Talks with Dr Shafer

Travis Althouse, M.S. CCC-SLP is a Speech Therapist who is known around the world for his videos where he shares his own journey living with a stutter, is now the author of a new children's book, Finn Finds His Voice. On this episode of Talks with Dr Shafer, Travis shares his journey of developing a stutter in the third grade, the impact stuttering had on him as a child, and how he has been sharing his story on social media, creating community and providing education and resources for people with stuttering, and those who want to learn more about stuttering. With his first illustrated children's book, Finn Finds His Voice, Travis Althouse not only wrote but illustrated the story about Finn and his journey to find his voice at school where he doesn't fit in with the other fish. Join us for an inspiring conversation and share with someone you think would enjoy this talk!Get your copy of Finn Finds His Voice here:https://a.co/d/04PNlGb4Connect with Travis Althouse here: https://www.travisstuttering.com/Thank you Travis Althouse for being on the show & sharing your inspiring story with us!What inspired you about today's episode? Let us know, and share this episode with someone you think will love this talk Follow across Social Media as @travis.stutteringConnect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshaferThis episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.All Rights Reserved#travisstuttering #stuttering #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #storytelling

Whoever said don't meet your heroes clearly never met the incredible Morgan St. Jean. A beloved singer-songwriter who has created a community where her fans feel accepted, loved and inspired by her music, Morgan creates more than songs, she writes anthems for so many people and for so many different seasons of life. On this inspiring episode of Talks with Dr Shafer, Dr Shafer sits down with Special Guest Morgan St. Jean, a New York musician now based in LA, to talk about music, love, learning to embrace your own voice in life and the music industry, and more. Watch and listen with us where you enjoy podcasts, and let us know your favorite Morgan St. Jean song: Made For, Not All Men, Skin and Bones, God's Country, Past Life. There are so many beautiful hits, it's hard to choose just one. Learn more about Morgan St. Jean here: https://www.morganstjean.com/Keep an eye out for upcoming tour dates in Europe for Morgan St. Jean!Follow on Social Media as @morganstjeanAdd your favorites to your playlist and support independent musicians!Thank you Morgan St. Jean for being on the show & sharing your inspiring story with us!What inspired you about today's episode? Let us know, and share this episode with someone you think will love this talk. Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshaferThis episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.All Rights Reserved#morganstjean #music #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #storytelling

On this inspiring episode of Talks with Dr Shafer, Dr Shafer sits down with Special Guest Kathy DiMario. Inspiring author, psychologist and professor as well as the CEO of Second Acts Career Services in Toms River, New Jersey, Kathy is the author of What Kind of Dog Am I?, the story of a rescued dog named Posha who is on a journey of self-discovery. Kathy DiMario wrote the book with her daughter Kelly DiMario, and the book was lovingly illustrated by Emily Foster, a high school junior from Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey. Kathy shares her curriculum for self-esteem building with the help of Posha's inspiring story in schools,  and most recently shares Posha's story with a Tonie created for What Kind of Dog Am I?Get your copy of What Kind of Dog Am I? and the accompanying Tonie here:https://www.whatkindofdogami.com/Connect with LKathy DiMario here: ⁠⁠https://www.kathleendimario.com/⁠⁠Follow on Instagram as @poshatherescuedogThank you Kathy DiMario for being on the show & sharing your inspiring story with us!What inspired you about today's episode? Let us know, and share this episode with someone you think will love this talk Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshaferThis episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.All Rights Reserved#kathydimario #selfesteem #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #storytelling

What is good gossip? Kids are learning just that, along with emotional regulation, patience, and communication skills thanks to an elementary school teacher's invention, the Telly Tale Phone. Educator and Entrepreneur Anais Zavala shares with us the why behind her invention and how she has seen both first-hand in her classrooms from TK to fifth grade and from educators around the world how giving kids a safe space to speak their mind can have a big impact on the classroom. Learn more about the Telly Tale Phone at: https://www.tellytalephone.com/Do you have a Telly Tale Phone? Let us know how you are using yours!Connect with Anais Zavala at Telly Tale Phone on Social Media as @tellytalephone for inspiring shorts, helpful tutorials and more!Thank you Anais Zavala for being on the show & sharing your inspiring story with us!What inspired you about today's episode? Let us know, and share this episode with someone you think will love this talk Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshaferThis episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.PC: Guest: Anais ZavaraHost: Stephanie Baker PhotographyAll Rights Reserved#teacher #tellytalephone#talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #storytelling

