Stroke Sisters: Stories of Strength and Resilience

Angie Read
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

Welcome to Stroke Sisters: Stories of Strength and Resilience, the podcast that celebrates the journeys of women who have faced the unimaginable and come out stronger on the other side. Hosted by Angie Read, a two-time stroke survivor and advocate, this podcast brings you inspiring, real-life stories of women who’ve overcome the challenges of stroke and are reclaiming their lives with confidence, hope, and resilience. Each episode features intimate conversations with stroke survivors, experts, and advocates, offering valuable insights, practical advice, and emotional support for those navigating their recovery. Whether you’re a stroke survivor or someone supporting a loved one, this podcast is a source of empowerment, encouragement, and community. Please tune in and hear how these incredible women are rewriting their stories, finding strength in their vulnerability, and inspiring others to never give up. Join us and become part of a global sisterhood that believes in the power of resilience and the beauty of reclaiming life after a stroke.

  1. Rebuilding After Stroke with Vivistim: Lola's Story

    5D AGO

    Rebuilding After Stroke with Vivistim: Lola's Story

    In this episode of Stroke Sisters: Stories of Strength and Resilience, host Angie Read welcomes stroke survivor Lola White and Nicole Goldstein from Vivistim for a heartfelt conversation about redefining life after stroke. Lola shares her journey from surviving to thriving, opening up about how she navigated changes in identity, rediscovered her purpose, and learned to balance ambition with recovery. She also reflects on the powerful role prayer, faith, and personal values played in her healing journey. Nicole discusses the unique challenges many women face after stroke and explains how Vivistim’s vagus nerve stimulation therapy is helping survivors improve hand and arm function by supporting neuroplasticity and recovery. Vivistim is an FDA-approved therapy designed for chronic ischemic stroke survivors who continue to experience hand and arm impairment months or even years after stroke. The therapy combines vagus nerve stimulation with rehabilitation exercises to help strengthen the brain’s motor pathways and improve function. To learn more about whether Vivistim might be a good fit for you, take Vivistim's survey or talk with your neurologist, occupational therapist, or rehabilitation team about eligibility and next steps. The Stroke Sisters app (also available in both app stores): https://strokesisters.app Books by Angie Read: Invisible Scars: Stroke Survival, Recovery, and the Unexpected Mental Health FalloutMental Health Hacks: 10 Easy Hacks to Help Manage Anxiety and DepressionIdentity Crisis: You Are Not Your CareerRISE: Mastering the Art of Resilience

    36 min
  2. Emely Kadoko: The Power of Family and Determination in Stroke Recovery

    APR 12

    Emely Kadoko: The Power of Family and Determination in Stroke Recovery

    Emely Kadoko, a mother of four from Zimbabwe, shares her transformative journey of recovery after suffering a severe stroke in 2020. What began as a severe headache quickly escalated, leaving Emily unconscious and hospitalized for weeks. Despite the severe impact on her mobility, she fought her way back with the unwavering support of her family, particularly her sister. Emily's story highlights the significant role of family strength, determination, and a positive mindset in overcoming adversity. With her inspiring recovery, she hopes to advocate for stroke awareness and support children with disabilities in Zimbabwe. 80% of strokes are preventable. Get screened today for your risks of stroke and/or cardiovascular diseases. Lifeline Screening The Stroke Sisters app (also available in both app stores): https://strokesisters.app Books by Angie Read: Invisible Scars: Stroke Survival, Recovery, and the Unexpected Mental Health FalloutMental Health Hacks: 10 Easy Hacks to Help Manage Anxiety and DepressionIdentity Crisis: You Are Not Your CareerRISE: Mastering the Art of Resilience

    29 min
  3. A Stroke of Grace: Champion for Black Stroke Awareness Dr. Christine Cosby-Gaither

    MAR 31

    A Stroke of Grace: Champion for Black Stroke Awareness Dr. Christine Cosby-Gaither

