Beneath Your Stutter

"Every experience, every struggle, has shaped me into who I am today. I wouldn't trade any of it for the world. It's made me stronger, more empathetic, more resilient." — Kelly Smith In this episode, host Paige welcomes Kelly Smith, owner of a successful catering and event planning company in Santa Barbara, California, who shares her inspiring healing journey with stuttering. K...

“Whether you’re working with a speech therapist, in a group therapy intensive program or one-to-one with a coach, there are many options and paths to making progress towards your fluency goals." In this enlightening episode, Paige unravels the differences between speech therapy and one-to-one coaching for stuttering. She uncovers how coaching offers a holistic approach, delving into emotional...

"Increasing awareness of our thoughts can profoundly impact how we perceive and navigate our experiences, empowering us to break free from limiting beliefs and embrace personal growth." Paige explores the profound impact of paying attention to one's thoughts that impact the experience of stuttering. Introducing the concept of cognitive distortions, the episode delves into how these...

“Stepping out of your comfort zone is like a muscle, and it gets larger and stronger the more you expand it. Take small, doable steps toward your fluency goals, not giant leaps." In this episode, Paige delves into the intricacies of behavior change, focusing on the journey from comfort to growth, specifically in the context of working on fluency.  The discussion introduces the concept of four...

After speech therapy, it's crucial to acknowledge the realities that may not have been addressed during treatment — empowering you to navigate post-therapy with resilience and self-awareness. In Episode 19, embark on a raw exploration of life after speech therapy, delving into the often unspoken reality of stuttering relapse. Paige shares her personal journey, from the exhilaration of newfoun...

There are two ways to anxiety — either through the ancient brain or the thinking brain. It’s helpful to know where your anxiety begins, as this is a clue which strategy will be most helpful in reducing it. In Episode 18, Paige delves into the relationship between the brain, body, and stuttering, focusing on anxiety. The episode introduces insights from the book 'Rewire Your Anxious Brain,&apo...

Life brings pivotal moments when the spotlight is going to be shining on you. Being proactive before the big day and gaining the skills you need, your future self will be thankful that you prepared in advance. In Episode 17, Paige shares the journey of saying her wedding vows, taking steps to manage her speech anxiety when speaking in the spotlight. Being proactive, she created a process to transf...

The degree to which you hide (covert) or show (overt) your stutter makes a huge impact on your overall mental health and emotional well-being. Episode 16 explores the covert to overt spectrum of stuttering behaviors, addressing the impact this has on mental health. Paige introduces the "What's Your Stutter Personality?" — a quiz designed for self-awareness and understanding your own...

Interview: Featuring individuals who are living their best life, doing what they love to do, and doing it no matter — while navigating life with a stutter. In this episode, we’re talking to Mike Maines, a residential designer with many talents who shares his insights and experiences between two challenging worlds — stuttering and ADHD. Did you enjoy this episode? Tell me! :) Links How much do you...

Safety behaviors provide temporary relief in immediate speaking moments, but over time they subconsciously hinder your natural flow of speech. If you've ever tried to conceal your stutter, you're not alone. This episode unravels the coping mechanisms behind safety behaviors in stuttering — driven by the fear of judgment, past traumas, and societal misconceptions. Self-editing behaviors s...

Knowing and exercising your personal rights are so integral to building assertiveness and feeling good about yourself. This episode explores the relationship between assertiveness, personal rights, and how it intertwines with stuttering. In those moments when expressing yourself can be physically challenging, we explore what might be getting in the way of assertiveness. Discover the Personal Bill...

Keeping your word matters a lot — even more important than how you say it. Following through on your promises plays an important role in confidence. Discover the secret to building your inner confidence through the underestimated power of keeping promises to yourself. It's not just about the words we say to others, but the words and commitments we make to ourselves. Going back on your word, m...

You may put a lot of pressure on yourself to speak fluently, but it’s not the only thing that matters when it comes to communicating with others. Delve into the realm of meaningful connections and effective communication, discovering that fluency is not mandatory. Uncover the hidden aspects of expression as up to 93% of communication is non-verbal. Explore the importance of active listening, the s...

Your mindset acts as the lens through which you view yourself and the world, shaping your perceptions, attitudes, beliefs and your experience with stuttering. Discover the transformative power of your mindset. Paige explores the intricate connection between thoughts, beliefs, and your perception of stuttering. With insightful personal stories and educational content, Paige delves into two mindsets...

The problem with the language of ‘war’ is that it makes stuttering the enemy. Needing to be 'killed' with aggression and force, this perpetuates the struggle. In this episode, we unpack the influential power of language in the context of stuttering. We scrutinize the usage of 'war' terminology in stuttering treatment and its negative implications. Explore effective strategies t...

The act of 'disclosure' is an opportunity to educate others and advocate for ourselves, showing that we have nothing to hide. In this episode, we explore the world of disclosure for those who stutter. We uncover the challenges that often come with revealing our truth and the two key ingredients required for successful disclosure: vulnerability and authenticity. Dive into personal stories...

"Changing my birth name to a name I could say is the greatest gift I've ever given to myself." - Paige In this episode, we revisit a pivotal moment in Paige’s life when she made the bold move to change her name. The act of choosing a new name turned out to be a transformative journey, far beyond achieving fluency in speech. Through this personal story, discover the power of choice,...

Stuttering can feel like that small dried pea — overshadowing your entire identity and leaving you feeling black and blue — but it's only a small part of who you are. In this episode, we take a fresh look at the timeless fairy tale "The Princess and the Pea" and reveal its surprising connection to stuttering. We explore the concept of sensitivity and its profound influence on those...

Ever get 'the look' while you're stuck in a stutter? When you realize that other peoples’ reactions are not about you, you hold onto your own power and confidence. In this episode, we delve into the "Looking Glass Self," a concept that explores how our self-concept is shaped by others. This concept involves imagining how we appear to others, anticipating their judgments, a...

Layered on top of stuttering is a complex web of fears and phobias, increasing the difficulties in speaking due to the additional stress and anxiety. In this episode, we explore the inner world of stuttering and its underlying fears and phobias. Sparked by a listener's question, we’re unraveling phobias such as speaking on the phone, public speaking, and the fear of being overheard — all inte...

Unravel the mystery behind situational stuttering and variable fluency to understand the various factors influencing your stuttering experience. Stuttering is as unique as fingerprints and this is why it’s different for each person. Dive deep into the 7 Freedom Fluency Factors — a framework that unveils the intricate web of influences behind situational stuttering. Explore how the many factors lik...

" Becoming a coach was about bridging the gap between speech therapy and personal development for those who stutter." — Paige Smith In this episode, we're diving into the heart of Paige’s personal odyssey — from waiting to outgrow stuttering, relapsing in speech therapy and her desire in helping others. We'll uncover the raw emotions of childhood hope, explore the highs and low...

Reflecting on the past gives us perspective on the present. By acknowledging your origin story, you can forgive, find compassion, and move forward with newfound clarity and purpose. Just as superheroes have diverse and impactful origin stories, we too have our own unique narratives that shape who we are. In this episode, we dive deep into a topic that's incredibly personal and transformative...

If you're a person who stutters, it's not uncommon to have no idea why it's happening in certain situations. Instead of being frustrated by it, dive deep each week with Paige Smith, a certified coach and PWSS as she reveals the fluency factors behind covert and situational stuttering. Go beneath the surface of your stutter to gain deeper self-awareness leading to personal growth and...