Beyond Brave

In this episode of Beyond Brave, I sit down with Krysta Shacklock, Executive Director of Empty Arms (Perinatal & Early Childhood Loss Support Services), for a conversation that holds both heartbreak and hope. Krysta shares her personal story of loss after the stillbirth of her son, Henry Finn, and how that journey led her to become a guiding force for other grieving families through Empty Arms. We talk about the incredible supports the organization offers across Saskatchewan, the importance of community in navigating life after loss, and the heart behind their upcoming “A Night to Remember” fundraising event. Krysta gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what attendees can expect...from the powerful memorial moments to the immersive experience of the evening and even drops a special announcement about the event that hasn’t been shared publicly yet. This episode is a reminder that even in the heaviest grief, connection, remembrance, and support can create something truly meaningful. Visit Empty Arms on Instagram @emptyarmsyxe to learn more.

Lyle is back on the mic with me, and we have a lot to catch up on. In this episode of Beyond Brave, we share stories from our recent family adventure in PV, Mexico...complete with Waylon’s hilarious bargaining skills, unexpected wildlife encounters, and a few moments that felt like little signs from Bella. We also introduce the newest member of our family! We also talk about upcoming events honoring Bella’s impact, and reflect on a few powerful grief lessons I’ve learned recently from in-person and virtual grief groups. And somewhere in the middle of it all…I reveal a brand-new idea that completely catches Lyle off guard! Reminder: If you'd like to tell your medical mom, bereaved mom story or brave story on Beyond Brave, please email me (Kyla) at: [email protected] Thank you for being here and always stay brave.

In this solo episode of Beyond Brave, I open up about the recent fatigue that’s been weighing on me and how discouraging it’s felt…until a shift happened after I took the time to research and understand what was really going on. I reflect on a recent post I shared on social media, reading through your comments that reminded me how powerful community can be!In the heart of the episode, I share my top ten comfort items, simple, grounding things that bring me peace, safety, and softness in grief. This episode is an honest, gentle reminder that comfort matters, rest is not weakness, and sometimes the smallest things are what carry us through the heaviest days.Please reach out if you’d like to be a part of our Brave Mom series: [email protected] me on socials: @kylact on Instagram & TikTok/ BellaBrave on Facebook

Part 2 of Episode 47 continues my Brave Mom conversation with Kennedy as we go deeper into her journey with her brave girl, Huxley. In so many ways, Huxley reminds me of my late Bella, and simply talking about the two of them together brings healing to my heart. We talk about Kennedy returning to school to become an RN while Huxley undergoes her second bone marrow transplant, and she asks me about Bella’s bowel surgeries...opening up an honest, tender exchange between two medical moms who truly get it. We also dive into homecare support for medical families, sharing our own experiences, discussing the financial support Minnesota provides, and of course touching on the TikTok stories that have connected so many of us. You can find Kennedy & Huxley on TikTok at @kgeis27 and on Instagram at @kennedyy_klehr. 💛

In Part One of this special two-part Beyond Brave episode, I sit down with fellow medical mom Kennedy from Minnesota, whose daughter Huxley shares striking medical similarities with my Bella, a connection first brought to me by my TikTok community. We talk about how this unexpected introduction turned into an instantly deep, healing conversation between two medical moms navigating rare diagnoses, hospital life, and the emotional weight of raising medically complex children. Kennedy shares Huxley’s journey, including her recent second bone marrow transplant, and what life looks like inside the thick of it all. This conversation was so real and so full that we couldn’t fit it into one episode, so stay tuned for Part Two, where we continue this powerful medical-mom-to-medical-mom chat.

We didn’t mean to be gone this long. After what felt like being hit with grief again, a hard holiday season, illness, and the quiet realization of stepping into another year without Bella, we’re finally back. In this first episode of 2026, Lyle joins me for an honest check-in as we talk about recent travel and a Disney World recap, what surprised us, what helped, and what we’d do differently, alongside the deeper conversations we didn’t expect to be having. We open up about second-year grief, how it shows up differently than the first, and what it looks like to try to support each other in a marriage when both cups are empty. This is a real conversation about showing up changed, still learning, and choosing to come back anyway.

In this episode, Lyle and I finally share our full Ronald McDonald House story. From our very first stay in Calgary when we walked in terrified and exhausted, to our last days in Toronto with our Bella. Ronald McDonald House wasn’t just a place to sleep; it became our family. We talk about the rooms we lived in, the meals that kept us going, the programs that lifted us up, the volunteers who saw us on our hardest days, and the milestones Bella reached inside those walls. We also open up about what it was like to return to the House after Bella passed, and how they held us in our grief. If you’ve ever wondered what Ronald McDonald House truly means for families like ours, this is our story — start to finish — and why we’re so honoured to support them this Season of Giving.

In this Brave Mom episode, I sit down with Liz, a fellow bereaved and medical mom, to honour and share the story of her beautiful son, Mathias. This conversation was healing in a way only another SCID mom could understand. Liz and I share so many parallels in our stories… from navigating a SCID diagnosis, to battling CMV, to watching our babies endure bone marrow transplants. There are moments in this episode that felt like looking into a mirror… moments only a mom who has lived this kind of love and loss could connect to. I’m so grateful Liz trusted me with Mathias’ story, and I know her strength, honesty, and love for her boy will stay with you long after you listen. Find Liz on Instagram at @li_zarrd.If you’re a medical or bereaved mom who feels ready to share your brave story on Beyond Brave, I would love to hear from you. Please reach out anytime at [email protected].

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and event-planning powerhouse Jen Draper to talk all things Bella’s Birthday Ball, how it began, why it matters, and the incredible heart behind it. We dive into Jen’s world as an author, creator, event planner, oracle-card reader, and community builder, and explore how she uses all her talents to bring meaning and magic into the spaces she creates. It’s a conversation full of heart, purpose, and the beautiful impact one person can make.You’ll find the direct link for Bella’s Ball tickets and event info right here in the show notes, and you can also find me over on socials at @kylact.Event Link: https://tr.ee/ZHMYKwDSu9

Hubby Lyle is back! It’s been a minute since we've sat down together and there’s a lot to catch up on. From planning our first Disney World trip and celebrating one year of Beyond Brave, to my recent keynote and the launch of my new Brave Moms Series. Lyle and I also open up about how grief continues to evolve 16 months after losing our Bella, what it looks like to find joy alongside heartache, and how we're shaping the next chapter of the podcast and our lives, with bravery, fun, and everything in between.Follow along on Instagram @kylact and Facebook (Bella Brave).If you are, or know, a Brave Mom or Medical Mom whose story should be featured on the podcast, reach out on Instagram or email [email protected].

At just 34, Megan survived two strokes that left her with paralysis in one arm and limited movement in her leg. Through some of her hardest moments, she found hope and strength in Bella’s brave journey. In this episode, Megan opens up about her recovery, the emotional battles she’s faced, and how she’s redefining what it means to be truly brave.

Make sure you listen right to the end, after my outro, Ashley and I keep chatting about self-care and share a heartfelt side conversation.In this powerful second episode of my Brave Mom Series on Beyond Brave, I talk with Ashley Hernandez from Kleefeld, Manitoba; a bereaved mom whose courage allows her to open up to me about her unimaginable loss. Ashley’s daughter, Aliyah, was diagnosed with an aggressive neuroblastoma just days after her 18-month birthday and passed away two months later, in March 2025. With honesty and grace, Ashley shares how she continues to carry Aliyah’s light through this life of grief & her and I connect over heart-breaking truths of losing our daughter's.💛 This episode is part of my Brave Mom series ,honouring mothers who continue to live bravely through heartbreak, healing, and endless love.✨ You can learn more about Ashley and her journey on Instagram at @ashley_Hernandez92.Connect with me on TikTok and Instagram @kylact, and on Facebook at Bella Brave.

