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Some Stutter, Luh!

Some Stutter, Luh!

By The Communication Collaborative

Some Stutter, Luh! Podcast aims to rebuild confidence and hope for people who live with communication differences by dismantling stuttering myths, stigma, stereotypes and barriers. somestutterluh.ca/
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Teaser #2... Meet Luca!

Some Stutter, Luh!Feb 28, 2021

00:00
03:31
S5E5: Mounah Bizri
Mar 01, 202449:02
S5E4: A Special Valentine's Day Episode

S5E4: A Special Valentine's Day Episode

Greg chats with Carolina and Sang, a long distance couple who were brought - and kept - together by stuttering.

Feb 14, 202455:25
S5E3: Sean BW Parker

S5E3: Sean BW Parker

S5E3: Sean BW Parker 

Description:

In this episode, Some Stutter, Luh! welcomes Sean BW Parker, a British writer, artist, musician, and academic specializing in cultural theory and justice reform to discuss his recently published book, "Compelling Speech: The Stammering Enigma." Sean shares his personal experience with stammering, highlighting the challenges he faced and the various therapies he underwent over the years. Sean expresses his pride in the unique aspects of his personality that come with stammering and he believes in a kind of natural fluency in which there is no need to hammer the stammer!  

Notes:

Following his 2013 Ted Talk on stammering and creativity, Sean BW Parker was inspired to write his autobiography on the subject, titled "Compelling Speech: The Stammering Enigma”.  Using a fun language in this book, Sean tracks the social and cultural-political context of communication differences through the cultural lens. Sean discusses the origins of his stammer, attributing it to a mix of genetic factors, upbringing, and personal experiences. Pointing to his personal journey with stammering, he reflects on the interplay between nature and nurture. Defining natural fluency as the ease of communication, Sean suggests that if one can stammer easily, it can be considered a form of fluency. Through the concept of "Stammering Pride," he explores how confidence and directness can, at times, reduce stammering. Sean believes in the multifaceted nature of people who stammer and encourages individuals not to limit themselves based on their speech impediment. Discussing reviews of his book, he particularly values feedback from Jack Nicholas and Joann Williams, appreciating reviews that acknowledge the complexity and interest in his writing rather than providing simplistic praise. Finally, Sean emphasizes the importance of embracing the present moment, minimizing expectations, and the value of thinking less.

Jan 24, 202456:37
My Tears Are My Voice

My Tears Are My Voice

Today, October 22, 2020 is International Stuttering Awareness Day (ISAD).


I’d like to take a few moments out of your time to share a recent experience that happened to me when I was asked about the significance and importance of ISAD.  


My name is Greg O’Grady. I am Chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Stuttering Association, Host of SOME STUTTER, LUH!. I am also a professional stutterer, who specializes in covert stuttering. 


I introduce myself this way, as a professional stutterer, who specializes in covert stuttering to remind myself of my many yesteryears and attempts at camouflaging or hiding my stutter out of shame and humiliation. I desperately wanted to be accepted and approved, and to gain access to fluent, abled-body privileges. I am a person who stutters, and those privileges are not mine. 


On October 17, I attended a City of Mount Pearl Public Council meeting to accept and speak to the Newfoundland and Labrador Stuttering Association's request to have October 22 Proclaimed as ISAD in the City of Mount Pearl. City Councillors and other community individuals were in attendance. 


While standing beside the Mayor of the City of Mount Pearl, David Aker, listening to him proclaim ISAD in my city, I felt myself becoming overwhelmed with emotion.  Once Mayor Aker finished reading our Proclamation, he handed me the microphone, and asked me to share the significance and importance of ISAD.  As hard as I tried to choke down and to control my emotions erupting within me, as soon as I attempted to speak, the flood gates opened.  For what seemed like and eternity, I struggled through my tears attempting to articulate the importance of ISAD.  As I looked around the room, I saw in the eyes of those in attendance, looks of discomfort, surprised, and yet, looks of caring and compassion. 


Few people understand how stuttering can  have devastating educational, emotional and psychological, social, physically, spiritual,  and vocational affects on children, adolescents, adults and seniors who stutter throughout life.  


Based on my years of lived experience, living with a severe stutter, I feel that stuttering is TRAUMA. 


As I reflect now on struggling to articulate the significance and importance of ISAD, what I considered an embarrassing and humiliating experience, was in reality, my “VOICE” when I could not speak.  


Those tears ARE my VOICE. 

 

My TEARS communicated so clearly and echoed loudly, the TRAUMA associated with stuttering - more than any words possibly could. 


My TEARS gave VOICE to our global community of people who stutter; raising awareness, education, understanding and acceptance of stuttering.   


