The stories of stroke survivors are a testament to resilience and the human capacity to overcome challenges, offering valuable insights into self-discovery and the importance of support.
This episode, join Piers and poet Joel Deane as they share their profound journeys as young stroke survivors, delving into the transformative impact of their experiences and the subsequent challenges they've faced. Central to their conversation is the theme of resilience in the face of adversity, as they navigate the uncharted territory of life after stroke.
One of the main topics they explore is the profound shift in perspective brought about by their strokes. Both Piers and Joel recount how their near-death experiences forced them to confront their mortality head-on, fundamentally altering their outlook on life. Piers speaks poignantly about the binary nature of his post-stroke mindset, oscillating between a sense of irrelevance and a fierce determination to reclaim his former self. Joel, too, reflects on the sudden awareness of his vulnerability, likening it to navigating through dense fog with only his high beams to guide him. Their narratives underscore this idea that adversity has a way of stripping away the superfluous, leaving behind a newfound clarity and appreciation for life's fragility.
Image: Poet Joel Deane.
Another significant aspect of their discussion revolves around the challenges of recovery and the pursuit of normalcy. Joel's relentless drive to regain functionality post-stroke led him down a path of intense self-imposed pressure, as he grappled with the emotional toll of his journey. Similarly, Piers recounts his initial return to work in the immediate aftermath of his stroke, driven by a sense of obligation and a desire to maintain a semblance of normalcy.
Piers and Joel’s shared experiences as stroke survivors serve as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Through their candid reflections, Piers and Joel offer listeners a glimpse into the profound depths of their journeys as young stroke survivors, inspiring hope and solidarity in those facing similar challenges.
Episode 6 features poet Joel Deane.
Australia's Stroke Foundation is a proud friend of 404: Brain Not Found. Learn more about the Stroke Foundation here.
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Producer: Stu Buckland
Supervising Producers: Alison Zhuang and Alice Gage
Overcoming a mutual adversity with Joel Deane