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

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

Keegan Murphy thought he outgrew his childhood stutter, until a traumatic event triggered its return.Not only does Keegan share his experience with his stuttering popping back up unexpectedly, but he also talks about the challenges and frustrations of stuttering in corporate America and how seeking professional help transformed his view on his stutter and helped get him out of his deep depression.Keegan is now doing stuttering advocacy within his workplace by creating an employee resource group for employees who identify as neurodiverse and trying to expand his insurance plan to include speech therapy.Episode ResourcesProud Stutter Gala RecapSupport Proud Stutter's DocumentarySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content

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 acceptance14:02 Stuttering and journalism 17:38 Isaac's book, My Brother Moochie22:02 Dating with a stutter and finding support from his wife27:38 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 filmBuy Tickets for Proud Stutter's Community Comedy Night ft. Nina GWhere: Peacock Lounge/San FranciscoWhen: Thursday, December 7, doors open at 6:30pmDonate to Fund The Future of Stuttering Campaign to help de-stigmatize stutteringSupport 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 GWhere: Peacock Lounge/San FranciscoWhen: Thursday, December 7, doors open at 6:30pmDonate to Fund The Future of Stuttering Campaign to help de-stigmatize stutteringSupport 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.Learn more about Steven and his dog training practiceDonate to Fund The Future of Stuttering Campaign to help de-stigmatize stutteringSupport 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 ChupkovEditor: Quinn Greenhaus Save the date (12/6/2023) for Proud Stutter’s 1st Annual Gala + Community Comedy Event in San FranciscoSupport Proud Stutter by becoming a recurring donor via FlipcauseVote for Proud Stutter to win a Signal Award for ‘Most Inspirational Podcast’Listen to Maya talk about Star Wars on Trash CompactorSupport 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 ChupkovGuest Co-Host: Jesse VasquezGuest: Jay JordanSound Designer: Leo MaymindSupport 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 StewartAlliance for Safety & JusticeFriends of San Quentin NewsHost: Maya ChupkovGuest Co-Host: Jesse VasquezGuest: Jay JordanSound Designer: Leo MaymindSupport 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 GalleryBeyond Awareness PodcastSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/proud-stutter/exclusive-content