The Beneath Your Stutter podcast is where we dive deep below the surface of the iceberg into the emotional waters of stuttering. I'm your host Paige Smith, a Stuttering Relapse Recovery Coach, helping you get back on track to the level of fluency that makes you happy. Let's go beneath the surface of your stutter for deeper self-awareness, personal growth and transformation.
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Covert Stuttering Podcasts
A podcast about changing how we understand and talk about stuttering, one conversation at a time.
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Ina Found Her Voice Across Three Languages. And Learned to Lean Into the Good Pain of Stuttering
31:10
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31:10Maya 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…
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Giving Stuttering the Mic in New Orleans: 20 Years After Katrina
25:28
25:28
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25:28Filmmaker 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…
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Inside the Largest Genetic Study of Stuttering
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33:46
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33:46Dr. 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 conversa…
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Sam Once Feared Her Stutter. Now She’s a Talk Therapist Helping Others Unmask.
37:22
37:22
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37:22Maya 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 identit…
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For Years, Justin Thought His Voice Was a Liability. Now It’s the Heart of His Mental Health Mission.
36:48
36:48
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36:48This 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 s…
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Shamez Spent Years Trying to Slay His Stutter. Instead, He Befriended the Dragon.
28:11
28:11
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28:11This 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 expl…
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Louise Hid Her Covert Stutter for Years. Now Her Podcast Is Taking On Stuttering Representation in the Media.
35:57
35:57
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35:57This 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 …
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Ismaele Hid His Stutter for Years. Now He’s Exploring It Through Arctic Wildlife
51:37
51:37
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51:37This 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 everyda…
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Stuttering & Survivor Season 48 FINALE Ft. Caitlin Dietz & Eliot Goldstein
46:48
46:48
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46:48Maya, 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 perseve…
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Andrew Sent His Personal Essay on Stuttering to The Washington Post. What Happened Next Surprised Him.
25:19
25:19
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25:19Andrew 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, …
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What The Stuttering Community Can Learn From Rare Disease Advocacy [Part 2]
37:04
37:04
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37:04This 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 medicin…
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What The Stuttering Community Can Learn From Rare Disease Advocacy [Part 1]
32:18
32:18
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32:18Bobby 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 thi…
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Stuttering & Survivor Season 48 Episode 8 Ft. Caitlin Dietz & Eliot Goldstein
36:22
36:22
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36:22Maya, 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 Ma…
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Stuttering & Survivor Season 48 Episode 6 & 7 Ft. Caitlin Dietz & Eliot Goldstein
46:58
46:58
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46:58Maya 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 Stutte…
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Stuttering & Survivor Season 48 Episode 4 & 5 Ft. Caitlin Dietz & Eliot Goldstein
40:14
40:14
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40:14Maya 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-content Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com…
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Philip Solomon and Stuttering on Deal or No Deal Island
44:49
44:49
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44:49Maya 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 b…
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Stuttering & Survivor Season 48 Episode 3 Ft. Caitlin Dietz & Eliot Goldstein
49:24
49:24
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49:24Maya 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/pr…
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Performing the News: Stuttering and Challenging Norms in Broadcast Media
34:13
34:13
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34:13Elia 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 ch…
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Leading with a Stutter: An 18-Year-Old Changemaker’s Story
21:49
21:49
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21:49Gavin 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…
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Media Making with a Stutter & Being A Child of a Speech Therapist
41:47
41:47
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41:47Ben 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…
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Stuttering & How Communication Skills Are Perceived At Work
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41:47
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41:47Cody 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…
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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 s…
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Stuttering Through Law School and Advocating for Public Policy
30:59
30:59
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30:59Kurt 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 …
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Breaking Barriers With Breaking The Blocks Improv Workshop
46:21
46:21
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46:21Elisha 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, …
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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 “…
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Hawaiian Teen Who Stutters Using the Power of Media & Film
12:43
12:43
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12:43In 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 Compt…
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Hawaiian Teen Who Stutters Starts A Nonprofit To Take Care Of His Community
35:48
35:48
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35:48Raphael 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…
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A Surfer Who Stutters, A Journey To Becoming A Speech Therapist
35:56
35:56
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35:56Randy 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 the…
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Stuttering Through Speech Therapy & Becoming A Sports Writer
26:01
26:01
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26:01Ryan 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 o…
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Filming A Documentary With A Stutter - A Recap!