Maria & Her Miracle Micro Preemie, GeorgeBorn at just 22 weeks, George’s story is one of pure resilience and his mom Maria shares it with beautiful honesty.What does it mean to raise a miracle? In this first episode of our Brave Mom Series, I sit down with fellow medical mama Maria Panayiotou , whose little boy George, born at just 22 weeks and 5 days, weighing only 1 pound, 4 ounces — has defied every odd in the book.Maria and I instantly connect through our shared experiences as moms who’ve lived inside hospital walls, fought through fear, and celebrated the smallest victories that mean everything.Maria shares George’s incredible fight for life, the strength it takes to parent through uncertainty, and the joy that comes from seeing your child thrive after so much pain. Together, we laugh, reflect, and honor the community of brave moms who carry both the heartbreak and the hope that comes with medically complex motherhood.Tune in for a heartfelt, honest, and uplifting conversation that reminds us: our kids are the bravest teachers we’ll ever have.Follow along:🎙️ Beyond Brave Host: @kylact on Instagram & TikTok | Facebook: Bella Brave💛 Guest: @maria_panayiotou & @george__10c

In this episode, Lyle & I are catching up on where we’re really at ... from health updates and kidney results to Kyla’s first mammogram experience. We also dive into the new trend of major coffee chains adding protein to their menus (and what that actually means for your health), plus a round of rapid-fire grief questions that get surprisingly real. I also share much about a recent fundraising walk I attended & spoke at this weekend, advocating for organ donation.

Most people don’t realize that palliative care isn’t just about end-of-life... it’s about helping medical families live better, right now. In this episode, I sit down with Kira Goodman, Project Director for Canada’s Pediatric Palliative Care Alliance, to talk about the launch of their brand-new Resource Hub designed to support families caring for seriously ill children. From navigating life at home to finding tools for caregivers and siblings, this hub is about Care for Every Short Life. Kira shares how the Alliance is creating national coordination, what families can expect to find, and why the campaign to Share Your Journey is so vital for building awareness and community. This is a conversation about resources, hope, and ensuring families across Canada receive the support they deserve. Instagram: @pedpallcarecaCourageous Parents Network: https://courageousparentsnetwork.org/Website: pediatricpalliativecare.caPodcast: The Sunflower - Palliative Care PodcastsMy IG Page: @kylact

A new health update.A bittersweet birthday.A wink from Bella in the most unexpected place.And a powerful new resource for medical families across Canada.In this solo episode of Beyond Brave, I open up about life after my stage 3 kidney failure diagnosis and what’s shifted since my last update. I share the mix of emotions that came with celebrating Waylon’s 7th birthday, how grief shows up even in joy, and a beautiful sign from Bella that reminded me she’s still close. Finally, I introduce you to an incredible Health Canada–funded initiative that will change the way families of seriously ill children access support and care.This one is heartfelt, raw, and filled with hope. Thank you for listening.

Well, if you haven’t been following my stage 3 kidney failure diagnosis… you are now. In this episode of Beyond Brave, we open up about the latest health updates, including what my recent bloodwork revealed and the questions I’m asking as I dig into it all. We also reflect on our nearly two-week US camping trip — Oregon Coast and all — and what it taught us about family, laughter, and resilience on the road. But the heart of today’s conversation is grief: how leaving home can stir tears, and how returning can feel even heavier, as memories and absence collide. We share Waylon’s honest reflections, the beautiful sign from Bella we received while traveling, and how we’re learning to carry both the joy and the ache wherever we go. If you’re navigating health struggles, family travel, or the complexities of grief, this one’s for you.

Lyle’s back on the mic! In this episode, we catch up on health updates (including our 36-hour fasts), answer your quick-fire Q&A from Instagram, and dive into what it’s like to keep Bella in our lives while moving forward. I also share about the 52 precious notes I recently lost, including journals since Bella’s passing, and why no one gets to dictate your grief. Plus, by the time you’re listening to this, we’ve already started our big two-week camping trip through the US and down to the Oregon Coast, and we can’t wait to tell you all about it! Follow along on my socials for current stories and adventures! @kylact on IG & TikTok. Bella Brave on Facebook. 

This week on Beyond Brave, I’m sharing a lot; signs from Bella, my health struggles that have me drained and I open up about a painful betrayal that’s tested my faith and the inner battle between calling someone out or choosing peace. I also reflect on recent heartbreaking losses in the medical mom community and share how I’m preparing for an upcoming trip. Stick around for the listener Q&A at the end,  this solo episode covers a lot!

Join me in a deeply heartfelt conversation with Benny and Dr. Nick Capaul, the empathetic identical twins who co‑host Let’s Talk About Death With the Capaul Twins. Benny, a funeral director following his family’s legacy, offers grounded, professional insight; while Dr. Nick, a psychologist, explores the emotional and healing dimensions of loss  .In this special joint episode, I open up about my daughter Bella, sharing moments of grief, resilience, and love. Producer Kelley described our discussion as “their best episode they’ve ever done,” and credited us for the deeper connection and authenticity brought to the mic. She believes Bella must have been smiling down, proud of her amazing mama.This conversation isn’t just testimony, it’s an invitation. If you’re navigating grief, or simply seeking a genuine space for healing, you’re not alone. The twins’ compassion and professional insights combine to uplift and guide, packing real emotional resonance and practical wisdom.  Be sure to check out the Let’s Talk About Death podcast — available on all major podcast platforms. You can also find more of my story, our family’s journey, and all things Bella Brave on my socials:@KylaCT on Instagram and TikTok, and Bella Brave on Facebook.And as always, you can watch this episode on YouTube, just search KylaCT to find my channel. 

In Part 2 of this deeply personal two-part episode, we continue sharing the story we’ve held closest to our hearts: the week our daughter Bella died. If Part 1 opened the door to those final days, Part 2 walks you through them. From the hospital room to Bella’s final moments, we recount the raw reality of saying goodbye, the sacredness of our time together, and the weight of decisions no parent should ever have to make.We speak openly about what it felt like to hold her hand through the unknown, and how those last hours continue to shape every part of who we are now. It’s painful. It’s real. And it’s filled with a love so deep, we had to share it, not just for Bella, but for every family walking a similar road.This episode is for those who need to know they’re not alone in their grief… and for those trying to understand what it truly means to survive the unthinkable.As always, we invite you to come closer , follow along with us on Instagram and TikTok: @kylact and @lylemt. And if you’d prefer to watch rather than listen, the Beyond Brave podcast is also available on my YouTube channel: @KylaCT.

In this deeply personal two-part episode, we’re opening up about something we’ve never shared before: the week our daughter Bella died. As we mark one year without her, we take you back to those final days , what they looked like, what we felt, and the moments that changed us forever. In Part 1, we ease into the conversation with a touching story from Bella’s school before diving into a vulnerable discussion about how others acknowledge, or avoid , the grief of a parent. Lyle and I explore our very different perspectives on what it means when someone says nothing at all. This episode is for every grieving parent, and for anyone who wants to better understand what it means to carry the love and the loss forward. As always, Lyle and I invite you to take a closer look into our lives from our socials: @kylact and @lylemt on Instagram & TikTok. If you'd like to watch our episodes instead of just listen, you can find our Beyond Brave podcast on my YouTube channel: @KylaCT as well.

In this heartfelt conversation, Kyla sits down with Laura Lawrence , the founder of Youth Matter Canada, speaker, author, and host of the HeartTalk Podcast. Together, they explore Laura’s powerful journey through motherhood, grief, and mental health advocacy. From the raw truths in her memoir Behind Closed Doors, to the comforting wisdom in her children’s grief books, Laura’s mission to support struggling youth and families shines through. They also share a personal connection rooted in loss and resilience and look ahead to the Youth Matter Fall Symposium, where Kyla will speak. This episode is a reminder that even in deep pain, purpose can rise. You can find Laura and learn more about her books and advocacy on her Instagram page: @itslauralawrence

In this tender, unfiltered conversation, Lyle opens up about navigating grief as a dad, the quiet heaviness, the unexpected moments of connection, and the signs that Bella is still close. From a mysterious golden orb caught on camera to a Killdeer returning to their yard, Kyla and Lyle share stories that are equal parts heartbreaking and hope-filled. Also: bird drama, pie miracles, and some laugh-worthy “dad truths” you won’t want to miss.

