LIFE Beyond Aphasia

#159 The Weirdest Aphasia Strategy That Works

The hardest thing Oscar ever did as a brother was sit in silence and wait. Three seconds felt like forever.
When you love someone with aphasia, silence can feel heavy, awkward, even unbearable. You want to jump in, help, finish the word. But what if the greatest act of love is actually the pause?
In this episode, we unpack the Kitchen Timer Experiment—the “weirdest” aphasia strategy that works. You’ll see why waiting just three seconds before stepping in can change everything about how you connect with your loved one.
Key Takeaways: • Why interrupting can derail the whole process of finding a word • How the brain works behind the scenes just to name a simple object • The gas tank analogy: why energy drains faster than you think • The 3-second pause as an act of love, not abandonment • A small shift that can protect dignity, trust, and closeness
If this hits home—you’ll want to try the Care Partner Compass. It’s free, simple, and shows you where your caregiving strengths are and where you could use support. From there, you can join the waitlist for the Collective, where we practice these strategies together. The links are below.
More Resources:
Care Partner Compass: https://care-partner-strength-wheel.lovable.app/
Speak up for yourself after stroke—Take It Back: https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/f/take-it-back
 Feel stuck? This will remind you why progress is still possible: https://dolifespeechpathology.com/f/neuroplasticity
 Explore therapy options: https://dolifespeechpathology.com
 Join our private support community: https://dolifespeechpathology.co/collective
 Subscribe for new episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@LIFESpeechPathology/videos
 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listen-for-life-aphasia-podcast/id1621948384
Start small. Start here. Start with you.

#158 More Than Awareness: Speaking Up for Aphasia and Stroke Recovery

“They handed me a discharge packet. Not a manual.”
You’re the care partner. The advocate. The one who shows up. But the truth is—no one trained you for this. You’ve been expected to manage appointments, medications, your partner’s moods and words and losses… all while trying to keep the groceries stocked and the lights on.
And the hardest part? You’re doing it with love. But you’re also doing it without a roadmap.
In this episode, Genevieve joins Aphasia Phil to talk about what every stroke and aphasia care partner wishes they’d been told from day one: how to actually help, without drowning in guilt, exhaustion, or fear. If you’ve ever thought, “I’m doing everything I can, but I still feel like I’m failing,”—this conversation is for you.
What to do when people say, “Let me know if you need anything”—and you freeze • Why care partners feel invisible, even when surrounded by people • The single most important role you’re playing—and why no one acknowledges it • How How to Help was created to finally give care partners a guide that doesn’t sugarcoat the emotional weight • What changes when your partner starts healing—and you’re still stuck in survival mode
If any part of this felt too real… there’s a free 5-day reset I want you to have. It’s called From Chaos to Clarity—and it’s just for care partners. https://dolifespeechpathology.com/f/from-chaos-to-clarity-email-course
More Resources: Are you Lisa or Elena? https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/f/lisa-or-elena Speak up for yourself after stroke—Take It Back: https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/f/take-it-back Feel stuck? This will remind you why progress is still possible: https://dolifespeechpathology.com/f/neuroplasticity Care partner resources: https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/care-partner-resources Explore therapy options: https://dolifespeechpathology.com Join our private support community: https://dolifespeechpathology.co/collective Subscribe for new episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@LIFESpeechPathology/videos Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listen-for-life-aphasia-podcast/id1621948384
Start small. Start here. Start with you.

#157 You Have a Voice with Maura Silverman

Maura Silverman, Executive Director of the National Aphasia Association, advocates for individuals with aphasia and their families, emphasizing the need for increased awareness and community education. The discussion highlights the isolation faced by those with aphasia and the importance of building meaningful relationships, as well as the NAA's role in providing resources and support. With initiatives like the "Listen for Life Aphasia" podcast and monthly "Ask the Expert" sessions, the NAA aims to educate families on communication strategies and enhance community connections, ultimately focusing on preserving identity and family roles for those affected.
 
