Shows
Brain FriendsAphasia, Dementia, and Stroke with Dr Roy HamiltonSend us a textA face that slips, a word that won’t come, an arm that won’t lift—tiny moments that point to massive truths about how the brain works, heals, and sometimes declines. I invited Dr. Roy Hamilton, neurologist, neuroplasticity researcher, and one of the clearest teachers in our field, to help us untangle aphasia, dementia, and stroke with practical language and unforgettable analogies.We start by separating terms people often blend. Dementia isn’t just memory loss; it’s a progressive decline across thinking skills that eventually limits independence. Aphasia is a language...
2025-10-0744 minBrain FriendsFrom Jordan River Baptism to Emergency Evacuation: Dr Seles's Unexpected JourneySend us a textDr. Seles shares her harrowing experience of being in Israel when war broke out in October, capturing both the fear of the situation and the remarkable perspective it gave her on American privilege.• Dr. Seles traveled to Israel with a church group of 60 people including her mother• She was baptized in the Jordan River by her childhood pastor who had originally baptized her 20+ years ago• Plans changed suddenly when they were redirected to Jerusalem due to a "developing situation"• They witnessed smoke in the distance as conflict began to escal...
2025-05-2733 minBrain FriendsWelcome to Season 3Send us a textHey Brain Friends, Celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Seles is at the heart of today's episode. I'm sharing the original recording of our neuroplasticity episode from 2022 that didn't make the cut. We had so much fun recording this but when we went to edit, the levels were not good. updates to the platform, there is a fix now. LOL We explore the concept of neuroplasticity and its role in recovery and personal growth, infused with laughter and ice breakers! We had such a good time recording this, I hope you enjoy...
2025-03-0645 minBrain FriendsHeartbreaking news about Dr Seles...Send us a textIn this brief episode of Brain Friends, Angie shares the devastating news of the passing of her beloved friend and co-host, Dr. Davetrina Seles Gadson, after a courageous battle with cancer.Dr. Seles, a brilliant and compassionate neuro nerd and speech-language pathologist, brought a unique blend of expertise and warmth to Brain Friends. Her insights and genuine concern for the aphasia community deeply resonated with listeners.Angie pays tribute to Dr. Seles's unwavering strength and grace throughout her illness. She reflects on the profound i...
2025-01-1310 minBrain FriendsCognitive Impairment and DementiaSend us a textIn this episode of Brain Friends, we delve into the complexities of cognitive function and its disorders. Angie shares her personal journey with cognitive impairment following a stroke, highlighting the challenges of aphasia and adapting to a "new normal." Dr. Seles provides insights into the differences of cognitive testing, explaining why certain tests are designed for specific populations and the importance of normalized testing.What you'll learn:How strokes, TBIs, and dementia affect the brain differentlyLearn ab...
2024-12-1731 minBrain FriendsLanguage AssessmentsSend us a textIn this episode of Brain Friends, we discuss language assessments used in individuals with aphasia and acquired communication disorders. Angie shares the benefits and challenges in completing language assessments and which type of assessment is beneficial to recovery. Dr. Seles discusses the difference between impairment-based tests like the Western Aphasia Battery (WAB) and participation-based tests like the Communication Activities of Daily Living (CADL). Together we discuss the importance of quality-of-life assessments and how aphasia impacts cognition. Finally, Dr. Seles shares 3 tips for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) to help surviv...
2024-10-1533 minBrain FriendsWhat is Anomic Aphasia?Send us a textIn this episode of Brain Friends, we share a behind-the-scenes conversation between Angie and Dr. Seles on Anomia. Together we weigh the benefits of recognizing the different types of Anomia and the challenges with diagnosis. Anomia is a fluent aphasia characterized by word-finding difficulty or the inability to name objects. Should we classify Anomia differently? What can Speech-Language Pathologists and researchers do to better help survivors with Anomia?www.aphasiaadvocates.com for Brain Friends Merch https://www.cognitiverecoverylab.com/seles ht...
