Proud Stutter: Recent Episodes
Maya Chupkov
Maya sits down with Ina Lalich, a San Francisco–raised, multilingual woman who stutters, for a conversation about language, identity, and learning to take up space. Ina describes growing up between Serbian/Croatian and English (with a later detour through French), and how her fluency shifted across languages over time -- sometimes finding relief in Belgrade, later feeling the opposite. She talks about the “different mind” each language gives her, and how writing her college essay on stuttering helped her claim it as strength: creativity, precision, and deep empathy.
Now a user researcher at Quizlet who records herself for work, Ina shares what it’s like to interview strangers daily, rewind the tapes, and still choose presence over perfection. We hear candid stories --from a CEO mistaking a block for a bad internet connection to educating someone who mimicked her speech -- and the simple rule that guides her: if she stays calm, others learn to, too. The episode explores womanhood and stuttering, resisting infantilization, the “good pain vs. injury pain” metaphor she borrows from gymnastics, and a curiosity about ASL as another doorway into voice and belonging.
🎟 Get tickets for a community art and film event sponsored by Proud Stutter on October 9 in San Francisco
Read about our latest film update here.
Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Matt Didisheim, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Jason Smith, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.
Learn more about Proud Stutter's impact campaign for its film project at proudstutter.org/impact
If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift here.
Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.
Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
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Filmmaker and stuttering ally Andy Phillips joins Maya to mark the 10-year anniversary of his short film WORDS, a story born from two loves: New Orleans and spoken-word poetry. Andy shares how a friend who stutters, late-night script pages in a dreaded Shakespeare class, and a chance connection to a Lower Ninth Ward community center shaped the film’s heartbeat. A tour with neighborhood elder “Mr. Robert,” the Katrina watermark still visible on walls, inspired the opening poem and grounded the story in place and resilience. Andy also talks about researching stuttering to avoid tired stereotypes and building an indie crew through tiny miracles that kept showing up, sometimes literally with a Steadicam. A decade later, WORDS still ripples through his life, even guiding his path into podcast producing.
You can watch WORDS here.
🎟 Get tickets for a community art and film event sponsored by Proud Stutter on October 9 in San Francisco
U.S.-based writer with a finished script/pilot/play featuring disabled characters? Apply to 1IN4 Writers by Oct 20, 2025 for mentorship, industry relationships, and a $20K unrestricted grant.
Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Matt Didisheim, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Jason Smith, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.
Learn more about Proud Stutter's impact campaign for its film project at proudstutter.org/impact
If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift here.
Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.
Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
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Dr. Dillon Pruett has lived both sides of stuttering: the anxious kid rehearsing every word and the scientist searching DNA for answers. His groundbreaking research, recently published in Nature Genetics, uncovered 57 genetic hotspots tied to stuttering -- proof that our voices carry a biological story as complex as any human trait. In our conversation, Dillon shares how his personal journey shaped his path into research, what the findings reveal about stuttering’s overlap with traits like musicality and sleep, and why the goal isn’t to “fix” stuttering but to demystify it. At its heart, this episode is about turning stigma into science and science back into compassion.
You can read the study here.
🎟 Get tickets for a community art and film event sponsored by Proud Stutter on October 9 in San Francisco
Read about our latest film update here.
Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Matt Didisheim, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Jason Smith, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.
Learn more about Proud Stutter's impact campaign for its film project at proudstutter.org/impact
If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift here.
Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.
Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Maya sits down with Sam Gennuso, a Bay Area-based licensed psychotherapist and person who stutters, for a conversation about vulnerability, self-acceptance, and what it means to unmask. Sam shares her journey of growing up covert, discovering her stutter, and the early therapy experiences that shaped her understanding of fluency, shame, and identity.
Now a talk therapist, Sam talks about how stuttering has become one of her greatest teachers - helping her show up more authentically in her work and relationships. The episode explores themes of nervous system regulation, daily grounding practices, boundary-setting, and the metaphor of stuttering as diving into cold water: scary at first, but easier with each leap.
You can find Sam on Instagram at @wellgoneweird and check out her website: www.samgtherapy.com
🎟 Get tickets for a community art and film event sponsored by Proud Stutter on October 9 in San Francisco
Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Matt Didisheim, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Jason Smith, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.
Learn more about Proud Stutter's impact campaign for its film project at proudstutter.org/impact
If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk.
Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.
Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week on Proud Stutter, we’re joined by Justin McCullough, a longtime stutterer, technologist, and founder of the upcoming mental health platform, Eight Minute Chat.
Justin opens up about growing up with a stutter after a major shift in his family dynamic, how it impacted his high school and college experiences, and the quiet persistence that shaped his career in tech. From building his first software system at a community college to launching his own company, Justin reflects on how stuttering has influenced his drive to prove himself, and how it’s intertwined with his sense of self-worth, timing, and voice.
We also talk about his latest project: Eight Minute Chat, a new initiative designed to offer people a space to offload mental stress in the moment--whether by phone, text, or in person. Rooted in empathy and lived experience, the idea came from a college student’s story and has since grown into something that could help bridge the gap between therapy and friendship.
This episode dives into first impressions, filler words, what it means to be seen beyond your stutter, and the emotional complexity of navigating speech in a fast-paced world.
Subscribe to updates on Eight Minute Chat at eightmin.org.
🎟 Get early bird tickets for Proud Stutter’s Annual Gala on October 9 in San Francisco
Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Matt Didisheim, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Jason Smith, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.
Learn more about Proud Stutter's impact campaign for its film project at proudstutter.org/impact
If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk.
Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.
Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week on Proud Stutter, we’re joined by Shamez Kasam, a lifelong stutterer based in Alberta, Canada, who shares his powerful journey from shame to self-acceptance—and what he calls “recovery.” Shamez talks about growing up with severe stuttering, the impact it had on his life, and how purposeful desensitization helped shift his mindset. We explore what it means to be a “recovered stutterer,” the emotional toll of speech-based trauma, and how empathy and persistence can grow from stuttering. This episode is a testament to resilience, self-reflection, and the lifelong process of befriending your voice.
In this episode
🎟 Get early bird tickets for Proud Stutter’s Annual Gala on October 9 in San Francisco
Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Matt Didisheim, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Jason Smith, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.
Learn more about Proud Stutter's impact campaign for its film project at proudstutter.org/impact
If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk.
Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.
Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week on Proud Stutter, we’re joined by Louise Escher, a language teacher, violinist, and host of Did They Stutter?—a podcast exploring stuttering representation in film, TV, and literature. Louise shares her journey from covert stuttering to finding her voice, and how starting a podcast helped her challenge stigma and build community. We talk about the importance of authentic media portrayals, what covert stuttering looks like on screen (or doesn’t), and why her own podcast was born out of both inspiration and frustration. Plus, Maya shares updates on new stuttering-centered films in the works and why representation matters now more than ever.
In this episode
🎟 Get early bird tickets for Proud Stutter’s Annual Gala on October 9 in San Francisco
🎧 Listen to Louise’s podcast Did They Stutter?
🎬 Watch the trailer for Le Panache, the French film featuring a teen actor who stutters
🖋 Learn about Connor Foran’s Dysfluent Typeface and design work
🎥 Explore Stutterbug, an upcoming short film by comedian Aiden Greene
🐾 Revisit Arctic Blue, the documentary exploring stuttering through Arctic nature
📬 Want to be a guest on Did They Stutter? or talk media representation? Contact Louise at didtheystutter@outlook.com
Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Matt Didisheim, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Jason Smith, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.
Learn more about Proud Stutter's impact campaign for its film project at proudstutter.org/impact
If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk.
Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.
Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
This week on Proud Stutter, Maya is joined by Ismaele Tortella, a filmmaker and cinematographer based in the Norwegian Arctic whose upcoming documentary Arctic Blue explores his personal relationship with stuttering through nature and silence. In this powerful 100th episode, Ismaele and Maya talk about using art to process shame, navigating everyday challenges as covert stutterers, and how speaking openly about stuttering can lighten the emotional weight it carries. They reflect on vulnerability, resilience, and why the act of storytelling itself can be transformational—for the teller and the community.
In this episode
Get early bird tickets for Proud Stutter's Annual Gala on October 9
Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Matt Didisheim, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Jason Smith, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.
Learn more about Proud Stutter's impact campaign for its film project at proudstutter.org/impact
If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk.
Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.
Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Maya, Caitlin, and Elliot recap the thrilling finale of Survivor Season 48, celebrating Mitch's incredible journey and the great representation of the stuttering community. They discuss the season's most memorable moments, strategic plays, and emotional highlights, including Kyle and Camilla's secret alliance, Mitch's social game, and Eva's perseverance. They also reflect on the portrayal of stuttering in the show and its impact on the stuttering community.
In this episode
Get early bird tickets for Proud Stutter's Annual Gala on October 9
Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Matt Didisheim, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Jason Smith, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.
Learn more about Proud Stutter's impact campaign for its film project at proudstutter.org/impact
If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk.
Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.
Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Andrew Flint is a 16-year old and a person who stutters. Andrew's powerful essay in The Washington Post sparked conversation in his school, family, and beyond. In this episode, he shares what it was like to write and publish such a personal story—and how it’s helped others around him understand stuttering more deeply. We talk about misconceptions, daily challenges, and how good it feels to speak your truth.
You can read Andrew's personal essay here.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
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This episode is Part 2 of our series “What We Can Learn from the Rare Disease Community.” Last week, we heard from Bobby Glen about navigating the healthcare system as a parent of a child with HNRNPH2. Today, his wife Nicole—who is also a pediatrician—joins us to share how raising a child with a rare disease has shaped the way she practices medicine, approaches patient advocacy, and supports families navigating speech and communication challenges.
Event Alerts:
Docs on Stuttering – May 8 (Use "PROUD25" at checkout for a free ticket)
Docs on Disability – May 15, featuring Marlee Matlin’s Sundance-premiered documentary
Philly Proud Stutter Gathering – May 19
Save The Date: Proud Stutter Annual Gala in San Francisco – October 9 (listeners get 50% off tickets!)
And yes, Survivor fans—our recap will be back to cover the season finale, which airs on May 21, 2025! Go Mitch!
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
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Bobby Glen shares his family's journey, from getting a diagnosis to participating in a clinical trial, and the importance of early screening and community support.
This is Part 1 of a two-part series about raising a child with HNRNPH2, a rare disease that affects speech and motor skills.
Part 2 will feature his wife, Nicole, who reflects on how this experience has shaped her work as a pediatrician and her views on patient advocacy and communication differences like stuttering.
If you'd like to reach out to Bobby, you can email him at glennrw@gmail.com.
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Maya, Caitlin, and Elliot are back to discuss stuttering on Survivor Season 48, Episode 8, and the latest twists and turns in the episode. From alliances and drama to strategic plays and surprise advantages, they break down all the key moments you won't want to miss.
In this episode
Register for Proud Stutter's Stuttering Awareness Week event on May 8
Use promo code PROUD25 at checkout for a free ticket.
Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Matt Didisheim, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Jason Smith, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.
Learn more about Proud Stutter's impact campaign for its film project at proudstutter.org/impact
If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk.
Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.
Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
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Maya is back with Caitlin Dietz and Eliot Goldstein to talk about Episodes 6 and 7 of Survivor Season 48. Highlights include discussions about Mitch, a contestant on the show who stutters, his social game and personal story, as well as strategic plays and alliances forming among the castaways.
