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.

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.

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, Travis John.

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.

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.

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.