Isaac Bailey is a stutterer, author, and professor. His book, 'My Brother Moochie', details his family's struggles after his eldest brother was sentenced to life imprisonment.

Isaac talks about growing up poor, black, and with a stutter in the South, his traumatic family history, and his realization that being a stutterer is a part of his identity rather than an impediment. He also opens up about how he turned to writing, as it granted him a different way of sharing his voice. 

Isaac offers advice about being comfortable with your stutter and the importance of knowing that your voice matters, no matter how you talk.

01:26 Growing up with a stutter 

09:49 On the road to acceptance

14:02 Stuttering and journalism 

17:38 Isaac's book, My Brother Moochie

22:02 Dating with a stutter and finding support from his wife

27:38 Isaac's final thoughts and advice 

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

Steven Anthopoulos is the director and writer of “Voice Activated,” a short film that has won 11 awards, a Tribeca selected film, and is eligible for an Academy Award.

Steven talks about how he got the idea for his film, which revolves around a florist with a stutter interacting with a voice-activated car, and how filmmaking has helped him accept his stutter and face it head on.

Watch Voice Activated, Steven's award-winning film

Buy Tickets for Proud Stutter's Community Comedy Night ft. Nina G

Where: Peacock Lounge/San Francisco

When: Thursday, December 7, doors open at 6:30pm

Donate to Fund The Future of Stuttering Campaign to help de-stigmatize stuttering

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

Julian Benabides is Proud Stutter’s special guest, and he just happens to be Maya’s neighbor.

Julian talks about his experience stuttering in foreign countries and what it’s been like collaborating on Proud Stutter’s comic book called "My Stutter: Life of Verbal Turbulence."

Maya and Julian also talk about their experience door knocking in their neighborhood to spread the word about Proud Stutter’s annual gala.

Buy Tickets for Proud Stutter's Community Comedy Night ft. Nina G

Where: Peacock Lounge/San Francisco

When: Thursday, December 7, doors open at 6:30pm

Donate to Fund The Future of Stuttering Campaign to help de-stigmatize stuttering

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

Steven Tallas might stutter in the human world, but in the dog world, he is completely fluent.

Maya speaks with Steven about his journey to becoming a professional dog trainer and how he never let his stutter get in the way of his dreams.

Jay Feinstein, the co-host for this episode, is a Senior Podcast Producer for WBUR, Boston's public radio station.

Buy Tickets for Proud Stutter's Community Comedy Night ft. Nina G

Where: Peacock Lounge/San Francisco

When: Thursday, December 7, doors open at 6:30pm

Donate to Fund The Future of Stuttering Campaign to help de-stigmatize stuttering

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

Kai Caragenis is a father of a young girl. In this bonus episode of Proud Stutter, he shares his feelings around being adequate enough to be a father, how the King’s Speech changed his relationship with his stutter, and how breathing techniques helped his speech.

Host & Producer: Maya Chupkov

Save the date (12/7/2023) for Proud Stutter’s 1st Annual Gala + Community Comedy Event in San Francisco

Support Proud Stutter’s Mini Series Crowdfunding Campaign 

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

Maya is back to answer your questions ranging from TV shows, public speaking tips, navigating her stutter, and more. 

Host & Producer: Maya Chupkov

Editor: Quinn Greenhaus

 

Save the date (12/6/2023) for Proud Stutter’s 1st Annual Gala + Community Comedy Event in San Francisco

Support Proud Stutter by becoming a recurring donor via Flipcause

Vote for Proud Stutter to win a Signal Award for ‘Most Inspirational Podcast’

Listen to Maya talk about Star Wars on Trash Compactor

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

Jay Jordan and Jesse Vasquez are back on the pod this week. Jay talks about how his identity as a person who stutters intersects with his criminal record identity. Jesse and Jay both share a passion for de-stigmatizing the narrative surrounding people who are incarcerated and those that have come out of prison.

You can listen to Part 1 of this episode here.

Host: Maya Chupkov

Guest Co-Host: Jesse Vasquez

Guest: Jay Jordan

Sound Designer: Leo Maymind

Support Proud Stutter by making a tax-deductible donation here.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

Jay Jordan, a person who stutters, has devoted his life after incarceration to challenging the stigma surrounding criminal records. For the first time ever, Jay opens up publicly about what it was like serving seven-years in prison with a stutter. He talks about a life changing experience that led him to coming to terms with his stutter and his purpose. 

Post-incarceration, Jay faced rejection when it came to jobs and getting an apartment. But Jay developed a high level of resilience with having a debilitating stuttering as a child. Since then, he has learned to lean into his stutter, now leading one of the largest advocacy organizations in the country where he speaks publicly on a daily basis. 

