TranscendingX - Raw Conversations and Practical Tips to Break Through Stuttering, Communication Fears, and Become Who You Truly Are

Jacob Rodman's speech got stuck at 7. At 20, he's a Northwestern Economics junior interning in distressed investing - and he did 100 networking calls in less than 100 days, stuttering through it. See what it built for him.

"If I can talk to a girl I like and a global head on Wall Street, I can talk to anybody."

KEY DISCUSSION POINTS:

• The "10-year motivator": how looking back 10 years fuels the next 10 — for stutters and leaders alike
• When to step in, when to step back: the parenting inflection point that changes everything
• Why readiness matters: not ready at 10, feeling it at 14, doing the real work at 18
• What Jacob wanted most at 18 wasn't fluency — and what that means for how we approach confidence
• 100 networking calls in less than 100 days: why repetition built what technique alone couldn't
• The Starbucks experiment: what his mom learned in 5 minutes that took Jacob years to live

TIMESTAMPS:

• 00:00 - Cold open: "I can talk to anybody"
• 00:26 - Uri intro + TranscendingX welcome
• 01:43 - What doesn't show up on Jacob's resume or LinkedIn
• 03:57 - PANDAS at 7. And the start of stuttering.
• 06:09 - Where Jacob is now
• 07:10 - The "10-year motivator": the Wall Street interview
• 10:13 - Age 7-14: sheltered, protected, not yet ready
• 12:10 - Age 14-15: when it really hit him
• 14:15 - Forced to take a backseat: the hidden superpower
• 19:51 - 7th grade: the teacher who replayed the stutter in front of the class
• 27:00 - The turning point: when his parents stopped ordering for him
• 28:22 - "I didn't want it to be the first thought when I walked in a room"
• 33:05 - The hoodie on a 90-degree day
• 33:15 - The Starbucks experiment: teaching mom to stutter
• 35:45 - "It's invisible."
• 40:44 - 100 networking calls in less than 100 days
• 45:14 - The date story
• 47:08 - "Lay the bricks"
• 50:46 - Where Jacob's going in the next 10 years

Our Guest: Jacob Rodman is a junior at Northwestern University majoring in Economics, interning in distressed investing and private credit. He runs a finance mentorship LLC and launched a stuttering support and mentorship program at Sacred Heart University.

🎧 Apple: https://apple.co/4cDZXUo 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5eZtG0KwphT0YsCsYnImcq ▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjpkZ2GD6EmyfRjvr8oBFt6uz-GmjbfMb&si 📝 Show Notes: http://www.transcendingx.com/podcast

Host: Uri Schneider, M.A. CCC-SLP, founder of Schneider Speech and TranscendingX, and Uri Schneider Coaching.

Episode #90: How Microsoft's AI Innovation Officer Actually Uses AI | Dr. Michael J. Jabbour on Thinking, Not Just Tools

AI is changing our brains. How we work. How we think. And even how we feel. The question isn't "Should I use AI?" It's "How do I direct the change?"

Michael J. Jabbour says he uses AI for 70% of his work. "Not because it's faster. Because it would be irresponsible not to."

🎯 KEY DISCUSSION POINTS: - Why doing nothing means getting dumber (and how to direct the change) - Three modes most people miss: assistant, partner, explorer - Why Michael uses multiple AI models (Copilot, Claude, ChatGPT)—and which prompts make AI teach instead of tell - How to harness pervasive AI tech without letting it become invasive

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Intro: AI is changing your brain 04:12 - Why AI is like discovering fire, not the Industrial Revolution 05:04 - London taxi drivers: GPS physically changed their brains 10:06 - University dean: "I created students who can't handle ambiguity" 14:30 - Using AI 70% of the time (responsibly, not efficiently) 18:45 - Three modes: Assistant, partner, explorer 28:30 - Prompts that make AI teach instead of tell 42:15 - AI isn't the enemy—losing our humanity is

👤 ABOUT THE GUEST: Dr. Michael J. Jabbour is the AI Innovation Officer in Microsoft's Office of the CTO, where he leads research in human-AI collaboration, biologically inspired AI, and the future of work. A recognized leader in large-scale organizational transformation, he previously served as CIO/CTO for several NYC agencies, including the Department of Education. He is a regular guest lecturer at top universities.

