Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke

Today we meet Trish Hambridge, who discovered that recovery isn't just about rebuilding what was lost—it's about creating something entirely new. Through her journey with aphasia, Trish has become a powerful advocate, founding National Aphasia Synergy, a peer-led organization that proves together, we are greater than the sum of our parts.

Community Conversation Prompt:

Trish shares that meaningful contributions help her stay healthy and happy. How do you support others in big or small ways? 

Trish's Suggested Resources:

• National Aphasia Synergy (NAS)
• NAS Aphasia and Mental Health Video
• NAS Peer Befriending Program
• NAS - The Synergy Turf: Anxiety vs. Excitement 
• NAS Facebook Page
• Aphasia Games for Health
• Effects of tDCS Video
• How Positive and Negative Emotions Affect People with Aphasia Naming Pictures
• Journey Back to "Life is Good" Video
• P2Go App
• Project Designing Game-Based Rehabilitation Experiences for People with Aphasia
• Project Exploring Post Traumatic Growth in Aphasia
• Stroke Survivor Tips and Tricks
• Yike! I Had The Yips for Aphasia Video

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

Today we meet Trish Hambridge, who discovered that recovery isn't just about rebuilding what was lost—it's about creating something entirely new. Through her journey with aphasia, Trish has become a powerful advocate, founding National Aphasia Synergy, a peer-led organization that proves together, we are greater than the sum of our parts.

Community Conversation Prompt:

Trish shares that meaningful contributions help her stay healthy and happy. How do you support others in big or small ways? 

Trish's Suggested Resources:

• National Aphasia Synergy (NAS)
• NAS Aphasia and Mental Health Video
• NAS Peer Befriending Program
• NAS - The Synergy Turf: Anxiety vs. Excitement 
• NAS Facebook Page
• Aphasia Games for Health
• Effects of tDCS Video
• How Positive and Negative Emotions Affect People with Aphasia Naming Pictures
• Journey Back to "Life is Good" Video
• P2Go App
• Project Designing Game-Based Rehabilitation Experiences for People with Aphasia
• Project Exploring Post Traumatic Growth in Aphasia
• Stroke Survivor Tips and Tricks
• Yike! I Had The Yips for Aphasia Video

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

Today, we welcome our guest, Eric Anderson, who discovered his greatest strength in his most vulnerable moment. When a sudden stroke left him completely paralyzed from the neck down, Eric realized he still possessed what he calls his "superpower" – the ability to choose his thoughts, even when everything else was beyond his control. Join us as Eric shares how he transformed a medical crisis into a masterclass in resilience, built a "positivity plan" that changed his recovery trajectory, and learned the profound difference between enduring challenges and embracing them. His story reveals how sometimes our most difficult moments become the gateway to our most meaningful purpose.

Community Conversation Prompt:

• In what ways have you chosen your environment or thoughts in order to create a positive space?

Mentioned Resources:

• Champion the Challenges Booklets
• Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
• M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital - Burnsville, MN
• M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital - Edina, MN

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

Today, we welcome our guest, Eric Anderson, who discovered his greatest strength in his most vulnerable moment. When a sudden stroke left him completely paralyzed from the neck down, Eric realized he still possessed what he calls his "superpower" – the ability to choose his thoughts, even when everything else was beyond his control. Join us as Eric shares how he transformed a medical crisis into a masterclass in resilience, built a "positivity plan" that changed his recovery trajectory, and learned the profound difference between enduring challenges and embracing them. His story reveals how sometimes our most difficult moments become the gateway to our most meaningful purpose.

Community Conversation Prompt:

• In what ways have you chosen your environment or thoughts in order to create a positive space?

Mentioned Resources:

• Champion the Challenges Booklets
• Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute
• M Health Fairview Ridges Hospital - Burnsville, MN
• M Health Fairview Southdale Hospital - Edina, MN

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

Today on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we offer another Community Special highlighting University of Pittsburgh's Community Aphasia Center Support Group led by Chrisa Kravetz.  They meet monthly to promote social engagement and supportive communication.  Join us as members dive into what they hope others will learn from their journey with aphasia and the connections they've built together.

Community Conversation Prompt:

• What do you hope others learn from your journey?

Mentioned Resources:

• University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences
• Homewood Community Engagement Center
• University of Pittsburgh Community Aphasia Center Support Group

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

Today, we welcome guest Jim Dana, who takes us on an honest exploration of how a stroke nearly three decades ago reshaped his sense of self. Guided by an inner voice that evolved over time, Jim shares how he learned to embrace honesty, vulnerability, and self-reflection to become who he calls “Jim Dana version 2.” Join us as he shares his journey of navigating uninvited emotional outbursts, discovering unexpected gratitude, and choosing every day to grow into a better version of himself. 

Community Conversation Prompt:

• In what ways has your stroke journey led you to become a better version of yourself?

