Stuttering Foundation Podcast

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Dr. Shahriar SheikhBahaei, Assistant Professor of Neurobiology and Behavior at Stony Brook University, joins host Sara MacIntyre, M.A., CCC-SLP, to discuss emerging research exploring the cellular and neurobiological mechanisms underlying stuttering. Dr. SheikhBahaei shares his journey from lived experience with stuttering to leading a neuroscience research lab investigating how glial cells, particularly astrocytes, contribute to motor control and speech-related circuits.

The conversation delves into several recent studies from his lab that utilize mouse models to uncover how alterations in astrocyte function and iron regulation may relate to the neural pathways involved in stuttering. Dr. SheikhBahaei walks listeners through the background, scientific rationale, and key findings of these studies, highlighting what they reveal about the non-vocal motor aspects of stuttering and how this basic science may inform future directions in understanding and treatment.

The episode concludes with reflections on bridging laboratory research with the lived experiences of people who stutter and fostering collaboration among scientists, clinicians, and the stuttering community.

Resources discussed:

• SheikhBahaei, S., et al. (2025). Non-vocal motor deficits in a transgenic mouse model linked to stuttering disorders. bioRxiv. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.08.669441v2
• SheikhBahaei, S., et al. (2025). Iron dysregulation in mice engineered with a mutation associated with stuttering. bioRxiv. https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.30.667752v1
• SheikhBahaei, S., et al. (2024). Scientists, society, and stuttering: A multi-stakeholder approach. International Journal of Clinical Practice. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ijcp.13678

Shahriar SheikhBahaei, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist and faculty member at Stony Brook University. His research focuses on how the brain controls complex motor behaviors such as speech and breathing, particularly focusing on the role of astrocytes in neural circuits. Growing up with stuttering has influenced his lifelong pursuit to understand the neurobiology of speech and communication. He completed his Ph.D. in Neuroscience through a joint program at University College London and the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He later became one of the first Independent Research Scholars at NIH, where he established his own lab. At Stony Brook University, he continues to investigate the cellular and circuit foundations of speech disorders while also mentoring the next generation of scientists and advocating for more inclusive perspectives on communication.

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Dr. Hatun Zengin-Bolatkale, Assistant Professor in the School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at San Diego State University, joins host Sara MacIntyre, M.A., CCC-SLP, to discuss findings from a two-part research project examining emotional processing and control in children who stutter. Dr. Zengin-Bolatkale begins by sharing her background and what led her into the field of stuttering research. She then guides listeners through her work investigating the interplay between emotions and stuttering, drawing on multiple methods to better understand this complex relationship. The conversation highlights two key studies (referenced below), covering relevant background, study design, surprising and noteworthy findings, and the implications of the results. Dr. Zengin-Bolatkale closes by sharing exciting future areas of research and projects she has underway. 

Papers discussed:

• Zengin-Bolatkale, H., Key, A. P., & Jones, R. M. (2025). Cortical emotional reactivity, caregiver-reported emotional control, and stuttering frequency in young children. Journal of Fluency Disorders, 85, Article 106139. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfludis.2025.106139
• Zengin-Bolatkale, H., Conture, E. G., Key, A. P., Walden, T. A., & Jones, R. M. (2018). Cortical associates of emotional reactivity and regulation in childhood stuttering. Journal of Fluency Disorders, 56, 81–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfludis.2018.04.001

Hatun Zengin-Bolatkale, Ph.D., CCC-SLP is an Assistant Professor in the School of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at San Diego State University. She’s a speech-language pathologist by training and has over a decade of experience across working clinically, teaching, and doing research in the field, with a focus on stuttering. She earned her master’s in speech-language pathology from the University of Illinois and completed her Ph.D. at Vanderbilt University. Her work focuses on young children who stutter, with a special interest in how cognitive, emotional, and language-related factors influence the way stuttering develops—and why some children recover while others do not. In her research, she uses a variety of tools, from parent reports and behavioral observation to physiological measures like skin conductance, heart rate, and brain activity, to get a more complete picture of stuttering. Her ultimate goal is to support more informed and individualized approaches to assessment and treatment.

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Mitch Guerra—educator, stuttering advocate, and recent contestant on Survivor Season 48—joins host Sara MacIntyre, M.A., CCC-SLP, to share his story. Mitch reflects on his stuttering journey, from early challenges in school to pivotal moments that shaped his confidence in high school and college, and ultimately his 20-year pursuit of a lifelong dream to compete on Survivor.

He discusses the perseverance it took to finally make it onto the show, what it meant to represent both himself and the stuttering community on national television, and how meaningful moments—including a viral exchange with host Jeff Probst—sparked broader conversations about listening and acceptance. Mitch also reflects on the role of stuttering in building deep connections, his return to the classroom after Survivor, and the powerful impact his visibility has had on students who also stutter. To close, he offers inspiring advice to young people who stutter: “Even if you haven’t seen someone like you do it before, that doesn’t mean it’s not possible—you might just be the one to go first.”

