Stephen DiJoseph and his mother Angelina had a wonderful relationship. Stephen credits both his parents for all of their support especially when it came to allowing him to follow his passion for music. It was Angelina who wanted Stephen to follow his musical interests because it was something that she was unable to pursue throughout her life. A mom's love for her son, lead her on a search for ten years, trying to get an accurate diagnosis of his tics/fidgeting condition. Tourette Syndrome is what the final diagnosis was and Stephen takes his talent, sense of humor and his tics with him everywhere he goes including on and off the stage.
Speaking with Stephen was just such a delight. He's easy going, insightful, entertaining and talented. He clearly loves his kraft. He's an accomplished
pianist, drummer, guitarist and vocalist. My guest studied jazz, pop and classical music genres. When Stephen was a young boy, he saw the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show, and that was the beginning of
his musical adventures. He couldn't get enough.
He not only credits his mother for guiding him on his musical journey, but it was also his grandmother's music box that intrigued him to no end, then and still today.
And here he is today, over 60 years working in the music industry. He's recorded eleven albums and his most recent, release in 2023 titled, "Songs, Dreams, Circumstance."
There's so much more to Stephen's story. I hope you enjoy getting to know Stephen's mom and all that she instilled in her son, including being aware and caring for others. She's also remembered for
using the phrase, "play the ball where it lands," and "make a plan and work a plan." Both of these expressions helped Stephen stay the course when perhaps his Tourette Syndrome got in his way.
An absolute pleasure spending time getting to know Stephen and he says he's "a dedicated Neurodiversity advocate."
website for Tourette:
https://tourette.org/resource/understanding-coprolalia/
Dictionary
Definitions from Oxford Languages · Learn more
cop·ro·la·li·a
/ˌkäprəˈlālēə/
noun
PSYCHIATRY
TOURETTE SYNDROME-MAYO CLINIC:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tourette-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20350465
NOURON UP WEBSITE:
https://neuronup.us/cognitive-stimulation-news/neurodevelopmental-disorders/tourette-syndrome/12-ways-to-support-your-friend-with-tourettes/
NIH-NATIONAL INSTITUE OF NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS & STROKE
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/tourette-syndrome
FORM NIH WEBSITE:
Tourette syndrome (TS) is a neurological disorder that may cause sudden unwanted and uncontrolled rapid and repeated movements or vocal sounds called tics. TS is one of a group of disorders of the developing nervous system called tic disorders.
The motor (involving body movement) or vocal (involving sounds you make) tics of TS come and go over time, varying in type, frequency, location, and severity. If you have tics, you cannot stop your body from having them. The first symptoms usually occur between the ages of 5 and 10 years, generally in the head and neck area. These may progress to include the muscles in your torso, arms, and legs. Motor tics generally occur before the development of vocal tics.
Tourette syndrome affects more boys than girls. Most people with TS experience their worst tic symptoms in their early teens, but tics typically lessen and become controlled by the late teens to early 20s. For some people, TS can be a chronic condition with symptoms that last into adulthood. In some cases, tics may worsen in adulthood. TS is not a degenerative condition (one that continues to get worse) and individuals with TS have a normal life expectancy.
RALPH & BUDDY BOND: YOUTUBE:
LARRY FERRARI-ORGANIST
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OrqSnGuiHVA
MONK THOMAS MERTON:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Merton
STEPHEN DiJOSEPH'S WEBSITE: https://www.stephendijoseph.com/
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/stephendijoseph