On the tip of my tongue - talking about Aphasia Podcast By Jonathan Hirons and Rob Edwards cover art

On the tip of my tongue - talking about Aphasia

On the tip of my tongue - talking about Aphasia

By: Jonathan Hirons and Rob Edwards
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About this listen


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 Career Success Economics Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences
Episodes
  • On the tip of my tongue Series 3 Episode 3 - Aphasia & Music

    On the tip of my tongue Series 3 Episode 3 - Aphasia & Music
    Jun 24 2025

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    Join us as Graham Hall shares his inspiring journey through music and Aphasia in our newest episode of "On the Tip of My Tongue". Learn how his passion for percussion and songwriting helps him overcome challenges. Listen today! 😊 #Aphasia #MusicHealing #Podcast

    Living with Aphasia: A Journey Through Music and Recovery

    Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons discuss the impact of Aphasia following a stroke experienced by Graham 10 years ago. The podcast, titled 'On the Tip of My Tongue', complements a film about Aphasia made by Jonathan. Aphasia impairs language skills and affects 350,000 people in the UK, yet remains relatively unknown. Graham shares his journey of adapting to life post-stroke, highlighting his transition from performing with Opera North to creating music and lyrics to aid his recovery and raise awareness. The discussion underscores the therapeutic power of music, the struggle with word-finding, and the broader impact of Aphasia.

    00:00 A Life-Changing Stroke
    01:03 Introduction to the Podcast
    01:22 Understanding Aphasia
    01:59 Personal Journey with Aphasia
    03:20 Musical Career and Aphasia
    05:02 Creating Music with Aphasia
    07:48 Future Aspirations and Reflections
    11:49 Conclusion and Resources


    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

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

    The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

    http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org
    Show more Show less
    13 mins
  • The Aphasia Awareness Month Special

    The Aphasia Awareness Month Special
    Jun 15 2025

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    Aphasia in Popular Culture and Awareness: Exploring the Silent Struggle

    In this episode of 'On the Tip of My Tongue,' hosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons delve into the world of Aphasia—a condition caused by brain injury that significantly impacts communication abilities. They discuss its portrayal in popular culture, specifically referencing a character with Aphasia in the detective series 'Department Q.' The hosts highlight the importance of Aphasia awareness, especially during June, the designated Aphasia Awareness Month. They share insights about various types of Aphasia, mention notable individuals like Maurice Ravel and Bruce Willis who have faced the condition, and the impact and advances in therapy. The conversation also touches on diverse topics including a musician friend, Graham Hall, and a nostalgic reflection on Rob's appearance in 'Doctor Who.' The episode underscores the significance of awareness and community support in understanding and managing Aphasia.

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Hosts
    00:45 Understanding Aphasia
    02:05 Aphasia in Popular Culture
    04:51 Interview with Graham Hall
    07:27 Famous People with Aphasia
    14:37 Rob's Doctor Who Experience
    19:58 Podcast Growth and Listener Demographics
    21:23 Conclusion and Resources

    Life in the key of Aphasia - https://grahamhall.bandcamp.com

    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

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

    The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

    http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org
    Show more Show less
    23 mins
  • On the tip of my tongue S3 E1 - Iain Stansfield and Dr Suzanne Beeke

    On the tip of my tongue S3 E1 - Iain Stansfield and Dr Suzanne Beeke
    May 19 2025

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    Navigating Conversations with Aphasia: Insights from Iain Stansfield

    In this episode of 'On the Tip of My Tongue,' hosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons explore the intricacies of living with aphasia through a conversation with Iain Stansfield and Dr. Suzanne Beeke. Iain shares his personal journey following a stroke, emphasising the challenges of communicating with aphasia and the impact on relationships. The discussion delves into experiences from the 'Better Conversations with Aphasia' therapy group, a program developed by Dr. Beeke at UCL. Key points include the significance of video reflection in improving communication strategies and the evolving dynamic between individuals with aphasia and their partners. Listeners are encouraged to support the podcast and can find more resources at stroke.org.uk, sayaphasia.org, or the NHS aphasia page.

    00:00 Understanding Aphasia: A Shift in Conversations
    00:34 Welcome to 'On the Tip of My Tongue'
    02:33 Introducing Iain Stansfield
    03:06 The Therapy Group Experience
    04:42 Reflections on Communication Challenges
    06:40 Impact of Video Reflections
    07:37 Changes and Insights Post-Therapy
    10:49 Future Directions and Final Thoughts
    12:33 Conclusion and Resources

    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

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

    The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

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