When Words Don't Come Easy

Justin and Roger Chlowitz
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

When Words Don’t Come Easy is a podcast about connection — even when communication gets hard. I’m Justin, and my dad Roger is recovering from a stroke that left him with aphasia. We talk. We struggle. We laugh. We guess the words. But this show isn’t just about us. It’s also about the people who’ve been there: Other stroke survivors. Families. Speech therapists. Doctors. Advocates. People who know what it’s like when the words won’t come — but the love is still loud. If you’ve ever felt alone in this journey, this podcast is for you. Subscribe and join the conversation.

  1. 15h ago

    Ep. 36 More Than Survival: James Kirkwood’s Story

    In this episode of "When Words Don’t Come Easy", James Kirkwood shares his powerful journey of recovery after suffering a severe stroke at just 20 years old. James opens up about the challenges he faced during recovery, particularly the impact of communication difficulties on his confidence, identity, and everyday interactions. James discusses his experience with speech therapy and the ongoing effort it takes to communicate in a world where conversations move quickly and finding the right words isn't always easy. He reflects on how these challenges can affect self-esteem, relationships, and the ability to feel understood by others, even when the person you are inside hasn't changed. Throughout the conversation, James emphasizes the importance of persistence, patience, and having a strong support system. He also shares how his experience has changed his outlook on life, helping him grow as a person and inspiring him to pursue his goals as a disability advocate and public speaker. This episode explores the emotional side of stroke recovery, the connection between communication and confidence, and the power of post-traumatic growth. James's story is a reminder that recovery is about more than physical progress. It's also about rebuilding confidence, finding your voice, and discovering new purpose after a life-changing event. His message to other stroke survivors and people living with disabilities is one of resilience, hope, and self-belief. As James puts it, "I'm still myself, you know." His journey highlights the importance of looking beyond a diagnosis or disability and recognizing the person behind it. Join Justin and Roger for an honest and meaningful conversation about stroke recovery, aphasia, communication challenges, mental health, and learning to move forward after adversity. Keywords Stroke recovery, aphasia, stroke survivor, young stroke survivor, acquired brain injury, communication difficulties, speech therapy, speech-language pathology, disability advocacy, living with a disability, confidence, self-esteem, mental health, resilience, personal growth, post-traumatic growth, positive mindset, recovery journey, rehabilitation, support systems, family support, public speaking, stroke awareness, life after stroke, finding your voice, overcoming adversity, inspiration, empowerment "When Words Don’t Come Easy" is a podcast hosted by Justin and his dad, Roger, an aphasia survivor. Through honest conversations with stroke survivors, caregivers, speech-language pathologists, and advocates, we explore life after stroke and brain injury, the challenges of communication, and the power of resilience, recovery, and connection.

    Ep. 36 More Than Survival: James Kirkwood’s Story

  2. Sep 27

    Ep. 35 When Conversation Becomes Connection | Janu Orrick & AphasiaPals

    In this episode of When Words Don’t Come Easy, Justin and Roger sit down with Janu Orrick, founder of AphasiaPals, to talk about communication, connection, caregiving, and life after stroke. Janu shares the story behind AphasiaPals and how her experiences with her friend Demetrius helped inspire a different approach to supporting people with aphasia. Rather than focusing only on structured speech exercises, AphasiaPals creates opportunities for natural, meaningful conversation and genuine human connection. The conversation explores the challenges many stroke survivors face, including loneliness, frustration, loss of confidence, and the difficulty of navigating life with aphasia. Janu, Justin, and Roger also discuss the important role caregivers play, why patience and communication strategies matter, and how giving survivors opportunities to make choices and build independence can help restore confidence. Most importantly, this episode is about recognizing that recovery doesn't have a finish line. Finding things you're passionate about, staying connected to others, asking for help, and having a community that understands can make a meaningful difference along the journey. In this episode: The story behind AphasiaPals Why natural conversation can be so powerful The challenges of traditional speech therapy Finding passion and meaningful ways to communicate Loneliness and isolation after stroke The emotional side of aphasia recovery Supporting independence and confidence The role of caregivers and knowing when to ask for help Building a community through shared experiences Why recovery is an ongoing journey, not a destination Keywords Aphasia, communication, support, recovery, speech therapy, community, connection, stroke, advocacy, healing aphasia, stroke recovery, communication challenges, caregiver support, emotional health, independence, community support, speech therapy, mental health, personal growth About Janu Orrick and AphasiaPals Janu Orrick is the founder of AphasiaPals, a service created to help people with aphasia build confidence and connection through meaningful, natural conversation. Inspired by her friend Demetrius after his stroke, Janu saw the need for more opportunities to simply talk, connect, and be heard outside of traditional therapy. AphasiaPals connects people with supportive conversation partners who understand the challenges of aphasia and create a comfortable space to communicate. About the Podcast When Words Don’t Come Easy is a podcast about aphasia, stroke recovery, caregiving, and connection. Hosted by Justin and his father Roger, a stroke survivor living with aphasia, the podcast shares real stories and conversations that remind us that communication may change, but connection never has to.