 
Speak up for yourself after stroke—Take It Back: https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/f/take-it-back
 
Are you Lisa or Elena? https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/f/lisa-or-elena
 
Feel stuck? This will remind you why progress is still possible: https://dolifespeechpathology.com/f/neuroplasticity
 
Care partner resources: https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/care-partner-resources
 
Explore therapy options: https://dolifespeechpathology.com
 
Join our private support community: https://dolifespeechpathology.co/collective
 
Subscribe for new episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@LIFESpeechPathology/videos
 
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listen-for-life-aphasia-podcast/id1621948384

#156 The Seven Aphasia Care Partner Myths You Need to Know

Are you caring for someone with aphasia? In this episode, Genevieve Richardson, a speech pathologist and care partner coach, busts the 7 most common myths that can hold caregivers and spouses back—and shares one practical tip for each.
 
You’ll learn:   
•    How to set boundaries without guilt     
•    The truth about “procrastination” and what it really means     
•    Why self-care isn’t selfish     
•    How routines give you freedom     
•    What aphasia does (and doesn’t) mean for intelligence     
•    What’s really behind “difficult behaviors”     
•    Why recovery doesn’t have an expiration date
 
Get expert advice, actionable tools, and real-world encouragement in less than 20 minutes. Want to dive deeper or connect with other care partners? Join our private membership, The Collective, for community, workshops, and step-by-step support.
 
Which myth surprised you most? Let us know in the comments!
 
#Aphasia #CarePartner #CaregiverSupport #MythBusting #SpeechTherapy #StrokeRecovery
 

#155 Caregiver Pain? We Mapped It

Are you an aphasia care partner feeling lost, overwhelmed, or like you're navigating this journey without a map? This YouTube episode is for you. In this powerful live event replay, we dive deep into the often-unseen struggles of care partners and reveal a revolutionary pathway to thriving beyond aphasia and stroke.
Discover the crucial epiphany: recovery is truly maximized when the care partner is taken care of. For too long, caregivers have been the unseen heroes, without a dedicated roadmap for their unique challenges. We explore the emotional toll – the grief, coping, constant worry, and fear of doing something wrong – that traditional rehab often overlooks.
Learn how Life Aphasia has developed a pathway forward for care partners, offering actual tools, training, and steps forward that are complimentary to survivor rehab.
In this video, you'll see a live demonstration of:
Our Care Partner Compass: A free, self-reflection tool to help you gain clarity on your daily structure, support, understanding of aphasia/cognition, connection, personal time, and purpose.
How the Compass points to our Roadmap: A structured, nine-step process designed to eliminate guesswork and decision fatigue, providing bite-sized, actionable steps.
Hear the inspiring, tangible transformation of D, a care partner who, after years, used this roadmap to find connection and even share a toast at her daughter's wedding – a moment she never thought possible. Her journey proves that aphasia and stroke do not have to rule every minute of your existence.
This Aphasia Care Partner Independence Month, we're making inroads to ensure care partners are supported so they can better support their survivors. We believe there is a life beyond aphasia, and we have the map to prove it.
If you're looking for structure, coaching, and a private community that meets you where you are, The Collective membership offers exactly that. It's month-to-month, designed to support you every step of the way.
Important: The doors for The Collective are open through the end of July, and we don't know when they'll open again. Don't miss this opportunity to gain control, clarity, and connection.
Watch the full replay to see the Compass in action and learn more about your path to thriving.
Get your free Care Partner Compass here: https://care-partner-strength-wheel.lovable.app/
Ready to join our private community, The Collective, and start your roadmap to a fuller life? https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/f/life-aphasia-collective

#154 Accepting Support as an Aphasia Care Partner - Tips for Help

We dive into the challenges faced by individuals with aphasia and their care partners and the crucial role that community support plays in navigating aphasia care. Here's a comprehensive summary of what you can expect:
 
We start by sharing the inspiring story of Betty, a retired store manager whose husband experienced a stroke and now lives with aphasia. Betty initially felt overwhelmed and hesitant to accept help, but we explored how she overcame her concerns and found support.
 
One key takeaway is respecting the wishes of individuals with aphasia. We discuss how forcing assistance upon them can be counterproductive, and instead, we should focus on maintaining open lines of communication and staying connected.
 
We also explore practical actions that can make a difference. Coordinating volunteers to help with errands and household tasks can alleviate some of the burden on care partners while providing meals and household assistance ensures proper nutrition and reduces stress.
 
Loneliness and isolation are common challenges for individuals with aphasia and their caregivers, so offering companionship is incredibly valuable. We discuss the positive impact of having someone to talk to and spend time with.
 
Transportation to therapy sessions is another crucial aspect of aphasia care. Many individuals with aphasia struggle with transportation due to communication difficulties, so offering assistance in this area can significantly enhance their access to necessary treatment.
 
Lastly, we emphasize the importance of continued support even after the initial crisis has passed. Aphasia is a long-term condition, and ongoing assistance can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with aphasia and their caregivers.
 
Remember, LIFE Speech Pathology is here to help, so let's join together to create a supportive community for those affected by aphasia. Thank you for your support and engagement with LIFE Speech Pathology®.
 
Explore our services and approach at Do LIFE Speech Pathology . Listen to our Listen for LIFE Aphasia Podcast for more resources and inspiring stories. Stay connected with us on YouTube , Facebook , and Instagram for updates and encouragement. Together, let's uncomplicate aphasia.

#153 The #1 Superpower for Aphasia Care Partners

What if the reason you feel overwhelmed isn’t because you’re doing it wrong—but because no one ever showed you how to structure your day?
In this episode, Genevieve shares a training from inside the LIFE Aphasia Collective®—a private membership group for stroke and aphasia care partners—focused on the one tool that changes everything: frameworks.
Care partners like Teresa are carrying it all: schedules, therapy, communication, emotions… but they weren’t given a manual. A simple framework gives them back clarity, structure, and the confidence to say no without guilt. If you're tired of reacting all day long, this is your starting point.
Whether you're new to caregiving or deep in it, this episode is a lifeline.
🌀 Ready to take the first step? Use the Care Partner Strengths Wheel (free, 5 minutes): https://www.dolifespeechpathology.com/wheel

#152 Caring for the Caregiver with Kristin Schaefer-Mendez

In this episode of the Listen for LIFE Aphasia podcast, we dive into the world of caregiving for individuals with communication with Dr. Kristin Schaffer Mendez. Dr. Kristin Schaffer Mendez, PhD, CCC-SLP, is a speech-language pathologist and an assistant professor at the University of St. Augustine in Austin, TX. Her primary areas of focus are in adult neurogenic communication disorders and counseling. Kristin researches holistic treatment approaches and lived experiences of people with aphasia/PPA and their care partners. She shares her expertise and insights on providing support for patients, families, and caregivers.
 
To uncomplicate aphasia and enhance the well-being of both patients and caregivers, Kristin encourages establishing a strong therapeutic relationship with patients and their families. By doing so, treatment outcomes can be improved, and overall well-being can be enhanced.
Remember, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your loved ones. If you want to learn more about LIFE Speech Pathology and their resources, be sure to check out their website and social media channels.
Take action today and prioritize your well-being as a caregiver. You're doing an incredible job, and we're here to support you every step of the way.
 
If you want more information regarding Kristin's research, or if you have any questions for her, please email her at kmendez@usa.edu!
 
The Listen for LIFE Aphasia Podcast is a platform dedicated to supporting individuals through stories and experiences. Visit ListenForLIFEAphasiaPodcast.com to view video episodes. If you have a topic or guest recommendation, or if YOU want to be a guest, visit the Guest Hub. If you have any unanswered questions, you can ask Genevieve and Aphasia Wisdom through “Search for Answers.”
 
