Host Dana Skaggs sits down with Abagail McKiernan, founder of the nonprofit HelpLink, to uncover the deeply personal story that inspired her mission. What began as a moment of isolation became a movement rooted in unconditional generosity. Together, they explore how giving without expectation can restore dignity, forge authentic community, and remind us that the kindness we extend often finds its way back when we need it most.

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HelpLink

In this episode of Phoenix and Flame, host Dana Skaggs sits down with three-time bestselling author and forgiveness coach Katharine Giovanni to talk about the idea of forgiveness—we’re told to do it, but rarely taught how. Katharine explains that forgiveness isn’t about excusing someone’s behavior or even reconciling with them; it’s a tool for your own healing. She shares a practical, step-by-step method for releasing the emotional charge from painful memories so you can stop letting people live “rent-free” in your head. Along the way, she highlights the connection between forgiveness and boundaries, showing that letting go of anger doesn’t mean letting someone back into your life.

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Katharine's Website

In this episode, host Dana Skaggs sits down with Kristal Desantis to talk about why traditional masculinity is struggling in modern relationships. Kristal describes what she calls the “broken script,” where old-school roles of men as sole protectors and providers clash with today’s need for emotional partnership. This leaves a lot of men caught in a “masculinity trap”—criticized for being too stoic but judged when they open up. The two dive into topics like emotional safety, touch starvation, and the pressure to measure up to narrow definitions of worth. Kristal also shares her “STRONG” model, a down-to-earth framework to help men move past performative roles and create healthier, more genuine connections.

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Kristal's Website