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
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    On the tip of my tongue S2 E11 - Breaking Barriers: Disability Awareness and Inclusion with Sarah Petherbridge
    Apr 8 2025

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    Breaking Barriers: Disability Awareness and Inclusion with Sarah Petherbridge


    In this episode of 'On the Tip of My Tongue,' hosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons discuss the challenges and misconceptions surrounding disabilities, particularly aphasia. They are joined by Sarah Petherbridge, a disability trainer and speaker who shares her experiences of living with profound deafness and working in the corporate sector. Sarah emphasizes the importance of creating inclusive workplaces and the need for a shift from diversity initiatives to genuine inclusion. She discusses the impact of government policies on disability rights, the importance of technology, and the necessity of changing societal attitudes. The conversation also highlights strategies for small businesses to promote inclusivity without incurring substantial costs. The episode underscores the broader definition of disability and the significant progress needed to close the disability employment and pay gaps.

    00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
    00:36 Understanding Aphasia
    01:13 Meet Sarah Petherbridge: Disability Trainer and Speaker
    02:19 Sarah's Journey and Business
    03:02 Challenges and Changes in Disability Inclusion
    06:17 Employment Gaps and Workplace Adjustments
    19:39 The Role of Technology in Disability Inclusion
    20:30 Social Perceptions and Personal Experiences
    31:29 Future Outlook and Final Thoughts
    32:51 Conclusion and Resources

    https://www.sarahpetherbridge.co.uk

    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
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  • On the tip of my tongue Series 2 Episode 10 - Resilience and Recovery: Talia Lazarus' Inspiring Journey

    On the tip of my tongue Series 2 Episode 10 - Resilience and Recovery: Talia Lazarus' Inspiring Journey
    Mar 19 2025

    Send us a text

    In this episode of 'On the Tip of My Tongue,' hosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons welcome Talia Lazarus, a presenter, broadcaster, and host of the mental health podcast, 'I Got Back Up.' Talia shares her harrowing story of a devastating electric scooter accident in 2021, which resulted in serious leg injuries and an 18-month rehabilitation journey. She discusses her physical and mental recovery, overcoming multiple surgeries, and even achieving the incredible feat of running a half marathon only 10 months post-surgery. The conversation delves into the power of mindset, the significance of embracing fears, and the transformative journey that led Talia to a successful career in sports broadcasting and mental health advocacy. With heartfelt anecdotes and insightful advice, this episode underscores the importance of resilience, community, and self-belief.

    00:00 Introduction to Talia Lazarus' Journey
    00:48 Understanding Aphasia
    01:49 The Accident and Immediate Aftermath
    03:59 The Road to Recovery
    05:58 Running a Half Marathon
    09:29 Starting the Podcast
    13:56 Career as a Presenter and Broadcaster
    21:44 Embracing Positivity and Overcoming Challenges
    31:43 Reflections and Future Plans
    36:56 Closing Remarks and Farewell

    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
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    On the tip of my tongue S2 E9 - Rebuilding Lives: Brain Injury Support with HEADWAY's Tamsin Keyes
    Mar 11 2025

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    Understanding Acquired Brain Injuries: Challenges and Support Systems plus Returning to Work

    In this episode, Jonathan interviews Tamsin Keyes, the Publications and Research Manager at HEADWAY, the Brain Injury Association. Tamsin provides an in-depth explanation of what constitutes a brain injury, ranging from traumatic incidents to medical complications like strokes and aneurysms. She also outlines the difficulties individuals face when returning to work post-injury, including cognitive challenges and workplace accommodations. The discussion highlights the hidden nature of brain injuries and the importance of awareness, support, and legal rights under the Equality Act. Tamsin also shares resources and services provided by HEADWAY, including their helpline, local support groups, and vocational rehabilitation options. The episode aims to raise awareness and offer practical advice for individuals affected by brain injuries and their families.

    00:00 Introduction to HEADWAY and Brain Injury
    00:28 Understanding Brain Injuries
    02:50 Challenges of Returning to Work
    08:14 Support Systems for Employment
    14:37 HEADWAY's Services and Support
    23:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    www.headway.org.uk

    www.acas.org.uk

    www.gov.uk/government/collections/disability-confident-campaign

    www.jobcentreguide.co.uk/about-disability-employment-advisors

    www.gov.uk/guidance/equality-act-2010-guidance

    www.vrassociationuk.com/resources-for-individuals

    www.ncvo.org.uk/get-involved/volunteering/volunteering-opportunities


    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
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    28 mins

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