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-content

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-content

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-content

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-content

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-content

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-content

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-content

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-content

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-content

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-content

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-content

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-content

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-content

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 Saudis.' Episode breakdown00:50 Jayne's Journey with Stuttering and Covert Stuttering02:12 The Challenges of Stuttering in Professional Voice Over Work04:35 Family Dynamics and the Impact on Stuttering20:26 The Complex Relationship Between Trauma and Stuttering23:57 Exploring Acting as a Tool for Managing StutteringUpdatesGet a copy of Proud Stutter's comic book while supplies lastWant to be in the credits of Proud Stutter's documentary? Make a donation here.About the hostFind Maya on IG: @MayachupkovTwitter: @ProudstutterYouTube: @ProudstutterLinkedIn: Maya-ChupkovFacebook: @ProudstutterYou can buy Proud Stutter merch on our websiteSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

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 Therapy in Stuttering19:12 The Concept of Speech Diversity27:47 The Evolution of Personal Attitudes Towards Stuttering30:47 Proud Stutter's DocumentaryProud Stutter updatesGet a copy of Proud Stutter's comic book while supplies lastDonate to Fund The Future of Stuttering Campaign to help de-stigmatize stuttering Connect with Maya and Proud Stutter: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | Subscribe | E-Newsletter | ShopSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

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 breakdown02:32 Event reflections with Julian12:23 Part 1 of the event with guest speakers from the LA stuttering communityProud Stutter updatesGet a copy of Proud Stutter's comic book while supplies lastDonate to Fund The Future of Stuttering Campaign to help de-stigmatize stuttering Connect with Maya and Proud Stutter: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | Subscribe | E-Newsletter | ShopSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

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 Lorenzo and Maya’s Stuttering Experiences04:12 The Power Behind Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone07:19 The Importance of Having A Support System10:16 The Power of Visualization11:40 Shifting Views on Stuttering22:05 The Struggle of Fitting In26:44 Empowerment and Role Models29:50 The Power of the Stuttering CommunityProud Stutter updatesAttend Proud Stutter's event this Monday, Feb. 12 in Pasadena, CADonate to Fund The Future of Stuttering Campaign to help de-stigmatize stuttering Connect with Maya and Proud Stutter: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | Subscribe | E-Newsletter | ShopSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

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 that have helped him navigate the corporate world and how he adapted to a new communication environment during the pandemic.Episode breakdown02:21 Sammar's Childhood Memories and Stuttering05:04 Turning Trauma into Motivation07:04 Communication and Delivery08:17 Navigating Stuttering in a Corporate World11:11 Communication Techniques in the Workplace20:15 Adapting Communication Techniques during COVID-1921:59 Stuttering in the WorkplaceAbout the guestConnect with Sammar on LinkedInAbout the hostFind Maya on IG: @MayachupkovTwitter: @ProudstutterYouTube: @ProudstutterLinkedIn: Maya-ChupkovFacebook: @ProudstutterYou can buy Proud Stutter merch on our websiteSupport Proud Stutter by making a tax deductible one-time donation or becoming a recurring donorSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

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 Stuttering08:01 Stuttering and Parenting09:24 Stuttering and Language Learning13:09 Music, Stuttering, and Identity15:46 Stuttering and Public Perception18:21 Final ThoughtsFrom the episodeCheck out David’s new mixtape and more of his music on Spotify. Attend Proud Stutter's event in Pasadena, CATrack at the beginning of the episode: JUJUMADEIT - Slain Cypher ft. Various EmceesHost & Producer & Editor: Maya ChupkovDonate to Fund The Future of Stuttering Campaign to help de-stigmatize stuttering Connect with Maya and Proud Stutter: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | Subscribe | E-Newsletter | ShopSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

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 Embracing Stuttering10:40 Johnny's Journey: Finding Community and Advocacy15:12 Zainab's Poetry: Expressing Pain and Resilience17:58 Supervisor Dean Preston22:49 Senator Scott WienerPart 224:35 Proud Stutter's Achievements and Highlights of 202327:27 Adriana's Story: A Story of Resilience29:31 Looking Forward to 2024In this episodeProud Stutter’s comic bookZainab’s book of poetry2023 Proud Stutter HighlightsMake an end of year tax deductible gift to Proud StutterSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content