👤 ABOUT THE HOST: Uri Schneider, M.A. CCC-SLP is the founder of Schneider Speech—leading a boutique practice of specialists treating stuttering and communication disorders. He's also an executive coach focused on communication and leadership, helping individuals and organizations see the invisible patterns slowing them down. Uri hosts the TranscendingX podcast to reveal how everyday people transcend adversity—listening for what's not being said and making the invisible visible.

Schneider Speech: https://schneiderspeech.com Coaching with Uri Schneider: https://urischneider.com

- 🔗 SUBSCRIBE: Transcending X Podcast | Hosted by Uri Schneider 🎧 Apple: https://apple.co/4cDZXUo 🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5eZtG0KwphT0YsCsYnImcq 🎧 YouTube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjpkZ2GD6EmyfRjvr8oBFt6uz-GmjbfMb&si=ZZqkRICfO1J-vVs2 📝 Show Notes: https://www.transcendingx.com/podcast-episode/michael-j-jabbour

-

On stage at the school assembly, second-grade Mike got stuck for 30 seconds saying the Pledge of Allegiance. Every eye on him. Then: a rush. Not relief—an actual high. "I got through it. I did it."

Today Mike Liben is CEO of Chai Travel, leading meetings, closing deals, and proving substance beats style every time.

When the Brooklyn DA suggested Mike avoid the courtroom, Mike was resolute: "I'll say what I need to say. And they'll listen." He took the harder path—and it made him stronger. Judges started requesting him. Not despite his stutter. Because of what he brought.

Every leader can learn from Mike: The best communicators aren't the smoothest talkers. They're the most prepared. Whether you stutter or not, this proves speaking with confidence comes from knowing what you have to say matters more than how you say it.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• Why preparation and substance beat smooth delivery every time (courtroom lessons for every leader)
• The "rush" after doing hard things - and what it teaches about building confidence
• How to navigate difficult conversations when the stakes are high
• Barry Liben's intensity - how the same force that was sometimes tough for young Mike also became his model for resilience
• Why judges preferred Mike in court (hint: it wasn't his fluency!)
• What Mike learned about leadership from watching his father refuse to let physical limitations win
• How stuttering built the empathy that makes Mike a better CEO
• The business principles behind Chai Travel's success
• What every professional can learn about speaking with confidence in meetings, presentations, and executive conversations

ABOUT OUR GUEST: Mike Liben is CEO of Chai Travel, a family-founded travel agency built on the legacy of his father, Barry Liben. Before entering the travel industry, Mike spent 11 years as a prosecuting attorney in the Brooklyn District Attorney's office, specializing in domestic violence cases. Despite stuttering since childhood, Mike chose the courtroom over desk work - and became the prosecutor judges requested. Mike lives with his wife and children, carrying forward his father's philosophy of treating everyone like family.

TIMESTAMPS 0:00 Mike's obsession with substance over style 1:21 Welcome to TranscendingX 2:06 What doesn't show up on Mike's resume 5:26 On stage at the school assembly: The Pledge of Allegiance moment 8:02 The "rush" after hard moments—building confidence through action 9:42 Doing hard things builds the capacity for leadership 10:01 The worst advice: "Stomp your foot while stuttering" 10:49 "Did you forget your name?"—what people still get wrong 13:15 The complicated father-son dynamic 16:25 Barry's frustration: "I want my money back" 17:14 What changed: Seeing the stuttering community 19:39 Barry's mobility challenges: Modeling relentless determination 22:41 Bar mitzvah speech: When fluency went "off the rails" 27:03 "I think I'm done with therapy"—choosing his own path 31:50 Growing up in Barry Liben's shadow 32:02 Why Mike chose to become an attorney despite stuttering 33:48 Courtroom lesson: The best attorneys are the most prepared 35:23 The DA's suggestion: "Maybe avoid the courtroom" 36:13 Mike's resolute response: "I'll say what I need to say. And they'll listen." 38:47 First court appearances: The harder path made him stronger 39:31 Judges started requesting Mike—substance won over style 39:50 Transitioning from prosecutor to entrepreneur 40:21 Barry Liben: Self-made travel industry force 42:06 Starting Chai Travel: Following Barry's example 42:48 Barry's credo: Treat everyone like family (top to bottom) 45:06 The turbulence analogy: When to push through vs. when to reroute 46:51 Leading as CEO: How communication challenges show up (and don't) 49:35 Empathy from experience: Why understanding challenges makes you a better leader 57:00 The myth: Communication challenges don't have to disqualify you from leadership 57:57 Let substance guide your decisions, not style 58:42 Mike's billboard: "Substance is what matters"

