on opening his own practice, the importance of building strong, trusting relationships with clients, and what he’s learned about supporting people through some of the hardest chapters of their lives. 💪 He also offers practical tips for survivors who feel stuck in their healing journey and breaks down different PT strategies and modalities that can support mobility, confidence, and long-term recovery. This episode wraps our season with a powerful reminder: healing isn’t linear, but with persistence, guidance, and community, transformation is possible! 🎉    #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 Francisco Padilla, a Doctor of Physical Therapy, is the owner of Padilla Physical Therapy and Fitness Incorporated in Wasco, California. In 2012, Francisco survived a severe car accident that left him with burns covering 80% of his body, necessitating 30 surgeries and a 10-and-a-half-month hospitalization. His extensive recovery journey inspired him to return to school, ultimately leading to his career as a physical therapist. Francisco is dedicated to helping others regain full function and is passionate about educating people on the benefits of health and wellness.    Links  👉Follow Francisco on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/franciscopadillapt/?hl=en  👉Follow Francisco’s Practice on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/padillaphysicaltherapy/?hl=en  👉Visit Padilla Physical Therapy and Fitness Incorporated’s website: https://padillaphysicaltherapy.com/  Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by the supporters who empower Phoenix World Burn Congress and Phoenix Society’s work all year long. Organizations like the DC Firefighters Burn Foundation, the Akron Children’s Adult and Pediatric Burn Institute and the Bakersfield Firefighters Burn Foundation play a vital role by helping survivors and families attend Phoenix WBC through travel and financial assistance. Their generosity ensures that more people can experience the connection, support, and community that help us all rise together.  Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

    47 min
  3. It’s a Lovely Thing: When Scars Build Community

    12/23/2025

    It’s a Lovely Thing: When Scars Build Community

    In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Amber and Rachel are joined by 19-year-old burn survivor and aspiring author and speaker, Lovely Bruce. Lovely shares her burn story, her experience growing up as a survivor, and the moments that taught her resilience, faith, and the courage to embrace her scars. 💪 Together, we explore how Lovely found confidence in her identity, the power of speaking with purpose, and why she’s passionate about helping others find strength in their own stories. 🫶 Lovely also reflects on her first-ever Phoenix World Burn Congress—what it meant to feel truly seen and supported by community, and why connection is such an essential part of healing. This is a conversation filled with wisdom, heart, and the powerful voice of a young survivor determined to make an impact! #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 Lovely Bruce is a nineteen-year-old Alabama native and a student at Alabama State University. She dreams of becoming a book writer, motivational speaker, and social media influencer. At the age of six, she survived a backyard fire that resulted in third-degree burns covering forty percent of her body. That life-changing experience shaped who she is today, teaching her resilience, faith, and the power of speaking with purpose. As a burn survivor, Lovely is passionate about advocating for the burn community, spreading awareness, and helping others embrace their true selves. She loves encouraging people to find strength in their stories and to see their scars—whether physical or emotional—as reflections of endurance and hope.   Links  👉Learn more about Phoenix World Burn Congress: https://www.phoenix-society.org/phoenix-wbc   👉Follow Lovely on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burntbae/?hl=en  👉Follow Lovely on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atlantis.love.16    Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by Johnson Controls! Johnson Controls is a global leader in fire safety and suppression technologies, helping to save lives and protect people around the world. Learn more about Johnson Controls by visiting their website: https://www.johnsoncontrols.com.  Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

    40 min
  4. Pet Therapy and the Healing Power of Companionship with Dr. Kenny Tello

    12/16/2025

    Pet Therapy and the Healing Power of Companionship with Dr. Kenny Tello

    In our latest episode of Girls with Grafts, we sit down with Dr. Kenny Tello, Corporate Director of Team Member Well-Being at Orlando Health, where he leads initiatives that empower people, elevate leaders, and build cultures rooted in care, connection, and transformation. Together, we dive into the healing world of pet therapy! 🐾 Dr. Tello helps us understand the science behind pet therapy, the importance of proper pet handling and program design, and the emotional benefits that animals offer in restoring trust, reducing anxiety, and supporting trauma recovery. He also offers practical guidance for anyone interested in launching a pet therapy program—from safety and structure to purpose and impact.  Join us as Dr. Tello helps us rethink care, embrace empathy, and explore how even four paws can help transform the human spirit! 🐶   #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. Kenny Tello serves as the Corporate Director of Team Member Well-Being at Orlando Health, where he leads initiatives that empower team members and equip leaders to foster a culture of care and organizational transformation. With over 20 years of clinical experience and extensive research in Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Leadership, he is recognized as an expert in mental health and human performance. Dr. Tello has been instrumental in developing nationally recognized programs and has consulted globally on critical incident protocols. Dr. Tello continues to champion science-based strategies to help individuals and organizations thrive.   Links  👉 Read Dr. Tello’s article “Pet Therapy as a Healing Art: How Animals Help Us Heal in Hospitals:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/pet-therapy-as-a-healing-art-how-animals-help-us-heal-in-hospitals   👉 Read “One Family, Two Dogs, and a Whole Lot of Love:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/one-family-two-dogs-and-a-whole-lot-of-love   👉 Read “FAQ: Pets at Home After Burn Injury:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/faq-pets-at-home-after-burn-injury    Podcast Sponsor Today’s podcast is powered by one of our fire prevention partners, Telgian! Telgian is committed to providing effective and innovative fire protection, life safety and security programs. Learn more by visiting www.telgian.com.   Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

