Today, we welcome guest Jim Dana, who takes us on an honest exploration of how a stroke nearly three decades ago reshaped his sense of self. Guided by an inner voice that evolved over time, Jim shares how he learned to embrace honesty, vulnerability, and self-reflection to become who he calls “Jim Dana version 2.” Join us as he shares his journey of navigating uninvited emotional outbursts, discovering unexpected gratitude, and choosing every day to grow into a better version of himself. Communi...
Jul 17, 2025•22 min
Today, we welcome guest, Jim Dana, who takes us on an honest exploration of how a stroke nearly three decades ago reshaped his sense of self. Guided by an inner voice that evolved over time, Jim shares how he learned to embrace honesty, vulnerability, and self-reflection to become who he calls “Jim Dana version 2.” Join us as he shares his journey of navigating uninvited emotional outbursts, discovering unexpected gratitude, and choosing every day to grow into a better version of himself. Commun...
Jul 17, 2025•42 min
Today, we welcome guest Doug Alford. Before his stroke two years ago, he served as a mediator helping organizations and individuals navigate change; now, he applies those same tools to his own recovery. Doug shares candid reflections on fear, vulnerability, and the challenge of rebuilding a life forever changed. Join us as he offers five tools for adapting when life shifts in ways we never chose. Community Conversation Prompt: How has vulnerability become one of your strengths? Guest's Tools for...
Jul 08, 2025•20 min
Today, we welcome guest Doug Alford. Before his stroke two years ago, he served as a mediator helping organizations and individuals navigate change; now, he applies those same tools to his own recovery. Doug shares candid reflections on fear, vulnerability, and the challenge of rebuilding a life forever changed. Join us as he offers five tools for adapting when life shifts in ways we never chose. Community Conversation Prompt: How has vulnerability become one of your strengths? Guest's Tools for...
Jul 08, 2025•32 min
Today, we welcome guest Joe Malinowski who spent decades standing up for others—as a union leader and advocate for abused children—but after a stroke, he was left questioning his own worth. In this episode, Joe shares how the people around him—his care team, his wife, and fellow survivors—empowered him when he couldn’t see his own strength. Now, he’s giving back, using his story to uplift other stroke survivors. From isolation and paralysis to connection and purpose, Joe reminds us how deeply he...
Jun 27, 2025•26 min
Today, we welcome guest Joe Malinowski who spent decades standing up for others—as a union leader and advocate for abused children—but after a stroke, he was left questioning his own worth. In this episode, Joe shares how the people around him—his care team, his wife, and fellow survivors—empowered him when he couldn’t see his own strength. Now, he’s giving back, using his story to uplift other stroke survivors. From isolation and paralysis to connection and purpose, Joe reminds us how deeply he...
Jun 27, 2025•22 min
Today on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we offer a Community Special highlighting University of Pittsburgh's Community Aphasia Center Support Group led by Chrisa Kravetz. They meet monthly to promote social engagement and supportive communication. Today's conversation highlights the importance of finding a safe and supportive community of understanding individuals. We hope this conversation reminds you that you are not alone and that there are others who could benefit from your wisdom an...
Jun 16, 2025•28 min
Today, we welcome guest Dr. Simbi Animashaun, who shares her story that begins with a pounding headache during a night class at grad school and unfolds through the heartbreak of miscarriage and the isolation of stroke recovery. Dr. Simbi takes us through the darkness she faced and the moment she chose life. Join us as she reflects on rediscovering her strength, reclaiming her purpose, and embracing her second chance with clarity and conviction. Community Conversation Prompt: What moment in your ...
Jun 14, 2025•23 min
Today, we welcome guest Dr. Simbi Animashaun, who shares her story that begins with a pounding headache during a night class at grad school and unfolds through the heartbreak of miscarriage and the isolation of stroke recovery. Dr. Simbi takes us through the darkness she faced and the moment she chose life. Join us as she reflects on rediscovering her strength, reclaiming her purpose, and embracing her second chance with clarity and conviction. Community Conversation Prompt: What moment in your ...
Jun 14, 2025•34 min
As a way to celebrate Dan rolling through our hometown of Bend, OR this week, we are reposting Dan Zimmerman's story and interview from September of 2024. Today we welcome Dan The-Trike-Man Zimmerman who suffered a series of strokes due to Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT). About four years after his last stroke, Dan woke in the middle of the night and vowed to get his life back on track. And that he did. Dan found freedom, community, and purpose through trike riding, a passion that ha...