ABOUT THE HOST Uri Schneider, M.A. CCC -SLP is co-founder and leader at Schneider Speech; creator and host of Transcending X; 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

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:

• Why overcoming stuttering isn't about perfect speech, but it's about being heard

• The four pillars of Uri's Transcending Stuttering framework: self-knowledge, self-adjustment, self-acceptance, and self-advocacy

• The incredible story of Dr. Phil Schneider's speech therapy work with the Lubavitcher Rebbe after his stroke

• How belief from one person can change the entire trajectory of a child's life

• What comedians and trial attorneys can teach us about fearless communication

• 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

Discover why trying to fix your speaking fears actually makes them worse. Confidence doesn't come from trying to fix yourself. It comes from learning how to find your flow.

In this conversation with the inimitable Dan Greenwald, we'll explore how to move beyond communication fears and step into a state where speaking feels natural and connected. Together, we unpack why fixing speech often backfires, how energy state shapes your presence in high-stakes moments, and why surrounding yourself with the right people acts as a mirror for growth.

You'll also hear Uri's half-marathon story as a metaphor for breaking through glass ceilings, and Dan's introduction to the Thirty-Ten-Zero system, a simple framework to align your daily actions with your high level goals. Whether you're navigating stuttering, social anxiety, or the pressure to perform perfectly, this episode offers practical ways to find flow for confident speaking and embrace authentic self-expression.

In this episode on finding flow for confident speaking, you'll discover

• Why "fixing" communication fears makes them stronger, and what to do instead.
• How to get into flow state - for public speaking and more.
• Practical tips to transcend stuttering and speaking anxiety.
• How to harness your energy (sleep, movement, mindset) for confident communication.
• How the Thirty-Ten-Zero system helps you reach big goals with daily actions.
• Why authentic self-expression strategies beat perfection every time.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction to TranscendingX

01:05 Guest Introduction: Meet Dan Greenwald

02:24 The Journey of Transcending Stuttering

04:19 Frameworks and Systems for Success

07:04 Personal Growth and Overcoming Limits

14:41 The Power of Energy State

25:31 Becoming a Great Communicator

25:54 The Power of Focus and Systems

26:58 Energy and Performance

27:12 Defining Your True Desires

32:05 Introducing the Thirty-Ten-Zero System

38:38 The Thirty-Ten-Zero Framework Explained

42:29 Scaling and Expanding Thirty-Ten-Zero

46:37 Who is Thirty-Ten-Zero For?

49:28 Future Aspirations and AI Integration

54:10 Final Thoughts and Cheers

ABOUT THE GUEST

Dan Greenwald is a strategist, educator, and founder of ThirtyTenZero — a clarity-first framework for navigating growth and reinvention. His path has moved through classrooms, startups, real estate deals, and leadership rooms. The common thread: helping people and systems move with purpose. Dan is known for his calm presence, sharp thinking, and ability to guide others through complex moments with structure and trust. He lives in New York City with his wife and three kids.

QUOTES

"You're gonna have to do things that sometimes don't feel good to get what you really want."

"The reason why it's so hard for us to figure out what it is that we really want is because as creatures we're designed to figure out how to stay safe."

"Usually we think our job is our ultimate 30,000 foot focus. It's not. Life is too short to make it all about our job."

"You're gonna have to do things that sometimes don't feel good to get what you really want."

"The idea is that it's not about trying to "fix it." It's about how do I get beyond it? How do I make sure that it doesn't stop me in living the life that I wanna live?"

"The more you don't want this thing to show up, it will show up. And the more you try to push it down, the stronger it pushes back."

"If you focus on your purpose, the thing that you're hoping won't happen, will happen less - than if you get really hyperfocused on stopping thing."

"People are craving the return to authenticity. The simplicity, the self, the inner... as technology continues to grow, the need for people to reconnect with their inner true self is gonna continue to grow."

"We are social creatures. People act as mirrors... you wanna be around people that give you a certain type of wisdom, perspective, experience."