In the episode
Save the date for Proud Stutter's Stuttering Awareness Week event happening in San Rafael, CA on May 8. Details will be released soon!
Check out the recap of Proud Stutter's latest event in Chicago in the Daily Northwestern.
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Maya is joined again by friends Caitlin Dietz, her childhood friend, and Eliot Goldstein, friend and person who stutters to talk about stuttering on the current season of Survivor!
Check out our feed for a recap of Episode 3!
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Maya interviews Philip, a contestant from Deal or No Deal Island, who shares his experience with stuttering on the reality TV show and how stuttering has impacted his life and career. Philip talks about the audition process, navigating gameplay, and forming relationships with other contestants, including Survivor's Parvati. He also touches on his background as a first-generation American and educator, his transition to becoming a personal trainer, and his aspirations in motivational speaking. Catch Deal or No Deal Island on Tuesdays on NBC.
Announcements & Updates from Proud Stutter
- Support a filmmaker who stutters - Help Michael Turner celebrate the 10 year anniversary of his film during Stuttering Awareness Week
- April 9 - Register to Proud Stutter's free event in Chicago with Northwestern University
- May 8 & May 15 - Save the date for Proud Stutter's upcoming documentary events in San Rafael, CA with CA Film
Partnership corner
- March 29 & March 30: Music and Theater tell the story of life with a stutter in the premiere of Tyler Eschendal’s solo show ACTIONS.
- April 1: Enroll for SPACE's Community & Arts programs this Spring. Learn more here.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
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Maya is joined by friends Caitlin Dietz, her childhood friend, and Eliot Goldstein, friend and person who stutters to talk about stuttering on the current season of Survivor!
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Elia Powers is a professor, podcast reporter and the author of 'Performing the News, Identity, Authority, and the Myth of Neutrality' exploring how journalists from historically marginalized groups navigate unspoken norms in the industry. Elia shares his personal journey as a journalist who stutters and his research on how the media landscape is changing, particularly through the inclusivity offered by podcasting. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities faced by journalists with non-standard speech, highlighting the importance of diverse voices in media.
In this episode
Elias book Performing the News: Identity, Authority, and the Myth of Neutrality
We’re grateful to Elia for sharing his story with us.
Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Matt Didisheim, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.
Learn more about Proud Stutter's impact campaign for its film project at proudstutter.org/impact
If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk.
Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.
Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
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Gavin Szilvasi is the founder and chairman of the Tia Maria Foundation. He's also a freshman in college at Villanova University. Gavin talks about his early challenges with speech, the impact of bullying, and the mental resilience he developed. The Tia Maria Foundation supports students in Elizabeth, New Jersey and is awarding its first scholarship at the foundation's upcoming gala on February 28, which you can learn about here.
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Ben Miller is a videographer and person who stutters. Ben spent most of his childhood in speech therapy. His mother is a speech-language pathologist.
Maya met Ben at Sundance at the Proud Stutter event during the Festival. They both saw Ricky, which ended up winning the Jury Grant Prize for Best Director.
How does a stutter impact one's personality? This is just one of the many questions Ben and Maya dissect in a thought provoking conversation between two media artists who stutter. They explore the challenges of editing stuttering in media and reflect on how stuttering shapes their communication and artistic expression.
We’re grateful to Ben for sharing their story with us. Check out his reel of an art show he created here.
Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Matt Didisheim, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.
Learn more about Proud Stutter's impact campaign for its film project at proudstutter.org/impact
Do you know someone who stutters? Fill out Proud Stutter's survey here.
If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk.
Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.
Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
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Cody Dew is a professor, researcher, and person who stutters. Cody's research focuses on how perceived communication skills influence stereotyping of people who stutter in the workplace. How can disclosing your stutter help? What are some strategies to make work environments more inclusive for people with speech differences?
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Proud Stutter is going to Sundance! Join our creative team behind our upcoming documentary for a special event on January 25 at 5pm in Park City featuring award-winning filmmaker Reid Davenport (I DIDN'T SEE YOU THERE and LIFE AFTER). Get your free tickets today before they sell out!
In this episode
Dave Rodriguez is an experimental filmmaker who stutters. He made his way into filmmaking through the Miami punk scene and his areas of interest include the intersection of stuttering and experimental film. Dave explores the influence of generational trauma and neurological research on his films, notably 'Tartamudeo' and 'Disfluency Circuit.' Both Maya and Dave delve into the unique aesthetic choices in representing stuttering on screen, the challenges of academia, and impactful works by other filmmakers with disabilities, including Reid Davenport with his film I Didn't See You There.
Dave's Films
For T A R T A M U D E O (2019): https://vimeo.com/video/336718520
For Dysfluency Circuit (2024): https://vimeo.com/video/926613463
*For the password to watch Dysfluency Circuit, email info@proudstutter.org.
Reid's Films
-Check out Reid's IMDB page here.
We’re grateful to Dave for sharing his story with us.
Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Dustin Wells, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.
Learn more about Proud Stutter's impact campaign for its film project at proudstutter.org/impact
If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk.
Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.
Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Kurt Kessler is a class action attorney who stutters from San Francisco. Kurt is not the only member of his family who stutters. How did that impact him growing up? What's it like going through law school with a stutter? Kurt is currently doing advocacy work with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist's nonprofit, which is aimed at improving positive outcomes for people who stutter.
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Elisha Boxer Magnifico and David Catlin are both professors at Northwestern University. Together, the developed "Break The Blocks," an improv program developed at the university to help build confidence in young people who stutter. They delve into the program’s conception, its structure, and the profound positive impact it has had on participants, parents, and student leaders.
For anyone interested in signing up for the improv workshop, they can either call: 847-491-3165, email NUCASLL at nucasll@northwestern.edu, or email Elisha directly at elisha.magnifico@northwestern.edu.
The flyer can be found at this google drive link.
We’re grateful to Elisha and David for sharing their story with us.
Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Dustin Wells, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.
Learn more about Proud Stutter's impact campaign for its film project at proudstutter.org/impact
If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk.
Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.
Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
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Puneet Singh is a disability inclusion advocate with personal experiences of stuttering, dyslexia, and dyspraxia.
Puneet shares his challenges and triumphs, including the creation of his nonprofit and his latest initiative, Green Disability, focusing on the intersection of disability and climate change.
Open Call! Submit an essay for inclusion in “Still Speaking: A Collection of Essays on Navigating Life with Atypical Speech”
Follow Puneet on LinkedIn
Sign up for Puneet's newsletter.
More on Green Disability:
1.) https://www.caribbeanlife.com/climate-action-initiative-brings-together-disability-community-worldwide/
2.) https://www.youthxyouth.com/blog/how-a-delhi-heatwave-inspired-green-disability
3.) https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2023/10/healthcare-and-climate-change-a-tale-of-survival-with-disability/
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In part 2 of our conversation with Raphael, we talk about our shared passion of filmmaking.
Raphael shares his journey in photography, his involvement with PBS Hawaii, and more creative projects.
We’re grateful to Raphael for sharing his story with us.
Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Dustin Wells, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.
PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY - FIRST 20 PEOPLE TO REGISTER WILL GET TICKETS TO OUR INVITE ONLY EVENT IN LA. BUY THEM HERE.
If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk.
Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.
Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Raphael Stark is the founder and president of the nonprofit CHATS. Raphael wanted to meet other teens who stuttered in his community but realized there wasn't an organization to help him so he started his own. Find out how Raphael balances being a teen founder and school.
This is Part 1 of our conversation. Stay tuned for Part 2 in two weeks!
We’re grateful to Raphael for sharing his story with us.
Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Dustin Wells, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.
PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY - FIRST 20 PEOPLE TO REGISTER WILL GET TICKETS TO OUR INVITE ONLY EVENT IN LA. BUY THEM HERE.
If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk.
Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.
Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Randy Panzarino is a clinician, researcher, and person who stutters. He's also a surfer. Randy shares his journey through the challenges and anxieties associated with stuttering and how he found his passion for speech language pathology.
Randy has studied stuttering-related anxiety and life partners of people who stutter. He also talk about the therapeutic role of surfing in his life and underscores the importance of embracing one's stutter and the positive impact of authenticity.
We’re grateful to Randy for sharing his story with us.
Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Dustin Wells, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.
PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY - FIRST 20 PEOPLE TO REGISTER WILL GET TICKETS TO OUR INVITE ONLY EVENT IN LA. BUY THEM HERE.
If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk.
Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.
Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Ryan Cowley is the author of All the Right Words: My Journey as a Sportswriter Who Stutters.
He talks about his early experiences with stuttering, his journey through speech therapy, and how he found his passion for sports writing. Ryan shares his struggles and triumphs, including his initial apprehensions about verbal communication, particularly over the phone, his experience with speech therapists, and his successful career as a writer. He opens up about his motivation behind writing a book, guided by his brother's encouragement, and discusses his current project working on a presentation about commanding respect as a person who stutters.
We’re grateful to Ryan for sharing his story with us.
Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Dustin Wells, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.
PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY - FIRST 20 PEOPLE TO REGISTER WILL GET TICKETS TO OUR INVITE ONLY EVENT IN LA. BUY THEM HERE.
If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk.
Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.
Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Maya and Tessa share their experiences from 10 days of filming in New Jersey for their documentary. They discuss the challenges and rewards of the project, the impact of stuttering on their interactions, and the support they received from the local community. The episode provides insights into their creative process and the emotional journey of capturing the lives of a family navigating stuttering and parenthood.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
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A new study published in Brain has identified a specific brain network hub that plays a key role in stuttering.
The author Professor Catherine Theys explains the research and what it means for the stuttering community and others with similar brain activity.
We’re grateful to Catherine for sharing her story and research with us.
Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Dustin Wells, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.
PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY - FIRST 20 PEOPLE TO REGISTER WILL GET TICKETS TO OUR INVITE ONLY EVENT IN LA. BUY THEM HERE.
If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk.
Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.
Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
LeRon L. Barton is a TEDx speaker and author who stutters. What events in his life led him to becoming a confidence public speaker? They also talk about the importance of representation and share personal anecdotes about dating and disclosing their stutters in professional settings.
We’re grateful to LeRon for sharing his story with us.
Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Dustin Wells, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.
PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY - FIRST 20 PEOPLE TO REGISTER WILL GET TICKETS TO OUR INVITE ONLY EVENT IN LA. BUY THEM HERE.
If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk.
Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.
Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Joe Saul-Sehy is the creator and co-host of The Stacking Benjamins Show. Joe has a successful career in finance and podcasting while living with a covert stutter.
In this episode02:32 Who is Joe Saul-Sehy?
03:03 Joe's Stuttering Journey
09:46 Overcoming Challenges in Public Speaking
16:49 Transition to Podcasting
20:26 The Stacking Benjamins Show
29:52 Embracing Vulnerability
We’re grateful to Joe Saul-Sehy for sharing his story with us.
Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Dustin Wells, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.
PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY - FIRST 20 PEOPLE TO REGISTER WILL GET TICKETS TO OUR INVITE ONLY EVENT IN LA. BUY THEM HERE.
If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk.
Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.
Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
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Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Adrian Ernesto Cepeda is a bilingual poet who stutters. His latest book is 'La Lengua Inside Me.'
Adrian turned to writing at a young age as a form of expression. His bilingual poetry is inspired by his Colombian heritage, experience as a person who stutters, and Sylvia Plath's work.
In this episode
Follow Adrian on IG
Get a copy of Adrian's book(s)
Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Dustin Wells, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.