Life doesn't come ready made: it's up to us to stitch together the life we desire. Hannah Arnold is the Founder of Sherwood Forest Creations which specializes in embroidery kits, courses, and accessories. A fellow Michigan creator who pivoted from work as a Physical Therapist to now embracing a career in embroidery, Hannah is making embroidery and crafting accessible and cool to people across the country, and building a community of crafty people from around the world who love creating something unique and special. From Youtube Tutorials to engaging social media content, Hannah is bringing back the joy of embroidery and reminding us of the benefits of slowing down and putting our own imprint on the world around us. Join us for an inspiring talk about the healing power of craft, embracing change on our growth journey, and more.Learn more about Hannah Arnold's work with Sherwood Forest Creations and get your kits and tuturials here:https://www.sherwoodforestcreations.com/Connect with Hannah Arnold on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube as @sherwoodforestcreationsThank you Hannah Arnold for being on the show & sharing your inspiring story with us! What inspired you about today's episode? Let us know, and share this episode with someone you think will love this talk  Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshaferThis episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.Photo Credit: Guest: Hannah Arnold/USA Today Dr Shafer: Stephanie Baker PhotographyMusic Credit: Impulse, Shafer StedronAll Rights Reserved#sherwoodforestcreations #embroidery #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #storytelling

Annelise McCarthy is a leading voice and expert in communication, known for her work as an international speaker, The CEO of Use Your Voice, a LinkedIn Top Voice, and Communication Expert who has helped individuals from CEOs to Olympians on their leadership journey. Here on this inspiring episode of Talks with Dr Shafer to help give us tips on how to "un-mute" ourselves, Annelise is the friend and mentor we all need who tells us not what we want to hear, but what we need to hear to help us master the communication skills we need to build our most beautiful future. Connect with Annelise here: https://www.herspeakingcoach.com/contactOn LinkedIn as linkedin.com/in/annelise-mccarthy-b31533142 and Instagram as @theannelisemccarthyConnect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshaferThis episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.All Rights ReservedPhoto CreditsGuest: Annelise McCarthyTWDS: Stephanie Baker PhotographyMusic Credit: Shafer Yost, Impulse#annelisemccarthy #communication #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #storytelling

Dr Shafer sits down with renowned mixed medium artist Steve Barton for an inspiring discussion about his art, the heart behind it, and how to create a life you want to live. Steve invites us to see the extraordinary in the ordinary moments and find beauty in our everyday lives through his art and the story of his journey. Learn more about Steve Barton's work here: https://bartonstudios.com/Connect with Steve Barton on Instagram @stevebartonofficial, Facebook @stevebartonstudios, and YouTube at @stevebartonand learn how you can paint along with Steve and bring home a piece of tropical magic. Thank you Steve Barton for being on the show & sharing your inspiring story with us!What inspired you about today's episode? Let us know, and share this episode with someone you think will love this talk. Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshaferThis episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.All Rights ReservedPhoto Credits: TWDS photos by Stephanie Baker Photography: Guest photos: Steve Barton#stevebarton #art #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #storytelling

On this week's episode of Talks with Dr Shafer, Dr Shafer sits down with Alicia VanderGriend, founder of Cowgirl Life Co. and the Cowgirl Coach, a certified yoga instructor, mindset coach, and project management professional with a master's degree in marine biodiversity. Pivoting from a career in marine energy project management monitoring whales for over a decade, Alicia felt called back to her early-life love of horses. Back on land, Alicia founded Cowgirl Life Company and the Cowgirl coach, where she helps horsewomen launch their own purpose-built businesses. Join us for an inspiring chat about embracing the pivot, living with intention and leaning into your passion to live your healthiest, happiest life. Thank you Alicia VanderGriend for being on the show & sharing your inspiring story with us!What inspired you about today's episode? Let us know, and share this episode with someone you think will love this talk Connectwith Alicia VanderGriend here: aliciavandergriend.com and on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube at @cowgirllifeco.Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshaferThis episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.All Rights Reserved#horsewoman #cowgirlcoach #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #storytelling

"Until you look inward, you will keep modeling the habits, the beliefs and the legacies that you never meant to pass down." - Michelle Machado, PhD, MBADr Michelle Machado, PhD, MBA is a NeuroChange Solutions Consultant, two times TEDx Speaker, author of the upcoming Alive Again: 4 Steps to Reclaim Yourself in a Distracted World, and mentor who supports professionals and moms in building resilience and finding success. A mom of two and world traveller, Michelle Machado has helped people build a resilient mindset across the globe through her work with universities.  Michelle is here today on Talks with Dr Shafer to share her story and her tips on how to build a resilient mindset and invest in reconnecting in a disconnected world. Thank you Dr Machado for being on the show!What inspired you about today's episode? Let us know, and share this episode with someone you think will love this talk Learn more and connect with Dr Michelle Machado:https://michelledmachado.com/Pre-order your copy of Dr Machado's new book, Alive Again: 4 Steps to Reclaim Yourself in a Distracted World: https://www.amazon.com/Alive-Again-Reclaim-Yourself-Distracted/dp/1637635869Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshaferThis episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.All Rights Reserved#michellemachado #aliveagain #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #storytelling

"No matter if you get in trouble you can always return home." Life is full of opportunities for adventure, and for mistakes and mischief along the way! This week's guest, Author Cari Hitchcock, shares her delightful children's book series, The Adventures of Baby Brown Bear, where Baby Brown Bear takes us on his travels around the world. From Australia, The Philippines, Mexico and New York City, Baby Brown Bear and his caring humans Mr Kazoo and Pookie Boo not only take us on an inspiring adventure of local delights, they also remind us of the value of connection and forgiveness. Inspired by her travels with Air Supply band, led by husband Russell Hitchcock, Cari shares some of the real-life mischief that the stuffed animal who inspired the book series get into on their world travels while touring with the beloved classic rock band. Do you have a stuffy that you or a loved one found to be the perfect travel companion? Let us know! With every purchase, you’re supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital®, helping provide treatment, research, and hope for families battling childhood illnesses. How fantastic! You can get your own Baby Brown Bear with a hand-made Air Supply t-shirt here: https://theadventuresofbabybrownbear.com/product/air-supply-baby-bear-plush-12-soft-hypoallergenic-teddy-bear/Learn More About the Adventures of Baby Brown Bear Series (featuring Australia, The Philippines, Mexico and New York, with new adventures coming soon) and Get Your Copies Here!https://theadventuresofbabybrownbear.com/Check out the new animated series on Youtube: @CariHitchcockhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpwReZ2xlHgThank you to Cari Hitchcock for being on the show and sharing The Adventures of Baby Brown Bear with us! ⁠⁠Love this book, too? Share this episode with someone and share the love! Books aren't pie: the more you share them, the bigger the enjoyment. Do you have a book that you would love to have Dr Shafer review on the show? Let us know! Contact at ⁠[email protected]⁠ for book recommendations, to recommend a guest or for other questions. Want to have Dr Shafer come speak at your event about literacy and the power of storytelling! Go to ⁠www.drshaferstedronova.com⁠ to learn more about Dr Shafer and speaking events. Photo Credits: Cari HitchcockPhoto Credits for Dr Shafer: Stephanie Baker PhotographyMusic Credit: He Has A Way, Riverside AudioPR: PR from the HeartTo watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshaferThis episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.All Rights Reserved#nostalgia #airsupply #travel #carihitchcock #theadventuresofbabybrownbear

Embracing Imperfection to Find the Perfect Sound with Recording Artist Pace Randolph Pace Randolph is a singer, songwriter and director of the world's biggest choir, The Choir Imperfect, a project to create community through song that is bringing people together across the globe. With his debut album, Pace Randolph is accepting vocal contributions from his fans to be a part of the magic of music making, inviting 100,000 singers to join him on his debut album in a collective choir unlike anything we have ever heard before. Pace shares his inspiring story with us, from his love of music, his journey to creating the world's biggest choir, and how embracing imperfection and self-discovery have set him on the path to creating music that not only  beautifully conveys his story but brings people together in the process.  Thank you, Pace, for reminding us to embrace the imperfect, and that we don't have to be perfect to make an impact. What inspired you about today's episode? Let us know, and share this episode with someone you think will love this talk Learn more about  and connect with Pace Randolph and The Imperfect Choir here: https://www.thechoirimperfect.com/Connect with Pace Randolph:https://www.instagram.com/pacerandolphhttps://www.tiktok.com/@pacerandolphhttps://www.youtube.com/@PaceRandolphConnect with Dr. Shafer ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshaferThis episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.All Rights Reserved#pacerandolph #thechoirimperfect #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #storytelling