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

Listen in for a masterclass in courage: not the absence of fear, but the refusal to let fear run the show.

Mark Friedlich grew up in a tenement apartment on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, the son of Holocaust survivors, sharing a bedroom and living with scarcity. Today, he speaks on global stages, testifies before Congress, and serves as Vice President of Government Affairs at a multinational corporation.

He also stutters, sometimes noticeably, always unapologetically.

In this raw, powerful conversation, Mark shares how he built a career at the highest levels of leadership without ever hiding his voice. He doesn't minimize his fear. He prepares. He shows up. He speaks anyway.

If you've ever feared speaking up in a meeting, on a stage, or in a tough conversation, this episode will change how you see fear, confidence, and what it really means to own your voice.

In this episode on how to own your voice in high-stakes situations, you'll discover:

• Why Mark never saw stuttering as an impediment, and what that mindset unlocked for him;
• The difference between fear that stops us and fear that sharpens us;
• How to own your voice in high-stakes situations, even if you stutter;
• How to respond with strength and grace when other people give you "the look";
• How preparation, mindset, and choosing discomfort can be antidotes to holding back;
• Mark's memorable conversation with President Bill Clinton;
• And more.

AUDIO TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction to TranscendingX and the Power of Voice 01:17 – Meet Mark Friedlich: From Stuttering and Scarcity to Executive Leadership 04:14 – What It's Like to Be a VP of Government Affairs in a Global Corporation 07:03 – How Preparation Builds Confidence in High-Stakes Situations 17:29 – Redefining Stuttering: From Weakness to Source of Strength 19:51 – Why Authenticity Creates Trust and Lasting Impact 21:02 – Owning Personal Identity and Evolving With Intention 22:33 – How to Handle Social Reactions and Stay Grounded 25:06 – Standing Up for Yourself with Clarity and Respect 25:56 – Understanding the Personal and Professional Cost of Speaking Up 29:00 – Strategic Preparation Tips for Confident Communication 33:51 – Final Reflections on Leadership, Courage, and Being Seen ABOUT THE GUEST

Mark Friedlich, ESQ, CPA is Vice President of Government Affairs for a multinational software corporation, advising the Senate Finance Committee, House Ways and Means Committee, and multiple presidential administrations. With senior executive experience at PwC, Thomson Reuters, and Wolters Kluwer, he's recognized as a leading authority on tax, accounting, and economic policy. Mark serves on the IRS Board, AICPA, and HBR Advisory Council.

A person who stutters, Mark grew up on New York's Lower East Side with Holocaust survivor parents and transformed potential limitations into leadership strengths. From testifying before Congress to mentoring young professionals who stutter, Mark demonstrates that authentic leadership means owning every part of yourself.

Preparation is everything. Authenticity is non-negotiable. Every fear presents an opportunity.

QUOTES "Put yourself in uncomfortable situations because that's the only way one will grow" - Mark Friedlich

"We can't control most situations. The only thing we are able to control is how we react." - Mark Friedlich

"Whether you think you have a speech impediment or you don't think you have a speech impediment, you're right." - Uri Schneider

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

Not everyone stutters on their words, but everyone stutters on something: fear, shame, doubt. Today, we explore what it means to face those inner barriers and move forward anyway.

In this episode, Uri sits down with longtime friend and collaborator Dan Greenwald, a strategist, educator, and founder of ThirtyTenZero, a clarity-first framework for navigating growth and reinvention. Dan's journey began with a childhood stutter, but evolved into a lifelong exploration of what it means to grow through discomfort and live with intention.

This conversation is about far more than speech. It's about overcoming fear through self-awareness, building a life from the inside out, and developing the inner tools to keep growing when life gets hard.

Dan shares the story behind his transformative personal operating system and how each one helps people transcend personal limitations and take action from a place of purpose.

Whether you're navigating self-doubt, burnout, or a new season of change, this episode offers practical and empowering tools for personal growth and a reminder that you're stronger than you think.

