The Real Lives of TBI Wives

Traumatic Brain Injury Recovery and Holistic Healing with Dallas Shepherd | Ep. 27

In this compelling episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, Erika Brouillette sits down with Dallas Shepherd, founder of Harmonized Brain Center, to explore his family’s life-changing journey with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Dallas recounts the harrowing 2003 accident when his son was struck by a baseball, resulting in an epidural hematoma and coma, and shares the long road to recovery that inspired him to deepen his understanding of the brain.
He discusses how this journey led to the founding of Harmonized Brain Center in Colorado Springs, a pioneering facility that combines cutting-edge therapies—including Lens neurofeedback, Beamer mat therapy, low light laser therapy, and brain health coaching—with a holistic approach to brain healing. Dallas also highlights the critical role of gut health, neuroplasticity, and maintaining hope and story ownership for both caregivers and patients.
This episode is a must-listen for caregivers, TBI survivors, and anyone seeking insight into innovative brain recovery strategies, the power of resilience, and the transformative impact of combining science, holistic health, and unwavering hope.
Hero on a Mission: A Path to a Meaningful Life 
Harmonized Brain Centers
 
Also, remember to join us at Reclaim to connect with women who actually get it. Our next support zoom is Wednesday October 1, 2026 at 10am mtn.

The Power of Vulnerability: Jason Lalli on Life After TBI | Ep. 26

In this powerful episode of The Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette sits down with Jason Lalli, a resilient traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor, to explore his extraordinary journey of healing, advocacy, and personal growth. Jason opens up about life before his multiple brain injuries, sharing the vibrant career and personal life he loved, and recounts the dramatic and often devastating changes that followed each injury.
He courageously discusses the emotional and psychological challenges of living with TBI, including depressive episodes and suicidal ideation, and walks listeners through his road to recovery—highlighting therapies, coping mechanisms, and the mindset shifts that helped him regain purpose. Jason emphasizes the critical need for understanding and supporting both TBI survivors and their caregivers, revealing gaps in medical treatment and the importance of bridging survivor experiences with professional care.
This episode is a must-listen for caregivers, TBI survivors, and anyone seeking insight into the resilience required to navigate life after brain injury, and the strategies that make healing, advocacy, and support possible.
How to connect with Lalli:
Decisivelife.org
@VulnerablyLalli
patreon.com/vulnerablylalli
 
Be sure to join us at Reclaim: reclaim-tbiwives.com

Planning for the Unexpected: Legal Insights for TBI Families with Von Limbaugh

In this episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette sits down with Von Limbaugh of the Limbaugh Law Firm to discuss critical legal strategies for families navigating the challenges of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Von draws on his extensive expertise in estate planning, elder law, guardianships, and conservatorships, breaking down complex topics into actionable steps for caregivers.
The conversation covers everything from the importance of powers of attorney, living wills, and advanced directives, to understanding Social Security, Medicaid, and managing financial and legal responsibilities during and after a TBI. Von also shares his personal experience caring fora son with special needs and living with his TBI, as well as his wife Michelle and daughter Baileys, offering heartfelt insights into resilience, community support, and self-care.
Whether you’re a TBI wife, caregiver, or someone planning for the unexpected, this episode provides invaluable guidance to protect your loved ones, ensure your family’s well-being, and navigate life’s unforeseen challenges with confidence.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Key estate planning tools every family should have in place.
How to effectively manage guardianships and conservatorships.
Navigating Medicaid and Social Security for TBI families.
Strategies for self-care while managing complex caregiving responsibilities.
The importance of community, support systems, and proactive planning.
You can contact Von at (303) 662-9922 or their website https://www.limbaughlaw.net/
https://www.naela.org - National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
Don't forget to join us in the Reclaim community to get more support from other women who get it reclaim-tbiwives.com

Celebrating Love & Small Victories in a Life Changed by TBI | Ep. 24

In this special anniversary episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, Erika Brouillette shares an intimate look at life with her husband, Shelby, after his traumatic brain injury. Celebrating 13 years of marriage in a season that looks very different from their past traditions, Erika reflects on the challenges of honoring special days while navigating life as a TBI caregiver, and the intentional steps she’s taking to create meaningful celebrations for her family.
Erika also highlights the exciting milestones they’ve reached this season: Shelby’s progress in therapy, his new Xbox controller, the joy of tasting bites of wonton soup again, and the incredible moment at the Pikes Peak Challenge where Shelby walked across the finish line with her support. She shares how she’s finding balance, connecting with her soul through nature and friendships, and embracing the small victories that radiate hope and resilience.
Join Erika as she reflects on love, family, caregiving, and the power of celebrating even the smallest wins in the face of life-altering challenges.