In this solo episode, Kyla shares deeply personal stories about her daughter Bella. Many precious moments and life lessons she’s never shared on Beyond Brave until now. A heartfelt conversation about grief, memory, and keeping love alive through story. > You can follow along with the Thomsons' daily life on Kyla's Instagram @kylact, where they continue to honour and carry forward their daughter Bella's brave legacy. > You can support the Bella Brave Legacy Project and help carry Bella's brave spirit forward by purchasing Bella Brave merch at Bella-Brave.com. ~With gratiitude from the Thomsons'.

In this epsiode of Beyond Brave, I finally got Lyle back in the Brave Cave studio with me as we dive into your powerful listener questions. We talk about everything from when we flew home without Bella to the first transplant call that didn't go through. We also chat about the upcomming Golf For Wishes tournoment, share laughs and tears reflecting on recent signs from Bella and a lot more. Thanks for being here, your support means the world in carrying on our Brave Bella's legacy.

Three women, three different IVF journeys. In this episode I am joined by my two friends Stacey and Jen in the Brave Cave. We share each of our unique and deeply personal IVF stories, answer listener questions and hope this message helps others prior to, durring or post IVF treatments. We talk about the raw and real and unexpected, deeply personal parts of the whole process and so much more. Whether you're preparing for IVF, in the thick of it ir supporting someone who is, we hope this honest conversations reminds you that you are not alone.

In this solo episode of Beyond Brave, I’m cozying up with you for a real heart-to-heart. I share some sweet memories of Bella, talk about what life looks like these days, and give you a little behind-the-scenes peek into how I’m doing, the good, the hard, and the in-between.I’ll fill you in on our recent trip to Mexico (yes, I have more to say on this!), chat about signs I’ve received from Bella lately, and answer some of your Instagram questions... everything from grief and stress as a medical mom, to the wild ride of IVF.This one’s full of love, laughter, brave stories and a whole lot of heart. Thanks for being here, it means the world. I can’t wait to keep sharing this journey with you.

In this episode of Beyond Brave, we open up about everything from signs from Bella during therapy to Kyla’s trip to Mexico—where a white seashell by the pool, a lizard named George, and some emotional encounters with strangers made her feel Bella's presence in unexpected ways. We answer your Instagram questions, talk about camping plans at Cypress Hills (Bella’s favorite place), and laugh about how Lyle rarely makes it onto the podcast because he’s “so busy.”Kyla shares the ongoing mystery of her never-ending cough, her run-in with one of Lyle’s friends at the clinic, and the strange comfort of knowing she’s still carrying Bella’s story—even to beach resorts. We wrap with reflections on Bella’s transplant, parenting Waylon with all our complicated fears, and, of course, a sweet clip of Bella to end the episode.

Hey everyone, Kyla here from 'Beyond Brave'! I'm so excited to share something really close to my heart with you all. It's called 'Seeds of Strength,' and think of it as a big virtual hug and resource hub just for us amazing medical parents.I'm not doing this alone, thankfully! My wonderful friend Sarah is joining forces with me. You might know her – she's a registered psychotherapist and the powerhouse CEO of New Earth Therapy. And guess what? She's a medical momma too, so she gets it.We've teamed up because we both know firsthand how wild and overwhelming this journey can be. So, we're creating a central spot online where you can find everything from mental health support (because seriously, we all need that!) to those little practical tips that make hospital stays just a tiny bit easier. Think of it as a blend of our personal experiences and Sarah's incredible professional wisdom.Faith and community are huge for us, and we want to weave that into everything. Plus, we'll be bringing in the voices and experiences of other medical parents because we're all in this together.Sarah and I had such a great chat about how our backgrounds just click, and we're buzzing with plans to get 'Seeds of Strength' out there. We'll be hanging out on Instagram and other social media, so come say hi and join our little corner of the internet! We can't wait to connect with you all. ❤️