    55 min
  5. Healing Forward: From Childhood Burn Survivor to Future Occupational Therapist

    12/09/2025

    Healing Forward: From Childhood Burn Survivor to Future Occupational Therapist

    In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Amber and Rachel are joined by 20-year-old burn survivor and future Occupational Therapist, Ali Moll. Ali shares her story of becoming a burn survivor at just two and a half years old after falling into a campfire and how that moment shaped her journey, identity, and purpose. Together, we explore the powerful impact of her support system growing up, how her experiences influenced her self-confidence, and how she learned to embrace her scars as a source of strength rather than a limitation. ✨ Now a student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison studying to become an Occupational Therapist, Ali talks about her passion for helping others heal. 💛 She shares why she became a Phoenix SOAR Peer Supporter, her desire to help survivors feel seen and supported, and her advice for those learning to navigate their own healing journey. #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 Today's guest is Ali Moll! Ali is 20 years old and became a burn survivor at the age of two and a half when she fell into a camp fire. She is currently in college at UW Madison studying to become an Occupational Therapist!  Links  👉 Learn more about Phoenix SOAR (Survivors Offering Assistance in Recovery): https://resources.phoenix-society.org/phoenix-soar   👉 Download “Beyond Surviving: Tools for Social Empowerment:” https://resources.phoenix-society.org/beyond-surviving-whitepaper    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.

    28 min
  6. Our 100th Episode Celebration with Kechi Okwuchi!

    12/02/2025

    Our 100th Episode Celebration with Kechi Okwuchi!

    We’re celebrating 100 episodes of Girls with Grafts—and we couldn’t think of a better guest to mark this milestone than our friend and returning guest, Kechi Okwuchi! 🎉 In this special episode, Amber and Rachel look back at how the podcast began, the stories that shaped it, and the incredible community that has grown around it. Then we catch up with Kechi, who brings her warmth, honesty, and humor to a conversation that reminds us why this community matters so much. Together, we explore what it means to surround yourself with the right people, how community lifts us through every chapter, and the shared resilience. 💪 This episode is a celebration of every listener, every survivor, every supporter, and every story shared along the way. Here’s to 100 episodes—and the community that makes it all possible! 🫶 #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  Kechi is a Nigerian-born author and powerful singer.  She is an inspirational and TEDx keynote speaker, MBA graduate, and bullying prevention advocate. Her dramatic story, as well as her impactful messages of resiliency and overcoming combine powerfully to inspire personal and cultural transformation.  Kechi found her true voice after her accident- a plane crash that took the lives of 107 of 109 passengers in Nigeria in 2005. Throughout the difficult journey of burns recovery, Kechi was sustained by her Christian faith, her family and her music. Becoming a finalist on America’s Got Talent 2017 was Kechi’s truest dream realized, and on June 10th 2018, she released her debut single, ‘Don’t You Dare’ on all digital music platforms.  Kechi hopes to use her voice and her story to ignite hope all over the world within those that need it.   Links  👉 Follow Kechi on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kechiofficial/?hl=en  👉 Learn more about Phoenix World Burn Congress: https://www.phoenix-society.org/phoenix-wbc  👉 Make a Giving Tuesday gift: https://give.phoenix-society.org/campaign/748897/donate  👉 Share your story with Phoenix Society: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/triptych-october-eom  👉 Listen to “Healing Hands: Pediatric Burn Care & Reconstructive Surgery with Dr. Shaun Mendenhall:” https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/healing-hands-pediatric-burn-care-reconstructive-surgery/id1646466634?i=1000693641360  👉 Follow Dr. Shaun Mendenhall on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pedshanddoc/?hl=en    Podcast Sponsor  Today’s podcast is powered by Summit Fire Consulting, a national fire protection engineering and code consulting firm dedicated to helping people design and maintain complex buildings. Their team of experts interpret modern fire and building codes, design fire suppression and smoke management systems, assess risk, and ensure means of egress are safe in a wide variety of facilities—from healthcare, industrial, and historical buildings to stadiums and multi-family housing. Interested in becoming a sponsor of the show? Email us at info@phoenix-society.org.

