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On the tip of my tongue – talking about Aphasia

On the tip of my tongue – talking about Aphasia

NewUnited by Words: Discovering the Living with Aphasia Conference April 18-19 2027October 27, 2026 · 26 min
Episodes
38
Released
monthly
Latest episode
Oct 27, 2026

About the podcast

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 [email protected]

Contributors

Episodes 38

  1. United by Words: Discovering the Living with Aphasia Conference April 18-19 2027

    26 min

    With Andy Hopkins, Dr Abi Roper, Rosemary Townsend, and Suzie Cope

    Send us Fan MailOn the Tip of My Tongue: Living With Aphasia Conference 2027 PreviewGuests Abi Roper and Rosemary Townsend (speech and language therapists and researchers), alongside committee members Suzie …

  2. Empowering Voices: Dyscovering Aphasia Journeys

    40 minSeason 4 · Episode 6

    Send us Fan MailLong-Term Aphasia Support with Dyscover: Conversation Groups, Recovery, and AwarenessHosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons introduce their podcast follow-up to Hirons’ film on aphasia, a …

  3. Reimagining Creativity After Stroke with Dr. Jess Johansson

    30 minSeason 4 · Episode 5

    With Dr Jessica Johansson

    Send us Fan MailCreativity, Hope, and Life After Stroke: Supporting People with Aphasia Beyond RehabHosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons introduce their “On the Tip of My Tongue” podcast, a follow-up to …

  4. Aphasia Awareness Month Q&A: Myths, Carer Support, Recovery, and the Future

    26 minSeason 4 · Episode 5

    Send us Fan MailAphasia Awareness Month Q&A: Myths, Carer Support, Recovery, and the FutureDuring Aphasia Awareness Month, the podcast hosts a Q&A on aphasia—an often overlooked language disorder affecting …

  5. Speak Up for Aphasia: A Global Awareness Campaign Update

    14 minSeason 4 · Episode 4

    With Claire Bennington

    Send us Fan MailSpeak Up for Aphasia: A Global Awareness Campaign UpdateGuest Claire Bennington updates on fundraising for an international aphasia awareness campaign creating a suite of animated videos in …

  6. Life Beyond Aphasia: Supporting Care Partners and Building a Movement

    29 minSeason 4 · Episode 3

    Send us Fan MailHosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons introduce guest, Genevieve Richardson, a US speech-language pathologist, focuses on supporting “care partners,” arguing recovery improves when caregivers …

  7. Hanka Mayhew: The Multilingual Advocate for Aphasia Awareness"

    14 minSeason 4 · Episode 2

    With Hanka Mayhew

    Send us Fan MailHanka Mayhew: A Polyglot’s Journey Through Aphasia and AdvocacyHanka Mayhew lived in Spain for 11 years with her husband and three children, speaking five languages and working as an English …

  8. Finding Words: AI and Aphasia

    19 minSeason 4 · Episode 1

    With Dr Abi Roper, Jez Hodgkinson, and Robert Baldock

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode of 'On the Tip of My Tongue,' hosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons with guest Dr. Abi Roper explore how artificial intelligence can assist people with Aphasia in …

  9. Bridging the Gap: AI and Aphasia with Dr. Abi Roper

    31 minSeason 3 · Episode 10

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode of 'On the Tip of My Tongue,' hosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons delve into the world of AI and its applications in treating Aphasia, a debilitating condition …

  10. Understanding Aphasia: Personal Stories and Community Support

    26 minSeason 3 · Episode 9

    Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons host Chris Greenhough, a stroke survivor with aphasia who leads support groups, and Lisa Thomas, a senior speech and language therapist with the …

  11. AI and Aphasia: Overcoming Communication Barriers - S3 Ep 8 with Jez Hodgkinson

    27 minSeason 3 · Episode 8

    Send us Fan MailAI and Aphasia: Overcoming Communication BarriersIn this episode of 'On the Tip of My Tongue' podcast, Jez shares his personal journey with Aphasia following a severe stroke in 2016 …

  12. On the tip of my tongue Series 3 Episode 7 - "Therapy Notes: Elizabeth Nightingale"

    22 minSeason 3 · Episode 7

    Send us Fan MailTransformative Power of Music Therapy with Elizabeth NightingaleIn this podcast episode of 'On the Tip of My Tongue,' hosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons are joined by Elizabeth …

  13. International Aphasia Awareness Campaign with Claire Bennington

    25 minSeason 3 · Episode 5

    Send us Fan MailInternational Aphasia Awareness Campaign with Claire BenningtonIn this episode of 'Tip of My Tongue,' hosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons speak with Claire Bennington, chairperson of …

  14. Robert Baldock's Voice of Recovery, Music and Aphasia

    12 minSeason 3 · Episode 4

    With Robert Baldock

    Send us Fan MailOvercoming Aphasia: Robert Baldock’s Journey and AdvocacyThis episode of 'On the Tip of My Tongue' features Robert Baldock, a Scottish-based composer and new media artist who …