And so, I sincerely want to thank Mayor David Aker, the City of Mount Pearl Councillors, and others in attendance, for providing me an opportunity and a safe space to able to articulate through TEARS, the TRAUMA that stuttering can inflict on approximately 1% of the population; the 70 million people worldwide who stutter.   


Happy ISAD!

Greg


   

Oct 22, 202303:58
S5E2: Mental health & communication differences with the Deaf Queen Boss/Kellina Powell

S5E2: Mental health & communication differences with the Deaf Queen Boss/Kellina Powell

Transcript: S5E2 Kellina Powell.docx

Description: In this episode of Some Stutter Luh! we welcome Kellina Powell, a writer, professional coach and advocate specializing in mental health and empowerment for young adults with disabilities. Kellina shares her journey and lived experiences as a hard of hearing individual. She became a coach to empower young adults with disabilities, especially in the deaf community. So, be all ears to DEAF QUEEN BOSS who believes that we must live life to the fullest!

Notes: Kellina Powell is a passionate advocate for people with disabilities, particularly in the deaf community. She became a professional coach and advocate specializing in mental health and empowerment for young adults with disabilities due to her personal experiences and a desire to make a difference.

Kellina believes communication is about being flexible in order to really understand a person’s voice. In her book "Every Day I Am Just Deaf: Life in a Hearing World with Deaf Queen Boss," Kellina shares her daily experiences as a deaf individual in a hearing world. The book discusses various aspects of her life, including relationships, mental health, and the challenges of communication. It aims to raise awareness and promote understanding of the deaf community's challenges and abilities.

As a professional coach and advocate specializing in mental health and empowerment, she can provide valuable support to individuals in the stuttering community. She can assist them in building self-esteem, improving mental health, enhancing employment opportunities, and boosting overall quality of life. Kellina uses techniques like role-playing and goal setting to help clients gradually become more comfortable with communication, including phone calls.

At the end of the interview, Kellina emphasizes the need for better support systems and government policies to assist people with disabilities and mental health concerns. She also encourages people to live life to the fullest, let go of negativity, and have fun.

Kellina's book is available here: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/everyday-i-am-just-deaf-life-in-a-hearing-world-with-deaf-queen-boss/9781778112102.html

Oct 20, 202344:22
S5E01: Stuttering Around the World, Part 1

S5E01: Stuttering Around the World, Part 1

This special episode of Some Stutter Luh! welcomes individuals who stutter from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Maryam and Greg engage in a discussion centered around an interview with Parsa, a bilingual Persian-Kurdish individual living in Iran, who also stutters. The conversation commences by addressing the significance of speaking about stuttering in various societies and cultures. While stuttering itself possesses consistent characteristics, it is the cultural context that influences the unique experiences of individuals with stuttering. So, let’s look at stuttering through the lens of cultural differences! The discussion delves into how different cultures define disability, offering explanations and examples that elucidate how cultural norms and laws can influence the acceptance of certain disabilities within society. Greg and Maryam also discuss the ongoing debate within the stuttering community regarding whether stuttering should be classified as a disability, considering the impact it has on individuals' lives. One of the key highlights is Maryam's personal experience connecting with Parsa, an individual who stutters, emphasizing the significance of acceptance and support. Parsa's journey and comfort with stuttering offer a unique perspective on embracing one's identity. As the episode concludes, Maryam and Greg express their commitment to exploring the diverse cultural facets of stuttering, underscoring the importance of raising awareness and advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities worldwide. The book mentioned in the episode is: Disability in Different Cultures: Reflections on Local Concepts, available at https://www.amazon.com/Disability-Dif...

Sep 22, 202336:28
Say My Name

Say My Name

A special episode of Some Stutter, Luh! to raise awareness of the Newfoundland and Labrador Stuttering Association's 1k/5k Walk, Run, and Roll for Stuttering Awareness. Proceeds of this annual event go towards supporting NLSA initiatives such as a bursary program to subsidize treatment programs and equipment for people who stutter, public awareness campaigns, educational events, etc. To support the NLSA visit https://nlstuttering.ca/

Sep 21, 202343:12
A Messsage From Our Host, Greg O'Grady

A Messsage From Our Host, Greg O'Grady

Season 4 is complete! In Season 5, SSL! gets "blocked". Listen as Greg explains.

Aug 25, 202305:28
Echoed Words

Echoed Words

Some Stutter, Luh! welcomes Aaron Silverthorne, Judith Silverthorne, and Jayan Juneja for a conversation about stuttering.

Aaron is a producer at Silverlight Productions whose latest documentary is called Echoed Words. This half hour documentary takes "a powerful first-person perspective on the impacts of a person’s life who stutters, and how to find ways to manage the disorder to ease their everyday life." 

Judith is an author and television documentary producer who is passionate about hearing and sharing the stories of others.

Jayan is the star of Echoed Words and is a high school senior applying for engineering school. 

During this episode, Aaron and Jayan share their personal experiences as people who stutter, and the three guests discuss the impact of stuttering on their lives. The episode also touches on the importance of seeking help and the hope that there is for those who stutter. 

Echoed Words makes it's broadcast premiere on August 31, 2023 at 7:00 PM Eastern Time on on AMI. Produced/Directed/Written by Aaron Silverthorne and Judith Silverthorne; with Cinematographer and Editor Tony Quiñones, and assistant videographer Nicholas Hotte. Produced by Silverlight Productions Inc for AMI with additional funding support of Creative Saskatchewan. #Creativesaksaskatchewan #documentary #stuttering #Silverlight Productions Inc #ISTAR


Click here for the transcript of this episode.

Aug 25, 202355:60
Interview with Lee Lovett, founder of World Stop Stuttering Association

Interview with Lee Lovett, founder of World Stop Stuttering Association

A frank discussion about stopping stuttering.

Aug 02, 202301:08:11
 “Don’t be your own obstacle.”

“Don’t be your own obstacle.”

Danny. 34. Connecticut. I struggled with stuttering for 15 years. I surprisingly started at age 18 which is late since most develop their stutter during adolescent years. I attended speech therapy for nearly a year, but never felt any improvement. Thankfully I found a book called “How to Stop Stuttering and Love Speaking” by Lee G Lovett earlier this year and after diligently immersing myself in the author’s methods, I greatly reduced my stuttering after 2-3 months.

Jun 04, 202335:36
Stuttering *IS* Neurodivergence

Stuttering *IS* Neurodivergence

Brian Woo is an ADHDer who stutters. Since being involved in both the Disability Community and the Neurodivergent Community, Brian realized the importance of the Stuttering Community to be open to learning from and being involved in these other communities as stuttering is a form of neurodivergence. Brian shares his journey and increases awareness of stuttering, ADHD, and mental health on his Instagram accounts @StutteringLoudly and @StutteringIsNeurodivergence and on Twitter @StutteringNeuro. He is also the creator of a Facebook support group called "Stuttering is Neurodivergence".


#stuttering #neurodiversity ⁠#disabilities⁠⁠ #advocacy⁠⁠ #Newfoundland⁠⁠ #Labrador⁠

May 28, 202352:46
Interview with Dr. Simone Falk

Interview with Dr. Simone Falk

Today, Some Stutter, Luh! welcomes Dr. Simon Falk, a trained linguist and an associate professor in neurolinguistics at the University of Montreal, Canada, and member of the International Laboratory for Brain, Music and Sound Research. She currently holds a Canada Research Chair in Interdisciplinary Studies on Rhythm and Language Acquisition. In this episode, Dr. Falk talks about the relationship between stuttering and music.

#stuttering #disabilities #advocacy #Newfoundland #Labrador

May 21, 202356:44
Chad Feehan Returns!

Chad Feehan Returns!

TBA

May 14, 202301:05:17
Interview with Terry Campbell

Interview with Terry Campbell

Join us for a unique and compelling look at the stuttering experience, and stuttering assessments and therapy techniques from the perspective of Speech language pathologist, Terry Campbell. 

Show Notes:

  • Professional areas of interest and specialties, and what makes stuttering a unique and interesting research area.

  • Stuttering experiences that might be unique to the individual (ex. Mental or emotional triggers or responses)

  • Discussion of experience working with people who stutter as a person who doesn’t stutter, and the impossibility of truly understanding what it’s like to be a person who stutters.   

  • Stuttering and mental health: scope of practice is practical speech therapy, but also counseling. Discussion of how these components interact. 

  • Discussion of SLP assessment methods and techniques (ex. Disfluency counts), and problems with traditional techniques. 

  • The internal and external experience of stuttering, and the necessity of starting with the internal experience in therapy. 

  • Stuttering misconceptions vs. truths: what actually causes stuttering? Many possible contributing factors. 

  • Challenges of treating people who stutter, and best practices in treating people who stutter. 

  • When should an SLP collaborate with a psychologist, psychiatrist, or social worker, for example, to assist with the mental health component of stuttering?

  • Importance of any mental health professional who works with someone who stutters to understand the misperceptions and truths about stuttering. 

  • The “F word”: fluency vs. management of stuttering. 

  • Goals of treatment: fluency? Management? Secondary characteristics? Or focus on the speaker’s feelings and perspective?


