Wow. Just. Wow. I've stuttered/blocked since the 4th grade and while I was listening to your recording (incredibly brave btw!) it dawned on me-- ok no, it hit me over the head like a sock stuffed with "D" batteries-- but I realized: **Not only have I never spoken to another human IRL in my entire life who stutters/blocks similar to how I do, but I also have NEVER HEARD another "everyday human" block/stutter in my entire life (!!!)** I mean, of course, I've seen some people on TV (I vaguely remember an American Idol contestant?), actors in movies playing a role who stutters (A Fish Called Wanda, 80s movie) and in more recent times someone in a Tiktok video, but it hits completely different in this "everyday" context. Something so common and not a big deal for 95% of people such as a simple phone interview, for us --well, I'll speak for myself-- for me is just a nightmare on many levels. I know I don't have to explain. But I totally can relate to the need for in person meetings with strangers vs. an over the phone meeting. No one ever has been "mean" in my adult life, but can't blame them for being confused/uncomfortable/not-sure-how-to-react when they unexpectedly encounter me when blocking. Man I relate to your recording so much! But back to the point - I'm dumbfounded, shocked actually, to have this revelation that I've suffered for decades, coped for decades, made-do for decades, persevered for decades, etc, but TOTALLY ISOLATED! Why would I do that? Why have I never sought out others who could relate to me and the trials and tribulations of having fluency issues? There's AA, cancer support groups, model-train enthusiasts groups, and a billion others. And yet, it's never, not once occurred to me that it might be helpful and constructive for me to befriend fellow stutters/blockers, if for no other reason than simply sharing our experiences and coping mechanisms and all the things I assume people do in "groups". Max, I appreciate your courage in making that recording. It got me thinking about things in a way I never have before. And it's so clear - I've never looked into "groups" before because of the deep subconscious self-loathing and wishes to be invisible during most of my early life and teen years. And when I stopped those harmful negative thoughts in my adult life, apparently I never revisited the fact that I isolated myself needlessly, and continued to do so in many ways. All that, just from listening to your recording. It profoundly affected me and woke me up to some stuff I gotta revisit and deal with. So thank you for that! Stay strong and sorry for making this comment all about me. But that's how meaningful it was to hear your recording. Thank you thank you!