Shows
Proud StutterAnjali Hid Her Covert Stutter for Years. Then Acceptance Became a Spiritual Practice.Maya talks with Dr. Anjali Alimchandani about growing up as a covert stutterer and why stuttering was the hardest identity for her to accept. Anjali shares how she first became aware of her stutter through bullying, the loneliness of having no language or community around it, and how early experiences with speech therapy reinforced shame rather than support.The conversation explores covert stuttering, passing, and the emotional and spiritual labor that often goes unseen. Maya and Anjali reflect on navigating stuttering alongside other identities, the pressure to accept oneself, and how healing often requires being witnessed in...
2026-02-0748 min
Proud StutterFrom Delhi to Data and Back to the Stutter That Shaped HimIn this episode of Proud Stutter, Maya talks with tech entrepreneur Kanav Hasija about growing up with a severe stutter in India, being bullied in school, and how changing cities gave him the chance to redefine himself. Kanav shares how facing fear head on through quizzes, speeches, and leadership roles helped shift his relationship with speaking, and how stuttering later shaped the way he communicates as a founder. He walks through his journey from early engineering experiments to building healthcare and construction tech companies, and reflects on how stuttering pushed him to be more precise, patient, and resilient. The...
2025-12-2633 min
Proud StutterFrom The Vault: The Psychology Behind Our Responses To StutteringMaya revisits a listener favorite featuring choir clinicians Benedict and Talia, a husband-and-wife team who share powerful lessons about communication and empathy. Talia offers three practical tips for being a better listener to someone who stutters, starting with her first insight: “Fear is first.” She explains that fear is our natural initial response to new situations, and recognizing that helps us create calmer, more compassionate conversations.Listen to the full interview to hear Talia’s other two insights, and how she and Benedict model true partnership, humor, and presence in every interaction.In thi...
2025-11-0726 min
Proud StutterThis Playwright Who Stutters Found His Voice on the Page, and the StageMaya sits down with Jerry Slaff, a playwright and and a writer who stutters, for a conversation about voice, craft, and the lifelong arc from fear to freedom. Jerry first reached out to Proud Stutter back in December 2021, writing, “once a stutterer, always a stutterer… if people don’t like my speech, that’s their problem.” We revisit that email and trace how age, practice, and community reshaped his relationship to speaking, onstage, at work, and in everyday life.Jerry reflects on building a career that demanded communication, from press briefings, talkbacks, to cold reads, and how stuttering...
2025-10-1839 min
Proud StutterIna Found Her Voice Across Three Languages. And Learned to Lean Into the Good Pain of StutteringMaya 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 hersel...
2025-09-2631 min
Proud StutterGiving Stuttering the Mic in New Orleans: 20 Years After KatrinaFilmmaker 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...
2025-09-1325 min
Proud StutterInside the Largest Genetic Study of StutteringDr. 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...
2025-09-0133 min
Proud StutterSam Once Feared Her Stutter. Now She’s a Talk Therapist Helping Others Unmask.Maya sits down with Sam Gennuso, a Bay Area-based licensed psychotherapist and person who stutters, for a conversation about vulnerability, self-acceptance, and what it means to unmask. Sam shares her journey of growing up covert, discovering her stutter, and the early therapy experiences that shaped her understanding of fluency, shame, and identity.Now a talk therapist, Sam talks about how stuttering has become one of her greatest teachers - helping her show up more authentically in her work and relationships. The episode explores themes of nervous system regulation, daily grounding practices, boundary-setting, and the metaphor of stuttering...
2025-08-1537 minProud StutterFor Years, Justin Thought His Voice Was a Liability. Now It’s the Heart of His Mental Health Mission.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 s...
2025-07-3036 min
Proud StutterShamez Spent Years Trying to Slay His Stutter. Instead, He Befriended the Dragon.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...
2025-07-1328 min
Proud StutterLouise Hid Her Covert Stutter for Years. Now Her Podcast Is Taking On Stuttering Representation in the Media.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 repres...
2025-06-2035 min
Proud StutterIsmaele Hid His Stutter for Years. Now He’s Exploring It Through Arctic WildlifeThis week on Proud Stutter, Maya is joined by Ismaele Tortella, a filmmaker and cinematographer based in the Norwegian Arctic whose upcoming documentary Arctic Blue explores his personal relationship with stuttering through nature and silence. In this powerful 100th episode, Ismaele and Maya talk about using art to process shame, navigating everyday challenges as covert stutterers, and how speaking openly about stuttering can lighten the emotional weight it carries. They reflect on vulnerability, resilience, and why the act of storytelling itself can be transformational—for the teller and the community.In this episodeGet early bi...
2025-06-0651 min
Proud StutterStuttering & Survivor Season 48 FINALE Ft. Caitlin Dietz & Eliot GoldsteinMaya, 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...
