Stuttering is Cool

Episode #282: Why do we find that letting ourselves stutter more often leads to stuttering less, while trying to speak fluently seems to result in more stuttering? Join me as I explore this phenomenon with Dr. J Scott Yaruss, speech-language pathologist, researcher, and educator for more than 30 years. We also talk about the various research studies Scott has and is working on and how you may be able to participate! Links mentioned on this episode: Stuttering Therapy Resources Spartan Stuttering Laboratory The post The Stuttering Paradox appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #281: This episode is recorded live from where my stuttering comes from! My grandfather and his sisters stuttered so I like to refer to my father’s hometown in Molise, Italy as “where my stutter comes from” or “my stutter’s origin story”. In this episode, I travel to my parent’s hometowns (only 2km apart) in Italy and share with you: How this was the first time in 21 long years that I have returned but this time, I didn’t hide my stuttering… and benefitted from doing so as per usual. A ridiculous avoidance tactic I used during a visit in the 1990s. My observations of a cousin’s daughter who awesomely owned her wheelchair like a boss. A little but of info about my parents’ home towns and a few travel stories. Why I highly recommend the Molise region as a travel destination. A funny incident I had with a member of the Swiss Guard in Rome while looking for the gym where Pope Leo XVI worked out when he was a cardinal. My tip for avoiding the long, long lineup to see St. Peter’s Basilica. A few more of my travel tips in Rome. I also mention a livestream I did on Instagram showing you my father’s home town; part one where I climb up a mountain and part two where I climb down and show you the town. Please note: I originally recorded this episode while walking around the countryside in my father’s home town in Molise and later while walking in Rome. However, to my disappointment, upon my return home to Canada, I discovered a lot of wind noise showed up in my recording and drowned out my voice. I tried various ways to reduce it, even resorting to using over-promising and under-delivering AI tools, but nothing worked. So I re-recorded it only to still find wind noise making its way into this episode! At least it’s minimal. This episode is brought to you the Franky Banky shop. Fun resources for people who stutter and speech therapists. Details at frankybanky.com. All episodes of the Stuttering is Cool podcast are released under creative commons license Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives. See http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0 for more information. I am not affiliated with any of the links shared except for FrankyBanky.com. The post Where my stuttering comes from appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #280: “I grew frustrated with others defining the experience for me.” I speak with, Irmo Stijnberg, the filmmaker behind Unspoken Truth, a powerful short film that shines a light on the lived experience of stuttering in a world obsessed with fluency and speed. Unspoken Truth follows Timothy, a talented graphic designer who stutters and whose passion and skill are overshadowed by misunderstandings and a devastating false accusation. As Timothy struggles to defend himself in an HR meeting, we see the deeper reality of stuttering and the mental energy it takes to speak, the frustration of not being heard, and the heartbreak of being misjudged. The film also gives us rare access into Timothy’s thoughts as he stutters. This film isn’t just about stuttering. It’s also about injustice and resilience. And speaking of injustice, the film was also immediately disqualified from the European Film Festival Integration You and Me claiming stuttering isn’t a disability despite the fact that the festival is a European event that receives funding by the EU which recognizes stuttering as a disability and prohibits discrimination under its laws. We also dive into Irmo’s own experiences with stuttering and talk about what inspired the film and our thoughts about the abrupt disqualification. Read more about Unspoken Truth at censtudios.com. The post Unspoken Truth appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #279: Your stutter as a sidekick. In this episode, I share the story behind my new book, Draw Your Stutter, which grew out of a mind-blowing experience in 2024. It all started when I tested a new idea for a cartooning workshop. After refining it through a few virtual sessions, I finally led it in person at STAMMAFest in front of a packed room—where the impact was life-changing for both me and the participants. Draw Your Stutter is a guide to creating a cartoon character based on your stutter, inspired by these workshops. You’ll also hear from a few participants who share their powerful, real-life transformations. Since launching, I’ve already sold 20 copies within the first two days — five of them even before the official release! Now, you can experience it for yourself. Order your copy of Draw Your Stutter today! And once you’ve drawn your stutter cartoon character, consider sharing it online with the hashtag #DrawYourStutter or #DrawYourStammer. I can’t wait to see your creation! Links mentioned on this episode: Draw Your Stutter book The Stuttering is Cool Shop Episode #275 recorded at STAMMAfest Sign up for the Franky Banky Newsletter The post Draw Your Stutter appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #278: Cowboy Stuttering. I chat with Dr. John Tetnowski, Ph.D., CCC, who is the Jeanette Sias Endowed Chair in Speech Pathology at Oklahoma State University. In addition to his over 25 years of clinical experience and over 85 published research papers about fluency disorders and research methods, and being a board certified fluency specialist and an ASHA Fellow, John also organizes free events for families of children to who stutter. And they are truly life-changing. Even for the parents! Join me as I chat with John about his life-changing Cowboy Stuttering events and the Stuttering Family Day event I recently gave a cartooning workshop to the kids in Oklahoma City! We drew and presented cartoon characters of our stutter – even the fluent kids! One of them, a sibling of a boy who stutters, drew her character if she stuttered (a porcupine who would poke her with one of his quills). Mind blown! I start this episode with my review of the movie, The Day the Earth Blew Up, starring Porky Pig and Daffy Duck and how it doesn’t contain the usual stuttering stereotypes. Links mentioned on this episode: Stuttering at Oklahoma State University Home Page Let’s draw our stammer! online workshop for STAMMA taking place on April 15, 2025 The post Changing the lives of children who stutter through community appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #277: Two stutterers walk into a podcast… I chat with stand-up comedian Aidan Greene about his upcoming film, Stutterbug, the first film since 1937 to feature a stuttering actor playing a stuttering character. Stutterbug follows a man with a stutter, played by Aidan, who goes to extreme lengths to hide his speech, leading to a series of hilarious misadventures…at his expense. All Aidan wants is a cup of coffee, but his efforts to conceal his stutter cause him to accidentally curse out a charity worker, sabotage his chances with his college crush, Jess, by insulting her stuttering brother Sean, and—perhaps worst of all—end up with a mocha instead of an americano. The film is currently crowdfunding, and you can help bring it to life! Aidan and I also dive into his stuttering journey, how he got into comedy, and his experiences performing at major Irish comedy festivals. A regular headliner in clubs across Ireland, Aidan’s shows has played to sold-out crowds and he supported some of Ireland’s top comedians. Aidan’s jokes are laugh-out-loud hilarious. Be sure to check out his comedy on his website and socials! Please note that this episode has some curse words including the