If you or a loved one is seeking telepractice support, LIFE Speech Pathology® can help! Explore our services and approach at DoLIFESpeechPathology.com. 
 
Stay connected with us on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram for updates and encouragement.
Together, let's uncomplicate aphasia.

#151 Rebuild vs. Recover After Stroke

“I wasn’t lazy. I was lost.”
If that line hits too close to home, this conversation is for you.
After stroke or aphasia, it’s easy to believe you’re just not trying hard enough. That you should feel more motivated. But what if it’s not a lack of willpower? What if the real issue is apathy, grief, or a recovery mindset that no longer fits?
This episode with Aaron Avila (Stroke TV Media) is honest, grounded, and deeply needed. We talk about what it means to rebuild when motivation feels gone—and why the “try harder” advice survivors often get isn’t just unhelpful. It can actually backfire.
Why stroke survivors feel stuck—even when they want to move forward • The difference between apathy and depression (and why it matters) • How purpose—not willpower—actually fuels motivation • The mindset shift that helped Aaron take back his life • One small way to start rebuilding today
If this episode hit home—there’s a guide I want you to have. https://dolifespeechpathology.com/f/take-it-back-phrasebook
More Resources: Speak up for yourself after stroke—Take It Back: https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/f/take-it-back Are you Lisa or Elena? https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/f/lisa-or-elena Feel stuck? This will remind you why progress is still possible: https://dolifespeechpathology.com/f/neuroplasticity Care partner resources: https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/care-partner-resources Explore therapy options: https://dolifespeechpathology.com Join our private support community: https://dolifespeechpathology.co/collective Subscribe for new episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@LIFESpeechPathology/videos Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listen-for-life-aphasia-podcast/id1621948384
Start small. Start here. Start with you.

#150 Why Stroke Recovery Gets Harder After Rehab Ends

He looked down and said, “I don’t even know how to talk to her anymore.”
That moment didn’t happen in the hospital. It happened at home—months after stroke rehab ended. When the support disappeared, and recovery got… quiet.
If you’ve ever felt like the plan vanished after discharge, like you're carrying something no one prepared you for—this episode is for you.
We’re naming the therapy shift no one explains. And we’re breaking down what actually helps after stroke… and what leaves families stuck.
💡 Key Takeaways:
What “the therapy shift” really means—and why it catches families off guard
How to know if therapy is working (and when it’s not)
What care partners should be included in—but often aren’t
What to look for in a therapist who truly gets aphasia
A short, powerful story that might sound like your own
If this episode hit home—
For the stroke survivor: You might be wondering, “How do I take back control of my recovery?” 
We created the Take It Back guide to help you do exactly that—with tools and insights that center your identity, voice, and goals. 👉 https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/f/take-it-back
And if you’re a care partner: You’re holding so much—being protective, being the cheerleader, managing all the new responsibilities. This role doesn’t come with a manual—but this tool is a powerful first step to getting control.
The Care Partner Self-Reflection Wheel helps you see where you’re strong—and where you might need more support. It’s not about judgment. It’s about visibility. 👉 https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/f/care-partner-strengths-wheel
More Resources:
LIFE Aphasia Collective® Community: https://dolifespeechpathology.co/collective
3 Reasons Aphasia Progress Never Stops: https://dolifespeechpathology.com/f/neuroplasticity
Care Partner Resources: https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/care-partner-resources
LIFE Speech Pathology® Services: https://dolifespeechpathology.com
YouTube Channel (More Episodes): https://www.youtube.com/@LIFESpeechPathology/videos
Listen for LIFE Aphasia Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listen-for-life-aphasia-podcast/id1621948384
You’re not doing this wrong. You’re doing something no one prepared you for. And you’re not doing it alone anymore.