In Episode 22 of the Beyond Brave Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Meaghan Stovel McKnight, the CEO of Make-A-Wish Canada, about the incredible work the organization is doing for kids facing critical illnesses. We dove into how Make-A-Wish, which merged with Children’s Wish in 2019, has granted an amazing 40,000 wishes since 1983. Megan explained how these wishes are so much more than just a nice gesture—they’re a crucial part of the healing process for children with high-risk conditions, providing hope and strength for both the kids and their families. I also shared the personal story of my daughter Bella's wish, which brought so much joy and light during a really tough time. From traveling to dream destinations to meeting celebrities or even skydiving, we talked about the variety of wishes Make-A-Wish fulfills, with each wish costing around $10,000. We wrapped up the episode by encouraging you to get involved—whether it’s through donating, volunteering, or joining events like the 20th Annual Golf for Wishes. It’s such an inspiring and meaningful cause, and we can all play a part in bringing more joy and hope to these amazing kids!

In this episode of Beyond Brave, we (Kyla and Lyle) invite you into one of our most honest, tender conversations yet—sprinkled, of course, with our usual humor and a few unexpected laughs. We open up about the ongoing journey of grief after losing our sweet Bella, and what it’s been like finding our footing again, both individually and as a couple.Lyle shares what it’s been like going back to work after eight months (spoiler: it’s been a rollercoaster of nerves, healing, and... explaining what he actually does). Kyla talks about a recent counseling session that really shifted her perspective, and the possibility of going back to subbing—grief doesn’t come with a playbook, but we’re figuring it out, one step at a time.We also take a joyful detour into stories from our trip to British Columbia—cue the charmingly odd business names like “Two Pump Paul’s”—and Waylon’s skiing debut, which we’re still proudly talking about.There’s chatter about shows we love (Lyle’s thrilled about Black Mirror, Kyla’s less thrilled about Selling Sunset being on hold), the idea of becoming grandparents one day (yes, we went there), and a beautiful moment where Kyla answers deep questions from nursing students that might just spark a solo podcast.We end with heart, laughter, and hope—talking travel plans, golf, and what it means to keep choosing joy in the middle of everything. As always, we’re just trying to live bravely, love deeply, and laugh often—and we’re so glad you’re walking this road with us.

In this episode of Beyond Brave, we are excited to honor Green Shirt Day and raise awareness for Organ Donation Awareness Month. Kyla, who has shared the journey with our daughter Bella, welcomes two very special guests—Sarah and her mom, Cindy.Sarah, a multi-organ transplant recipient, opens up about her incredible journey, starting with her birth diagnosis of a rare genetic condition called Megacystis Microcolon Intestinal Hypoperistalsis Syndrome (MMIHS). Together, we talk about the challenges and triumphs Sarah has experienced living post-transplant, the importance of advocating for organ donation, and why spreading awareness is so vital.Cindy, from the perspective of a medical mom, shares her insights and offers advice to other parents who might be navigating similar challenges.This episode is filled with inspiring personal stories, the significance of organ donation advocacy, and the joy that comes from overcoming medical hurdles. We can’t wait to share it with you!

In this episode of Beyond Brave, we open up about our daughter Bella—sharing stories and little moments that haven’t been in the spotlight. It’s been eight months since she passed, and we’ve been navigating the ups and downs of grief together as a family. We talk about how we’re coping, the things that have helped (and the things that haven’t), and how we’re supporting our son, Waylon, through it all.We also take time to remember the funny, beautiful, and even really tough moments—because grief isn’t just sadness; it’s everything. Laughter, tears, and all the emotions in between. Along the way, we share thoughts on how people can truly support families going through loss in ways that actually make a difference.Plus, we’re excited to talk about a special community-driven project—merch inspired by Bella’s own words—something that helps keep her light shining and connects us all in a meaningful way.At the heart of this episode, it’s about being real—about love, loss, and finding ways to move forward while holding onto the people we love.