In this episode on turning fear into opportunity, you'll discover:

• The life-shaping moment that sparked Dan's path to self-awareness
• How to grow your courage muscle and take action through fear
• Tools to help you identify limiting beliefs
• Why overcoming fear through self-awareness leads to lasting change
• How Dan developed the ThirtyTenZero system for aligned living
• The role of active resting in mental and emotional resilience
• New tools for personal growth that work in real life, not just in theory
• A fresh lens on transcending personal limitations, whether it's stuttering, self-doubt, or another X

TIMESTAMPS

01:28 Dan's Early Struggles with Stuttering

02:03 The Concept of 'Everyone Has a Stutter'

03:38 Navigating Fear and Shame

12:04 Educational Experiences and Influences

29:20 Developing the ThirtyTenZero System

34:45 Harnessing Fear as Opportunity

35:48 The Courage Muscle: Building Resilience

37:01 Parenting and Problem-Solving Skills

39:55 Transcending Personal Challenges

52:52 Active Resting and Energy Farming

01:02:07 Final Thoughts and Reflections

ABOUT THE GUEST

Dan Greenwald is a strategist, educator, and founder of ThirtyTenZero — a clarity-first framework for navigating growth and reinvention. His path has moved through classrooms, startups, real estate deals, and leadership rooms. The common thread: helping people and systems move with purpose. Dan is known for his calm presence, sharp thinking, and ability to guide others through complex moments with structure and trust. He lives in New York City with his wife and three kids.

QUOTES

"Shame is the ultimate pain." - Dan Greenwald

" It's natural for all of us to want to stay safe. It's just who we are as creatures." - Dan Greenwald

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

What does it mean to keep showing up when life changes your body, your voice, your sense of self?

Dr. Phil Schneider has spent a lifetime helping people find their voice. But when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's, he found himself on the other side of the therapeutic relationship, learning how to live with a tremor, navigate shame, and reclaim agency in a body that no longer behaved the way it used to.

In this episode, Uri sits down with his father, mentor, master clinician, and co-founder of Schneider Speech, for one of the most personal and moving conversations on the podcast to date.

Together, they explore Phil's decades of work helping people find their voice, and how his understanding of communication deepened through his own health journey.

What helped him move forward wasn't hiding. It was naming the tremor, talking about it with family, and choosing connection over shame. Opening up was the moment he began reclaiming agency. Resilience didn't come from isolation. It came from letting people in.

This episode is full of warmth, story, and hard-earned wisdom on voice, vulnerability, and what it really means to be present with another human being.

In this episode on connection and resilience, you'll discover:

• How a nonverbal girl found her voice on stage and transformed Phil's career
• What Parkinson's taught Phil about stuttering, shame, and self-acceptance
• Why communication is about connection, not correction
• How being seen is more healing than being "fixed"
• The hidden cost of hiding, and the freedom of naming what's hard
• How moments of presence can shape the course of a life
• And more invaluable insights

TIMESTAMPS

01:10 Meet Dr. Phil Schneider: A Legacy in Communication

03:03 How His Career in Speech Therapy Began

08:54 Learning from a Student: A First Encounter with Stuttering

13:38 The Power of Belief: How Gladys Found Her Voice

17:09 Connecting Through Communication

26:22 Teaching, Mentorship, and Shaping Future Therapists

29:29 Why Emotions Matter in the Therapy Room

30:39 Transformative Voice Therapy

34:35 Shame, Parkinson's, and the Cost of Hiding

36:54 Openness, Vulnerability, and Reclaiming Agency

48:29 The Heart of Therapy: Growth Through Honest Connection

53:57 What Parents and Young Adults Need to Hear

57:06 Final Thoughts and Reflections

ABOUT THE GUEST

Phil Schneider, Ed.D. CCC-SLP is the founding partner of Schneider Speech Pathology. Recognized as a master clinician and teacher, he has been practicing and teaching for over 40 years. He holds the title of Professor Emeritus of Communication Disorders at Queens College, CUNY. Phil has been honored with the New York State Speech-Language-Hearing Association Distinguished Clinician Award, the New York City Speech-Language-Hearing Association Professional Achievement Award, and the Queens College Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 2004 he was named the Speech Pathologist of the Year by the National Stuttering Association; in 2006 he was awarded the highest Honors of the New York State Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and in 2013 he was given the Advocacy Award by the Stuttering Association of the Young (SAY). Phil is a spokesperson for the Stuttering Foundation of America and has appeared on NBC, ABC and WOR-TV; he has presented more than 200 inspirational and innovative seminars across the United States and around the world. His first documentary, "Transcending Stuttering: The Inside Story" aired on PBS in 2004, and has been viewed (free) online by tens of thousands of people worldwide. It is viewed and studied in universities around the country. His second documentary, "Going with the Flow: A Guide to Transcending Stuttering" featured the process of therapy, including real footage of Dr. Schneider engaging two young adults who stutter. His other publications include basic vocal physiology as well as applied clinical topics related to voice disorders, stuttering and principles of therapeutic change. He enjoys roller-blading, hiking and spending time with his family. QUOTES

