Proud Stutter
This podcast aims to shift the way we think and talk about stuttering. Through individual conversations, it explores personal experiences, societal perceptions, and the stigma around stuttering. The show encourages a more open and informed dialogue about stuttering, challenging misconceptions and celebrating the voices of those who stutter.
Episodes
This Model and Stuttering Advocate Auditioned for Victoria's Secret
When Lisbeth Peguero was a little girl, her mom took her to speech therapy once. Inside the office, she did not stutter at all. The therapist told her mom she was fine and did not need help. Walking out, Lisbeth felt relieved. Not because she was actually fine, but because she did not want to be the girl who went to speech therapy. She did not want to disappoint her mom. That moment shaped how she
Growing Up, Stuttering, and Finding Your Place
Isaiah was in third grade when his teacher called on someone else while he was still in the middle of answering a question. He had the answer. He just stuttered getting it out. That was the moment he started wondering if his stutter made him less capable than everyone else.In this episode, Isaiah Solomon, a 21-year-old political science student at Wake Forest University in North Carolina, from Bos
The Story Behind The Stuttering Journal
Bryan Matthews still remembers the moment everything changed — he was in ninth grade, giving an oral report in American history class, when classmates began mocking his stutter while his teacher just sat there and let it happen. From that day on, Bryan went "headlong into hiding," learning to pass as fluent and burying the truth of his stutter from nearly everyone in his life, including hi
Breaking the Walls of a Stutter with Mutalaathem Founder Saad Al-Munajem
As a child growing up in Saudi Arabia, Saad Al-Munajem learned how to build a wall around himself. After being laughed at while trying to read aloud in class, he spent years hiding his stutter — avoiding speaking, overthinking every interaction, and quietly carrying the fear of being heard. But what happens when someone decides to stop hiding?In this episode of Proud Stutter, Saad shares the momen
Healing, Advocacy, and Reclaiming Your Stutter
In this episode of Proud Stutter, Maya talks with Elizabeth Escobar, a person who stutters, substitute teacher, and advocate, about trauma, healing, and learning to reconnect with herself after years of silence and self-protection. Elizabeth reflects on growing up with a stutter, being bullied throughout school, and how therapy helped her begin processing memories and emotions that had long been b
Stuttering, Comedy, and Embracing Uncomfortable Situations
In this episode of Proud Stutter, Maya talks with Joze Piranian, a comedian, speaker, and author, about growing up with a stutter and how early experiences shaped his relationship with speaking. Joze reflects on patterns of avoidance, the role of silence, and what it took to begin shifting how he showed up in the world. He shares how humor became part of that process, along with speech therapy and
Episode Swap: Down To The Struts
This week, we’re doing something a little different on Proud Stutter. We’ve partnered with the podcast Down to the Struts for an episode swap, sharing each other’s work as a way to support disabled creators and build deeper, intersectional connections across our communities.In this episode, host Qudsiya Naqui sits down with Haben Girma, a human rights lawyer, author, and disability activist who is
The Story She Needed as a Kid: Jennifer Dickinson on Writing a Young Girl Who Stutters
Maya talks with fiction writer and teacher Jennifer Dickinson about her new middle grade novel featuring a young girl who stutters. Jennifer shares how her own experiences growing up with a stutter shaped the story, including memories of bullying, lost friendships, and the loneliness she felt during middle school.The conversation looks at how storytelling can transform difficult experiences into s
Anjali Hid Her Covert Stutter for Years. Then Acceptance Became a Spiritual Practice.
Maya talks with Dr. Anjali Alimchandani about growing up as a covert stutterer and why stuttering was the hardest identity for her to accept. Anjali shares how she first became aware of her stutter through bullying, the loneliness of having no language or community around it, and how early experiences with speech therapy reinforced shame rather than support.The conversation explores covert stutter
From Delhi to Data and Back to the Stutter That Shaped Him
In this episode of Proud Stutter, Maya talks with tech entrepreneur Kanav Hasija about growing up with a severe stutter in India, being bullied in school, and how changing cities gave him the chance to redefine himself. Kanav shares how facing fear head on through quizzes, speeches, and leadership roles helped shift his relationship with speaking, and how stuttering later shaped the way he communi
From The Vault: The Psychology Behind Our Responses To Stuttering
Maya revisits a listener favorite featuring choir clinicians Benedict and Talia, a husband-and-wife team who share powerful lessons about communication and empathy. Talia offers three practical tips for being a better listener to someone who stutters, starting with her first insight: “Fear is first.” She explains that fear is our natural initial response to new situations, and recognizing that hel
This Playwright Who Stutters Found His Voice on the Page, and the Stage
Maya sits down with Jerry Slaff, a playwright and and a writer who stutters, for a conversation about voice, craft, and the lifelong arc from fear to freedom. Jerry first reached out to Proud Stutter back in December 2021, writing, “once a stutterer, always a stutterer… if people don’t like my speech, that’s their problem.” We revisit that email and trace how age, practice, and community reshaped
Ina Found Her Voice Across Three Languages. And Learned to Lean Into the Good Pain of Stuttering
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 a
Giving Stuttering the Mic in New Orleans: 20 Years After Katrina
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.
