Lights On: A NeuroMoms Collective Podcast

S3/ E1/ PT1: Burnout isn't a Badge of Honor with Guest Autumn Kulchawik , LCSW

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Erin and Amanda welcome licensed social worker Autumn Kuchowiak from Rise and Thrive Wellness to explore one of the most important, and most overlooked, topics in caregiving: caring for yourself without guilt. Using the powerful concept of Spoon Theory, Autumn explains why caregivers often experience burnout, why energy is a limited resource, and how small acts of self-care aren't selfish... they're essential. Together, they unpack the challenges of asking for help, building a support system, and recognizing that you cannot care for someone else if you've completely depleted yourself. This honest conversation offers practical tools, validation, and hope for caregivers who are running on empty. www.psychologytoday.com/profile/721709 [https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/721709] www.linkedin.com/in/autumn-kulchawik-lcsw-91a245101 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/autumn-kulchawik-lcsw-91a245101]

S2/ E15/ PT2: Mother/ Daughter Recovery: The Unexpected Gift of Closeness

In the second half of this moving conversation, Erin and Amanda continue talking with Marina and her mother, Annalissa, about navigating life after stroke, seizures, and brain injury. Together, they discuss the overwhelming challenges of managing healthcare, insurance, and uncertainty while a daughter suddenly finds herself caring for her mother. Despite the grief and setbacks, they reflect on the unexpected gifts that emerged along the way; from finding joy during medical adventures to discovering meaningful community through Love Your Brain and local support groups. Their story is a powerful reminder that healing isn't just physical; it's also built through connection, grace, laughter, and the people who truly understand what you're going through.

S2/ E14: Turning Pain Into Purpose: Why Our Kids Said Yes

In this mini episode, Erin and Amanda invite the two people at the heart of NeuroMoms Collective, Dallas and Mackenzie, to share why they support the work being done through the podcast and nonprofit. They talk openly about giving permission to tell their family's story, why honest conversations about brain injury matter, and how sharing their hardest moments might help someone else feel less alone. Dallas reflects on finding purpose after surviving a brain injury, while Mackenzie explains why she believes caregivers need a community like this. Together, they remind us that healing is personal, but hope grows when we share our stories.

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.

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.