Beyond Brave

Most people don’t realize that palliative care isn’t just about end-of-life... it’s about helping medical families live better, right now. In this episode, I sit down with Kira Goodman, Project Director for Canada’s Pediatric Palliative Care Alliance, to talk about the launch of their brand-new Resource Hub designed to support families caring for seriously ill children. From navigating life at home to finding tools for caregivers a...

A new health update.
A bittersweet birthday.
A wink from Bella in the most unexpected place.
And a powerful new resource for medical families across Canada.

In this solo episode of Beyond Brave, I open up about life after my stage 3 kidney failure diagnosis and what’s shifted since my last update. I share the mix of emotions that came with celebrating Waylon’s 7th birthday, how grief shows up even in joy, and a beautiful sign from Bell...

Well, if you haven’t been following my stage 3 kidney failure diagnosis… you are now. In this episode of Beyond Brave, we open up about the latest health updates, including what my recent bloodwork revealed and the questions I’m asking as I dig into it all. We also reflect on our nearly two-week US camping trip — Oregon Coast and all — and what it taught us about family, laughter, and resilience on the road. But the heart of today’...

Lyle’s back on the mic! In this episode, we catch up on health updates (including our 36-hour fasts), answer your quick-fire Q&A from Instagram, and dive into what it’s like to keep Bella in our lives while moving forward. I also share about the 52 precious notes I recently lost, including journals since Bella’s passing, and why no one gets to dictate your grief. Plus, by the time you’re listening to this, we’ve already started...

This week on Beyond Brave, I’m sharing a lot; signs from Bella, my health struggles that have me drained and I open up about a painful betrayal that’s tested my faith and the inner battle between calling someone out or choosing peace. I also reflect on recent heartbreaking losses in the medical mom community and share how I’m preparing for an upcoming trip. Stick around for the listener Q&A at the end,  this solo episode covers...

Join me in a deeply heartfelt conversation with Benny and Dr. Nick Capaul, the empathetic identical twins who co‑host Let’s Talk About Death With the Capaul Twins. Benny, a funeral director following his family’s legacy, offers grounded, professional insight; while Dr. Nick, a psychologist, explores the emotional and healing dimensions of loss  .

In this special joint episode, I open up about my daughter Bella, sharing moments of gr...

In Part 2 of this deeply personal two-part episode, we continue sharing the story we’ve held closest to our hearts: the week our daughter Bella died. If Part 1 opened the door to those final days, Part 2 walks you through them. From the hospital room to Bella’s final moments, we recount the raw reality of saying goodbye, the sacredness of our time together, and the weight of decisions no parent should ever have to make.

We speak ope...

In this deeply personal two-part episode, we’re opening up about something we’ve never shared before: the week our daughter Bella died. As we mark one year without her, we take you back to those final days , what they looked like, what we felt, and the moments that changed us forever. In Part 1, we ease into the conversation with a touching story from Bella’s school before diving into a vulnerable discussion about how others acknow...

In this heartfelt conversation, Kyla sits down with Laura Lawrence , the founder of Youth Matter Canada, speaker, author, and host of the HeartTalk Podcast. Together, they explore Laura’s powerful journey through motherhood, grief, and mental health advocacy. From the raw truths in her memoir Behind Closed Doors, to the comforting wisdom in her children’s grief books, Laura’s mission to support struggling youth and families shines ...

In this tender, unfiltered conversation, Lyle opens up about navigating grief as a dad, the quiet heaviness, the unexpected moments of connection, and the signs that Bella is still close. From a mysterious golden orb caught on camera to a Killdeer returning to their yard, Kyla and Lyle share stories that are equal parts heartbreaking and hope-filled. Also: bird drama, pie miracles, and some laugh-worthy “dad truths” you won’t want ...

In this solo episode, Kyla shares deeply personal stories about her daughter Bella. Many precious moments and life lessons she’s never shared on Beyond Brave until now. A heartfelt conversation about grief, memory, and keeping love alive through story. > You can follow along with the Thomsons' daily life on Kyla's Instagram @kylact, where they continue to honour and carry forward their daughter Bella's brave legacy. ...

In this epsiode of Beyond Brave, I finally got Lyle back in the Brave Cave studio with me as we dive into your powerful listener questions. We talk about everything from when we flew home without Bella to the first transplant call that didn't go through. We also chat about the upcomming Golf For Wishes tournoment, share laughs and tears reflecting on recent signs from Bella and a lot more. Thanks for being here, your support me...

Three women, three different IVF journeys. In this episode I am joined by my two friends Stacey and Jen in the Brave Cave. We share each of our unique and deeply personal IVF stories, answer listener questions and hope this message helps others prior to, durring or post IVF treatments. We talk about the raw and real and unexpected, deeply personal parts of the whole process and so much more. Whether you're preparing for IVF, in...

In this solo episode of Beyond Brave, I’m cozying up with you for a real heart-to-heart. I share some sweet memories of Bella, talk about what life looks like these days, and give you a little behind-the-scenes peek into how I’m doing, the good, the hard, and the in-between.

I’ll fill you in on our recent trip to Mexico (yes, I have more to say on this!), chat about signs I’ve received from Bella lately, and answer some of your Inst...

In this episode of Beyond Brave, we open up about everything from signs from Bella during therapy to Kyla’s trip to Mexico—where a white seashell by the pool, a lizard named George, and some emotional encounters with strangers made her feel Bella's presence in unexpected ways. We answer your Instagram questions, talk about camping plans at Cypress Hills (Bella’s favorite place), and laugh about how Lyle rarely makes it onto the...

Hey everyone, Kyla here from 'Beyond Brave'! I'm so excited to share something really close to my heart with you all. It's called 'Seeds of Strength,' and think of it as a big virtual hug and resource hub just for us amazing medical parents.

I'm not doing this alone, thankfully! My wonderful friend Sarah is joining forces with me. You might know her – she's a registered psychotherapist and the powerho...

In Episode 22 of the Beyond Brave Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Meaghan Stovel McKnight, the CEO of Make-A-Wish Canada, about the incredible work the organization is doing for kids facing critical illnesses. We dove into how Make-A-Wish, which merged with Children’s Wish in 2019, has granted an amazing 40,000 wishes since 1983. Megan explained how these wishes are so much more than just a nice gesture—they’re a cruci...

In this episode of Beyond Brave, we (Kyla and Lyle) invite you into one of our most honest, tender conversations yet—sprinkled, of course, with our usual humor and a few unexpected laughs. We open up about the ongoing journey of grief after losing our sweet Bella, and what it’s been like finding our footing again, both individually and as a couple.

Lyle shares what it’s been like going back to work after eight months (spoiler: it’s ...

In this episode of Beyond Brave, we are excited to honor Green Shirt Day and raise awareness for Organ Donation Awareness Month. Kyla, who has shared the journey with our daughter Bella, welcomes two very special guests—Sarah and her mom, Cindy.

Sarah, a multi-organ transplant recipient, opens up about her incredible journey, starting with her birth diagnosis of a rare genetic condition called Megacystis Microcolon Intestinal Hypope...