Even though our crowdfunding campaign is over - we exceeded our goal and raised $25,000!!! - we are still accepting donations towards the film.
If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands
Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Ty Ellis, a person who stutters, wears many hats. He is an optimal performance coach, a public speaker, and a former professional basketball coach.
Ty talks about the mental challenges he faced growing up and the pivotal role of his grandmother played in building his confidence as a stutterer.
How did his stutter contribute to his success in sports and coaching?
Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Dustin Wells, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.
Even though our crowdfunding campaign is over - we exceeded our goal and raised $25,000!!! - we are still accepting donations towards the film.
If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk.
Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.
Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
What's it like to balance the identities of stuttering and cerebral palsy?
In this episode, Dom and Sean Kelly of New Disabled South discuss how they view their stuttering experience is different than their experience with CP. They also touch on the importance of cross-disability solidarity and the differing societal perceptions of their disabilities.
We’re grateful to Dom and Sean Kelly for sharing their stories with us.
Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Dustin Wells, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.
Even though our crowdfunding campaign is over - we exceeded our goal and raised $25,000!!! - we are still accepting donations towards the film.
If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk.
Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.
Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Hilary Utaegbulam is a Nigerian-born physics student and teacher who stutters. He recently gave his first ever public presentation on his research, which went extremely well.
Hilary offers advice on preparing for public speaking and how to give a confident presentation as a person who stutters. He also talks about how he got through his first stuttering encounter at a conference and the mental and physical hurdles of stuttering, how it influenced his career choices, and the importance of seeking therapy and support.
In this episode
Hilary’s physics presentation
ROCK OF HOPE film crowdfunding campaign. Support Maya and her team of stuttering filmmakers by making a pledge to the campaign today.
If you'd like to support but just can't afford to support monetarily, you can:
- Click "Follow" on the campaign on Seed&Spark! This is almost as beneficial as pledging because once they hit 500 "followers," regardless of how many people pledge, they'll unlock creator discounts for this and future projects.
- Use this social media toolkit. It includes sample language for social media and an email template to share with your friends, family, and colleagues.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Carol Labov is the author of “The Cave Boy Who Would Be President,” a children’s book inspired by her own experience with her grandson Cooper. Where did the idea of the book come from and why did she write it?
This book is built on the love of a grandmother to her grandson and is meant to be helpful for other parents going through similar experiences.
You can get a copy here.
In this episode
There still time to support the ROCK OF HOPE film crowdfunding campaign. Support Maya and her team of stuttering filmmakers by making a pledge to the campaign today. The filmmakers need to reach 80% of their goal or they get nothing.
If you'd like to support but just can't afford to support monetarily, you can:
- Click "Follow" on the campaign on Seed&Spark! This is almost as beneficial as pledging because once we hit 250 "followers," regardless of how many people pledge, they'll start unlocking creator discounts for this and future projects.
- Use this toolkit until the end of the campaign. It includes sample language for social media and an email template to share with your friends, family, and colleagues.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
This episode celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month and Stuttering Awareness Week. Casey Combs is an attorney. She's also a new mother. How did motherhood change her relationship with her stutter? What was it like going to law school with a stutter and how did she land a job that accepted her speech? From dark thoughts to becoming more accepting, Casey explains why it's okay to have big feelings around stuttering.
In this episode
Today also marks the launch of the ROCK OF HOPE film crowdfunding campaign. Support Maya and her team of stuttering filmmakers by making a pledge to the campaign today. The filmmakers need to reach 80% of their goal or they get nothing.
If you'd like to support but just can't afford to support monetarily, you can:
- Click "Follow" on the campaign on Seed&Spark! This is almost as beneficial as pledging because once we hit 250 "followers," regardless of how many people pledge, they'll start unlocking creator discounts for this and future projects.
- Use this toolkit on launch day. It includes sample language for social media and an email template to share with your friends, family, and colleagues.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
John Finn is Chief Scientific Officer at Tome Biosciences. John opens about his personal and professional journey as a person who stutters, including how it shaped his career in science, approach to public speaking, and interactions with his colleagues. He also talks about the science behind how genetics and stuttering connect.
Episode breakdown
00:00 “Rock of Hope” Sneak Preview
02:47 John Finn's Journey: From Stuttering to Scientific Breakthroughs
12:24 The Challenges and Triumphs of Public Speaking with a Stutter
24:36 Exploring the Genetics of Stuttering
28:58 Final Thoughts and Advice
In the episode
Learn more about ROCK OF HOPE
RSVP to the in-person documentary kickoff event in SF (May 16)
RSVP to the virtual documentary kickoff event on Zoom (May 17)
Learn about Isaac Bailey, guest speaker for the May 17 virtual event
Learn about John Finn, today’s episode guest
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
John Stossel, renowned TV personality and reporter, shares the challenges he faced in his broadcast journalism career and what led him to seek help with his fluency.
03:09 John Stossel's Broadcast Journalism Career Journey & Facing His Stutter
06:07 His Time At Hollins Communication Reconstruction Center
09:47 Stuttering in Pop Culture
12:48 John's Reflections and Advice
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Swathi grew up in India speaking multiple languages. She talks with Maya about how her stuttering influenced interactions, often prompting language shifts. Transitioning into her career as a software engineer, Swathi finds solace in a supportive workplace environment, sharing her experiences through writing to advocate for inclusivity.
In this episode
Swathy's blog post
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Jayne Amelia Larson is an actor, voiceover artist, bestselling author and podcaster. Jayne shares with Maya her journey of covert stuttering and her struggle with being open about her stutter over the course of her career.
They also talk about Jayne's family dynamics, acting in Judging Amy, and her difficult experience with recording the audio version of her bestselling book, 'Driving the Saudis.'
Episode breakdown
00:50 Jayne's Journey with Stuttering and Covert Stuttering
02:12 The Challenges of Stuttering in Professional Voice Over Work
04:35 Family Dynamics and the Impact on Stuttering
20:26 The Complex Relationship Between Trauma and Stuttering
23:57 Exploring Acting as a Tool for Managing Stuttering
Updates
Get a copy of Proud Stutter's comic book while supplies last
Want to be in the credits of Proud Stutter's documentary? Make a donation here.
About the host
Find Maya on IG: @Mayachupkov
Twitter: @Proudstutter
YouTube: @Proudstutter
LinkedIn: Maya-Chupkov
Facebook: @Proudstutter
You can buy Proud Stutter merch on our website
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
This episode is Part 2 of Proud Stutter's official launch party and reading in Los Angeles to celebrate its comic book, MY STUTTER: LIFE OF VERBAL TURBULENCE.
Episode breakdown06:05 The Power of Stuttering Communities
08:16 Discussion on the Creation of the Comic Book
08:51 Visual Representation in Stuttering
10:25 Making the Comic Book
13:26 Stuttering and Personal Growth
16:04 The Role of Speech Therapy in Stuttering
19:12 The Concept of Speech Diversity
27:47 The Evolution of Personal Attitudes Towards Stuttering
30:47 Proud Stutter's Documentary
Proud Stutter updatesGet a copy of Proud Stutter's comic book while supplies last
Donate to Fund The Future of Stuttering Campaign to help de-stigmatize stuttering
Connect with Maya and Proud Stutter: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | Subscribe | E-Newsletter | Shop
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Proud Stutter celebrated the official launch of its comic book, MY STUTTER: LIFE OF VERBAL TURBULENCE, on February 12, 2024. Proud Stutter hit the road and went to Pasadena, California to bring the Los Angeles stuttering community together to talk about the comic book and stuttering stories. We were also joined by some special guest speakers from the Los Angeles stuttering community.
Episode breakdown02:32 Event reflections with Julian
12:23 Part 1 of the event with guest speakers from the LA stuttering community
Proud Stutter updatesGet a copy of Proud Stutter's comic book while supplies last
Donate to Fund The Future of Stuttering Campaign to help de-stigmatize stuttering
Connect with Maya and Proud Stutter: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | Subscribe | E-Newsletter | Shop
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Lorenzo Becerra is a college freshman who stutters. He is studying to be a speech pathologist. When he thinks about his future, he envisions a happy life. But, he didn’t always see his stutter as something to be proud of.
“I put some of my self worth in speaking. And since I couldn't speak that well, my self worth was down.”
How do you find self-worth with a stutter?
Episode breakdown02:39 Lorenzo and Maya’s Stuttering Experiences
04:12 The Power Behind Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone
07:19 The Importance of Having A Support System
10:16 The Power of Visualization
11:40 Shifting Views on Stuttering
22:05 The Struggle of Fitting In
26:44 Empowerment and Role Models
29:50 The Power of the Stuttering Community
Proud Stutter updatesAttend Proud Stutter's event this Monday, Feb. 12 in Pasadena, CA
Donate to Fund The Future of Stuttering Campaign to help de-stigmatize stuttering
Connect with Maya and Proud Stutter: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | Subscribe | E-Newsletter | Shop
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Sammar Farooqi is a person who stutters based in Dubai. He’s an executive at SAP where he explains complex technology to people on a daily basis. Sammar shares his experiences with stuttering starting from his childhood, the mocking he faced, and how he used a traumatic event to motivate himself to become a successful communicator in the technology space.
He offers some communication techniques that have helped him navigate the corporate world and how he adapted to a new communication environment during the pandemic.
Episode breakdown
02:21 Sammar's Childhood Memories and Stuttering
05:04 Turning Trauma into Motivation
07:04 Communication and Delivery
08:17 Navigating Stuttering in a Corporate World
11:11 Communication Techniques in the Workplace
20:15 Adapting Communication Techniques during COVID-19
21:59 Stuttering in the Workplace
About the guest
Connect with Sammar on LinkedIn
About the host
Find Maya on IG: @Mayachupkov
Twitter: @Proudstutter
YouTube: @Proudstutter
LinkedIn: Maya-Chupkov
Facebook: @Proudstutter
You can buy Proud Stutter merch on our website
Support Proud Stutter by making a tax deductible one-time donation or becoming a recurring donor
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
David Mayan, aka emcdouble, is a professional recording artist based in Queens, New York. He also stutters.
David shares how he initially used music as a form of therapy to manage his stuttering and how this later formed the basis for his versatile musical style, melding elements of hip hop, Spanish music, and electronic fusions.
Episode breakdown
02:56 Stuttering and Music
03:46 Growing Up with Stuttering
08:01 Stuttering and Parenting
09:24 Stuttering and Language Learning
13:09 Music, Stuttering, and Identity
15:46 Stuttering and Public Perception
18:21 Final Thoughts
From the episode
Check out David’s new mixtape and more of his music on Spotify.
Attend Proud Stutter's event in Pasadena, CA
Track at the beginning of the episode: JUJUMADEIT - Slain Cypher ft. Various Emcees
Host & Producer & Editor: Maya Chupkov
Donate to Fund The Future of Stuttering Campaign to help de-stigmatize stuttering
Connect with Maya and Proud Stutter: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | Subscribe | E-Newsletter | Shop
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Host of Proud Stutter Maya recaps Proud Stutter’s annual gala with some clips from the evening, featuring special guests Senator Scott Wiener and San Francisco Supervisor Dean Preston. She also looks back on some of Proud Stutter’s biggest moments from 2023 and more!