    Dr. Christine Cosby-Gaither shares her inspiring journey as a stroke survivor. At 35, she experienced a life-changing stroke, leading to extensive physical challenges, including paralysis and blindness. Her husband recognized the emergency, allowing her to receive timely medical help. Through perseverance and various therapies, Christine gradually regained her abilities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she founded 'A Stroke of Grace,' focusing on supporting Black stroke survivors by fostering a community of shared experiences and hope. Her story reflects resilience and the transformation of adversity into a mission to uplift and empower others facing similar hurdles. Visit AStrokeofGrace.org. And help spread the word about National Black Stroke Awareness Day, May 18, 2026. 80% of strokes are preventable. Get screened today for your risks of stroke and/or cardiovascular diseases. Lifeline Screening The Stroke Sisters app (also available in both app stores): https://strokesisters.app Books by Angie Read: Invisible Scars: Stroke Survival, Recovery, and the Unexpected Mental Health FalloutMental Health Hacks: 10 Easy Hacks to Help Manage Anxiety and DepressionIdentity Crisis: You Are Not Your CareerRISE: Mastering the Art of Resilience

    39 min
  4. Poet Shanan Ballam returns to the Light of Language After Stroke

    MAR 14

    Poet Shanan Ballam returns to the Light of Language After Stroke

    In this episode of Stroke Sisters, host Angie Read explores the inspiring recovery journey of Shanan Ballam, a poet and educator who survived a massive stroke at 46. With her ability to speak and write paralyzed, Shannon faced the challenge of rediscovering her voice. Her journey involved relearning basic skills, like writing with the aid of speech therapists, and producing poetry that became pivotal in her recovery. Nature also played a key role in her rehabilitation, as seen in her poems inspired by walks and experiences in the outdoors. Shanan’s story is one of incredible resilience, creativity, and the healing power of words. Find Shanan's books. poetry, and more at https://www.shananballam.org You can see more content via a laptop or computer than on a mobile phone. 80% of strokes are preventable. Get screened today for your risks of stroke and/or cardiovascular diseases. Lifeline Screening The Stroke Sisters app (also available in both app stores): https://strokesisters.app Books by Angie Read: Invisible Scars: Stroke Survival, Recovery, and the Unexpected Mental Health FalloutMental Health Hacks: 10 Easy Hacks to Help Manage Anxiety and DepressionIdentity Crisis: You Are Not Your CareerRISE: Mastering the Art of Resilience

    33 min
  5. Grace After Stroke While Pregnant: Bridget’s Story

    FEB 21

    Grace After Stroke While Pregnant: Bridget’s Story

    In this episode of 'Stroke Sisters: Stories of Strength and Resilience,' host Angie Read talks with Bridget Chisadza, a young stroke survivor whose life changed forever after a brain hemorrhage while pregnant. At only 27, Bridget faced the unimaginable, a life-threatening arteriovenous malformation (AVM). She bravely shares the details of waking up with a thunderclap headache, the emergency surgery that followed, and how she emerged from a seven-day coma. Bridget went on to give birth to a healthy baby girl, even after her brain and body "betrayed her." Bridget offers insights into adjusting to new physical limitations while giving herself grace, accepting what happened, and adapting to life after stroke. 80% of strokes are preventable. Get screened today for your risks of stroke and/or cardiovascular diseases. Lifeline Screening The Stroke Sisters app (also available in both app stores: https://strokesisters.app Books by Angie Read: Invisible Scars: Stroke Survival, Recovery, and the Unexpected Mental Health FalloutMental Health Hacks: 10 Easy Hacks to Help Manage Anxiety and DepressionIdentity Crisis: You Are Not Your CareerRISE: Mastering the Art of Resilience