    Ep. 35 When Conversation Becomes Connection | Janu Orrick & AphasiaPals

  3. Sep 20

    Ep. 34 Straight Out of a Coma with Matthew Thomas

    In this episode of 'When Words Don't Come Easy', hosts Justin and Roger speak with Matthew Thomas, a traumatic brain injury survivor who shares his incredible journey of resilience and recovery. After a devastating car accident left him with a severe brain injury and a prognosis of only 5% chance of survival, Matthew defied the odds through determination, rehabilitation, and the support of his family. He discusses his life before the accident, the challenges he faced during recovery, and how he found purpose in hydrobiking, ultimately setting a world record. Matthew's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that recovery is possible, no matter the circumstances. In this engaging conversation, Matthew Thomas shares his journey from a life-altering head injury to discovering new passions in photography, golf, acting, and radio. He reflects on the lessons learned from his past mistakes, the importance of resilience, and his mission to inspire others through his experiences. Matthew's story emphasizes the significance of community, personal growth, and the power of sharing one's journey with others. Matthew Thomas is a brain injury survivor who was left in a coma after a devastating injury, with doctors unsure if he would ever wake up. After surviving, Matthew faced a long road to recovery, including struggles with alcohol and multiple trips to rehab. Today, he’s been sober for 15 years and shares his story of resilience, recovery, and never giving up. Justin and Roger Chlowitz are the father-son hosts of *When Words Don’t Come Easy*, a podcast about brain injury, stroke, aphasia, recovery, and connection. After Roger experienced a hemorrhagic stroke that left him with aphasia, the two turned their personal experience into a platform for sharing honest stories from survivors, caregivers, families, and professionals. Together, they aim to raise awareness, break down misconceptions, and remind people that losing language never means losing intelligence, personality, or the ability to connect. Keywords resilience, traumatic brain injury, recovery, rehabilitation, hydrobikes, personal growth, family support, overcoming challenges, substance use, inspiration head injury, photography, MAD, recovery, golf, acting, radio, DUI, life lessons, personal growth

    Ep. 34 Straight Out of a Coma with Matthew Thomas

  4. Sep 13

    Ep. 33 Brain Healing Collective with Kerri Potthoff: Creating a New Life After Stroke

    In this episode, Justin and Roger discuss the often-overlooked journey of recovery after a stroke or brain injury with Kerri Potthoff from the Brain Healing Collective. They explore the challenges faced by survivors and their families once traditional rehabilitation ends, the importance of community support, and the innovative Reconnect program designed to help individuals navigate life post-rehab. The conversation emphasizes the emotional and cognitive aspects of recovery, the need for connection among survivors, and the journey of finding a new identity after injury. In this conversation, Kerri Potthoff discusses the emotional and cognitive challenges faced by stroke survivors, emphasizing the importance of identity, communication, and support in the recovery process. She addresses misconceptions about recovery plateaus, the impact of aphasia on relationships, and the significance of finding meaningful activities that can serve as therapy. Kerri highlights the need for ongoing support and understanding from families and society, advocating for a shift in perspective regarding the lifelong nature of recovery. Takeaways Recovery doesn't just end when you leave the hospital. The Brain Healing Collective helps individuals navigate life after stroke. Isolation is a common theme for survivors post-rehab. Community connection is vital for emotional support. The Reconnect program targets identity and mindfulness post-injury. Survivors often feel alone in their journey. Cognitive and emotional support is crucial after rehab. It's important to understand the challenges of living with aphasia. Finding a new identity after injury can be difficult. Hope and support can lead to a better version of oneself. Many stroke survivors struggle with loneliness and fear of the future. Grieving the loss of one's previous self is a common challenge. Plateaus in recovery do not signify the end of potential for growth. Aphasia can significantly impact identity and relationships. Invisible challenges like cognitive and emotional struggles are often overlooked. Support from family should focus on fostering independence and communication. Finding personal interests can transform into therapeutic activities. Recovery is a lifelong journey without a defined endpoint. Small, achievable goals can lead to significant improvements in confidence. Community support is crucial for ongoing recovery and connection. Brain Healing Collective helps stroke survivors and their families reconnect, rebuild, and move forward after stroke. Through personalized support and community, they help people create a new version of themselves and discover what’s possible beyond recovery. https://www.brainhealingcollective.com/ https://www.instagram.com/brain_healing_collective/ When Words Don’t Come Easy is a podcast about connection, stroke recovery, aphasia, and the people navigating life after stroke. Hosted by Justin and his father Roger, the podcast shares real stories, expert insight, and resources to help survivors, families, and caregivers feel less alone. Keywords stroke recovery, brain injury, aphasia, Brain Healing Collective, emotional support, community connection, rehabilitation, survivor stories, post-rehab challenges, identity after injury stroke recovery, brain injury, emotional support, aphasia, identity, therapy, healing, support groups, cognitive challenges, independence

