Podcast Summary: TranscendingX — Ep. #73 "Solocast: 10k Show and Tell"
Host: Uri Schneider
Date: May 16, 2022
Episode Overview
In this special solo episode, Uri Schneider, speech therapist and communication coach, reflects candidly on key personal experiences, the state—and future—of stuttering therapy and support, and the journey of his Transcending Stuttering podcast reaching 10,000 downloads. Speaking at Stutter Fest for National Stuttering Awareness Week, Uri shares deeply personal stories, his activist roots, frustrations with access to care, and his vision for a more inclusive, accessible, and person-centered future. Practical insights and memorable moments from his private practice and podcast are interwoven with calls to action for listeners—both those who stutter and their allies.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The “Flat” Future — Accessibility and Inclusion
Timestamps: 01:45–07:45
- The future of stuttering therapy and community "is flat," meaning it should be accessible, connected, and barrier-free for all.
- Emphasis on person-centered care, inclusion, and a lifespan perspective are not trends for Uri—they are core values, driven by personal and family history.
- Millions worldwide who stutter don’t have access to therapy, communities, or even the knowledge that support exists.
- Notable quote:
“If we can really create goodness in the water around that iceberg... Everyone rises.”
—Uri Schneider (06:10)
2. Personal Backstory — Activism in the “Kishkas”
Timestamps: 16:19–29:25
- Uri shares formative influences:
- His mother: a dedicated social worker and fierce advocate against social injustice, instilled in him a drive for equity and activism ("in my kishkas," i.e., in his gut).
- Early professional experiences: working with marginalized youth, people with disabilities, and at prestigious clinics shaped his belief that the profession should treat people, not just problems.
- Notable quote:
“What we need to do is treat people, not problems. Simple. Treat people, not problems.”
—Uri Schneider (26:53)
3. Access and Systemic Barriers
Timestamps: 12:14–16:19; 41:11–48:20
- Private practice, while powerful, is inherently limited by licensing, geography, and affordability.
- Systemic challenges—cost, distance, and language barriers—keep many from accessing traditional therapy.
- Transcending Stuttering and new tech platforms aim to "level the field" and create a shared fund of accessible wisdom.
4. The “Two Doors” Analogy (Jose A and Jose B)
Timestamps: 22:50–27:44
- Uri uses a joke (“Jose and Jose B”—Hose A and Hose B) to illustrate the two life paths for people who stutter:
- Door A: familiar, safe, but stagnant
- Door B: unfamiliar, perhaps scary—but full of opportunity.
- Many people remain unaware there even is a Door B.
5. Stories and Lived Experiences as Growth Catalysts
Timestamps: 18:58–21:36; 31:11–36:01
- Personal stories—his own, his clients', and guests'—are essential in understanding the diversity and shared humanity of stuttering.
- Podcasts and online spaces allow for anonymous exploration and validation.
- Notable quote:
"There’s no stuttering truth, no one owns the truth on the stuttering experience. But when we listen to many stories, we get 360 degrees of what this is all about."
—Uri Schneider (19:15)
6. Therapy Doesn't Work—People Work
Timestamps: 51:30–58:40
- Candidly reading a letter to SLP colleagues:
- Therapy itself rarely “works” in isolation—people and relationships catalyze change.
- Change is hard, and professionals shouldn't promise to cure; rather, they can support, encourage, and celebrate along the journey.
- Stresses the importance of “do no harm” and person-centered advocacy.
- Notable quote:
"Therapy doesn’t work. People work, people change."
—Uri Schneider (53:08)
7. Meeting People Where They Are
Timestamps: 40:00–48:20
- Readiness for change varies—children, teens, and adults come to support at different stages.
- Importance of diverse, stage-matched resources that allow individuals to learn, practice, and connect at their own pace.
8. Stages of Lifelong Growth
Timestamps: 62:16–68:39
- Outlines a spectrum:
- Exploring (consuming content anonymously)
- Learning (digging deeper, understanding stuttering)
- Doing the Work (therapy, coaching, practice)
- Sharpening and Solidifying (locking in new skills/habits)
- Living and Sustaining (incorporating changes in real life)
- Giving Back (mentoring and supporting others)
- Solutions must meet people at each stage.
9. New Tools & Community (TranscendingX Platform)
Timestamps: 70:00–77:44
- Previews a new online community, resource toolbox, and monthly events—free and open-access—to reach more people, especially those outside traditional support systems.
- Toolbox provides curated, searchable resources, cross-referenced for age, needs, and format (books, podcasts, self-help, etc.).
10. Podcast Takeaways: Lessons from 10K Downloads
Timestamps: 78:53–91:23
Ten “Irrefutable Truths” and Takeaways:
- Stuttering is simply interruptions in speech, but what it becomes depends on layered experience and response.
- Exceptional communication is totally possible, regardless of stuttering.
- Everyone is more than a “stutterer.” Know your other core qualities and strengths.
- Each person is capable of more than they realize.
- No one can predict your future—don’t let others’ “Magic 8 Ball” become your fate.
- Good people can be essential allies and guides—no need to go it alone.
- Different people need different types of support—honor readiness and preferences.
- Self-knowledge: Learn what makes you stutter more/less.
- Self-acceptance: Learn to care for and be kind to yourself.
- Self-advocacy: Advocacy looks different for everyone—do it how, when, and if you want.
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
On the power of vulnerability and voice:
"For me, there's so much I've wanted to say. ...I had so much fear of sharing my voice. ... And I know for some of you it might be like, how could that be? He doesn't stutter. Why would he hold back? ... I don't stutter, and yet I'm a scaredy cat. I'm worried what people will think."
—Uri Schneider (80:19) -
On support and readiness:
"We gotta meet people where they're at, and we gotta think about a solution that helps different types of people, and also helps people at different stages based on what they need at that time."
—Uri Schneider (27:00) -
On being more than a stutterer:
"You are more than just a stutterer. If I were to ask you, tell me five things about yourself, stuttering might be one."
—Uri Schneider (92:47) -
On self-advocacy and choice:
"Self-advocacy means you deserve to learn how you want to do self-advocacy for yourself—in your family, at school, at work, in the community. And it should be if you want, when you want, how you choose."
—Uri Schneider (97:02)
Audience Reflections & Interaction
- B (Listener, 82:14–86:26):
- Expressed appreciation for Uri’s vulnerability and the message that giving back must be in proportion to one’s own bandwidth and ability to care for oneself.
- Quote: “You also made sure to say, give back according to your bandwidth. Lovely. Really, so thank you.”
- C & A (Listeners, 86:49–100:45):
- Reflected on the power of sharing stories, the need for self-compassion, and the challenge of reaching the millions not yet in the community.
Actionable Takeaways
- Explore and share resources: Visit transcendingx.com for tools, community, and events.
- Practice self-acceptance and self-knowledge: What makes you stutter more or less?
- Advocate when ready: There are many ways to self-advocate—find what fits for you, in your time.
- Give back—if you have bandwidth: Support others when you can; fill your own cup first.
- Help spread awareness: Think of the millions not yet reached.
- Engage with and contribute to supportive spaces: Community, podcasts, and online tools.
Closing Thought
“Millions of people are waiting for an opportunity. So... how do we open door A and door B for more people, just make those doors within reach, and show them what's on the other side?”
—Uri Schneider (101:45)
For more:
- Podcast library, free community, and toolbox: transcendingx.com
- Connect, contribute, and join the movement.
[End of Summary]