Shows
When Words Don't Come EasyEp. 9 When Words Don't Come Easy - Building My Own RecoveryFourteen years ago, Eric Jackson survived a stroke that changed the way he communicates and sees the world. When his insurance ran out early in his recovery, formal therapy stopped, but Eric didn’t. He built his own routine, practicing speech and physical exercises every day, reading anything he could out loud, even the back of a mustard bottle, determined not to lose ground. For more than a decade, no one officially diagnosed him with aphasia, and he didn’t even know the word until two years ago. In this episode, Eric shares what it was like to live with...
2026-02-2232 minWhen Words Don't Come EasyEp. 8 When Words Don't Come Easy - What No One Told Me About Surviving a StrokeRalph Cortese, host of Stroke Warrior Radio, joins us to share his story. From the shock of his stroke to the early hospital days where information felt incomplete and overwhelming, Ralph opens up about what he wishes someone had told him from the start.He talks candidly about the frustration and the mental health battle that followed.This episode is deeply personal. It is about rebuilding confidence, reclaiming your voice, and facing the emotional side of recovery that often gets ignored. Ralph’s honesty makes this conversation one that every survivor, caregiver, and family member needs to he...
2026-02-1535 minWhen Words Don't Come EasyEp. 8 When Words Don't Come Easy - What No One Told Me About Surviving a StrokeRalph Cortese, host of Stroke Warrior Radio, joins us to share his story. From the shock of his stroke to the early hospital days where information felt incomplete and overwhelming, Ralph opens up about what he wishes someone had told him from the start.He talks candidly about the frustration and the mental health battle that followed.This episode is deeply personal. It is about rebuilding confidence, reclaiming your voice, and facing the emotional side of recovery that often gets ignored. Ralph’s honesty makes this conversation one that every survivor, caregiver, and family member needs to he...
2026-02-1534 minWhen Words Don't Come EasyEp.7 When Words Don't Come Easy - A Stroke Of LuckIn this episode, we talk with Aithal, a stroke survivor and author of A Stroke of Luck. He shares what it was like to lose language, and still feel a deep need to tell his story. We talk about recovery, family across continents, and what it means to keep communicating when the words don’t always come.#aphasia #stroke #strokerecovery #strokesurvivor #strokeawareness #aphasiaawareness #speechtherapy #braininjury #slp #strokewarrior #speechtherapist #speechpathology #apraxia #aphasiatherapy #autism #strokerehab #invisibleillness #hopeafterstroke #thestrokestoryteller #mysayforstroke #strokeresearch #strokerehabilation #pictureaphasia #notalone #braininjuries #strokewarriors #believeagain #smallsteps #strokefighter #mindset
2026-02-0140 minWhen Words Don't Come EasyEp.6 When Words Don't Come Easy - Finding Your Voice Again | Aphasia PhilIn this episode, we sit down with Aphasia Phil (Phil Oxendine), an aphasia advocate who turned a lack of representation into action.After his stroke, Phil noticed something missing. There were very few real, relatable aphasia voices on YouTube. So instead of waiting for someone else to tell those stories, he started telling his own.Phil shares his personal journey with aphasia, what recovery has really looked like, and the moment he realized how critical support groups and community are for people living with communication challenges. We talk about isolation, finding people who truly understand...
2026-01-1849 minWhen Words Don't Come EasyEp.5 When Words Don't Come Easy - The Work No One SeesIn this episode, Bonnie shares her story as Roger’s wife and primary caregiver, beginning with the moment she discovered him during his stroke and the call to 911. She walks us through the shock and uncertainty of those early hospital days, learning on the fly, staying present, and making decisions when nothing felt clear.Bonnie talks candidly about what came next. The long hours in therapy, the repetition, and the progress that feels invisible from the outside. She opens up about the emotional whiplash of caregiving, the quiet victories, the frustration, the exhaustion, and the joy that still finds it...
2026-01-1122 minWhen Words Don't Come EasyEp.4 When Words Don't Come Easy - Chasing My VoiceIn this episode, we sit down with Annie Humling, who had a stroke at just 20 years old—making her story unique and incredibly inspiring. Since then, she’s faced the daily challenge of finding her words, rebuilding her voice, and navigating life with aphasia. Annie shares the long, frustrating, and sometimes hilarious journey of speaking again, giving a rare perspective on persistence, patience, and the effort it takes to make every word count.
2026-01-0449 minWhen Words Don't Come EasyEp.3 When Words Don't Come Easy - Showing Up When Words Don'tRick Partlow lives with aphasia. His friend Bruce Fairbairn shows up. He goes to speech therapy with Rick, helps with the homework, and stays in it with him.Both come from the entertainment industry, where communication is everything. This episode is about what real support looks like and why showing up matters when words don’t come easy.
2025-12-2841 minWhen Words Don't Come EasyEp.2 Inside Aphasia TherapyJoin us as we explore the personal experiences of Roger, a stroke survivor, and his dedicated speech therapist, Carol Graiwer. Discover the challenges and triumphs of regaining communication skills, the importance of family support, and the relentless pursuit of progress. This episode sheds light on the emotional and practical aspects of speech therapy, offering hope and insights for anyone touched by aphasia. Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience and recovery.
2025-12-2136 min
When Words Don't Come EasyEp.1 Roger’s Stroke & Aphasia StoryIn the debut episode of "When Words Don't Come Easy," Justin and Roger share the poignant journey of living with aphasia following a stroke. This episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of Roger's recovery, offering insights into the impact of aphasia on communication and daily life. Listeners will hear about the initial shock, the ongoing therapy, and the unwavering support from family. Join us as we explore the resilience of the human spirit and the power of storytelling in overcoming adversity.
2025-12-1327 min