Radiate: Boundaries, Energy and Joy for TBI Wives | Ep. 23

In this episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, Erika Brouillette dives into the Radiate section of her Reclaim membership, exploring how TBI wives can reclaim their energy, confidence, and sense of self amidst the demands of caregiving. Erika discusses practical strategies for setting boundaries, finding moments of joy, and prioritizing self-care without guilt. She shares exercises and prompts from the Radiate section that help caregivers reconnect with their inner strength, celebrate wins, and radiate positivity into every aspect of life.
Listeners will learn:
How to identify energy-draining habits and replace them with restorative practices.
Simple yet impactful ways to practice self-care daily, even with a busy caregiving schedule.
How to use reflection and affirmation prompts to build confidence, resilience, and joy.
This episode is perfect for TBI wives who are ready to step into their power, radiate strength, and reclaim their life without feeling selfish.

Rebuild: Setting Health Boundaries, Habits and Systems | Ep. 22

In this episode of The Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette continues unpacking the RECLAIM framework by diving into step two: Rebuild. After surviving the chaos of traumatic brain injury and caregiving, rebuilding means creating boundaries, rhythms, and systems that actually hold you — not just your family.
Erika shares her personal turning point when survival mode nearly broke her, and how learning to set boundaries, develop small repeatable habits, and create simple systems helped her find her footing again. This episode is packed with practical tools and encouragement for wives who feel like they’re running on fumes but are ready to take one step toward stability and sustainability.
 
Join us at Reclaim! reclaim-tbiwives.com
 
skylight link: https://refer.skylightframe.com/erikabrouillette 

Reconnect: Path to Reclaiming Yourself | Ep. 21

In this episode of The Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette introduces the RECLAIM framework — her three-step process for helping wives of men with traumatic brain injuries find themselves again after years of survival mode. Step one is Reconnect: coming back to your true self and your higher power so you can breathe, heal, and live from a place of strength instead of exhaustion.
Erika shares her personal story of disconnection during her husband’s recovery, the turning point that led her back to God, and the daily practices that help her stay grounded even in chaos. You’ll walk away with practical tools you can start today — whether it’s a 5-minute grounding check-in, anchoring to a scripture, or using simple breath prayers to reset your nervous system.
If you’ve been holding it all together for everyone else and wondering when it will finally be your turn, this episode will help you start that journey back to you.
Join us at reclaim-tbiwives.com to go even deeper and follow us on TikTok at @Reclaim-TBIwives

EPISODE 20: My Takeaways From Season 1 | Ep. 20

In this special 20th episode and season finale of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette takes a moment to reflect on the incredible resilience of TBI wives, honoring the strength it takes to care for a loved one while navigating the emotional and physical toll of caregiving. Erika shares her own journey, offering heartfelt insights into the importance of community support and the selfless dedication caregivers pour into their loved ones’ healing.
This episode also marks a pivotal moment as Erika introduces her new membership site, Reclaim, (reclaim-tbiwives.com)designed to empower caregivers with the tools, resources, and support they need to reclaim their own well-being while caring for their families. As she previews the upcoming season, which will feature expert interviews, self-care strategies, and practical advice for TBI wives, Erika emphasizes the vital role of setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care amidst the demands of caregiving.
Whether you’re new to the journey or a seasoned caregiver, this episode serves as a reminder that you are not alone. Stay connected, stay supported, and continue reclaiming your strength within this empowering community.
Be sure to follow Erika and Shelby on social
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BEM8bGRfy/?mibextid=wwXIfr
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@reclaimtbiwives?_t=ZT-8yemxmEadf4&_r=1

Unseen Battles: Rosalyn Fast on the Struggles of TBI and Caregiving | Ep. 19

In this week's episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, Rosalyn Fast takes us through her emotional and transformative journey as a caregiver to her husband, Donald, who sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in 1997. Rosalyn recounts the day that forever changed their lives, sharing the slow realization of the severity of Donald's injuries and the overwhelming challenges they faced, from medical struggles to a heartbreaking legal battle they ultimately lost.
As their marriage and daily life were irrevocably altered, Rosalyn faced the daunting task of navigating the world of TBI with little support or understanding from the community. Amidst the hardships, she found solace and purpose through journaling, Tai Chi, and community work, emphasizing the profound importance of resilience, support systems, and finding personal strength through it all. Rosalyn’s story is a testament to the power of endurance, the search for healing, and the unyielding love that sustains caregivers through the most difficult journeys.

Shifting Realities: Amanda Mahaffey's Journey of Love and TBI Recovery | Ep. 18

In this episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives,  Amanda Mahaffey takes us through the evolution of their relationship, starting from their early years together and raising their daughter, to the life-changing moment of the bike accident that altered everything.
Amanda delves into the struggles of living with ambiguous loss, a challenge many TBI wives face, and how they navigated the misunderstandings with medical professionals that often accompany such complex injuries. She shares the emotional toll on their relationship, the coping mechanisms they developed, and the therapy experiences that helped them heal. Throughout the conversation, Amanda offers insight into the shifting dynamics within her family, and how they’ve learned to embrace their "new normal."
Despite the challenges, Amanda also emphasizes the importance of resilience, support systems, and finding moments of laughter, showing that even through the darkest times, there is hope, healing, and strength to be found.