2024-08-3115 minBrain Friends5 Ways to Contribute to Health EquitySend us a textIn this episode of Brain Friends, we discuss 5 ways everyone can contribute to health equity for Black people with aphasia. We give resources for caregivers to get compensated and encourage speech-language pathologists (SLPs) to support health literacy in clients. 1. Implicit Bias Training- to help practitioners recognize stereotypical beliefs that contribute to health inequities. 2. Workforce Diversity- may help clients with communication and participation in research by having practitioners who look like them. 3. Representation in Research- helps ensure generalization of findings and that all voices are included. http://www...
2024-07-2834 minBrain FriendsAphasia Awareness MonthSend us a textIn this episode of Brain Friends, we invite two stakeholders to celebrate Aphasia Awareness Month, Maura Silverman, the executive director of the National Aphasia Association (NAA), and Gee Jackson, a lawyer and stroke survivor with aphasia. Together we answer two important questions: 1. What do you know about aphasia now that you wish you would have known on day 1? 2. How can we bring awareness to aphasia? Listen, laugh, and learn how you can spread awareness about aphasia. Links:National Aphasia Association- https://aphasia.org/A...
2024-06-1130 minBrain FriendsAphasia Care PartnersSend us a textDoes it take a village to recover from a stroke? In this episode of Brain Friends, we talk about aphasia support with Angie's care partner Kiehl Cauthorn. We discuss the difference between caregivers and care partners, the stages of care in post-stroke aphasia, and advocacy with insurance companies. We give tips to speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and other practitioners on how to include the caregiver/care partner in therapy. Finally, we remind aphasia survivors that "you are better today than you were yesterday and you will be better tomorrow than yo...
2024-05-0631 minBrain FriendsPrimary Progressive AphasiaSend us a textIn this episode of Brain Friends, we explore primary progressive aphasia or PPA. Dr. Seles unravels the complexities of PPA versus other aphasia types and describes the difference between a stroke and frontal temporal dementia.Angie shares analogies highlighting the key differences from other forms of aphasia.The impact of PPA on individuals, their families, and communities is ongoing. This episode of Brain Friends is a must-listen for survivors, students, and health professionals. www.aphasiaadvocates.com for Brain Friends Merc...
2024-02-2926 minBrain FriendsReading AphasiaSend us a textIn this episode of Brain Friends, we discuss reading and writing difficulties that can co-occur with aphasia. "Alexia" is an acquired reading disorder with difficulty seeing and reading words or understanding the meaning of written words. "Agraphia" is the loss of a previous ability to write. Angie discovers new terms related to her aphasia and the connection in the brain. Dr. Seles shares clinical stories on navigating alexia in therapy and the role speech-language pathologists play in helping survivors reintegrate into the community.www.aphasiaadvocates.co...
2024-02-0131 minBrain FriendsNeuroplasticity Part 2Send us a textIn this episode of Brain Friends, we invite Dr. Roy Hamilton, Professor of Neurology, Psychiatry, and Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania and Director of Penn’s Laboratory for Cognition and Neural Stimulation (LCNS), for a part 2 discussion on Neuroplasticity. We begin with the fundamental concept that brains are plastic and designed to change based on experience. Dr. Roy shares how the quality of care in recovery will help language get stronger or activities become easier because the brain reorganizes and adapts als...
2023-11-2858 minBrain FriendsAphasia TreatmentSend us a textIn this episode of Brain Friends, we discuss aphasia treatment and ways Speech Language Pathologists support recovery.Treatment settings and strategies from automatic speech tasks to errorless learning are explained with examples. Dr. Seles discusses health equity in aphasia and how to avoid implicit bias. How insurance demands dictate treatment tasks and ways SLPs can write treatment goals to align with function. Angie shares the importance of inclusion in research, treatment, and the use of patient-reported outcomes. She discusses her treatment journey and the importance of the L...
