Best Beyond Stillness Stories After Stroke Podcasts (2025)

1
Real Life: Awake in a Dream - Erica Bartley’s Interview - Part Two 33:09

Play Pause

3d ago33:09

33:09

Today we meet a woman whose life was defined by constant motion—conference to conference, idea to idea, achievement to achievement. She traveled with a car full of plans and a calendar full of purpose, moving through her days on autopilot while her consciousness split between the present moment and endless to-do lists. But her body was already tryi…

1
Real Life: Awake in a Dream - Erica Bartley’s Story - Part One 26:58

8d ago26:58

26:58

Today we meet a woman whose life was defined by constant motion—conference to conference, idea to idea, achievement to achievement. She traveled with a car full of plans and a calendar full of purpose, moving through her days on autopilot while her consciousness split between the present moment and endless to-do lists. But her body was already tryi…

1
Voices of Resilience - Angel James 9:48

19d ago9:48

9:48

Welcome to Voices of Resilience: A Beyond Stillness Program where our storytellers speak directly to those beginning their recovery journey. What follows is a message from one stroke survivor to another, born from experience, compassion, and hope. After her stroke left her paralyzed on her right side and unable to talk, sing, or walk, Angel James f…

1
Voices of Resilience - Michelle Humphrey 5:22

19d ago5:22

5:22

Welcome to Voices of Resilience: A Beyond Stillness Program where our storytellers speak directly to those beginning their recovery journey. What follows is a message from one stroke survivor to another, born from experience, compassion, and hope. Instead of offering unsolicited advice to stroke survivors in their first year of recovery, Michelle c…

1
Voices of Resilience - Sue Aigner Phipps 5:00

19d ago5:00

5:00

Welcome to Voices of Resilience: A Beyond Stillness Program where our storytellers speak directly to those beginning their recovery journey. What follows is a message from one stroke survivor to another, born from experience, compassion, and hope. After waking from a five-day coma in 1990 with right-sided paralysis and aphasia, Sue Aigner Phipps fo…

1
Voice of Resilience - Eric Anderson 6:10

19d ago6:10

6:10

Welcome to Voices of Resilience: A Beyond Stillness Program where our storytellers speak directly to those beginning their recovery journey. What follows is a message from one stroke survivor to another, born from experience, compassion, and hope. After a stroke caused by vertebral artery dissection left him unable to move anything below his neck, …

1
Presence and Acceptance - Kelly Steinberg’s Interview - Part Two 36:21

24d ago36:21

36:21

Today we meet Kelly, an Ashtanga yoga student and teacher trained in the practice of holding each posture—observing her thoughts and feelings and learning to simply be present without reaction. Six years ago, Kelly woke up with a strange feeling in her chest. Emergency open heart surgery led to spinal and brain strokes that left her unable to move …

1
Presence and Acceptance - Kelly Steinberg's Story - Part One 20:46

24d ago20:46

20:46

Today we meet Kelly, an Ashtanga yoga student and teacher trained in the practice of holding each posture—observing her thoughts and feelings and learning to simply be present without reaction. Six years ago, Kelly woke up with a strange feeling in her chest. Emergency open heart surgery led to spinal and brain strokes that left her unable to move …

1
A Teacher's Lesson Through Aphasia - Mary Borrelli's Story - Part One 25:32

1M ago25:32

25:32

Today we meet Mary, a teacher who knew her calling from childhood—organizing cousins into line while playing school in Lynn, Massachusetts. For twenty-four years, Mary taught with passion until a stroke on January 28th, 2010 changed everything. She couldn't speak at all for three months—only shake her head yes or no. Her first word came spontaneous…

1
A Teacher's Lesson Through Aphasia - Mary Borrelli's Interview - Part Two 30:56

1M ago30:56

30:56

Today we meet Mary, a teacher who knew her calling from childhood—organizing cousins into line while playing school in Lynn, Massachusetts. For twenty-four years, Mary taught with passion until a stroke on January 28th, 2010 changed everything. She couldn't speak at all for three months—only shake her head yes or no. Her first word came spontaneous…

1
Community Special Part One - Overlake Aphasia Communication & Support Group 27:12

2M ago27:12

27:12

Today on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we're offering another Community Special featuring the Overlake Aphasia Communication & Support Group at Overlake Medical Center in Bellevue, Washington led by Emily Wimberly. This dedicated group meets monthly, creating a space where members connect, practice communication skills, and discover new wa…

1
Community Special Part Two - Overlake Aphasia Communication & Support Group 23:34

2M ago23:34

23:34

Today on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we're offering another Community Special featuring the Overlake Aphasia Communication & Support Group at Overlake Medical Center in Bellevue, Washington led by Emily Wimberly. This dedicated group meets monthly, creating a space where members connect, practice communication skills, and discover new wa…

1
My Path to Aphasia Advocacy - Kimberley Kristen Jones' Interview - Part Two 18:36

2M ago18:36

18:36

Today we meet Kimberley, who persevered through hardships growing up. On Thanksgiving Day 2012, a stroke furthered that storyline—leaving her unable to speak in a hospital hallway despite desperate attempts to call for help. The stroke caused aphasia, affecting her ability to find words. Now Kimberley not only perseveres in her own life, but also a…

1
My Path to Aphasia Advocacy - Kimberley Kristen Jones' Story - Part One 20:33

2M ago20:33

20:33

Today we meet Kimberley, who persevered through hardships growing up. On Thanksgiving Day 2012, a stroke furthered that storyline—leaving her unable to speak in a hospital hallway despite desperate attempts to call for help. The stroke caused aphasia, affecting her ability to find words. Now Kimberley not only perseveres in her own life, but also a…

1
Put Your Boots On - Virgil Robinson's Story - Part One 20:55

3M ago20:55

20:55

Today we meet Virgil, who learned that strength isn't about being untouchable—it's about discovering what you're truly capable of when everything changes. From that confusing June evening in 2018 to becoming a beacon of hope in Pittsburgh's aphasia community, Virgil's story reminds us that sometimes life's greatest purpose emerges not despite our s…

1
Positive Voices: Building Aphasia Synergy - Trish Hambridge's Interview - Part Two 29:39

3M ago29:39

29:39

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…

1
Positive Voices: Building Aphasia Synergy - Trish Hambridge's Story - Part One 22:38

3M ago22:38

22:38

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…

1
The Power to Choose - Eric Anderson's Interview - Part Two 31:56

3M ago31:56

31:56

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…

1
The Power to Choose - Eric Anderson's Story - Part One 25:43

3M ago25:43

25:43

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…

1
Community Special- Part Two - University of Pittsburgh's Community Aphasia Center Support Group 31:48

4M ago31:48

31:48

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 ap…

1
Choosing Change - Jim Dana's Interview - Part Two 41:35

5M ago41:35

41:35

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 …

1
Choosing Change - Jim Dana's Story - Part One 21:51

5M ago21:51

21:51

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 o…

1
A Mediator's Process for Change - Doug Alford's Story - Part One 20:11

5M ago20:11

20:11

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 …

1
A Mediator’s Process for Change - Doug Alford's Interview - Part Two 31:50

5M ago31:50

31:50

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 …

1
Empowered to Empower - Joe Malinowski's Story - Part One 25:45

5M ago25:45

25:45

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…

1
Empowered to Empower - Joe Malinowski's Interview - Part Two 22:19

5M ago22:19

22:19

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…

1
Community Special - Part One - University of Pittsburgh's Community Aphasia Center Support Group 28:09

6M ago28:09

28:09

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 u…

1
Blurred Vision, Clear Purpose - Dr. Simbi Animashaun's Interview - Part Two 34:18

6M ago34:18

34:18

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 …

1
Blurred Vision, Clear Purpose - Dr. Simbi Animashaun's Story - Part One 23:13

6M ago23:13

23:13

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 …

1
How the Trike Saved My Life - Dan Zimmerman's Interview - Part Two 32:44

6M ago32:44

32:44

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…

1
How the Trike Saved My Life - Dan Zimmerman's Story - Part One 20:46

6M ago20:46

20:46

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…

1
Transition Techniques - Natalie Shao's Interview - Part Two 30:02

6M ago30:02

30:02

Today, we welcome guest Natalie Shao to share her story that begins with a surprise diagnosis just weeks before college and unfolds across two decades of life-altering transitions. From the shock of discovering a cerebral AVM at seventeen to navigating the aftermath of brain surgery, hemiparesis, and epilepsy, Natalie’s journey is one of heartbreak…

1
Transition Techniques - Natalie Shao's Story - Part One 20:39

6M ago20:39

20:39

Today, we welcome guest Natalie Shao to share her story that begins with a surprise diagnosis just weeks before college and unfolds across two decades of life-altering transitions. From the shock of discovering a cerebral AVM at seventeen to navigating the aftermath of brain surgery, hemiparesis, and epilepsy, Natalie’s journey is one of heartbreak…

1
Reconnecting with the Mountain and Myself - Brad McKenzie's Interview - Part Two 27:26

7M ago27:26

27:26

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Brad McKenzie to share his powerful and vivid stroke recovery story filled with life-threatening urgency, deep peace, resilience, and the pursuit of connection and purpose. We dive into ways small acts of kindness illuminate unique paths toward trust and create a foundation for s…

1
Reconnecting with the Mountain and Myself - Brad McKenzie's Story - Part One 23:29

7M ago23:29

23:29

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Brad McKenzie to share his powerful and vivid stroke recovery story filled with life-threatening urgency, deep peace, resilience, and the pursuit of connection and purpose. We dive into ways small acts of kindness illuminate unique paths toward trust and create a foundation for s…

1
Transform Luck to Systematic Change - Chuck Toeniskoetter's Story - Part One 21:50

7M ago21:50

21:50

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome Chuck Toeniskoetter, a well educated businessman, philanthropist, and family man. In the year 2000, life was moving fast for Chuck, but on a December afternoon, his world changed in an instant. Confused as the signs of stroke appeared, his luck took over. The ski patrol nurse on duty k…