Part 1: Proud Stutter's Gala
01:33 Julian's Speech: The Silence of Stuttering
06:12 Sarah's Story: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Stuttering
10:40 Johnny's Journey: Finding Community and Advocacy
15:12 Zainab's Poetry: Expressing Pain and Resilience
17:58 Supervisor Dean Preston
22:49 Senator Scott Wiener
Part 2
24:35 Proud Stutter's Achievements and Highlights of 2023
27:27 Adriana's Story: A Story of Resilience
29:31 Looking Forward to 2024
In this episode
Proud Stutter’s comic book
Zainab’s book of poetry
2023 Proud Stutter Highlights
Make an end of year tax deductible gift to Proud Stutter
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Keegan Murphy thought he outgrew his childhood stutter, until a traumatic event triggered its return.
Not only does Keegan share his experience with his stuttering popping back up unexpectedly, but he also talks about the challenges and frustrations of stuttering in corporate America and how seeking professional help transformed his view on his stutter and helped get him out of his deep depression.
Keegan is now doing stuttering advocacy within his workplace by creating an employee resource group for employees who identify as neurodiverse and trying to expand his insurance plan to include speech therapy.
Episode Resources
- Proud Stutter Gala Recap
- Support Proud Stutter's Documentary
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Isaac Bailey is a stutterer, author, and professor. His book, 'My Brother Moochie', details his family's struggles after his eldest brother was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Isaac talks about growing up poor, black, and with a stutter in the South, his traumatic family history, and his realization that being a stutterer is a part of his identity rather than an impediment. He also opens up about how he turned to writing, as it granted him a different way of sharing his voice.
Isaac offers advice about being comfortable with your stutter and the importance of knowing that your voice matters, no matter how you talk.
01:26 Growing up with a stutter
09:49 On the road to acceptance
14:02 Stuttering and journalism
17:38 Isaac's book, My Brother Moochie
22:02 Dating with a stutter and finding support from his wife
27:38 Isaac's final thoughts and advice
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Steven Anthopoulos is the director and writer of “Voice Activated,” a short film that has won 11 awards, a Tribeca selected film, and is eligible for an Academy Award.
Steven talks about how he got the idea for his film, which revolves around a florist with a stutter interacting with a voice-activated car, and how filmmaking has helped him accept his stutter and face it head on.
Watch Voice Activated, Steven's award-winning film
Buy Tickets for Proud Stutter's Community Comedy Night ft. Nina G
Where: Peacock Lounge/San Francisco
When: Thursday, December 7, doors open at 6:30pm
Donate to Fund The Future of Stuttering Campaign to help de-stigmatize stuttering
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Julian Benabides is Proud Stutter’s special guest, and he just happens to be Maya’s neighbor.
Julian talks about his experience stuttering in foreign countries and what it’s been like collaborating on Proud Stutter’s comic book called "My Stutter: Life of Verbal Turbulence."
Maya and Julian also talk about their experience door knocking in their neighborhood to spread the word about Proud Stutter’s annual gala.
Buy Tickets for Proud Stutter's Community Comedy Night ft. Nina G
Where: Peacock Lounge/San Francisco
When: Thursday, December 7, doors open at 6:30pm
Donate to Fund The Future of Stuttering Campaign to help de-stigmatize stuttering
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Steven Tallas might stutter in the human world, but in the dog world, he is completely fluent.
Maya speaks with Steven about his journey to becoming a professional dog trainer and how he never let his stutter get in the way of his dreams.
Jay Feinstein, the co-host for this episode, is a Senior Podcast Producer for WBUR, Boston's public radio station.
Learn more about Steven and his dog training practice
Donate to Fund The Future of Stuttering Campaign to help de-stigmatize stuttering
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Kai Caragenis is a father of a young girl. In this bonus episode of Proud Stutter, he shares his feelings around being adequate enough to be a father, how the King’s Speech changed his relationship with his stutter, and how breathing techniques helped his speech.
Host & Producer: Maya Chupkov
Save the date (12/7/2023) for Proud Stutter’s 1st Annual Gala + Community Comedy Event in San Francisco
Support Proud Stutter’s Mini Series Crowdfunding Campaign
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Maya is back to answer your questions ranging from TV shows, public speaking tips, navigating her stutter, and more.
Host & Producer: Maya Chupkov
Editor: Quinn Greenhaus
Save the date (12/6/2023) for Proud Stutter’s 1st Annual Gala + Community Comedy Event in San Francisco
Support Proud Stutter by becoming a recurring donor via Flipcause
Vote for Proud Stutter to win a Signal Award for ‘Most Inspirational Podcast’
Listen to Maya talk about Star Wars on Trash Compactor
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Jay Jordan and Jesse Vasquez are back on the pod this week. Jay talks about how his identity as a person who stutters intersects with his criminal record identity. Jesse and Jay both share a passion for de-stigmatizing the narrative surrounding people who are incarcerated and those that have come out of prison.
You can listen to Part 1 of this episode here.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Jay Jordan, a person who stutters, has devoted his life after incarceration to challenging the stigma surrounding criminal records. For the first time ever, Jay opens up publicly about what it was like serving a seven-years in prison with a stutter. He talks about a life changing experience that led him to coming to terms with his stutter and his purpose.
Post-incarceration, Jay faced rejection when it came to jobs and getting an apartment. But Jay developed a high level of resilience with having a debilitating stuttering as a child. Since then, he has learned to lean into his stutter, now leading one of the largest advocacy organizations in the country where he speaks publicly on a daily basis.
Jesse Vasquez is guest co-host. He leads Friends of San Quentin News and provides a platform for incarcerated individuals to share their stories and be heard. By elevating these voices, Jesse hopes to draw attention to the issues within the criminal justice system and work towards meaningful reform.
Both Jay and Jesse's personal experiences with incarceration have shaped their dedication to transforming the criminal justice system. They understand the impact that the system can have on individuals and their families, and they use their platforms to advocate for change and support those affected. Their work very much reflects what Proud Stutter is trying to do with the stuttering community: addressing the stigma and striving for a more equitable and just world.
Mentioned in the episode:
- Jay on the Problem with Jon Stewart
- Alliance for Safety & Justice
- Friends of San Quentin News
Host: Maya Chupkov
Guest Co-Host: Jesse Vasquez
Guest: Jay Jordan
Sound Designer: Leo Maymind
Support Proud Stutter by making a tax-deductible donation here.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
For this special bonus episode of Proud Stutter, Maya is rebroadcasting an episode from the Beyond Awareness podcast.
Host Diana Pastora Carson interviews Maya and they talk about the intersections between inclusive education and supporting people who stutter in and outside the classroom.
In this episode:
- Diana's TedTalk, "Walking with Joaquin," chronicles her family's journey to bring home her brother after living in an institution for 15 years.
- Proud Stutter's Virtual Art Gallery
- Beyond Awareness Podcast
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Blaise Ventura, a 20-year-old person who stutters, joins Maya to talk about blocking, his journey towards self-improvement, dating, and how FOMO can play into anxiety.
Blocking is a form of stuttering that is extremely misunderstood and Blaise offers a unique perspective around his acceptance of his stutter that many people, especially young people, may find relatable.
He also discusses his participation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to change his thought patterns and reduce anxiety related to his stutter.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Using fashion as a form of self expression is one of the main topics in part 2 of Maya’s inter view with Mia and Lila.
Mia talks about how stuttering intersects with her multiple identities, such as being Chinese, and adoptee, and a college student. She emphasizes the importance of community support, including her family and friends, in helping her embrace her stutter and advocate for others.
Other topics include advocating for disabilities, the power of sharing personal stories, and the power of fashion being a vehicle for social change. Mia highlights the need for inclusivity and accessibility in the fashion industry and how fashion designers can contribute to solving these challenges.
Mentioned in the Show
Mumble Melody Stuttering Research Study
Find Maya on IG: @Mayachupkov
Twitter: @Proudstutter
YouTube: @Proudstutter
LinkedIn: Proud-stutter
Facebook: @Proudstutter
You can buy Proud Stutter merch on our website
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Mia Hitterman spent most of her childhood and teenage years hiding her stutter. It wasn’t until college that she discovered pageantry and finally found her community.
In this episode of Proud Stutter, Mia talks about how joining Miss Chinese Chicago helped strengthen her confidence, embrace every part of herself, and come out as a person who stutters.
Our guest co-host is Lila Carrillo, a dear friend of Maya’s who told her about Mia after seeing her at a pageant contest in Chinatown in San Francisco.
Mentioned In The Episode
- Mia’s Intro Video - Miss Chinese Chicago
- Donate to Proud Stutter’s Audio Documentary Project
Follow Mia on Instagram
Follow Lila on Instagram
Visit proudstutter.com to stay in the loop on all things Proud Stutter!
A few months ago, the MLB released a video of 10 Year-Old Mateo Sanchez and professional baseball player George Springer. The special bond between these two was palpable. Also featured was father Jesse Sanchez.
The MLB video was inspiration for this interview with both Mateo and father Jesse.
Mateo, the show's youngest podcast guest, has been stuttering his entire life. In this special episode of Proud Stutter, Maya interviews Mateo and his father about both of their stuttering journeys - Mateo as a young boy who stutters, and Jesse, a parent of a stutterer.
Jesse talks about how he learned to embrace stuttering as part of Mateo's identity, rather than trying to find a quick fix. Jesse also talks about the power of the connection between Mateo and Springer, and how it inspired Matteo to start raising awareness of stuttering in his school.
For more information about Proud Stutter, visit proudstutter.com.
Get in touch with host Maya by emailing info@proudstutter.com.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
This episode is part 2 of Maya’s interview with Calvin and Roy. Calvin talks more in-depth about his relationship with his stutter, including how he deals with triggers. He also talks about goal setting helps him accept his stutter and tricks he uses when public speaking.
You can follow Calvin Williams, Jr on Instagram and Savage Truth Podcast here.
In this Episode* Interest form to join the career network for college students who stutter
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Having friends who can help see your true potential is a gift. Part 1 of my conversation with Calvin Williams, Jr. and Roy Dockery talks about friendship and the importance of having people around you that lift you up.
Calvin Williams, Jr is a person who stutter and an entrepreneur and founder of Freeman Capitol. How has Calvin navigated his stutter while running a successful fintech company? We talk about his daily rituals and how he balances his busy schedule and self-care. He also talks about how he stays motivated to keep going even when times get tough.
Our co-host, Roy Dockery, has known Calvin since freshman year of college. He is a pastor and host of the Savage Truth Podcast. Roy talks about his daily habits that keeps him going through life’s challenges and his chronic illnesses.
Mentioned in the episode:
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Today’s episode is Part 2 of my conversation with Benedict Sheehan, a person who stutters, and Talia Sheehan, his wife. We talk about the different forms of speech therapy Benedict has tried over the years, from fluency shaping to acceptance. Benedict changed the way he looked at his stutter after his speech therapist gave him the option to work towards hiding their stutter or becoming a better stutterer, and he chose the latter. We also talk about his recent ADHD diagnosis, and how it has helped Benedict understand his speech.
Episode Breakdown
[4:36 - 9:08] Experiences with speech therapy over the years
[9:09 - 18:46] Shifting from a fixing approach to acceptance in speech therapy
[18:46 - 21:15] Insecurities with listening to your recorded voice
[21:15 - 30:17] ADHD and stuttering
To learn more about Proud Stutter, visit www.proudstutter.com.
