Stammer Stories

William Laven

I have had a stammer my whole life and I want to share my experience but also find out about other people’s experience! We will cover different topics such as stammering, dyslexia, ADHD, Autism and many more with lots of exciting guests.

  1. Oct 22

    Episode 70: George Rainsford (International Stammering Awareness Day 2026 Special)

    What if the world stopped focusing on how we speak and started listening to what we have to say? To mark International Stammering Awareness Day, Stammer Stories welcomes actor George Rainsford for a special episode exploring the power of representation, the realities of living with a stammer and the importance of being heard. George takes on the role of Bertie, the future King George VI, in The King's Speech, a powerful story that has helped audiences around the world better understand the challenges of stammering. In this conversation, we look beyond the stage to explore the human story at the heart of the production, the responsibility of bringing such an important experience to life and why stories like this still matter today. A graduate of LAMDA, George has built an impressive career across theatre, television and film. His credits include the National Theatre's Dear England, All's Well That Ends Well and The Three Musketeers at Bristol Old Vic, alongside television appearances in Call the Midwife, Casualty, Father Brown and Professor T. His screen work also includes Bank of Dave 2 on Netflix. For International Stammering Awareness Day, this conversation is a reminder that stammering is not something that should hold anyone back, nor something that should define how the world sees them. It is about challenging assumptions, creating understanding and recognising the person behind the voice. Make sure to check out The King's Speech at The Barn Theatre and look out for the UK tour to experience this extraordinary story on stage. Because awareness is important, but understanding can change everything. Every voice deserves to be heard, exactly as it is. Find us on Instagram & TikTok! Kings Speech: https://thekingsspeechplay.com/ Barn Theatre: https://barntheatre.org.uk/ About Stammer Stories Stammer Stories is a dynamic platform dedicated to breaking down the stigma associated with stammering and empowering individuals to embrace their unique voices. Through diverse campaigns, engaging interviews, and global initiatives, Stammer Stories aims to create a supportive community and foster understanding about the challenges faced by those with stammers.

    Episode 70: George Rainsford (International Stammering Awareness Day 2026 Special)
  2. Oct 19

    Episode 69: Stefan Dennis

    What happens when a story about a King's struggle to speak becomes a powerful reminder that every voice deserves to be heard? In this special episode of Stammer Stories, Stefan Dennis joins us to discuss The King's Speech, taking on the role of Lionel Logue, the speech therapist who helped King George VI navigate his stammer. Best known for playing Paul Robinson in Neighbours, Stefan reflects on bringing this remarkable story to life and the importance of sharing stories that help the world better understand stammering. Stefan is one of Australian television's most recognisable actors, having created the role of Paul Robinson in Neighbours in 1985 and appeared in more than 6,000 episodes across the show's 40-year run. His extensive screen credits include Wentworth, Stingers, Blue Heelers and The Bill, alongside numerous theatre productions, including Blood Brothers in the West End. In 2025, he joined the celebrity line-up of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing. Together, we explore the realities of stammering, the misconceptions that still exist and the importance of listening beyond the words someone says. We discuss the power of representation, human connection and why being heard matters far more than speaking perfectly. The King's Speech is a story that continues to resonate with audiences around the world. Make sure to check out the production at The Barn Theatre and look out for the UK tour to experience this extraordinary story on stage. Because behind every stammer is a person, a story and a voice that deserves to be heard. Find us on Instagram & TikTok! Kings Speech: https://thekingsspeechplay.com/ Barn Theatre: https://barntheatre.org.uk/

    Episode 69: Stefan Dennis
  3. Oct 2

    Episode 68: David Pinto-Duschinsky

    What happens when two people who stammer, with completely different stories, sit down together inside the UK Parliament? In this special episode of Stammer Stories, William Laven is joined by David Pinto-Duschinsky MP to talk about growing up with a stammer, ambition, representation and what it means to find your voice in public life. From William starting Stammer Stories in his bedroom to David standing in Parliament, their journeys are very different, but the message is the same: having a stammer should never stop you from going after what you want. The conversation also explores David’s Careers in Public Life campaign with Action for Stammering Children, supporting young people who stammer to explore careers in politics, the civil service and local government. Sign Up Here Action For Stammering Children Find us on Instagram & TikTok! About Action for Stammering Children: Action for Stammering Children is the UK charity for children and young people who stammer, their families and the communities who support them. In collaboration with David Pinto-Duschinsky MP, Action for Stammering Children is offering young people aged 16–21 the opportunity to gain an insight into pursuing a career in public life, including politics, the civil service and local government. The two-hour workshop will take place in the UK Parliament on 20 October 2026, from 2pm to 4pm. About David Pinto-Duschinsky MP: David Pinto-Duschinsky is the Labour Member of Parliament for Hendon, having been elected in July 2024. He currently serves as a Parliamentary Private Secretary in the Department for Work and Pensions. Prior to becoming an MP, David worked as a partner and practice leader at EY Parthenon and previously as a Managing Director at Standard Chartered Bank. During the last Labour Government, David served in the Strategy Unit under Tony Blair, leading work on welfare, social policy and labour markets, before going on to serve as a Senior Advisor in the Home Office and the Treasury, focusing on employment benefits and labour market issues.

    Episode 68: David Pinto-Duschinsky
  4. 05/09/2025

    Episode 66: Jack Darlin

    Thank you for joining us for today’s episode of the Stammer Stories Podcast! This is our next episode of our limited edition series to celebrate our fourth anniversary. In this weeks episode, we are joined by Jack Darlin! Jack is a comedy creator based in London best known for his chaotic storytimes, reaction videos. Jack has a passion for making people laugh and you can find Jack doing stand-up comedy and Vox pop’s in the heart of London. Jack posts lifestyle, food and drink and comedy content across his socials - his unique yet hilarious skit's have allowed him to grow a strong and loyal audience. Jack posts his hilarious content across Instagram and TikTok, his Voxpop content does incredibly well enabling him to travel with brands such as Moxy Hotels for Berlin Pride! Stammer Stories is passionate about breaking down the stigma around stammering and empowering everyone to embrace their unique voices. Each episode brings you inspiring interviews, powerful campaigns, and global initiatives that shed light on the challenges and triumphs of those with stammers. Together, let's celebrate the strength and diversity of the stammering community and create a more understanding world. Stay Connected with Stammer Stories: Instagram: https://instagram.com/stammerstories?igshid=181bp3sjaztp6  Twitter: https://twitter.com/stammerstories TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stammerstories William’s TEDx My Stammer is My Superpower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zum-37Xm3yQ

    Episode 66: Jack Darlin

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

I have had a stammer my whole life and I want to share my experience but also find out about other people’s experience! We will cover different topics such as stammering, dyslexia, ADHD, Autism and many more with lots of exciting guests.

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