Lights On: A NeuroMoms Collective Podcast

Erin Palmer, Amanda Ream
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Mental Health

Lights On is a podcast by NeuroMoms Collective, hosted by two mothers who know firsthand the journey of supporting a brain injury survivor. Amanda and Erin create a warm, honest space to talk about caregiving—the heavy, the hopeful, and the human. We chose the name Lights On because when a medical crisis hits, it can feel like someone has suddenly turned the lights off in your life. Joy feels distant, routines disappear, and the world becomes unfamiliar. But the light was never truly gone—we're here to help caregivers find it again and gently turn the lights back on. Guests include survivors, family members, medical professionals, and community partners who offer insight and support. This podcast is for anyone touched by brain injury who is seeking connection, grounding, and understanding. We're here to make sure no caregiver feels isolated in this experience. Come walk with us.

  1. S2/ E13/ PT1: A Mother's Missing Memories, a Daughter's Fight for Answers

    3d ago

    S2/ E13/ PT1: A Mother's Missing Memories, a Daughter's Fight for Answers

    In this powerful first part of our conversation, Annalisa shares her journey through a rare and life-altering neurological illness that began with subtle symptoms few people recognized. What started as occasional confusion and unexplained episodes gradually escalated into seizures, a stroke, and a maze of specialist appointments that left her family searching for answers. Joined by her daughter Marina, Annalisa reflects on living through a medical crisis she can only partially remember, while Marina helps piece together the moments that changed their lives forever. Together, they discuss the challenges of obtaining a diagnosis, navigating rural healthcare systems, and confronting the reality that recovery would be far more complicated than anyone expected. This episode is an honest look at uncertainty, resilience, and the profound ways a brain injury can reshape a family's future. Part 1 of a two-part conversation.

    12 min
  2. S2/ E12/ PT3: Guest Megan Campbell, LCPC: The Rest of the Book Is Still Beautiful

    May 30

    S2/ E12/ PT3: Guest Megan Campbell, LCPC: The Rest of the Book Is Still Beautiful

    In the final installment of this heartfelt and hilarious conversation with therapist and podcast host Megan Campbell, the conversation turns toward identity, self-esteem, grief, and what healing can look like after brain injury. Erin and Amanda reflect on the painful tendency to search for the "missing chapters" of the lives their children once had, while Megan offers a gentler perspective: maybe the story isn't over; maybe it's just different now. Together, they explore realistic hope, rebuilding confidence after neurotrauma, and how caregivers can support growth without denying loss. Amid laughter, tech chaos, spoon theory, and deeply emotional moments, the episode serves as a reminder that joy, meaning, and connection can still exist alongside grief. Honest, funny, vulnerable, and full of glimmers, this conversation closes the series with tenderness and hope.

    16 min
  3. S2/ E11/ PT2: Guest Megan Campbell, LCPC: Disenfranchised Grief and the Art of Dancing Anyway

    May 23

    S2/ E11/ PT2: Guest Megan Campbell, LCPC: Disenfranchised Grief and the Art of Dancing Anyway

    In part two of this deeply honest and delightfully chaotic conversation, Erin and Amanda continue their discussion with therapist and podcast host Megan Campbell about caregiving, creativity, identity, and the complicated balance between joy and grief. Together, they explore how movement, art, music, mindfulness, and even dancing can become forms of healing after neurotrauma, especially when survivors no longer recognize the version of themselves they once were.    The conversation moves through the emotional tension caregivers carry: wanting to encourage growth without pushing too hard, trying to fix what cannot be fixed, and learning how to sit beside pain instead of controlling it. There's humor, vulnerability, Princess Leia headphones, and a powerful reflection on what it means to keep finding joy inside lives permanently altered by brain injury. This episode is messy, funny, tender, and full of the kind of honesty that makes people feel less alone.

    21 min
  4. S2/ E10/ PT1: Megan Campbell: Chaos and Honesty

    May 17

    S2/ E10/ PT1: Megan Campbell: Chaos and Honesty

    Episode 1 of this conversation with Megan Campbell is a little chaotic, wildly honest, unexpectedly funny, and somehow exactly the kind of conversation caregivers need. Megan: therapist, LCPC, art therapist, and host of the podcast I Have Shit to Say, joins Erin and Amanda to talk about grief, relationships, identity shifts, and the emotional realities of TBI recovery. What unfolds is equal parts irreverent humor and raw truth as the conversation explores how brain injury reshapes friendships, family dynamics, romance, and caregiving itself. Megan brings both professional insight and personal connection through her relationship with Amanda's daughter, MacKenzie, creating a space that feels deeply safe, candid, and real. This episode dives into disenfranchised grief, overprotective parenting, rebuilding connection after trauma, and the impossible balancing act caregivers face while trying to support survivors without unintentionally limiting them. It's messy in the best way, full of laughter, swearing, vulnerability, and moments that feel like sitting in a room with people who truly get it. Irreverent. Honest. Helpful. Raw. And for us.... a needed reminder that joy and absurdity can still exist alongside grief. Stick with us. PS: you wouldn't believe how many hours and dollars were spent trying to sync the video and audio. We almost released it only as an audio... but the body language is so funny that we're also posting the video... even though it's out of sync. Because. of course it is. (And seriously, don't come at us... this file was so corrupted that this is a victory!)

