On the tip of my tongue - talking about Aphasia

By: Jonathan Hirons and Rob Edwards
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  • Summary


  • Jonathan Hirons's journey following his stroke and diagnosis of aphasia is both inspiring and informative. Here’s a summary of his experience and insights about aphasia:

    Jonathan's Experience with Aphasia


    1. Initial Incident:


    In January 2019, while in a business meeting, Jonathan began to feel strange and soon realized he could not communicate effectively. His colleagues quickly called for medical help.


    2. Medical Emergency:

    He was rushed to University College Hospital, where scans revealed he had suffered a stroke due to a bleed on the brain. He spent five nights in the hospital and was diagnosed with aphasia.



    3. Impact on Daily Life:


    - Jonathan struggled with basic tasks such as speaking, reading, and writing.
    - He had memory issues, recalling only his postcode but not his full address or other personal information.
    - He faced challenges in understanding spoken language but could still sign his name.


    4. Support from Family:

    His wife, Ann, played a crucial role in his recovery:
    - She encouraged him to read aloud daily and used flashcards to aid in word recognition and writing.
    - This early intervention was vital for his rehabilitation.



    5. Progress Through Therapy:

    With the help of speech therapy, Jonathan made significant improvements:
    - He regained much of his ability to read and write, although he still experiences difficulties, especially when tired.



    6. Advocacy and Awareness:


    - Jonathan has turned his experiences into a creative outlet by producing films, including "On the Tip of My Tongue" and "What is Aphasia?" These films aim to educate others about aphasia and its challenges.
    - He actively shares his story to raise awareness about aphasia as a hidden disability and the ongoing need for support beyond initial rehabilitation.



    Understanding Aphasia


    Aphasia is a language disorder that affects communication abilities, including:
    - Speaking: Difficulty in forming words or sentences.
    - Understanding: Challenges in comprehending spoken or written language.
    - Reading and Writing: Problems with reading text or writing coherently.



    Key Takeaways


    - Aphasia is often a result of brain damage, commonly from strokes, and can significantly impact daily life.
    - Early intervention and support are crucial for recovery.
    - Awareness and education about aphasia can help reduce stigma and improve support for those affected.

    Jonathan's story highlights the resilience of individuals facing such challenges and the importance of community support in their recovery journey.


    Copyright © 2025 Jonathan Hirons/Buffalo Lounge Studios All Rights Reserved.


    This film/video/podcast is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or transmission of this material is prohibited.


    For permissions or inquiries, please contact hello@buffalolounge.co.uk
    © 2025 Jonathan Hirons/Buffalo Lounge Studios All Rights Reserved. For permissions or inquiries, please contact hello@buffalolounge.co.uk
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Episodes
  • On the tip of my tongue Series 2 Episode 7 - Nigel Cheffers-Heard and Paula Fernley

    On the tip of my tongue Series 2 Episode 7 - Nigel Cheffers-Heard and Paula Fernley
    Feb 4 2025

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    Surviving Stroke and Navigating Aphasia: Nigel's Story

    This podcast episode titled 'On the Tip of My Tongue' features Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons discussing aphasia, a language impairment often caused by a stroke or brain injury. They interview Paula Fearnley and Nigel Cheffers-Heard to hear Nigel's journey of recovering from a stroke that resulted in aphasia. Paula shares her challenges as a caregiver, their struggles with the healthcare system, and Nigel's progress over six years. The episode explores the social and occupational difficulties faced by aphasia patients and highlights the importance of community support, exercise, and persistence in recovery. It concludes by addressing the need for better workplace integration for those affected by aphasia.

    00:00 A Shocking Turn of Events
    00:29 Introduction to the Podcast
    00:47 Understanding Aphasia
    01:25 Nigel's Stroke Journey
    04:07 The Struggle for Diagnosis
    07:42 Recovery and Rehabilitation
    10:57 Challenges in Daily Life
    25:16 Returning to Work
    31:58 Supporting Stroke Survivors
    36:57 Conclusion and Resources

    Say Aphasia Exeter

    Support the show

    Support the show: Donate Now


    To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com

    http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/

    The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

    http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org
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    38 mins
  • On the tip of my tongue Series 2 Episode 6 - Emma Rich: Battling Aphasia and Advocating for Neuro Rehab

    On the tip of my tongue Series 2 Episode 6 - Emma Rich: Battling Aphasia and Advocating for Neuro Rehab
    Jan 9 2025

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    Emma Rich: Battling Aphasia and Advocating for Neuro Rehab

    In this episode, Emma Rich, Charity Coordinator at Say Aphasia, shares her harrowing journey with severe brain injury and subsequent aphasia. She recounts her critical medical emergency, rehabilitation experiences, and the crucial role of neuroplasticity in her recovery. Emma discusses the importance of speech therapy, community support groups, and the uneven access to rehabilitation services. Advocating for better support and employment opportunities for brain injury and stroke survivors, Emma emphasizes the need for education, hope, and inclusive societal attitudes toward individuals with neurological conditions.

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome
    00:16 Emma's Brain Hemorrhage Experience
    01:51 Recovery Journey Begins
    03:45 Rehabilitation and Neuroplasticity
    05:58 Challenges and Support Systems
    10:21 Involvement with Say Aphasia
    18:43 Employment and Inclusivity
    29:34 Hope and Rehabilitation
    31:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    Say Aphasia website: https://www.sayaphasia.org

    Copyright © 2025 Jonathan Hirons/Buffalo Lounge Studios All Rights Reserved.


    This film/video/podcast is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or transmission of this material is prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact hello@buffalolounge.co.ukCopyright © 2025 Jonathan Hirons/Buffalo Lounge Studios All Rights Reserved.


    Support the show

    Support the show: Donate Now


    To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com

    http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/

    The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

    http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org
    Show more Show less
    35 mins
  • On the tip of my tongue Podcast: Hidden Voices: Reflections on Aphasia and Care 2024 Round up

    On the tip of my tongue Podcast: Hidden Voices: Reflections on Aphasia and Care 2024 Round up
    Jan 1 2025

    Send us a text

    Overcoming Aphasia and the Importance of Carers

    In this episode, the host reflects on past events and highlights key themes such as surviving a critical health incident in Las Vegas, the significant role of communication in recovery from strokes, and the challenges and strategies for living with aphasia. The episode also emphasizes the importance of unpaid carers, their economic contribution, and the need for perseverance in finding effective communication methods post-injury. The narrative draws an analogy to living in a foreign country to convey the experience of aphasia, highlighting its often hidden nature and the frustration of not being recognized for having a serious condition.

    00:00 Reflecting on Past Episodes
    00:10 A Harrowing Experience in Las Vegas
    00:40 The Importance of Communication Post-Stroke
    00:52 Meet Pete Cody: A Story of Resilience
    01:05 Tips for a Healthy Brain
    01:31 The Role and Impact of Unpaid Carers
    02:07 Understanding Aphasia: A Hidden Disability

    Support the show

    Support the show: Donate Now


    To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com

    http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/

    The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

    http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org
    Show more Show less
    3 mins

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