In this deeply personal episode of Leave the Light On, Tammy Flake sits down with Brooke Quinn, a registered nurse and mother, who shares a story of unimaginable loss—and the strength it has taken to keep moving forward.

Brooke experienced suicide loss first as a teenager when her best friend, died after struggling with bullying and mental health challenges. Years later, Brooke lost her husband, to suicide while she was pregnant with their daughter.

But Brooke’s story raises another difficult and increasingly important question: What happens when someone in crisis turns to artificial intelligence instead of a person?

Brooke discovered conversations between her husband and AI that had become increasingly harsh, including discussions surrounding his mental health and suicidal thoughts. Her experience has left her questioning how AI should respond when someone is clearly in crisis—and why human connection, professional help, family, and trusted friends remain so important.

Brooke also opens up about pregnancy, grief, therapy, parenting after loss, emotional numbness, guilt, and the complicated reality of grieving someone who died by suicide.

Her message is simple but powerful: you don't have to carry this alone.

Grief isn't a straight line. Healing isn't either. But there can still be hope.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out to a trusted person or a qualified mental-health professional. In the United States, you can also call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

This is Brooke's story. Her experience. Her truth.

And maybe, by hearing it, someone else will know they're not alone.

Leave the Light On with Tammy Flake — a podcast about healing, hope, and the unseen battles people carry every day.

When You Think It’s the End, It Might Be the Beginning

What happens when the life you thought you were going to live suddenly changes?

In this episode of Leave the Light On, Tammy Flake sits down with James “Jim” Logan, a 62-year-old Ironman athlete, author, husband, and cancer survivor living with a stage-four metastatic colorectal cancer diagnosis.

Jim shares what happened when doctors told him he was dying—and how, after months of fear, anger, depression, and uncertainty, he made a decision that changed everything: stop planning to die and start planning to live.

Instead of giving up the things that gave his life meaning, Jim kept swimming, biking, and running. He wrote a book, dedicated its profits to charity, strengthened his faith, and set his sights on the Ironman World Championship in Kona.

But this conversation is about much more than cancer or endurance sports. It is about hope when life feels hopeless, the power of small victories, the importance of letting people help you, faith, relationships, vulnerability, and refusing to let the way you may die overshadow the way you choose to live.

Jim's message is simple: Just keep trying (tri-ing)!

Sometimes the finish line isn't where you thought it would be. Sometimes what feels like the end is actually the beginning of something new.

If you're struggling, facing your own dark place, or simply taking someone you love for granted, this conversation may give you a reason to pause, reach out, and keep going.

You don't have to be an Ironman. You just have to take the next step.

Leave the Light On with Tammy Flake — because you never know who needs a little light today.

When Someone Says “How Are You?” — Ask Them How They Really Are

In this powerful episode of Leave the Light On, Tammy Flake sits down with Utah media personality and suicide-prevention advocate Brandy Vega, founder of Promise to Live.

Brandy shares a deeply personal story of surviving a suicide attempt at 12, serving in the military and working in news media, and ultimately facing the unimaginable when her own daughter attempted to take her life.

What began as some of the darkest moments of her life became the catalyst for a mission to help others choose hope, connection, and another day.

Tammy and Brandy talk openly about breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and suicide, why we shouldn't be afraid to ask difficult questions, and the simple words that can change a conversation: “How are you really?”

Brandy also shares the ASK framework — Acknowledge, Support, Keep in touch — and explains how small acts of connection, including Promise to Live's “Pocket Hugs,” can remind someone that they are loved, needed, and not alone.

This conversation is about more than suicide prevention. It's about showing up for one another, recognizing that we never truly know what someone else is carrying, and turning awareness into action.

Sometimes saving a life starts with a text.
Sometimes it starts with a hug.
Sometimes it starts with simply asking, “How are you really doing?”

If someone comes to mind while listening to this episode, don't wait. Reach out.

You are loved. You are needed. And your story isn't over.