Jun 01, 2025•21 min
As a way to celebrate Dan rolling through our hometown of Bend, OR this week, we are reposting Dan Zimmerman's story and interview from September of 2024. Today we welcome Dan The-Trike-Man Zimmerman who suffered a series of strokes due to Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT). About four years after his last stroke, Dan woke in the middle of the night and vowed to get his life back on track. And that he did. Dan found freedom, community, and purpose through trike riding, a passion that ha...
Jun 01, 2025•33 min
Today, we welcome guest Natalie Shao to share her story that begins with a surprise diagnosis just weeks before college and unfolds across two decades of life-altering transitions. From the shock of discovering a cerebral AVM at seventeen to navigating the aftermath of brain surgery, hemiparesis, and epilepsy, Natalie’s journey is one of heartbreak, resilience, and self-discovery. Join us as she reflects on the emotional tools, hard-won insights, and quiet triumphs that have carried her through—...
May 31, 2025•21 min
Today, we welcome guest Natalie Shao to share her story that begins with a surprise diagnosis just weeks before college and unfolds across two decades of life-altering transitions. From the shock of discovering a cerebral AVM at seventeen to navigating the aftermath of brain surgery, hemiparesis, and epilepsy, Natalie’s journey is one of heartbreak, resilience, and self-discovery. Join us as she reflects on the emotional tools, hard-won insights, and quiet triumphs that have carried her through—...
May 31, 2025•30 min
This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Brad McKenzie to share his powerful and vivid stroke recovery story filled with life-threatening urgency, deep peace, resilience, and the pursuit of connection and purpose. We dive into ways small acts of kindness illuminate unique paths toward trust and create a foundation for strength to move forward. Join us as Brad shares how these quiet moments of connection became turning points on the journey. Community Conversation Pro...
May 17, 2025•23 min
This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Brad McKenzie to share his powerful and vivid stroke recovery story filled with life-threatening urgency, deep peace, resilience, and the pursuit of connection and purpose. We dive into ways small acts of kindness illuminate unique paths toward trust and create a foundation for strength to move forward. Join us as Brad shares how these quiet moments of connection became turning points on the journey. Community Conversation Pro...
May 17, 2025•27 min
This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome Chuck Toeniskoetter, a well educated businessman, philanthropist, and family man. In the year 2000, life was moving fast for Chuck, but on a December afternoon, his world changed in an instant. Confused as the signs of stroke appeared, his luck took over. The ski patrol nurse on duty knew just what to do. Chuck received proper and timely care, which improved the outcomes of his recovery. Within the next couple years he worked to reg...
May 04, 2025•22 min
This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome Chuck Toeniskoetter, a well educated businessman, philanthropist, and family man. In the year 2000, life was moving fast for Chuck, but on a December afternoon, his world changed in an instant. Confused as the signs of stroke appeared, his luck took over. The ski patrol nurse on duty knew just what to do. Chuck received proper and timely care, which improved the outcomes of his recovery. Within the next couple years he worked to reg...
May 03, 2025•35 min
This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we spotlight guest Chris Wilder from Los Gatos, CA. Chris learned to play the guitar in his teens. In addition to his passion and diligent work ethic, he credits his fellow musicians as teachers and co-creators. He learned at a young age what it feels like to work with others toward a common goal. Chris has dedicated much of his professional life to non-profit organizations and was the Executive Director of the Valley Health Foundation in Silic...
May 03, 2025•26 min
This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we spotlight guest Chris Wilder from Los Gatos, CA. Chris learned to play the guitar in his teens. In addition to his passion and diligent work ethic, he credits his fellow musicians as teachers and co-creators. He learned at a young age what it feels like to work with others toward a common goal. Chris has dedicated much of his professional life to non-profit organizations and was the Executive Director of the Valley Health Foundation in Silic...
May 03, 2025•29 min
This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke , we welcome Grace Tsang. On October 30, 2021, her friends spotted the signs of stroke—slurred speech, a drooping face—and got her the swift, comprehensive care that saved her life and improved her outcome. But healing didn’t stop there. Grace shares how choosing gratitude and a new perspective helped her rebuild not just her body, but her outlook. Join us as she reflects on the lessons that continue to shape how she lives today. Community Conv...