    53 min
  6. Dismissed as a Migraine: Kathy’s Stroke Story

    JAN 18

    Dismissed as a Migraine: Kathy’s Stroke Story

    Kathy Wienrank’s story is a powerful reminder of how easily strokes—especially in women—can be missed. At 46, Kathy had an ischemic stroke that was initially dismissed as a complex migraine, despite clear warning signs like trouble with coordination and speech. Sent home without answers, she knew something wasn’t right and made the difficult decision to seek help again. In this episode, Kathy shares what it was like to trust her instincts when the system got it wrong, navigate recovery after misdiagnosis, and find resilience in the face of uncertainty. Her experience sheds light on the urgent need for better stroke awareness—and the importance of believing women when they say something feels different. 80% of strokes are preventable. Get screened today for your risks of stroke and/or cardiovascular diseases. Lifeline Screening The Stroke Sisters app: https://strokesisters.app Books by Angie Read: Invisible Scars: Stroke Survival, Recovery, and the Unexpected Mental Health FalloutMental Health Hacks: 10 Easy Hacks to Help Manage Anxiety and DepressionIdentity Crisis: You Are Not Your CareerRISE: Mastering the Art of Resilience

    42 min
  7. The Stroke That May Have Saved Her Son: Briena's Story

    JAN 10

    The Stroke That May Have Saved Her Son: Briena's Story

    In this emotional episode, Briena Shaner talks about having a stroke at 24 weeks pregnant and how quick action by a friend helped save both her life and her baby’s. She shares what came next—living with post-stroke depression, being diagnosed with epilepsy, and figuring out how to be a new mom while still recovering herself. Briena’s story is an honest look at how much life can change after stroke and the strength it takes to keep moving forward. 80% of strokes are preventable. Get screened today for your risks of stroke and/or cardiovascular diseases. Lifeline Screening Books by Angie Read: Invisible Scars: Stroke Survival, Recovery, and the Unexpected Mental Health FalloutMental Health Hacks: 10 Easy Hacks to Help Manage Anxiety and DepressionIdentity Crisis: You Are Not Your CareerRISE: Mastering the Art of Resilience

    42 min
  8. A Chiropractic Adjustment Leads to Stroke: Stacey’s Courageous Journey

    12/01/2025

    A Chiropractic Adjustment Leads to Stroke: Stacey’s Courageous Journey

    In this episode, former teacher Stacey Amore recounts her powerful story of resilience following a sudden stroke in her 40s. Leading an active life, Stacey's outlook changed dramatically after an aggressive chiropractic neck adjustment caused a vertebral artery dissection (VAD) and resulted in several cerebellar strokes. Her path to recovery involved intense physical and occupational therapies and dealing with PTSD. Despite the hardships, she won a lawsuit linked to her stroke, underscoring the importance of self-advocacy, persistence, and courage in the wake of life-changing events. 80% of strokes are preventable. Get screened today for your risks of stroke and/or cardiovascular diseases. Lifeline Screening Books by Angie Read: Invisible Scars: Stroke Survival, Recovery, and the Unexpected Mental Health FalloutMental Health Hacks: 10 Easy Hacks to Help Manage Anxiety and DepressionIdentity Crisis: You Are Not Your CareerRISE: Mastering the Art of Resilience

    41 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to Stroke Sisters: Stories of Strength and Resilience, the podcast that celebrates the journeys of women who have faced the unimaginable and come out stronger on the other side. Hosted by Angie Read, a two-time stroke survivor and advocate, this podcast brings you inspiring, real-life stories of women who’ve overcome the challenges of stroke and are reclaiming their lives with confidence, hope, and resilience. Each episode features intimate conversations with stroke survivors, experts, and advocates, offering valuable insights, practical advice, and emotional support for those navigating their recovery. Whether you’re a stroke survivor or someone supporting a loved one, this podcast is a source of empowerment, encouragement, and community. Please tune in and hear how these incredible women are rewriting their stories, finding strength in their vulnerability, and inspiring others to never give up. Join us and become part of a global sisterhood that believes in the power of resilience and the beauty of reclaiming life after a stroke.

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