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 StoriesStammer 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.

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/

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 HereAction For Stammering ChildrenFind 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.

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 Jake Devline-Reed!Jake Devline-Reed, 29, star of BBC Three’s I Kissed a Boy, the UK’s first gay dating show, is sharing his remarkable journey of losing six stone and transforming his life through fitness since appearing on the reality TV show two years ago. He has qualified as a personal trainer and embraced exercise and nutrition to change not only his physical appearance, but his relationship with body image and self-acceptance. 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/stammerstoriesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stammerstories William’s TEDx My Stammer is My Superpower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zum-37Xm3yQ

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'shave 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/stammerstoriesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stammerstories William’s TEDx My Stammer is My Superpower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zum-37Xm3yQ

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 Clemmie Gillespie!Clemmie is a London-based creative consultant Clemmie studied law at UCL, graduating in 2023, before entering the art world. She now works with an art foundation set to open in Venice in 2026, connecting artists with audiences. Clemmie has a covert stammer, which she has managed since childhood with techniques like word-switching. In 2020, she joined the McGuire Programme, helping her embrace it as part of who she is.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/stammerstoriesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stammerstories William’s TEDx My Stammer is My Superpower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zum-37Xm3yQ

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 Anthony Hughes!London-based Anthony Hughes is a rising pop sensation with a powerful voice and infectious energy. A former professional dancer, he broke into music in 2020 and quickly made waves. His sound blends catchy melodies with empowering lyrics on self-love, diversity, and inclusivity. His 2023 hit Shining was featured by BBC Introducing, Gaydio, and DNA Magazine Australia. A passionate LGBTIQA+ advocate, he uses his platform for positivity. With new collaborations and four singles this year, his star keeps rising.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/stammerstoriesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stammerstories William’s TEDx My Stammer is My Superpower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zum-37Xm3yQ

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 Erin Marlow!Erin, 27, from Leicester, has overcome many challenges. Despite a stammer and learning disability, she has never let them hold her back. She thrives as a support worker and is deeply involved in voluntary work, helping vulnerable people.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/stammerstoriesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stammerstories William’s TEDx My Stammer is My Superpower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zum-37Xm3yQ

Thank you for joining us for today’s episode of the Stammer Stories Podcast! This is our first episode of our limited edition series to celebrate our forth anniversary. To kick off the series, I am joined by Theo Mayne.Theo starred in The Traitors UK (BBC One, 2022) and has appeared on Comic Relief, BBC Breakfast, Morning Live, Blankety Blank, Steph’s Packed Lunch, Virgin Radio, Gaydio, Saving Grace, The Mirror, OK! and Attitude. Based in Leeds, he is a former National World Champion cheerleader, podcast co-host, journalist, model, and live events host. He has also collaborated with brands like Ted Baker, Hard Rock Café, EasyJet, and Hilton Hotels.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/stammerstoriesTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stammerstories William’s TEDx My Stammer is My Superpower: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zum-37Xm3yQTheo’s Socials:Theo Mayne Instagram:Theo Mayne TikTokTheo Mayne X/TwitterTheo Mayne YouTube

In this inspiring audio, 26-year-old William Laven shares his journey of turning what many might see as a challenge—his stammer—into his greatest strength. From a childhood filled with limiting expectations to breaking barriers in his career at a top advertising agency, William’s story is one of resilience, determination, and empowerment. By embracing his stammer, William has made it his superpower, and now he’s on a mission to change perceptions of stammering. Through public speaking, launching a podcast with over 200,000 streams, and defying the odds, he shows that neurodiversity isn’t something to hide, but to celebrate. Join us as we mark International Stammering Awareness Day and watch William’s moving speech, filmed in an empty auditorium at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking, symbolising the power of a stammer and the impact of sharing our stories. 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 New Victoria Theatre: https://www.atgtickets.com/venues/new-victoria-theatre/ Credits: Starring: William Laven Directed & Produced By: William Laven Filmed By: Brad McDermott Location: New Victoria Theatre, Woking Music: 06 Symphony No. 7 in A Major, Op. 92_ II. Allegretto This is a Stammer Stories Production in partnership with New Victoria Theatre.