When Words Don't Come Easy

Justin and Roger Chlowitz
  • 5.0 (1)
  • 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.

Episodes

  1. FEB 1

    Ep.7 When Words Don't Come Easy - A Stroke Of Luck

    In this episode, we talk with Aithal, a stroke survivor and author of A Stroke of Luck. He shares what it was like to lose language, and still feel a deep need to tell his story. We talk about recovery, family across continents, and what it means to keep communicating when the words don’t always come.#aphasia #stroke #strokerecovery #strokesurvivor #strokeawareness #aphasiaawareness #speechtherapy #braininjury #slp #strokewarrior #speechtherapist #speechpathology #apraxia #aphasiatherapy #autism #strokerehab #invisibleillness #hopeafterstroke #thestrokestoryteller #mysayforstroke #strokeresearch #strokerehabilation #pictureaphasia #notalone #braininjuries #strokewarriors #believeagain #smallsteps #strokefighter #mindset

    40 min

  2. JAN 18

    Ep.6 When Words Don't Come Easy - Finding Your Voice Again | Aphasia Phil

    In this episode, we sit down with Aphasia Phil (Phil Oxendine), an aphasia advocate who turned a lack of representation into action. After his stroke, Phil noticed something missing. There were very few real, relatable aphasia voices on YouTube. So instead of waiting for someone else to tell those stories, he started telling his own. Phil shares his personal journey with aphasia, what recovery has really looked like, and the moment he realized how critical support groups and community are for people living with communication challenges. We talk about isolation, finding people who truly understand, and why being seen and heard matters just as much as therapy.

    49 min

  3. JAN 11

    Ep.5 When Words Don't Come Easy - The Work No One Sees

    In this episode, Bonnie shares her story as Roger’s wife and primary caregiver, beginning with the moment she discovered him during his stroke and the call to 911. She walks us through the shock and uncertainty of those early hospital days, learning on the fly, staying present, and making decisions when nothing felt clear.Bonnie talks candidly about what came next. The long hours in therapy, the repetition, and the progress that feels invisible from the outside. She opens up about the emotional whiplash of caregiving, the quiet victories, the frustration, the exhaustion, and the joy that still finds its way in.

    23 min

  4. JAN 4

    Ep.4 When Words Don't Come Easy - Chasing My Voice

    In this episode, we sit down with Annie Humling, who had a stroke at just 20 years old—making her story unique and incredibly inspiring. Since then, she’s faced the daily challenge of finding her words, rebuilding her voice, and navigating life with aphasia. Annie shares the long, frustrating, and sometimes hilarious journey of speaking again, giving a rare perspective on persistence, patience, and the effort it takes to make every word count.

    50 min

  5. 12/28/2025

    Ep.3 When Words Don't Come Easy - Showing Up When Words Don't

    Rick Partlow lives with aphasia. His friend Bruce Fairbairn shows up. He goes to speech therapy with Rick, helps with the homework, and stays in it with him.Both come from the entertainment industry, where communication is everything. This episode is about what real support looks like and why showing up matters when words don’t come easy.

    42 min

  6. 12/21/2025

    Ep.2 Inside Aphasia Therapy

    Join us as we explore the personal experiences of Roger, a stroke survivor, and his dedicated speech therapist, Carol Graiwer. Discover the challenges and triumphs of regaining communication skills, the importance of family support, and the relentless pursuit of progress. This episode sheds light on the emotional and practical aspects of speech therapy, offering hope and insights for anyone touched by aphasia. Tune in for an inspiring story of resilience and recovery.

    37 min
  7. Ep.1 Roger’s Stroke & Aphasia Story

    12/13/2025

    Ep.1 Roger’s Stroke & Aphasia Story

    In the debut episode of "When Words Don't Come Easy," Justin and Roger share the poignant journey of living with aphasia following a stroke. This episode delves into the challenges and triumphs of Roger's recovery, offering insights into the impact of aphasia on communication and daily life. Listeners will hear about the initial shock, the ongoing therapy, and the unwavering support from family. Join us as we explore the resilience of the human spirit and the power of storytelling in overcoming adversity.

    27 min
  • 7 Episodes

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
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Justin and Roger Chlowitz
  • Show Website
    When Words Don't Come Easy