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’s conversation is grief: how leaving home can stir tears, and how returning can feel even heavier, as memories and absence collide. We share Waylon’s honest reflections, the beautiful sign from Bella we received while traveling, and how we’re learning to carry both the joy and the ache wherever we go. If you’re navigating health struggles, family travel, or the complexities of grief, this one’s for you.
--------
1:00:10
--------
1:00:10
#034 - Lyle's Back! Health Updates, Quick-Fire Q&A, & Our US Camping Trip
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 our big two-week camping trip through the US and down to the Oregon Coast, and we can’t wait to tell you all about it! Follow along on my socials for current stories and adventures! @kylact on IG & TikTok. Bella Brave on Facebook.
--------
51:08
--------
51:08
#033 - The Battle to Heal Inside & Out
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 a lot!
--------
1:22:24
--------
1:22:24
#032 - Let's Talk About Death x Beyond Brave: Bella's Story
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 grief, resilience, and love. Producer Kelley described our discussion as “their best episode they’ve ever done,” and credited us for the deeper connection and authenticity brought to the mic. She believes Bella must have been smiling down, proud of her amazing mama.This conversation isn’t just testimony, it’s an invitation. If you’re navigating grief, or simply seeking a genuine space for healing, you’re not alone. The twins’ compassion and professional insights combine to uplift and guide, packing real emotional resonance and practical wisdom. Be sure to check out the Let’s Talk About Death podcast — available on all major podcast platforms. You can also find more of my story, our family’s journey, and all things Bella Brave on my socials:@KylaCT on Instagram and TikTok, and Bella Brave on Facebook.And as always, you can watch this episode on YouTube, just search KylaCT to find my channel.
--------
53:51
--------
53:51
#031 - Part Two - One Year Without Bella: Looking Back On Her Final Week
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 openly about what it felt like to hold her hand through the unknown, and how those last hours continue to shape every part of who we are now. It’s painful. It’s real. And it’s filled with a love so deep, we had to share it, not just for Bella, but for every family walking a similar road.This episode is for those who need to know they’re not alone in their grief… and for those trying to understand what it truly means to survive the unthinkable.As always, we invite you to come closer , follow along with us on Instagram and TikTok: @kylact and @lylemt. And if you’d prefer to watch rather than listen, the Beyond Brave podcast is also available on my YouTube channel: @KylaCT.
Meet Kyla and Lyle Thomson, co-hosts of Beyond Brave. As parents to Bella Brave, who inspired the world with her courage, they spent over a decade navigating her rare medical challenges. Together, they've channeled their experiences into helping others find resilience and healing. On Beyond Brave, Kyla and Lyle share stories of hope, love, and the lessons they've learned—both through Bella's journey and in their everyday family life. Join them as they honor Bella’s legacy and inspire others to find light even in the darkest moments.
South Africa