f-bomb. Links mentioned on this episode: Aidan Greene’s website Aidan Greene’s YouTube channel The post Comedy, coffee, and hilarity with Aidan Greene appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Photo credit: Lisa Hollingsworth Episode 276: Stuttering is more complicated than just choosing fluency or acceptance. The current way the acceptance movement is being presented is “it’s ok to stutter… as long as you’re only embracing it”, however, this is not saying it’s ok to stutter in general – which is what the acceptance movement was initially about. Because it is ok to stutter and not want to be prideful about it. Meanwhile, the fluency camp continues to present fluency as either the only option or as a cure (misinformation much?) and not as a choice or a way to cope, but as a way out. Unfortunately, this preys on vulnerable people trying to seek freedom from their stutter (scam cures much?). Presenting fluency or embracing your stuttering as the only way just isn’t helping anyone who asks you for help or advice. Whether you’re a speech-language pathologist, or fellow stutterer on social media. Join me as I chat about this topic with Nicole Kulmaczewski, CCC-SLP, at the recent Canadian Stuttering Conference, a bilingual joint conference organized by the Canadian Stuttering Association and Association bégaiement communication in Montréal, Québec, Canada from November 8 to 10, 2024. I also participated in the talent show which took place during the Saturday night banquet. I read and described one of my Franky Banky comics in both English and French! Links mentioned in this episode: Franky Banky SLP Resources on Teachers Pay Teachers The Stuttering is Cool Shop Association bégaiement communication Canadian Stuttering Association Correction notice: Nicole meant to say “prominent stutter” instead of “profound stutter” at around the 16:30 mark. Static sound effect from Pixabay. The post There is room for fluency in acceptance and vice versa appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Photo taken with permission of the group Episode #275: My first time attending STAMAMFest and going to the UK! Join me as I chat with new and old friends at my very first STAMMFest which took place in Nottingham from August 15 to 18. It was also the first time I gave a new version of my cartooning workshop where attendees draw cartoon characters of their stutter, I mean, stammer, as they say in the U.K. (hey that rhymed). To my surprise, the room was packed! And even better, everyone seemed to have enjoyed the activity. On this episode, a few of those who attended share their experiences from drawing cartoon characters of their own stuttering. And for the most part, I’m blown away by what they all drew! I then take you along with me for a bit of a soundseeing tour in London as I try to make my way from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square — and lose my way a few times — as I reflect on STAMMAFest while stumbling upon various statues and landmarks. (0:00) Introduction and I describe the latest Franky Banky comic strip, Love At First Flight. (6:59) Marc tells me about the recent ERASMUS+ Youth Exchange in The Netherlands, co-founding Stamily, and his Stammafest highlights. (13:35) Volunteer and co-organizer, Anne-Marie, talks about how running the kids sports session for Family Day and what makes her come back to Stammafest. (16:20) Sophie shares the cartoon character she created based on her stammer. (18:27) A multi-disciplinary artist shares how she combines science and art to teach people about language and communication. She also shares the cartoon character she drew of her stutter. (22:25) Fellow first timer and previous Stuttering is Cool guest, Cynthia, being nervous while giving her session and Tam returns to STAMMAFest after a short sabbatical. (28:06) Bill shares how he enjoys trying new activities to explore his speech such as art and poetry. He also shares how drawing his stutter as a cartoon character made him stop and think. (31:53) Amanda shares her Dr. Seuss-esque cartoon and accompanying rhyming description that turned into a poem. She also talks about the benefits of creative activity at stuttering conferences. (36:22) I’m in London. My opinion on why STAMMAFest did a great job at including both fluency and acceptance camps. (45:36) My cartooning workshop and the surprising large amount of people who attended! Around 50 people attended. My largest turnout ever! (48:56) I realize I haven’t introduced myself to new listeners. (51:25) The diverse cartoon characters people who attended my session created based on their stuttering (1:00:33) Outro Links mentioned on today’s episode: STAMMAFest Stamma Stamily FrankyBanky.com Canadian Stuttering Association and l’Association bégaiement communication joint conference Connecting Voices/Connecter les voix from November 8 to 10, 2024. P.S. You know those iconic red phone booths all over the U.K.? Well, there was one near the STAMMAFest event that was converted into a book exchange. So I left two copies of my books in it! View this post on Instagram A post shared by Franky Banky, a stuttering fox (@heyfrankybanky) Transcription available upon request. The post Drawing your stutter as a cartoon character appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #274: Ever wish there was a manual for stuttering? There is one now! Stuttering is Beautiful is a free online manual for young people who stutter created by people who stutter (PWS) from all over Europe, in particular Italy, Estonia, The Netherlands, Iceland, and Finland, and professionals working with PWS. The manual provides evidence-based information about stuttering and explores the many ways to manage it with a neutral point of view from speech therapy to acceptance and exploring stigma, self-advocacy, and the medical and social models of disability. There is also a free Stuttering is Beautiful manual for people who work with youth who stutter, such as social workers, teachers, and parents (and adult educators, too!). This manual offers youth workers who want to learn more about working with and provide support to young people who stutter. While there are already many handbooks on youth work, this may very well be the first time a handbook specifically covered the topic of stuttering. On this episode, I cross time zones and continents (well, virtually) and chat with the creators of these manuals, a collaboration between stuttering associations across Europe. Links mentioned on this episode: Manual for Young People Who Stutter Manual for Youth Workers The above two manuals available in many languages Stamily Just Stutter Franky Banky Málbjörg (Icelandic Stuttering Association) Finlands Stammarförening (Association of the Finnish Stutterers) Eesti Kogelejate Ühing (The Estonian Association of People Who Stutter) Associazione Italiana Balbuzie e Comunicazione APS (Italian Stuttering Association) Demosthenes (Dutch Stuttering Association) The post Stuttering is beautiful appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #273: Ski-ba-bop-ba-dop-bop! You know that song! And I’m sure it’s now playing in your head and no doubt putting a smile to your face. On this episode, I chat with Gina Waggot, personal friend of Scatman John, also known as John Paul Larkin, who shot to fame in the mid-1990s with huge hits – and much welcomed earworms for me – such as Scatman, Everybody Jam!, and Scatman’s World. Scatman also stuttered and talked about it in his debut single, Scatman. This touched fellow PWS, Gina Wag, who was in high school school at the time and dealing with her speech difference. One day, Gina gave contacting Scatman a try and to her surprise, the busy international superstar did! Gina is currently writing on Scatman’s official biography. Listen as Gina shares a bit about Scatman’s life, the resurgence of interest in his music, and her friendship with this man who set out to create uplifting music for everyone. Links mentioned on this episode: Scatman John website Scatman John official Instagram account Scatman John YouTube channel Scatman John’s Facebook