HeyJaredWhen Words Don't Come Easy
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.
- Indexed episodes, last 90 days
- 11
- Latest publication
- Sep 27, 2026
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- Earliest in this view
- Jul 19, 2026
Latest episodes
Ep. 35 When Conversation Becomes Connection | Janu Orrick & AphasiaPals (opens the original)
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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
Ep. 34 Straight Out of a Coma with Matthew Thomas (opens the original)
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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
Ep. 33 Brain Healing Collective with Kerri Potthoff: Creating a New Life After Stroke (opens the original)
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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 connecti
Ep. 32 Don’t Let the Stroke Win: Steve Scharf on Recovery (opens the original)
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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
Ep. 31 Life After Stroke: Aphasia, Wheelchair Life & Finding Independence with Tina Orkin (opens the original)
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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
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