In this episode of Beyond Brave, I dive into the topic of children's mental wellness with Natalie von Teichman, founder of Mindfully. Natalie and I explore the importance of mindfulness for kids, how we can incorpate this into our daily lives, and the inspiration behind the Tate stuffy!We share personal stories about its impact, offer advice for parents starting their mindfulness journey with their children, and even announce a special giveaway and discount for our listeners. This conversation is all about fostering emotional resilience and making mental wellness a priority for kids.

Hey Bravelings! In this episode of Beyond Brave, Lyle and I sit down with just each other to share some life updates and answer your Instagram questions! We get into a friendly debate about who the best cook in our house is (let’s just say opinions differ), and we dive into some interesting facts about St. Patrick’s Day—because why not add a little history to the mix?Of course, we also take time to remember Bella and share some of our favorite memories of her, from her spot-on Bluey impressions to the time she called out Lyle for his infamous ‘dumpster finger.’ She always knew how to make us laugh, and we love keeping her humor alive.I open up about how I cope with stress and grief through something I call ‘brain dumping’—a simple but effective way to clear my mind—while Lyle talks about the transition back to work. We wrap up by looking ahead to our upcoming family ski trip and some exciting travel plans on the horizon.It’s an episode full of laughs, love, and a little bit of everything in between.

On this episode of Beyond Brave, we sit down with Ashlyn and Ashley from the Parent Empowerment Network for a deep, unfiltered conversation about marriage and parenting. We open up about our journey as Bella’s parents, sharing the real and raw moments beyond social media—how we navigated caregiving, kept our relationship strong, and leaned on each other through unimaginable challenges. From communication struggles to recognizing each other’s strengths, we explore what it takes to stay united in the face of adversity.

Hey, it’s Kyla and Lyle, and welcome to another episode of Beyond Brave! Kyla sits down with grief educator Lisa Boehm, who opens up about the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Katie and how she’s now helping other grieving mothers through The Angel Moms Podcast.We explore the many layers of grief—how it affects not just emotions but also physical health, the fear of forgetting loved ones, and why simply showing up for those who are grieving can make all the difference. We also dig into society’s often uncomfortable relationship with grief and share some powerful advice for anyone navigating loss.This episode is emotional, eye-opening, and full of wisdom. Stick around until the end—Kyla drops a hint about an upcoming deep dive into the connection between grief and physical health. You won’t want to miss it!

In this episode, we sat down with the incredible Brandy Hofer—an artist, educator, and all-around creative genius who helped turn our kids' rooms into wonderlands. We got real and raw, sharing the highs and lows of Bella’s medical journey and how our art projects (and this podcast) became a lifeline during the toughest times. And of course, we couldn’t help but laugh about our hilarious Waylon and his antics. Join us as we mix heartfelt moments with a splash of humor, celebrate the power of creativity, and embrace the magic of our amazing community!

In this lively and intimate episode of Beyond Brave, Kyla and I share stories of hope, bravery, and laughter, reflecting on our journey with our late daughter, Bella. But today, we go beyond the well-known chapters and dive into more personal experiences. I share a behind-the-scenes look at Kyla’s recent keynote speech at the Hearts Desire Gala, a beautiful event that honors medical moms and supports local hospitals.We also talk about our family life, including some challenges we’ve had while recording with our son, Waylon, and how we’ve been reflecting on Valentine’s Day. In addition, we discuss some powerful personal growth strategies, like how we process and let go of those nagging thoughts that tend to weigh us down.We take a moment to highlight the exciting things we have coming up—particularly some brave initiatives in Bella’s legacy, including our collaboration with Brave Gowns. We wrap up the episode with a fun segment on the resurgence of ‘90s and 2000s fashion, reminiscing about Kendrick Lamar’s recent Super Bowl halftime show and how it brought back some nostalgic style.