page Listen to Scatman John on Spotify Who’s The Scatman? German graphic novel by Jeff Chi The post Scatman’s World appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #272: Stuttering is one of the most important things you can do – because fluency is a trap. A friend recently shared with me that she believes acceptance must come first in order to get rid of the fear of stuttering. Only after that can you work on your speech, if you want to. Or work on your self-esteem caused by a lifetime of society’s stigma towards your speech. Or work on your social skills, public speaking, etc. I share my friend’s perspective. Working on eliminating your fear of stuttering first means you will no longer be afraid stuttering and evolve any way you want or just be who you are. There is no one way. Just… my way that works for me. In other words, fluency is a trap because it will make you avoid speaking so you can avoid stuttering. You’re going to switch words, avoid talking, and create one avoidance behaviour after another. Thus, one of the first steps you need to take is to be willing to stutter. That is the advice given on this episode by my guest, Larry Stein, author of the book, Free To Speak, which chronicles his stuttering memoirs. All it takes is one small step out of your comfort zone every time. You cannot become a bodybuilder if you don’t lift a weight. And when you start lifting weights, you don’t start lifting 700 pounds from day one. You have to build it up slowly from a weight you can handle even if it’s 1 pound. As I’ve said numerous times on my show, “no victory too small!” and “you can still be an effective communicator regardless of stuttering”. And don’t compare yourself to anybody else no matter how fluent they are. Links mentioned on this episode: Stein on Stuttering The Fluency Trap (part 1) – Stuttering is Cool epsiode #271 2023 International Stuttering Awareness Day online conference. The theme this year was One Size Does NOT Fit All. The post The Fluency Trap (part 2) appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #271: Being told how to speak just won’t go away will it? I chat with Danra Kazenski, a speech-language pathologist… or is that speech therapist? Well, she helps clients who stutter to manage their stuttering and communicate the way they want to. We start our conversation about narrative therapy and how Danra uses comics in her speech therapy practice then she interviews me about my stuttering journey and Franky Banky’s origin story. This inevitably leads us to the neverending fluency vs. acceptance debate that seems to have become really explosive lately along with the term “speech-language pathologist”. Links mentioned on this episode: Vermont Stuttering Therapy – the Normalize Stuttering Shop! Curiosity Filled The Cat – the Franky Banky comic book you help draw! Stuttering is Cool shop – Franky Banky books and stuttering awareness pins on Etsy Franky Banky books on Amazon Franky Branky SLP Guides on Teachers Pay Teachers ASHA Conference from a PWS perspective: the education gap – Stuttering is Cool podcast episode #270 The post The Fluency Trap appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #270: I attended my first American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Conference! Join me as I chat with a few friends I met at the incredibly gigantic ASHA Conference 2023 which took place in the beautiful city of Boston. I helped out at the withVR booth run by owner and friend, Gareth Walkom, who also happens to be a previous guest on my podcast, attended an NSA Boston Chapter meet up, then the first Stamily meet up in North America, and I ate lots of lobster and clam chowder. Though I had a lot of fun seeing the booths, the incredible technology in the field, and meeting new friends, I also share two stories of experiencing first-hand the education gap when it comes to stuttering treatment that I’ve always heard about. Links mentioned on this episode: TranscendingX Details about Stuttering Therapy: A Conversation on What We Do and Why We Do It one-hour seminar presented by Christopher Constantino and Sara MacIntyre The post ASHA Conference from a PWS perspective: the education gap appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #269: Choose your own speaking adventure! Join me at the Canadian Stuttering Association Annual Conference which took place in Ottawa this year. I chat with old and new friends about a variety of topics including trying new things outside of your comfort zone, forming a stuttering community across rural areas, my cartooning workshops, and more.But first, some grocery shopping! Links mentioned on this episode: Canadian Stuttering Association HeyFrankyBanky on Instagram Franky Banky and Stuttering is Cool Facebook page The post Conversations at a stuttering conference appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #268: Painting in front of a studio audience… and the entire country! I chat with portrait artist, Paul Aston, who recently participated in Portrait Artist of the Year, a television competition with portrait artists from all around the United Kingdom, as a way to step out of his comfort zone and spread stuttering awareness. Paul then stepped out of his comfort zone again and was interviewed live on the radio. Join us as we talk about Paul’s art, his Portraits of People Stammering series, his experiences being on TV and radio, and his questions about… my art! Links mentioned in this episode: Paul’s website paulastonpainter on Instagram Franky Banky Teachers Pay Teachers Shop The post Portraits for stuttering awareness appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #267: Hello, my name is… point to the name tag. That was a scenario someone had recently proposed in a stuttering forum. The poster was worried about stuttering on his name when meeting new colleagues. He pondered the use of a name tag. Responses to his question varied from agreement to enabling avoidance. As the creator of a podcast named “Stuttering is Cool”, you can accurately guess which side of the argument I sit on Join me on a walk as I share my thoughts on this tactic along with the consequences of all our decisions, both positive and negative. Transcript available upon request. The post Should I wear a name tag? appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #266: The most adorable reviews ever! Hear from two children, one who stutters and one who doesn’t, and their review of my new book, Tales of Mischief, Mayhem and Mirth. We also hear from their parents. What do the four think of my book? Listen in and find out! The post Kids review Franky Banky’s graphic novel appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #265: Introducing Franky Banky’s new book, Tales of Mischief, Mayhem and Mirth. And an audio review! Links mentioned on this episode: Details about the new book Buy the book on Amazon Buy the book on Etsy Epic book launch post on Instagram STAMMA contest Every Friday the 13th is Stuttering is Cool Day comic The Great Name Search comic Subscribe to the Stuttering is Cool monthly newsletter. The post Franky Banky’s interactive graphic novel appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #263: Listen to highlights from the Canadian Stuttering Association two-day conference – first time in person since the pandemic began! Join me as I hike through Niagara Gorge (and almost get lost), run into people as I check into my hotel room, meet some new friends at the Hard Rock Club, and join everyone for a group photo as the falls are lit up in sea foam green for International Stuttering Awareness Day – and we bewilder passersby! I took this photo during my hike. This reminded me a lot of a famous painting by the Group of Seven. Niagara Falls by day. Niagara Falls lit up in stuttering awareness colours by night on October 23, 2022. Poutine in a fancy glass Franky Banky poking his head from behind the book table. Look, it’s Nina G beside him signing autographs! I sculpted a Franky Banky out of Play Dough for the popsicle stick swing set during my workshop for children. One of the children drew Franky Banky with drip painting! We were also treated to a performance by fellow PWS, Francy Goudreault, of Hello Kelly during the Saturday night banquet. His song, “The Communication Breakdown” which is an excellent reflection on the stuttering experience. The post Sea Green at Niagara Falls appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #262: I chat with comic book artist, Jean-Sébastien Bérubé, about his experience with stuttering openly in the media after drawing two autobiographical comic books that mention his stuttering; Comment je ne suis pas devenu moine (How I Didn’t Become a Monk) and Vers la tempête (Towards The Storm), both published by Futuropolis. The result created a very powerful transformation and a boost of confidence for Jean-Sébastien. A topic I talk about a lot on my podcast. What I like about these two books is they aren’t exclusively about stuttering, which is usually the case in across the entertainment world such as the movie, The King’s Speech. Being autobiographical, the protagonist in Jean-Sébastien’s books lives a life of ups and downs and with worries and drama like all of us – the protagonist just happens to speak with a stutter. A goal I have with my own Franky Banky comics. Links mentioned on this episode: International Stuttering Association Online ConferenceExcerpt of my video chat with Jean-SébastienFranky Banky comicsFranky Banky comics in SpanishStuttering is Cool shopSign up for my newsletter! This episode is brought to you by my book, Stuttering is Cool: A Guide to Stuttering in a Fast-Talking World. Packed with tips, stories, encouragement and comics for building up your comfort in stuttering openly and reaping the benefits of doing so! Buy your copy now! The post Drawn and heard appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #261: I hope you’re having a great start to the new year. I’ve been busy drawing my next Franky Banky book which I will provide a read-along preview on this episode! Then I’m joined by what must have been 400 geese. This episode is brought to you by the Stuttering is Cool shop and FrankyBanky.com. Let’s connect on Instagram at @heyfrankybanky. The post New book progress and 400 geese appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Art by Willemijn Bolks Episode #260: Snow report. Join me on my walk as I give you an update on what I’ve been up to the past six months including the new Franky Banky book I’ve begun working on, new products in my shop, cartooning workshops I’ve given, being interviewed on CNN, the passing of Lynne Mackie a stuttering shining star, the tight Stamily community, and lots more. Links mentioned on this episode: Remembering Lynne MackieLynne was big on theatre and the arts. A scholarship fund supporting young people who stutter in arts and theatre was set up in Lynne’s honour. Please donate!Stamily My interview on CNN Prima I was also among four people with a variety of differences featured in an art video project by University student and future medical illustrator, Simone Noelle. Podcast cover artwork by Willemijn Bolks. The post Second half of 2021 appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #259 – Who knew accepting your stuttering can be controversial? For some, like myself, accepting one’s own stuttering is the definition of empowerment, freeing one from worrying about stuttering, and opening up many opportunities in all facets of life. For others, it’s the definition of… giving up and defeat? You can understand why I’ve always had a hard time understanding the latter. After all, I produce a podcast named Stuttering is Cool! Join me and a few of my friends from around the world where they teach me that acceptance can mean different things to each individual. This episode begins with an engaging chat with Angélica Bernabé, from Centro Especializado en Tartamudez in Peru, who recently gave a presentation about stuttering acceptance to speech-language pathologists. The post The misunderstood definition of acceptance appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #258: I speak with Ari Waldman, co-funder of Pathway With Stuttering, an initiative that takes a unique approach to supporting people who stutter. Learn about Ari’s journey from covert stutterer to overt stutterer working in commercial real estate sales and how Pathway With Stuttering uses a wholistic approach that not only covers stuttering via Schneider’s Speech’s free Transcending Stuttering (I drew cartoons for the workbook!), but also other aspects of life including health, religion, professional networking, and more! The post A work in progress appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #257: I chat with Sherrika Meyer, author of the Lil Herbie series of books for children, about her experiences growing up with stuttering and how she came to create the Lil Herbie series. However, Sherrika is not just an author, she is also the founder of Every 1 Voice Matters which breaks down communicative, social, and cultural barriers to teach kids to live their best lives through community events, school assemblies, and even a pop up Santa!. Sherrika is an unstoppable dynamo and a great example that you can live a very successful life even when you stutter! I also give a quick update on the Joint World Congress on Stuttering and Cluttering taking place on May 27 to 30, 2022. The post Bringing awareness and diversity for children appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #256: Recorded live during the StutterFest 2021, Stephanie Lebsack joins me in sharing some of the comics her SLP students drew depicting their understanding of what “overcoming” stuttering means. Note the quotes as I’m not referring to achieving fluency or being “fixed” (there are those quotes again). Stephanie’s philosophy for speech therapy is “it’s their stutter, not mine”. In other words, the client’s needs and wants are the focus of their speech pathology journey to let them feel listened to. If you’re an SLP or an SLP student, you won’t want to miss this! Fun fact – this episode as recorded live during the 20-hour StutterFest 2021 virtual celebration of the global stuttering community organized by the World Stuttering Network. The post It’s their stutter, not mine appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #255: I want you to hear me even if I stutter. Those are the words of Ciarra McFarland, self-proclaimed student of life, my guest on this episode. I recently met Ciarra in a stuttering room on Clubhouse where a woman mentioned how she doesn’t talk around certain people because of her stutter. Ciarra encouraged her by saying that our voice has value no matter what. I just had to have Ciarra on my show! Links mentioned on this episode: Ciarra’s Instagram accountWhat if King George VI gave his radio speech today?Franky Banky’s Instagram accountFranky Banky’s TikTok account The post Your voice has value no matter what appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #254: I chat with Rutger Wilhelm, author of Too Fast For Words: How discovering that I don’t stutter but clutter changed my life. Rutger had recently discovered that his lifelong understanding of the way he talked wasn’t stuttering after all but cluttering. While people who stutter know what they want to say but struggle to get their words out, people who clutter struggle with formulating what they want to say. While stuttering deals with speech mechanics, cluttering deals with the planning of language. Rutger and I talk about the remarkable inverse differences between living with cluttering and stuttering. Links mentioned on this episode: Too Fast For WordsJoint World Congress on Stuttering and Cluttering This episode is brought to you by my book, Stuttering is Cool: A Guide to Stuttering in a Fast-Talking World. Filled with practical tips – and Franky Banky comics! – in reducing your fears of stuttering and achieving all your goals regardless of, if you pardon the expression, fluency. Buy your copy now! The post Too fast for words appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #253: “You’re going to