Trigger Warning: Eating Disorders Discussed in Today's EpisodeThis week on Talks with Dr Shafer, Dr Shafer sits down with model, actor, author and counselor Aesha Waks. Aesha shares her experience working in the entertainment industry as a teenager, and how media influenced her body perception, leading to struggles with eating disorders. Aesha shares how she learned how to face her fear of food and face her ED, and how she helps others do the same.What inspired you about today's episode? Let us know, and share this episode with someone you think will love this talk Learn more about  and connect with Aesha Waks here: https://www.instagram.com/aeshahashwaks/Check out books and media by Aesha Waks: https://www.amazon.com/prime-video/actor/Aesha-Waks/amzn1.dv.gti.57c3171d-65a8-4643-ab1d-fb930a0d4e1b/Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshaferThis episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.All Rights Reserved#aeshawaks #author #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #eatingdisorders

On this special episode featuring Kids Who Are Changing the World, we sit down with Dr Shafer and Amelie Anastasia, 12 year old Author (Fox Tales, Fox Tales 2, Wolf Tales) of the upcoming Shelter Dogs and Philanthropist. Amelie shares how her love of animals from wildlife to pets inspired her to start using her voice and writing children's literature, leading to opportunities across the country to share her mission for advocating for wildlife conservation and animal adoption.  Amelie shares about her experience working on her newest book, Shelter Dogs, and how she aims to raise money for animal shelters throughout America with the project. Would you like to have Shelter Dogs in your local animal shelter as a fundraiser? 100% of profits go to support shelters. Let us know at [email protected]!Would you like to have Amelie Anastasia speak at your school, event or animal shelter about animal advocacy? Let us know! Learn more at https://www.amelieanastasia.com and contact at [email protected] your copies of Fox Tales, Fox Tales 2, and Wolf Tales here: https://amelieanastasia.com/shopListen to What's Up Young Authors! Amelie's Literature-focused podcast, here: https://www.youtube.com/@WhatsUpYoungAuthors-jg4vuWhat resonated with you from today's episode? Let us know!Learn more about sharing your story with Little House of Dreams Publishing at:https://littlehouseofdreamspublishing.com/Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshaferThis episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.All Rights Reserved#amelieanastasia #animaladoption #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #shelterdogs

Building helpful habits for a healthier life when living with autoimmune disease takes focus and dedication. Pharmacist, scientist, host of Autoimmune Health Secrets and coach Amy Behimer, PharmD, NBC-HCW, shares with us how she navigated being faced with several autoimmune diseases and turned her health challenges into a mission to help others take charge of their habits and live a healthy life with their diagnosis. Reframing how we think about health and habits, Amy Behimer gives actionable guidance on reclaiming the story you are telling yourself about your health, and creating a mindset that helps you achieve your goals. What resonated with you from today's episode? Let us know!Do you an autoimmune condition and a goal to incorporate healthy habits to reclaim your health? Comment, tag and let us know how this episode inspired you!Learn more about Amy Behimer, PharmD, NBC-HCW here: https://amybehimercoaching.com/Listen to the podcast Autoimmune Health Secrets here: https://thehabithubpodcast.amybehimercoaching.com/Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshaferThis episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.All Rights Reserved#coach #habits #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #autoimmunedisease #amybehimer

We sit down with Dr Shafer and Dana Kramaroff, educator and author of the Middle Grade hit The Do More Club and educator, for an inspiring discussion on this week's episode of Talks with Dr Shafer. Dana shares how her experiences growing up inspired The Do More Club, a story about a Jewish boy who faces an antisemitic attack at school who is empowered to create positive change in his community. In a world that feels heavy and full of conflict, it's not just adults who are feeling the weight: Dana reflects on her experience as a teacher for middle grade and elementary school students, and how parents, teachers and caregivers can support and empower kids through development and challenging times. What resonated with you from today's episode? Let us know!Did you have a teacher who empowered you in school? Comment, tag and let us know how they inspired you!Learn more about Dana Kramaroff here: https://danakramaroff.com/Get your copy of The Do More Club at Mavey Books! https://www.maveybooks.com/browse/filter/t/The%20do%20more%20club/k/keywordDr Shafer Stedron, MD is a musician turned Neurologist, a mom, a Jay Shetty-Certified Life Coach, an Author, Publisher, and so much more.Connect with Dr. Shafer: ⁠⁠https://drshaferstedronova.com/⁠⁠To watch inspiring and informative Talks with Dr Shafer head to her YouTube Channel: / @talkswithdrshaferThis episode does not offer individualized medical advice. Opinions discussed are for informational purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice.Little House Of Dreams Entertainment, LLC, 2026.All Rights ReservedThank you to Penguin Random House Kids, Rocky Pond Books, and Mavey Books for helping to share stories like The Do More Club with the world!#danakramaroff #author #talkswithdrshafer #empowerment #middlegradeauthor