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A research-clinical team from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center—Dr. Tim Saltuklaroglu, Tricia Hedinger, M.S., CCC-SLP, BCS-SCF, and Eddie Brown, M.A., CCC-SLP—join host Sara MacIntyre, M.A., CCC-SLP, to share insights into Finding Your Voice, a stuttering therapy program they created, have seen make a meaningful difference in clinical settings, and are now beginning to test in an early-stage clinical trial. The program seeks to support clients through self-discovery, first-hand exploration, and awareness building to promote agency and meaningful change—helping individuals find their “ideal voice,” one that aligns their values and desired outcomes with how they see themselves both inside and out. The team discusses the program’s origins and development, highlights clinical experiences and personal stories of impact, and outlines the ongoing trial’s goals and design.

For questions and inquiries related to their work, please feel free to contact the research team: [email protected]

Bios:

Tim Saltuklaroglu, Ph.D., is person who stutters who entered the field of speech pathology to learn more about the disorder and help children and adults who stutter. He completed his undergraduate degree at Washington State University and then his Master’s degree at the University of Alberta. After practicing as an SLP in the North Carolina school system, he entered the Ph.D. program at East Carolina University. He earned his Ph.D. in 2004 and since then has been on faculty at the University of Tennessee, where he is currently a full professor. He has co-authored over 55 peer reviewed publications and one textbook, and has received external funding through the National Institute of Health.

Tricia Hedinger, M.S., CCC-SLP, BCS-SCF is a clinical professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Knoxville and a board-certified specialist in stuttering, cluttering, and other fluency disorders. Ms. Hedinger serves as Vice Chair and Director of Continuing Education for the World Stuttering Network. She is also a published author, contributing to books, chapters, and peer-reviewed articles on stuttering and speech-language development. Ms.Hedinger also serves on the advisory board for the Stuttering Treatment and Research Society (STARS).

Eddie Brown, M.A., CCC-SLP is a Speech-Language Pathologist, researcher, and educator dedicated to advancing the understanding and treatment of developmental stuttering. He is a person who stuttesr, a 5th year PhD student at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Knoxville, a national stuttering association chapter leader, and a teaching assistant for stuttering classes.

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Ali Berquez, MSc, PG Dip CT (Oxon), BRIEF Cert. SF Practice, Clinical Lead at the Michael Palin Centre for Stammering (MPC) in London, joins host Sara MacIntyre, M.A., CCC-SLP, to take listeners behind the scenes of group therapy for young people who stutter (stammer) and their parents. Think of this episode as a deep dive into the nuts and bolts of setting up, cultivating, and successfully facilitating group therapy.

Ali shares the rich history and evolution of group work at MPC, highlighting its unique benefits and common challenges. She offers practical guidance on planning and structuring groups, effective facilitation strategies, and building in opportunities for ongoing support after the group ends.

Woven throughout are powerful reflections from young people and parents, as well as specific activities and examples—making this episode a valuable listen for clinicians at any stage of their group therapy journey.

Resources mentioned:

• Desensitization with Parents Podcast Episode
• Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Clinical Supervision Webinar
• Solution Focused Brief Therapy with Children and Young People who Stammer and their Parents
• Michael Palin Centre Training Opportunities

Ali Berquez is Clinical Lead at the Michael Palin Centre for Stammering in London, UK. She works with clients of all ages who stammer and/ or clutter, including adults. As is a qualified practitioner in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Solution Focused Brief Therapy and integrates these methods into her clinical work with children, young people, parents and adults.  Ali is an experienced trainer who regularly delivers courses in the UK and internationally (including the Stuttering Foundation’s annual Eastern Workshop in Boston). She is involved in writing, offering clinical supervision and contributing to research projects and recently completed an accreditation in clinical supervision. She is part of the scientific committee for the Oxford Stuttering and Cluttering Research Conference and a certified European Stuttering Specialist.

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Daniel Shaw, M.S., CCC-SLP, joins host Sara MacIntyre, M.A., CCC-SLP, for a special mini-series introducing listeners to a range of counseling approaches and their potential applications within stuttering therapy. Throughout the series, Daniel shares his extensive knowledge and go-to resources, offering a foundational overview of each approach, practical examples of how they can be integrated into stuttering therapy, and recommendations for those looking to dive deeper into further learning. This third and final episode of the three-part series focuses on Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Check out the previous two episodes of the series for more on SFBT and Motivational Interviewing!

Resources:

• Building a Life Worth Living
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Manual
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skills: 101 Mindfulness Exercises for Children and Adolescents

Bio: Daniel Shaw, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a speech-language therapist at the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center in Nashville, TN, where he serves children, teens, and adults who stutter (along with their families). He serves as the stuttering team lead and is the associate director of Camp TALKS, a summer day-camp for children who stutter. His other passion involves young children with autism. He is a classroom lead in the Preschool For Children With Autism and is member of the autism diagnostic team. He loves to read, write, teach, and expose his children to the arts.

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Daniel Shaw, M.S., CCC-SLP, joins host Sara MacIntyre, M.A., CCC-SLP, for a special mini-series introducing listeners to a range of counseling approaches and their potential applications within stuttering therapy. Throughout the series, Daniel shares his extensive knowledge and go-to resources, offering a foundational overview of each approach, practical examples of how they can be integrated into stuttering therapy, and recommendations for those looking to dive deeper into further learning. This second episode of the three-part series focuses on Motivational Interviewing. Tune in for one more episode this month, releasing next Tuesday!