To support Proud Stutter, make a tax-deductible donation here.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Benedict Sheehan is a Grammy-nominated conductor and composer who stutters. His wife, Talia Sheehan, is a professional vocalist and musical educator. In this episode, we talk about the psychology behind people’s responses to stuttering and how people who don’t stutter can be stronger allies for people who stutter. This episode is part one of a two-part conversation with the Sheehans.
Additionally, host Maya talks about California's resolution to recognize Stuttering Awareness Week and plans for a community rally/press conference at the state capitol in Sacramento.
Episode Breakdown
[00:02:24] Being an ally to stutterers.
[00:06:18] Fear is First.
[00:09:18] Stuttering and facial expressions.
[00:13:53] Body language for public speaking.
[00:19:04] Stuttering and acceptance.
To learn more about Proud Stutter, visit www.proudstutter.com.
To support Proud Stutter, make a tax-deductible donation at here.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
For this special bonus episode of Proud Stutter, Maya is rebroadcasting an episode from the TheeClutterQueen podcast.
Host Simone Robinson interviews Maya and they talk about the intersections between cluttering and stuttering, their very different experiences with speech therapy, public speaking during class, problematic headlines in the media, thinking you can’t do certain things because of speech dysfluency, and more!
What small thing can you do this week to support Proud Stutter?
- Add a review on your favorite listening app (Scroll down to the bottom of the show page where it says Ratings & Reviews)
Connect with Maya & Proud Stutter:
Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | YouTube | TikTok
Connect with Simone & TheeClutterQueen:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Did you know there is a vibrant stuttering community on Reddit?
Cynthia Chin, Season 1 co-host, is back on the pod doing a second round of going through stuttering subreddit posts. Our first Stuttering Subreddit episode is our most listened-to episode, so let's dive in.
What kinds of posts do we talk about on the Stuttering Subreddit?
We dig into college presentations, being labeled the quiet-type, clinging onto relationships, and funny stuttering moments.
What small thing can you do this week to support Proud Stutter?
•Buy a brand new Proud Stutter T-Shirt, "Embrace Verbal Diversity"
Connect with Maya & Proud Stutter: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | YouTube | TikTok
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Steff Lebsack, a speech language pathologist, grew up with a brother who stutters. When she developed a neurogenic stutter later in life, she accepted it right away. In this new episode, we talk about Steff and her journey in juggling multiple disabilities, including lung disease, the power of language in gaining self-acceptance, and the importance of owning your story.
Our guest co-host is Tiffany Yu, CEO & Founder of Diversability, and host of Tiffany & Yu Podcast.
Do you want to pass a local resolution in your city?
Read this toolkit, attend this advocacy 101 workshop, and/or email info@proudstutter.com.
Want to support this work?
- Tell us what Proud Stutter has meant to you by leaving a voicemail (415-964-0140) or writing (info@proudstutter.com).
- Make a monthly or one-time donation.
- Leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
- Sign up for our newsletter.
- Buy Proud Stutter Merch
Connect with Maya and Proud Stutter: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | Support | Subscribe | E-Newsletter | Shop
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Johnnie Pina does not let his stutter get in the way of being a successful lobbyist where public speaking is a main part of his job. Joining us is Alexandra Leal, host of Democracy Is, a podcast from California Common Cause. We discuss the importance of community in building confidence and overcoming public speaking fears. We also talk about the local resolution process and how it can be used to generate public awareness.
Stuttering visibility and acceptance in local communities can have a huge impact. For example, passing a local resolution can have a ripple effect and can even help people realize and accept their own identity.
The guide for this episode, with resources, transcript, show notes, and more, can be found here: www.proudstutter.com/proud-stutter-season-2-episode-13
Do you want to get involved in this work to pass local resolutions?
Read this toolkit and monitor this space for details on our upcoming webinar on this topic. Save the date for Monday, March 27 at 6pm PT!
Want to support this work?
- Tell us what Proud Stutter has meant to you by leaving a voicemail (415-964-0140) or writing (info@proudstutter.com).
- Make a monthly or one-time donation.
- Leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
- Sign up for our newsletter.
- Buy Proud Stutter Merch
Connect with Maya and Proud Stutter
Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Navigating the ups and downs of being a teenager is hard enough. Adding living with a stutter to the already existing anxieties and insecurities we go through can make things even more difficult.
Priya is a 17-year old living in Sydney, Australia. She is filling a much needed gap in the stuttering community: creating and sharing content around stuttering for her fellow teenagers who stutter from all over the world. We talk about her new podcast, Stutter Conversations, and how she got to being so open about her stutter at an early age.
Kyle Smeallie, Maya's fiancée, is our co-host. He’s a legislative aide for a local elected official in San Francisco, working on policies related to affordable housing, tenants rights, and supporting small businesses.
The guide for this episode, with resources, transcript, show notes, and more, can be found here: www.proudstutter.com/proud-stutter-season-2-episode-12
Mentioned in this episode
Want to support this work?
- Tell us what Proud Stutter has meant to you by leaving a voicemail (415-964-0140) or writing (info@proudstutter.com).
- Make a monthly or one-time donation.
- Leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
- Sign up for our newsletter.
- Buy Proud Stutter Merch
Connect with Maya and Proud Stutter: Twitter | Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
As a young child, Stevie Soul used his stutter to his strength when he started arranging repetitive sounds into beats and patterns. We talk to Stevie about his journey to becoming an Award-winning beatboxer and an independent, multimedia producer.
I am joined by Andrew Menegat, a former teacher who is now working in EdTech.
The guide for this episode, with resources, transcript, show notes, and more, can be found here:
www.proudstutter.com/proud-stutter-season-2-episode-11
Mentioned in this episode
- Stevie’s website and Instagram
- History of Woodward Streets in Detroit and San Francisco
Want to support this work?
- Tell us what Proud Stutter has meant to you by leaving a voicemail (415-964-0140) or writing (info@proudstutter.com).
- Make a monthly or one-time donation on FlipCause.
- Leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or Spotify.
- Sign up for our newsletter.
Connect with Maya and Proud Stutter: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | Support | Subscribe | E-Newsletter | Shop
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Journalist John Hendrickson spent most of his life ignoring the elephant in the room, his stutter. We talk about what it was like going back in time, dating, and ask questions from Proud Stutter listeners. His upcoming memoir is Life On Delay: Making Peace With A Stutter.
The guide for this episode, with resources, transcript, show notes, and more, can be found here:
www.proudstutter.com/proud-stutter-bonus-8-9
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Enjoy this sneak preview of my interview with John Hendrickson, author of Life on Delay: Making Peace With a Stutter, coming January 2023 from Knopf.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
We can’t create sustainable change for the stuttering community without disrupting cultural norms around speech. The first step towards breaking down ableist systems is to identify them.
In this episode, we talk about disrupting ableism by discussing the many systems for which it appears. We also dissect a new term in the ever expanding stuttering vernacular: the non-standard voice.
Host: Maya Chupkov, www.proudstutter.com
Guest: Kaitlyn Borysiewicz (she/hers), www.themelanincollective.org
Co-Host: Benjamin Lundberg Torres Sánchez (they/them/elle), https://linktr.ee/b\_lts\_
Mentioned in the episode
For further reading:
Using Disability Justice to Reimagine Family Regulation
Lived Experience and Disability Justice in the Family Regulation System
Find Proud Stutter on:
Producer, Host, Editor: Maya Chupkov: https://www.proudstutter.com/about
Support & engage with the show:
- Tell us what Proud Stutter has meant to you by leaving a voicemail (415-964-0140) or writing (info@proudstutter.com).
- Make a monthly or one-time donation on FlipCause.
- Leave us a rating or review on your podcast app.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Having a stutter can be extremely frustrating and stressful, especially while at work. Stuttering as a Marine though might take the cake for the most stressful work environment. What was it like being a person who stutters in the military?
Brady Wilson, a Marine Veteran, is our guest and opens up about his experiences and how he coped with his stutter in stressful situations. Our guest co-host is Gustavo Serafini, host and producer of Enabled Disabled Podcast.
Episode ResourcesListen:
- Stuttering on Enabled Disabled Podcast
Read:
- Steven explains what its like to be a Marine who stutters (AIS Blog)
- Noncommissioned Officer Won't Let Words Stop Him (US Army Blog)
Want to support this work? * Tell us what Proud Stutter has meant to you by leaving a voicemail (415-964-0140) or writing (info@proudstutter.com). * Make a monthly or one-time donation on FlipCause. * Leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or Spotify. * Sign up for our newsletter.
Connect with Maya: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | Subscribe | Newsletter
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Replacing words is common experience among people who stutter. What we find out in this episode is people in recovery may have similar experiences.
Lupita Dorado just recently opened up about her stutter with her sister. We talk about what that experience has been like for their relationship. Other topics include filler words, stuttering as a woman in the professional setting, and interactions with her daughter who also stutters.
Joining me as this week’s co-host is Jay Shifman, host of Choose Your Struggle.
Episode Overview[2:26 - 4:36] Discovering The Stuttering Community
[4:49 - 5:29] Opening Up About Stuttering
[5:53 - 9:49] Similarities Between Stuttering & Being In Recovery After Substance Misuse
[9:49 - 10:39] Lupita & Her Daughter
[10:39 - 14:16] Struggling To Say What You Want to Say
[14:16 - 16:59] The Importance of Community & Talking About Stigma
[16:59 - 19:35] Working As A Woman In The Professional Setting
[19:35 - 20:32] End Of Year Proud Stutter Campaign
[20:32 - 24:22] Struggling To Say What You Want To Say Continued
[24:22 - 25:20] Baby Steps When Opening Up
[25:20 - 27:03] Stuttering In Another Language
[27:03 - 29:54] Choosing Your Struggle
[29:54 - 34:05] What We’re Hopeful For
Want to support this work? * Tell us what Proud Stutter has meant to you by leaving a voicemail (415-964-0140) or writing (info@proudstutter.com). * Make a monthly or one-time donation on FlipCause. * Leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or Spotify. * Sign up for our newsletter.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Josh Compton is a Professor of Speech at Dartmouth College. Joining me as this week’s co-host is Josel Gaston, host of Find Your Daily Calm Podcast. How did Josh end up teaching speech for a living? This is one of the many topics we get into about the intersections between stuttering and public speaking.
Episode Overview[3:55- 6:52] Early Memories of Stuttering
[6:52- 10:45] Covert stuttering
[10:45 - 13:33] Connection Between Mindfulness & Stuttering
[13:33- 24:00] Becoming A Speech Professor
[24:00-30:48] Inoculation Theory Research
ResourcesJosh’s faculty page
Josh’s personal research page
Josh’s Dysfluent Essay
Re-Thinking Anxiety: Using Inoculation Messages to Reduce and Reinterpret Public Speaking Fears
Find Your Calm Daily Podcast
Want to support this work? * Tell us what Proud Stutter has meant to you by leaving a voicemail (415-964-0140) or writing (info@proudstutter.com). * Make a monthly or one-time donation on FlipCause. * Leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or Spotify. * Sign up for our newsletter.
Connect with Maya: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | Subscribe | Newsletter
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
DJ Portugal is a creative Chicano soul from South Central Los Angeles. His current job is a community organizer in Phoenix, AZ where he works towards environmental justice within the Latinx community. Joining me as this week’s co-host is Brenda Hernández Jaimes, founder of Ellas Media.
How does the Latino community approach stuttering? This is one of the central themes of our conversation. We also talk about imposter syndrome, how stuttering can impact learning a new language, and parenting with a stutter.
