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

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

Today on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we offer a 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.  Today's conversation highlights the importance of finding a safe and supportive community of understanding individuals.  We hope this conversation reminds you that you are not alone and that there are others who could benefit from your wisdom and companionship too.  Join us as members dive into lessons they’ve learned through recovery.

Community Conversation Prompt:

• What supportive advice did you most need early in your recovery?

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 Dr. Simbi Animashaun, who shares her story that begins with a pounding headache during a night class at grad school and unfolds through the heartbreak of miscarriage and the isolation of stroke recovery. Dr. Simbi takes us through the darkness she faced and the moment she chose life. Join us as she reflects on rediscovering her strength, reclaiming her purpose, and embracing her second chance with clarity and conviction.

Community Conversation Prompt:

• What moment in your recovery reminds you of your strength?

Guest's Mentioned Resources:

• Dr. Simbi Animashaun on Instagram and Facebook
• United By Loss Foundation
• The Power of Healing: A Memoir of Loss & Victory
• Horizon Over the Spectrum
• Mama, What Is Autism? A Coloring & Activity Book for Children Ages 2-7 by Dr. Simbi Animashaun
• Spectrum of Love: My Journey Through Autism by Dr. Simbi Animashaun
• Death Taught Us How To Live - AVM Superhero's Youtube Channel
• Greg Graham's Story and Interview
• Sue Phipps' Story and Interview
• Molly Buccola interviewed by Greg Graham

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 Dr. Simbi Animashaun, who shares her story that begins with a pounding headache during a night class at grad school and unfolds through the heartbreak of miscarriage and the isolation of stroke recovery. Dr. Simbi takes us through the darkness she faced and the moment she chose life. Join us as she reflects on rediscovering her strength, reclaiming her purpose, and embracing her second chance with clarity and conviction.

Community Conversation Prompt:

• What moment in your recovery reminds you of your strength?

Guest's Mentioned Resources:

• Dr. Simbi Animashaun on Instagram and Facebook
• United By Loss Foundation
• The Power of Healing: A Memoir of Loss & Victory
• Horizon Over the Spectrum
• Mama, What Is Autism? A Coloring & Activity Book for Children Ages 2-7 by Dr. Simbi Animashaun
• Spectrum of Love: My Journey Through Autism by Dr. Simbi Animashaun
• Death Taught Us How To Live - AVM Superhero's Youtube Channel
• Greg Graham's Story and Interview
• Sue Phipps' Story and Interview
• Molly Buccola interviewed by Greg Graham

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

As a way to celebrate Dan rolling through our hometown of Bend, OR again the first week of January, we are reposting Dan Zimmerman's story and interview from September of 2024.

Dan The-Trike-Man Zimmerman suffered a series of strokes due to Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT).  About four years after his last stroke, Dan woke in the middle of the night and vowed to get his life back on track.  And that he did.  Dan found freedom, community, and purpose through trike riding, a passion that has since fueled his recovery and empowered him to help others on similar journeys.

In this episode, we’ll hear how Dan transformed his life, founding the nonprofit ‘Spokes Fighting Strokes’ to share how trike riding can speed recovery and save lives. This is a story of survival, rediscovery, and purpose.

Community Conversation Prompt:

 If you made a vow to yourself to make positive change, what would your vow be?

Dan’s Suggested Resources:

• Azub Trikes 
• Catrike Recumbent Bikes
• Cycle Con 
• Dan Zimmerman Facebook 
• Spokes Adaptive Cycling Facebook 
• Spoke Fighting Strokes - 501c3
• Spokes Fighting Strokes Facebook

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

As a way to celebrate Dan rolling through our hometown of Bend, OR this week, we are reposting Dan Zimmerman's story and interview from September of 2024.

Today we welcome Dan The-Trike-Man Zimmerman who suffered a series of strokes due to Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT).

About four years after his last stroke, Dan woke in the middle of the night and vowed to get his life back on track.  And that he did.  Dan found freedom, community, and purpose through trike riding, a passion that has since fueled his recovery and empowered him to help others on similar journeys.

In this episode, we’ll hear how Dan transformed his life, founding the nonprofit ‘Spokes Fighting Strokes’ to share how trike riding can speed recovery and save lives. This is a story of survival, rediscovery, and purpose.

Dan’s Suggested Resources:

• Azub Trikes 
• Catrike Recumbent Bikes
• Cycle Con 
• Dan Zimmerman Facebook 
• Spokes Adaptive Cycling Facebook 
• Spoke Fighting Strokes - 501c3
• Spokes Fighting Strokes Facebook

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