"Changing my birth name to a name I could say is the greatest gift I've ever given to myself." - PaigeIn this episode, we revisit a pivotal moment in Paige’s life when she made the bold move to change her name. The act of choosing a new name turned out to be a transformative journey, far beyond achieving fluency in speech. Through this personal story, discover the power of choice, renewal, and self-confidence. Learn how changing one's name can be a symbol of embracing a new identity and creating a brighter future. Join Paige for this inspiring story of personal growth.HighlightsThis personal story was originally shared at the 2020 Canadian Stuttering Association conference. LinksTake the Quiz: What’s Your Covert Stuttering Style? https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/Coaching with Paige: https://www.thehappystutterer.com/findyourflowtofluency/Website: https://www.thehappystutterer.com/Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/

Stuttering can feel like that small dried pea — overshadowing your entire identity and leaving you feeling black and blue — but it's only a small part of who you are.In this episode, we take a fresh look at the timeless fairy tale "The Princess and the Pea" and reveal its surprising connection to stuttering. We explore the concept of sensitivity and its profound influence on those who stutter. This episode offers valuable strategies to navigate the intersection of sensitivity and stuttering, fostering awareness and self-discovery. Join us as we reinterpret the princess's restless night through the lens of stuttering, providing a thought-provoking perspective on this classic story.Highlights0:45 Introducing this favourite childhood story "The Princess and the Pea"1:54 Original story read in it's entirety6:56 Identify the 'special quality' that is the essence of this story7:40 Research is shared about the connection between sensitivity and stuttering9:30 How does the trait sensitivity influence the experience of stuttering?10:55 Internalizing stuttering is like the small dried pea of the sensitive princess13:40 Quick and fun test to learn what sensitivity traits describe you14:25 Book recommendation to learn more about sensitivity14:57 The importance of self-care in a loud and noisy world15:33 Embracing your nature adds another dimension to your experiencesLinksTake the Quiz: What’s Your Covert Stuttering Style? https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/Coaching with Paige: https://www.thehappystutterer.com/findyourflowtofluency/Website: https://www.thehappystutterer.com/Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/

Ever get 'the look' while you're stuck in a stutter? When you realize that other peoples’ reactions are not about you, you hold onto your own power and confidence.In this episode, we delve into the "Looking Glass Self," a concept that explores how our self-concept is shaped by others. This concept involves imagining how we appear to others, anticipating their judgments, and developing feelings based on these perceptions. For those who stutter, perceived judgments during moments of disfluency can impact self-esteem. We discuss strategies to break free from external validation and encourage self-acceptance. Find out what truly matters when you look in the mirror.Highlights0:28 Introduction to what is going on behind "The Look"2:18 What exactly is "The Looking Glass Self"?2:45 The 3-step process of this psychological phenomenon5:16 How dangerous our imagined judgments can be6:23 Learn how the world and people act as our 'mirrors'8:43 One side effect of 'The Look'10:34 Five strategies to overcome the negative effects of The Looking Glass Self13:36 Key points to remember the next time you get 'The Look'14:20 Self-guided questions to reflect on your own self-concept15:05 Closing comments: it's time to shatter those mirrors and take back your powerLinksTake the Quiz: What’s Your Covert Stuttering Style? https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/Coaching with Paige: https://www.thehappystutterer.com/findyourflowtofluency/Website: https://www.thehappystutterer.com/Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/

Layered on top of stuttering is a complex web of fears and phobias, increasing the difficulties in speaking due to the additional stress and anxiety.In this episode, we explore the inner world of stuttering and its underlying fears and phobias. Sparked by a listener's question, we’re unraveling phobias such as speaking on the phone, public speaking, and the fear of being overheard — all intertwined within the experience of stuttering. Personal experiences and strategies for tackling these phobias are discussed, emphasizing awareness and possible solutions. It's all about recognizing your fears and putting them behind you. Come along for an enlightening journey into the hidden fears of stuttering!Highlights1:00 Introducing Allyson's 'greatest fear'3:53 Identifying the difference between fears and phobias4:55 How do you know if you have a phobia?6:36 Learn about the 7 different types of phobias behind stuttering11:36 Strategies to address these phobias within the experience of stuttering14:53 What are some key takeaways if you’re struggling with phobias?15:37 Ask questions to get clarity on how these fears and phobias impact youLinksTake the Quiz: What’s Your Covert Stuttering Style? https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/Coaching with Paige: https://www.thehappystutterer.com/findyourflowtofluency/Website: https://www.thehappystutterer.com/Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/

