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

Elisha Boxer Magnifico and David Catlin are both professors at Northwestern University. Together, the developed "Break The Blocks," an improv program developed at the university to help build confidence in young people who stutter. They delve into the program’s conception, its structure, and the profound positive impact it has had on participants, parents, and student leaders.For anyone interested in signing up for the improv workshop, they can either call: 847-491-3165, email NUCASLL at nucasll@northwestern.edu, or email Elisha directly at elisha.magnifico@northwestern.edu.The flyer can be found at this google drive link.We’re grateful to Elisha and David for sharing their story with us.  -----Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Dustin Wells, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.Learn more about Proud Stutter's impact campaign for its film project at proudstutter.org/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

Puneet Singh is a disability inclusion advocate with personal experiences of stuttering, dyslexia, and dyspraxia.Puneet shares his challenges and triumphs, including the creation of his nonprofit and his latest initiative, Green Disability, focusing on the intersection of disability and climate change.Open Call! Submit an essay for inclusion in “Still Speaking: A Collection of Essays on Navigating Life with Atypical Speech”Follow Puneet on LinkedInSign up for Puneet's newsletter.More on Green Disability:1.) https://www.caribbeanlife.com/climate-action-initiative-brings-together-disability-community-worldwide/2.) https://www.youthxyouth.com/blog/how-a-delhi-heatwave-inspired-green-disability3.) https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2023/10/healthcare-and-climate-change-a-tale-of-survival-with-disability/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Raphael Stark is the founder and president of the nonprofit CHATS. Raphael wanted to meet other teens who stuttered in his community but realized there wasn't an organization to help him so he started his own. Find out how Raphael balances being a teen founder and school.This is Part 1 of our conversation. Stay tuned for Part 2 in two weeks!We’re grateful to Raphael for sharing his story with us.  Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Dustin Wells, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY - FIRST 20 PEOPLE TO REGISTER WILL GET TICKETS TO OUR INVITE ONLY EVENT IN LA. BUY THEM HERE.If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk. Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Randy Panzarino is a clinician, researcher, and person who stutters. He's also a surfer. Randy shares his journey through the challenges and anxieties associated with stuttering and how he found his passion for speech language pathology.Randy has studied stuttering-related anxiety and life partners of people who stutter. He also talk about the therapeutic role of surfing in his life and underscores the importance of embracing one's stutter and the positive impact of authenticity.We’re grateful to Randy for sharing his story with us.  -----Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Dustin Wells, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY - FIRST 20 PEOPLE TO REGISTER WILL GET TICKETS TO OUR INVITE ONLY EVENT IN LA. BUY THEM HERE.If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk. Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ryan Cowley is the author of All the Right Words: My Journey as a Sportswriter Who Stutters.He talks about his early experiences with stuttering, his journey through speech therapy, and how he found his passion for sports writing. Ryan shares his struggles and triumphs, including his initial apprehensions about verbal communication, particularly over the phone, his experience with speech therapists, and his successful career as a writer. He opens up about his motivation behind writing a book, guided by his brother's encouragement, and discusses his current project working on a presentation about commanding respect as a person who stutters. We’re grateful to Ryan for sharing his story with us. Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Dustin Wells, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY - FIRST 20 PEOPLE TO REGISTER WILL GET TICKETS TO OUR INVITE ONLY EVENT IN LA. BUY THEM HERE.If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk. Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Maya and Tessa share their experiences from 10 days of filming in New Jersey for their documentary. They discuss the challenges and rewards of the project, the impact of stuttering on their interactions, and the support they received from the local community. The episode provides insights into their creative process and the emotional journey of capturing the lives of a family navigating stuttering and parenthood.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

A new study published in Brain has identified a specific brain network hub that plays a key role in stuttering.The author Professor Catherine Theys explains the research and what it means for the stuttering community and others with similar brain activity.We’re grateful to Catherine for sharing her story and research with us. Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Dustin Wells, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY - FIRST 20 PEOPLE TO REGISTER WILL GET TICKETS TO OUR INVITE ONLY EVENT IN LA. BUY THEM HERE.If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk. Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

