On the tip of my tongue - talking about Aphasia

Send us Fan MailCreativity, Hope, and Life After Stroke: Supporting People with Aphasia Beyond RehabHosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons introduce their “On the Tip of My Tongue” podcast, a follow-up to Jonathan’s film about aphasia, a brain-injury condition often caused by stroke that affects language in speaking, writing, reading, and texting; they note 350,000 people in the UK have aphasia yet public awareness is low compared with Parkinson’s. Guest Dr. Jess Johansson, a senior stroke researcher at the University of Leeds/Bradford Institute of Health Research, discusses her 13 years in stroke research and a planned NIHR fellowship application to integrate creative approaches into stroke care and extend support after services end. She describes using crafts like vision boards in stroke groups to promote relaxation, hope, and meaningful activity, emphasizing neuroplasticity and recovery beyond assumed plateaus. The conversation covers fragmented care, the value of groups and social connection, inclusion of people living alone or from deprived backgrounds, shifting away from deficit-focused models, engaging GPs, and raising aphasia awareness through public-facing art exhibitions.00:00 Creativity After Stroke00:25 Podcast Intro And Aphasia01:22 Meet Dr Jess Johansson02:00 Creative Care Fellowship Plan03:28 Why Creativity Helps05:04 Whole Person Recovery07:16 Research With Stroke Groups10:12 Access And Inequality12:01 Living Alone And Support13:28 Mental Health Adjustment15:50 Recovery Beyond Plateau19:43 GPs And Deficit Model23:01 Raising Aphasia Awareness25:47 Closing Thoughts And Thanks26:42 Resources And Communityhttp://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-jess-johansson-091923383/Support the showSupport the show:  Donate NowThis podcast is funded by https://www.bas.org.ukTo watch Jonathan’s film:  https://tipofmytonguefilm.comYouTube:    https://www.youtube.com/@tipofmytonguefilmLinkedin:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tipofmytonguepodcast/X:                http://x.com/buffaloloungeukThe Tavistock Trust for Aphasia websitehttp://aphasiatavistocktrust.org

Send us Fan MailAphasia Awareness Month Q&A: Myths, Carer Support, Recovery, and the FutureDuring Aphasia Awareness Month, the podcast hosts a Q&A on aphasia—an often overlooked language disorder affecting speaking, understanding, reading, and writing, commonly after stroke or brain injury—with more than 350,000 people living with it in the UK. Guest Ann Hirons shares a carer’s perspective, discussing how aphasia is treated as a secondary condition, its “quiet crisis” impact on identity and family life, and the need to avoid carer burnout by creating therapy-free zones. The episode debunks the myth that impaired speech means impaired intellect, offers practical tips for everyday interactions (patience, simple questions, don’t finish sentences, use writing/pointing), and explores living with slowed communication and fatigue. It addresses the post-NHS-therapy “cliff edge,” benefits of peer groups, realistic recovery through practice and small steps, and roles for AI tools and creative outlets like film, art, and music supported by neuroplasticity.00:00 Aphasia Awareness Intro01:49 Why Aphasia Is Overlooked03:53 Carer Burnout Balance06:11 Everyday Anxiety And Support09:20 Myths About Intelligence11:36 Simple Communication Tips13:41 Invisible Prison Advice16:16 Aphasia Fatigue Reality17:47 After Therapy Ends19:08 Recovery Expectations21:45 AI And Future Tools23:10 Creativity And Neuroplasticity25:53 Closing And Resourceshttps://www.sayaphasia.orgSupport the showSupport the show:  Donate NowThis podcast is funded by https://www.bas.org.ukTo watch Jonathan’s film:  https://tipofmytonguefilm.comYouTube:    https://www.youtube.com/@tipofmytonguefilmLinkedin:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tipofmytonguepodcast/X:                http://x.com/buffaloloungeukThe Tavistock Trust for Aphasia websitehttp://aphasiatavistocktrust.org

Send us Fan MailSpeak Up for Aphasia: A Global Awareness Campaign UpdateGuest Claire Bennington updates on fundraising for an international aphasia awareness campaign creating a suite of animated videos in multiple languages, launched worldwide with one consistent message. The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia has pledged £35,429 if matched; the campaign is at 57% (about £22,304/42,000 AUD) and aims to raise the remainder by end of June 2026, with a global launch targeted for Aphasia Awareness Month in June 2027. Partners include the Collaboration of Aphasia Trialists for native-speaker translations, champion networks, and free hosting of assets. The message emphasizes “recognize, respond and respect” and that aphasia does not affect intelligence; listeners are asked to donate, fundraise, provide support letters, and follow “Speak Up for Aphasia” on Facebook.00:00 Welcome and Hosts00:18 What Is Aphasia01:24 Campaign Mission and Funding Goal05:16 Global Partners and Translations06:42 Public Message Recognize Respond Respect09:03 Timeline to June 2027 Launch11:09 How You Can Support13:02 Wrap Up and ResourcesFacebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572140991752Donate to the International Aphasia Awareness campaign:https://justgiving.com/campaign/qarc-uq-aphasia-awarenessSupport the showSupport the show:  Donate NowThis podcast is funded by https://www.bas.org.ukTo watch Jonathan’s film:  https://tipofmytonguefilm.comYouTube:    https://www.youtube.com/@tipofmytonguefilmLinkedin:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tipofmytonguepodcast/X:                http://x.com/buffaloloungeukThe Tavistock Trust for Aphasia websitehttp://aphasiatavistocktrust.org