Riding Through Aphasia
Riding Through Aphasia
Podcast Description
Riding Through Aphasia is the podcast series where motorcycle journalist, coach, and stroke survivor Andy Ibbott shares his journey of resilience, recovery, and rediscovery. Interviewed by Ed Nell, each episode delves into Andy’s life before, during, and after his stroke, highlighting his experiences with Aphasia, his recovery challenges, and his continued passion for living life at full throttle.This podcast not only tells Andy’s inspiring story but also raises awareness of Aphasia, offering hope and insight for others affected by the condition. It celebrates the power of determination, humour, and human connection in overcoming life's toughest obstacles.About Andy IbbottAndy Ibbott is a renowned motorcycle journalist, former Managing Director of the California Superbike School, and coach to world-class riders, including Valentino Rossi. After a life-changing stroke in 2011, he overcame immense challenges, regaining mobility and taking on extreme endurance events like the Marathon des Sables. A passionate advocate for brain injury recovery, Andy continues coaching in British Superbikes and supports Brain Research UK. His book Performance Riding Techniques remains a go-to guide for motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.Connect with Andy: https://andyibbott.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes of resilience, recovery from strokes, and the experiences of living with Aphasia. Episodes cover Andy's life before and after his stroke, his coaching experiences, and personal anecdotes from the motorcycle industry, such as training legendary riders like Valentino Rossi and participating in endurance events.
Riding Through Aphasia is the podcast series where motorcycle journalist, coach, and stroke survivor Andy Ibbott shares his journey of resilience, recovery, and rediscovery. Interviewed by Ed Nell, each episode delves into Andy’s life before, during, and after his stroke, highlighting his experiences with Aphasia, his recovery challenges, and his continued passion for living life at full throttle.
This podcast not only tells Andy’s inspiring story but also raises awareness of Aphasia, offering hope and insight for others affected by the condition. It celebrates the power of determination, humour, and human connection in overcoming life’s toughest obstacles.
About Andy Ibbott
Andy Ibbott is a renowned motorcycle journalist, former Managing Director of the California Superbike School, and coach to world-class riders, including Valentino Rossi.
After a life-changing stroke in 2011, he overcame immense challenges, regaining mobility and taking on extreme endurance events like the Marathon des Sables.
A passionate advocate for brain injury recovery, Andy continues coaching in British Superbikes and supports Brain Research UK. His book Performance Riding Techniques remains a go-to guide for motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.
Connect with Andy: https://andyibbott.co.uk/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Content note: This episode includes frank discussion of suicide and suicidal feelings.
If you’re struggling, you are not alone. Support is available:
- Samaritans (UK & ROI): Call 116 123 (free, 24/7) or visit samaritans.org. You can also email [email protected].
- Shout (UK): Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support 24/7 — giveusashout.org.
- NHS urgent help (UK): Call 111 or use your local NHS urgent mental health helpline — nhs.uk/urgentmentalhealth.
- Emergency: If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.
Outside the UK? Find local support via the International Association for Suicide Prevention: iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres or Befrienders Worldwide: befrienders.org
In this moving episode of Riding Through Aphasia, Ed Nell talks with Andy Ibbott about the people and moments that helped him rebuild life after a stroke. Andy reflects on the surgeons who saved him, the brutal early months with aphasia, the near-collapse of his mental health, and the slow, stubborn climb back, one short walk at a time. He shares the pivotal role of close friends like Rob and Chris, and the unforgettable London Marathon story that tested them all. Above all, Andy’s message is clear: others can help, but the decision to keep going must come from within.
Key Takeaways
Ten Days in ICU, Then the Long Road: After 10 days in intensive care and an early, too-ambitious trip to France, recovery faltered before it gathered momentum back in the UK.
Hitting Bottom and Choosing Life: As visits dwindled and isolation bit, Andy reached suicidal lows before reframing recovery as a series of small, winnable challenges, like walking to the end of the road and back.
Hard Truth for Loved Ones: Andy’s advice to families is compassionate but firm: support helps, but recovery ultimately depends on the person doing the work, processing advice and acting on it.
A Stark Warning: Andy says many survivors don’t make it through the first two years after stroke, stressing the urgency of honest conversation about mental health and suicide risk.
Best Moments
“They decided to cut… By cutting it, he will have a stroke… But it will come once he’s cut it.”
“They gave me a 5% chance to live… I came round the second day, up to 20%.”
“People were coming less and less… The spiral was going down… I nearly committed suicide.”
“Nobody can help you, only you. Others can support, but it’s down to you to get the result.”
About Andy Ibbott
Andy Ibbott is a renowned motorcycle journalist, former Managing Director of the California Superbike School, and coach to world-class riders, including Valentino Rossi. After a life-changing stroke in 2011, he overcame immense challenges, regaining mobility and taking on extreme endurance events like the Marathon des Sables. A passionate advocate for brain injury recovery, Andy continues coaching in British Superbikes and supports Brain Research UK. His book Performance Riding Techniques remains a go-to guide for motorcycle enthusiasts worldwide.
Connect with Andy:https://andyibbott.co.uk/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.