Lights On: A NeuroMoms Collective Podcast

In part two of this deeply honest and delightfully chaotic conversation, Erin and Amanda continue their discussion with therapist and podcast host Megan Campbell about caregiving, creativity, identity, and the complicated balance between joy and grief. Together, they explore how movement, art, music, mindfulness, and even dancing can become forms of healing after neurotrauma, especially when survivors no longer recognize the version of themselves they once were.    The conversation moves through the emotional tension caregivers carry: wanting to encourage growth without pushing too hard, trying to fix what cannot be fixed, and learning how to sit beside pain instead of controlling it. There's humor, vulnerability, Princess Leia headphones, and a powerful reflection on what it means to keep finding joy inside lives permanently altered by brain injury. This episode is messy, funny, tender, and full of the kind of honesty that makes people feel less alone.  

Episode 1 of this conversation with Megan Campbell is a little chaotic, wildly honest, unexpectedly funny, and somehow exactly the kind of conversation caregivers need. Megan: therapist, LCPC, art therapist, and host of the podcast I Have Shit to Say, joins Erin and Amanda to talk about grief, relationships, identity shifts, and the emotional realities of TBI recovery. What unfolds is equal parts irreverent humor and raw truth as the conversation explores how brain injury reshapes friendships, family dynamics, romance, and caregiving itself. Megan brings both professional insight and personal connection through her relationship with Amanda's daughter, MacKenzie, creating a space that feels deeply safe, candid, and real. This episode dives into disenfranchised grief, overprotective parenting, rebuilding connection after trauma, and the impossible balancing act caregivers face while trying to support survivors without unintentionally limiting them. It's messy in the best way, full of laughter, swearing, vulnerability, and moments that feel like sitting in a room with people who truly get it. Irreverent. Honest. Helpful. Raw. And for us.... a needed reminder that joy and absurdity can still exist alongside grief. Stick with us. PS: you wouldn't believe how many hours and dollars were spent trying to sync the video and audio. We almost released it only as an audio... but the body language is so funny that we're also posting the video... even though it's out of sync. Because. of course it is. (And seriously, don't come at us... this file was so corrupted that this is a victory!) 

In this continuation of Dallas's story, we shift from survival to connection as he and his girlfriend Marina share how they met and built a relationship after his traumatic brain injury. Their story begins at a brain injury retreat and unfolds into a grounded, honest look at dating, communication, and finding love in a new version of life. Marina offers a thoughtful perspective as both a nurse practitioner and partner, emphasizing patience, curiosity, and seeing the whole person beyond their injury. Together, they explore what it means to build a relationship without falling into caregiver roles, setting boundaries while still supporting each other's growth. Dallas reflects on the importance of getting out into the world, forming real-life connections, and staying open to possibility, even when it feels uncertain. The conversation is filled with warmth, humor, and the small, meaningful moments that signal healing is still happening. At its core, this episode is about love that meets you where you are, the courage to keep showing up, and the quiet, powerful ways connection can move recovery forward.

In Part 2 of this deeply personal conversation, Dallas shares the emotional and physical realities of his traumatic brain injury recovery, including the severe depression and suicidal ideation that followed his initial progress. His journey takes listeners through a complicated series of hospitalizations across the country, culminating in a life-threatening setback in 2024 when undiagnosed obstructive hydrocephalus caused intense pain, confusion, and seizures. After weeks of misdiagnoses, Dallas finally received critical care at Oregon Health & Science University, where advanced imaging revealed the true cause and led to urgent surgery. Throughout his recovery, moments of connection and "glimmers" of light offered emotional lifelines amid fear and uncertainty. Dallas speaks candidly about what kept him going during his darkest moments. The episode also explores the complex role of caregiving, the power of humor and joy in survival, and the importance of mental health support. Despite that devastating setback, Dallas continues to rebuild his life with resilience, purpose, and hope, now driven to support other veterans and survivors navigating similar paths. This episode is a raw and honest look at survival, love, and the determination to keep going...even when the road resets to zero.

This episode of Lights On features a deeply personal and powerful conversation as Erin and Amanda are joined by Erin's son, Dallas, whose story inspired Erin to connect with Amanda to  create NeuroMoms Collective. Dallas shares his experience of surviving a catastrophic AVM rupture in 2022 while on active duty, leading to multiple brain surgeries, a coma, and significant physical and cognitive challenges, including aphasia and paralysis. Erin recounts the intense, often harrowing journey through multiple hospitals, advocating for his care, and ultimately securing life-saving treatment with a specialized neurosurgical team. The episode intentionally preserves the natural pace of Dallas's speech to authentically reflect life with aphasia and to foster deeper understanding and empathy. Together, they explore not only the medical trauma but also the emotional toll, including Dallas's struggles with depression and suicidal ideation during recovery. The conversation highlights the critical role of community, resilience, and relentless advocacy in navigating complex healthcare systems. Despite unimaginable setbacks, Dallas's story is one of perseverance and evolving hope. The episode closes on a turning point, setting up a continuation where his journey takes another unexpected and challenging turn. 

In part two of this conversation, Erin and Amanda explore what it really means to redefine "normal" after a brain injury—both for their children and for the relationships that surround them. They share how life often evolves in real time, with adjustments happening moment by moment, from navigating sensory challenges to rethinking independence, clothing, and daily routines. The conversation highlights how small shifts—like offering structured choices or simplifying decisions—can open the door to more connection, confidence, and joy. Along the way, they reflect on the mutual grace required on both sides, as caregivers and survivors learn together. It's an honest, practical, and ultimately hopeful look at building a beautiful life within a new reality.  

In this episode of Lights On (Part 1 of this convo), Erin and Amanda explore one of the hardest questions families face after traumatic brain injury: Who am I now? When a brain injury changes a survivor's body, abilities, and future plans overnight, identity can feel shattered. Erin and Amanda talk about how survivors wrestle with labels like "TBI survivor," how physical changes and scars affect confidence, and why well-meaning comments like "you're so lucky" can miss the deeper grief survivors feel. They also reflect on the delicate balance caregivers must walk between protecting their kids and being honest, learning when to encourage—and when to simply listen. This conversation is a reminder that identity after brain injury isn't something you "get back." It's something survivors slowly rebuild. #TBI #whoami #newnormal

In the second half, the conversation shifts into the realities of long-term partnership: neurodivergence, therapy, communication, and daily repair. MacKenzie and Eric talk candidly about ADHD traits, how understanding their brains helped them make sense of what "clicked" early on, and why therapy became a turning point. For Eric, navigating stigma and expectations around mental health was an additional challenge. They share what overstimulation can look like in real time, how they've learned to stay in hard conversations without "giving up," and why support has to be shared across a wider circle (not carried by one partner). The episode closes with grounded advice for partners, patience, keeping your voice, not becoming a caregiver, and gentle honesty about dating after TBI: hope matters, but so do boundaries, safety, and self-trust.

In this first half of the conversation, Erin and Amanda welcome MacKenzie and her husband, Eric, into Season 2's focus on relationship shifts after TBI; specifically romantic partnership. Mackenzie and Eric share their origin story, how early disclosure of her accident did (and didn't) shape their relationship, and what "masking" looked like as she tried to be "just MacKenzie" in college. Eric reflects on how TBI impacts can be invisible at first, but become clearer with time, deeper conversation, and noticing patterns, especially around fatigue and sensory overload.    Together, they explore the emotional cost of overcompensating, the search for accommodations without shame, and the hard balance between wanting grace without being reduced to an identity.      

In this episode of Lights On, Erin and Amanda reflect on how relationships change after a traumatic brain injury, from friendships and family dynamics to romantic partnerships and parenting young adults with TBI. They share deeply personal stories about denial, hope, missteps, and the ongoing challenge of knowing when behavior is part of recovery versus simply being human. With honesty and compassion, they explore the grief of what shifts, the fear of what might be lost, and the quiet joy of what can still unfold. The conversation reminds caregivers that connection is not only possible after TBI, but can be reimagined in beautiful, unexpected ways. As always, they close with resources, glimmers, and a reminder that no one has to navigate this journey alone.

In this Season One wrap-up,we (Amanda and Erin) look back on how NeuroMoms Collective began: two caregivers who met through community, shared a deep urge to help, and jumped in before everything was perfectly planned.    We laugh about the early tech struggles, the learning curve of podcasting, and how far we've come in just a few months. We reflect on how meaningful it was to hear so many different perspectives this season and how much courage it took for families to be so open and vulnerable.   More than anything, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve others and offer some glimmers, some moments of comfort, understanding, and some laughs.  Looking forward to next season of Lights On!   

In Part 2 of Lights On, the conversation shifts into the tender realities of loving someone through long-term change and loss. Olivia and Sadie reflect on how support systems, friendships, and letting themselves be kids helped them navigate trauma and distance, guilt and joy. The family shares heartfelt stories about connection, hardship, and the complex grief of relationships that look different after brain injury. Erin and Amanda speak openly about therapy, unconditional love, difficult feelings we're taught not to say out loud, and how compassion — for ourselves and each other — becomes a source of strength. This episode offers raw insight, compassion, and moments of laughter as a reminder that even in the hardest stories, there can be light.  

In Part 1 of Lights On, Erin and Amanda are joined by their daughters, Saydie and Olivia, for an honest conversation about what it's like to be the sibling of a traumatic brain injury survivor. Saydie shares how, at nine years old, her invisible injuries and anxiety were downplayed while the family focused on life-and-death survival, leaving her feeling frozen, overwhelmed, and guilty for years. Olivia reflects on supporting her brother from far away as a young adult, navigating distance, fairness, and the impossible feeling of not being able to show up "enough." Together, they explore how siblings often carry abandonment, pressure, and grief quietly; and why support, trusted adults, and permission to feel it all matter. The episode closes on a powerful truth: joy and love still belong here...because if we don't have joy, what are we fighting for?

In this episode of Lights On, Erin and Amanda talk honestly about one of the hardest parts of TBI caregiving—realizing we can't do it alone. They share the guilt, fear, and confusion that come with asking for help, and how friends, family, and even unexpected community members stepped in before they knew what they needed. From inner-circle supporters to the wider community offering meals, cards, and comfort, they explore what meaningful support looks like—and how to honor boundaries while still accepting the light others bring. The episode also introduces the NeuroMoms Comfort Kits, inspired by their own experiences arriving in the neuro ICU with nothing. These small, thoughtful kits are designed to offer caregivers a glimmer of comfort in their most disorienting moments. A reminder for every caregiver: you don't have to shine alone. Community is part of healing.

Part 2: Parenting, Partnership, and a TBI: How Communication Became the Light   In Part Two of our husbands' conversation, we explore what it took to stay connected—not just as co-parents or caregivers, but as partners. Travis reflects on how a traumatic brain injury reshaped his relationship with Amanda, and how they learned to carry the emotional and practical load together. We get honest about the hard parts: communication that wasn't always easy, needs that went unspoken, and the ways fear can silence us. But we also talk about resilience, growth, and how showing up for each other—with vulnerability, honesty, and humility—became its own kind of healing. This episode is about what love looks like when everything is under pressure. It's about trying again, opening up when it's uncomfortable, and finding the courage to ask for help. These stories remind us there is always a glimmer in the dark—even when it comes slowly. We talk about: Communication and marriage in crisis What changed in the relationship after the TBI How vulnerability became a strength, not a weakness Learning to say "I need help" Showing up for your partner even when you're scared The beauty of growth inside the struggle Whether you're a caregiver, spouse, or friend walking through medical trauma, this episode offers hope and honesty—and the light that comes with both.

Part 1: This week we're doing something new, and deeply meaningful. In this two-part series, we're talking with the husbands of the NeuroMoms Collective founders: Erin's husband, Carl Moyer, and Amanda's husband, Trav Boring. For caregivers and families supporting someone with a traumatic brain injury, the partner experience often goes unspoken. Today, we're shining a light on it. In Part One, Carl and Travis share what it was like the moment their families' lives changed. They talk about the story behind the story: the shock of emergency rooms, the disorientation, the fear, and the immediate shift into survival mode. Erin and Amanda reflect alongside them as couples who have weathered these storms—not just individually, but together. We talk about: The early days of each family's TBI journey How trauma affects partners differently The couple dynamic: what feels supportive and what doesn't The role of hope when everything feels dark What they wish they knew then Love, resilience, and humor showing up even in crisis This episode is an invitation to hear from the people standing just outside the medical bed—holding the line, holding families together, and holding out hope. Whether you are a survivor, caregiver, spouse, or friend, we hope you hear yourself in their voices and find something here that gives you breath, perspective, and courage.

Part 3: We close out the series with what comes after survival: rebuilding daily life. MacKenzie talks about finding her footing in high school again and seeing the world differently. She also shares her perspective on what caregivers need—especially when they forget to ask for help. This episode is about growth, resilience, and the quiet light that leads us back into the world.

Part 2: In part two of our interview, we talk about what happens when a survivor can't advocate for their own safety. MacKenzie shares what helped protect her in those vulnerable early days, and what families can do when they're suddenly thrust into the role of medical guardian. It's a conversation about voice, boundaries, and the fierce love that shows up when it's needed most.

Part 1: We recently had MacKenzie, the daughter NMC co-founder, Amanda, on the pod. We broke her interview into 3 parts. We open this series with something rarely talked about: the power of visual memory. MacKenzie takes us inside her experience of piecing her life back together after her accident, using pictures and videos as both a timeline and a lifeline. This episode is about reclaiming your story, and the beauty of seeing your growth in real time.

In Episode 3 of Lights On, Amanda and Erin explore one of the most tender parts of the TBI caregiving journey: the people you expected to show up… and the ones who actually did. They talk openly about the grief of realizing some relationships shift or disappear during crisis, and how that grief piles onto an already unbearable moment. But woven through this episode is light — the unexpected helpers, the quiet kindnesses, the small and enormous ways people stepped in and illuminated the path forward. This is a conversation about letting go, holding on, and finding joy in the places you never imagined it would appear.

Episode 2 of Lights On takes listeners back to the raw first 24 hours of Amanda and Erin's journeys through their children's TBIs. They speak candidly about the fear and grief that consumed those early moments, but also about the surprising warmth that broke through the darkness—gentle comforts, unexpected kindnesses, and the people who showed up with open hearts. Amid the shock and chaos, they remember the small moments of laughter that somehow made space for breath and reminded them they were still human. They reflect on the glimmers they recognized instantly, and the ones that took time to unfold. This episode is an invitation to witness how beauty, connection, humor, and humanity persist—even on the hardest days—and how those tiny sparks can illuminate the path forward.

In our very first episode, Lights On: Moms Finding the Light in Each Other, NeuroMoms Collective founders Amanda Ream and Erin Palmer share how their parallel journeys as parents of brain injury survivors led them to create this community. We talk about the supportive role of Love Your Brain, the twists and turns of our different paths, and the shared mission that brought us together: helping other parents navigate the overwhelming world of traumatic brain injury. Amanda's experience is grounded in her Christian faith, while Erin takes a science-first, non-religious approach—and we want listeners to know there's room here for every perspective. No matter your background, you're welcome in this conversation. Resource: Love Your Brain https://www.loveyourbrain.com/   Connect with us:  [email protected] web: neuromomscollective.org IG: neuromomscollective FB: NeuroMoms Collective (group)