Jason Peterson

A question I often get from people who have seen WHEN I STUTTER is “Where did you find the participants?”  When I started production, I called Gail Wilson Lew and asked her if she knew anyone that might want to talk about their life with stuttering on camera.  Her first recommendation was to meet the local chapter of the National Stuttering Association.

When I entered the first meeting everyone was so warm and welcoming.  I told them that I was making a documentary about stuttering and to please email me if they were interested.  The first email I received was from Jason and it read:

“Hello! I was at the NSA chapter meeting last night. My name is Jason, I was the guy with the severe stutter sporting the beard and Thundercats shirt. I’m very interested in participating…  I feel there’s not a lot of emphasis on the psychological or emotional aspect of stuttering and research tends to focus more on the medical side. -Jason”

I reached out to Jason and the rest is history…  I will always appreciate him on so many levels.  Especially for trusting an unknown filmmaker with the most personal parts of his life.  Jason and I are connected on so many levels.  Back when I was doing freelance videography, he helped me on several shoots- he’s quite talented.  Also, if you are a superhero geek, just know that there is NOBODY better to talk with about The Marvel Cinematic Universe.  It’s been a privilege chronicling some of his life’s journey.

 

“Like a lot of things in life, your outlook on it changes as you  mature, you can choose to hate it and let it control your life, cower at the thought of putting yourself out there… or you can take the first step to conquer it…”

 

What has been the response from others about you in the film?

The response has been amazing! I know someone from high school that’s now in speech therapy, she saw the documentary and messaged me to compliment my willingness to talk about it.  I have received messages from people on Facebook commenting on how they look up to me and my courage.  It definitely has been a surreal experience.  

What was your favorite or most memorable part of the process of making the film?

The most memorable part was getting in touch with Gail for our therapy sessions.  I believe those sessions were instrumental in shaping the way I view my stutter now, she gave me the tools i needed to deal with my impediment when I feel it’s getting out of control.  

What has surprised you about the film since it was first presented?

The amount of support I received personally.  I always knew the film would be well received from the amount of love and attention John put into the project, but I never realized the people he showed would receive the amount of recognition we have.  

What’s changed in your life since we saw you in the film?

My outlook on my stutter has changed tremendously.  I have relapsed a bit since I had therapy with Gail, but my attitude is vastly improved.  It doesn’t bother me nearly as much, I actually go up to strangers to talk to them even if i start fumbling.  If i want to know where something is at in a store, I find an employee to ask where it’s at.  I have taken on hobbies that I’ve always wanted to get into but never did, because of the amount of speaking involved.  I’ve made new friends, put myself out there more, and I’m much happier now that I don’t have a dark cloud looming over me.  

What’s your relationship with stuttering now?

I am at peace with it, I know I will never be 100% fluent and I’m ok with that.  It’s something that sets me apart from others, which can be beneficial! I try to use it to my advantage when I can! I do get in small funks where I’m stressed and my stuttering gets worse so I  try not to talk to people, but I pull myself out of it really quickly.  

What’s some advice for people who are on their journey with stuttering?

Practice your fluency until you’re comfortable in your own skin.  You don’t have to be perfect, it makes you unique!  Like a lot of things in life, your outlook on it changes as you mature, you can choose to hate it and let it control your life, cower at the thought of putting yourself out there… or you can take the first step to conquer it, make it your bitch and realize your potential. When you do that, you realize people are more concerned with their own issues than some difficulties you have speaking, and if they don’t want to listen, they aren’t worth your time.  

 

 

Purchase WHEN I STUTTER to watch

Jason and 18 other compelling individuals

talk about their journey with stuttering.