Joe had a weird week after seeing photos from his time in the hospital. He talks about dealing with the emotions it brought up and how his stroke community helped him get through it.

Why Joe describes himself as crazy – the chaos and overwhelmed feelings make him feel that way.

Joe’s occupational therapist, Kaley, has been one of the most important pieces of Joe’s recovery

Joe feels like Morph from X-Men – he feels like himself, but he’s not quite himself. Lauren said that Joe is like the elves that Melcor/Morgoth kidnapped and corrupted to make the Orcs.

Joe talks about his journey with his therapist.

Joe used to keep all his feelings inside and it eventually affected his health and contributed to causing his stroke.

Joe’s mental health has improved a lot post stroke. Memory issues make him feel impatient with himself. Doesn’t always know who he is like he’s walking in someone else’s skin.

Taking steps back on the journey to recovery is ok because it’s a learning opportunity.

Joe talks about how Lauren has really helped him with his recovery.

It feels weird after a brain injury because you’re searching to find your purpose. This reminds Joe of an android character in the DC Animated Universe (A.M.A.Z.O.) who doesn’t understand his purpose or Butter Robot on Rick and Morty who didn’t know his purpose and then was sad when he found out it was just to spread butter.

Joe and Lauren love horrible movies like Biker Boys, Demolition Man, Volcano, Dante’s Peak, Armagedon, Deep Impact plus Hunt For Red October and Blade

Joe processes having had a stroke and his mental health through humor.

Joe’s gratitude to his stroke survivor community.

They touch back on villains with purpose.

Favorite characters that are searching for purpose – Joe loves the Punisher and The Question and Lauren loves Xena

Joe is finding purpose in helping fellow survivors while also getting better about caring for himself. He likes to help others so much that sometimes he forgets about himself.