2023-09-2938 min
ASHA VoicesBenefits of Conversation in the Lives of People with AphasiaGuests explore the ways in which conversation can play a role in fighting social isolation for people with aphasia, as well as provide an important way to experience community and connection.First, the hosts of the Brain Friends podcast – Angie Cauthorn, an advocate for people with aphasia, and SLP Seles Gadson. The duo discusses their aphasia-centered podcast and address the critical role of conversation groups, such as the Black American Aphasia Conversation Group, in fostering that community and connection. Angie also shares her experience with the language disorder.Later in the episode, we’re joined by p...
2023-06-2229 minBrain FriendsAphasia ResearchSend us a textBrain Friends Season 2 kicked off with Angie interviewing Dr. Seles on Aphasia Research. We discuss sampling biases and how to make sure research is demographically representative. Dr. Seles shares 3 tips on how to recruit a diverse sample in research and the role stakeholders have in health equity.Finally, we confirm that research is told by who holds the pen and the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.www.aphasiaadvocates.com for Brain Friends Merch https://www.cognitiverecoverylab.com/seles https://aphasia.org/stories/announcing-the-davetrina-seles-gadson-health-equity-grant-program/
2023-06-1431 minBrain FriendsSleep and the BrainSend us a textSeason Finale. Episode 11 is full of humor as we discuss the importance of sleep and the brain.Angie shares her fear around sleeping after her stroke and how she communicated fatigue "I feel like I have on two mink coats".Dr. Seles discusses the link between sleep loss and poor brain health. We share tips for healthy aging and sleep hygiene. Finally, Brain Friends goes on the road to the Clinical Aphasiology Conference. We want to hear your feedback . Please leave us a review or a topic y...
2023-05-1131 minBrain FriendsAphasia Pro TipsSend us a textIn this episode of Brain Friends, we apply 5 professional athlete tips to aphasia recovery.What do survivors with aphasia and athletes have in common? The drive to unlock their full potential through fitness, fuel, mental health, recovery, and tribe.Angie shares strategies to use Aphasia Pro Tips throughout stroke recovery.Dr. Seles discusses how Aphasia Pro Tips apply to graduate students navigating school. www.aphasiaadvocates.com for Brain Friends Merch https://www.cognitiverecoverylab.com/seles https://aphasia.org/stories/announcing-the-davetrina-seles-gadson-health-equity-grant-program/
2023-04-0938 min
Aphasia Access ConversationsEpisode #102: Researching Health Disparities in Minority Stroke Survivors with Aphasia with Davetrina Seles-GadsonWelcome to the Aphasia Access Aphasia Conversations Podcast. I'm Ellen Bernstein-Ellis, Program Specialist and Director Emeritus for the Aphasia Treatment Program at Cal State East Bay and a member of the Aphasia Access Podcast Working Group. AA strives to provide members with information, inspiration, and ideas that support their aphasia care through a variety of educational materials and resources. I'm today's host for an episode that will feature Davetrina Seles Gadson. We'll discuss her work involving how brain lesion characteristics may intersect with aphasia recovery, race, and psychosocial factors, as well as issues involving health-related quality of life assessments.
2023-03-2845 minBrain FriendsAphasia TypesSend us a textIn this episode of Brain Friends, we discuss aphasia types affiliated with celebrities. Dr. Seles categorizes hallmark features between left and right-hemisphere strokes. Angie shares which celebrity resembles her aphasia. Together we discuss Aphasia conferences and the importance of diversity and inclusion.www.aphasiaadvocates.com for Brain Friends Merch https://www.cognitiverecoverylab.com/seles https://aphasia.org/stories/announcing-the-davetrina-seles-gadson-health-equity-grant-program/ Our beloved colleague, Dr. Davetrina Seles Gadson, passed away January 11, 2025. Dr. Gadson was an extraordinary speech-language pathologist and neuroscience re...
2023-01-3129 minBrain FriendsNeuroplasticitySend us a textIn this episode of Brain Friends, we discuss neuroplasticity and share tips that promote brain health. Angie shares the analogy of what aphasia feels like and how doing repetitive or new activities helped her stroke recovery. Dr. Seles shares the importance of Use It or Lose It and how your daily routine can strengthen neural connections in the aging brain.Finally, because neuroplasticity is activity driven, we do exercises that may leave Brain Friends with new connections....or notShow Notes: Brain Games6 Brain Exercises f...