" You don't really know what a person needs or wants, and the only thing you can do is really listen and try to care and try to understand." - Dr. Phil Schneider " I realized this sense of being diminished by being out of control of your body in front of other people, and even without other people, was intrinsically shaming. It didn't require any other people." - Dr. Phil Schneider " Challenge can be an invitation to growth, and it can lead to intimacy, to being really open with people." - Dr. Phil Schneider " So long as there's life and there's breath, there's possibility." - Dr. Phil Schneider " Parenting is scary because it'll always feel like it's your fault" - Dr. Phil Schneider

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

The hardest chapters of your life often become the clearest mirror of your values.

When Rabbi Jonathan Cohen woke up one Shabbat (Saturday) morning unable to move, he had no idea he was facing a life-altering medical emergency. What followed - emergency brain surgery, a cancer diagnosis, and a whirlwind of hospital visits - could have broken his spirit. Instead, it clarified his purpose.

In this raw and deeply human conversation, Jonathan - affectionately known as "JoCo" - shares how he continues to show up with purpose during hard times, for his family, his community, and himself, even in the midst of fear, fatigue, and the unknown. With humor, wisdom, and an unmistakable warmth, he invites us to rethink what it means to live meaningfully when life turns upside down.

This isn't just a story about illness. It's a story about resilience, presence, and the power of showing up with purpose, even when everything else falls away.

In this conversation about showing up with purpose during hard times, you'll hear:

• The Shabbat (Saturday) morning that changed everything for Jonathan
• How he stayed grounded in his values through a health crisis and what helps him through the hard times
• What it meant for him to suddenly be a patient
• What makes a visit meaningful when someone is seriously ill
• Caring for others and visiting communities affected by October 7, even as he confronts his own health challenges
• Jonathan's reflections on vulnerability, community, and setting boundaries
• And many more insights

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction to Jonathan Cohen's Journey

01:37 – Life Before the Cancer Diagnosis

07:27 – The Morning Everything Changed

13:59 – Emergency Brain Surgery and Hospitalization

21:03 – Adjusting to Life as a Patient

26:50 – Support from Family and Friends

32:09 – Navigating Visits and Staying Positive

36:12 – What Makes a Visit Truly Meaningful

40:10 – Balancing Illness with Family Life

40:57 – Creative Ways Visitors Made an Impact

42:44 – Community Engagement as a Healing Practice

45:44 – The Therapeutic Power of Getting Outside

47:37 – Supporting Others Through Small Gestures

50:28 – Seeing Life Differently Through Illness

55:42 – Fighting vs. Managing Illness

59:33 – Finding Strength Through Support and Positivity

01:02:44 – Final Reflections and Life Lessons

ABOUT THE GUEST

Rabbi Jonathan Cohen (affectionately known as "JoCo") is a dynamic force of inspiration within the Jewish community. He works with Yeshiva University (YU) recruiting gap-year students to continue their education at YU, while also serving with NCSY (a division of the Orthodox Union) to help young couples find their place in Jewish communities across the United States. Beyond his professional roles, Rabbi Cohen is renowned for his exceptionally warm and open home, where he and his family have hosted countless students for Shabbos and Yom Tov meals.

Recently diagnosed with cancer, Rabbi Cohen faces this challenge with remarkable resilience and positivity. Despite undergoing intensive treatment, he remains steadfast in his mission to serve others. He continues to travel across Israel, leading impactful trips and providing support to communities affected by the events of October 7th, turning his personal struggle into an opportunity to spread kindness and connection to those in need.