26:54
26:54
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26:54Maya 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 cap…
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New Research Identifies Brain Link to Stuttering
22:21
22:21
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22:21A 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 …
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Tips for People Who Stutter: Public Speaking, Dating and Building Confidence
30:50
30:50
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30:50LeRon 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 …
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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 episode 02:32 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 …
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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…
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Public Speaking, Basketball, and Becoming A Life Coach With A Stutter
35:38
35:38
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35:38Ty 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…
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Cerebral Palsy and Stuttering with New Disabled South
38:42
38:42
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38:42What'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 disabiliti…
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Preparing For A Presentation As A Person Who Stutters
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39:55
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39:55Hilary 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 stutt…
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Children’s Book Author Writes About Her Grandson’s Speech Journey
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18:28
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18:28Carol 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 experienc…
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How Motherhood Transformed This Attorney's Relationship With Her Stutter
32:03
32:03
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32:03This 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,…
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Stuttering As a Chief Scientist and Exploring Genetics
31:29
31:29
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31:29John 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…
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TV Personality John Stossel Opens Up About His Stutter
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15:50
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15:50John 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…
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Interview: A Journey of Grit and Healing with Kelly Smith
28:23
28:23
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28:23Feedback about this episode? Text me a message! :) "Every experience, every struggle, has shaped me into who I am today. I wouldn't trade any of it for the world. It's made me stronger, more empathetic, more resilient." — Kelly Smith In this episode, host Paige welcomes Kelly Smith, owner of a successful catering and event planning company in Santa…
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Stuttering In Tech: What It's Like To Be A Female Software Engineer With A Stutter
25:55
25:55
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25:55Swathi 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 epis…
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Choosing Your Path: Speech Therapy vs. One-On-One Coaching
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17:37
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17:37Feedback about this episode? Text me a message! :) “Whether you’re working with a speech therapist, in a group therapy intensive program or one-to-one with a coach, there are many options and paths to making progress towards your fluency goals." In this enlightening episode, Paige unravels the differences between speech therapy and one-to-one coach…
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Thoughts Matter: Paying Attention to the Stuttering Mind
16:34
16:34
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16:34Feedback about this episode? Text me a message! :) "Increasing awareness of our thoughts can profoundly impact how we perceive and navigate our experiences, empowering us to break free from limiting beliefs and embrace personal growth." Paige explores the profound impact of paying attention to one's thoughts that impact the experience of stuttering…
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Life With A Covert Stutter With Actor & Bestselling Author Jayne Amelia Larson
28:43
28:43
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28:43Jayne 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 vers…
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From Comfort to Growth: Why Working on Fluency Feels Awkward
17:09
17:09
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17:09Feedback about this episode? Text me a message! :) “Stepping out of your comfort zone is like a muscle, and it gets larger and stronger the more you expand it. Take small, doable steps toward your fluency goals, not giant leaps." In this episode, Paige delves into the intricacies of behavior change, focusing on the journey from comfort to growth, s…
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Stuttering Relapse: Truths About Life after Speech Therapy
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15:29
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15:29Feedback about this episode? Text me a message! :) After speech therapy, it's crucial to acknowledge the realities that may not have been addressed during treatment — empowering you to navigate post-therapy with resilience and self-awareness. In Episode 19, embark on a raw exploration of life after speech therapy, delving into the often unspoken re…
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My Stutter: Life of Verbal Turbulence Comic Book Launch - LIVE from Octavia's Bookshelf [Part 2]
36:16
36:16
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36:16This 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 breakdown 06:05 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 Stut…
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The Brain, Body and Stuttering: Two Ways to Anxiety
18:55
18:55
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18:55Feedback about this episode? Text me a message! :) There are two ways to anxiety — either through the ancient brain or the thinking brain. It’s helpful to know where your anxiety begins, as this is a clue which strategy will be most helpful in reducing it. In Episode 18, Paige delves into the relationship between the brain, body, and stuttering, fo…
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