Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a podcast where stroke survivors share powerful stories shaped by purpose, connection, and hope. Each episode is the result of eight weeks of guided, reflective story-crafting—conversations that help uncover the life wisdom that emerges through stroke recovery. Most guests are years, sometimes decades, beyond their stroke. Their stories offer perspective shaped by time, healing, and deep reflection—modern-day parables that invite listeners into momen ...
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In the UK, there are more than 100,000 strokes every year. That’s one stroke every 5 minutes. Around the world there are as many as 15 million people suffering from the illness every year. It is usually sudden and can be a devastating illness – and so on the Stroke Stories podcast, we’ve been seeking out inspiring stories of stroke survivors. We hear their stories about their struggles, what drove them forward, and how they look back on their stroke now they're on the road to recovery. So jo ...
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Community Special- Part Two - University of Pittsburgh's Community Aphasia Center Support Group
31:48
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31:48Today on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we offer another Community Special highlighting University of Pittsburgh's Community Aphasia Center Support Group led by Chrisa Kravetz. They meet monthly to promote social engagement and supportive communication. Join us as members dive into what they hope others will learn from their journey with ap…
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Choosing Change - Jim Dana's Story - Part One
21:51
21:51
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21:51Today, we welcome guest Jim Dana, who takes us on an honest exploration of how a stroke nearly three decades ago reshaped his sense of self. Guided by an inner voice that evolved over time, Jim shares how he learned to embrace honesty, vulnerability, and self-reflection to become who he calls “Jim Dana version 2.” Join us as he shares his journey o…
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Choosing Change - Jim Dana's Interview - Part Two
41:35
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41:35Today, we welcome guest, Jim Dana, who takes us on an honest exploration of how a stroke nearly three decades ago reshaped his sense of self. Guided by an inner voice that evolved over time, Jim shares how he learned to embrace honesty, vulnerability, and self-reflection to become who he calls “Jim Dana version 2.” Join us as he shares his journey …
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A Mediator's Process for Change - Doug Alford's Story - Part One
20:11
20:11
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20:11Today, we welcome guest Doug Alford. Before his stroke two years ago, he served as a mediator helping organizations and individuals navigate change; now, he applies those same tools to his own recovery. Doug shares candid reflections on fear, vulnerability, and the challenge of rebuilding a life forever changed. Join us as he offers five tools for …
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A Mediator’s Process for Change - Doug Alford's Interview - Part Two
31:50
31:50
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31:50Today, we welcome guest Doug Alford. Before his stroke two years ago, he served as a mediator helping organizations and individuals navigate change; now, he applies those same tools to his own recovery. Doug shares candid reflections on fear, vulnerability, and the challenge of rebuilding a life forever changed. Join us as he offers five tools for …
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Empowered to Empower - Joe Malinowski's Story - Part One
25:45
25:45
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25:45Today, we welcome guest Joe Malinowski who spent decades standing up for others—as a union leader and advocate for abused children—but after a stroke, he was left questioning his own worth. In this episode, Joe shares how the people around him—his care team, his wife, and fellow survivors—empowered him when he couldn’t see his own strength. Now, he…
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Empowered to Empower - Joe Malinowski's Interview - Part Two
22:19
22:19
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22:19Today, we welcome guest Joe Malinowski who spent decades standing up for others—as a union leader and advocate for abused children—but after a stroke, he was left questioning his own worth. In this episode, Joe shares how the people around him—his care team, his wife, and fellow survivors—empowered him when he couldn’t see his own strength. Now, he…
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Community Special - Part One - University of Pittsburgh's Community Aphasia Center Support Group
28:09
28:09
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28:09Today on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we offer a Community Special highlighting University of Pittsburgh's Community Aphasia Center Support Group led by Chrisa Kravetz. They meet monthly to promote social engagement and supportive communication. Today's conversation highlights the importance of finding a safe and supportive community of u…
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Blurred Vision, Clear Purpose - Dr. Simbi Animashaun's Story - Part One
23:13
23:13
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23:13Today, we welcome guest Dr. Simbi Animashaun, who shares her story that begins with a pounding headache during a night class at grad school and unfolds through the heartbreak of miscarriage and the isolation of stroke recovery. Dr. Simbi takes us through the darkness she faced and the moment she chose life. Join us as she reflects on rediscovering …
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Blurred Vision, Clear Purpose - Dr. Simbi Animashaun's Interview - Part Two
34:18
34:18
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34:18Today, we welcome guest Dr. Simbi Animashaun, who shares her story that begins with a pounding headache during a night class at grad school and unfolds through the heartbreak of miscarriage and the isolation of stroke recovery. Dr. Simbi takes us through the darkness she faced and the moment she chose life. Join us as she reflects on rediscovering …
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How the Trike Saved My Life - Dan Zimmerman's Interview - Part Two
32:44
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32:44As a way to celebrate Dan rolling through our hometown of Bend, OR this week, we are reposting Dan Zimmerman's story and interview from September of 2024. Today we welcome Dan The-Trike-Man Zimmerman who suffered a series of strokes due to Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT). About four years after his last stroke, Dan woke in the middle of…
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How the Trike Saved My Life - Dan Zimmerman's Story - Part One
20:46
20:46
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20:46As a way to celebrate Dan rolling through our hometown of Bend, OR this week, we are reposting Dan Zimmerman's story and interview from September of 2024. Today we welcome Dan The-Trike-Man Zimmerman who suffered a series of strokes due to Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT). About four years after his last stroke, Dan woke in the middle of…
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Transition Techniques - Natalie Shao's Interview - Part Two
30:02
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30:02Today, we welcome guest Natalie Shao to share her story that begins with a surprise diagnosis just weeks before college and unfolds across two decades of life-altering transitions. From the shock of discovering a cerebral AVM at seventeen to navigating the aftermath of brain surgery, hemiparesis, and epilepsy, Natalie’s journey is one of heartbreak…
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Transition Techniques - Natalie Shao's Story - Part One
20:39
20:39
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20:39Today, we welcome guest Natalie Shao to share her story that begins with a surprise diagnosis just weeks before college and unfolds across two decades of life-altering transitions. From the shock of discovering a cerebral AVM at seventeen to navigating the aftermath of brain surgery, hemiparesis, and epilepsy, Natalie’s journey is one of heartbreak…
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Reconnecting with the Mountain and Myself - Brad McKenzie's Interview - Part Two
27:26
27:26
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27:26This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Brad McKenzie to share his powerful and vivid stroke recovery story filled with life-threatening urgency, deep peace, resilience, and the pursuit of connection and purpose. We dive into ways small acts of kindness illuminate unique paths toward trust and create a foundation for s…
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Reconnecting with the Mountain and Myself - Brad McKenzie's Story - Part One
23:29
23:29
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23:29This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Brad McKenzie to share his powerful and vivid stroke recovery story filled with life-threatening urgency, deep peace, resilience, and the pursuit of connection and purpose. We dive into ways small acts of kindness illuminate unique paths toward trust and create a foundation for s…
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Transform Luck to Systematic Change - Chuck Toeniskoetter's Story - Part One
21:50
21:50
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21:50This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome Chuck Toeniskoetter, a well educated businessman, philanthropist, and family man. In the year 2000, life was moving fast for Chuck, but on a December afternoon, his world changed in an instant. Confused as the signs of stroke appeared, his luck took over. The ski patrol nurse on duty k…
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Transform Luck to Systematic Change - Chuck Toeniskoetter's Interview - Part Two
35:02
35:02
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35:02This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome Chuck Toeniskoetter, a well educated businessman, philanthropist, and family man. In the year 2000, life was moving fast for Chuck, but on a December afternoon, his world changed in an instant. Confused as the signs of stroke appeared, his luck took over. The ski patrol nurse on duty k…
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Part of Something Greater - Chris Wilder's Story - Part One
25:32
25:32
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25:32This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we spotlight guest Chris Wilder from Los Gatos, CA. Chris learned to play the guitar in his teens. In addition to his passion and diligent work ethic, he credits his fellow musicians as teachers and co-creators. He learned at a young age what it feels like to work with others toward a common goal.…
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Part of Something Greater - Chris Wilder's Interview - Part Two
29:13
29:13
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29:13This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we spotlight guest Chris Wilder from Los Gatos, CA. Chris learned to play the guitar in his teens. In addition to his passion and diligent work ethic, he credits his fellow musicians as teachers and co-creators. He learned at a young age what it feels like to work with others toward a common goal.…
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From Warning Signs to Wisdom - Grace Tsang's Story - Part One
19:38
19:38
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19:38This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome Grace Tsang. On October 30, 2021, her friends spotted the signs of stroke—slurred speech, a drooping face—and got her the swift, comprehensive care that saved her life and improved her outcome. But healing didn’t stop there. Grace shares how choosing gratitude and a new perspective hel…
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From Warning Signs to Wisdom - Grace Tsang's Interview - Part Two
28:23
28:23
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28:23This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome Grace Tsang. On October 30, 2021, her friends spotted the signs of stroke—slurred speech, a drooping face—and got her the swift, comprehensive care that saved her life and improved her outcome. But healing didn’t stop there. Grace shares how choosing gratitude and a new perspective hel…
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Roots of Resilience - Carmine Indindoli's Story - Part One
26:18
26:18
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26:18This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Carmine Indindoli who shares the journey of relearning how to walk, talk, and live with intention, drawing inspiration from his love of gardening, family, and fellow survivors. Through patience, persistence, and community, he found healing and growth, not just in the soil, but wi…
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Roots of Resilience - Carmine Indindoli's Interview - Part Two
25:50
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25:50This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Carmine Indindoli who shares the journey of relearning how to walk, talk, and live with intention, drawing inspiration from his love of gardening, family, and fellow survivors. Through patience, persistence, and community, he found healing and growth, not just in the soil, but wi…
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Words I Couldn't Say - Frida Swenson's Story - Part One
28:37
28:37
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28:37This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Frida Swenson. After an Ischemic stroke in March 2020 left her unable to speak, Frida faced the challenges of aphasia, isolation, and frustration. Through determination and heart, she worked to reclaim her voice—and discovered a new purpose in supporting others on similar paths. …
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Words I Couldn't Say - Frida Swenson's Interview - Part Two
32:21
32:21
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32:21This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Frida Swenson. After an Ischemic stroke in March 2020 left her unable to speak, Frida faced the challenges of aphasia, isolation, and frustration. Through determination and heart, she worked to reclaim her voice—and discovered a new purpose in supporting others on similar paths. …
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From Pain to Purpose - Amy K's Interview - Part Two
28:38
28:38
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28:38This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Amy K. After illness in 2009, she began navigating a confusing fog of fatigue, memory loss, and a long road to recovery following a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Once a high-achieving professional with boundless energy, she slowly rebuilt her life and reclaimed her sense of self. In t…
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From Pain to Purpose - Amy K's Story - Part One
20:03
20:03
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20:03This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Amy K. After illness in 2009, she began navigating a confusing fog of fatigue, memory loss, and a long road to recovery following a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Once a high-achieving professional with boundless energy, she slowly rebuilt her life and reclaimed her sense of self. In t…
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My Reset - Karla Bigornia's Story - Part One
19:55
19:55
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19:55This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Karla Bigornia who shares a story of recovery and rediscovery. Growing up in Cebu City, Philippines, today’s guest found joy through singing and dancing with her family. But a stroke at age 30 changed everything—leaving her to fight for her health, memory, and speech. In this epi…
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My Reset - Karla Bigornia's Interview - Part Two
32:02
32:02
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32:02This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Karla Bigornia who shares a story of recovery and rediscovery. Growing up in Cebu City, Philippines, today’s guest found joy through singing and dancing with her family. But a stroke at age 30 changed everything—leaving her to fight for her health, memory, and speech. In this epi…
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Molly Buccola Interviewed by Bill Gasiamis - Part One
31:00
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31:00This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we turn the tables. Have you ever wondered about Molly Buccola—the founder, facilitator, and host behind our organization? Guests and listeners often ask about her journey: What led her to this work? How her own experiences shape the stories we share? And why this mission so personal to her? In t…
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Molly Buccola Interviewed by Bill Gasiamis - Part Two
39:19
39:19
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39:19This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we turn the tables. Have you ever wondered about Molly Buccola—the founder, facilitator, and host behind our organization? Guests and listeners often ask about her journey: What led her to this work? How her own experiences shape the stories we share? And why this mission so personal to her? In t…
…
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Give Stroke Recovery 1000% - Will Schmierer's Story
31:00
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31:00This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Will Schmierer. In December of 2019, a small leg wound led to an unexpected diagnosis—AFib. Days later, a stroke left his entire right side paralyzed. Then came another blow: multiple sclerosis. At that point, Will was 37 and weighed 530 lbs. Recovery was slow, but he has always …
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Give Stroke Recovery 1000% - Will Schmierer's Interview
29:07
29:07
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29:07This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Will Schmierer. In December of 2019, a small leg wound led to an unexpected diagnosis—AFib. Days later, a stroke left his entire right side paralyzed. Then came another blow: multiple sclerosis. At that point, Will was 37 and weighed 530 lbs. Recovery was slow, but he has always …
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The Power of Perseverance - Todd Berreth's Story
28:34
28:34
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28:34This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Todd Berreth who shares his story of perseverance, determination, and grit. He takes us through the challenges of rebuilding speech, the resilience required to reclaim his passions, and the deep lessons he’s learned along the way. Join me as we dive into his story that proves tha…
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The Power of Perseverance - Todd Berreth's Interview
27:54
27:54
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27:54This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Todd Berreth who shares his story of perseverance, determination, and grit. He takes us through the challenges of rebuilding speech, the resilience required to reclaim his passions, and the deep lessons he’s learned along the way. Join me as we dive into his story that proves tha…