#149 Why Speaking Up Feels So Hard—and How to Start Advocating for Yourself

Why Speaking Up After Stroke Feels So Hard If you’ve ever left a doctor’s office thinking, “I should’ve said something”—you’re not alone.
This episode breaks down why communication after stroke feels so difficult—and what you can do about it.
Understand how executive dysfunction and aphasia fatigue make speaking up harder than it seems
Learn why care partners sometimes hurt more than help (even when they mean well)
Discover one small phrase you can prepare to take your power back this week
Start reclaiming what stroke tried to steal—your voice, identity, and confidence.
🎯 Download the free guide: https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/f/take-it-back

#148 When You Realize You’ve Resigned to Caregiving — And How to Change It

Have you started saying no to life without even realizing it? You might be living in quiet resignation — a natural, but heartbreaking, place many stroke carepartners find themselves after months or years of survival.
In this episode, Genevieve shares how resignation quietly creeps into the lives of carepartners after stroke and aphasia — often unnoticed, disguised as “being realistic” or “doing what has to be done.” Through real-world examples and emotional insights, Genevieve helps listeners recognize the signs of silent resignation, understand why it happens, and most importantly, offers a compassionate path forward.
You'll discover why saying "no" to your own dreams doesn’t have to be your final story — and how even the tiniest "yes" back to yourself can start rebuilding a life filled with purpose, connection, and hope.
What you'll hear inside:
How resignation often hides behind automatic decisions and emotional shutdown
Why survival mode can make future planning feel impossible
How tiny acts of self-renewal — not giant leaps — rebuild your identity after caregiving burnout
Why recognizing your own resignation is the beginning of true change
Gentle, real-world steps to start reclaiming small pieces of joy and possibility again
Ready to take a closer look in the mirror? Most caregivers struggle to see how far they've drifted — until it's too late. Discover the real-life story of two caregivers, two different outcomes, and what it might mean for your path forward. Read the story: https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/f/lisa-or-elena
If you're ready for support and training designed just for you — not the survivor, not the system — but for you as a caregiver, there's a place waiting. The LIFE Aphasia Collective Membership offers real-world caregiving support, emotional coaching, and step-by-step guidance like you've never experienced before. Learn more about joining here: https://dolifespeechpathology.co/collective
If this episode spoke to you, please subscribe, share it with someone you love, or leave a review. Your voice helps other families navigating stroke and aphasia find the support and hope they deserve.

#147 What No One Tells You About Speaking Up After Stroke

After a stroke, even everyday conversations can feel like uphill climbs. Maybe you’ve found yourself nodding instead of asking. Staying quiet even when something didn’t feel right. Wishing afterward that you’d said more.
This episode is about those moments.
Genevieve shares what the research says—and what survivors know—about why speaking up gets so complicated after stroke. You’ll learn the hidden steps of self-advocacy and how to rebuild your voice, one small moment at a time.
No pressure. No perfect words. Just the next right step forward.
💡 What You’ll Hear:
Why silence after stroke isn’t just about speech—it’s emotional
What makes it so hard to speak up, even when you want to
A 4-step path to building confidence in everyday situations
Real examples of small phrases that open big doors
How your story might help someone else speak up, too
📘 Want More?
Download a free chapter from Genevieve’s upcoming book: Still You. Still Strong. It covers the 8 areas that shape stroke recovery—including how to reclaim your voice.
🌐 More from LIFE Speech Pathology®
Website: lifespeechpathology.com
Listen to past episodes: ListenForLIFEAphasiaPodcast.com
Instagram: @lifespeechpathology
If this episode helped you, pass it on. Someone else might be waiting for the words you just heard. And remember—your voice still matters.