Episode Overview
[2:15 - 7:05] First Time Being Seen As a Stutterer
[7:05 - 9:40] Opening Doors For Latinas
[9:40 - 10:45] Power In Finding Yourself
[10:45 - 12:45] Overcompensating
[12:48 - 15:55] Balancing Your Passion & Self Care
[16:45 - 28:10] Addressing Disability In The Latinx Community & Learning Spanish with a Stutter
[28:10 - 19:16] Tattoos & Stuttering
[19:16 - 33:35] Raising Kids To Speak Spanish & How Stuttering Impacts Parents
[35:00 - 36:00] Lifting Up Speech Therapy
Also mentioned in the episode: Proud Stutter’s Stuttering Awareness Month campaign with Facetronomy. Click here for more details.
Want to support this work?
- Tell us what Proud Stutter has meant to you by leaving a voicemail (415-964-0140) or writing (info@proudstutter.com).
- Make a monthly or one-time donation on FlipCause.
- Leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or Spotify.
- Sign up for our newsletter.
Connect with Maya and Proud Stutter: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | Support | Subscribe | E-Newsletter | Shop
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Gina Chin-Davis is a writer and filmmaker. Growing up with a stutter and being a bi-racial woman has influenced the kind of stories she wants to tell visually and on the page. Her first feature film, I Can’t Sleep, won several awards.
Joining me as this week’s co-host is Stuart Schuffman (aka Broke-Ass Stuart), a writer, performer, TV host, and newspaper columnist.
Episode Overview[2:54 - 4:04] Pivotal moments of stuttering
[4:17 - 6:55] Fluency shaping tools (not always foolproof)
[7:00 - 7:40] Using secondaries to mask
[8:00 - 9:30] Teen years and blaming yourself
[9:30 - 11:00] Maya’s coming out journey
[11:05 - 12:13] Drinking and stuttering
[12:13 - 17:04] Gina’s filmmaking journey
[17:22 - 20:30] Intersectionality, representation, being bi-racial and storytelling
[20:30 - 21:41] Normalizing stuttering in film and TV
[21:51 - 28:17] The making of her first feature film
Events & ResourcesBroke-Ass Stuart is celebrating its 20th anniversary on 10/13 in the Bay Area
Gina’s Feature Film: I Can’t Sleep.
Want to support this work? * Tell us what Proud Stutter has meant to you by leaving a voicemail (415-964-0140) or writing (info@proudstutter.com). * Make a monthly or one-time donation on FlipCause. * Leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or Spotify. * Sign up for our newsletter.
Connect with Maya: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | Subscribe | Newsletter
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Dustin Wells drives the 5 Fulton bus route in San Francisco. He didn’t identify with being a stutterer until he heard about Proud Stutter on his local NPR station. The first part of the episode is Maya interviewing Dustin while riding on his bus route. The second part is a sit-down interview with Dustin. Our rotating co-host is Christin Evans, an advocate for San Francisco’s unhoused residents and the owner of Booksmith, an independent bookstore in San Francisco.
This episode celebrates SF Transit Month and is releasing ahead of an in-person event Proud Stutter is putting on with Booksmith SF called “Stuttering Stories Across San Francisco.”
I want to thank Quinn Greenhaus for helping edit this episode.
Stuttering Awareness Month Campaign To Launch!Proud Stutter is partnering with Facetronomy on a Stuttering Awareness Month campaign. It includes raffle prizes and pre-released exclusive episodes! Another thing we are doing to kick things off in October is a live stream with women who stutter Nina G and Lara Gabrielle. Catch us on Instagram at 10am pacific!
Episode Overview[0:25-7:40] Bus ride with Dustin
[7:40-11:55] Dustin’s stuttering origin story
[11:55-13:43] Selective stuttering memories
[13:43-15:10] Bonding with co-workers around speech differences
[15:49-20:55] Psychic stories
[21:41-27:38] Stuttering in family and social settings
[27:45-29:39] Overcompensating
[30:14- 33:07] From Guilt & Shame To Acceptance
[33:07-35:40] October Stuttering Awareness Campaign
[35:40-38:47] Bonding with people who speak limited English
[39:32-42:50] Having a regular job and being happy
Want to support this work? * Tell us what Proud Stutter has meant to you by leaving a voicemail (415-964-0140) or writing (info@proudstutter.com). * Make a monthly or one-time donation on FlipCause. * Leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or Spotify. * Sign up for our newsletter.
Connect with Maya and Proud Stutter: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | Support | Subscribe | E-Newsletter | Shop
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Desiree Tracie Cole wanted to act ever since she first saw Annie. When she saw a post on Facebook looking for a young woman who stutters to play the lead character in an animated series, she jumped on the opportunity and landed the job. Joining me to talk to Desiree about her acting career and the animated series is Nicki Woodard, host of history podcast As The Money Burns.
Episode Overview[4:23 - 5:12] Breaking Into Acting
[5:12 - 10:55] Disability + Entertainment Industry + Stuttering Nuances
[10:55 - 24:46] New Animated Series With Lead Character Who Stutters
[24:46 - 26:45] Advice for People Who Stutter Who Want to Pursue Acting
Want to support this work? * Tell us what Proud Stutter has meant to you by leaving a voicemail (415-964-0140) or writing (info@proudstutter.com). * Make a monthly or one-time donation. * Leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or Spotify. * Sign up for our newsletter.
Connect with Maya and Proud Stutter: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | Support | Subscribe | E-Newsletter | Shop
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Proud Stutter’s 1-year anniversary is right around the corner. I wanted to take this bonus episode to reflect on the first year, what’s ahead for the show, and share a couple of short stories from people who stutter.
Show NotesReflecting on almost 1 year of Proud Stutter
- National Stuttering Awareness Week Local Resolution Passes in San Francisco
- Youth Today OpEd
- San Diego Union-Tribune OpEd
- San Francisco Local Media Coverage (48 Hills, SF Examiner, Local News Matters, KQED)
- Proud Stutter Live Podcast @ NSA Conference
Proud Stutter, Looking Forward
- Event: Stuttering Stories Across San Francisco
- Proud Stutter Season 2
Want to support this work?
- Tell us what Proud Stutter has meant to you by leaving a voicemail (415-964-0140) or writing (info@proudstutter.com).
- Make a monthly or one-time donation on FlipCause.
- Leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or Spotify.
- Sign up for our newsletter.
Connect with Maya and Proud Stutter: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | Support | Subscribe | E-Newsletter | Shop
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Maya speaks with Kyeli Eastland, an elementary school teacher who stutters. The co-host for this week is Melissa Herrera, host and producer of Mimosa Sisterhood, a history podcast that celebrates women’s stories, past and present.
Episode Overview* [3:37- 4:55] Being the new kid at school * [5:10 - 6:40] Teaching virtually during the pandemic * [6:40 - 8:41] How Did Kyeli become a teacher? * [9:25 - 10:36] Bringing Up Stuttering With Students * [10:37 - 11:52] Ableism: Kids vs. Adults * [12:28 - 14:05] Representation & meeting others who stutter * [14:12 - 15:31] Connecting and educating through podcasting * [15:31 - 17:01] Talking about disability and stuttering in an educational setting * [17:58 - 20:09] Building community and sisterhood through podcasting * [12:16 - 23:13] From anxiety & overcompensating to teaching and stuttering confidently * [23:30 - 25:30] Opening up to family about stuttering * [25:45 - 29:09] Identifying stuttering as a disability and neurodiversity in the classroom * [29:10 - 30:45] Stuttering and the fear of speaking up and making a joke * [30:50 - 36:00] Speech therapy: Fixing vs. Supporting
Connect with Melissa: Instagram | Twitter | Website
Connect with Maya: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | Subscribe | Newsletter
Want to support this work?* Tell us what Proud Stutter has meant to you by leaving a voicemail (415-964-0140) or writing (info@proudstutter.com). * Make a monthly or one-time donation on FlipCause. * Leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or Spotify. * Sign up for our newsletter. * Buy cute merch
Find show notes, transcript, and more at proudstutter.com.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Amanda Mammana’s America’s Got Talent audition put a national spotlight on stuttering. At first, I couldn’t understand why it made me feel so uncomfortable watching it. Shouldn’t I be happy for a fellow woman who stutters getting this opportunity? And then I read Courtney Margulis’ post. She put words into what I had been feeling while watching the video of the audition.
In Season 2’s first bonus episode, I speak with Courtney and TikTok star Marc Winski about the audition, how it perpetuates stigma around stuttering, and what we can do about it.
Courtney’s post can be read here: An open letter to America’s Got Talent
You can follow Marc Winski @marcwinski
TIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@marcwinski?_t=8UVRwcjQ83G&_r=1
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/marcwinski/?hl=en
Reach out and donate to Marc at https://linktr.ee/Marcwinski
Episode Overview* [6:45 - 13:00] Inspiration Porn and Perpetuating Stigma * [13:10 - 15:30] Educating via social media comments * [15:30 - 16:48] Singing and stuttering * [16:50 - 18:50] Pointing out the stigma * [19:04 - 20:37] The varying responses to the audition * [27:20 - 34:00] Calls to action to spread awareness to end the stigma
Want to support this work? * Tell us what Proud Stutter has meant to you by leaving a voicemail (415-964-0140) or writing (info@proudstutter.com). * Make a monthly or one-time donation on FlipCause. * Leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts, Podchaser, or Spotify. * Sign up for our newsletter.
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
In our debut episode of Season 2, Maya speaks with the show's first Australian who stutters, Cameron Raynes, a lecturer at the University of South Australia. The co-host for this week is Dana Amihere, executive director of Afro LA, a community focused news outlet centering the black experience in and around greater LA. Also listen if you want to hear Maya try a British accent.
Topics Covered
- Stuttering in an open plan office
- Practicing stuttering in front of strangers
- Finding wellbeing and strength in stuttering
- Saying yes to public speaking
- Connections between writing, reading, and stuttering
- Arts-based therapy for stuttering
- Accents & Fluency
- Authenticity & Finding Your Voice
- Code switching to be taken seriously
- Intersecting invisible disabilities, power, and control
Also Mentioned
- Writing Program at SAY NY
- Out With It by Katherine Preston
- Brain imaging with actors
- First Person Shooter by Cameron Raynes
- Once Upon A Time In Hollywood
Episode Overview
[3:05 - 6:28: Redefining A Good Day]
[6:30 - 9:12: Public Speaking]
[9:57 - 11:13: Stuttering & Writing & Telling Jokes/Stories]
[11:13 - 12:29: Reading and Stuttering]
[12:52 - 18:54: Arts-based therapy, Acting, Accents]
[18:56 - 20:30: Code Switching]
[20:31 - 21:31: Invisible Disabilities + Internalized Racism]
BE PART OF THE SHOW:
Rate this pod: https://ratethispodcast.com/proudstutter
Have a question or comment - Leave a voicemail for Maya & Cynthia at (415) 964-0140 - this is a voicemail-only line, so we promise you won't have to talk to someone in person!
Be a guest on the show - we would love to talk with you! Send us an email at: info@proudsutter.com
SUPPORT MAYA
Donate: https://www.flipcause.com/secure/cause_pdetails/MTUzOTE2
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Intersectional identities overlap, connect, disconnect and can even attempt to cancel each other out. During a live interview at theNational Stuttering Association's 39th Annual Conference in Newport Beach California, I talked with multiple people who stutter about their intersectional identities and how these different identities show up in their lives.
