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On the tip of my tongue - talking about Aphasia
By Jonathan Hirons and Rob EdwardsSociety & CultureBusinessHealth & FitnessMental HealthPersonal JournalsCareers
On the tip of my tongue - talking about Aphasia episodes
- Tom's Journey: Brain Injury and Recovery - Tom Ryan-Elliott
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Overcoming Trauma: Tom Ryan Elliott Talks Aphasia, Epilepsy, and Workplace Challenges
In this episode, we talk to Tom Ryan Elliott, who suffered a severe brain injury in 2014 leading to aphasia and epilepsy. He recounts his experience of how a work event in Las Vegas dramatically changed his life, leaving him in a coma and resulting in long-term disabilities. The discussion focuses on Tom's struggles and perseverance in the workplace, the lack of awareness about aphasia and epilepsy, and his journey towards building a new career in media and photography. Tom shares insights into the difficulties faced by people with disabilities in professional settings and his own future ambitions to raise awareness and secure more inclusive environments.
00:00 Introduction to Tom Ryan Elliott
02:25 Tom's Life-Changing Accident
05:42 Living with Aphasia and Epilepsy
08:22 Challenges in the Workplace
16:28 Pursuing a New Career in Media
26:49 Raising Awareness About Aphasia
01:55 Introduction to Tom Ryan Elliott
02:25 The Life-Changing Accident
04:38 Living with Aphasia and Epilepsy
08:22 Challenges in the Workplace
11:12 Pursuing a New Career in Media
16:18 Raising Awareness About Aphasia
25:31 Future Plans and Final ThoughtsSupport the show
Support the show: Donate Now
This podcast is funded by https://www.bas.org.uk
To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tipofmytonguefilmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tipofmytonguepodcast/
X: http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website
http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org34 min - On the tip of my tongue: Series 1 Episode 6 - What we have learned so far...
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Reflecting on the Journey: Uncovering the Themes of Aphasia Awareness
In the final episode of Series 1 of 'On the Tip of My Tongue,' hosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons review the key themes and insights from their podcast series dedicated to raising awareness about aphasia. They discuss the stigmatization and misunderstandings surrounding the condition, share personal stories from guests such as Dr. Trevor Powell and insights from Michael Shann on the role of carers. The episode underscores the importance of caring, the challenges faced by those with aphasia, and looks ahead to future technological advancements in treatment.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:16 Reflecting on the Series
00:59 Understanding Aphasia and Stigmatization
05:22 Personal Experiences with Aphasia
07:43 The Role of Carers
10:59 Future of Aphasia Treatment
11:15 Conclusion and Next StepsSupport the show
Support the show: Donate Now
This podcast is funded by https://www.bas.org.uk
To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tipofmytonguefilmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tipofmytonguepodcast/
X: http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website
http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org12 min - Understanding Mental Health: Is It Just Health? - with Dr Trevor Powell
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Intertwined Health: Neuropsychology, Brain Health, and Insights from Dr. Trevor Powell
In this episode of 'On the Tip of My Tongue,' Dr. Trevor Powell, a consultant clinical neuropsychologist, discusses the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, emphasizing how psychological processes influence physical conditions. He addresses the stigma surrounding mental health by comparing it to physical health problems. Dr. Powell provides insights into neuropsychology, detailing its evolution and its critical role in assessing and rehabilitating brain injuries. The conversation touches on cognitive rehabilitation, the significance of insight in brain injuries, and the importance of physical and mental activities for brain health. The episode also delves into aphasia, its impact on language functions, and aims to dispel prejudices associated with the condition. Additionally, there is a light-hearted discussion about walking football and its benefits for mental and physical well-being.
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Trevor Powell
01:56 The Interconnection of Physical and Mental Health
03:48 Understanding Neuropsychology
04:59 Insight and Cognitive Decline
07:35 Dr. Powell's Journey and Charity Work
11:03 Language Functions and Brain Injuries
15:50 Walking Football and Mental Health
18:16 Final Thoughts on Brain Health
Trevor Powell is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Neuropsychologist with over 30 years experience of working in mental health and neuropsychology in the NHS.He is the clinical lead and manager for neuropsychology service in Berkshire and specialises in head injury (TBI) and more recently Asperger’s Syndrome (ASD).
Dr Powell's books include: The Mental Health Handbook; Head Injury, A Practical Guide; The Brain Injury Workbook and, more recently, Recognising Asperger’s Syndrome.Support the show
Support the show: Donate Now
This podcast is funded by https://www.bas.org.uk
To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tipofmytonguefilmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tipofmytonguepodcast/
X: http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website
http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org24 min - On the tip of my tongue : Series 1 Episode 4 - Carers with Ann Hirons
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Caring for Loved Ones with Aphasia: A Personal Journey with Ann
In this episode of the 'On the Tip of My Tongue' podcast, we welcome Ann, Jon's wife, to discuss her experience caring for a partner with aphasia following his stroke. Ann shares her professional background in psychology and addiction therapy within the NHS, which provided her some tools in managing Jon's condition. The conversation covers the initial challenges, the importance of early intervention and therapy, and the support systems and strategies Ann employed to assist John's recovery. Ann emphasizes the value of support groups and staying positive, while highlighting her journey from managing overwhelming emotions to achieving significant milestones in Jon's rehabilitative process.
00:00 Introduction to Anne Hirons
00:46 Anne's Professional Background
03:26 Initial Challenges and Discoveries
05:56 Jon's Diagnosis and Early Days
10:22 Communication and Therapy Techniques
13:24 Impact on Relationship and Daily Life
20:00 Advice for Caregivers
23:15 Concluding Thoughts and Gratitude
Support the show
Support the show: Donate Now
This podcast is funded by https://www.bas.org.uk
To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tipofmytonguefilmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tipofmytonguepodcast/
X: http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website
http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org31 min - On the tip of my tongue: Series 1 Episode 3 - Caring and carers - Michael Shann
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Supporting Carers: Insights and Initiatives from Carers UK
In this episode, Michael Shann, head of carer support at Carers UK, discusses his 12.5-year journey with the charity, highlighting its mission to improve the lives of carers. He provides an in-depth overview of the services offered, including a helpline, online and in-person meetups, and various support resources. Michael also elaborates on the challenges carers face, such as mental health issues and financial difficulties, and emphasizes the vital role carers play in the economy. The conversation touches on ongoing campaigns for policy reform and future plans for Carers UK's 60th anniversary, aiming to increase awareness and support for carers.
00:00 Introduction and Personal Background
01:44 Day-to-Day Work at Carers UK
03:29 Support Services and Resources
04:36 Membership and Volunteering
06:41 Challenges and Peer Support
09:12 Finding and Accessing Support
11:16 Current Issues and Future Plans
16:54 The Role and Impact of Carers
20:14 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Carers UK is the leading national charity for unpaid carers.
It supports, advocate for, champion and connect carers across the UK, so that no one has to care alone.
Making life better for carersLooking after someone can be a rewarding experience but it can also be lonely and bewildering.
For almost 60 years Carers UK has been making life better for carers, raising their voices together to call for change and seek recognition and support.
Guided by a Board of Trustees that's primarily made up of current and former carers, it is here to make life better for carers, listening to what carers tell us and rooted in the real experiences of its members.
Support the show
Support the show: Donate Now
This podcast is funded by https://www.bas.org.uk
To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tipofmytonguefilmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tipofmytonguepodcast/
X: http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website
http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org24 min - On the tip of my tongue: Series 1 Episode 2 - Living with Aphasia and Charities
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Understanding Aphasia: A Deep Dive into the Hidden Disability
In this episode of the 'On the Tip of My Tongue' podcast, hosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons discuss aphasia, a little-known yet common condition affecting language and communication due to brain injury. They chat with Barbara Chalk, a retired speech and language therapist and trustee of the charity Say Aphasia, to explore why aphasia is under-recognized, the various challenges it poses, and the support structures available for those affected. Barbara shares insights on the nuances of the condition, its impact on self-esteem, and the importance of long-term support and community for rehabilitation and coping.
00:00 Introduction to Aphasia
00:15 Meet the Hosts and Guest
00:32 Understanding Aphasia
02:00 Challenges of Living with Aphasia
05:21 Misconceptions and Public Perception
07:49 Therapy and Rehabilitation
13:08 Long-term Support and Say Aphasia
14:01 Personal Experiences and Coping Strategies
15:08 Funding and NHS Challenges
17:20 Research and Future Directions
32:04 Conclusion and Resources
33:10 Preview of Next Episode
APHASIA
"A lot of people's experience of aphasia is that nobody knows what it is and it's a hidden disability. Not being recognised as having something seriously wrong with you is incredibly frustrating"
"Is there something, is this an insightful way to kind of talk about aphasia? Is there something inherent in the condition itself, being something to do with the voice rather than the body"
ABOUT SAY APHASIA
"The joy of it is it's run by people with aphasia. Now, you know, a lot of people with aphasia are quite young, working age, and if they can't go back to work, they're kind of, all their peers, all their friends will be working and they'll sit at home going feel so hopeless, I can't do anything."
BARBARA CHALK
Trustee of Say Aphasia - https://www.sayaphasia.orgBarbara is a retired NHS speech and language therapist who specialised with adults with aphasia and other neurological conditions.
Barbara has also worked as a personnel manager for a local business and is a director of an established online book business.
She founded and was Chair of the charity, Living with Aphasia, in Exeter which joined forces with Say Aphasia in 2022.
She believes in the positive impact the charity has on people living with aphasia.
She will support their dedicated team to sustain their strong and successful future
To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com
https://sayaphasia.org
http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/
The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website
http://aphasiatavistocktrust.orgSupport the show
Support the show: Donate Now
This podcast is funded by https://www.bas.org.uk
To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tipofmytonguefilmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tipofmytonguepodcast/
X: http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website
http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org35 min - On the tip of my tongue: Series 1 Episode 1 - Living with Aphasia
Send us Fan Mail
Understanding Aphasia: Personal Journeys and Insights
In this episode of 'On the Tip of My Tongue,' hosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons delve into the challenges and experiences of living with aphasia, a language disorder caused by brain injury. Jonathan shares his personal journey following a stroke, highlighting the struggles and the gradual recovery process. The discussion covers different types of aphasia, the importance of early therapy, and the social perceptions and misconceptions surrounding the condition. The episode aims to raise awareness, inspire hope, and provide valuable information for sufferers and their carers.
00:00 Introduction and Personal Story
00:15 Welcome to the Podcast
00:32 Understanding Aphasia
01:09 The Documentary: On the Tip of My Tongue
01:45 Experiencing a Stroke
02:54 Challenges with Language and Recovery
05:25 Raising Awareness and Offering Hope
06:23 Types of Aphasia
10:16 Road to Recovery
16:16 Social Confidence and Perceptions
21:23 Conclusion and Next Episode PreviewSupport the show
Support the show: Donate Now
This podcast is funded by https://www.bas.org.uk
To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@tipofmytonguefilmLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tipofmytonguepodcast/
X: http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website
http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org24 min
About On the tip of my tongue - talking about Aphasia
From the publisher's feed
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.
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