1
Transform Luck to Systematic Change - Chuck Toeniskoetter's Interview - Part Two 35:02

7M ago35:02

35:02

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome Chuck Toeniskoetter, a well educated businessman, philanthropist, and family man. In the year 2000, life was moving fast for Chuck, but on a December afternoon, his world changed in an instant. Confused as the signs of stroke appeared, his luck took over. The ski patrol nurse on duty k…

1
Part of Something Greater - Chris Wilder's Story - Part One 25:32

7M ago25:32

25:32

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we spotlight guest Chris Wilder from Los Gatos, CA. Chris learned to play the guitar in his teens. In addition to his passion and diligent work ethic, he credits his fellow musicians as teachers and co-creators. He learned at a young age what it feels like to work with others toward a common goal.…

1
Part of Something Greater - Chris Wilder's Interview - Part Two 29:13

7M ago29:13

29:13

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we spotlight guest Chris Wilder from Los Gatos, CA. Chris learned to play the guitar in his teens. In addition to his passion and diligent work ethic, he credits his fellow musicians as teachers and co-creators. He learned at a young age what it feels like to work with others toward a common goal.…

1
From Warning Signs to Wisdom - Grace Tsang's Interview - Part Two 28:23

7M ago28:23

28:23

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome Grace Tsang. On October 30, 2021, her friends spotted the signs of stroke—slurred speech, a drooping face—and got her the swift, comprehensive care that saved her life and improved her outcome. But healing didn’t stop there. Grace shares how choosing gratitude and a new perspective hel…

1
From Warning Signs to Wisdom - Grace Tsang's Story - Part One 19:38

7M ago19:38

19:38

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome Grace Tsang. On October 30, 2021, her friends spotted the signs of stroke—slurred speech, a drooping face—and got her the swift, comprehensive care that saved her life and improved her outcome. But healing didn’t stop there. Grace shares how choosing gratitude and a new perspective hel…

1
Roots of Resilience - Carmine Indindoli's Story - Part One 26:18

7M ago26:18

26:18

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Carmine Indindoli who shares the journey of relearning how to walk, talk, and live with intention, drawing inspiration from his love of gardening, family, and fellow survivors. Through patience, persistence, and community, he found healing and growth, not just in the soil, but wi…

1
Roots of Resilience - Carmine Indindoli's Interview - Part Two 25:50

7M ago25:50

25:50

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Carmine Indindoli who shares the journey of relearning how to walk, talk, and live with intention, drawing inspiration from his love of gardening, family, and fellow survivors. Through patience, persistence, and community, he found healing and growth, not just in the soil, but wi…

1
Words I Couldn't Say - Frida Swenson's Story - Part One 28:37

7M ago28:37

28:37

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Frida Swenson. After an Ischemic stroke in March 2020 left her unable to speak, Frida faced the challenges of aphasia, isolation, and frustration. Through determination and heart, she worked to reclaim her voice—and discovered a new purpose in supporting others on similar paths. …

1
Words I Couldn't Say - Frida Swenson's Interview - Part Two 32:21

7M ago32:21

32:21

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Frida Swenson. After an Ischemic stroke in March 2020 left her unable to speak, Frida faced the challenges of aphasia, isolation, and frustration. Through determination and heart, she worked to reclaim her voice—and discovered a new purpose in supporting others on similar paths. …

1
From Pain to Purpose - Amy K's Interview - Part Two 28:38

8M ago28:38

28:38

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Amy K. After illness in 2009, she began navigating a confusing fog of fatigue, memory loss, and a long road to recovery following a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Once a high-achieving professional with boundless energy, she slowly rebuilt her life and reclaimed her sense of self. In t…

1
From Pain to Purpose - Amy K's Story - Part One 20:03

8M ago20:03

20:03

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Amy K. After illness in 2009, she began navigating a confusing fog of fatigue, memory loss, and a long road to recovery following a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Once a high-achieving professional with boundless energy, she slowly rebuilt her life and reclaimed her sense of self. In t…

1
My Reset - Karla Bigornia's Interview - Part Two 32:02

8M ago32:02

32:02

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Karla Bigornia who shares a story of recovery and rediscovery. Growing up in Cebu City, Philippines, today’s guest found joy through singing and dancing with her family. But a stroke at age 30 changed everything—leaving her to fight for her health, memory, and speech. In this epi…

1
My Reset - Karla Bigornia's Story - Part One 19:55

8M ago19:55

19:55

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Karla Bigornia who shares a story of recovery and rediscovery. Growing up in Cebu City, Philippines, today’s guest found joy through singing and dancing with her family. But a stroke at age 30 changed everything—leaving her to fight for her health, memory, and speech. In this epi…

1
Molly Buccola Interviewed by Bill Gasiamis - Part One 31:00

8M ago31:00

31:00

This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we turn the tables. Have you ever wondered about Molly Buccola—the founder, facilitator, and host behind our organization? Guests and listeners often ask about her journey: What led her to this work? How her own experiences shape the stories we share? And why this mission so personal to her? In t…