  15. Life in the key of Aphasia - Graham Hall

    13 minSeason 3 · Episode 3

    Send us Fan MailJoin 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 …

  16. The Aphasia Awareness Month Special

    23 minSeason 3 · Episode 2

    Send us Fan MailAphasia in Popular Culture and Awareness: Exploring the Silent StruggleIn this episode of 'On the Tip of My Tongue,' hosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons delve into the world of …

  17. Navigating Conversations with Aphasia: Insights from Iain Stansfield

    13 minSeason 3 · Episode 1

    Send us Fan MailNavigating Conversations with Aphasia: Insights from Iain StansfieldIn this episode of 'On the Tip of My Tongue,' hosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons explore the intricacies of …

  18. Dan's Journey: Triumph Over Aphasia

    11 minSeason 2 · Episode 12

    Send us Fan MailDan's Journey: Triumph Over AphasiaIn this episode of 'On the Tip of My Tongue,' hosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons delve into the life of Dan Sutton, who suffered severe head …

  19. Breaking Barriers: Disability Awareness and Inclusion with Sarah Petherbridge

    34 minSeason 2 · Episode 11

    Send us Fan MailBreaking Barriers: Disability Awareness and Inclusion with Sarah PetherbridgeIn this episode of 'On the Tip of My Tongue,' hosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons discuss the challenges …

  20. Resilience and Recovery: Talia Lazarus' Inspiring Journey

    39 minSeason 2 · Episode 10

    With Talia Lazarus

    Send us Fan MailIn 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 …

  21. Brain Injury and Returning to Work - Tamsin Keyes of Headway

    28 minSeason 2 · Episode 9

    With Tamsin Keyes

    Send us Fan MailUnderstanding Acquired Brain Injuries: Challenges and Support Systems plus Returning to WorkIn this episode, Jonathan interviews Tamsin Keyes, the Publications and Research Manager at HEADWAY …

  22. Bring on the nouns - Graham Hall's take on Aphasia

    34 minSeason 2 · Episode 8

    Send us Fan MailOvercoming Aphasia: The Journey of Graham HallIn this episode of 'On the Tip of My Tongue,' hosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons discuss aphasia with Graham Hall, an orchestral …

  23. Overcoming Aphasia - Nigel Cheffers-Heard and Paula Fernley

    38 minSeason 2 · Episode 7

    Send us Fan MailSurviving Stroke and Navigating Aphasia: Nigel's StoryThis podcast episode titled 'On the Tip of My Tongue' features Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons discussing aphasia, a language …

  24. Emma Rich: Battling Aphasia and Advocating for Neuro Rehab

    35 minSeason 2 · Episode 6

    Send us Fan MailEmma Rich: Battling Aphasia and Advocating for Neuro RehabIn this episode, Emma Rich, Charity Coordinator at Say Aphasia, shares her harrowing journey with severe brain injury and subsequent …

  25. Hidden Voices: Reflections on Aphasia and Care 2024 Round up

    3 min

    Send us Fan MailOvercoming Aphasia and the Importance of CarersIn this episode, the host reflects on past events and highlights key themes such as surviving a critical health incident in Las Vegas, the …

  26. Lifting the Fog: Colin Lyall's Journey with Aphasia

    33 minSeason 2 · Episode 5

    Send us Fan MailJourney Through Aphasia: An Interview with Colin LyleIn this episode of the On the Tip of My Tongue podcast, Colin Lyle, founder of the Say Aphasia charity, shares his powerful journey from …

  27. Clip of On the tip of my tongue Series 2 Episode 3 - Dr Suzanne Beeke

    1 min

    Send us Fan MailSupport the showSupport the show: Donate NowThis podcast is funded by https://www.bas.org.ukTo watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.comYouTube …

  28. On the tip of my tongue Series 2 Episode 5 - Colin Lyall founder of Say Aphasia

    1 min

    Send us Fan MailRebuilding Lives After Stroke: Colin Lyle's Journey with AphasiaIn this episode of the Tip of My Tongue podcast, Colin Lyle, founder of the Say Aphasia charity, discusses his personal …

  29. "Inside Speech Therapy with Derek Munn"

    37 minSeason 2 · Episode 4

    With Derek Munn

    Send us Fan MailUnderstanding the Role of the Royal College of Speech and Language TherapistsIn this episode of the 'Tip of My Tongue' podcast, host Jonathan and Rob engage in a detailed conversation …

  30. Better Conversations with Aphasia with Dr Suzanne Beeke

    44 minSeason 2 · Episode 3

    Send us Fan MailBetter Conversations with Aphasia: In-Depth with Dr. Suzanne BeekIn this episode, Dr. Suzanne Beek, Associate Professor of Language and Cognition at UCL, discusses her innovative therapy called …

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