This conversation was originally recorded for Modi's podcast And Here's Modi (episode #106), where Uri appeared as a guest with Arthur Luxenberg. We're honored to share it here with Modi's permission. What unfolds is a funny, heartfelt, and deeply human dialogue about fearless communication, self-acceptance, and the power of belief.
Follow @modi_live and tune-in @ahm_podcast See everything Modi: https://modilive.com/ - The voice you're trying to fix might just be the one the world most needs to hear. Every pause, every stumble, every moment of silence can hold a lesson in courage. And when someone — maybe a mother, a teacher, or a grandmother — believes in you before you believe in yourself, that belief can rewrite the entire story of who you become.
In this powerful conversation, Uri Schneider joins world-famous comedian Modi Rosenfeld and renowned trial attorney Arthur Luxenberg to explore how two kids who grew up stuttering learned to speak fearlessly: one on stage, the other in the courtroom. Together, they open up about the emotional and practical realities of overcoming stuttering, the lifelong process of finding your voice, and the courage it takes to keep showing up, even when words don't come easily.
Today's episode is a little different than usual. It was originally recorded for Modi Rosenfeld's podcast And Here's Modi (episode #106), where Uri appeared as a guest. What unfolds is a funny, heartfelt, and deeply human dialogue about fearless communication, self-acceptance, and the power of belief.
The conversation also features a remarkable story about Uri's father, Dr. Phil Schneider, and his sacred encounters with the Lubavitcher Rebbe — a profound reminder that communication isn't only about words; it's about presence, connection, and honoring the dignity behind every voice.
This episode is a reminder that our voice is never the problem. Our belief in it is. Keep talking. Keep listening. And keep transcending.
In this episode on the power of belief, we discuss:
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Why overcoming stuttering isn't about perfect speech, but it's about being heard
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The four pillars of Uri's Transcending Stuttering framework: self-knowledge, self-adjustment, self-acceptance, and self-advocacy
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The incredible story of Dr. Phil Schneider's speech therapy work with the Lubavitcher Rebbe after his stroke
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How belief from one person can change the entire trajectory of a child's life
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What comedians and trial attorneys can teach us about fearless communication
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Practical do's and don'ts for supporting a child who stutters, without shame or pressure
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Introduction: The Fear We All Share and the Power of Belief 00:01:46 – Meet Modi Rosenfeld and Arthur Luxenberg: Two Kids Who Stuttered and Found Their Voice 00:03:45 – The Story Behind Schneider Speech and the Meaning of "Transcending Stuttering" 00:05:41 – Why Overcoming Stuttering Is About Talking More, Not Less 00:07:33 – From Silence to Self-Expression: Arthur's Journey and His Grandmother's Influence 00:12:31 – The Sacred Encounter: Dr. Phil Schneider and the Lubavitcher Rebbe 00:19:59 – What the Rebbe Taught About Dignity, Connection, and Communication Beyond Words 00:21:29 – The Four Pillars of the Transcending Stuttering Framework 00:26:40 – How Comedy, Courtrooms, and Courage Shape Fearless Communicators 00:38:28 – Practical Do's and Don'ts for Supporting People Who Stutter 00:44:56 – Why Belief Can Change a Life and How to Keep Talking Even When It's Hard 00:56:45 – Closing Reflections: The World Needs to Hear Your Voice
ABOUT THE GUEST: MODI ROSENFELD
Voted one of the top 10 comedians in New York City by The Hollywood Reporter, Modi Rosenfeld is one of the comedy circuit's most sought after performers. Featured on HBO, CBS, NBC, ABC, Comedy Central, Howard Stern, and E! Entertainment, Modi has received rave reviews in The New York Times, Time Out NY and The New York Post.
Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Modi emigrated with his family to the United States at the age of seven and was raised on Long Island. After graduating from Boston University, he worked as an investment banker until his first open-mic night made him realize that stand-up was his true calling.
Equipped with a sharp wit and a knack for reading an audience, Modi has gone on to become a successful fixture in New York's vibrant comedy scene, often doing bits that incorporate his heritage, and he is a hit with diverse Jewish audiences as well as fans of all backgrounds and beliefs.
Now a regular performer at the New York and Los Angeles comedy clubs, Modi also headlines around the country and across the globe. Modi has played himself on HBO's Crashing and Netflix's When Jews Were Funny. He's also appeared in several feature films and played leading roles in two: Waiting for Woody Allen, which won the LA Film Festival, and Stand Up, a feature-length film. In 2018, Mayor Bill De Blasio declared June 26th 'Mordechi Modi Rosenfeld Day' in the city of New York for his accomplishments and contributions to the artistic community.
Modi is also the host of 'And Here's Modi', the podcast.
ABOUT THE GUEST: ARTHUR LUXENBERG
Arthur M. Luxenberg is an attorney and co-founder of Weitz & Luxenberg P.C., one of New York City's leading mass-tort and personal injury law firms. He serves on judicial screening and disciplinary committees for the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, and has held leadership roles with the New York State Trial Lawyers Association and the New York City Bar Association. A committed philanthropist, Arthur and his wife, Randi, actively support charitable and humanitarian initiatives worldwide.
QUOTES
"The most important thing for people who stutter is to keep talking. And for the world to learn to listen."
"The danger of stuttering is less about the words and sounds getting stuck. It's more about not saying what you really want to say."
"Looking in the mirror and seeing you're worth it. You're perfectly imperfect, just like every other human being. That's the way we're made."
ABOUT THE HOST
Uri Schneider, M.A. CCC -SLP is co-founder and leader at Schneider Speech; creator and host of Transcending Stuttering; and former faculty at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine.
SEE ALL SHOW NOTES http://www.transcendingx.com/podcast
LEARN MORE at http://www.transcendingx.com and http://www.schneiderspeech.com
