Stuttering, stigma, and the power of voice. In this inspiring episode of Luca’s Insight Track, Luca sits down with Farah Al Qaissieh—Emirati social entrepreneur and founder of the UAE’s first stuttering support community. For more than a decade, Farah has been breaking stereotypes, building safe spaces, and helping people who stutter discover confidence and embrace their true voices.

Farah shares her deeply personal journey of growing up with a stutter, the school incident that made her realize she was “different,” and the powerful moment she freed herself by beginning every presentation with: “My name is Farah, and I stutter. Please bear with me.” She also opens up about a promise she made to her late brother Mansour—one that inspired her to host the first International Stuttering Awareness Day in the Middle East and create a community where no one feels alone.

Together, Luca and Farah uncover insights about stuttering that most people don’t know: why it impacts boys more than girls, why many stutter more in their mother tongue than in a second language, and why something as simple as introducing yourself or ordering coffee can feel like climbing a mountain. They also challenge misconceptions—from assuming stuttering is caused by nerves, to offering sympathy instead of acceptance.

But this conversation is bigger than speech. It’s about resilience, identity, and finding strength in difference. Farah talks about parenting three young boys, rediscovering play through a Lego mug, using “elephant” as her safe word, and the daily reminder that every voice deserves to be heard.

Whether you stutter, know someone who does, or simply care about authentic stories of courage and humanity, this episode will inspire you to listen more deeply, speak more honestly, and embrace the unique voice that makes you who you are.