The Real Lives of TBI Wives

In this deeply moving episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette  sits down with Karen Stone Fortune, whose husband suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) after a cycling accident in 2019. Karen shares the heartbreaking early moments of the injury, the long road to an accurate diagnosis, and the complications that led to emergency brain surgery—all amid the isolating challenges of...

In this heartfelt episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette welcomes Gloria Longsworth, who shares her powerful journey as the wife of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor. Gloria recounts meeting her husband Gabe in Germany and how their life was turned upside down when he suffered a massive stroke while they were living in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic. From naviga...

In this unforgettable episode of Real Lives of TBI Wives, host Erika Brouillette speaks with Jacqui Taylor Hayward, whose husband Greg suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in October 2023 after falling down the stairs during an episode of sleepwalking. Jacqui takes us inside the night that changed everything—detailing the emergency response, ICU crisis, and multiple life-saving surgeries that f...

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 abo...

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 famil...

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 challen...

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...

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 mat...

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 mad...

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 e...

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. Th...