More Than Words: Jason Heffler on Stuttering and Self-Expression
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay speaks with Jason Heffler, author, EDM journalist, and passionate advocate for self-acceptance. 🎙️ The conversation dives into Jason's powerful personal story growing up with a stutter, and how that experience led to his mission to help children with speech challenges reclaim their confidence and creativity.
What does it mean to truly find your voice, and what happens when you grow up afraid to use it? In this episode, Jay and Jason discuss the emotional weight of speech disorders, the trauma of bullying, and the healing power of being heard.
Jason opens up about his children's book Tongue Tied, which speaks directly to kids (and parents) struggling with speech challenges. The conversation winds through themes of self-worth, creativity, empathy, and even the role of music and AI in reclaiming voice. Jay brings his signature empathy and layered questioning to the table, drawing out a raw and honest dialogue about identity, expression, and the beauty of imperfection.
Whether you've struggled to speak your truth or simply want to understand better how voice shapes our humanity, this conversation offers insight and inspiration. 💬🎧
Key Takeaways:
🧠 [13:31] Jason shares the metaphor of the chameleon and how it shaped his early identity
🎤 [26:00] Music became Jason’s lifeline to self-expression when words fell short
🎶 [34:58] Music is not just an outlet — it’s therapy for unspoken emotions
🤖 [42:13] AI can support creativity and expression, but should never replace the soul
💡 [48:07] Embracing your imperfections is the real key to lasting confidence
Guest Bio: Jason Heffler is an author, DJ and music journalist dedicated to helping others embrace their voice. As Managing Editor at EDM.com, he has covered some of the biggest names in the industry while staying grounded in human-first storytelling. Through his children’s book Tongue Tied and personal advocacy, Jason shares his story of growing up with a stutter to help children and adults embrace speech challenges, turn shame into empowerment, and own their narrative.
🌀 Be cool. And keep learning. 🐚
If this episode spoke to you, or if you know someone still learning to speak their truth, share this conversation. 🎧 Subscribe to The Tragedy Academy Podcast, leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review, and help us amplify voices that matter. Hosted by Jay Hicks, each episode is an invitation to explore tragedy, triumph, and transformation through authentic, unfiltered storytelling.
Learn more about Jason’s work and grab a copy of Tongue Tied at https://rebrand.ly/tonguetied. Follow him on Instagram and LinkedIn to hear more about his work with children, music, and mental health. His voice — both written and spoken — is changing lives. 🎤📚✨
From silence to sound, shame to strength — Jason Heffler’s journey reminds us that what makes us different is often what makes us powerful. Thank you for listening to this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast. Tune in next week for another story of resilience and radical authenticity.
🎙️ Be cool. And keep learning. 💛
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Be cool. Keep Learning.
Jason Heffler
Jason Heffler is an author whose stories help young readers overcome speech disorders and fears around speaking. Drawing from his own childhood experiences growing up with and getting bullied for a stutter, he writes uplifting tales that inspire kids with speech hurdles to build confidence and self-acceptance.
By day he is a DJ and leads the operations of EDM.com, the world's leading electronic dance music site, as its Managing Editor; by night, he's an author crafting stories like his book "Tongue Tied," a resource to illustrate how speech issues do not define you.
Doctors, parents and people who stutter have connected with the book's unique message: that speech disorders don't need to be "fixed." Instead of chasing a cure, they've shared how liberating it is to embrace the truth that their voice—exactly as it is—can carry them through a happy life filled with all the same possibilities as others.