Jesse Vasquez is guest co-host. He leads Friends of San Quentin News and provides a platform for incarcerated individuals to share their stories and be heard. By elevating these voices, Jesse hopes to draw attention to the issues within the criminal justice system and work towards meaningful reform.

Both Jay and Jesse's personal experiences with incarceration have shaped their dedication to transforming the criminal justice system. They understand the impact that the system can have on individuals and their families, and they use their platforms to advocate for change and support those affected. Their work very much reflects what Proud Stutter is trying to do with the stuttering community: addressing the stigma and striving for a more equitable and just world.

Mentioned in the episode:

• Jay on the Problem with Jon Stewart
• Alliance for Safety & Justice
• Friends of San Quentin News

Host: Maya Chupkov

Guest Co-Host: Jesse Vasquez

Guest: Jay Jordan

Sound Designer: Leo Maymind

Support Proud Stutter by making a tax-deductible donation here.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

For this special bonus episode of Proud Stutter, Maya is rebroadcasting an episode from the Beyond Awareness podcast.

Host Diana Pastora Carson interviews Maya and they talk about the intersections between inclusive education and supporting people who stutter in and outside the classroom.

In this episode:

• Diana's TedTalk, "Walking with Joaquin," chronicles her family's journey to bring home her brother after living in an institution for 15 years.
• Proud Stutter's Virtual Art Gallery
• Beyond Awareness Podcast

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

Blaise Ventura, a 20-year-old person who stutters, joins Maya to talk about blocking, his journey towards self-improvement, dating, and how FOMO can play into anxiety.

Blocking is a form of stuttering that is extremely misunderstood and Blaise offers a unique perspective around his acceptance of his stutter that many people, especially young people, may find relatable.

He also discusses his participation in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to change his thought patterns and reduce anxiety related to his stutter.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

Using fashion as a form of self expression is one of the main topics in part 2 of Maya’s interview with Mia and Lila.

Mia talks about how stuttering intersects with her multiple identities, such as being Chinese, an adoptee, and a college student. She emphasizes the importance of community support, including her family and friends, in helping her embrace her stutter and advocate for others.

Other topics include advocating for disabilities, the power of sharing personal stories, and the power of fashion being a vehicle for social change. Mia highlights the need for inclusivity and accessibility in the fashion industry and how fashion designers can contribute to solving these challenges.

Mentioned in the Show

Mumble Melody Stuttering Research Study

Find Maya on IG: @Mayachupkov

Twitter: @Proudstutter

YouTube: @Proudstutter

LinkedIn: Proud-stutter

Facebook: @Proudstutter

You can buy Proud Stutter merch on our website

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

Mia Hitterman spent most of her childhood and teenage years hiding her stutter. It wasn’t until college that she discovered pageantry and finally found her community. 

In this episode of Proud Stutter, Mia talks about how joining Miss Chinese Chicago helped strengthen her confidence, embrace every part of herself, and come out as a person who stutters.

Our guest co-host is Lila Carrillo, a dear friend of Maya’s who told her about Mia after seeing her at a pageant contest in Chinatown in San Francisco. 

Mentioned In The Episode

• Mia’s Intro Video - Miss Chinese Chicago
• Donate to Proud Stutter’s Audio Documentary Project

Follow Mia on Instagram

Follow Lila on Instagram

Visit proudstutter.com to stay in the loop on all things Proud Stutter!

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

A few months ago, the MLB released a video of 10 Year-Old Mateo Sanchez and professional baseball player George Springer. The special bond between these two was palpable. Also featured was father Jesse Sanchez.

The MLB video was inspiration for this interview with both Mateo and father Jesse.

Mateo, the show's youngest podcast guest, has been stuttering his entire life. In this special episode of Proud Stutter, Maya interviews Mateo and his father about both of their stuttering journeys - Mateo as a young boy who stutters, and Jesse, a parent of a stutterer.

Jesse talks about how he learned to embrace stuttering as part of Mateo's identity, rather than trying to find a quick fix. Jesse also talks about the power of the connection between Mateo and Springer, and how it inspired Matteo to start raising awareness of stuttering in his school.

For more information about Proud Stutter, visit proudstutter.com.

Get in touch with host Maya by emailing info@proudstutter.com.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

This episode is part 2 of Maya’s interview with Calvin and Roy. Calvin talks more in-depth about his relationship with his stutter, including how he deals with triggers. He also talks about goal setting helps him accept his stutter and tricks he uses when public speaking.

You can follow Calvin Williams, Jr on Instagram and Savage Truth Podcast here.

