This week on Proud Stutter, we’re joined by Justin McCullough, a longtime stutterer, technologist, and founder of the upcoming mental health platform, Eight Minute Chat.

Justin opens up about growing up with a stutter after a major shift in his family dynamic, how it impacted his high school and college experiences, and the quiet persistence that shaped his career in tech. From building his first software system at a community college to launching his own company, Justin reflects on how stuttering has influenced his drive to prove himself, and how it’s intertwined with his sense of self-worth, timing, and voice.

We also talk about his latest project: Eight Minute Chat, a new initiative designed to offer people a space to offload mental stress in the moment--whether by phone, text, or in person. Rooted in empathy and lived experience, the idea came from a college student’s story and has since grown into something that could help bridge the gap between therapy and friendship.

This episode dives into first impressions, filler words, what it means to be seen beyond your stutter, and the emotional complexity of navigating speech in a fast-paced world.

Subscribe to updates on Eight Minute Chat at eightmin.org.

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🎟 Get early bird tickets for Proud Stutter’s Annual Gala on October 9 in San Francisco

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Big thanks to Proud Stutter's recurring supporters: Jennifer Bolen, Jerry Slaff, Josh Compton, Pablo Meza, Matt Didisheim, Alexandra Mosby, Ingo Helbig, Jonathan Reiss, Jason Smith, Paige McGill, Wayne Engebretson, Swathy Manavalan, and Martha Horrocks.

Learn more about Proud Stutter's impact campaign for its film project at proudstutter.org/impact

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For Years, Justin Thought His Voice Was a Liability. Now It’s the Heart of His Mental Health Mission.

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