    1h 8m
  7. Healing the Invisible: Surviving, Serving, and Mothering After Trauma with Brooke DelGaudio

    11/04/2025

    Healing the Invisible: Surviving, Serving, and Mothering After Trauma with Brooke DelGaudio

    In this powerful episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel and Amber sit down with Brooke DelGaudio, a nurse practitioner, mom, and childhood burn survivor who’s turned her pain into purpose. 💙 Brooke opens up about growing up as a burn survivor, the invisible scars of childhood trauma, and the ways those experiences continue to shape her adult life. Together, they dive into what it means to live with “hidden burns,” navigate imposter syndrome, and bring empathy into healthcare from a survivor’s perspective. 🩺 Brooke also shares how becoming a mom has invited new layers of healing—and how she’s breaking cycles through self-awareness, compassion, and intentional parenting. Plus, Brooke and Amber swap stories about the house rules and kitchen safety lessons they now practice with their own families: Reminders that healing isn’t just about recovery, it’s about rewriting the future.✨ #BurnSurvivor #GirlsWithGrafts #Podcast #SurvivorPodcast #BurnSurvivorStories #ChildhoodTrauma #BurnCare  ⭐️ 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 Brooke DelGaudio is a 40-year-old nurse practitioner based in Denver, Colorado, specializing in wound care. Her passion for this work is deeply rooted in her personal experience as a burn survivor. At 18 months old, she sustained 3rd- and 4th-degree burns over 35% of her body after climbing into a sink with a faulty water temperature gauge. By the age of 10, she had undergone 25 surgeries. These early experiences—and the resilience they required—continue to shape her both personally and professionally. Growing up, Brooke attended Cheley Burn Camp, where she learned to embrace her scars and began building confidence in herself. While there are still moments of struggle—like when friends invite her for pedicures, reminding her she doesn’t have toenails, or when sore feet make her wish for “normal skin”—she has come to accept that her scars are an integral part of her story. Outside of her professional work, Brooke volunteers with Phoenix SOAR,offering the guidance, empathy, and realistic perspective she once needed herself is particularly meaningful to her. In her free time, Brooke enjoys baking, snowboarding, and spending time with her husband and their three-year-old. She believes in the lifelong journey of healing and embodies the message of her tattoo: “strength is beautiful.”   Links 👉 Learn more about Phoenix SOAR: https://resources.phoenix-society.org/phoenix-soar  👉 Read “Hidden Burns Matter:” https://phoenix-society.org/resources/hidden-burns-matter 👉 Read “Learning to Live with Hidden Burns:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/learning-to-live-with-hidden-burns  👉 Read “Burnout in Burn Care: A Call to Care for Ourselves and Each Other:” https://www.phoenix-society.org/resources/burnout-in-burn-care-a-call-to-care-for-ourselves-and-each-other  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.

    1h 3m
  8. Recreation Therapy & the Power of Storytelling with Emily Hespeler

    10/21/2025

    Recreation Therapy & the Power of Storytelling with Emily Hespeler

    In this episode of Girls with Grafts, Rachel sits down with Emily Hespeler, a burn survivor, storyteller, and certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS). Emily shares how recreation therapy empowers survivors to heal, grow, and reclaim independence after trauma, and how sharing your story can open doors to connection and community. 🧘‍♂️ Together, Emily and Rachel explore what it means to feel confident in your own skin, the power of affirmations (like Emily’s go-to: “I’m a baddie”), and the importance of showing up authentically in every space. 💛 Emily also gives us a glimpse into their community meet-ups in New York City, where creativity, connection, and resilience thrive. #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 Emily Hespeler is a certified therapeutic recreation specialist (CTRS), burn survivor, speaker, and storyteller based in New York City. Drawing from their personal journey of recovery and resilience after their burn injury, Emily combines professional expertise in recreation therapy with powerful storytelling to inspire others to embrace their inner strength. In their everyday life, Emily finds joy in simple routines: daily walks, spontaneous conversations with strangers, and their weekly jar of peanut butter.   Links 👉 Visit Emily’s website: https://www.emilyhespeler.com/ 👉 Watch Emily’s 2025 Edinburgh Fringe show: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQMhLYgMGsA  👉 Learn more and register for Phoenix World Burn Congress 2025: https://events.phoenix-society.org/event/PWBC2025/summary  👉 Join Phoenix Society’s Virtual Support Group: https://www.phoenix-society.org/what-we-do/virtual-support-group  👉 Submit your story to our Virtual Open Mic: https://www.phoenix-society.org/open-mic-submission  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.

    55 min
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5
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

Girls with Grafts is a podcast hosted by Amber Wilcox and Rachel Kudlak, Burn Survivors, and supporters of the nonprofit, Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors. The Girls with Grafts podcast is for burn survivors, caregivers, hospital staff, and corporate partners in the burn community. Hear in-depth conversations about burn survivor stories, gain resources for managing a burn injury, hear up-to-date information about Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors community news, and listen in on burn prevention and advocacy information.

Information

  • Creator
    Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    105
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Girls with Grafts