    18 min
  5. S2/ E9/ PT3: Unexpected Love and the Service Dog who Introduced Them.

    Apr 20

    S2/ E9/ PT3: Unexpected Love and the Service Dog who Introduced Them.

    In this continuation of Dallas's story, we shift from survival to connection as he and his girlfriend Marina share how they met and built a relationship after his traumatic brain injury. Their story begins at a brain injury retreat and unfolds into a grounded, honest look at dating, communication, and finding love in a new version of life. Marina offers a thoughtful perspective as both a nurse practitioner and partner, emphasizing patience, curiosity, and seeing the whole person beyond their injury. Together, they explore what it means to build a relationship without falling into caregiver roles, setting boundaries while still supporting each other's growth. Dallas reflects on the importance of getting out into the world, forming real-life connections, and staying open to possibility, even when it feels uncertain. The conversation is filled with warmth, humor, and the small, meaningful moments that signal healing is still happening. At its core, this episode is about love that meets you where you are, the courage to keep showing up, and the quiet, powerful ways connection can move recovery forward.

    14 min
  6. S2/ E8/ PT2: Dallas's Story: I Don't Think We Can Survive This... Again.

    Apr 14

    S2/ E8/ PT2: Dallas's Story: I Don't Think We Can Survive This... Again.

    In Part 2 of this deeply personal conversation, Dallas shares the emotional and physical realities of his traumatic brain injury recovery, including the severe depression and suicidal ideation that followed his initial progress. His journey takes listeners through a complicated series of hospitalizations across the country, culminating in a life-threatening setback in 2024 when undiagnosed obstructive hydrocephalus caused intense pain, confusion, and seizures. After weeks of misdiagnoses, Dallas finally received critical care at Oregon Health & Science University, where advanced imaging revealed the true cause and led to urgent surgery. Throughout his recovery, moments of connection and "glimmers" of light offered emotional lifelines amid fear and uncertainty. Dallas speaks candidly about what kept him going during his darkest moments. The episode also explores the complex role of caregiving, the power of humor and joy in survival, and the importance of mental health support. Despite that devastating setback, Dallas continues to rebuild his life with resilience, purpose, and hope, now driven to support other veterans and survivors navigating similar paths. This episode is a raw and honest look at survival, love, and the determination to keep going...even when the road resets to zero.

    19 min
  7. S2/ E7/ PT1: What Happened to Dallas?

    Apr 13

    S2/ E7/ PT1: What Happened to Dallas?

    This episode of Lights On features a deeply personal and powerful conversation as Erin and Amanda are joined by Erin's son, Dallas, whose story inspired Erin to connect with Amanda to  create NeuroMoms Collective. Dallas shares his experience of surviving a catastrophic AVM rupture in 2022 while on active duty, leading to multiple brain surgeries, a coma, and significant physical and cognitive challenges, including aphasia and paralysis. Erin recounts the intense, often harrowing journey through multiple hospitals, advocating for his care, and ultimately securing life-saving treatment with a specialized neurosurgical team. The episode intentionally preserves the natural pace of Dallas's speech to authentically reflect life with aphasia and to foster deeper understanding and empathy. Together, they explore not only the medical trauma but also the emotional toll, including Dallas's struggles with depression and suicidal ideation during recovery. The conversation highlights the critical role of community, resilience, and relentless advocacy in navigating complex healthcare systems. Despite unimaginable setbacks, Dallas's story is one of perseverance and evolving hope. The episode closes on a turning point, setting up a continuation where his journey takes another unexpected and challenging turn.

    21 min
  8. S2/ E6/ PT2: Expectations, Independence, and Everyday Grace

    Mar 19

    S2/ E6/ PT2: Expectations, Independence, and Everyday Grace

    In part two of this conversation, Erin and Amanda explore what it really means to redefine "normal" after a brain injury—both for their children and for the relationships that surround them. They share how life often evolves in real time, with adjustments happening moment by moment, from navigating sensory challenges to rethinking independence, clothing, and daily routines. The conversation highlights how small shifts—like offering structured choices or simplifying decisions—can open the door to more connection, confidence, and joy. Along the way, they reflect on the mutual grace required on both sides, as caregivers and survivors learn together. It's an honest, practical, and ultimately hopeful look at building a beautiful life within a new reality.

    19 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Lights On is a podcast by NeuroMoms Collective, hosted by two mothers who know firsthand the journey of supporting a brain injury survivor. Amanda and Erin create a warm, honest space to talk about caregiving—the heavy, the hopeful, and the human. We chose the name Lights On because when a medical crisis hits, it can feel like someone has suddenly turned the lights off in your life. Joy feels distant, routines disappear, and the world becomes unfamiliar. But the light was never truly gone—we're here to help caregivers find it again and gently turn the lights back on. Guests include survivors, family members, medical professionals, and community partners who offer insight and support. This podcast is for anyone touched by brain injury who is seeking connection, grounding, and understanding. We're here to make sure no caregiver feels isolated in this experience. Come walk with us.

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