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

Hosted by Kurosh Jozavi of Savepoint Stories, this heartfelt, funny, and sometimes surprising conversation dives into how video games shape who we are. Alongside an incredible group of panelists (including me, Thomas Craig), we explore the games that mirror our identities, forge connections, and sometimes even change the course of our lives. From nostalgia and laughter to deep reflections on memory, identity, and resilience, this panel is a reminder that play isn’t just play — it’s storytelling, it’s community, and it’s a piece of who we are.

Connect with Kurosh here:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kujoprime/

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UClmW6A6XlFTBwdK3TLSd8Jw

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1mOCnakP29UKVPExbOc1mh?si=b39679724a5d43f8

Connect with us here:

• Website: https://www.sickburnpodcast.com

• Instagram: @sickburnpod

• TikTok: @thomascraigviii

• Threads: @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 – Rosey Flores & Kurosh Jozavi, Savepoint Stories, & San Diego Comic-Con

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 #SDCC2025 #ComicConPanel #SavepointStories #GamingCommunity #HealingThroughgames #Gaming #StorytellingThroughGames #VideoGameStories #ImMeAndItsThisGamesFault

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

In this conversation, we talk about the struggles of finding identity, the scars of loss, reframing pain into perspective, and the freedom that comes when you finally own your story. From battlefield lessons to the written word, Michael shows us that resilience isn’t just about surviving hardship — it’s about transforming it into meaning.

1. Intro to Geoff / Creating the G. Michael Hopf Pen Name – 00:00:44

2. Becoming a Brand and Owning the Title 'Artist' – 00:02:18

3. Writing Apocalyptic Fiction and His First Novel – 00:03:44

4. Early Struggles with Identity and Childhood Bullying – 00:07:43

5. Losing His Father and Learning from Loss – 00:16:26

6. Back Injury, Debilitating Pain, and Forced Surrender – 00:25:02

7. Spiritual Breakthrough and Unexpected Healing – 00:29:16

8. Shifting from Force to Flow & Letting Go of Attachment – 00:35:04

9. Tony Robbins Event and Life-Altering Perspective Shift – 00:38:05

10. What Gives Him the Most Peace Today – Family and Harmony at Home – 01:09:12

Connect with Geoff here:

• Website: https://www.gmichaelhopf.com/

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GMichaelHopf

• Publishing Co.: https://www.beyondthefraypublishing.com/

Sick Burn Links:

• Check out our website: sickburnpodcast.com

• Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickburnpod/

• Threads: @thomascraigviii

Mahalo for tuning in! If you enjoyed today's episode, please: • Subscribe to our podcast to never miss an episode.

• Follow us on social media to stay updated with our latest content and behind-the-scenes fun! We love hearing from our listeners! If you have any feedback, questions, or just want to chat about the episode, email us at thomas@sickburnpodcast.com or send us a message on Instagram.

Credits: Hosted & Executive Produced by Thomas Craig VIII. Guest Appearance by Geoff Michael Hopf. Produced by Voice & Video – Bill Lanzaratto. Audio Engineering by Mickey. Edited by Lizi Bronson. Graphics by Jeff Lee. Special thanks for their invaluable work: Rosie Flores

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 #GMichaelHopf #MarineVeteran #BestsellingAuthor #Resilience #TraumaRecovery #MensMentalHealth #HealingJourney #OvercomingLoss #PerspectiveShift #SurvivorStories #Inspiration

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

But Joe’s story isn’t only about surviving the impossible. It’s about unshakable confidence, resilience, and how sharing his journey online led to an unexpected connection — meeting his now-wife, Jessica. His story is one of resilience, hope, and redefining what it means to live a good life.

Mahalo for joining us, Joe 🤙🏽 Let’s dive into his extraordinary story—

1. Intro to Joe – [00:00:38]

2. The day of the accident and waking from coma – [00:02:05]

3. Coma dreams and a peaceful afterlife moment – [00:05:29]

4. Losing independence and returning home – [00:09:36]

5. Finding motivation and routine through his dog – [00:11:19]

6. Dozens of surgeries and the path to transplant – [00:16:38]

7. Getting approved for and receiving face and hand transplants – [00:20:02]

8. Regaining small freedoms and adapting to new limitations – [00:25:07]

9. Confidence, community, and reclaiming public spaces – [00:35:32]

10. Biggest life lesson: gratitude for what you have – [00:49:59]

Connect with Joe here:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/80percentgone/reels/

• Website: https://www.80percentgone.com/

• Merch: https://80percentgone.shop/

Links:
Sick Burn Links:

• Website: ⁠⁠https://www.sickburnpodcast.com⁠⁠

• Instagram: ⁠⁠@sickburnpod⁠⁠

• Threads: ⁠@thomascraigviii⁠

• TikTok: ⁠ @ThomasCraigVIII ⁠

Mahalo for tuning in! If you enjoyed today's episode, please:

• Subscribe to our podcast to never miss an episode.

• Follow us on social media to stay updated with our latest content and behind-the-scenes fun! We love hearing from our listeners! If you have any feedback, questions, or just want to chat about the episode, email us at thomas@sickburnpodcast.com or send us a message on Instagram.

Credits:

Hosted & Executive Produced by Thomas Craig VIII.

Guest Appearance by Joe DiMeo.

Produced by Voice & Video – Bill Lanzaratto.

Audio Engineering by Mickey.

Edited by Lizi Bronson.

Graphics by Jeff Lee.

Special thanks for their invaluable work: Rosie Flores

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 #JoeDiMeo #Resilience #FaceTransplant #HandTransplant #BurnSurvivor #Inspiration #PodcastEpisode #ListenNow #SurvivorStories #MedicalMiracle #Confidence #LoveStory #nevergiveup

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