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Stuttering Is Not A Problem: A New Lens With James Burden
Manage episode 501371004 series 2968201
Speech‑language pathologist James Burden, founder of Stuttering Blueprint, shares a compassionate, research‑backed path to speaking with confidence—whether or not fluency is the outcome. He explains why techniques like the Camperdown Method must be paired with Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and “melting the iceberg” of fear and stigma. If you’ve ever felt your voice held back, this conversation reframes stuttering and shows practical ways to reclaim presence, purpose, and power.
Sponsored by Tar Heel Construction Group
Guest Bio:
James Burden, M.S., CCC‑SLP, is a speech‑language pathologist and creator of the Stuttering Blueprint and the Unstoppable Voice process. Blending evidence‑based methods like the Camperdown Program with ACT, mindfulness, and embodiment work, he helps people who stutter build confidence, authenticity, and agency in high‑stakes speaking situations—from job interviews to wedding toasts.
Main Topics:
· Why “less stuttering ≠ better person”: separating fluency from self‑worth
· The Stuttering Iceberg: addressing thoughts, emotions, and stigma under the surface
· Camperdown Method basics: building control without “white‑knuckle fluency”
· Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT): relating differently to thoughts/feelings
· Mindfulness & embodiment: grounding practices that reduce fear and avoidance
· Reframing stuttering culturally (left‑handedness analogy)
· Gentle exposure goals: from everyday conversations to speeches and interviews
· Community & groups: support, misinformation, and consuming carefully
· Stuttering Angel Fund: micro‑grants for catalytic confidence moments
· Practical exercise: the “two hands” presence/permission visualization
Resources mentioned:
· James’ Website: https://www.stutteringblueprint.com/
· Episode Sponsor: Tar Heel Construction
Tar Heel Construction GroupHarford County Living Stamp of Approval for Roofing, Siding and Exterior Services
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Chapters
1. Show intro & 10 year milestone (00:00:00)
2. Meet James Burden + why this conversation matters (00:02:10)
3. Reframing “stuttering isn’t a problem” (00:03:58)
4. The turning point: beyond cosmetic fluency (00:06:19)
5. A client returns after 10 years: lessons learned (00:09:04)
6. Camperdown Method vs. “white knuckle fluency” (00:16:16)
7. ACT & mindfulness: changing your relationship to thoughts (00:20:42)
8. The Stuttering Iceberg explained (00:23:03)
9. Real world wins: jobs, weddings, relationships (00:26:51)
10. The Stuttering Angel Fund (micro grants for bold steps) (00:31:03)
11. Current client transformation & confidence (00:33:20)
12. James’s own growth: authenticity over proving (00:36:25)
13. Sponsor: Tar Heel Construction Group (00:38:38)
14. Support groups: value & pitfalls (consume carefully) (00:38:40)
15. Myths: intelligence, nervousness, and “curing” stuttering (00:41:10)
16. One message to the world: like left handedness (00:43:26)
17. Guided embodiment exercise (the “two hands” practice) (00:47:09)
18. Vipassana: the 10 day silence reset (00:54:36)
19. How spiritual work informs the program (00:59:46)
20. James’s podcast plans: Unstoppable Voice (00:59:51)
21. How to connect & the gentle “stay connected” option (01:02:39)
22. Final encouragement for listeners & allies (01:06:23)
23. Lightning round: small act of kindness story (01:08:15)
24. Closing & supporter acknowledgments (01:12:55)
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