‘Someone that I’ll never, ever forget’: Ryan Reynolds appears on ‘Beyond Brave’ podcast in memory of Sask. girl

WATCH: Bella Thompson’s family are processing their grief through a podcast called Beyond Brave. Hallee Mandryk has more.

Bella Thomson’s family are working through their grief in the form of a podcast – remembering the 10-year-old who captured the hearts of those across both Saskatchewan and the world.

Bella’s passing on July 14, 2024, was felt by many, as the charismatic and fun-loving little girl had gained quite the social media following after documenting her lengthy medical journey alongside her mother, Kyla.

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Now, Kyla is using podcasting as a way to both share her family’s story, and work through some heavy emotions.

Recently, Canadian actor, Ryan Reynolds appeared on the podcast last Sunday, to share some fond memories of the young star.

“You can tell right away it was like, she was like it had the wisdom of somebody who’s, sixth generation grandma,” Reynolds said on the podcast.

“Yeah, but also that sense of humor of like a young Richard Pryor. It’s very unique it’s someone that I’ll never, ever forget.”

Kyla says the opportunity to share Bella’s story alongside her husband, Lyle, has helped the two on their healing journey.

“Originally, Bella and I wanted to start a podcast. It was going to be a mother/daughter sort of thing, and then to have my husband in there and be able to talk about our grief counseling, talk about the strong amount of people that have been a part of our life and Bella’s life and their effect on our journey as medical parents, we’re just finding it so therapeutic,” Kyla explained.

The podcast kicked off in November of 2024, with the first several episodes featuring Kyla and Lyle talking about their family and experiences.

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According to the couple, the creative outlet has brought a lot of joy in the few months since it began.

“My husbands never really stepped into the limelight,” Kyla explained. “So, this is very new for him, and to see him shine in this way, it’s been really awesome and really fun.”

Reynolds was the podcast’s second guest. The first being Josh Fletcher, also known as Anxiety Josh, a therapist who specializes in helping others with anxiety.

“Our goal for 2025 is to have a lot more guests on our podcast,” Kyla said. “So to get two off the hop, not only a therapist, but then also a celebrity is like, ‘Oh my goodness, we’re off to a really, really great start.‘”

Ryan Reynolds has been a long-time advocate for the Toronto-based, SickKids Hospital, which is how he came to know the Thomson family.

“Ryan has such a deep connection with Bella through, SickKids Hospital. So, it was really nice to be able to share that entire story that not a lot of people have been able to know,” Kyla shared.

“[Bella] really captured the heart of a lot of people. You guys [Kyla and Lyle] obviously put really good stuff in her, to be that person ... and that’s not easy. What you’ve navigated is, unimaginable and unthinkable, for most people – but also Bella was born with something different blowing through her,” Reynolds said on the podcast.

The Thomsons hope the podcast can be a source of help and comfort for anyone who has experienced similar circumstances.

“It’s not really often talked about, a grieving parent, a bereaved parent is not often so vulnerably talked about. So, knowing that this is helping other parents like us ... it’s like I’ve always said, there’s healing and helping others,” Kyla added.

As for what’s next? Kyla shared that she has a growing list of dream guests for the podcast including Hayley Wickenheiser, David Foster, and Halsey, all of whom had the opportunity to meet Bella.

“I just want to say a really big thank you to everyone who’s been listening so far to our podcast,” she said.

“It means the most to Lyle and I that people remember and understand who Bella was and what she did and how she taught us all to be brave.”