2022-11-2835 minBrain FriendsAphasia ConferenceSend us a textIn this episode of Brain Friends, we recap the events from the 1st annual Aphasia Awareness Conference in Philadelphia, PA. Angie had an idea and in conjunction with Temple University put on a conference for survivors with aphasia and caregivers. Dr. Seles was the keynote speaker. Listen to our highlights of the "perfect day".Angie recaps the informative day with 160 people in attendance, the Sounds of Joy Choir, food, vendors, and a message for people with aphasia to keep thriving. She shares her definition of aphasia being an "invisible disability" and the...
2022-11-0137 minBrain FriendsMental HealthSend us a textIn this episode of Brain Friends, we talk about mental health with counseling psychologist Dr. Lauren. Stroke survivors with aphasia often experience depression or grief related to loss of social roles and communication. Speech-language pathologists play a role in helping clients navigate emotion when it shows up during therapy. Dr. Seles discusses the importance of Speech-Language Pathologists (SLP) taking a helping skills class to learn how to support mental health in rehabilitation. Helping skills include how to validate emotion, reflect back a feeling, and show empathy. Angie shares how emot...
2022-09-1951 minBrain FriendsAphasia AdvocacySend us a textIn this episode of Brain Friends, we talk about aphasia advocacy. We discuss health equity and the importance of diversity and inclusion in healthcare and speech-language pathology.Dr. Seles unpacks the disparities in science, research, and stroke care for minoritized groups. Angie shares her personal experience of stroke care and how it influenced her to start two aphasia resource organizations. Take home message: "There is no cure for brain damage there is only healing". This is the continuing education podcast credit you need. www.apha...
2022-08-2428 minBrain FriendsWhat About Your FriendsSend us a textIn this episode, we talk about social isolation after Aphasia and the importance of a social circle in recovery. Angie discusses the difficulty with maintaining friendships after a stroke and gives advice on how simple gestures like a phone call or movie invitation can help a person feel supported. Dr. Seles breaks down the components of social functioning related to social support, social network, social participation, and social roles. This episode validates the need for practitioners to target the social aspects of recovery with language. Angie shares the...
2022-08-0832 minBrain FriendsTop 10 Jobs: Speech Language PathologistSend us a textIn this episode, we talk about all things Speech-Language Pathology. According to the 2022 US NEWS, Speech Language Pathologists rank #10 in the 100 Best Jobs. We agree! Speech-language pathologists (SLP) work with adults with aphasia to restore communication and quality of life. Are you making your clients feel uncomfortable or more emotional? Dr. Seles provides master clinician tips for seasoned and early career SLPs. Angie shares challenges with post-stroke aphasia including information overload. You'll hear what makes a good SLP and what Angie wishes SLPs would stop doing.Is there an in...
2022-07-1430 minBrain FriendsAphasia MattersSend us a textIn this episode of Brain Friends we talk about having aphasia on vacation, paraphrasing as a successful communication tool, and #aphasia trending after a celebrity diagnosis. Angie shares fluency and relaxation tips important for airport travel and social communication with friends and family. Dr. Seles learns the importance of making sure practitioners and researchers focus on functional language that helps with community integration of social activities like dining out. Together we address an ongoing question in the field, if practitioners should still classify aphasia types? We end this...
2022-06-1426 min
Brain FriendsBrain Friends IntroductionSend us a textMeet Dr. D. Seles a Neuroscientist and clinical Speech-Language Pathologist and Angie C., a stroke survivor and aphasia advocate. In this episode, Dr. Seles and Angie C. share how they met and provide insight into aphasia, with humor and laughter as these two self-proclaimed neuro nerds journey together as stakeholders determined to make a difference. Our goal is to create a space for practitioners and people with aphasia that facilitates solid communication, good information and a smile. In the words of Angie C. "you are not at the end you are at...
2022-06-0427 min