have to wait for all my brilliant ideas!” That’s one of the many catch phrases of Nina G, a comedian who stutters and my returning guest on this episode. Recorded live during the Canadian Stuttering Association virtual conference, I ask Nina G about her book, Stutterer Interrupted: The Making of a Stuttering Stand Up Comedian, growing up with stuttering, dyslexia, earning her PhD, the rich history of the disability rights movement and our part in continuing its progress, and – as it had only been an hour prior to going live that the world got the news that fellow stutterer Joe Biden had been declared president of the United States – Nina’s thoughts on having a president who stutters. Nina G is Northern California’s only female stuttering stand-up comedian and part of the Comedians with Disabilities Act. She is also a disability activist, storyteller, children’s book author and educator. She uses humour to help people understand and confront issues such as disability, advocacy, and helping audiences move toward a more accessible society. The post Disability awareness with a punch(line) appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #252: Wether you want to get rid of your stuttering or not, this one’s for you! Patrick Campbell, co-editor of the Stammering Pride and Prejudice book, and Grant Meredith, lecturer from Federation University, join me in a thought provoking conversation about acceptance, the stuttering pride movement, diversity, stuttering openly for awareness, and much more. Our main consensus is we all can seize the opportunity for our different camps of stuttering thought – from negative outlooks, to acceptance, to fluency, to stuttering pride – to join together for the common cause of stuttering awareness. Links mentioned on this episode: Stammering Pride and Prejudice book UK retailer, US retailerAustralian Speak Easy Association Virtual Conference taking place October 24 to 25, 2020 The Indian Stammering Association virtual conference October 1 to 5, 2020 This episode is brought to you by my book, Stuttering is Cool: A Guide to Stuttering in a Fast-Talking World. Filled with practical tips – and Franky Banky comics! – in reducing your fears of stuttering and achieving all your goals regardless of, if you pardon the expression, fluency. Buy your copy now! The post Our common cause for stuttering awareness appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #251: I chat with Cynthia Dacillo, an SLP living in Peru who treats people who stutter and their families. On this episode, Cynthia and I chat about how she uses my Franky Banky comics in therapy sessions and about the stuttering community in Peru and across South America and the Spanish-speaking world. Cynthia had interviewed me for her video series earlier this summer so I thought it would be great to get to know the person behind the interviewer! Links mentioned on this episode: Esp. Cynthia Dacillo Facebook page This episode is brought to you by my book, Stuttering is Cool: A Guide to Stuttering in a Fast-Talking World. Filled with practical tips – and Franky Banky comics! – in reducing your fears of stuttering and achieving all your goals regardless of, if you pardon the expression, fluency. Buy your copy now! The post Stuttering en español appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #250: GASP! Fluency! How did a word that’s used in universities, science, speech-language pathology circles, to describe stuttering, cluttering, and other communication – if you pardon the expression – disorders (GASP!) grow to become a traumatic word to some? Hint: from well-meaning people throughout our lives punishing us for not speaking fluently, or speech language pathologists focussing solely on getting rid of the stutter and not on the experience and mental well-being of the whole person. Join me as I chat about this with Jean-François Leblanc and Stephanie Lebsack who are part of the organizing team of the Joint World Congress on Stuttering and Cluttering, or JWCSC for short, which is scheduled to take place in Montreal, Canada from July 22 to 25, 2021 May 27 to 30, 2022 (full disclosure – I’m on the organizing team as well). The JWCSC aims to be a game changer bringing together academics, researchers, speech language pathologists, people who clutter, and people who stutter to collaborate in creating a better world for people who clutter and stutter. A world that understands what we go through. A world where we are researched with and not researched at. Earlier this year, we had announced a new name for the congress which became the JWCSC. A name that replaced the word “fluency” with the more people-first, “stuttering and cluttering”. The original name was not received very well. On one hand, “fluency” is a long-used clinical, industry term. On the other hand, it’s a harsh, deeply scarred memory of being forced to speak “properly” and dare not to be caught stuttering. It can also imply that stuttering and cluttering is wrong. A case of PC language? Not quite. “The word fluency in the SLP world is oftentimes used as a title”, Stephanie shares. Stephanie is an SLP with a big heart for people who stutter an clutter. “This is a term that’s used for when I look up ‘fluency’ I can find courses to take to further my specialization. People who stutter who do have a problem with the term were saying ‘however, we’re traumatized by this term’ and stuttering is a personal experience. We can’t dismiss that. And so we have to learn in this conversation to all respect our personal as we move forward.” “People who were always encouraged to be fluent – and that word fluency strikes a ring to them and trauma response. Fluent, fluent, fluent, fluent [‘Why are you still stuttering, why aren’t you using your speech tools, stop talking like that.’].” However, some people who stutter have no problem with fluency. “If someone strives for greater fluency because it’s hard for them to speak, and if speech therapy makes their life easier and they’re aiming for more fluency, I cannot blame them and I cannot judge them”, shares Jean-François, a person who stutters. “And I totally agree with Stephanie that the role of the speech language pathologist is to adapt to each and every client and offer the different options and then let the client choose or decide what he or she wants to do to make her life better and easier.” “If it’s greater fluency because for that person it’s really hard to go to the grocery store and ask where are the cereals or bread and so forth, will probably still stutter but will make her speech easier. So that’s why when I say that fluency word has become radioactive, I myself cannot judge someone who wants to be more fluent.” Jean-François adds as a side note: “Personally, I have much more of a problem with the word ‘overcoming’ than ‘fluency’ because when mainstream media uses that term, the general public thinks ‘OK he has overcome his stuttering so that person does not stutter anymore.’ So it’s misused. And I don’t like when mainstream media uses that term because the public will understand something different than the actual situation and I think we should work with the media to say be careful with that term.” We are planning to further explore the use of the term fluency, client choice, and the space in between the medical and social models of disabilities at the JWCSC congress. Oh, Stephanie, Jean-François, and I also talk about the colours behind the JWCSC logo! Links mentioned on this episode: JWCSC Facebook GroupJWCSC on Instagram JWCSC on Twitter What are your thoughts on the word fluency? I hope to see you in Montreal, pandemic-willing. P.S. Views expressed by myself and my fellow co-organizers on this episode do not necessarily reflect those of the International Cluttering Association, International Fluency Association, International Stuttering Association, Association bégaiement communication, and Canadian Stuttering Association partnering to put on the JWCSC. This episode is brought to you by my book, Stuttering is Cool: A Gui

