Live Out Loud Podcast

In this episode of Live Out Loud, Kyler Mentzel is joined by his wife, Bria, for an honest conversation about what everyday life looks like with a cochlear implant. Kyler shares some of the challenges that come with work, restaurants, background noise, listening fatigue, and everyday conversations. He also reflects on learning to ask others to repeat themselves, becoming more confident in advocating for his hearing needs, and the importance of having supportive family, friends, and coworkers. 🎧 Tune in to hear: -What everyday life can look like with a cochlear implant -How background noise and listening fatigue affect communication -Why asking others to repeat themselves is so important -How Kyler has become more confident advocating for himself -Why patience and support can make such a difference Whether you have a cochlear implant, support someone who does, or simply want to better understand the experience, this episode offers an honest look at the everyday challenges and victories that come with learning to hear in a new way. 💬 Listen, follow, and share—and remember to Live Out Loud.

Episode 3: Walking Beside a Friend Through Hearing Loss

In this heartfelt episode of Live Out Loud, Kyler sits down with his childhood best friend, Edward De La Cerda, for an honest conversation about friendship, resilience, and transformation.

Edward shares what it was like to witness Kyler’s life before the tragic accident—and the powerful changes that followed. From growing up together to navigating uncertainty, loss, and growth, this episode offers a rare perspective from someone who has known Kyler through every chapter.

Together, they reflect on how adversity reshapes identity, strengthens relationships, and reveals what truly matters. This conversation is deeply meaningful for anyone walking through unexpected change—or supporting someone who is.

As we close out the year, we’re reminded of the power of community, perspective, and living out loud—no matter the circumstances.

🎄 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Live Out Loud Podcast!

Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to hope, healing, and continued growth in the year ahead.

🎧 Listen on all podcast platforms or watch on YouTube.

In this episode of Live Out Loud, Kyler sits down with his audiologist, Dr. Rachel Bringewatt, for an honest and informative conversation about cochlear implants. Together, they break down common misconceptions, discuss what the recovery process really looks like, and share what patients can expect throughout their cochlear implant journey.

Whether you’re considering a cochlear implant, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about hearing technology, this episode offers clear, compassionate insights from both the patient and provider perspectives.

• The most common myths and misconceptions about cochlear implants
• What to expect before, during, and after surgery
• How recovery truly feels — physically and emotionally
• Tips for setting realistic expectations and staying motivated
• Why every CI journey is unique

Dr. Rachel Bringewatt is a board-certified audiologist with over 21 years of experience. A Midwest native, she earned her Master’s from Wichita State University and her Doctor of Audiology from Salus University. Her career has taken her through ENT clinics across Texas, Nebraska, and the Gulf Coast, where she has specialized in balance disorders, educational audiology, and managing audiology departments. She has also worked with a major hearing aid manufacturer.

Dr. Bringewatt is passionate about empowering patients through personalized treatment and education. She has a special interest in hearing conservation for musicians.

In the very first episode of Live Out Loud, host Kyler Mentzel sits down with someone who’s been by his side through it all — his wife, Bria.

Bria opens up about the day everything changed — when a baseball injury left Kyler with a severe concussion and complete hearing loss in his right ear. She shares what those first few days were like, the emotions that came with the unknown, and how their faith helped them navigate the challenges that followed.

Together, Kyler and Bria talk about the life-changing moment they discovered the possibility of a cochlear implant, and how Autumn Oak Speech, Voice, and Hearing played a crucial role in Kyler’s recovery and rehabilitation journey.

This episode gives listeners a heartfelt look at hearing loss from a spouse’s perspective — the fears, the prayers, and the victories that come with rediscovering sound and hope.

🎧 Tune in to hear:

• Bria’s emotional retelling of the day of Kyler’s injury
• How their family leaned on faith and community support
• The role Autumn Oak played in helping Kyler regain his hearing
• What life looks like now — and what “living out loud” really means

💬 Listen, follow, and share if you or someone you love has been impacted by hearing loss — and remember, no matter what life brings, you can always choose to Live Out Loud