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Episode #275: My first time attending STAMAMFest and going to the UK! Join me as I chat with new and old friends at my very first STAMMFest which took place in Nottingham from August 15 to 18.

It was also the first time I gave a new version of my cartooning workshop where attendees draw cartoon characters of their stutter, I mean, stammer, as they say in the U.K. (hey that rhymed). To my surprise, the room was packed! And even better, everyone seemed to have enjoyed the activity.

On this episode, a few of those who attended share their experiences from drawing cartoon characters of their own stuttering. And for the most part, I’m blown away by what they all drew!

I then take you along with me for a bit of a soundseeing tour in London as I try to make my way from Buckingham Palace to Trafalgar Square — and lose my way a few times — as I reflect on STAMMAFest while stumbling upon various statues and landmarks.

1. (0:00) Introduction and I describe the latest Franky Banky comic strip, Love At First Flight.
2. (6:59) Marc tells me about the recent ERASMUS+ Youth Exchange in The Netherlands, co-founding Stamily, and his Stammafest highlights.
3. (13:35) Volunteer and co-organizer, Anne-Marie, talks about how running the kids sports session for Family Day and what makes her come back to Stammafest.
4. (16:20) Sophie shares the cartoon character she created based on her stammer.
5. (18:27) A multi-disciplinary artist shares how she combines science and art to teach people about language and communication. She also shares the cartoon character she drew of her stutter.
6. (22:25) Fellow first timer and previous Stuttering is Cool guest, Cynthia, being nervous while giving her session and Tam returns to STAMMAFest after a short sabbatical.
7. (28:06) Bill shares how he enjoys trying new activities to explore his speech such as art and poetry. He also shares how drawing his stutter as a cartoon character made him stop and think.
8. (31:53) Amanda shares her Dr. Seuss-esque cartoon and accompanying rhyming description that turned into a poem. She also talks about the benefits of creative activity at stuttering conferences.
9. (36:22) I’m in London. My opinion on why STAMMAFest did a great job at including both fluency and acceptance camps.
10. (45:36) My cartooning workshop and the surprising large amount of people who attended! Around 50 people attended. My largest turnout ever!
11. (48:56) I realize I haven’t introduced myself to new listeners.
12. (51:25) The diverse cartoon characters people who attended my session created based on their stuttering
13. (1:00:33) Outro

Links mentioned on today’s episode:

• STAMMAFest
• Stamma
• Stamily
• FrankyBanky.com
• Canadian Stuttering Association and l’Association bégaiement communication joint conference Connecting Voices/Connecter les voix from November 8 to 10, 2024.

P.S. You know those iconic red phone booths all over the U.K.? Well, there was one near the STAMMAFest event that was converted into a book exchange. So I left two copies of my books in it!

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Transcription available upon request.