TRIGGER WARNING: This episode discusses medical trauma, brain tumors, miscarriage, and infant loss.

"I’m going to be strong for you." It’s the vow every caregiver makes, but rarely do we talk about the crushing weight of that promise. Ryan Leonard joins me to pull back the curtain on what it’s actually like to be the "well-spouse." When his wife Cheryl—who had already survived two brain tumors—experienced a sudden, sharp pain just four months after the birth of their second child, their world shifted back into a nightmare they thought they had escaped.

Ryan opens up about the "beauty and the burden" of caregiving. We dive into the reality of medical gaslighting between oncologists and radiologists, the agonizing choice between life-saving treatment and the dream of having more children, and the moment Ryan had to swallow his pride to ask for help. This isn't a story of toxic positivity; it’s a raw look at marriage, resilience, and choosing love even when it feels like a heavy weight.

Connect with Guest: Instagram: @ryanlinks_

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