May 07, 202301:08:33
Interview with Amanda Tiller-Hackett

Interview with Amanda Tiller-Hackett

In this episode, Amanda considers the origins of her feelings of shame, and the life events that inspired her to let those feelings go and welcome acceptance

Amanda is the Humanities Collection Development Librarian in the Collection Strategies Division at the Queen Elizabeth II Library, Memorial University of Newfoundland. She’s also a wife and mother of two. Amanda did some coursework in Linguistics during her undergraduate degree, and currently manages collections in Linguistics as part of her professional duties. Amanda is also a person who stutters. While her stutter has become managed in adulthood, fluidity will probably always be something she has to work for. Being a member of this team allows Amanda to become part of a conversation that holds great personal significance to her, and also part of an admirable effort to normalize stuttering, and to create a deeper understanding of stuttering in our province and beyond. 

Apr 30, 202356:33
Interview with Philip Rodrigues

Interview with Philip Rodrigues

Philip Rodrigues was born and lives in Toronto, to two Portuguese immigrants who were fluent in English. Philip is married, with two dogs and works in the IT field. He bikes and plays video games in his spare time. Early on before starting junior kindergarten Philip was identified to have a speaking disability including a prominent stutter, lisp and delayed development in his ability to form full sentences. He worked with an SLP 1-1 and participated in special education up until grade 3-4  in school. After this he had no further issues. Philip no longer has a stutter or lisp, but can't help but feel as though he continues to use verbal crutches to prop up his ability to speak today. Today, Philip is a reserved and quiet individual. This may be related to his early hesitation to speak up in case and feared that he could not effectively communicate his thoughts. His wife says that while he is quiet and reserved, he is surrounded by incredibly chatty and outgoing people including herself and his immediate family so she thinks secretly he is also one.

Apr 23, 202352:39
Interview with Farrah Sattaur

Interview with Farrah Sattaur

Farrah grew up in Toronto has had hearing loss and sever stuttering since age 4 . She enjoys reading and doing research and spending time with family and friends.

Apr 16, 202353:21
Glenn Roy Blundon's Legacy

Glenn Roy Blundon's Legacy

Glenn Roy Blundon was a student at Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) whose advocacy broke new ground for students with disabilities. Greg chats with Jason Geary and Hannah Blundon (Glenn's niece) about his legacy through the Blundon Centre.

Apr 02, 202301:13:48
The "f" Word

The "f" Word

 Is “fluency” the goal for people who stutter? In this episode Greg holds a panel discussion to find out how his guests feel about the “f” word. 

Mar 26, 202354:38
Interview with Marni and Lori

Interview with Marni and Lori

Lori Scott-Sulsky is the senior clinician and subject matter expert for the Stuttering Program at the Speech and Stuttering Institute, in Toronto. She has dedicated her practice to stuttering for more than 20 years. Marni Kinder is a Speech-Language Pathologist at The Speech and Stuttering Institute, where she has spent the past 14 years working exclusively with People Who Stutter in both individual and group treatment programs.  Greg has been involved with The SSI as a client and as a volunteer since the mid 1980's and received treatment from Lori and Marni for his severe stuttering over these years.

Mar 19, 202355:51
Interview with Cara Bennett

Interview with Cara Bennett

Cara Bennett is a Stutter Warrior, wife, mother of two boys and step mom to a daughter. A Registered Nurse of 20 years. A small business owner helping woman feel and look their best with skincare and cosmetics. Cara started a Best Life Reset Program and is still maintaining weight and wellness. She is very active with the YMCA community in Grand Falls-Windsor. Cara is a Christian that keeps helping others anyway she can through her steadfast unwavering faith that everything will be ok.

Mar 12, 202301:02:28
Interview with Jeff Gibellina
Mar 05, 202301:01:47
A Special Episode on Stuttering and Dating

A Special Episode on Stuttering and Dating

Welcome to a special Valentine’s Day episode of Some Stutter, Luh! Naturally, this episode is about stuttering and dating!

During our conversation today, our guests will be sharing the challenges and triumphs they faced when navigating the unfamiliar and stressful waters of dating while living with a stutter.

Thank you for joining us for this special interactive episode. We know this topic may be uncomfortable for some but recognize it as a very important conversation to have.

Today we have put together a panel of experts :) to chat about stuttering and dating. From past episodes Greg speaks to Liz Fagan, Robert O'Brien with return-guest-couple Carolina and Sang from last year's Valentine's Day special.

There is much to talk about on what I considered to be a confusing and scary topic.

  • confidence,
  • questions about comfort levels,
  • identify,
  • disclosure,
  • whether or not to disclose,
  • when and how one discloses,
  • fear of consequences, such as disapproval, rejection, etc.
  • benefits of disclosure,
  • relief,
  • self respect, etc.

Greg asks our guests:

1. What are your individual thoughts about these words and questions based on your individual experiences?

2. While reflecting back on your individual experiences with stuttering and dating - the good, the bad, the ugly - would you have approached your stuttering and dating experiences differently? If yes, why and if not, why not?

3. What advice and or strategies for success can you provide other PWS who are considering entering these unfamiliar and stressful waters of stuttering and dating for the first time?

3. Do you have any advice for individuals who stutter, that based on their previous unsuccessful dating experiences, may have decided to step away from attempting to find the right mate?  Do you have any advice for not giving up this quest?

4. Does being a PWS give you any special qualities that people who don’t stutter might lack in the world of dating? (e.g. are we better listeners?) :)

Feb 12, 202301:12:57
Interview with Michael Wright

Interview with Michael Wright

Michael Wright is from the UK and works within the Nuclear Sector at Sellafield as a Planning Engineer.Two years ago he Co founded a online Facebook Group called Stand Up to Stammering, which offers a safe, encouraging, empowering platform that invites members to share their stammering experiences, gain support from other members, and invites them to build on their courage and confidence through the daily mind over matter challenges. 

Michael is also Co founder of the Nuclear Stammering Network, which aims to make the Nuclear industry an inclusive place to work for those who stammer, by sign posting, raising awareness on the subject as well as supporting those within the Nuclear industry who stammer.

Nov 06, 202233:27
Interview avec / Interview with Geneviève Lamoureux

Interview avec / Interview with Geneviève Lamoureux

Elle-même une personne qui bégaie, Geneviève Lamoureux s’implique dans la communauté bègue depuis plusieurs années. Depuis 2020, aux côtés de l’orthophoniste Judith Labonté, elle est notamment co-productrice et co-animatrice de « Je je je suis un podcast », le balado de l’Association bégaiement communication (ABC), un organisme basé au Québec offrant des services et ressources aux adultes qui bégaient.

Geneviève est également candidate au doctorat en sciences de l’orthophonie de l’Université de Montréal, où elle mène des recherches sur l’(auto-)stigmatisation des personnes qui bégaient. Détentrice d’une maîtrise professionnelle en orthophonie, elle est aussi diplômée en traduction et littératures d’expression anglaise et française.

-----

As a person who stutters, Geneviève Lamoureux has been involved in the stuttering community for several years. Since 2020, alongside speech therapist Judith Labonté, she has been co-producing and co-hosting of "Je je je suis un podcast" (This this this is a podcast), the podcast of the Association bégaiement communication (ABC), a Quebec-based organization offering services and resources to adults who stutter.

Geneviève is also a doctoral candidate in speech-language pathology at the Université de Montréal, where she is conducting research on the (self-)stigmatization of people who stutter. She holds a professional master's degree in speech-language pathology and a degree in English and French translation and literature.


Transcription / Translation available here. 

Oct 30, 202201:27:59
Interview with Brian Woo

Interview with Brian Woo

Brian Woo is a Social Service Worker student, studying part-time at Durham College. He has worked with people with developmental disabilities for 12 years, and has worked in a congregate care setting for over 7 years. He has a passion for raising awareness about Mental Health and is an advocate for the Stuttering community, the Disabled community, the Neurodivergent community, and the Chronic Illness community (which includes immunocompromised people). Brian identifies as a member of each of these communities and he increases awareness through his Twitter account @StutterLoudly and his Instagram @StutteringLoudly. Brian has volunteered at the Abilities Church, DramaWay, and was a Planning Committee Member of the "Simply People" Disability Pride Celebration and the "A Million Things I Need to Say" Walk for Stuttering Awareness. Brian's early volunteer work taught him that identifying as a Disabled or Neurodivergent person is not something to be ashamed of. We all have our own gifts & talents and we all want a world that is inclusive & accessible.

Some Stutter, Luh! is working on providing transcripts of all of our episodes. We are currently working on Brian's episode and while we have some work to do, we wanted to share it with our listeners. To read along, click here. 

Oct 23, 202201:26:44
Interview with Cody Joy

Interview with Cody Joy

Cody is always seeking after that next new experience. An avid traveler, hiker, and coffee aficionado, Cody works for various non-profits, including the John Howard Society, where he offers employment services to formerly incarcerated individuals. He holds a BA in sociology and anthropology from Memorial University, and recently finished a graduate program in human resource management at McGill University. Cody is also immensely interested in politics and intends on running his own political campaign one day, where you might just hear him stutter.

Oct 16, 202201:03:17
Interview with Ashlie Khaladkar
Oct 10, 202201:10:30
Interview with Steven Hiscock

Interview with Steven Hiscock

In SSL! episode (S3:E17) Greg speaks with Steven Hiscock. Steven works with the Burgeo Broadcasting Station. Growing up in Burgeo, NL he never imagined he would become an on-camera personality. As a child Steven stuttered; so interviewing people was not a career path he envisioned at all. He was bullied and made fun of a lot. Over time Steven has learned a few tricks to help manage his stutter. Steven says that it’s all about your breathing when you talk and along with a few more tricks.

