Episode from the podcastOn the tip of my tongue - talking about Aphasia

Robert Baldock's Voice of Recovery, Music and Aphasia

Released Sunday, 3rd August 2025

Good episode? Give it some love!

Robert Baldock's Voice of Recovery, Music and Aphasia

Sunday, 3rd August 2025

Good episode? Give it some love!

Rate Episode

List

Overcoming Aphasia: Robert Baldock’s Journey and Advocacy

This episode of 'On the Tip of My Tongue' features Robert Baldock, a Scottish-based composer and new media artist who experienced a severe ischemic stroke in 2017, resulting in acute aphasia and severe verbal dyspraxia. Robert shares his journey through his stroke, the challenges he faced with communication, and his path to recovery. He discusses his innovative use of technology and alternative communication methods, including a synthetic voice developed from his radio recordings. Additionally, Robert talks about his advocacy efforts for the reinstatement of the thrombectomy procedure in Scotland, demonstrating his resilience and commitment to helping others. For more information on strokes and aphasia, listeners are directed to several helpful resources.

00:00 Introduction to Robert Baldock
00:50 Understanding Aphasia
01:33 Robert's Stroke Experience
03:26 Life After Stroke
07:09 Communication Challenges and Solutions
08:43 Advocacy and Campaigning
09:33 Conclusion and Resources

For more information about Robert and Andy Fielding (AKA MC Zirconium) is on their website

https://www.projectmoonbase.com

Robert's original music can be found on his Band Camp website

https://aleatorymusicsystems.bandcamp.com/music

Support the show

Support the show: Donate Now

This podcast is funded by https://www.bas.org.uk

To watch Jonathan’s film: https://tipofmytonguefilm.com

http://x.com/buffaloloungeuk
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanhirons/

The Tavistock Trust for Aphasia website

http://aphasiatavistocktrust.org

Rate

List

Get this podcast via API

From The Podcast

Jonathan Hirons's journey following his stroke and diagnosis of aphasia is both inspiring and informative. Here’s a summary of his experience and insights about aphasia: Jonathan's Experience with Aphasia 1. Initial Incident: In January 2019, while in a business meeting, Jonathan began to feel strange and soon realized he could not communicate effectively. His colleagues quickly called for medical help. 2. Medical Emergency: He was rushed to University College Hospital, where scans revealed he had suffered a stroke due to a bleed on the brain. He spent five nights in the hospital and was diagnosed with aphasia. 3. Impact on Daily Life: - Jonathan struggled with basic tasks such as speaking, reading, and writing. - He had memory issues, recalling only his postcode but not his full address or other personal information. - He faced challenges in understanding spoken language but could still sign his name. 4. Support from Family: His wife, Ann, played a crucial role in his recovery: - She encouraged him to read aloud daily and used flashcards to aid in word recognition and writing. - This early intervention was vital for his rehabilitation. 5. Progress Through Therapy: With the help of speech therapy, Jonathan made significant improvements: - He regained much of his ability to read and write, although he still experiences difficulties, especially when tired. 6. Advocacy and Awareness: - Jonathan has turned his experiences into a creative outlet by producing films, including "On the Tip of My Tongue" and "What is Aphasia?" These films aim to educate others about aphasia and its challenges. - He actively shares his story to raise awareness about aphasia as a hidden disability and the ongoing need for support beyond initial rehabilitation. Understanding Aphasia Aphasia is a language disorder that affects communication abilities, including: - Speaking: Difficulty in forming words or sentences. - Understanding: Challenges in comprehending spoken or written language. - Reading and Writing: Problems with reading text or writing coherently. Key Takeaways - Aphasia is often a result of brain damage, commonly from strokes, and can significantly impact daily life. - Early intervention and support are crucial for recovery. - Awareness and education about aphasia can help reduce stigma and improve support for those affected. Jonathan's story highlights the resilience of individuals facing such challenges and the importance of community support in their recovery journey. Copyright © 2025 Jonathan Hirons/Buffalo Lounge Studios All Rights Reserved.This film/video/podcast is protected by copyright law. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or transmission of this material is prohibited. For permissions or inquiries, please contact hello@buffalolounge.co.uk

Join Podchaser to...

Rate podcasts and episodes
Follow podcasts and creators
Create podcast and episode lists
& much more

Do you host or manage this podcast?
Claim and edit this page to your liking.

Podchaser is the ultimate destination for podcast data, search, and discovery. Learn More