2025-05-2546 min
Proud StutterStuttering & Survivor Season 48 Episode 8 Ft. Caitlin Dietz & Eliot GoldsteinMaya, Caitlin, and Elliot are back to discuss stuttering on Survivor Season 48, Episode 8, and the latest twists and turns in the episode. From alliances and drama to strategic plays and surprise advantages, they break down all the key moments you won't want to miss.In this episodeRegister for Proud Stutter's Stuttering Awareness Week event on May 8Use promo code PROUD25 at checkout for a free ticket. -----Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Matt Didisheim, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig...
2025-04-1936 min
Proud StutterPerforming the News: Stuttering and Challenging Norms in Broadcast MediaElia 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...
2025-03-0734 min
Proud StutterMedia Making with a Stutter & Being A Child of a Speech TherapistBen 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...
2025-02-0741 minProud StutterFilmmaking Perspectives on StutteringProud Stutter is going to Sundance! Join our creative team behind our upcoming documentary for a special event on January 25 at 5pm in Park City featuring award-winning filmmaker Reid Davenport (I DIDN'T SEE YOU THERE and LIFE AFTER). Get your free tickets today before they sell out!In this episodeDave Rodriguez is an experimental filmmaker who stutters. He made his way into filmmaking through the Miami punk scene and his areas of interest include the intersection of stuttering and experimental film. Dave explores the influence of generational trauma and neurological research on his films...
2025-01-1045 min
Proud StutterBreaking Barriers With Breaking The Blocks Improv WorkshopElisha 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 goog...
2024-12-1346 min
Proud StutterHawaiian Teen Who Stutters Using the Power of Media & FilmIn part 2 of our conversation with Raphael, we talk about our shared passion of filmmaking.Raphael shares his journey in photography, his involvement with PBS Hawaii, and more creative projects.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 L...
2024-11-1512 min
Proud StutterHawaiian Teen Who Stutters Starts A Nonprofit To Take Care Of His CommunityRaphael 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...
2024-11-0135 min
Proud StutterA Surfer Who Stutters, A Journey To Becoming A Speech TherapistRandy 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 recu...
2024-10-1835 min
Proud StutterStuttering Through Speech Therapy & Becoming A Sports WriterRyan 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...
2024-10-0426 min
Proud StutterNew Research Identifies Brain Link to StutteringA 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 PEO...
2024-09-0622 min
Proud StutterTips for People Who Stutter: Public Speaking, Dating and Building ConfidenceLeRon 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 R...
2024-08-2330 min
Proud StutterStuttering & Facing Your Biggest FearsJoe 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 Wel...
2024-08-0940 min
Proud StutterStuttering & PoetryAdrian 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...
2024-07-2632 min
Proud StutterPublic Speaking, Basketball, and Becoming A Life Coach With A StutterTy 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...
2024-07-1235 min
Proud StutterCerebral Palsy and Stuttering with New Disabled SouthWhat'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...
2024-06-2838 min
Not Going QuietlyThe Courage To Be Courageous with Dan BolenDan Bolen joins Britt for an illuminating conversation about coming out at an any age, spirituality, addiction, abuse, redefining personal success, and how to find the courage to be courageous. But most importantly they discuss all sorts of ways we can practice loving kindness in the face of cognitive dissonance, bigotry, and bias.
Join us on this wild ride, as we delve into the tough stuff and plumb the depths of our souls. You won’t want to miss it!
JOIN THE NOT GOING QUIETLY COMMUNITY:
https://www.notgoingquietly.today/
https://an...
2023-02-2359 min
Kelley Drye Ad Law Access PodcastState AGs Highlight Changes to NAAG and Multistate Enforcement for 2023At the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) Capital Forum, consumer protection multistate investigations and enforcement actions were once again a subject of discussion. In a session specifically on the topic, NAAG Consumer Protection Committee Co-Chairs Generals Kwame Raoul of Illinois and Jonathan Skrmetti of Tennessee, as well as Susan Ellis and Jeff Hill, long time top consumer protection staff in their respective offices, spoke at length about the multistate process, responding to alleged misinformation about consumer protection multistates that has been reported through media and elsewhere.
https://www.adlawaccess.com/2022/12/articles/state-ags-highlight-changes-to-naag-and-multistate-enforcement-for-2023/
Paul L. Singer
psinger@kelleydrye.com
(202) 342-8672
Bio...
2022-12-2009 min
The Football Retreat PodcastThe Football Retreat LA Galaxy Pod 6/6/2021This week Eric and I break down all the current news with the LA Galaxy
2021-06-0751 minThe Football Retreat PodcastThe Football Retreat week in review 5/7/2021This week we talk LA Galaxy vs LAFC, the Champions League, and more!
2021-05-081h 18The Football Retreat PodcastThe Football Retreat week in review 4/30/2021this week Chris and Jonny talk about the current form of the LA Galaxy, Manchester United, and how the European Super League died.
2021-05-011h 19The Football Retreat PodcastThe Football Retreat Super League RantThere's no easy way talk about this so we just kind of ranted for a bit.
2021-04-201h 14The Football Retreat PodcastThe Football Retreat week in review 4/12/2021This week the gang breaks down the Manchester United vs Tottenham Hotspur drama, the relegation battle, and the upcoming Champions League games. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!
2021-04-121h 07The Football Retreat PodcastThe Football Retreat LA Galaxy Special2020 was a very rough year for the Galaxy, did they make the proper moves in the offseason to make us competitive? Find out in this weeks special episode of the Football Retreat. Also, sorry for the backround noise.
2021-04-121h 12The Football Retreat PodcastThe Football Retreat week in review 3/24/2021Jonny found some boots, Chris talks the Man United loss, and Sam talks about why Liverpool is the best.....again. Enjoy!
2021-03-241h 03The Football Retreat PodcastThe Football Retreat week in review 3/10/21Chris had a tummy ache......on the same day that Man United beat Man City 2-0.
2021-03-101h 44The Football Retreat PodcastThe Football Retreat José Mourinho SpecialNo we didn't interview José Mourinho but we talked about him for awhile! Sit back and enjoy
2021-03-0839 minThe Football Retreat PodcastThe Football Retreat National team picksThis is the second part of our show from the weekend. Watch as we breakdown our points for the top players in the league....so far.
2021-03-021h 10The Football Retreat PodcastThe Football Retreat week in review 2/27/2021 best team in Premier League historyWho was the greatest most dominate premiere league team? Listen in on our debate!
2021-02-2836 minThe Football Retreat PodcastThe Football Retreat week in review 2/13/21This week Sam, Connor, and Jonny go over the big games and news surrounding world Football. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!
2021-02-131h 19The Football Retreat PodcastThe Football Retreat week in review 2/3/21This week we go over the 9-0 win for Manchester United, MLS news, and predictions for the upcoming week. Sit back, relax, and enjoy!
2021-02-041h 26The Football Retreat PodcastThe Football Retreat week in review 1/28/21This week we go over the drama that happened between Manchester United vs Sheffield United, Frank Lampard getting sacked, money with clubs, and much more!
2021-01-291h 10The Football Retreat PodcastThe Football Retreat week in review 1/21/21DOWN GOES Liverpool, Chelsea are still terrible, Sheffield might get relegated, and the Galaxy made some signings.
2021-01-221h 21The Football Retreat PodcastThe Football Retreat week in review 1/13/21We are back for the 2021 season talking about big games, news, and theories. This week we go over all the news surrounding the LA Galaxy, how Manchester United could stay at the top of the table, and issues with VAR.
2021-01-131h 09The Football Retreat PodcastThe Football Retreat week in review 11/27/20We had tons to talk about this week. Man United had a great game, Ajax had a spectacular game, and the MLS playoffs was filled with drama. So sit back and enjoy our passionate takes on this week in the beautiful game.
2020-11-281h 43The Football Retreat PodcastThe Football Retreat week in review 11/18/20Bram is vacation so it was Chris and Jonny's job to carry the podcast. Luckily there is an international break so it was pretty easy. This week we talk about some of the scores from the international break, our new fan segment of the show, and much more!
Also support our friend Jeffery with his journey with Movember to help raise awareness for men's mental health. Grow out that stash and help us raise some money!
https://ie.movember.com/team/2387032?mc=40&fbclid=IwAR3zoJsr0ssvV4SvxfUdsHa1XNPMgWg7...
2020-11-181h 34The Football Retreat PodcastThe Football Retreat week in review 11/11/20This week the boys talk about sleep schedules, MLS playoffs, and defenders. Sit back and enjoy attempts at understanding what a defender needs to do to win a ballon d'or.
Also support our friend Jeffery with his journey with Movember to help raise awareness for men's mental health. Grow out that stash and help us raise some money!
https://ie.movember.com/team/2387032?mc=40&fbclid=IwAR3zoJsr0ssvV4SvxfUdsHa1XNPMgWg7vo8ADMIiuerFBZ7WJmQPzOG5t4c&utm_medium=share&utm_source=dynamic&utm_campaign=fundraise-mobile
2020-11-121h 31The Football Retreat PodcastThe Football Retreat week in review 11/4/20Manchester United seems lost on the pitch, Ajax continues their winning ways, and the LA Galaxy are fighting for a last spot in the MLS playoffs. In this episode Chris rants about United, Bram rants about Promes, and Jonny rants about losing. Check it out!
Also support our friend Jeffery with his journey with Movember to help raise awareness for men's mental health. Grow out that stash and help us raise some money!
https://ie.movember.com/team/2387032?mc=40&fbclid=IwAR3zoJsr0ssvV4SvxfUdsHa1XNPMgWg7vo8ADMIiuerFBZ7WJmQPzOG5...
2020-11-051h 09