Stories
The Invisible Prison: What Aphasia Actually Feels Like
By Jonathan Hirons When people ask me what aphasia is, I usually give them the medical definition: it’s a communication disorder, often caused by a stroke, that affects your ability to speak, read, and write. But that doesn’t even scratch the surface of what it feels...
The Long Road Home: Can You Truly Recover From Aphasia?
The Long Road Home: Can You Truly Recover From Aphasia? When I first started filming Tip of My Tongue, I was struck by a recurring question from almost everyone I interviewed—the survivors, the partners, the children. It’s the question that hangs in the air during...
Aphasia AI Innovations: Giving Your Voice Back
Recent breakthroughs in AI are helping survivors communicate using their own unique sounds and intentions, even when speech is difficult. 1. Apple’s "Personal Voice" (iOS 17 & 26) This is a game-changer for those whose speech may fluctuate or who are at risk of...
Digital Accessibility Guide: Your Smartphone Lifelines for Aphasia
Many people don't realise their phones have "hidden" tools that make communicating much easier. Here is how to set them up. 1. Live Captioning (See what people say) This tool turns spoken words into text on your screen in real-time. It is perfect for noisy places,...
10 Supported Conversation Tips for People with Aphasia
Communication is a two-way street. These simple rules help "bridge the gap" when words are difficult to find. 1. One Idea at a Time Don’t overwhelm the listener with long paragraphs. The Rule: Say one thing, then pause. Why it works: It gives the brain time to process...
The Social Model of Disability: A Guide for Families
When a loved one has a stroke or brain injury, we naturally look to doctors to "fix" them. This is known as the Medical Model. But once rehab ends and life at home begins, many families find more success using the Social Model. 1. Medical Model vs. Social Model The...
Creative Therapies: Healing Without Words
When speech is a struggle, music and art provide a powerful way to express your emotions, process trauma, and rebuild your confidence. 1. Music Therapy Music is processed in many different parts of the brain, often bypassing the areas damaged by a stroke. This is why...
Discussion Guide: On the Tip of My Tongue
A Resource for Educators, Healthcare Professionals, and Students This guide is designed to accompany the documentary On the Tip of My Tongue. It moves the conversation away from a "medical diagnosis" and towards understanding the human experience of living with...
10 Supported Conversation Tips for People With Aphasia
Communication is a two-way street. These simple rules help "bridge the gap" when words are difficult to find. 1. One Idea at a Time Don’t overwhelm the listener with long paragraphs. The Rule: Say one thing, then pause. Why it works: It gives the brain time to process...
Aphasia Resources & Support
A guide to finding help, using technology, and connecting with others. 1. How to Find a Speech Therapist There are two main ways to find a speech and language therapist in the UK: The NHS (Free Service) In most areas, you can refer yourself without a doctor. This is...
Life Beyond Aphasia: Supporting Care Partners and Building a Movement
In a bid to raise awareness and provide support for those affected by Aphasia, the podcast "On the Tip of My Tongue" recently hosted a compelling conversation with Genevieve Richardson, a dedicated advocate for Aphasia care partners. The episode explored the...
Navigating Multilingual Aphasia: A Conversation with Hanka Mayhew
Introduction In this episode of "On the Tip of My Tongue" podcast, we were privileged to have an insightful conversation with a truly inspiring guest, Hanka Mayhew. As a multilingual individual who has navigated through the journey of aphasia, Hanka shares her...
AI Giving Voice Where Words Are Lost
In a world increasingly driven by technology, understanding how artificial intelligence can aid in diverse aspects of healthcare is crucial. In a recent episode of "On the Tip of My Tongue," hosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons sat down with Dr. Abi Roper, a speech...
Transforming Communication: Jez Hodgkinson’s Journey with Aphasia and AI
**Introduction** In our latest podcast episode of "On the Tip of My Tongue," we delve into an inspiring conversation with Jez Hodgkinson, who discusses his journey from recovery after a stroke to innovating a tool for the Aphasia community. This episode highlights the...
Navigating Aphasia: Insights from Chris Greenhough and Lisa Thomas*
In the latest episode of the podcast "On the Tip of My Tongue," we explore the intricacies of Aphasia, featuring insights from Chris Greenhough, a strong advocate for people with Aphasia, and Lisa Thomas, a senior speech and language therapist with the NHS. Together,...
Transforming Health Care Through Music: Insights from Elizabeth Nightingale
In a world where medical advancements are constantly evolving, the field of music therapy is making waves with its groundbreaking approach to healthcare. In the latest episode of the "On the Tip of My Tongue" podcast, hosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons engage in a...