Stroke Sisters: Stories of Strength and Resilience

podcast artwork

Podcast by Angie Read

Stroke Sisters: Stories of Strength and Resilience

Welcome to Stroke Sisters: Stories of Strength and Resilience, the podcast that celebrates the journeys of women who have faced the unimaginable and come out stronger on the other side. Hosted by Angie Read, a two-time stroke survivor and advocate, this podcast brings you inspiring, real-life stories of women who’ve overcome the challenges of stroke and are reclaiming their lives with confidence, hope, and resilience. Each episode features intimate conversations with stroke survivors, experts, and advocates, offering valuable insights, practical advice, and emotional support for those navigating their recovery. Whether you’re a stroke survivor or someone supporting a loved one, this podcast is a source of empowerment, encouragement, and community. Please tune in and hear how these incredible women are rewriting their stories, finding strength in their vulnerability, and inspiring others to never give up. Join us and become part of a global sisterhood that believes in the power of resilience and the beauty of reclaiming life after a stroke.

Listen onApple Podcasts

Listen onSpotify

Latest episodes

episode artwork

21 July 2025

Carrieann’s Stroke Story: Reclaiming What Was Stolen

Carrieann Holzworth's story is an extraordinary one, marked by a surprising discovery of multiple strokes at just 39 without any hospital stay. Initially noticing a stutter and difficulty writing, her symptoms led to an MRI revealing numerous strokes. Despite facing comprehension, physical, and spatial difficulties, she not only managed to continue her job at the Federal Railroad Administration but also undertook intensive therapy to regain essential skills. Carrieann's journey is a powerful testament to her resilience, grace, and determination to reclaim her independence and adapt to her new reality.

00:00

27:51

episode artwork

28 June 2025

Reach Out! Janice Johnson's Triumph Over Stroke

Janice Johnson, a retired tech industry pioneer and Black woman, shares her incredible story of resilience after surviving a bilateral stroke during the COVID-19 pandemic. Faced with paralysis and the inability to speak, Janice’s recovery journey was challenging. Her husband and daughter played crucial roles in her rehabilitation. Janice’s husband, a social worker, secured necessary services to aid her recovery. Her mental toughness, rooted in being born during the civil rights movement, helped her overcome the challenges of recovery.

80% of strokes are preventable. Get screened today for your risks of stroke and/or cardiovascular diseases.

Lifeline Screening

Books by Angie Read:

00:00

40:08

episode artwork

13 June 2025

Allie Levine Part Two: Dirty Little Secrets

In this podcast episode, Angie and former physical therapist Allie Patton Levine discuss the critical steps involved in preparing for discharge after a stroke. Allie highlights the importance of establishing a strong relationship with your case manager, as they play a pivotal role in aligning patient goals with those of the healthcare facility and insurance companies. She shares her personal experiences, emphasizing the need for effective communication and advocacy to ensure suitable rehabilitation protocols, especially for younger stroke survivors. Allie's story of resilience also led to protocol changes, benefiting future patients in similar circumstances.

00:00

49:36

episode artwork

07 June 2025

Becoming Your Own Cheerleader: Allie Levine’s Stroke Journey

In this engaging "Part One" episode, Allie Levine shares her compelling journey from being a physical therapist and cheerleading coach to becoming a stroke survivor and advocate. At the age of 49, Allie's life took an unexpected turn with a stroke following a complicated surgery. She offers a unique perspective, blending her professional background with personal experiences, to support other stroke survivors. Allie emphasizes the emotional and mental challenges of stroke recovery and highlights her advocacy work with the Tennessee Valley American Heart Association, focusing on better support for women navigating post-stroke life.

00:00

44:30

episode artwork

26 May 2025

Surviving to Thriving: Caroline's Road to Recovery

After experiencing a stroke at 64 while maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Dr. Caroline Alexis-Thomas, a wellness expert, used her expertise to aid her recovery. With limited resources in Grenada, she employed online resources and her wellness expertise to create her own rehabilitation program. Caroline emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between health and wellness, advocating for a holistic approach that includes mental, spiritual, and financial well-being. Through her journey, she demonstrates the power of taking charge of one's recovery, aiming to inspire others to transition from merely surviving to truly thriving after health setbacks.

Connect with Caroline on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/caroline.alexis.thomas

Or check out her Silk Cotton Wellness Lifestyle Centre

Did you know that 80% of strokes are preventable?? Book your screening today with LifeLine Screening for peace of mind, or early detection.

00:00

46:35

episode artwork

23 May 2025

A Mother's Fight: Deidra's Road to Recovery

Deidra McLaughlin, a mother of two young boys and special education teacher, faced a life-altering event at 36 when she suffered a stroke on her way back from a funeral. Despite initially attributing her discomfort to a hangover, she found herself in a coma shortly after arriving home. Her recovery journey included battling meningitis and adapting to life with paralysis on her left side. The experience interrupted her dream job and daily life, but with the support of her family and rehabilitation efforts, Deidre has made significant progress, finding strength in her desire to return to teaching and her two young sons.

Did you know that 80% of strokes are preventable? Get screened today to uncover hidden risk factors. Life Line Screening. http://llsa.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=2437&aff_id=2350

00:00

26:05