Apr 29, 2025•20 min
This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke , we welcome Grace Tsang. On October 30, 2021, her friends spotted the signs of stroke—slurred speech, a drooping face—and got her the swift, comprehensive care that saved her life and improved her outcome. But healing didn’t stop there. Grace shares how choosing gratitude and a new perspective helped her rebuild not just her body, but her outlook. Join us as she reflects on the lessons that continue to shape how she lives today. Community Conv...
Apr 29, 2025•28 min
This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Carmine Indindoli who shares the journey of relearning how to walk, talk, and live with intention, drawing inspiration from his love of gardening, family, and fellow survivors. Through patience, persistence, and community, he found healing and growth, not just in the soil, but within himself. Community Conversation Prompts: How do you incorporate therapy (physical, occupational, cognitive, speech, etc.) into activities you enj...
Apr 26, 2025•26 min
This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Carmine Indindoli who shares the journey of relearning how to walk, talk, and live with intention, drawing inspiration from his love of gardening, family, and fellow survivors. Through patience, persistence, and community, he found healing and growth, not just in the soil, but within himself. Community Conversation Prompts: How do you incorporate therapy (physical, occupational, cognitive, speech, etc.) into activities you enj...
Apr 26, 2025•26 min
This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke , we welcome guest Frida Swenson. After an Ischemic stroke in March 2020 left her unable to speak, Frida faced the challenges of aphasia, isolation, and frustration. Through determination and heart, she worked to reclaim her voice—and discovered a new purpose in supporting others on similar paths. Join us as she shares her powerful journey of recovery, connection, and hope. Community Conversation Prompts: How has your understanding of patience ...
Apr 22, 2025•29 min
This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke , we welcome guest Frida Swenson. After an Ischemic stroke in March 2020 left her unable to speak, Frida faced the challenges of aphasia, isolation, and frustration. Through determination and heart, she worked to reclaim her voice—and discovered a new purpose in supporting others on similar paths. Join us as she shares her powerful journey of recovery, connection, and hope. Community Conversation Prompts: How has your understanding of patience ...
Apr 22, 2025•32 min
This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Amy K. After illness in 2009, she began navigating a confusing fog of fatigue, memory loss, and a long road to recovery following a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Once a high-achieving professional with boundless energy, she slowly rebuilt her life and reclaimed her sense of self. In this episode, Amy shares how she transformed pain into purpose through curiosity, community, and fierce determination. Community Conversation Prompts: ...
Apr 18, 2025•20 min
This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke, we welcome guest Amy K. After illness in 2009, she began navigating a confusing fog of fatigue, memory loss, and a long road to recovery following a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Once a high-achieving professional with boundless energy, she slowly rebuilt her life and reclaimed her sense of self. In this episode, Amy shares how she transformed pain into purpose through curiosity, community, and fierce determination. Community Conversation Prompts: ...
Apr 18, 2025•29 min
This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke , we welcome guest Karla Bigornia who shares a story of recovery and rediscovery. Growing up in Cebu City, Philippines, today’s guest found joy through singing and dancing with her family. But a stroke at age 30 changed everything—leaving her to fight for her health, memory, and speech. In this episode, Karla shares her journey from the depths of struggle to a breakthrough moment of singing that reignited her spirit. Tune in for a story of fait...
Apr 07, 2025•20 min
This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke , we welcome guest Karla Bigornia who shares a story of recovery and rediscovery. Growing up in Cebu City, Philippines, today’s guest found joy through singing and dancing with her family. But a stroke at age 30 changed everything—leaving her to fight for her health, memory, and speech. In this episode, Karla shares her journey from the depths of struggle to a breakthrough moment of singing that reignited her spirit. Tune in for a story of fait...
Apr 07, 2025•32 min
This week on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke , we turn the tables. Have you ever wondered about Molly Buccola—the founder, facilitator, and host behind our organization? Guests and listeners often ask about her journey: What led her to this work? How her own experiences shape the stories we share? And why this mission so personal to her? In this special episode, we’re sharing a 2024 interview from Recovery After Stroke , where host Bill Gasiamis spoke with Molly about her path, offering a...
Apr 05, 2025•31 min