There is a great article about Steven published in SALTWIRE NL by Rosalyn Roy Posted: May 7, 2019.

Steven's community, Burgeo, was affected by last month's Hurricane Fiona. For more info, check out "Steve Hiscock from the Burgeo Broadcasting System... report[s] on the wreckage of Fiona on the ground in Burgeo." from The St. John's Morning Show from CBC Radio Nfld. and Labrador (Highlights).


Oct 02, 202244:49
Interview with Dr. Valerie Freeman
Sep 25, 202201:08:27
Interview with Caroline Bredeson and Julie Rodrigue

Interview with Caroline Bredeson and Julie Rodrigue

Caroline Bredeson recently retired from her private practice in stuttering therapy in Ottawa, Ontario and has passed the torch on to Julie Rodrigue, her former student who is herself a person who clutters. Join Greg as he speaks with Caroline and Julie about being a speech-language pathology student (and teaching them!), developing a deep understanding of stuttering and its impacts, and working as an S-LP with a fluency disorder.

Sep 18, 202201:14:09
Interview with Kim Block
Sep 11, 202201:07:09
Interview with Robert O'Brien

Interview with Robert O'Brien

After years of struggling with bullying, depression, suicide, loneliness, and anxiety, Robert was inspired to write his memoir, Just One More Drive: The true story of a stuttering homosexual and his race car. 

Help is available for suicide crisis and prevention.

Get support from a local crisis centre. There is also Talk Suicide Canada (1-833-456-4566), Kids Help Phone, the Hope for Wellness Help Line, and 1 866 APPELLE (277-3553) (Quebec residents), that all offer 24/7 support.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 9-1-1.

Sep 04, 202257:57
Interview with Tom Scharstein

Interview with Tom Scharstein

In this episode, Greg speaks with Tom Scharstein, a person who stutters and an entrepreneur from South Florida, USA. Taking full advantage of the changing times with the new dependence on virtual connection, he and a team of innovators created the World Stuttering Network (WSN) in 2020. The mission of the WSN is to create a discussion among the world's stuttering support leaders to share helpful information & best practices to provide the best help for people who stutter globally. The WSN hosts the annual 'StutterFEST!', a 24-hour celebration of the world stuttering community. Guests and organizations from around the world present on multiple virtual stages throughout the day, allowing attendees from every time zone to attend.

Tom's life journey with stuttering has included over 25 years in stuttering support, mostly as a support group leader. 3 out of his 4 household family members stutter, which makes the family dynamic very interesting, as each person stutters & deals with their stutter differently.

Lisa & Tom are avid outdoor enthusiasts, and are often found paddling around Florida on the weekends.

Aug 28, 202259:17
Interview with Susan Khaladkar

Interview with Susan Khaladkar

Interview with Susan Khaladkar

Aug 21, 202201:03:06
Interview with Nikhil Bilkha

Interview with Nikhil Bilkha

Interview with Nikhil Bilkha

Aug 14, 202256:13
Interview with Mary Wood

Interview with Mary Wood

After a short summer hiatus, we are back with Mary Wood, who, after her first interview with Greg, published her first book Beyond the Fear of Stuttering: My Journey to Self-Acceptance and Freedom.

Join Greg and Mary as they talk about the wonderful life lessons Mary shares in the book, including the powerful role of thought in controlling behaviour as well as what it takes to overcome fear and rejection. Mary challenges us to change our perspectives on how we approach stuttering (she sees it as a GIFT) and discusses her belief that it's not up to others to determine who we are. As a pastor in the Unity Church, Mary reflects on the role of spirituality in stuttering support - forgiveness and gratitude - and how there is so much more to people who stutter than simply stuttering.

Since 1993, Mary has inspired people at conferences in Canada, the United States, parts of Europe, and Great Britain. Currently Mary resides in Lee’s Summit Missouri, USA.

Aug 07, 202244:04
Interview with Jenny McGuire

Interview with Jenny McGuire

Episode Description

Jenny was recent Guest on SSL!  where she was joined by two of her colleagues from the Stuttering Scholarship Alliance, now renamed My Speech, to discus the great work that this amazing organization is doing.  My Speech is a non profit organization dedicated to providing a bridge to access for people who stutter—otherwise facing barriers of access—to achieve their fullest potential and receive effective speech therapy. During this conversation, Greg managed to get a glimpse of Jenny's lived experience as a PWS.  So, to find out more about Jenny's story Greg thought a SSL! Guest revisit was in order.  Greg was touched by the commitment and work that Jenny has placed on her self care journey to accept and embrace her stutter

