Sunday Apr 06, 2025

Burned Over!: A.J. Otjen on Firefighter Dan Steffensen’s Unbreakable Spirit

In this emotionally gripping episode of The Mindful Living with Sana, we sit down with 2023 Library of Congress award-winning author A.J. Otjen to explore her powerful new book, "Burned Over!". The book tells the unforgettable survival story of Montana firefighter Dan Steffensen, who endured third-degree burns over 60% of his body during a sudden wildfire. A.J. shares not only the physical battle Dan faced, but the deeper emotional and spiritual journey—his will to survive, his struggle with loss and despair, and how love, family, and community pulled him back from the edge.

About the Guest:
A.J. Otjen is a professor, academic writer, and now acclaimed author whose latest work, "Burned Over!", captures the resilience of one man and the power of collective care. With deep empathy and research, A.J. spent over two years crafting this emotionally honest narrative that shines a light on burn survivors, first responders, and the human capacity for transformation.

Key Takeaways:

  • Dan Steffensen’s heroic survival during a wildfire was made possible by personal grit, the Red Lodge community, and the love of his reunited family.

  • Recovery from burns isn’t just physical—it’s a psychological and spiritual journey of acceptance, faith, and choosing to live again.

  • Burned Over! is more than a story of survival—it's a tribute to first responders, burn victims, and the unseen heroes behind every life saved.

  • The book offers hope to anyone walking through their own flames, reminding us that healing, while messy, is possible—and community is everything.

Connect with A.J. Otjen:
Grab your copy of Burned Over!: The Survival of Montana Firefighter Dan Steffensen on Amazon (Kindle, Audible, and Print).

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Avik Chakraborty and Sana

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