Episode #249: Stammer but with love. That is the motto of The Indian Stammering Association, or TISA for short. TISA’s Bhupendra Singh Rathore and Dhruv Gupta had interviewed me in a video entitled, The Story Behind the Comic, to talk about my stuttering journey and Franky Banky comics. They kindly gave me permission to include the audio from our chat for this episode. But first, it’s my turn to interview Bhupendra and Dhruv! Get to know the people behind the interview, their involvement in TISA, the story behind their motto, and the really creative activities TISA has been doing over the years (my favourite being The People Who Buffer show). Links mentioned on today’s episode: The Indian Stammering AssociationThe Indian Stammering Association – Massive Open Online CourseThe Hakla Hakla Song (video)What if the 99% of the world stammers/stutters? (video)The Story Behind the Comic The post Getting to know TISA appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #248: Be a fly on the wall as I chat with Annie Bradberry, board member of the National Stuttering Association (NSA), Stutter Social host, and a long list of other activities she does for the global stuttering community the day after the NSA@Home Conference which took place online from July 7 to 10, 2020. Despite a collective disappointment across organizers, veteran attendees, and first timers that the covid-19 pandemic kept us all from coming together to the legendary NSA conference in person (and near the beach in California!), the virtual conference received over 1500 registrations with 800 being first timers. Many had participated from all around the world. That was an increase of 50% from the usual numbers at their in-person conference. And best of all, the joyful vibe of the in-person conference was present throughout. Annie and I chat about our favourite moments during the conference, the cartooning workshop I hosted for kids (and big kids), a bit of the behind the scenes, and how not even a pandemic can keep the global stuttering community from getting together. The post NSA@Home Conference recap appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

A new podcast about stuttering that has nothing to do with stuttering! A group of people gather around a table every month and chat nonsense. Some of those people stutter. It’s a very clever way to raise stuttering awareness while having a good laugh. That podcast, Oh and on that note…, is produced in association with the Scottish Stammering Network providing a platform for people who stutter (or as they say in Scotland and other parts of the world, stammer) to have their voices heard and an opportunity for people who have had little exposure to stuttering to begin to hear what is being said, not how it’s being said. On this episode, I chat with regulars, Tom Costelloe, John McIntosh, and Christina Parker about the formation of their podcast and in true Oh and on that note fashion, a lot of nonsense! The post We just happen to stammer appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #246: What you say is important, not how you say. I chat with French filmmaker Melissa Bronsart, creator of the documentary, L’Êloquence du bégiament, also known as The Eloquence of Stuttering. Created in partnership with the Association Parole Bégaiement (the stuttering association in France), Mélissa takes us along the journey of people who stutter as they prepare and compete in a national speech contest which made headlines in the French media. Joining our conversation is Mounah Bizri, co-creator of this unique speech contest for people who stutter. Melissa, Mounah, and I chat about the contest, their respective stuttering experiences, and how stuttering shouldn’t hold you back. Melissa’s film is also available with English subtitles as a sneak preview for listeners! Go to https://vimeo.com/408031979 and type in the password “luckystar” (without the quotes). This password expires on June 2, 2020. This episode is brought to you by my book, Stuttering is Cool: A Guide to Stuttering in a Fast-Talking World. Packed with tips, stories, encouragement and comics for fearless stuttering and joy. The post The Eloquence of Stuttering appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #245: Instachat! Being cooped up in isolation to help fight the spread of covid-19 opened up opportunties for me to try new things. Such as live streaming on Instagram. Near the end of March, I chatted with artist Willemjin, who runs the @juststutter Instagram account full of comics she drew based on her everyday stuttering experiences. We talk about her art, covid lockdown, and… stuttering! The post Instachat with Just Stutter appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

The song Franky Banky sings as he washes his hands for 20 seconds. Episode #244: Keep your distance. Wash Your Hands. Don’t touch your face. And keep in touch over the Internet. We’re in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic with many countries in lockdown and people staying inside in doing their part for preventing the spread of the virus that has circled the globe like wildfire and caused over 118,000 deaths. Anxiety and uncertainty is everywhere along with isolation from our friends and family as we stay indoors in order to flatten the curve and save lives. I asked a few of my friends to join me on this episode to help ease the sense of isolation for ourselves and you! Hear how the pandemic has affected us, our speech, and some unexpected blessings that arose. You will hear from John Gomez, creator of the multi-award winning When I Stutter documentary, Geneviève Lamoureux, translator of my book in French, Myriam Fauteux, co-vice-president of the Association Bégaiement Communication (ABC), David Alpuche, photographer and winner of the 2017 National Stuttering Association (NSA) chapter leader of the year, and Kevin Chambers, winner of the 2018 NSA chapter leader of the year and current Regional Chapter Coordinator for the Eastern United States. The post We will get through this together appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #243: How do you engage child clients? Be a clown! I chat with Erik X. Raj, Ph.D. CCC-SLP, stuttering researcher, app maker, rock star, podcaster – is there anything he doesn’t do? – about being a “clownician”. From playing Fortnite or Minecraft, to using his apps to make funny photos or activity sheets where the child is the star, Erik shares his methods of using humour to engage child timid or uninterested clients who don’t want speech therapy in the first place. If you’re an SLP having difficulty engaging child and teenage clients, this one is for you! Links mentioned on this episode: kimsanzoslp, inventor of the term “clownician”erikxraj.comSLP Trivia FunErik’s apps This episode has been brought to you by my book, Stuttering is Cool: A Guide to Stuttering in a Fast-Talking World. I share my experiences with stuttering and tips on how to live the life you want in spite of stuttering. It’s a book full of humour and my comics starring Franky Banky, a fox who stutters. Sounds used on this episode: 80s riff by ModulationStationWinner Bell Game Show by OldedgarApplause Two by Littleboot The post Being a clownician appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #242: Difference not defect. All about the book that challenges the stereotype that stuttering is bad instead of a way of speaking that is different, valuable, and respected. Stammering Pride and Prejudice: Difference not Defect features a variety of voices and opinions on stuttering from a social model perspective through 22 essays written for people who stutter, the general public, and professionals. Following up from episode 241 where I chat with one of the book’s authors about the impact of shame on children who stutter, I chat with editors Patrick Campbell, Christopher Constantino, and Sam Simpson on the mission of the book, their respective articles, the paradox of speech therapy, stigma, the benefits of sharing your vulnerability while stuttering, and more. You can purchase your copy of the book at J&R Press and Stuttering Therapy Resources. The book also has a