THE PODCAST

Michael Madison and KC James are life partners, together since 2016. In January 2021, Michael’s life took an unexpected and life-altering turn. After a serious battle with COVID-19, Michael was hospitalized and spent a week in intensive care. His doctors discovered a blood clot in his brain, which led to an emergency surgery that ultimately saved his life. However, his recovery was far from over. Weeks of hospitalization followed, and Michael was eventually released to go home. But for his partner KC, the road ahead was filled with uncertainty. She wondered how she could possibly care for Michael as he adjusted to his new reality. At home, Michael required physical, occupational, and speech therapy. It was the speech therapist who first introduced them to aphasia, a condition neither Michael nor KC had ever heard of. Aphasia, a disorder affecting communication, was now a part of their lives, but the road to understanding it was just beginning. Through a series of serendipitous connections, they were introduced to SANA, the San Antonio Network for Aphasia, a group founded and led by Dr. Cathy Eaton, an advocate for those living with aphasia. Through SANA, Michael and KC learned that there were thousands of people affected by aphasia, many of whom had no idea where to find help or resources. Even within their own community, the existence of SANA was unknown to many. As they connected with other aphasia sufferers, they realized that the struggles, fears, and hopes of people with aphasia were all too familiar. Many were searching for resources and guidance, but there simply weren't enough available. The gap in care was undeniable. Many medical professionals lacked the specialized training needed to communicate effectively with individuals who have aphasia. This lack of support is what inspired Dr. Cathy Eaton to create SANA — to educate both the public and the medical community about the need for trained professionals to work with people who have aphasia. Aphasia doesn’t take away a person’s intellect; it takes away their ability to communicate in the ways they once could. Michael, with a master’s degree in Technology, now finds it challenging to navigate even basic technology. Those living with aphasia often face not only communication struggles but also the loss of careers, physical abilities, and even relationships. So where do they turn for help? This podcast, Aphasia Unspoken, was born from Michael and KC's desire to educate others about aphasia, its challenges, and the misconceptions surrounding it. They want to provide a platform for people with aphasia to feel seen, heard, and understood. By sharing their own journey and experiences, they aim to offer a space where individuals with aphasia can find a sense of normalcy, connection, and hope. They want listeners to know that life may look different after an aphasia diagnosis, but it can still be meaningful and full of purpose. The podcast also serves as a resource hub for the aphasia community. Michael and KC plan to feature guests who can share valuable insights, resources, and stories. From medical experts offering the latest treatments and technology to individuals sharing their personal experiences, the goal is to create a support network for everyone affected by aphasia. Ultimately, Aphasia Unspoken is here to shine a light on the realities of living with aphasia, help the public understand what it’s like, and encourage others to step up and learn how they can help. Michael and KC hope that through this podcast, they can give back to the community and create a larger, more supportive network for people with aphasia. This is not just their journey. It’s a journey shared by many. And together, we can make sure that no one faces aphasia alone.