Inside the Largest Genetic Study of Stuttering
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 shape
Sam Once Feared Her Stutter. Now She’s a Talk Therapist Helping Others Unmask.
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 stutte
For Years, Justin Thought His Voice Was a Liability. Now It’s the Heart of His Mental Health Mission.
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 s
Shamez Spent Years Trying to Slay His Stutter. Instead, He Befriended the Dragon.
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,” t
Louise Hid Her Covert Stutter for Years. Now Her Podcast Is Taking On Stuttering Representation in the Media.
This week on Proud Stutter, we’re joined by Louise Escher, a language teacher and person who stutters. In addition to loving to play the violin, she is the 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 communi
Ismaele Hid His Stutter for Years. Now He’s Exploring It Through Arctic Wildlife
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 speakin
Stuttering & Survivor Season 48 FINALE Ft. Caitlin Dietz & Eliot Goldstein
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 th
Andrew Sent His Personal Essay on Stuttering to The Washington Post. What Happened Next Surprised Him.
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 spe
![What The Stuttering Community Can Learn From Rare Disease Advocacy [Part 2]](https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/5/2/18/3fd5b32a-1623-430b-a4d0-3b5a14f25507_140afe13-7e90-4504-b2b9-3f7920a7190d_0.jpg)
What The Stuttering Community Can Learn From Rare Disease Advocacy [Part 2]
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 famil
![What The Stuttering Community Can Learn From Rare Disease Advocacy [Part 1]](https://media.redcircle.com/images/2025/4/25/5/aebaedac-6ac1-49eb-a1e6-eeb60f43dd3f_0.jpg)
What The Stuttering Community Can Learn From Rare Disease Advocacy [Part 1]
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 pediatri
Stuttering & Survivor Season 48 Episode 8 Ft. Caitlin Dietz & Eliot Goldstein
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 episodeRegister for Proud Stutter's Stuttering Awareness Week event on May 8Use promo code PROUD25 at checkout for a
Stuttering & Survivor Season 48 Episode 6 & 7 Ft. Caitlin Dietz & Eliot Goldstein
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 episodeSave the date for Proud Stutter's Stuttering Awareness Week event happening in San Rafa
Stuttering & Survivor Season 48 Episode 4 & 5 Ft. Caitlin Dietz & Eliot Goldstein
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!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/priva
Philip Solomon and Stuttering on Deal or No Deal Island
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 e
Stuttering & Survivor Season 48 Episode 3 Ft. Caitlin Dietz & Eliot Goldstein
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-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Performing the News: Stuttering and Challenging Norms in Broadcast Media
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 inclusivi
Leading with a Stutter: An 18-Year-Old Changemaker’s Story
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 Febr
Media Making with a Stutter & Being A Child of a Speech Therapist
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
Stuttering & How Communication Skills Are Perceived At Work
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?Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusiv
Filmmaking Perspectives on Stuttering
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 episodeDave Rodriguez is an experimental filmmaker who stutters. He made his way into filmmaking through
Stuttering Through Law School and Advocating for Public Policy
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.Support this podcast at
Breaking Barriers With Breaking The Blocks Improv Workshop
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 in
Stuttering Advocacy In Action
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
Hawaiian Teen Who Stutters Using the Power of Media & Film
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, I
Hawaiian Teen Who Stutters Starts A Nonprofit To Take Care Of His Community
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
A Surfer Who Stutters, A Journey To Becoming A Speech Therapist
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 unders
Stuttering Through Speech Therapy & Becoming A Sports Writer
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 therapist
Filming A Documentary With A Stutter - A Recap!