Interviewees include Christian, an Asian American man who stutters and a film and TV producer, Sam, a multi-racial queer woman who stutters in the mental health field, Alicia, a Latino also in the healthcare field, and Eugene, an African American, Irish and Native American man who stutters.
Mentioned in the episode:
- Maya and the Three (Netflix show)
- Once Upon A Time In Hollywood
- The King’s Speech
- Behind Porky Pig’s Voice
Today’s Episode:
[3:56] What is Intersectionality?
[8:12] TV & Film & Shifting The Stuttering Narrative
[8:27] Characters Who Stutter & Examples of Representing Stuttering Right
[13:46] Covert Stuttering
[17:04] Creating A World Where We Stutter Freely
[19:50] Mini Interview with Alicia
[21:24] Mini Interview with Sam
[24:12] Mini Interview with Eugene
Connect with Maya and Proud Stutter: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | Support | Subscribe | E-Newsletter | Shop
SUPPORT PROUD STUTTER
Support Proud Stutter By Signing Up on Ko-Fi [Similar to Patreon]
OR
Make a One-Time Donation
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Maya’s dad is one of her biggest fans. He’s listened to every episode and now it’s time for his podcast debut. In this bonus episode, Maya talks to her dad, also known as “Aba,” about his experience moving to a country where he didn’t speak the language, what he’s learned from listening to Proud Stutter, and more!
Mentions:
- Proud Stutter S1, Ep12: A Teenager’s Journey to Finding Pride In HIs Stutter
- Creating a Safe Spaces for Students Who Stutter (Proud Stutter Bonus Episode)
- Proud Stutter S1, Ep3: Real Talk With Mom
- The Bachelor’s Abigail Heringer
- Netflix Shows That Center on Disabilities
Today’s Episode:
[1:58 - 5:26] Living and communicating in a country while not speaking the language
[8:49 - 10:17] Advice for parents and fathers who have a child who stutters
[10:45 - 11:45] What stuttering topics does Maya’s Dad want to hear more of?
[11:45 - 15:20] Israeli Reality TV Show Features Person Who Stutters
Connect with Maya and Proud Stutter: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | Support | Subscribe | E-Newsletter | Shop
SUPPORT PROUD STUTTER
Join Proud Stutter’s Membership Program
Make a One-Time Donation
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
It’s always National Stuttering Awareness Week with Proud Stutter. Maya highlights the festivities from NSAW for this bonus episode, including an edited version of the Creating Safe Spaces For People Who Stutter panel, featuring Mariam Elba, Mike Meaney, and Dr. Rick Herder.
Be sure to listen to the entire episode to find out about Season 2 - launch date and theme!
You can find everything we discuss on today's show on Proud Stutters' Website: https://proudstutter.com/proud-stutter-bonus-3
Mentions:
- National Stuttering Awareness Week Press Coverage
- Creating Safe Spaces For People Who Stutter [full recording on YouTube]
Today’s Episode:
[1:50-3:05] Season 2 announcement
[3:10- 5:40] National Stuttering Awareness Week Recap
[6:11 - 17:32] Creating Safe Spaces - Connection To Stuttering
[17:32 - 20:44] ] Creating Safe Spaces - Speaking at the SF Stuttering Rally
[20:44 - 27:17] Creating Safe Spaces - Being a Public Speaker Who Stutters
[27:17- 29: 48] Creating Safe Spaces - Speech Therapy Transformations
Connect with Maya & Proud Stutter: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | Support | Subscribe | E-Newsletter | Shop | Coaching
SUPPORT PROUD STUTTER
Join Proud Stutter’s Membership Program
Make a One-Time Donation
Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content
Is there an activity where you feel 'at one' or ‘in the zone’? There's a term in psychology for this state of being called 'flow'.
For this bonus episode, Maya talks to Jayne Devlin, a Community Dance Artist and Co-Artistic Director of Inner Ground Dance Company.
Her research interests include exploring how participation in arts, creativity and culture may promote an enhanced sense of wellbeing and connection for individuals.
Her works focus on the intersections between dance, health, and wellbeing, specifically relating to aging and neurodegenerative health conditions (Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and other dementias) and Stroke.
Jayne is currently in her final year of an MSc Psychology course at Plymouth University (UK).
[4:00 - 7:53] Dancing and ‘Flow State”
[7:53 - 9:38] ] Releasing tension and psychology
[12:31 - 24:17] Acceptance and Transient moments
Mentions:
- Talk Live A River by Jordan Scott
- Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (1934 – 2021), a Hungarian American psychologist
- Jayne’s call for interviews for her research: transient wholeness for people who stammer
- Stamma, the British Stammering Association
RESOURCES
Become A Member of Proud Stutter
The Stuttering Coach
Proud Stutter
StutterNav
This year, National Stuttering Awareness Week is May 9 - May 15. Let’s talk about its history, why it matters, and how you can help spread the word.
IN THIS EPISODE
- [1:24 - 2:59] History behind National Stuttering Awareness Week
- [3:07 - 3:48] How you can be part of National Stuttering Awareness Week 2022
- [4:22 - 8:00] A Story from a Proud Stutter Listener
LINKS:
- National Stuttering Awareness Week
- Proud Stutter Local Resolution Toolkit
- Proud Stutter NSAW May 2022 Events
- Buy Proud Stutter Merch
- Proud Stutter, Season 1
RESOURCES
Become A Member of Proud Stutter
The Stuttering Coach
Proud Stutter
Have a question or comment - Leave a voicemail for Maya at (415) 964-0140 - this is a voicemail-only line, you won't have to talk to someone in person!
Proud Stutter launches its new membership program today. All funds of the program will go back into the podcast. We won't be able to do the show without your support! Sign up here: ko-fi.com/proudstutter/tiers.
Popular culture and the media has a huge power to shift the hearts and minds of our society. Unfortunately, TV, film, and the media have not done the best job in representing people who stutter and have largely left out the voices and experiences of women stutterers.
This week we talk to Nina G, a stuttering comedian, about where popular culture misses the mark on the stuttering experience and how we can do better.
Also mentioned:
- Come-backs in response to stuttering jokes
- Protesting against stuttering discrimination
- Women and stuttering
- Stuttering Interrupted: The Comedian Who Almost Didn’t Happen
- Dating someone who also stutters
- Stuttering guilt
- The problem of the inspiration story
- Bay Area Stand-Up Comedy: A Humorous History
- Proud Stutter’s Launch Party
Films and TV representations mentioned:
- “Today, Junior,” in Billy Madison
- “Did I Stutter,” in The Office
- Change of Habit
- Porky Pig
- The King’s Speech
- My Cousin Vinny
- Moses Play
Nina’s Upcoming Live Shows:
- April 15: 501 Mendocino Ave, Santa Rosa, CA 95401
- April 16: 4920 Telegraph Ave, Oakland, CA 94609
- April 22: 1344 Park St, Alameda, CA 94501
Eli Taulman is a teenager who has had a stutter since he first started talking. While he is proud of his stutter today, he didn’t always feel that way. He hid from the world by self-isolating and was deeply ashamed of his stutter growing up. A key turning point was attending his first National Stuttering Association conference where he met other stutterers for the first time.
Maya and Cynthia chat with Eli, Proud Stutter’s youngest guest, about how he became proud of his stutter and offers advice for teens who may be struggling with their stutter.
Mentioned in the episode:
- National Stuttering Association
- Registration for NSA Conference
- National Stuttering Association Teen Advisory Council
BE PART OF THE SHOW:
Rate this pod: https://ratethispodcast.com/proudstutter
Have a question or comment - Leave a voicemail for Maya & Cynthia at (415) 964-0140 - this is a voicemail-only line, so we promise you won't have to talk to someone in person!
Be a guest on the show - we would love to talk with you! Send us an email at: info@proudsutter.com
FOLLOW PROUD STUTTER & ITS CREATORS:
Maya’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mayasharona
Maya’s Twitter - https://twitter.com/MayaSharona
Cynthia’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cynthsta
Podcast website - www.proudstutter.com
Support us:
Donate: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/proudstutter
Buy cute merch: https://www.proudstutter.com/shop
Share Proud Stutter with your friends: https://pod.link/1588336626
There is no definitive answer to why a person stutters. However, thanks to Frank Guenther and his research lab at Boston University, the mystery of stuttering has become a little clearer. With advances in brain activity monitoring technology, neuroscientists like Frank are able to explore stuttering in exciting new ways.
Frank joins Maya and Cynthia for a conversation about his research on the underlying causes of stuttering and how it may be related to speech production.
Other topics mentioned in the episode:
- History of stuttering research and early misconceptions
- Correlations between behavior development in childhood and fluency
- Similarities between stutterers, neurotypical children, and adults with Parkinson’s
- Is there a connection between being bilingual and having a stutter?
- Stuttering differences in males and females
- Opportunities for future stuttering research
Quotes from the episode:
“There are probably subtypes of stuttering that we will eventually need to separate out if we truly want to understand the behavior because otherwise we will just keep seeing variability from study to study.”
“Relatively little research has been done in females who stutter so one of the things that we hope to learn from our collaboration with Dr. Chang’s lab is whether there are different developmental trajectories for males and females that might give us more insight into what's happening and why it's more likely that a males will continue to stutter, compared to a female who stuttered as a child.”
Mentioned in the episode:
- Guenther Lab at Boston University
- Speech Neurology Lab at the University of Michigan
- NIH Policy and Guidelines on The Inclusion of Women and Minorities as Subjects in Clinical Research
BE PART OF THE SHOW:
Rate this pod: https://ratethispodcast.com/proudstutter
Have a question or comment - Leave a voicemail for Maya & Cynthia at (415) 964-0140 - this is a voicemail-only line, so we promise you won't have to talk to someone in person!
Be a guest on the show - we would love to talk with you! Send us an email at: info@proudsutter.com
FOLLOW PROUD STUTTER & ITS CREATORS:
Maya’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mayasharona
Maya’s Twitter - https://twitter.com/MayaSharona
Cynthia’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cynthsta
Podcast website - www.proudstutter.com
Support us:
Donate: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/proudstutter
Buy cute merch: https://www.proudstutter.com/shop
Share Proud Stutter with your friends: https://pod.link/1588336626
People who stutter are starting to create support groups at their workplaces as a way to create a safe space to discuss stuttering and sharing tips and strategies. Mike Meaney is one of these people. He recently started a stuttering support group at one of the biggest technology companies in the world.
Maya and Cynthia talk with Mike about how he started a support group at Meta (formerly known as Facebook), and how it has transformed his workplace environment for the better.
Topics covered include:
- Coming out as a person who stutters at work
- Managing a team as a person who stutters
- Advocating for speech therapy accommodations at Meta
- Opening up about the toughest moments growing up with a stutter
- Advice for managing stress at work
- Stuttering and its connection to having a high vocabulary
BE PART OF THE SHOW:
Rate this pod: https://ratethispodcast.com/proudstutter
Have a question or comment - Leave a voicemail for Maya & Cynthia at (415) 964-0140 - this is a voicemail-only line, so we promise you won't have to talk to someone in person!