In this week’s episode of Beyond Brave, we decided to give you a bit of a primer for the big game! We dive into everything from Superbowl stats, to peculiar bets that keeps everyone guessing, like predicting the national anthem’s length, If Drake will drop a new diss track, and the Gatorade color (who knew these things could be so suspenseful?). We then take you on a heartfelt journey through our recent trip to California, where Disneyland gave us more than just magical memories—it bro...

In this week’s episode of Beyond Brave, Kyla takes us on a journey through some of the more intimate, unseen moments of her life. We kick things off with our excitement about recent interviews—big names like Anxiety Josh and Ryan Reynolds. It’s a mix of excitement and nerves, but we’re so grateful for the opportunity to have these conversations. Kyla also shares some fun behind-the-scenes stories about Instagram mishaps and accidental followings that had us both laughing. But the episode isn...

In this special episode of Beyond Brave, we sit down with none other than the hilarious and all-around amazing Ryan Reynolds. We talk about his incredible connection with our daughter Bella. Ryan opens up about his visits to SickKids Hospital in Toronto, where he shared moments of kindness and laughter with Bella. He also talks about the tough stuff—grief, love, and how he’s learned to navigate loss in his own life. Spoiler alert: it’s way more emotional than we planned, but also filled with ...

In this episode of Beyond Brave, hosts Kyla and Lyle interview Josh Fletcher, also known as Anxiety Josh, a BACCP registered therapist specializing in anxiety. With over 300K followers on social media, and as a bestselling author and host of the podcast Disordered: Anxiety Help (a UK Top 10 Mental Health podcast), Josh shares valuable insights into managing anxiety. They discuss the science behind anxiety, personal experiences, and practical tools, including exposure therapy and s...

In this episode of Beyond Brave, Lyle and I celebrate our 8th podcast episode by sharing some updates, heartfelt stories, and a fair amount of nonsense. We kick things off with the latest on our new guppy fish, who are already giving us way more drama than we ever expected. Then things take a bit of a turn when I share my first profound dream of Bella. I dive deep into interpreting it (because, clearly, I’m now a dream expert), and let’s just say the dream’s meaning is way more complex than ...

In this episode of Beyond Brave, we share stories about Bella’s journey, including hospital memories, her time with nurses and doctors, and spending Christmas in the hospital. We also talk about Bella meeting Ryan Reynolds at SickKids and getting support from Halsey during her recovery. We cover grief counseling and offer a special discount on Bella Brave merchandise for our listeners. Support the show Thanks for listening! Check us out on our socials. www.instagram.com/kylact ww...

Hey Bravelings! In this episode of Beyond Brave we dive into questions from our Instagram followers. We share advice on how to communicate with bereaved parents and reveal how we've kept our marriage strong through countless tough times. We discuss our navigation through the complex world of hospital politics and our experiences with Bella's numerous medical practitioners. Additionally, we offer insights on staying positive amid heavy medical news and recount the moments that helped us keep g...

In this heartfelt episode, we delve into the emotional journey following Bella's passing, focusing primarily on the revelations from her autopsy results. Key points include: • Clarity from the meeting with Bella's doctors about her lung failure and the extremely rare complication known as organizing pneumonia. • Sharing the touching experiences of Bella's Ball and its national recognition. • How we're preparing emotionally for the holidays without Bella, including insights from grief counseli...

Imagine spotting Brad Pitt in Vegas and debating whether he was driving an F1 car or if it was just green screen magic—that's how our latest Q&A kicks off! Kyla and Lyle Thompson here, inviting you into our world of fun anecdotes and heartfelt stories. We tackle the most pressing question from our listeners: how did we meet? Spoiler alert: our memories don't quite match up, but that's half the fun. From there, we share the evolution of our side hustle into a budding tree farming business ...

Join Kyla and Lyle in this emotional yet heartwarming episode of 'Beyond Brave.' They discuss their personal journey through grief therapy, insights from a recent grief session, and revelations from Bella's genetics doctor. The duo also recounts their fun-filled trip to Vegas, including interactions with friends, favorite moments, and the meaningful act of leaving Bella-inspired butterflies around the city. From discussing the impact of their podcast to preparing for a challenging upcoming me...