Resources:

• Motivational Interviewing in Healthcare
• Motivational Interviewing in the Schools
• Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change
• On Second Thought: How Ambivalence Shapes Your Life

Bio: Daniel Shaw, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a speech-language therapist at the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center in Nashville, TN, where he serves children, teens, and adults who stutter (along with their families). He serves as the stuttering team lead and is the associate director of Camp TALKS, a summer day-camp for children who stutter. His other passion involves young children with autism. He is a classroom lead in the Preschool For Children With Autism and is member of the autism diagnostic team. He loves to read, write, teach, and expose his children to the arts.

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Daniel Shaw, M.S., CCC-SLP, joins host Sara MacIntyre, M.A., CCC-SLP, for a special mini-series introducing listeners to a range of counseling approaches and their potential applications within stuttering therapy. Throughout the series, Daniel shares his extensive knowledge and go-to resources, offering a foundational overview of each approach, practical examples of how they can be integrated into stuttering therapy, and recommendations for those looking to dive deeper into further learning. The series begins with Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Tune in for two more episodes this month, releasing on the next two Tuesdays!

Resources mentioned:

• Tools for Success- A Solution Focused Brief Therapy Taster
• Solution Focused Brief Therapy with Children and young People Who Stammer and their Parents: A Practical Guide from the Michael Palin Centre
• Solution Focused Brief Therapy and Clinical Supervision
• Previous Podcast Episodes with SFBT components
• The Focus on Solutions
• 1001 Solution Focused Questions
• Using Emotions in Solution Focused Therapy

Bio: Daniel Shaw, M.S., CCC-SLP, is a speech-language therapist at the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center in Nashville, TN, where he serves children, teens, and adults who stutter (along with their families). He serves as the stuttering team lead and is the associate director of Camp TALKS, a summer day-camp for children who stutter. His other passion involves young children with autism. He is a classroom lead in the Preschool For Children With Autism and is member of the autism diagnostic team. He loves to read, write, teach, and expose his children to the arts.

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Stuttering is so much more than what you hear—it’s what’s felt, what’s hidden, what’s explored, and what’s learned along the way. In this special episode, we share a collection of short, personal stories from people who stutter.

Each storyteller offers one meaningful moment within their stuttering journey—an experience, turning point, realization, or reflection that helped shape their relationship with stuttering.

These anonymous and authentic stories reveal the depth, complexity, and resilience of living with stuttering—both on the surface and beneath it.

We hope this episode encourages you to reflect on your own journey and reminds you that every story shared helps build awareness, connection, and understanding.

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Dr. Kathleen Scaler Scott, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-SCF, joins host Sara MacIntyre, M.A., CCC-SLP, for an in-depth discussion on the assessment and treatment of cluttering. In this episode, Dr. Scaler Scott breaks down the differential diagnosis process using the LCD definition, provides a comprehensive overview of assessment and treatment, and shares clinical examples and key considerations along the way. Packed with practical insights, this episode will leave listeners feeling more confident and ready to apply what they've learned immediately.

Tip: For additional background, check out a Season 6 episode "All Things Cluttering with Dr. Kathleen Scaler Scott" 

Resources:

• 'All Things Cluttering with Dr. Kathleen Scaler Scott,' Stuttering Foundation Podcast Episode [referenced in episode]
• 'The Cluttering Experience' Rutger Wilhelm Stuttering Foundation Podcast Episode
• 'Cluttering: Expanding Evaluation & Treatment' Virtual Learning Session
• 'Cluttering: Shared Experiences' Virtual Learning Session
• Cluttering Conversations Podcast
• ASHA Leader Article: Debunking Myths About Cluttering

Kathleen Scaler Scott, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, BCS-SCF, is a practicing speech-language pathologist, Board Certified Specialist in Stuttering, Cluttering and Fluency, and Professor of Speech-Language Pathology at Misericordia University. She has been a practicing clinician for 30 years in hospital, school, and private practice settings. Dr. Scaler Scott’s research interests are largely in cluttering, atypical disfluency, and child language and literacy disorders. She has spoken nationally and internationally and authored peer reviewed articles, book chapters and books on the topic of fluency, literacy and pragmatic challenges. She was the first Coordinator of the International Cluttering Association, and is the recipient of the 2018 Deso Weiss Award for Excellence in the Field of Cluttering, and the 2018 Professional of the Year award from the National Stuttering Association. In 2020, Dr. Scaler Scott received the Judge Max and Tillie Rosenn Excellence in Teaching Award from Misericordia University. In 2022, she became a Fellow of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.She is co-editor of Cluttering: A Handbook of Research, Intervention, and Education, co-author of Managing Cluttering: A Comprehensive Guidebook of Activities, author of Fluency Plus: Managing Fluency Disorders in Individuals with Multiple Diagnoses and co-author of the recently released Second Edition of the Source for Stuttering and Cluttering. She is also co-founder and co-host of the podcast Cluttering Conversations, a free podcast available on SoundCloud.