QUOTES "Being a hero also means going through challenges and creating opportunities." - Jonathan Cohen

"What I've learned most importantly is that we have to be there more for each other." - Jonathan Cohen

"That first week, there were certain people [who] weren't even thinking about themselves. They were thinking about 'what can we do to put a smile on your face?'" - Jonathan Cohen

"Communication is still a hard thing in the generation that we live." - Jonathan Cohen 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

What if the breakthrough isn't about fixing your speech but letting go of the pressure to hide it?

As a kid, Dennis did everything he could to try and keep everything under control, especially his stutter. Now a PhD engineer and public speaker, he opens up about the real work behind his personal and professional growth: learning to meet himself where he is and speak from a place of presence.

In this warm, story-rich episode, Dennis and I explore what personal growth through self-expression really looks like. We talk about overcoming perfectionism in communication, the emotional cost of always trying to "sound right," and how learning to communicate more authentically changed Dennis's confidence, career, and relationships.

Whether you're a high-achieving professional who struggles with speaking with confidence, or someone navigating the internal tension between how things look on the outside and how they feel on the inside, I invite you to listen to Dennis' story and remember that communication growth starts with self-compassion.

In this conversation on personal growth through self-expression, Dennis shares the personal and professional growth that came from embracing his stutter rather than hiding it. Here's what you'll discover:

• How perfectionism shaped his early communication and why he's let it go

• Why speaking with presence matters more than speaking "right"

• The connection between mental state, mindfulness, and confident communication

• How spontaneity became more powerful than fluency

• A real-life "Billy Madison moment" that unexpectedly shifted his relationship with stuttering What it means to meet yourself where you are and how that changes everything

• And much more

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Introduction to TranscendingX

00:39 – Meet Dr. Dennis: the people-person PhD who stutters

01:34 – The personal growth journey of Dennis Szymanski

02:07 – Diving into semiconductors: life as a high-performing engineer

05:13 – Life and career of a semiconductor engineer

07:08 – Overcoming stuttering: childhood stories and mindset shifts

12:28 – How mindfulness and yoga support confident communication

21:37 – Spontaneity vs. fluency: a new paradigm for speaking with confidence

35:48 – The pressure of unscheduled conversations

36:23 – How mental state impacts stuttering and speaking performance

37:11 – Using yoga and mindfulness to improve self-expression

39:32 – Embracing imperfections

40:01 – Meeting yourself where you are

40:48 – Mental resilience and its role in effective communication

41:29 – Saying no without guilt & setting boundaries

41:53 – Navigating social interactions

42:15 – A speech science hack for smoother, more natural speaking

42:31 – Language constraints, adaptability, and confidence in speaking

50:41 – The power of mantras in reframing your communication mindset

55:53 – High school memories and stuttering: a Billy Madison moment

01:03:24 – Advice to a younger self: letting go of perfectionism

01:04:55 – Final reflections

ABOUT OUR GUEST Meet Dennis Szymanski, a Long Island native who has lived up and down the East Coast while developing his relationship with stuttering. Now settled in a quiet North Carolina beach town with his partner Sam, their dog Rocky, and turtle Lennie, Dennis fully embraces coastal living. With a PhD in Materials Science and Engineering from NCSU, he works as a Product Engineer for a British semiconductor firm.

When not in the lab, Dennis hits the disc golf course, practices yoga, plays trumpet, explores entrepreneurship, and enjoys all things water-related. The beach remains his sanctuary - a place to truly "Be As You Are" (yes, that's a Kenny Chesney reference - he's a country music fan).

Dennis began speech therapy in public school, later transitioning to private practice, but that was just the beginning. His journey through stuttering has involved numerous highs and lows that shaped his entire being. Various therapeutic approaches beyond speech therapy have helped him develop a more mindful relationship with his stutter.

As an active Toastmaster serving as Treasurer for his Jacksonville, NC club, Dennis continuously pushes beyond his comfort zone while building his speaking toolbox and competing in speech competitions. His philosophy? Growth happens outside your comfort zone - and for those who stutter, joining a public speaking club definitely qualifies. But as Dennis would say: You can do it. You will do it.

ABOUT YOUR HOST Uri Schneider, M.A. CCC -SLP is co-founder and leader at Schneider Speech; creator and host of Transcending Stuttering; and faculty at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine.

SEE FULL SHOW NOTES https://www.transcendingx.com/podcast-episode/dennis-szymanski

LEARN MORE Visit http://www.transcendingx.com or http://www.schneiderspeech.com