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
New Research Identifies Brain Link to Stuttering
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,
Tips for People Who Stutter: Public Speaking, Dating and Building Confidence
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: Jenni
Stuttering & Facing Your Biggest Fears
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 Journey09:46 Overcoming Challenges in Public Speaking16:49 Transition to Podcasting20:26 The Stacking Benjamins Show29:52 Embracing VulnerabilityWe’re grateful to Joe Sa
Stuttering & Poetry
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 episodeFollow Adrian on IGGet a copy of Adrian's book(s)Big thanks to Proud Stutter's rec
Public Speaking, Basketball, and Becoming A Life Coach With A Stutter
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 r
Cerebral Palsy and Stuttering with New Disabled South
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 sha
Preparing For A Presentation As A Person Who Stutters
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
Children’s Book Author Writes About Her Grandson’s Speech Journey
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 episodeThere sti
How Motherhood Transformed This Attorney's Relationship With Her Stutter
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
Stuttering As a Chief Scientist and Exploring Genetics
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 breakdown00:00 “Rock of Hope” Sneak Preview 02:47 John Finn'
TV Personality John Stossel Opens Up About His Stutter
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 Stutter06:07 His Time At Hollins Communication Reconstruction Center09:47 Stuttering in Pop Culture12:48 John's Reflections and Advice Support this podca
Stuttering In Tech: What It's Like To Be A Female Software Engineer With A Stutter
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 episodeSwathy's blog post Support this podcast at
Life With A Covert Stutter With Actor & Bestselling Author Jayne Amelia Larson
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
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My Stutter: Life of Verbal Turbulence Comic Book Launch - LIVE from Octavia's Bookshelf [Part 2]
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 Communities08:16 Discussion on the Creation of the Comic Book08:51 Visual Representation in Stuttering10:25 Making the Comic Book13:26 Stuttering and Personal Growth16:04 The Role of Speech T
![My Stutter: Life of Verbal Turbulence Comic Book Launch - LIVE from Octavia's Bookshelf [Part 1]](https://media.redcircle.com/images/2024/2/23/0/7310fe5a-093c-4041-a796-1971f93ee836_0.jpg)
My Stutter: Life of Verbal Turbulence Comic Book Launch - LIVE from Octavia's Bookshelf [Part 1]
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 break
A College Freshman Who Stutters Talks About Finding Self Worth
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 Lore
Stuttering At Work: How A Childhood Memory Transformed A Career
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 th
Stuttering and Music: Interview with emcdouble, professional recording artist
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 breakdown02:56 Stuttering and Music03:46 Growing Up with Stut
Embracing Speech Diversity: Proud Stutter gala clips, 2023 Highlights & More
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 Gala01:33 Julian's Speech: The Silence of Stuttering06:12 Sarah's Story: Overcoming Fear and Embr
Keegan outgrew a childhood stutter, until a traumatic event triggered its return.
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.
Navigating Stuttering, Poverty, and Racism in the American South
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 open
Director of Award Winning Film "Voice Activated," And How He Found Comfort In His Stutter
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 Activat
Stuttering in a foreign country and creating "My Stutter: Life of Verbal Turbulence"
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 St
Stuttering As A Dog Trainer
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
Stuttering and Challenging Inadequacy
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 ChupkovSave the date (12/7/2023) for Proud Stutter’s 1st Annual Gala + Community Comedy Event in San Francisco
Stuttering Mailbag: Answering Your Questions About Pride, Acceptance, and Beyond
Maya is back to answer your questions ranging from TV shows, public speaking tips, navigating her stutter, and more. Host & Producer: Maya ChupkovEditor: Quinn Greenhaus Save the date (12/6/2023) for Proud Stutter’s 1st Annual Gala + Community Comedy Event in San FranciscoSupport Proud Stutter by becoming a recurring donor via FlipcauseVote for Proud Stutter to win a Signal Award for ‘Most Ins
De-stigmatizing stuttering and incarceration
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.Host: Maya ChupkovGuest Co-Host: Jesse Vas
Jay Jordan Navigated Incarceration With A Stutter. Now He’s Transforming the Criminal Justice System.
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 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
Inclusive Education & Stuttering: Beyond Awareness Rebroadcast
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 brin
Stuttering and Breaking Through Blocking
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 partici
Stuttering, Fashion, and Inclusivity w/ Mia Hitterman (Part 2)
Using fashion as a form of self expression is one of the main topics in part 2 of Maya’s interview with Mia and Lila.Mia talks about how stuttering intersects with her multiple identities, such as being Chinese, an 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 to
This Beauty Queen Is Proud Of Her Stutter (Part 1)
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 frie
How A Family Learned To Embrace Stuttering And A Life Changing Meet-Up With MLB Player George Springer
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 o
Stuttering As An Entrepreneur Pt. 2: Building Resilience and Celebrating Uniqueness
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 EpisodeInterest form to join the career n
Stuttering As An Entrepreneur: Maintaining Faith And Purpose
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 t
Speech Therapy's Evolution Through The Eyes of a Stutterer
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 st
The Psychology Behind Our Responses To Stuttering
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,
Stuttering & Cluttering: TheeClutterQueen Rebroadcast
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 speec
