BLOG POST: About Proud Stutter + Launch Party
By Maya Chupkov
We are about a month away from launching PROUD STUTTER, a podcast project I’ve poured my heart and soul into for many months. I can’t believe it is almost time to release it into the world!
This is a big deal for me because I have always tried to hide my stutter. I didn’t want people to think I was nervous or dumb, and try to put me in a box. My close friends and family knew, but I put pressure on myself to blend in as much as possible, especially in grade school. Because as soon as I stutter, people will think less of me.
It is a scary thing to expose myself in such a vulnerable way, but it has also been liberating. I feel a huge weight has been lifted ever since I started working on this project and opening up to people about my verbal diversity.
I started opening up about my stutter to groups outside of my close friends a few months ago, almost like practicing for when I started recording. Each time I told a new person I had a stutter, I saw the value in unapologetically claiming my verbal diversity as uniquely me.
It also made me realize how much stuttering is misunderstood. One of the things the podcast aims to do is respond to misconceptions by changing the stuttering conversation to include as many people as possible.
And now let the thank yous begin….
The seed of inspiration for PROUD STUTTER started with my fiance, Kyle Smeallie, who never once made me feel misunderstood or less than.
This project would not have happened without Lawrence Barriner II, who told me I was amazing and to just go for it.
I also want to shout out my sister, Noa Chupkov, for her creative mind and confidence in me. (She created this fabulous website and collaborated with her brilliant friend Mara to create our logo).
And of course, I want to extend my gratitude to my best friend, future bridesmaid, and PROUD STUTTER co-host, Cynthia Chin. What would I do without your brain and baller editing skills?
I am SO grateful for my stutter because, without it, I would have not found the love of my life. I would not be a communications director working for the State of California. Stuttering has given me the determination to always keep going, understand deeply, and practice empathy.
I went from trying to hide my stutter at all costs to now taking a leap and showing my true and authentic self to the world, because my voice MATTERS, even if I stutter and have blockages in my speech.
I stutter, unapologetically, and I’m PROUD AF about it.
The first episode will air on International Stuttering Day, Friday, October 22. You will be able to access episodes anywhere you listen to podcasts.
Also, stay tuned for a trailer ahead of the launch. You can sign up for updates by subscribing here.
And last but not least, see you at our launch party event at Manny’s in San Francisco on Friday, October 22 @ 6 pm to celebrate. Please RSVP here so we can plan accordingly. We also have our event up on Facebook here. We are excited to share our PROUD STUTTER swag and prizes for attendees on October 22. See you there!