LeRon L. Barton is a TEDx speaker and author who stutters. What events in his life led him to becoming a confidence public speaker? They also talk about the importance of representation and share personal anecdotes about dating and disclosing their stutters in professional settings.We’re grateful to LeRon for sharing his story with us.  Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Dustin Wells, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY - FIRST 20 PEOPLE TO REGISTER WILL GET TICKETS TO OUR INVITE ONLY EVENT IN LA. BUY THEM HERE.If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk. Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Joe Saul-Sehy is the creator and co-host of The Stacking Benjamins Show. Joe has a successful career in finance and podcasting while living with a covert stutter.In this episode02:32 Who is Joe Saul-Sehy?03:03 Joe's Stuttering Journey09:46 Overcoming Challenges in Public Speaking16:49 Transition to Podcasting20:26 The Stacking Benjamins Show29:52 Embracing VulnerabilityWe’re grateful to Joe Saul-Sehy for sharing his story with us.  Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Dustin Wells, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.PUBLIC OPPORTUNITY - FIRST 20 PEOPLE TO REGISTER WILL GET TICKETS TO OUR INVITE ONLY EVENT IN LA. BUY THEM HERE.If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk. Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Adrian Ernesto Cepeda is a bilingual poet who stutters. His latest book is 'La Lengua Inside Me.'Adrian turned to writing at a young age as a form of expression. His bilingual poetry is inspired by his Colombian heritage, experience as a person who stutters, and Sylvia Plath's work.In this episodeFollow Adrian on IGGet a copy of Adrian's book(s)Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Dustin Wells, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.Even though our crowdfunding campaign is over - we exceeded our goal and raised $25,000!!! - we are still accepting donations towards the film.If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Ty Ellis, a person who stutters, wears many hats. He is an optimal performance coach, a public speaker, and a former professional basketball coach. Ty talks about the mental challenges he faced growing up and the pivotal role of his grandmother played in building his confidence as a stutterer. How did his stutter contribute to his success in sports and coaching? Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Dustin Wells, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.Even though our crowdfunding campaign is over - we exceeded our goal and raised $25,000!!! - we are still accepting donations towards the film.If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk. Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

What's it like to balance the identities of stuttering and cerebral palsy?In this episode, Dom and Sean Kelly of New Disabled South discuss how they view their stuttering experience is different than their experience with CP. They also touch on the importance of cross-disability solidarity and the differing societal perceptions of their disabilities.We’re grateful to Dom and Sean Kelly for sharing their stories with us.  Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Dustin Wells, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks. Even though our crowdfunding campaign is over - we exceeded our goal and raised $25,000!!! - we are still accepting donations towards the film.If you can become a monthly donor at $10 or more, we’ll give you access to ad-free episodes and bonus Proud Stutter+ content as a token of our thanks! Make your tax deductible gift at https://bit.ly/3xLezBk. Proud Stutter is proudly fiscally sponsored by Independent Arts & Media.Want to lean more about what Proud Stutter has to offer? Sign up here to stay in the loop and take advantage of our upcoming events, actions, and educational materials.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hilary Utaegbulam is a Nigerian-born physics student and teacher who stutters. He recently gave his first ever public presentation on his research, which went extremely well.Hilary offers advice on preparing for public speaking and how to give a confident presentation as a person who stutters. He also talks about how he got through his first stuttering encounter at a conference and the mental and physical hurdles of stuttering, how it influenced his career choices, and the importance of seeking therapy and support.In this episodeHilary’s physics presentation ROCK OF HOPE film crowdfunding campaign. Support Maya and her team of stuttering filmmakers by making a pledge to the campaign today. If you'd like to support but just can't afford to support monetarily, you can:Click "Follow" on the campaign on Seed&Spark! This is almost as beneficial as pledging because once they hit 500 "followers," regardless of how many people pledge, they'll unlock creator discounts for this and future projects.Use this social media toolkit. It includes sample language for social media and an email template to share with your friends, family, and colleagues. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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 still time to support the ROCK OF HOPE film crowdfunding campaign. Support Maya and her team of stuttering filmmakers by making a pledge to the campaign today. The filmmakers need to reach 80% of their goal or they get nothing. If you'd like to support but just can't afford to support monetarily, you can:Click "Follow" on the campaign on Seed&Spark! This is almost as beneficial as pledging because once we hit 250 "followers," regardless of how many people pledge, they'll start unlocking creator discounts for this and future projects.Use this toolkit until the end of the campaign. It includes sample language for social media and an email template to share with your friends, family, and colleagues. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This episode celebrates Mental Health Awareness Month and Stuttering Awareness Week. Casey Combs is an attorney. She's also a new mother. How did motherhood change her relationship with her stutter? What was it like going to law school with a stutter and how did she land a job that accepted her speech? From dark thoughts to becoming more accepting, Casey explains why it's okay to have big feelings around stuttering.In this episodeToday also marks the launch of the ROCK OF HOPE film crowdfunding campaign. Support Maya and her team of stuttering filmmakers by making a pledge to the campaign today. The filmmakers need to reach 80% of their goal or they get nothing. If you'd like to support but just can't afford to support monetarily, you can:Click "Follow" on the campaign on Seed&Spark! This is almost as beneficial as pledging because once we hit 250 "followers," regardless of how many people pledge, they'll start unlocking creator discounts for this and future projects.Use this toolkit on launch day. It includes sample language for social media and an email template to share with your friends, family, and colleagues. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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's Journey: From Stuttering to Scientific Breakthroughs12:24 The Challenges and Triumphs of Public Speaking with a Stutter24:36 Exploring the Genetics of Stuttering28:58 Final Thoughts and AdviceIn the episodeLearn more about ROCK OF HOPERSVP to the in-person documentary kickoff event in SF (May 16)RSVP to the virtual documentary kickoff event on Zoom (May 17) Learn about Isaac Bailey, guest speaker for the May 17 virtual eventLearn about John Finn, today’s episode guestSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

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

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