LIFE Beyond Aphasia

What happens to sex when aphasia takes away your words? Is sex the same as intimacy? And can intimacy survive or even grow when communication feels impossible? In this episode, we explore the continuum of intimacy and how couples can rebuild connection after aphasia. Whether it’s emotional closeness, physical touch, or shared activities, intimacy isn’t all-or-nothing – it’s about taking small, mea...

Everyday Home Therapy: How a Recipe Can Boost Your Aphasia Recovery Can a simple recipe help you rebuild your communication skills? Yes, it can! In this episode of the Listen for LIFE Aphasia Podcast, we dive into how everyday activities, like following a recipe, can support your stroke recovery by harnessing neuroplasticity—the brain’s amazing ability to adapt and rewire itself. This is the first...

Caregiving after stroke can leave you feeling exhausted, resentful, and heartbroken. In this episode, we explore the hidden emotional toll of caregiving—when love feels like obligation and the life you once had feels out of reach. If you’ve ever felt stuck in guilt, burnout, or overwhelm, this conversation is for you. We’ll break down: Why resentment and guilt often go hand-in-hand for care partne...

Caring for a spouse after a stroke can feel overwhelming—especially when aphasia creates communication barriers. In this episode, I introduce the Aphasia Communication Toolkit to help ease the transition from hospital to home. You’ll learn practical steps to reduce frustration, foster better communication, and feel more prepared as a caregiver. The toolkit can be used in hospitals, rehab centers,...

In this inspiring episode, Dr. Viraj Sudhalkar, an ophthalmologist, shares her personal journey from physician to patient after surviving a stroke that left her with aphasia. Joined by speech pathologist Mary Beth Hines, Dr. Viraj opens up about her recovery, the challenges of aphasia, and how she transitioned from surgery to patient counseling. Key takeaways include the importance of mindset in r...

Are you a care partner feeling overwhelmed by the challenges of supporting your loved one with aphasia? In this episode of the Listen for LIFE Aphasia Podcast, Genevieve Richardson helps you reflect on 2024, celebrate your wins, and set meaningful intentions for 2025. Through guided reflection questions and her personal stories, Genevieve offers actionable insights to help you find balance and pri...

With just one week to go, there’s still time to make your holiday inclusive and joyful for everyone, including those with aphasia. In this episode, learn how to recruit communication allies, empower self-advocacy, and plan activities that reduce conversational stress. Featuring real success stories, actionable tips, and insights from the Aphasia Inclusive Celebrations digital guide, this episode i...

In this episode, we talk about creating holiday games and activities that are inclusive for individuals with aphasia. Genevieve Richardson, a speech-language pathologist, introduces the idea of engaging in games with an "aphasia buddy" to help individuals with aphasia participate in social activities, reducing feelings of isolation. Autumn, a team member with aphasia, shares her personal experienc...

In this episode of the Listen for Life podcast, we talk about the importance of including individuals with aphasia in holiday celebrations. Genevieve shares her personal experiences and insights, emphasizing the significance of connection and communication during the holidays. Genevieve recounts her own Thanksgiving experience, where she chose to attend a friend's gathering instead of hosting, rel...

In this episode of the Listen for Life podcast, we explore the theme of self-care across different generations, especially during the holiday season. Genevieve shares her insights as a Generation X member, reflecting on how self-care often feels like a luxury rather than a necessity during the busy holiday period. The discussion emphasizes the importance of self-care for stroke survivors and their...

In this episode, we talk about the theme of aphasia inclusion during the holiday season, focusing on Bruce's journey with ataxic dysarthria. Bruce experiences a speech disorder that affects the clarity and speed of his verbal communication, yet he remains vibrant and actively participates in holiday celebrations. Despite the challenges, Bruce's story highlights the joy that can be found even when...

In this episode of the Listen for Life podcast, hosted by Genevieve Richardson, we explore the holiday experiences of Len and Alvin, two men living with aphasia. Len, a former athlete, seeks accommodations like slower-paced conversations, quieter environments, and the opportunity to finish his sentences to enhance his holiday interactions. Alvin, a technical director, emphasizes the importance of...

