“I Felt Like an Alien Impersonating Myself”

About this episode

Rachel E. Gross shares her experience of recovery after a stroke and the ongoing questions about identity that arose from it.

In 2024, science journalist Rachel E. Gross had a stroke. Her recovery mostly followed the path doctors predicted, but there were also some strange, ongoing glitches that she couldn’t explain. So Rachel did the one thing she knew to do in situations like these: she started asking questions. On today’s episode: the curious work of figuring out what makes you, you. We first heard Rachel’s story on a Radiolab episode she reported called “ Song of the Cerebellum .” In case you missed it—Maya’s new book, “The Other Side of Change,” is officially a bestseller! Order your copy at changewithmaya.com/book , or wherever you like to buy books. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

People in this episode

Guest: Rachel E. Gross

Topics covered

• stroke recovery
• identity
• self-exploration
• science journalism
• personal stories

Keywords

• stroke
• identity
• recovery
• science journalism
• self-exploration

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Pushkin Industries

Products: The Other Side of Change

Books & works: Song of the Cerebellum

More episodes of A Slight Change of Plans

• Caitlin Lost the Voice in Her Head · June 9, 2026 · 1h 4m
• True Fun in a Fake Fun World · June 3, 2026 · 44 min
• When Grief Remakes You · May 28, 2026 · 1h 1m
• Maya’s Advice to New Grads · May 19, 2026 · 19 min
• Why We Avoid Conversations That Would Make Us Happier · May 12, 2026 · 46 min
• BONUS: How Small Businesses Endure for Generations · May 5, 2026 · 15 min