    Ep. 33 Brain Healing Collective with Kerri Potthoff: Creating a New Life After Stroke

  5. Sep 6

    Ep. 32 Don’t Let the Stroke Win: Steve Scharf on Recovery

    In this powerful episode of When Words Don’t Come Easy, Justin and Roger sit down with stroke survivor and advocate Stephen Scharf for an honest and inspiring conversation about life after stroke. Stephen opens up about surviving two strokes, the unexpected challenges that followed, and what it was like to have to rebuild skills and confidence after making progress in his recovery. He shares the impact stroke had on his speech and communication, the frustration of knowing what he wants to say but struggling to get the words out, and the emotional ups and downs that come with starting over. Stephen and the hosts also dive into the world of aphasia and communication after stroke, discussing why patience, understanding, and awareness are so important when talking with stroke survivors. Beyond the physical challenges, Stephen talks about the importance of having a strong support system, staying connected to the hobbies and interests that make you who you are, setting realistic goals, and finding the determination to keep moving forward when recovery gets difficult. He also shares how his own experience inspired him to advocate for other stroke survivors and help create an international support community. This is a conversation about resilience, starting over, and refusing to let stroke have the final word. Stephen’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery isn't always a straight line, but every step forward matters. 00:00 Introduction to Stroke Awareness and Advocacy 01:24 Life Before the Stroke: A Young Professional's Journey 03:12 The Unexpected Reality of a Stroke0 4:34 The Day of the Stroke: A Vivid Memory0 8:19 Hospitalization and Initial Recovery 10:21 Recognizing Speech Difficulties and Aphasia 15:44 Challenges in Communication During Recovery 17:09 The Impact of a Second Stroke 20:09 Understanding the Causes of the Second Stroke 22:46 Regaining Confidence and Identity Post-Stroke 24:22 Communicating with Stroke Survivors: Key Insights 26:29 Understanding Aphasia and Misconceptions 28:49 The Importance of Support Systems 30:15 Physical Challenges in Recovery 31:56 Finding Joy in Hobbies Post-Stroke 35:53 Creating a Global Support Community 40:00 The Disconnect in Stroke Awareness 44:17 Advice for New Stroke Survivors Keywords stroke awareness, aphasia, recovery, resilience, communication, advocacy, support groups, young stroke survivor, health challenges, personal stories Aphasia, stroke recovery, support groups, physical challenges, hobbies, awareness, community, determination, long-term recovery, advocacy When Words Don't Come Easy is a podcast hosted by Justin and his father, Roger, exploring life after stroke and the realities of aphasia. Through conversations with stroke survivors, caregivers, speech-language pathologists, researchers, advocates, and other experts, we share real stories, practical insights, and honest conversations about recovery, communication, and life after stroke. Listen and watch: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and Amazon Music. New episodes: Sundays at 9 AM PT. Follow When Words Don't Come Easy for more stories about aphasia, stroke recovery, communication, disability, and connection.

