I'm just a little older and we've had strangely similar experiences with our speech over the years (and yes, even with mushrooms although I last enjoyed them 15 years ago). Similar childhood except my stutter never really went away during the teenage years. Same blocked phone calls in my 20s which led to mini panic attacks when I had to make a call or my phone would ring at the firm I was with. Similar outlook too and once I hit 30, I needed to find a better way. For me, I don't know what really improved my speech - I credit going to ToastMasters, exercise and confidence. Float tank (sensory deprivation tanks) sessions have been pretty sweet too. The stutter pops up every so often, but it's certainly no longer a nuisance and certainly doesn't hold me back (I can actually order food now and make difficult phone calls).