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This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Angel James. On the morning of February 4, 2023, she was singing in the choir, her voice resonating with joy, connection, and purpose. But by that evening, everything changed. A stroke stole Angel’s ability to speak, leaving her in silence, uncertain of what the future would hold…
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Reclaiming My Voice - Angel James' Interview
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35:11This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Angel James. On the morning of February 4, 2023, she was singing in the choir, her voice resonating with joy, connection, and purpose. But by that evening, everything changed. A stroke stole Angel’s ability to speak, leaving her in silence, uncertain of what the future would hold…
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On January 16, 2017, Mike’s life was full—teaching, coaching, and raising a family. But in an instant, everything changed. A stroke stole his ability to swallow, eat, and live life as he knew it. What followed was a battle he never saw coming—one of survival, loss, self-discovery, and a renewed sense of purpose. In this episode, Mike shares his jou…
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On January 16, 2017, Mike’s life was full—teaching, coaching, and raising a family. But in an instant, everything changed. A stroke stole his ability to swallow, eat, and live life as he knew it. What followed was a battle he never saw coming—one of survival, loss, self-discovery, and a renewed sense of purpose. In this episode, Mike shares his jou…
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Community Special with University of Vermont Medical Center’s Stroke Support Group - Part One
24:11
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24:11This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we offer a Community Special with University of Vermont Medical Center’s Stroke Support Group led by Becky Louko, PT. In today’s episode, stroke survivors share personal attributes that have been helpful in recovery, lessons they’ve learned, while also offering gratitude to each other. Suggested R…
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Community Special with University of Vermont Medical Center’s Stroke Support Group - Part Two
19:43
19:43
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19:43This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we offer a Community Special with University of Vermont Medical Center’s Stroke Support Group led by Becky Louko, PT. In today’s episode, stroke survivors share personal attributes that have been helpful in recovery, lessons they’ve learned, while also offering gratitude to each other. Suggested R…
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From "I Have To" to "I Get To" - Michelle Humphrey's Story
31:35
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31:35This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Michelle Humphrey or StrokeMom as she is known on social media. Michelle invites us into a deeply personal journey—one that challenges the definition of a “real” life and a “real” job. Our guest reflects on the day everything changed: a bi-lateral pons stroke during pregnancy at …
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From "I Have To" to "I Get To" - Michelle Humphrey's Interview
32:19
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32:19This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Michelle Humphrey or StrokeMom as she is known on social media. Michelle invites us into a deeply personal journey—one that challenges the definition of a “real” life and a “real” job. Our guest reflects on the day everything changed: a bi-lateral pons stroke during pregnancy at …
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Life is Patiently Waiting - Tara Dinkel's Story
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26:01This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Tara Dinkel or STARR Tara Dinkel as she is known when making the rounds as a volunteer. STARR stands for “Stroke Survivor Taking Aim at Recovery.” May we all become STARRs. At just 25, Tara suffered a massive stroke, leading to a life-saving craniectomy and weeks in a coma. Recov…
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Life is Patiently Waiting - Tara Dinkel's Interview
27:09
27:09
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27:09This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Tara Dinkel or STARR Tara Dinkel as she is known when making the rounds as a volunteer. STARR stands for “Stroke Survivor Taking Aim at Recovery.” May we all become STARRs. At just 25, Tara suffered a massive stroke, leading to a life-saving craniectomy and weeks in a coma. Recov…
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This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we share the New Year Community Special. We recorded our Stroke and TBI Survivor Gathering this week as a way to publicly share our celebrations from 2024 and intentions for the year ahead. From publishing books, contributing to art shows, walking 5Ks to fostering supportive connections, our guest…
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This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we share the New Year Community Special. We recorded our Stroke and TBI Survivor Gathering this week as a way to publicly share our celebrations from 2024 and intentions for the year ahead. From publishing books, contributing to art shows, walking 5Ks to fostering supportive connections, our guest…
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Use the Call Button - Stephen Albright's Story
23:13
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23:13This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Stephen Albright, a faith filled family man from Ohio. In today’s episode, we hear powerful stories of resilience, faith, and forward movement. From navigating a complicated relationship with his father to facing a life-changing stroke, Steve's journey has been one of unexpected …
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Use the Call Button - Stephen Albright's Interview
28:37
28:37
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28:37This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Stephen Albright, a faith filled family man from Ohio. In today’s episode, we hear powerful stories of resilience, faith, and forward movement. From navigating a complicated relationship with his father to facing a life-changing stroke, Steve's journey has been one of unexpected …
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