Be a guest on the show - we would love to talk with you! Send us an email at: info@proudsutter.com
FOLLOW PROUD STUTTER & ITS CREATORS:
Maya’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mayasharona
Maya’s Twitter - https://twitter.com/MayaSharona
Cynthia’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cynthsta
Podcast website - www.proudstutter.com
Support us:
Donate: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/proudstutter
Buy cute merch: https://www.proudstutter.com/shop
Share Proud Stutter with your friends: https://pod.link/1588336626
The movement to expand diversity and inclusivity in newsrooms is growing. Yet stuttering, a speech disability affecting nearly 1% of the population, is seldom talked about in the newsroom.
This week, Mariam Elba speaks with Maya and Cynthia about what it’s like to have a stutter in the newsroom. Mariam, a woman who stutters, is a research reporter at Pro Publica and an adjunct professor at CUNY’s Craig Newmark Journalism School. Mariam talks about her journey to becoming a reporter and how she didn’t let her stutter get in the way of pursuing journalism as a career and teaching.
“Don't be afraid to kind of go after what you feel really passionate about. Like if there are stories that you like, that you're seeing, and that you want to write about and report on that you're not seeing elsewhere, you should be the person to do that reporting. And that like, you know, your stutter doesn't like make you any less qualified to be someone speaking in like a public-facing setting.”
Other topics mentioned:
- Power of mentorship
- Having a stutter and teaching
- Meeting other people who stutter in the newsroom
- Being around other people who stutter for the first time
- Advice for aspiring teachers who stutter
- Tips for introducing yourself as a person who stutters in a group
- Asking about a person’s stutter: a positive real-life example
- The challenges of following up with sources
- Maya’s experience working in PR with a stutter
- Dealing with stress at the workplace
Mentioned in the episode:
- CUNY’s Craig Newmark’s School of Journalism
- Pro Pubilca
- The Nation
BE PART OF THE SHOW:
Rate this pod: https://ratethispodcast.com/proudstutter
Have a question or comment - Leave a voicemail for Maya & Cynthia at (415) 964-0140 - this is a voicemail-only line, so we promise you won't have to talk to someone in person!
Be a guest on the show - we would love to talk with you! Send us an email at: info@proudsutter.com
FOLLOW PROUD STUTTER & ITS CREATORS:
Maya’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mayasharona
Maya’s Twitter - https://twitter.com/MayaSharona
Cynthia’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cynthsta
Podcast website - www.proudstutter.com
Support us:
Donate: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/proudstutter
Buy cute merch: https://www.proudstutter.com/shop
Share Proud Stutter with your friends: https://pod.link/1588336626
Blackness, stuttering, music, and religion are all complex topics in their own right. Yet, Jerome Ellis combines them beautifully in his work, like when he uses academic and theoretical language to parse out the relationship between blackness and music.
In the second part of our interview with Ellis, we talk more about his album, The Clearing, and how he draws out the beauty of stuttering through various mediums – history to show the connection between music and blackness, and comparing waiting birds and trees to the unknowingness of stuttering.
“If I were...if I were repeating the first syllable of a book title than they…then [people] would be less likely to hang up because they would hear like, and they might be like – Oh, he's stuttering right now – but, because [my] glottal block so often sounds silent…people don't know what's happening, and…it's been so painful for so many years, but I gradually I’ve been able [to see there is something important there] in the not knowing.”
Other topics include:
- How Blackness and stuttering play next to each other
- Historical knot of blackness and music
- Mosaics of difference
- Voluntary and involuntary stuttering
- Herons and stuttering
- Honoring the mystery and beauty of the stutter
- Stuttering and the state of unknowing
- Tress and stuttering
- Glottal block stuttering vs. repeating syllables in TV and film
- “Stuttering is an occasion to be present in complex thought”
Mentioned in the episode:
- “We do not live single-issue lives” - Audrey Lorde
- Historian Saidiya Hartman
- Track 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 of The Clearing
- History of the word grallatorial
- This American Life episode featuring Jerome
- “The Cloud of Unknowing”
- Jerome’s forthcoming projects
Upcoming Live Performances:
- April 10, 2022: Rewire Festival in The Hague, Netherlands
- May 7, 2022: XJAZZ! Festival in Berlin, Germany
- July 2022: Performances at Haus Der Kunst in Munich, Germany
BE PART OF THE SHOW:
Rate this pod - https://ratethispodcast.com/proudstutter
Have a question or comment - Leave a voicemail for Maya & Cynthia at (415) 964-0140 - this is a voicemail-only line, so we promise you won't have to talk to someone in person!
Be a guest on the show - we would love to talk with you! Send us an email at info@proudsutter.com.
FOLLOW PROUD STUTTER & ITS CREATORS:
Maya’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mayasharona
Cynthia’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-l-chin/
Podcast website - https://www.proudstutter.com
SUPPORT US:
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JJJJJerome Ellis talks with Maya and Cynthia about the intersections of being a black person who stutters and a musician, how his views of his disability evolved since childhood, and why it was so important for him to connect his stutter to his ancestral history of slavery in his work. He also highlights how the stage is a safe space for stuttering and music is a source of healing the pain he experienced as a child.
“Growing up I felt so much of the pain and also the beauty of the stutter. Over time I’ve come to feel the stutter alters time, and music is another way that we can alter time. Part of what I was trying to do with The Clearing is to try to undo some of the things that have been told to me about stuttering and to transform the stuttering narrative through poetry, music, history, and philosophy.”
Other topics include:
- Stuttering easily with animals
- Intersectionality
- Pain in not being able to connect with people
- The stage as a safe space
- Comparing stuttering to being frozen in time
- Music as a source of healing
- Being at odds with language
- Poetry allows for so much freedom to explore language
- Getting through interviews with a stutter
LINKS FROM THE EPISODE:
Jerome’s album The Clearing
Jerome’s accompanying book to The Clearing
The Guardian article, Artist and stutterer JJJJJerome Ellis: ‘So much pain comes from not feeling fully human’
More about the collaboration between James Harrison Monaco and Jerome Ellis
Performance at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art
Brittany Cooper’s Racial Politics of Time TED Talk
Joshua St. Pierre, Canada Research Chair in Critical Disability Studies
Jerome's upcoming live performances:
April 10, 2022: Rewire Festival in The Hague, Netherlands
May 7, 2022: XJAZZ! Festival in Berlin, Germany
July 2022: Performances at Haus Der Kunst in Munich, Germany
BE PART OF THE SHOW:
Rate this pod: https://ratethispodcast.com/proudstutter
Have a question or comment - Leave a voicemail for Maya & Cynthia at (415) 964-0140 - this is a voicemail-only line, so we promise you won't have to talk to someone in person!
Be a guest on the show - we would love to talk with you! Send us an email at: info@proudsutter.com
FOLLOW PROUD STUTTER & ITS CREATORS:
Maya’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mayasharona
Maya’s Twitter - https://twitter.com/MayaSharona
Cynthia’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cynthsta
Podcast website - www.proudstutter.com
Support us:
Donate: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/proudstutter
Buy cute merch: https://www.proudstutter.com/shop
Share Proud Stutter with your friends: https://pod.link/1588336626
Not everyone who stutters shows it all the time. There are people who become very good at hiding it by substituting words, avoiding high-octane situations, and choosing to remain quiet to avoid stuttering. People like this are often identified as having a "covert" stutter.
Both Maya and guest Sarah Nelson identify as covert stutters. In this episode, they talk about passing as fluent, disclosing to their families and friends, and analogies that describe their experiences. Other topics include:
- “Do I Stutter Enough?”
- Harmful phrases that perpetuate ableism
- A good example of someone reacting to your stutter
- Getting through interviews with a stutter
- “Am I Disabled Enough?” - Embracing a disability identity
Mentioned in the episode:
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
BE PART OF THE SHOW:
Rate this pod - https://ratethispodcast.com/proudstutter
Have a question or comment - Leave a voicemail for Maya & Cynthia at (415) 964-0140 - this is a voicemail-only line, so we promise you won't have to talk to someone in person!
Be a guest on the show - we would love to talk with you! Send us an email at info@proudsutter.com.
FOLLOW PROUD STUTTER & ITS CREATORS:
Maya’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mayasharona
Cynthia’s LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-l-chin/
Podcast website - https://www.proudstutter.com
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Did you know there is a community of Speech-Language Pathologists who stutter? Bailey Levis, a speech therapist and proud person who stutters, is the founder of the San Francisco Speech and Fluency Center. Bailey’s approach to stuttering treatment is unique in that he centers his practice around acceptance, confidence-building, and goal setting.
Maya and Cynthia speak with Bailey about his stuttering treatment philosophy and what led him to become a speech therapist. Other topics covered include:
- The positives of having a speech therapist who also stutters
- An incident that stopped Maya’s dream of becoming a speech therapist
- Avoiding certain classes
- Neurodiversity
- What advice would Bailey give his 8-year-old self?
Addendum for Episode 6 of Proud Stutter: When Bailey mentions the term "neurotypical" in the episode, he meant to use the term "neurodiverse."
(A full transcript of the episode is available here)
Quotes
At 5:45 - “As adults, we-we-we're gonna have to, you know, face our stuttering and manage it for our entire lives. But we don't have to let it stop us from living our lives to our fullest.”
At 10: 37 - “[Stuttering Therapy] is about identifying uncomfortable situations and helping people to be comfortable in those uncomfortable situations…it's all the things that we avoid doing in our lives or the things that we avoid saying, that's the disability.”
Mentioned in the episode:
Tik Tok clip - This Woman With A Stutter Is Going Viral After Filming Herself Ordering At A Drive-Thru, And Her Videos Are Raising Awareness About The Disorder
San Francisco Speech and Fluency Center - www.sfstutteringhelp.com
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Podcast website - https://www.proudstutter.com
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Maya and Cynthia talk to James Hayden, a person who stutters, a Tedx speaker, and the author of “Dear World, I Stutter.”
Many stutterers like James and Maya have been discriminated against because of their stutter, whether it be in a job, during an interview, or at school.
So often, we pass judgments on people by our first impressions of them, often without giving it a second thought. But how often do we take the time to look beyond our first impressions of someone?
In this episode, Maya and Cynthia talk to James about first impressions and how to let go of self-judgment when stuttering in front of new people.
LINKS!
Purchase Jame’s book here.
Read writings by James here, here, here, and here.
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Email: info@proudsutter.com
Maya and Cynthia explore the Stuttering Subreddit, a supportive online community for people who stutter. Topics include parenting choices, stuttering through the pandemic, and the serious consequences of misunderstanding people who stutter.
Links!
Stuttering Subreddit
2021 NSA Keynote: Dream. Speak. Live: How To Navigate Fluency Conformity And Reduce Stuttering Stigma
Support us:
Donate
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Email: info@proudsutter.com
Maya and her mom have a raw and emotional conversation about her stutter.
Before this interview, Maya had never shared with her mom how she really felt about growing up with a stutter, how exhausting speech therapy was after school, and how hiding her stutter took so much out of her mentally.
“Having all these tools to practice was just another kind of thing I had t-to think about when I never really wanted to do it in the first p-place. But at th-the same time, I really appreciate you going above and beyond t-to help me especially b-because at that time I really did hate my stutter...I felt so alone in it.”
Support us:
Donate
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Links!
Therapy referral lists of speech-language pathologists
International Stuttering Association Events
Cynthia asks Maya about what it was like to date with a stutter. Maya’s perspective may surprise you. Hint: Filtering system.
After hiding a part of herself for most of her life, Maya reveals things about her stutter she has never told anyone, not even her family.