Beyond High C: Redefining Recovery for Aphasia, Stroke, and Parkinson’s Survivors with Kiersten Kanaster - Episode 141

Recovery doesn’t have to be a lonely road. In this uplifting episode of the Caregiver Relief Podcast, host Diane Carbo sits down with Kiersten Kanaster, the visionary founder of Beyond High C. Together, they explore how the transformative power of music, rhythm, and community can unlock communication and restore confidence for those living with aphasia, brain injuries, and neurological conditions.

🎧 Why You Should Listen

When traditional therapy ends, many survivors are left "sitting quietly on the couch". This episode reveals a joyful alternative that bridges the gap between clinical rehabilitation and lifelong recovery. You’ll learn how singing and structured social practice can circumvent brain injuries to help loved ones find their voices again.

📝 Episode Highlights

• The "Musical Backdoor" to Speech: Discover the phenomenon of why survivors who struggle to speak can often sing lyrics perfectly.
• The Power of Rhythm: Learn how simple techniques like tapping syllables and rhythmic loops act as a "skeleton" for words to drop onto.
• Building a "Mistake-Friendly" Community: How Beyond High C creates a non-threatening environment where making mistakes is part of the progress.
• Real Results, Real Hope: Inspiring stories of survivors—even those 25 years post-stroke—making measurable breakthroughs in communication.
• Fighting Social Isolation: The importance of the "human connection" in preventing the frustration and withdrawal that often follow a diagnosis.

🗂️ Podcast Outline

I. Introduction to Beyond High C

• Meet Kiersten Kanaster: From professional musical theater and voice pedagogy to speech recovery innovator.
• The inspiration: Helping a student with a brain injury rediscover expression through song.

II. The Science and Art of the Program

• How melody and rhythm "circumvent" damaged areas of the brain.
• The "Reset" technique: Helping advanced students manage anxiety when a word gets stuck.

III. A Glimpse Inside the Sessions

• Warm-ups involving "mini-assignments," choreography, and trivia.
• Using familiar favorites like the Golden Girls theme to spark memory and engagement.
• Different levels of care, from "Few Words" groups to advanced conversationalists.

IV. Addressing the Healthcare Gap

• The reality of early discharge and the "Silver Tsunami".
• Why Beyond High C is designed to be an affordable, lifelong support system.

V. Moving Forward

• Success stories: Moving from "perseveration" to clear "Yes" and "No" responses.
• The "No Plateau" philosophy: Progress is always possible.

✨ Connect & Recover

"Progress equals happiness. If people are making progress on their goals... it affects your mood, your attitude, your mindset, and what you are capable of." — Kiersten Kanaster

• Visit the Website: beyondhighc.com (HIGH and the letter C)
• Watch on YouTube: Search "Beyond High C" for tips and exercises.