Proud Stutter

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-11Mentioned in this episodeStevie’s website and InstagramHistory of Woodward Streets in Detroit and San FranciscoWant 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 | ShopSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 TalentYou can follow Marc Winski @marcwinskiTIKTOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@marcwinski?_t=8UVRwcjQ83G&_r=1INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/marcwinski/?hl=enReach out and donate to Marc at https://linktr.ee/MarcwinskiEpisode 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 stigmaWant 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-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 FranciscoRead 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/impactIf 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-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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/impactIf 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-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 FranciscoRead 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/impactIf 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-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & 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/impactIf 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-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & 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/impactIf 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-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & 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/impactIf 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-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & 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 episodeGet 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/impactIf 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-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & 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-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 documentaryPhilly Proud Stutter Gathering – May 19Save 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-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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/privacy

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 StutterSupport a filmmaker who stutters - Help Michael Turner celebrate the 10 year anniversary of his film during Stuttering Awareness WeekApril 9 - Register to Proud Stutter's free event in Chicago with Northwestern UniversityMay 8 & May 15 - Save the date for Proud Stutter's upcoming documentary events in San Rafael, CA with CA FilmPartnership cornerMarch 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-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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

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 episodeElias book Performing the News: Identity, Authority, and the Myth of NeutralityWe’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/impactIf 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-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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/impactDo 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-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy