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A propane truck, a failed valve, a cloud of freezing fuel and a fireball that wiped out a whole workshop and changed Sean’s life in an instant. Calling in from Idaho, Shaun walks us through the day in March 2018 when he was burned across 46% of his body and made a decision that still stuns me, he sprinted for a snowbank and lay there to cool down. Doctors later told him that one instinctive move likely helped save his face from skin grafts as well as his life.

We talk candidly about what severe burns really mean, the percentage numbers, third-degree damage and the relentless reality of skin grafts and daily wound care. Shaun shares how he kept his head straight through pain, fear and setbacks like pneumonia, MRSA, hearing loss and even a near-death experience. He also explains the long-term challenges burn survivors live with, including grafted skin that doesn’t sweat, overheating risk, hydration habits, sun protection and the extra planning it takes to live fully again.

The conversation goes deeper into PTSD and triggers that linger years later, like the “whoof” sound of gas appliances, plus the mental loops that can take hold when your body has been through trauma. Shaun’s approach is simple and hard-earned, take back control, find the good where you can and keep chipping away. We also get into how he uses tattoos over skin grafts, humour, motorcycle instruction and knife making as practical therapy and as a way to turn scars into meaning.

If you care about resilience, trauma recovery, burn injury rehabilitation or honest conversations about mental health, this one will stay with you. Subscribe, share with someone who needs a steady dose of hope, and leave a review with the line that hit you the hardest.

Connect with Shaun on Instagram here or check out his page to see his incredible knives and photos of his tattoo's.

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Music Credit: Cody Martin - Sunrise (first 26 episodes) then custom made for me.

Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and stories shared on this podcast are personal to the host and guests and are not intended to serve as professional advice or guidance. They reflect individual experiences and perspectives. While we strive to provide valuable insights and support, listeners are encouraged to seek professional advice for their specific situations. The host and production team are not responsible for any actions taken based on the content of this podcast.