Unravel the mystery behind situational stuttering and variable fluency to understand the various factors influencing your stuttering experience.Stuttering is as unique as fingerprints and this is why it’s different for each person. Dive deep into the 7 Freedom Fluency Factors — a framework that unveils the intricate web of influences behind situational stuttering. Explore how the many factors like temperament, environment, relationships, thoughts, feelings, body, and behavior interact to shape your fluency journey. By understanding these factors, you hold the key to transforming your relationship with stuttering. Let's dive in!Highlights1:20 Unveiling situational and variable stuttering3:38 Meet the 7 Freedom Fluency Factors4:30 Factor 1: Delve into your inborn nature and the stuttering experience10:02 Factor 2: Explore the role of your environment in shaping your fluency13:18 Factor 3: Learn how relationships impact your fluency15:33 Factor 4: Dive into the power of your thoughts and mindset17:55 Factor 5: Understand the intricate connection between feelings and fluency21:15 Factor 6: Discover the physical aspects of how stuttering manifests in the body24:19 Factor 7: Recognize the various behaviours associated with stuttering28:00 See how the 7 Fluency Factors shape the outcome of a speaking experience30:20 Discover a practical tool to navigate your fluency challenges31:21 Learn how understanding the Fluency Factors can lead to resilience and empowermentLinksTake the Quiz: What’s Your Covert Stuttering Style? https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/Coaching with Paige: https://www.thehappystutterer.com/findyourflowtofluency/Website: https://www.thehappystutterer.com/Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/

"Becoming a coach was about bridging the gap between speech therapy and personal development for those who stutter." — Paige SmithIn this episode, we're diving into the heart of Paige’s personal odyssey — from waiting to outgrow stuttering, relapsing in speech therapy and her desire in helping others. We'll uncover the raw emotions of childhood hope, explore the highs and lows of speech therapy's impact, and unveil the profound shift that led Paige to become a certified professional coach. Join us as we shed light on her unique path toward fluency and self-empowerment. Highlights1:52 Waiting to outgrow stuttering3:20 Highs and lows of speech therapy10:02 Discover the motivation behind the transition to coaching11:30 Learn the differences between coaching and therapy13:03 Recognizing the importance of mindset over mechanics15:05 Being curious and the pursuit of knowledge for transformation 17:30 Going beyond speech therapy and growing through stutteringLinksTake the Quiz: What’s Your Covert Stuttering Style? https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/Coaching with Paige: https://www.thehappystutterer.com/findyourflowtofluency/Website: https://www.thehappystutterer.com/Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/

Reflecting on the past gives us perspective on the present. By acknowledging your origin story, you can forgive, find compassion, and move forward with newfound clarity and purpose.Just as superheroes have diverse and impactful origin stories, we too have our own unique narratives that shape who we are. In this episode, we dive deep into a topic that's incredibly personal and transformative — how our origin story about how stuttering started unlocks the power of self-acceptance. Join Paige Smith as she explores how understanding our origin story can take us on a journey leading to perspective, compassion and acceptance.Highlights1:44 Superheroes and the power of origin stories2:55 Have you ever asked yourself why you stutter? 3:45 Delve into the research-backed factors that contribute to stuttering8:30 "Serve and return" in childhood development is fundamental for communication skills13:54 Our childhood environment greatly shapes language development15:35 Contrasting expectations between home and school18:00 Explore psychogenic stuttering resulting from emotional trauma and stressLinksTake the Quiz: What’s Your Covert Stuttering Style? https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/Coaching with Paige: https://www.thehappystutterer.com/findyourflowtofluency/Website: https://www.thehappystutterer.com/Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/

If you're a person who stutters, it's not uncommon to have no idea why it's happening in certain situations. Instead of being frustrated by it, dive deep each week with Paige Smith, a certified coach and PWSS as she reveals the fluency factors behind covert and situational stuttering. Go beneath the surface of your stutter to gain deeper self-awareness leading to personal growth and transformation.LinksTake the Quiz: What’s Your Covert Stuttering Style? https://www.thehappystutterer.com/quiz/Coaching with Paige: https://www.thehappystutterer.com/findyourflowtofluency/Website: https://www.thehappystutterer.com/Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehappystutterer/