The Real Lives of TBI Wives

Enduring Love: Navigating Challenges and Changes with Val Creager | Ep. 7

In this heartfelt episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette is joined by Val Creager, who shares her moving journey through love, tragedy, and transformation after her husband’s life changed forever in a 2019 traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Val walks listeners through their love story, raising children together, and the devastating accident that reshaped everything. She opens up about navigating health crises, financial instability, and the emotional toll of becoming a full-time caregiver while holding her family together. Val speaks with clarity and courage about the tools that helped her survive the storm—therapy, mental health support, caregiving advocacy, and the unshakable power of resilience and community.
This episode is a powerful reminder that even in the aftermath of trauma, there is space for healing, love, and forward movement.

Protecting Family: The Unexpected Challenges of a TBI Wife with Amanda Ryan-Romo | Ep. 6

In this compelling episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette sits down with Amanda Ryan Romo, who courageously shares her journey after her husband sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a work-related accident that triggered severe vertigo, a concussion, and complications from neck surgery.
Amanda speaks openly about the overwhelming toll caregiving took on her young family, the emotional and logistical burden of managing her husband's evolving condition, and the difficult turning point when Child Protective Services became involved, leading to his placement in an independent living facility. Despite balancing caregiving, parenting, and her own career and academic responsibilities, Amanda found strength in advocacy, community, and her commitment to reclaiming stability.
This episode offers a raw look at the hidden costs of caregiving, the complex realities of navigating healthcare and legal systems, and the resilience required when everything feels out of your control.

Unexpected Turns: Tumor Surgery Leading to New Beginnings with Brittiny Buckenberger | Ep. 5

In this heartfelt episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette welcomes guest Brittiny Buckenberger, who opens up about her husband’s surgically induced traumatic brain injury (TBI) following the removal of a brain tumor. What began as a life-saving procedure quickly became the start of a life-changing caregiving journey.
Brittiny vulnerably shares the cognitive and emotional challenges her husband now faces, the mental toll of endless medical appointments and therapies, and the impact TBI has had on their marriage, routines, and communication. With grace and honesty, she offers encouragement to other TBI wives, emphasizing the vital role of support systems, patience, and protecting your own mental and emotional health.
This episode is a compassionate guide for navigating TBI after surgery, and a powerful reminder that caregiving is an act of fierce love.

Unplanned Journey: Robin's Path Through TBI with Love and Strength | Ep. 4

In this eye-opening episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette speaks with Robin Szymkowski, a devoted wife and caregiver who opens up about the life-altering moment her husband suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Robin recounts the shock of the accident, the relentless stream of medical complications, and the steep learning curve that came with managing her husband’s evolving care needs.
She offers an honest look into the emotional exhaustion, financial burdens, and the detailed care techniques she had to master—while still advocating fiercely for her husband's quality of life. Robin also emphasizes the critical role of self-care, support systems, and the strategies she’s used to navigate a journey no one prepares you for.
This episode is a must-listen for any wife walking the long, uncertain road of TBI caregiving, filled with raw truth, hard-earned wisdom, and hope for those seeking guidance and strength.

Tragedy in Paradise - Kathleen's Fight for Her Husband’s Recovery | Ep. 3

In this gripping episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette sits down with Kathleen Skeins, who recounts the unimaginable moment her husband suffered a severe traumatic brain injury while vacationing in Aruba. What began as a dream getaway spiraled into a life-altering medical crisis, forcing Kathleen into the roles of caregiver, medical advocate, and emergency planner—all in a matter of hours.
Kathleen takes listeners through the frantic early days, the emotional toll of navigating international medical evacuation, and the journey from Aruba to Miami and ultimately back home to Michigan. Her story shines a light on the importance of travel protection, the reality of sudden trauma, and the relentless strength it takes to fight for a loved one’s care in unfamiliar systems.
For any wife facing the chaos of a TBI diagnosis, this episode is packed with insight, warning, and wisdom from someone who has lived through the unthinkable and come out stronger.

Trauma to Triumph - Corri Lewis's Journey | Ep. 2

In this deeply moving episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, guest Corri Lewis shares her personal story after receiving the phone call no spouse ever expects—the one that marked the beginning of her husband's traumatic brain injury (TBI) journey.
From the moment life changed, Corri stepped into the overwhelming role of caregiver, navigating the emotional toll, medical complexities, and isolation made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic. With honesty and heart, she opens up about the struggle to protect her husband’s dignity, care for herself, and rebuild a life filled with purpose and hope.
This episode is a reminder that even in the darkest seasons, community, identity, and new dreams can be lifelines for those living through the impact of brain injury.

Resilience in the Storm - Erika's TBI Wife Journey | Ep. 1

In this powerful premiere of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host and caregiver Erika Brouillette opens up about the life-altering moment her husband Shelby suffered a severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Erika shares the raw details of the accident, the agonizing weeks in the ICU during COVID lockdowns, and the uphill battle to secure proper rehabilitation and care.
More than a story of survival, this episode is a deeply personal reflection on the emotional weight of being a wife-turned-caregiver, the challenges of raising children amid trauma, and the resilience it takes to fight for someone you love when the system says "there’s no hope."
You’ll hear how Erika leaned on faith, advocacy, and an incredible support system to hold her family together—and how she continues to show up in the face of the unknown.
 

Real Lives of TBI Wives Trailer

Real Lives of TBI Wives
Erika Brouillette introduces 'Real Lives of TBI Wives,' a podcast for women navigating life after a loved one suffers a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Erika shares her personal story of how her life changed after her husband Shelby's severe TBI from a 2020 car accident. She discusses the roles she has taken on as a caregiver and the challenges of maintaining her identity. The podcast aims to provide a supportive space for women dealing with similar situations, addressing topics like grief, resilience, marriage, and self-care.