Facebook page! The post Stammering Pride and Prejudice appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #241: If you are a parent of a child or teen who stutters, you’ll definitely want to listen! On this episode, I’ll be chatting with Dori Holte, mother of a young adult who has stuttered since he was a toddler. She is also the author of the book “Voice Unearthed — Hope, Help, and a Wake-Up-Call for the Parents of Children Who Stutter”. That title pretty much sums up this episode! Dori’s son, Eli, was a chatty toddler who soon grew silent not because he stuttered, but because of the overwhelming shame he felt around his stutter. The shame came from the constant judgement towards his speech even when others were not intending to judge. Dori noticed that despite Eli successfully using speech tools during therapy sessions, this only increased expectations of fluency and her son’s anxiety around talking outside of therapy. One of Dori’s key learnings is the importance of speech therapy focusing on educating the parent and not to drop everything and zero-in with eye contact every time their child speaks. Instead, Dori recommends to create opportunities for the child where they are in charge, can pursue their passions, and most importantly, speak without fear of judgement. If you are a parent who has been struggling with knowing what to do about your child’s speech, this episode is for you! Links mentioned on today’s episode: Dori’s book, Voice Unearthed — Hope, Help, and a Wake-Up-Call for the Parents of Children Who StutterDori’s website Voice UnearthedVoice Unearthed Facebook group for parents The book, Stammering Pride and Prejudice: Difference Not Defect This episode is brought to you by my book, Stuttering is Cool: A Guide to Stuttering in a Fast-Talking World. Packed with tips, stories, encouragement and comics for fearless stuttering and joy. The post Impact of shame on children who stutter appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #240: We are staaaaaaaaaamily! Stamily is a new, multi-platform network of people who stutter all around the world. Get instant access to a supportive community no matter where you are. Join me as I speak with a few active regulars in the Stamily community. A few? Hear from Willemjin Bolks, Jurjen de Jong, Vinnie De Craim, Marc van Krakinger, Satu Nygren, and Natalie Park across a number of time zones (isn’t technology awesome?) as we discuss their respective stuttering histories, the formation and mission of Stamily, and most importantly, how YOU can participate in this growing worldwide community of people who stutter just like you! Learn more about this exciting community at stamily.org. The post Stamily appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #239: “We can do this. We are strong. We are in this together.” Those are the encouraging words from a listener who stutters in Kenya who submitted audio for this episode! I also cover what me and Franky Banky have been up to since October, I give a quick review of the Canadian Stuttering Association‘s one-day conference, and… drink a glass of water. Links mentioned on this epsiode: Sign up for the Stuttering is Cool newsletter and get first dibs on Franky Banky merchandise sneak peeksFranky Banky comic I drew for the Your Voice section of the STAMMA websiteFour Ways to Kick Stuttering Butt videoHand-drawn comic strip limited edition of my book with free shipping! This episode is brought to you by my book, Stuttering is Cool: A Guide to Stuttering in a Fast-Talking World. Packed with tips, stories, encouragement and comics for fearless stuttering and joy. The post We are in this together appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #238: I’m back in Montreal for the Association bégaiement communication (ABC) annual conference! It’s a very special conference for me as it was also the launch of the French version of my book, Stuttering is Cool: A Guide to Stuttering in a Fast-Talking World! Join me in my conversations with: Claire Norman, founder and director of of Stammerers Through University Consultancy (S.T.U.C.) who flew in from the U.K. to give her keynote about growing up stuttering and founding S.T.U.C.;Caroline Bredeson, an SLP who is quite active with her work at the University of Ottawa including working with people who stutter and, at the Official Languages and Bilingualism Institute (OLBI), motivating people to speak their second language and her briliant “Linguistic Risk-Taking Passport” and its stuttering edition; Audrey Bigras and her workshop about the myths and misinformation about stuttering over the media and Internet (“fake news”); andGenviève Lamoureux and her experiences with covert stuttering in university, becoming a translator, translating my book, and meeting her boyfriend, Daniel Aubé, who joins us to share his experiences of being a lawyer who stutters. And then I get lost trying to find the train station on my way back home to Toronto! Information about ordering Bégayer, c’est cool : conseils pour survivre dans un monde pressé, the French version of my book, is available on the ABC website. This episode is brought to you by my book, Stuttering is Cool: A Guide to Stuttering in a Fast-Talking World. Packed with tips, stories, encouragement and comics for fearless stuttering and joy. The post ABC conference in Montreal appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #237: The most effective stuttering awareness campaign I have ever seen! I chat with Jane Powell, CEO of the British Stammering Association, about the brilliantly clever STAMMA awareness campaign recently launched across the United Kingdom. Learn how the campaign aims to change misperceptions about stuttering (or stammering, as it’s known in the UK and other parts of the world), it’s attention-getting name and design, and more. If you’re a member of a stuttering association looking to form awareness campaigns in your country, you won’t want to miss this episode! The post Stamma appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #236: I chat with director, Ryan Gielen, about his latest documentary, My Beautiful Stutter, which follows five young people from ages 8 to 18 who stutter and come from diverse backgrounds all around the United States as they participate in programs with The Stuttering Association for the Young (SAY). After attending a SAY gala and witnessing the empowerment of young people getting up on stage and declaring they will no longer hide their stuttering, Ryan decided to make a film to raise awareness of the struggles people who stutter face that are invisible to the rest of the world. My Beautiful Stutter is scheduled for release later this year. Stay updated on news on Instagram and Facebook. The post My Beautiful Stutter appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

(Audio transcript available upon request) Nina G, myself, and friends in Iceland admiring her book Episode #235: Stand up comedian, Nina G, joins me to talk about… well, a lot of things! We have an animated chat about her new book, “Stutterer Interrupted: The Comedian Who Almost Didn’t Happen” and her excellent keynote given at the World Stuttering Congress in Iceland this year. Nina also has dyslexia and received undeserved bad grades in school due to the lack of accommodation which she needed. But that didn’t stop Nina who credits her parents for teaching her self-advocacy. Today, Nina is an advocate for disability rights and book author. While this is an uncharacteristically long, long episode, you won’t want to miss hearing all about how Nina crafts her jokes from her frustrations with the reactions towards her stuttering from ignorant fluenters reactions to her stuttering and how she built up her self-esteem and self-advocacy. And lots more! I also ask Nina to give an introduction to dyslexia, how we can accommodate people with dyslexia, and also how I can draw my Franky Banky comics to accommodate readers with dyslexia… and lots more! Nina offers her feedback on which parts this comic strip are accessible and which parts are not.Like the size of the font in this caption. Here is the breakdown of this super long episode:0:00 My long intro. 