Guest's Suggested Resources:

PsuedoBulbar Affect

• American Stroke Association on PsuedoBulbar Affect.
• Mayo Clinic on PsuedoBulbar Affect.

Life Lessons

• David Brooks, “How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen,” Random House, 2023.
  • A wonderful book about how to connect with others that is written for all imperfect people, not just stroke survivors.
• Parker Palmer, “Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation,” Jossey-Bass, 1999.
  • Parker Palmer also wrote many other wonderful books including “The Courage to Teach.”
• “The Downside with Getting What You Want,” New York Times, April 18, 2025.

Rational Emotive Therapy Book Lists

Rational Emotive Therapy is not typically suggested as a treatment for PsuedoBulbar Affect.  Jim found it more useful for controlling his anger and frustration, and only slightly helpful for controlling his laughter and crying. Jim learned Rational Emotive Therapy mainly in therapy and not through reading books.

• Albert Ellis Institute.
• Amazon.com.

Other

• Carolers Who Sang to Jim in 1996.
• Jim Dana is a professor of economics and business. This is his web page.

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

Today, we welcome guest, Jim Dana, who takes us on an honest exploration of how a stroke nearly three decades ago reshaped his sense of self. Guided by an inner voice that evolved over time, Jim shares how he learned to embrace honesty, vulnerability, and self-reflection to become who he calls “Jim Dana version 2.” Join us as he shares his journey of navigating uninvited emotional outbursts, discovering unexpected gratitude, and choosing every day to grow into a better version of himself. 

Community Conversation Prompt:

• In what ways has your stroke journey led you to become a better version of yourself?

Guest's Suggested Resources:

PsuedoBulbar Affect

• American Stroke Association on PsuedoBulbar Affect.
• Mayo Clinic on PsuedoBulbar Affect.

Life Lessons

• David Brooks, “How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen,” Random House, 2023.
  • A wonderful book about how to connect with others that is written for all imperfect people, not just stroke survivors.
• Parker Palmer, “Let Your Life Speak: Listening for the Voice of Vocation,” Jossey-Bass, 1999.
  • Parker Palmer also wrote many other wonderful books including “The Courage to Teach.”
• “The Downside with Getting What You Want,” New York Times, April 18, 2025.

Rational Emotive Therapy Book Lists

Rational Emotive Therapy is not typically suggested as a treatment for PsuedoBulbar Affect.  Jim found it more useful for controlling his anger and frustration, and only slightly helpful for controlling his laughter and crying. Jim learned Rational Emotive Therapy mainly in therapy and not through reading books.

• Albert Ellis Institute.
• Amazon.com.

Other

• Carolers Who Sang to Jim in 1996.
• Jim Dana is a professor of economics and business. This is his web page.

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

Today, we welcome guest Doug Alford.  Before his stroke two years ago, he served as a mediator helping organizations and individuals navigate change; now, he applies those same tools to his own recovery.  Doug shares candid reflections on fear, vulnerability, and the challenge of rebuilding a life forever changed.  Join us as he offers five tools for adapting when life shifts in ways we never chose.

Community Conversation Prompt:

• How has vulnerability become one of your strengths?

Guest's Tools for Processing Change:

1. Clarify Mission and Purpose
2. Cultivate Determination and Will
3. Practice Flexibility and Adaptability
4. Uphold Respect for Self and Others
5. Engage in Clear and Consistent Communication

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

Today, we welcome guest Doug Alford.  Before his stroke two years ago, he served as a mediator helping organizations and individuals navigate change; now, he applies those same tools to his own recovery.  Doug shares candid reflections on fear, vulnerability, and the challenge of rebuilding a life forever changed.  Join us as he offers five tools for adapting when life shifts in ways we never chose.

Community Conversation Prompt:

• How has vulnerability become one of your strengths?

Guest's Tools for Processing Change:

1. Clarify Mission and Purpose
2. Cultivate Determination and Will
3. Practice Flexibility and Adaptability
4. Uphold Respect for Self and Others
5. Engage in Clear and Consistent Communication

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

Today, we welcome guest Joe Malinowski who spent decades standing up for others—as a union leader and advocate for abused children—but after a stroke, he was left questioning his own worth. In this episode, Joe shares how the people around him—his care team, his wife, and fellow survivors—empowered him when he couldn’t see his own strength. Now, he’s giving back, using his story to uplift other stroke survivors. From isolation and paralysis to connection and purpose, Joe reminds us how deeply healing it can be to feel seen, supported, and believed in.

Mentioned Resources:

• Bikers Against Child Abuse (Baca)
• Brigham Mass General Neuro Sciences
• Dr. Kathy Post's Stroke of Inspiration Support Group
• Encompass Rehabilitation Hospital of Western Massachusetts
• Identity Theft: Rediscovering Ourselves After Stroke
• Stroke Onward

Community Conversation Prompt:

How has supporting someone else in their recovery helped you in yours?

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth