Bonus Episode: The Aphasia Choir - Consider This from NPR

Summary

Consider This from NPR: Bonus Episode – The Aphasia Choir

Introduction to Aphasia and the Aphasia Choir

In the February 15, 2025 bonus episode of NPR's Consider This, host Scott Detrow delves into the inspiring world of the Aphasia Choir of Vermont. Aphasia affects over 2 million Americans, impairing their ability to communicate through speech or writing due to strokes or traumatic brain injuries. However, music offers a unique avenue for expression, as it predominantly engages the undamaged hemisphere of the brain. This revelation led former speech-language pathologist Karen McPheeters Leary to establish the Aphasia Choir of Vermont over a decade ago, creating a community where individuals with aphasia can find their voice through song.

Anna King's Journey with Aphasia

A significant portion of the episode focuses on Anna King, a dedicated member of the Aphasia Choir who has been living with aphasia for 19 years. Anna shares her profound experience, recounting the life-altering bike accident she endured at 18 years old, shortly after graduating and aspiring to study chemistry at the University of Vermont (UVM). Reflecting on her journey, Anna states, "There is loneliness, but darkness and lightness. You can't have one without the other. And I understand that really deeply" (02:59).

Navigating Communication Challenges

Anna opens up about the daily struggles of living with aphasia, emphasizing the challenges of word-finding and the frustration of being misunderstood. She poignantly describes common reactions people have towards those who struggle to speak: "Don't let them talk. Speak loudly to them. I wish that everyone could be patient" (04:42). Anna highlights the emotional toll of these interactions, expressing, "Everything. Yeah. You don't get it. And you just will try and then fail. And you tried Human kind. Yeah. And well, you can be kind" (05:20). This underscores the importance of empathy and patience in supporting individuals with communication difficulties.

The Healing Power of Music and Joy

Amidst the challenges, Anna finds solace and joy in music. She shares, "The experience of getting all in a room and singing and I think biting into a peach while walking my dogs. Like they just. God, that this life is precious Every day" (07:05). Music serves as a therapeutic outlet, fostering a sense of community and belonging. Karen McPheeters Leary echoes this sentiment, highlighting how the choir brings together members through shared musical experiences.

A Memorable Performance

The episode spotlights a memorable moment from June 2nd, when the Aphasia Choir delivered their ninth performance to a sold-out audience. Karen's strategic selection of popular '80s songs contributed to the event's success, resonating deeply with both the choir members and the audience. Anna shares her excitement about her solo performance, stating, "Good. I think it went good" (08:09). The episode culminates with Anna performing a heartfelt rendition of "True Colors," showcasing the choir's talent and the profound emotional connections forged through their music.

Conclusion

This bonus episode of Consider This masterfully captures the resilience and spirit of individuals living with aphasia. Through Anna King's story and the supportive community of the Aphasia Choir of Vermont, listeners gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and triumphs faced by those navigating life with communication impairments. The episode not only highlights the therapeutic benefits of music but also serves as a poignant reminder of the universal need for connection, empathy, and the simple joys that make life meaningful.

Notable Quotes:

Anna King on coping with aphasia: "There is loneliness, but darkness and lightness. You can't have one without the other. And I understand that really deeply." (02:59)
Anna King on communication challenges: "Don't let them talk. Speak loudly to them. I wish that everyone could be patient." (04:42)
Anna King on the impact of silence and empathy: "Everything. Yeah. You don't get it. And you just will try and then fail. And you tried Human kind. Yeah. And well, you can be kind." (05:20)
Anna King on finding joy through music: "The experience of getting all in a room and singing and I think biting into a peach while walking my dogs. Like they just. God, that this life is precious Every day." (07:05)
Anna King reflecting on her solo performance: "Good. I think it went good." (08:09)

Production Credits:

Producer: Noah Caldwell
Editor: Ashley Brown
Executive Producer: Sammy Yenigun
Story By: Erica Heilman from the podcast Rumble Strip

Consider This continues to shed light on compelling human stories, offering listeners insightful perspectives on the multifaceted aspects of life.

Transcript

Scott Detrow (0:00)

Hey there. Consider this, listeners. We're back with another Saturday bonus episode for you. It's part of our new series of short form audio documentaries. It's a story about speech and silence, about loneliness and joy, even small joys, like biting into a peach. So stick around. From npr, I'm Scott Detrow, support for.

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Scott Detrow (1:25)

There are at least 2 million people in America who have thoughts and ideas that they can't put into words. People who have had strokes or traumatic brain injuries often live with aphasia, difficulty using language, both written and spoken. But music mostly originates in the undamaged hemisphere of the brain. So people with aphasia can often sing.

Karen McPheeters Leary (1:47)

I like to hold it in my arms and keep it company.

Scott Detrow (1:54)

This is the Aphasia Choir of Vermont, founded more than a decade ago by former speech language pathologist Karen McPheeters Leary. And today, for our weekly segment of short form audio documentaries, we are going to meet one of the members of the choir. This story is brought to us by Erica Heilman from the podcast Rumble Strip.

Anna King (2:13)

I think I will know when to come in.

Erica Heilman (2:18)

That's Anna King getting ready for her solo with the Aphasia Choir of Vermont. Anna has been living with aphasia for 19 years, struggling with language and with word finding. We take language utterly for granted. We talk and talk. So what is it like to be someone struggling to find words and how are they met out in the world of talkers, in a world pretty uncomfortable with silence, Here is a tiny window into Anna's world.