    Ep. 32 Don’t Let the Stroke Win: Steve Scharf on Recovery

  6. Aug 30

    Ep. 31 Life After Stroke: Aphasia, Wheelchair Life & Finding Independence with Tina Orkin

    What does life really look like after a stroke? In this episode of When Words Don’t Come Easy, Tina Orkin returns to the show for her second appearance for an honest and inspiring conversation about stroke recovery, aphasia, disability, and life in a wheelchair. Tina wanted to come back because sharing her experience with aphasia, stroke, and life in a wheelchair is deeply important to her, and she wants others to understand what life can really be like after a stroke. Tina shares her personal journey of rebuilding her life after stroke, including the challenges of communicating with aphasia, adapting to life in a wheelchair, navigating a world that isn't always designed with people with disabilities in mind, and learning to find independence in a completely different way. We talk about the physical and emotional realities of stroke recovery, the frustrations that can come with accessibility barriers, and the importance of patience, persistence, advocacy, and having the confidence to keep moving forward. Tina also gives us a firsthand perspective on what she wishes more people understood about wheelchair users, accessibility, aphasia, and life after stroke. Her story is a reminder that recovery isn't always about getting back to the person you were before. Sometimes, it's about discovering a new version of yourself and figuring out how to thrive in that life. This is a conversation about resilience, independence, accessibility, identity, and finding your voice after stroke, even when communication gets hard. If you or someone you love is living with stroke, aphasia, or a disability, Tina's story offers an honest look at the challenges, victories, and everyday realities that come with life after stroke. Topics include:• Stroke recovery and life after stroke• Living with aphasia• Life in a wheelchair• Disability and accessibility• Independence after stroke• The emotional challenges of recovery• Advocating for yourself and others• Finding confidence and purpose after stroke• What people should understand about wheelchair users• Why aphasia does not mean a loss of intelligence When Words Don't Come Easy is a podcast hosted by Justin and his father, Roger, exploring life after stroke and the realities of aphasia. Through conversations with stroke survivors, caregivers, speech-language pathologists, researchers, advocates, and other experts, we share real stories, practical insights, and honest conversations about recovery, communication, and life after stroke. Listen and watch: YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, and Amazon Music. New episodes: Sundays at 9 AM PT. Follow When Words Don't Come Easy for more stories about aphasia, stroke recovery, communication, disability, and connection.

    Ep. 31 Life After Stroke: Aphasia, Wheelchair Life & Finding Independence with Tina Orkin

  7. Aug 23

    Ep. 30 Everything Feels Impossible Until It’s Done

    In this episode of When Words Don’t Come Easy, we sit down with Vincent Van den Broeck, author of Everything Feels Impossible Until It’s Done and a TBI survivor, for an honest conversation about rebuilding confidence, finding your identity again, and pushing forward when life suddenly feels unfamiliar. When Words Don’t Come Easy is a podcast about connection, communication, stroke recovery, aphasia, brain injury, and the people navigating life when words don't come easily. Vincent was once the kind of person who brought incredible energy into every room. But after his brain injury, that confidence and sense of self were challenged in ways he never expected. He opens up about losing confidence, struggling with communication, and learning to navigate moments that once came naturally. Vincent also talks about something many people can relate to, regardless of whether they have experienced a brain injury: the discomfort of stepping outside your comfort zone. Talking to a stranger, trying something new, or putting yourself in an unfamiliar situation can be intimidating. But sometimes, the things that make us uncomfortable are exactly where growth begins. Together, we talk about resilience, positivity, confidence, communication, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you. Vincent shares the lessons he has learned throughout his recovery and why progress does not always look the way we expect it to. His story is a reminder that recovery is not simply about getting back to who you were. Sometimes, it is about discovering who you can become. About Vincent Van den Broeck:Vincent Van den Broeck is the author of Everything Feels Impossible Until It’s Done and a TBI survivor. Through his writing and advocacy, Vincent shares his experiences with brain injury, recovery, confidence, and overcoming obstacles in hopes of helping others realize that even when something feels impossible, it does not mean it is. 📖 Get Vincent’s book, Everything Feels Impossible Until It’s Done, on Amazon. About When Words Don’t Come Easy:When Words Don’t Come Easy is a podcast about connection, communication, stroke recovery, aphasia, brain injury, and the people navigating life when words don't come easily. Hosted by Justin and his father Roger, the podcast shares honest conversations and real stories from survivors, caregivers, medical professionals, advocates, and others working to better understand aphasia and recovery.

    Ep. 30 Everything Feels Impossible Until It’s Done

  8. Aug 16

    Ep. 29 AphasiaGPT with Stephen Albright | AI, Stroke Recovery & Rebuilding Communication

    What happens when a stroke survivor turns his own struggle with aphasia into an AI tool designed to help others communicate? In Episode 29 of When Words Don’t Come Easy, Justin and Roger sit down with Stephen Albright, a stroke survivor, entrepreneur, and creator of AphasiaGPT, an AI-powered platform designed to help people with aphasia practice communication, language, and real-world conversations. Stephen's story is remarkable. In 2020, he suffered a devastating stroke that left him with severe aphasia and underwent two brain surgeries with a reported 13% survival rate. When he woke up, he had lost much of his ability to communicate, including speaking, reading, writing, and understanding language. His recovery became a years-long journey involving intensive speech therapy and practice. But Stephen didn't stop at his own recovery. After experiencing firsthand how difficult and limited some available tools could feel, he began building AphasiaGPT, an AI platform created specifically around the needs of people living with language disabilities. It uses AI-powered conversations, exercises, word-finding tools, and real-world communication practice to help people work on language skills outside traditional therapy sessions. In this conversation, Stephen talks openly about his stroke, aphasia recovery, the emotional challenges of losing the ability to communicate, and what motivated him to turn his experience into technology that could help others. • Stephen's stroke, two brain surgeries, and recovery• Living with severe aphasia and losing the ability to communicate• Why aphasia affects language, not intelligence• Speech therapy and long-term recovery• Why Stephen created AphasiaGPT• AI, word finding, and real-world communication practice• Technology and the future of aphasia recovery• Stephen's journey from stroke survivor to entrepreneur and inventor Stephen has described AphasiaGPT as the technology he wishes he had during the earliest years of his recovery. The platform is designed to make language practice more accessible and engaging outside traditional therapy. Stephen Albright is a stroke survivor, entrepreneur, and founder of AphasiaGPT. He was a University of North Carolina football player before his stroke and later earned his MBA from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. His experience with aphasia became the driving force behind his work developing technology for people with communication disabilities. Stephen says his goal with AphasiaGPT is to build tools that make recovery more accessible, practical, and engaging for people living with aphasia. 🌐 AphasiaGPT: aphasiagpt.ai💼 Stephen Albright: LinkedIn🔗 AphasiaGPT: LinkedIn📱 AphasiaGPT App: App Store When Words Don't Come Easy is a podcast about connection, recovery, and life after stroke and aphasia. Hosted by Justin Chlowitz and his father Roger, the podcast brings together stroke survivors, caregivers, speech-language pathologists, doctors, researchers, and advocates. New episodes are released Sundays at 9 AM Pacific. Roger is a stroke survivor living with aphasia, and Justin uses their personal experience to create honest conversations about communication, recovery, family, therapy, brain injury, and life after stroke. The goal is simple: increase awareness of aphasia, reduce isolation, and remind people that aphasia affects language, not intelligence. 📺 Watch on YouTube🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, iHeart and other major podcast platforms Subscribe, follow, and share the episode with someone affected by aphasia, stroke recovery, speech therapy, or communication challenges. #Aphasia #AphasiaGPT #StephenAlbright #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeRecovery #AphasiaRecovery #SpeechTherapy #AI #BrainInjury #StrokeAwareness #AphasiaAwareness #AssistiveTechnology #WhenWordsDontComeEasy

    Ep. 29 AphasiaGPT with Stephen Albright | AI, Stroke Recovery & Rebuilding Communication
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

When Words Don’t Come Easy is a podcast about connection — even when communication gets hard. I’m Justin, and my dad Roger is recovering from a stroke that left him with aphasia. We talk. We struggle. We laugh. We guess the words. But this show isn’t just about us. It’s also about the people who’ve been there: Other stroke survivors. Families. Speech therapists. Doctors. Advocates. People who know what it’s like when the words won’t come — but the love is still loud. If you’ve ever felt alone in this journey, this podcast is for you. Subscribe and join the conversation.

Information

  • Creator
    Justin and Roger Chlowitz
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    47
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Justin and Roger Chlowitz
  • Show Website
    When Words Don't Come Easy

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