#146 When Caregiving Replaces Connection - What No One Warns Stroke Spouses

“He’s still here—but we’re not us anymore.” That’s what one care partner told me. And she’s not alone.
If your marriage feels muted—like you’re functioning as a caregiver, not a partner—this episode is for you. You’re not imagining the distance. And you’re not the only one wondering how to fix it without making it worse.
What no one tells you is this: caregiver burnout is one of the strongest predictors of divorce after stroke. Especially for younger couples. Especially when the care partner is a spouse. But the breakdown doesn’t happen all at once—it happens quietly, in the spaces no one talks about.
Here’s what we’ll name together:
Why disconnection doesn’t always mean conflict—it can be quiet and resigned
The stages of emotional divorce (and how to spot where you are)
What shame, silence, and aphasia hide in stroke recovery
Why your partner’s withdrawal might be protection—not rejection
How to begin again—through presence, not pressure
If this hit home—there’s a story I want you to read. It’s short. Honest. And it might name what you’ve been feeling. https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/f/lisa-or-elena
More Resources:
Speak up for yourself after stroke—Take It Back: https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/f/take-it-back
3 Reasons Aphasia Progress Never Stops: https://dolifespeechpathology.com/f/neuroplasticity
Want caregiver tools that protect your identity? https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/care-partner-resources
Looking for speech therapy with heart? https://dolifespeechpathology.com
Want help learning how to be a care partner and maintain yourself? Check out the Collective: https://dolifespeechpathology.co/collective
Subscribe to our YouTube Channel for weekly episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@LIFESpeechPathology/videos
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listen-for-life-aphasia-podcast/id1621948384
Even the smallest shift matters. Start where you are.

#145 When Did You Stop Believing You Mattered?

She looked calm. Capable. But when I asked what she needed—she couldn’t answer. Not because she didn’t care. Because she didn’t remember how to.
If you’re the one keeping everything afloat—managing meds, moods, meals, and meaning—you might not realize what’s been lost. Not your partner. You.
This episode is about what happens when caregiving stops being something you do… and quietly becomes who you are. It’s not about blame. It’s about awareness. Because once you can name what’s happening, you can begin to change it.
– What “role engulfment” actually is—and why it’s not just burnout – How care partners disappear inside the job and lose access to their own needs – Why even small decisions can feel impossible when you’re emotionally fogged – One shift that can help you start coming back to yourself – A story that reveals the real turning point—not just for you, but for your relationship
If this hit home—there’s a story I want you to read. It’s called Are You Lisa or Elena? Two care partners. Same diagnosis. Very different outcomes. Find out which one is yours: https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/f/lisa-or-elena
More Resources: Speak up for yourself after stroke—Take It Back: https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/f/take-it-back Learn why aphasia progress never really stops (and how to spot it): https://dolifespeechpathology.com/f/neuroplasticity Explore care partner tools, mindset shifts, and coaching: https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/care-partner-resources Curious about therapy or coaching support? Learn about our services: https://dolifespeechpathology.com Want help learning how to be a care partner and maintain yourself? Check out the LIFE Aphasia Collective: https://dolifespeechpathology.co/collective Watch more content on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LIFESpeechPathology/videos Prefer audio? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listen-for-life-aphasia-podcast/id1621948384
You’re not failing. You’re adapting. But you don’t have to disappear in the process. There’s a way back to you.

#144 The Scene That Shook Me Up (And Why It Matters Now)

I didn’t expect a movie to call me out—but one line stopped me cold.
If you’re a stroke care partner lying awake at night, looping through your to-do list, bracing for tomorrow before today is even over—this might be the reset you didn’t know you needed.
In this episode, I share the moment that hit me hard, what it taught me about mental clutter, and the 5-minute routine that’s helped me finally sleep again. No fixing. No faking. Just one tiny shift that changes everything.
What “taking out the trash” really means for care partners
Why mental overload mimics burnout and impacts your memory
The nighttime routine I use to stop solving problems in my sleep
What happens when you don’t give your brain closure (hello, Monkey Brain)
A simple paper + timer practice that works—even when you're maxed out
If this hit home—there’s a story I want you to read. https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/f/lisa-or-elena
More Resources:
Speak up for yourself after stroke—Take It Back: https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/f/take-it-back
Wondering if progress is still possible? 3 Reasons Aphasia Progress Never Stops: https://dolifespeechpathology.com/f/neuroplasticity
Want help learning how to be a care partner and maintain yourself? Start here: https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/care-partner-resources
Need support or expert therapy guidance? Learn about LIFE Speech Pathology® services: https://dolifespeechpathology.com
Looking for a community that truly gets it? Join the LIFE Aphasia Collective: https://dolifespeechpathology.co/collective
Browse more videos on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@LIFESpeechPathology/videos
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/listen-for-life-aphasia-podcast/id1621948384
You’re not failing. You’re adapting.

