On the tip of my tongue

About On the tip of my tongue

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

Publisher

Jonathan Hirons and Rob Edwards

Category

business · health & fitness · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

19 Mar 2024

Latest episode

23 Jul 2026

Latest episodes

6 of 44 episodes have a transcript.

1. 

   23 Jul 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Empowering Voices: Dyscovering Aphasia Journeys

   Hosts Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons interview Julie Samuel and Caroline McDonald of Dyscover about empowering individuals with aphasia through conversation and support.

2. 

   19 Jun 2026TRANSCRIPT

   Reimagining Creativity After Stroke with Dr. Jess Johansson

   Host Rob Edwards and Jonathan Hirons interview Dr. Jess Johansson about reimagining creativity and life after stroke for individuals with aphasia.

3. 

   8 Jun 2026TRANSCRIPT

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

   Host [Host Name] interviews Ann Hirons, a carer, discussing aphasia myths, support, and recovery during Aphasia Awareness Month.

Inside a recent episode

Empowering Voices: Dyscovering Aphasia Journeys

Published 23 Jul 2026 · Transcript excerpt

[…] I had my stroke in December 2018, seven and a half years ago, completely out of the blue. When I had my stroke, I couldn't speak. When I was in hospital, I had only one sound. And then the four months I was in a rehabilitation hospital, I had to learn to speak again. I had only very few words. I had to learn how to speak and read and write. I have expressive aphasia and I always struggle to express ideas. I'm okay with a simple sentence. For example, I'd like a coffee. But when I have to want to express an idea or more complicated sentence, I struggle. I think speech is the most difficult form of communication for me. […]

Who has been a guest on On the tip of my tongue

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Julie Samuel
• Caroline McDonald
• Jess Johansson
• Ann Hirons
• Claire Bennington

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

159 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 35 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

52

Social presence

91

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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