In December 2019, Stephanie Browitt boarded a tour to Whakaari, also known as White Island, with her father Paul and younger sister Krystal during a family cruise through New Zealand.

At 2:11pm, the volcano erupted.

Krystal was killed on the island. Stephanie and Paul survived, but suffered catastrophic burns. Weeks later, Paul died from his injuries too.

Stephanie spent months in hospital undergoing surgeries, skin grafts and rehabilitation, while her mother Marie faced the unimaginable reality of caring for her surviving daughter while grieving both her husband and youngest child.

In the years since the eruption, Stephanie has spoken publicly about her recovery and become a powerful advocate for burns survivors and body acceptance. But Marie has rarely spoken in depth about what happened to their family — until now.

In this extraordinarily intimate and emotional conversation with Kate Langbroek, Stephanie and Marie sit down together for their most extensive interview to date, speaking candidly about survival, visible scars, grief, motherhood, survivor’s guilt, humour, resilience, and the bond that carried them through unimaginable loss.

If this episode brings up anything difficult for you, support is available through Lifeline on 13 11 14.

Out of the Ashes by Stephanie and Marie Browitt is out now. 

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CREDITS:

Guest: Sophie Smith

Host: Kate Langbroek

Group Executive Producer: Naima Brown

Executive Producer: Bree Player

Assistant Producer: Coco Lavigne

Audio and Video Producer: Josh Green

Social Media Producer: Olivia Colman

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.