About

Jenny McGuire is a person who stutters and a vociferous advocate for the stuttering community.  Jenny’s journey as a stutterer has been marked by many different speech therapy experiences. Most of these therapies taught her behaviors intended to mask her stutter–spoiler, these tricks never worked when she needed them most–but did little to address the spate of adverse cognitive and affective effects of stuttering. ARTs (avoidance reduction therapy for stuttering) with Vivian Sisskin changed the trajectory of Jenny’s life. Through ARTs group therapy Jenny learned that a distinction can be drawn between the problem of stuttering and the act of stuttering. Having some dysfluencies when she spoke was not ruining her life, but her avoidance of stuttering along with constant negative thoughts and feelings about stuttering sure were. Through hard work, doing the things she didn’t want to do, and leveraging the loving support of a wonderful group therapy community, Jenny climbed out of the darkness that is the problem of stuttering.

As Executive Director My Speech, Jenny can’t think of anything she feels more passionately about than removing barriers so that others–particularly individuals from underserved communities– may find a way out of the darkness and live full, joyful lives, stuttering and all. My Speech touches the part of her that knows that everything is more tolerable and manageable within the context of a supportive community, and she looks forward to connecting stutterers with “their people” so that they may continue to thrive in the long term.

Jun 26, 202201:05:36
Stuttering, Mental Health, and Self Care

Stuttering, Mental Health, and Self Care

Stuttering, Mental Health, and Self Care

Jun 19, 202201:06:35
Interview with Dr. Samantha Shune and Michele Vandehey

Interview with Dr. Samantha Shune and Michele Vandehey

Dr. Samantha Shune is an associate professor and the director of the Communication Disorders and Sciences Program at the University of Oregon. Prior to returning to school for her PhD and throughout her doctoral program, she worked as a speech-language pathologist across a number of healthcare settings. Her primary area of interest is dysphagia, particularly in terms of exploring the impact of disruptions to the eating and swallowing process on the individual and their family system.

 

Michele Vandehey, MS, CCC-SLP, is a clinical supervisor for graduate student clinicians at the University of Oregon in the Brain Injury and Concussion Clinic. Michele also continues to work in the medical setting, specifically acute care, and inpatient rehabilitation as a medical speech-language pathologist. She completed her coursework and thesis in dysphagia at Idaho State University. She is also the daughter of a stroke survivor who experienced severe dysphagia, and cognitive- communication deficits who she provided support to within the home and community for nearly 20 years. Her clinical and research interests primarily center on identifying dysphagia and its impact on individuals and their families, including how to foster improved functional outcomes. 

Jun 12, 202201:13:53
My Speech App (formerly Stuttering Scholarship Alliance)
Jun 05, 202201:18:36
Interview with Jessica Deluce

Interview with Jessica Deluce

Jessica Deluce completed her undergrad at Wilfrid Laurier University in Business with a specialization in Human Resources. She currently works as a Senior HR Generalist for Moffatt & Powell RONA. She will join the Smith School of Business at Queen's University MBA program in January 2023. Jessica is also a young entrepreneur and person who stutters, who seeks to establish a not for profit foundation to help raise money for people who stutter that cannot afford speech therapy. Jessica has officially applied (and paid!) for trademark status on The Well Spoken Foundation!
May 29, 202255:18
Interview with Dr. Jesse Harris

Interview with Dr. Jesse Harris

What is a linguist? We know it has something to do with languages, right? Well, Dr. Jesse Harris is one and in this episode he explains what he does. (Spoiler! His research involves experiments that track people’s eyes while they read!) As a linguist who stutters, he views stuttering as "a normal part of the speech continuum". Tune in to learn more about Jesse’s research and personal experiences at both ends of this continuum!
Dr. Jesse Harris is an associate professor at UCLA in the Department of Linguistics, and advises the UCLA Language Processing Lab. He investigates how the brain figures out meaning when engaged in communication. As a person who stutters, he’s proud to serve on the Board of Directors of My Speech, a non-profit dedicated to facilitating access to high-quality, client-centered speech therapy to people in underserved communities, as well as providing resources on disability rights for students who stutter and education for speech-language pathologists in training.
May 22, 202201:07:47
Interview with Dr. Janet Tilstra

Interview with Dr. Janet Tilstra

In this episode Greg has an exciting and informative conversation with Dr. Janet Tilstra, PhD CCC-SLP. During their conversation, they discuss Dr. Tilstra's article,  From Speech Helper to Ally. This article recognizes the need for developing a greater understanding of the psychological effects and emotions associated with communication disorders in order to encourage professionals in the field to incorporate counselling strategies in their clinical interactions. This article identifies a stuttering paradigm shift from a clinical focus to ally: a clinician changes her own perceptions of speech fluency and encourages others to re-examine theirs.