#143 Your Questions About Right Hemisphere Stroke

🎙 Right Hemisphere Stroke Q&A for Care Partners
If your spouse or loved one survived a right hemisphere stroke and now feels… different—you’re not imagining it. In this heartfelt Q&A, Genevieve answers real questions from care partners grappling with subtle but life-altering changes: blank stares, flat affect, lost affection, impulsive speech, and “he’s totally fine” denial. If you’ve ever wondered is this the stroke… or just who they are now?—this episode will bring clarity, validation, and next steps.
This episode is for care partners who are feeling emotionally alone in the aftermath of a stroke that didn’t affect speech—but changed everything else.
💡 In this episode, Genevieve answers:
“Why does my spouse seem flat and expressionless now?”
“She used to be warm and affectionate… now she feels distant. What changed?”
“My husband takes everything literally now—no jokes, no sarcasm. Why?”
“He swears he’s fine, but I can see he’s not. How do I make him aware?”
“My dad only shaves half his face now—how do I help him notice?”
“What’s the deal with memory? Is it memory loss or something else?”
🔑 Key Takeaways:
Right hemisphere stroke often impacts personality, not language.
Emotional disconnect, sarcasm misfires, and blank stares are common—but misunderstood—stroke effects.
Survivors may not realize their behavior has changed. It’s not denial—it’s a breakdown in self-awareness.
These shifts are real, and they can be worked with. But first, care partners need to stop taking them personally.
Small strategies and honest conversations can rebuild connection—but education is key.
🔗 Ready to go deeper?
There’s a short story I want you to read. It’s called “Are You Lisa or Elena?” One stayed stuck. One found her way back. ➡️ Read it here
You might be surprised which one you are.
If this episode helped you feel seen, share it with a friend or fellow care partner who needs it. Don’t forget to subscribe to Listen for LIFE and leave a review—your story helps others find theirs.

#142 Why Doesn’t He See It? Stroke, Awareness & Denial

💭 “I feel like I’m talking to a wall. I see the struggle, but he doesn’t. How do you help someone who doesn’t even realize they need help?”
When a stroke survivor doesn’t recognize their own deficits—whether it’s missed objects, risky decisions, or emotional distance—it can feel like denial. But this isn’t stubbornness. It’s something deeper: a neurological change called anosognosia.
In this episode, we unpack the emotional and relational weight care partners carry when their loved one just can’t see what’s wrong.
🎧 What this episode covers:
Why self-awareness is often disrupted after a right hemisphere stroke—and what that looks like in daily life
The difference between denial and anosognosia (and why it matters for your sanity)
How to use practical, gentle strategies to encourage awareness without confrontation
🛑 This is Part 4 of our 5-part Right Hemisphere Stroke Series: 🔹 Go back to Episode 138 to learn how stroke affects how survivors process information 🔹 Listen to Episode 140 for insights on emotions, relationships, and social cues 🔹 Check out Episode 141 to explore personality and behavior changes after stroke 🔹 Stay tuned for next week’s episode—we’re answering your top questions about right hemisphere stroke
Are You Lisa or Elena? There’s a story I want you to read—it’s short, but powerful. It’s called Are You Lisa or Elena? And the truth is... most care partners are living one of these stories. I want you to find out which one is yours. ➡️ https://lifeaphasiaacademy.co/f/are-you-lisa-or-elena
🎧 Listen now to understand stroke awareness challenges & what you can do. 🔔 If this episode helped you, please share it with another care partner.

