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 #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 #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 #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 #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 #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.

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 #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.