5:30 Introducing Nina G. 9:10 Nina’s keynote, how the media can accurately represent people to stutter, how to make comics accessible to people with dyslexia, when fluenters give people who stutter “the pity moan” (you definitely don’t want to miss Nina’s impressions of this!) and “the face”, how you can experience a life uninterrupted by hanging out with others who stutter. 19:30 Being diagnosed with stuttering and dyslexia, lack of proper accommodation in the school system in 1980s, learning self-advocacy from Nina’s parents, Nina gets a failing grade due to improper accommodation, Nina’s revenge, her doctorate in psychology, and WWJD?. 30:43 What is dyslexia, what it’s like to have dyslexia, how dyslexia works, Nina’s processing time as a child vs as an adult, diagnosing dyslexia at age 8. 38:42 Context is key in making visual and textual content accessible to people with dyslexia, how to design accessible children’s books, Nina’s analogy of breaking down information Springfield style (yes, of The Simpsons!), different types of dyslexia, Nina demonstrates how she uses technology to help her read books, and how reading along with captions can help her when reading books or watching videos. 51:39 Removing barriers in classrooms, the benefits of educators and workplaces creating a cognitive and emotional environment that is more conducive for people with dyslexia (and all disabilities), focusing on people’s strengths, how descriptive text is more effective than fonts for people with dyslexia, creating accessible hashtags, how some people with dyslexia in English or Spanish are not dyslexic with character based languages such as Mandarin and Cantonese, errors in automatic captions (or “craptions”), using dictation technology, and where to buy Nina’s book 1:10:00 Listen to the question and answer period following Nina’s keynote in Iceland. Topics covered include: how Nina was diagnosed and came to accept both stuttering and dyslexia; coping with good and bad periods with stuttering; and creating an environment of inclusion and advocacy in schools for students with disabilities. 1:31:30 My super quick outro followed by a few minutes of me walking around a park. Links mentioned in this episode: Stutterer Interrupted: The Comedian Who Almost Didn’t HappenOnce Upon An AccommodationNina G’s websiteWho Am I To Stop ItListen to about 40 minutes of me walking around a park This ultra long episode is brought to you by my book, Stuttering is Cool: A Guide to Stuttering in a Fast-Talking World. a humorous survival guide to stuttering packed with methods, tips, stories, and comics. Order your copy now! The post Stutterer Interrupted, Ask Me Anything About Dyslexia appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #234: What a pity people can’t swap problems, when so many know how to solve others’. Also, disfluency isn’t a failure. You are not a failure. Failure is an event. In fact, there are no failures. Only life lessons. Stuttering is not something you caused. These are the wise words from Anita Blom, my guest on this episode. Anita gave one of three keynotes at the International Stuttering Association World Congress held in Hveragerði, Iceland in June 2019 which you will be able to listen to its entirety on this episode. Entitled Ac(cep)t, Anita asks why we people who stutter (PWS) tend to feel the need to please others. Why do people think we need to speak the way they want us to or what they think is the best way? Or is it that we think what they want? Through her story of life lessons, Anita shares how she got free from the burden of needing others to accept her once she accepted herself and made it her mission to stop hiding and become a face for people who stutter and making the stuttering community seeable and hearable. Anita also introduces what she calls the “therapy smorgasbord” which every PWS can use, gives advice on how PWS and clinicians can work together to benefit the PWS, how to take away “the look”, and lots more. You won’t want to miss this! Links mentioned on this episode: Stuttering is Cool stuttering awareness buttons stamily.org International Stuttering Awareness Day Online Conference The Stuttering Homepage Nina G When I Stutter documentary The post Therapy smorgasbord appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Including and educating researchers, empowering children who stutter, and being a “clownician” were a few of what was presented and discussed at the 13th International Stuttering Congress held in Hveragerði, Iceland on June 22 to 27, 2019. There were about 165 attendees from over 20 countries including yours truly. I felt an enthusiastic vibe that lived up to the congress’ theme of “Embrace Your Stutter”. On this episode, I report some of the takeaways and action items born from this global stuttering community: The congress was opened by Guðni Thorlacius Jóhannesson President of Iceland(!), who shared his story of how he can relate to our stuttering. While he does not stutter, he had speech therapy as a child for learning how to pronounce the rolling r sound which is an important and recurring sound in the Icelandic language.The congress had an official song! “Talk To You”, written by keynote speaker, Anita Blom, and with music by Hjörleifur Ingason, was sung by Hrafnhildur who was a finalist in the Icelandic version of The Voice. You can listen to Talk To You on Soundcloud but beware, its very catchy melody will repeat in your head over and over and over! I sat in on a workshop by Dr. Erik X. Raj, CCC-SLP, about using humorous apps to engage children in speech therapy sessions. Something he calls being a “clownician”.Empowering children who stutter, and teaching parents how to empower their children.Prominent and active member of the stuttering community, Anita Blom, gave the first of three keynotes, touching on, among many topics, the state of the online stuttering community, its arguments, and putting the individual’s needs first (example, stopping stuttering, not fearing it).Including and educating researchers in order to prevent harm to people who stutter.Stuttering comedian, Nina G, gave the third keynote where she shared her history of stuttering and (lack of) accommodation in school with her dyslexia. A great compliment to Anita’s keynote is Nina’s tip that shame and acceptance of stuttering go up and down, therefore, no need to be dogmatic about being positive all the time. Oh, and she also launched her book, Stutterer Interrupted! I gush over the brilliant STAMMA marketing campaign by the British Stammering Association.My cartooning workshop that I gave and how I was given a glimpse into an SLP’s world through the comics they drew. Learning about cluttering.Two pick up football/soccer games were played.Franky Banky also made an appearance.and more! The post Iceland 2019 Congress appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.

Episode #232: Are we doing enough to raise stuttering awareness outside our community? On this episode, I share a number of unfortunate incidents which happened in March – a sexist tote bag offensive to people who stutter sold at a speech pathology conference in California; two of my friends were laughed at a fast food restaurant and doctor’s office and educating about their stuttering; stuttering being used by politicians in Israel to denote lack of intelligence by opponents. Fortunately, my friends and AMBI, the Israeli stuttering association, stood up for themselves to set things right. These events made me ponder if we as a community, could be doing more to spread stuttering awareness and create behaviour change to fluenters worldwide? I also talk about the redesign of stutteringiscool.com and my new section featuring Franky Banky comics which I plan on posting every two weeks! Links mentioned on this episode: Israeli Stutterers’ Group Defends Gantz’s Embarrassing TV PerformanceSold Out Montreal Screening of “When I Stutter” a Success The post Making stuttering awareness more effective appeared first on Stuttering is Cool.