#141 It’s Still Them… Right? Stroke & Personality Changes

🔔 If this episode helped you, please share it with another care partner!If your loved one’s personality feels different after a stroke, you’re not imagining it. Right hemisphere strokes can affect emotional awareness, social judgment, and self-control—leading to blunt speech, impulsivity, and a seeming lack of empathy.
It’s not a personality choice—it’s a brain function change. But for care partners, it doesn’t always feel that way.
🎧 In this episode, we cover:✔️ Why right hemisphere stroke can cause personality changes✔️ How to separate the stroke from the person (so it doesn’t feel personal)✔️ Why self-awareness is affected—and how to gently encourage it✔️ Concrete strategies for handling impulsivity, emotional disconnect, and social struggles
🛑 This is Part 3 of our 4-part Right Hemisphere Stroke Series!🔹 Go back to Episode 138 to learn about how right hemisphere stroke changes how survivors process information.🔹 Listen to Episode 140 to hear about emotions, relationships, and why social cues feel different.🔹 Stay tuned for Episode 144, where we’ll explore life from the survivor’s perspective—what it actually feels like to navigate the world after a right hemisphere stroke.
📢 Feeling overwhelmed as a stroke care partner?
When your world feels out of control, the first step is building a support system.
We’ve found that when care partners have strong support, everything changes. They move from overwhelmed and reactive to in control and proactive—and that shift helps them not just care for their loved one, but promote real recovery.
That’s why we created First Steps to LIFE Beyond Aphasia: Build Your Support Map—a 90-minute course designed to help you get out of survival mode and reclaim balance in your life.
✅ Learn how to rebuild your support network—so you’re not doing this alone.✅ Find stability so you have the energy to learn about stroke & adaptation.✅ Shift from feeling lost to feeling confident & in control.
📌 Learn more and enroll today → https://dolifespeechpathology/first-steps
🎧 Listen now to understand personality changes after stroke & what you can do.

#140 Right Hemisphere Stroke & Relationships: What's Different Now

"Why does it feel like your loved one has changed emotionally after their stroke? Why do they miss social cues, seem indifferent, or struggle to respond appropriately? And most importantly—how can you navigate these changes without feeling hurt or disconnected?"
After a right hemisphere stroke, survivors often struggle to recognize emotions, pick up on social cues, or respond in the way they used to. It’s not that they don’t care—it’s that their brain is processing relationships and emotions differently now.
In this episode, we’re uncovering: ✔️ Why right hemisphere strokes change emotional responses ✔️ Why care partners often feel hurt, frustrated, or unappreciated ✔️ How to separate the stroke from the person (so it doesn’t feel personal) ✔️ Concrete strategies to adapt, communicate, and reconnect
💡 Feeling overwhelmed as a stroke care partner?
You were thrown into this role without training, without a guide, and without a support system—and now, you’re carrying the weight of recovery on your shoulders.
We’ve found that stroke recovery accelerates when care partners have the right knowledge, tools, and support. But too often, care partners lose themselves in the process—feeling exhausted, disconnected, and unsure of what to do next.
That’s why we created First Steps to LIFE Beyond Aphasia: Build Your Support Map—a 90-minute course designed to help you take care of yourself first.
✅ Understand your own identity shift as a care partner (because recovery changes your life too). ✅ Build a strong support system so you don’t have to do this alone. ✅ Shift from survival mode to feeling confident & in control—for both you and your loved one.
This course will change the way you approach being a stroke care partner—giving you the first, most important step toward balance, clarity, and support.
📌 Learn more and enroll today → https://dolifespeechpathology/first-steps
🎧 Listen now to learn how to navigate emotions & relationships after stroke.