The Real Lives of TBI Wives

In this inspiring episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette sits down with Chanda Hinton, founder of the Chanda Center for Health, to discuss her extraordinary journey of resilience, advocacy, and transformation. After sustaining a spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed at 9 years old, Chanda turned her personal challenges into a powerful movement for change, pioneering a new model of integrative care for people with disabilities.
Chanda shares how her lived experience led to the creation of her nonprofit organization and the legislative advocacy that resulted in groundbreaking Medicaid reforms in Colorado. These reforms now provide coverage for lifechanging integrative therapies—including acupuncture, massage, and chiropractic care—improving quality of life for countless individuals with long-term disabilities.
Through her story, Chanda highlights the importance of holistic wellness, the complexities of navigating Medicaid systems, and the need to treat the whole person. She also offers an exciting look at future expansions for the Chanda Center, continuing her mission to make comprehensive, compassionate care accessible to all.
This episode is a must listen for caregivers, advocates, and anyone passionate about transforming the healthcare system through empathy, innovation, and purpose-driven action.
 
Connect with Chanda with the following links:
https://chandacenter.org/ https://www.instagram.com/chandacenterforhealth/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkfFrHS_XY600aMVT6FYGBg https://www.facebook.com/chandacenterforhealth/# https://www.linkedin.com/company/chandacenter/posts/?feedView=all
 
And continue the conversation with other women who get it in the Reclaim community

In this empowering episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette sits down with Dorothy Andreas—a bold entrepreneur, speaker, and woman of resilience—whose story will ignite a fire in every caregiver and overwhelmed wife looking for more.
Dorothy opens up about her unstoppable rise from selling her car at 19 to buy her first business, to eventually owning nine successful companies—all while navigating unimaginable life stressors, including a house fire, her mother’s stroke, and the daily demands of balancing life, family, and business.
But it’s her framework for balance that sets her apart. Dorothy shares how she deconstructs life into five critical elements—body, relationships, spirit, work, and money—and teaches women how to rebuild from the chaos. This episode is for every TBI wife or caregiver who feels like they’re holding everything together… and losing themselves in the process.
Whether you're in survival mode or seeking a more intentional rhythm, Dorothy offers tangible tools and deep encouragement to help you reclaim control—and build a life you don’t want to escape from.
You can connect with Dorothy at Streamline Success
Continue the conversation with other TBI wives at Reclaim

In this powerful episode of The Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette sits down with William Person, a former Team USA bobsled athlete, to share his courageous and deeply personal journey with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE). After years of repetitive head trauma in elite sports, William found himself in a terrifying spiral—confused, depressed, and unable to function.
But hope came in the form of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)—a breakthrough treatment that gave him back his clarity, vision, and purpose. William opens up about how this therapy changed everything, and why he's now on a mission to make it accessible to others battling the effects of CTE.
Together, Erika and William discuss:
The silent, progressive damage of CTE in athletes and veterans
How HBOT helped restore William’s cognitive function and emotional balance
The alarming connection between CTE, depression, and suicide rates
William’s dream of launching a nonprofit CTE Recovery Center
Why early intervention, education, and advocacy are crucial for brain health
This is an episode filled with hope, healing, and purpose—especially for those affected by brain injury, repeated trauma, or neurodegenerative conditions. William’s story is a call to action to protect, prioritize, and heal the brain.
How to connect with William:
https://www.facebook.com/one.man.with.a.chamber.hbot?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr
 https://www.facebook.com/william.person.792233
 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-person-4072b417/
 
 https://www.instagram.com/willp1234567?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
 
https://youtube.com/@braininjurysurvival?si=KfTK-iFXlhLORgQC
 
https://www.tiktok.com/@hyperbarichealing?_t=ZT-8zD0dNeEvPi&_r=1_
 
Be sure to join us for real support and tools that work with friends that get it at Reclaim
 
Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended for educational and to share personal experiences. The experiences and opinions shared by hosts and guests reflect personal journeys. We are not licensed medical professionals. Always do your own research and make informed decisions about your health and healing journey.

In this episode of The Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette welcomes Dr. Amber Rice Horvath, a clinical nutritionist and mother of a child with special needs, to share practical strategies for caregiver wellness. Caring for a loved one with TBI can take a tremendous physical, emotional, and mental toll, and Dr. Amber emphasizes the importance of prioritizing your own health to maintain resilience and strength.
She discusses managing caregiver and mom guilt, incorporating movement into daily routines, avoiding the pitfalls of extreme calorie restriction, and implementing proper sleep hygiene. Dr. Amber also provides insights on simplifying meal preparation, highlights the interconnectedness of nutrition, sleep, and movement, and underscores a holistic approach to self-care. Listeners will leave with actionable steps to take small but meaningful strides toward improved wellness, along with guidance on when and how to seek personalized professional advice.
 
Visit Amber at ARD Wellness and Nutrition
 
Join us in the Reclaim community gain even more support with being a TBI wife
 
 

Trigger Warning / Disclaimer:This episode contains discussions about abuse and traumatic experiences. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with abuse, emotional trauma, or in need of support, we encourage you to reach out to a trusted professional or helpline. In Canada, you can contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, and in the U.S., the National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).
 
In this deeply emotional episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette sits down with Brittany Capalingo to explore the profound impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on her marriage, family, and personal journey. Brittany shares the harrowing story of her husband’s motorcycle accident, the challenges of caregiving, and the compounded grief of losing their son in a car accident.
She courageously discusses the abuse she faced post-injury, the isolation she experienced, and the difficult decision to leave for her safety and that of her children. Through her story, Brittany highlights the emotional, psychological, and practical complexities of being a TBI caregiver, offering a powerful message of resilience, self-preservation, and the importance of seeking support.
This episode is a must-listen for caregivers, TBI wives, and anyone navigating trauma and life-altering family events. Brittany’s journey is a testament to the strength it takes to overcome unimaginable challenges and reclaim hope and healing.
Join the community at Reclaim to gain support and tools

In this informative episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette sits down with Jacqui Taylor Hayward, an experienced accountant, to provide practical guidance on navigating the complexities of Canadian disability benefits for families affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI). Jacqui shares her expertise in taxes, insurance, and government programs, giving listeners actionable advice to better manage financial responsibilities while supporting their loved ones.
Together, Erika and Jacqui break down personal tax benefits, different types of insurance (disability vs. medical), and essential government programs such as the disability tax credit and CPP disability. Jacqui highlights common challenges and potential pitfalls, offering TBI wives clarity and confidence in leveraging the resources available to them. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the financial landscape in Canada and ensure their family is supported while navigating the journey of caregiving.

In this inspiring episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette sits down with Wendy Lukonen, CEO of the Daily Gratitude Movement, to explore the transformative power of gratitude in caregiving and everyday life. Wendy shares her deeply personal journey caring for her mother with pancreatic cancer and her grandmother with dementia, and how embracing a daily gratitude practice helped her navigate the emotional challenges of caregiving while finding moments of peace and joy.
Together, Erika and Wendy dive into how gratitude can profoundly impact mental health, strengthen resilience, and create a sense of community and connection. Wendy offers actionable strategies for listeners to incorporate gratitude into their own lives—whether it’s through journaling, reflection, or joining a supportive gratitude community. This episode is a must-listen for caregivers, TBI wives, and anyone seeking a simple yet powerful tool to cultivate positivity, hope, and emotional well-being.
Join the Daily Gratitude Movemement on Clubhouse or Facebook
Be sure to join us every Wednesday at 10 am for live support with in the Reclaim community 

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.

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
 
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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
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