In this Episode

• Interest form to join the career network for college students who stutter

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

Having friends who can help see your true potential is a gift. Part 1 of my conversation with Calvin Williams, Jr. and Roy Dockery talks about friendship and the importance of having people around you that lift you up. 

Calvin Williams, Jr is a person who stutter and an entrepreneur and founder of Freeman Capitol. How has Calvin navigated his stutter while running a successful fintech company? We talk about his daily rituals and how he balances his busy schedule and self-care. He also talks about how he stays motivated to keep going even when times get tough.

Our co-host, Roy Dockery, has known Calvin since freshman year of college. He is a pastor and host of the Savage Truth Podcast. Roy talks about his daily habits that keeps him going through life’s challenges and his chronic illnesses.

Mentioned in the episode:

• Stuttering Awareness Week Recap
• Wedding website

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

Today’s episode is Part 2 of my conversation with Benedict Sheehan, a person who stutters, and Talia Sheehan, his wife. We talk about the different forms of speech therapy Benedict has tried over the years, from fluency shaping to acceptance. Benedict changed the way he looked at his stutter after his speech therapist gave him the option to work towards hiding their stutter or becoming a better stutterer, and he chose the latter. We also talk about his recent ADHD diagnosis, and how it has helped Benedict understand his speech.

Episode Breakdown

[4:36 - 9:08] Experiences with speech therapy over the years 

[9:09 - 18:46] Shifting from a fixing approach to acceptance in speech therapy 

[18:46 - 21:15] Insecurities with listening to your recorded voice

[21:15 - 30:17] ADHD and stuttering 

To learn more about Proud Stutter, visit www.proudstutter.com.

To support Proud Stutter, make a tax-deductible donation here.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

Benedict Sheehan is a Grammy-nominated conductor and composer who stutters. His wife, Talia Sheehan, is a professional vocalist and musical educator. In this episode, we talk about the psychology behind people’s responses to stuttering and how people who don’t stutter can be stronger allies for people who stutter. This episode is part one of a two-part conversation with the Sheehans.

Additionally, host Maya talks about California's resolution to recognize Stuttering Awareness Week and plans for a community rally/press conference at the state capitol in Sacramento.

Episode Breakdown

[00:02:24] Being an ally to stutterers.

[00:06:18] Fear is First.

[00:09:18] Stuttering and facial expressions.

[00:13:53] Body language for public speaking.

[00:19:04] Stuttering and acceptance.

To learn more about Proud Stutter, visit www.proudstutter.com.

To support Proud Stutter, make a tax-deductible donation at here.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

For this special bonus episode of Proud Stutter, Maya is rebroadcasting an episode from the TheeClutterQueen podcast.

Host Simone Robinson interviews Maya and they talk about the intersections between cluttering and stuttering, their very different experiences with speech therapy, public speaking during class, problematic headlines in the media, thinking you can’t do certain things because of speech dysfluency, and more!

What small thing can you do this week to support Proud Stutter?

• Add a review on your favorite listening app (Scroll down to the bottom of the show page where it says Ratings & Reviews)

Connect with Maya & Proud Stutter:

Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | YouTube | TikTok

Connect with Simone & TheeClutterQueen:

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

Did you know there is a vibrant stuttering community on Reddit?

Cynthia Chin, Season 1 co-host, is back on the pod doing a second round of going through stuttering subreddit posts. Our first Stuttering Subreddit episode is our most listened-to episode, so let's dive in.

What kinds of posts do we talk about on the Stuttering Subreddit?

We dig into college presentations, being labeled the quiet-type, clinging onto relationships, and funny stuttering moments.

What small thing can you do this week to support Proud Stutter? 

• Buy a brand new Proud Stutter T-Shirt, "Embrace Verbal Diversity"

Connect with Maya & Proud Stutter: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | YouTube | TikTok

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

Steff Lebsack, a speech language pathologist, grew up with a brother who stutters. When she developed a neurogenic stutter later in life, she accepted it right away. In this new episode, we talk about Steff and her journey in juggling multiple disabilities, including lung disease, the power of language in gaining self-acceptance, and the importance of owning your story.

Our guest co-host is Tiffany Yu, CEO & Founder of Diversability, and host of Tiffany & Yu Podcast.

Do you want to pass a local resolution in your city?

Read this toolkit, attend this advocacy 101 workshop, and/or email info@proudstutter.com.

Want 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.
• Leave us a rating or review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
• Sign up for our newsletter.
• Buy Proud Stutter Merch

Connect with Maya and Proud Stutter: Twitter | Instagram | Website | LinkedIn | Support | Subscribe | E-Newsletter | Shop

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content