Dr. Tilstra is a speech-language pathologist and Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Disorders at St Cloud State University, St Cloud, Minnesota (USA). She completed her undergraduate and Master’s degree in speech-language pathology at the University of Iowa and PhD in educational psychology at the University of Minnesota.  Dr. Tilstra teaches undergraduate and graduate courses on stuttering, language development/disorders and research methods. She is an active clinical supervisor and passionate ally dedicated to amplifying the voices of people living with communication differences and disorders. She enjoys mentoring students, consulting with non-profit agencies, and designing innovative training models.

Enjoy their conversation.

May 15, 202201:06:28
Interview with Casey Dumaresq

Interview with Casey Dumaresq

In the first episode of season 3, Greg speaks to Casey Dumaresq about his most fluent and severe phases of stuttering, the exact moment when he felt that he had a speaking challenge for the first time, and why he was not diagnosed with a fluency disorder. He also discusses careers that a person who stutters might pursue. All this and much more! 

About Casey: Casey Dumaresq is a gay person who stutters and a Speech-Language Pathologist. Casey grew up in rural New Brunswick, and went to graduate school in Halifax. He now lives in Toronto with his husband. Casey leads a stuttering support group in downtown Toronto (currently on pause due to the Covid-19 pandemic), and previously served on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Stuttering Association. These days, Casey finds himself in a mostly-fluent phase of life, and looks forward to discussing his current place in the stuttering community.

May 08, 202201:15:11
Season 2 Finale

Season 2 Finale

Hard to believe it but we've reached our final episode of Season 2! Join the production team as they discuss new the many new projects scheduled for The Communication Collaborative. We also celebrate the 1st Anniversary of SSL!

Mar 14, 202239:04
Interview with Penny Welch-West

Interview with Penny Welch-West

Today, Greg and Katelyn are chatting with Penny Welch-West! 

Penny Welch-West is a medical Speech-Language Pathologist working at Parkwood Institute, St. Joseph's Healthcare in London, Ontario. She holds a Lecturer position with the University of Western Ontario and an Adjunct Clinical Professor position with McMaster University. Penny practices as a medical SLP in a hospital setting working in Complex and Continuing Care as well as Acquired Brain Injury, working with an adult population including young adults.She has a special interest in concussion care and specifically return to learn in the secondary and post-secondary school populations.  Throughout her clinical practice, she can most often be found advocating for cognitive-communication services. As the first medical S-LP on the show, Greg and Katelyn ask Penny broad questions about what exactly her clinical work consists of and the types of people she sees on her caseload. Penny shares her experiences as an S-LP and talks about what drew her to the medical field. Penny also explains Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) and it's place in her clinical practice. All three discuss the importance of advocacy and awareness for individuals with communication differences, whether that be a person who stutters, or an individual with an acquired language disorder or traumatic brain injury.


Music: Luca Dinu

Production Team: Katelyn Mayo, Greg O'Grady, Dr. Paul De Decker, Melanie Crane, Luca Dinu, Emily Murphy

Mar 06, 202201:13:55
Interview with Andrea Power

Interview with Andrea Power

On today’s episode, Greg and Katelyn are chatting with Andrea Power! Andrea attended the Walk/Run event in 2018 in support of NLASLPA organized by Greg and members of the stuttering community. Shortly after she quickly accepted an invitation to join the board for the newly formed NLSA.
She continues to be inspired by work of the Board and is impressed at how far the NLSA has come in the past 3 years. She is proud to be a part of this growing not for profit organization and embraces the opportunity to expand her knowledge about stuttering so that she can assist in raising awareness and acceptance of PWS!
Feb 27, 202256:37
Interview with Saran Croos

Interview with Saran Croos

On today's episode, Greg and Katelyn are speaking with Saran Croos! 

Saran is the Engineering and Computer Science Librarian at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), Fredericton. He holds an honours BA from the University of Windsor, an MPA from Queen’s University and an MLIS from Western University. Saran also has a Mechanical Engineering Technology diploma from Algonquin College and worked as a Computer Numerical Control Machinist before his career as a librarian. Saran was born in Sri Lanka, and his family immigrated to Canada in 1991. He grew up in Ottawa, Ontario and lived in many cities in Ontario before relocating to New Brunswick, where he resides currently. In addition to English, Saran also speaks Sinhalese and a bit of Tamil. Saran is a person who stutters, and he has been stuttering most of his life. Throughout the episode, Saran shares personal stories and experiences about growing up as a person who stutters. He talks about how his stuttering has changed over the years, and explains how he views stuttering in relation to his identity.


Music: Luca Dinu 

Production Team: Katelyn Mayo, Luca Dinu, Melanie Crane, Emily Murphy, Dr. Paul De Decker, Greg O'Grady

Feb 20, 202251:24