In this episode of the Listen for Life podcast, we explore the theme of holiday inclusion through the inspiring story of Shirley. Shirley, who has faced significant challenges due to a stroke resulting in aphasia and mobility issues, experienced isolation last holiday season. However, this year marks a remarkable improvement in her condition, allowing her to participate in family celebrations acti...

In this episode of the Listen for Life podcast, we talk about the importance of including individuals with aphasia in holiday celebrations. Genevieve shares her insights on how to create a supportive environment that caters to the needs of those with communication challenges, emphasizing the significance of preparation and thoughtfulness. Top Takeaways: Inclusion is key: Individuals with aphasia h...

In this episode of the Listen for Life Aphasia podcast, we talk about supporting individuals with communication challenges, focusing on those affected by stroke, neurological impairments, aging, Parkinson's disease, and aphasia. Host Genevieve Richardson welcomes back Livie, a student intern from CareYaYa, to discuss the organization's mission and introduce a new technology designed to enhance car...

In this episode of the Listen for Life Aphasia podcast, we talk with Christi Cornell, the executive director of the Capital Area Parkinson Society (CAPS) in Austin. Christi shares her insights on the resources and support available for individuals diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers. She emphasizes the importance of education, socialization, and mental health care in managing t...

In this episode of the Listen for Life Aphasia podcast, we talk about empowering families with resources for aphasia and dementia. Genevieve Richardson, a speech-language pathologist, engages with Julie Latson from Care For and Mary Osborne from Your Dementia Therapist. They explore how their organizations assist individuals with these conditions, offering essential insights and resources for fami...

In this episode of the Listen for Life Aphasia podcast, we talk about the critical topic of assisted living and how families can determine when a loved one may require such care. Genevieve welcomes Alessandro Hello@bouquethomes.com, the founder of Bouquet Homes, who shares his journey into the assisted living sector. He emphasizes that assisted living can be a temporary solution for those needing...

In this episode of the Listen for Life Aphasia podcast, we talk about the vital role of caregiving and the innovative approaches to support caregivers. Host Genevieve Richardson shares her insights from the Moonshot event, where she met Olivia Gallagher, an intern at CareYaya. CareYaya is an organization that connects student caregivers with families in need, focusing on non-medical companion care...

In this episode of the Listen for Life Aphasia podcast, we talk about the transformative power of yoga in self-care, especially for individuals dealing with aphasia. Hosted by Genevieve Richardson, the episode features yoga professionals Jess Goulding and Mary Beth Hines, who share their expertise on integrating yoga into daily life to enhance physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We explore...

In this episode of the Listen for Life Aphasia podcast, host Genevieve Richardson talks with Glenda Molina, a wealth advisor from Austin, Texas, about the importance of financial planning for individuals affected by strokes and aphasia. Glenda shares her expertise in helping clients achieve financial stability and freedom after health crises. Glenda discusses her approach to financial planning, wh...

In this episode of the Listen for Life podcast, we talk about navigating the complexities of Medicare with Medicare Dana, a licensed Medicare agent and broker. Host Genevieve Richardson, a speech-language pathologist, delves into the intricacies of Medicare to support and educate adults facing communication challenges, particularly those with aphasia due to strokes or neurological impairments. Dan...

In this episode, we talk about the challenges and solutions for individuals with aphasia who are resistant to therapy. Genevieve Richardson, a speech-language pathologist, shares her insights on why some people may feel disheartened by therapy and how to overcome these barriers. She discusses a recent consultation with a couple where the husband, a stroke survivor, had become skeptical about the b...

In this episode of the Listen for Life podcast, we talk about the emotional challenges that come with significant life changes, particularly focusing on the experiences of those living with aphasia and their caregivers. Host Genevieve Richardson, a seasoned speech-language pathologist, shares her personal journey of dealing with the emotional impact of her daughters leaving home. She opens up abou...

In this episode, we talk about the profound impact of fear on procrastination, particularly for individuals with aphasia and their caregivers. We introduce the concept of "good is good enough" to help release perfectionistic tendencies that cause stress and anxiety. The episode also highlights the significance of grounding techniques and the power of verbalizing fears to move forward.   Top Takeaw...