Episode 166: “A Stroke of Luck” with Author Bruce Hughes: Rock, Resilience, and Real Talk About Surviving A Near Death Experience

This week, we sit down with Bruce Hughes—author of the bestselling memoir A Stroke of Luck: Music, Medicine, and a Miraculous Recovery. Bruce's story begins in May 2017, when a series of rare strokes left him paralyzed from the neck down. What followed was an extraordinary journey of healing, hope, and yes—luck. But Bruce is quick to point out: the real miracle wasn’t divine intervention—it was the strength of community, expert medical care, and a deep belief in possibility.

 

Now a passionate advocate for stroke survivors, Bruce serves as the Patient Experience Advisor of Therapeutic Services at Horizon Health. He shares his lived experience with compassion, humour, and a desire to pay it forward—offering support to others who are facing the unthinkable.

 

We talk about how his book, published through our friends at Purple Porcupine Publishing, climbed to the top of the Atlantic Canadian Best Sellers List for three consecutive months—two of those at number one. But Bruce never set out to "make it" as an author or musician. For him, the fact that he’s here—writing, speaking, playing music—is more than enough.

 

Speaking of music, Bruce is also the rhythm guitarist for The UnHeard, a 70s-style rock band that brings his love of storytelling to the stage. He’s a songwriter, a singer, and a lifelong believer in the power of a good tune—and a good team.

 

In this episode, Bruce opens up about:

• The terrifying moment everything changed
• His path to recovery and the people who made it possible
• Why he doesn’t see himself as a miracle, but a product of care and connection
• The making of A Stroke of Luck and how it’s helping others
• And how rock ’n’ roll is still very much part of the healing

 

Plus, we meet Willow—Bruce’s four-legged lifesaver—and reflect on what it really means to "make it." This is a story about resilience without ego, survival with soul, and the way music and medicine can sometimes dance together in unexpected harmony.

 

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeandkristen

 

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Intro song: “A Day in the Life"

Outro song: “The Show" both by Mike (Michael S. Ryan) from his upcoming 88 song project Power Chords

Mike's site: www.michaelsryan.com

Kristen’s site: www.kristenherringtonart.com

Bruce’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/purpleporcupinepublishing

Bruce’s Website: https://nimbus.ca/store/a-stroke-of-luck.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqrP7jY1IW_lA0oxScplUznNtBGwdY-GJU7BsGXzQyGlXjC1y5O