TranscendingX with Uri Schneider
Uri Schneider
Recent Episodes
This conversation was originally recorded for Modi's podcast And Here's Modi (episode #106), where Uri appeared as a guest with Arthur Luxenberg. We're honored to share it here with Modi's permission. What unfolds is a funny, heartfelt, and deeply human dialogue about fearless communication, self-acceptance, and the power of belief.
Follow @modi_live and tune-in @ahm_podcast See everything Modi: https://modilive.com/ - The voice you're trying to fix might just be the one the world most needs to hear. Every pause, every stumble, every moment of silence can hold a lesson in courage. And when someone — maybe a mother, a teacher, or a grandmother — believes in you before you believe in yourself, that belief can rewrite the entire story of who you become.
In this powerful conversation, Uri Schneider joins world-famous comedian Modi Rosenfeld and renowned trial attorney Arthur Luxenberg to explore how two kids who grew up stuttering learned to speak fearlessly: one on stage, the other in the courtroom. Together, they open up about the emotional and practical realities of overcoming stuttering, the lifelong process of finding your voice, and the courage it takes to keep showing up, even when words don't come easily.
Today's episode is a little different than usual. It was originally recorded for Modi Rosenfeld's podcast And Here's Modi (episode #106), where Uri appeared as a guest. What unfolds is a funny, heartfelt, and deeply human dialogue about fearless communication, self-acceptance, and the power of belief.
The conversation also features a remarkable story about Uri's father, Dr. Phil Schneider, and his sacred encounters with the Lubavitcher Rebbe — a profound reminder that communication isn't only about words; it's about presence, connection, and honoring the dignity behind every voice.
This episode is a reminder that our voice is never the problem. Our belief in it is. Keep talking. Keep listening. And keep transcending.
In this episode on the power of belief, we discuss:
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Why overcoming stuttering isn't about perfect speech, but it's about being heard
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The four pillars of Uri's Transcending Stuttering framework: self-knowledge, self-adjustment, self-acceptance, and self-advocacy
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The incredible story of Dr. Phil Schneider's speech therapy work with the Lubavitcher Rebbe after his stroke
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How belief from one person can change the entire trajectory of a child's life
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What comedians and trial attorneys can teach us about fearless communication
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Practical do's and don'ts for supporting a child who stutters, without shame or pressure
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Introduction: The Fear We All Share and the Power of Belief 00:01:46 – Meet Modi Rosenfeld and Arthur Luxenberg: Two Kids Who Stuttered and Found Their Voice 00:03:45 – The Story Behind Schneider Speech and the Meaning of "Transcending Stuttering" 00:05:41 – Why Overcoming Stuttering Is About Talking More, Not Less 00:07:33 – From Silence to Self-Expression: Arthur's Journey and His Grandmother's Influence 00:12:31 – The Sacred Encounter: Dr. Phil Schneider and the Lubavitcher Rebbe 00:19:59 – What the Rebbe Taught About Dignity, Connection, and Communication Beyond Words 00:21:29 – The Four Pillars of the Transcending Stuttering Framework 00:26:40 – How Comedy, Courtrooms, and Courage Shape Fearless Communicators 00:38:28 – Practical Do's and Don'ts for Supporting People Who Stutter 00:44:56 – Why Belief Can Change a Life and How to Keep Talking Even When It's Hard 00:56:45 – Closing Reflections: The World Needs to Hear Your Voice
ABOUT THE GUEST: MODI ROSENFELD
Voted one of the top 10 comedians in New York City by The Hollywood Reporter, Modi Rosenfeld is one of the comedy circuit's most sought after performers. Featured on HBO, CBS, NBC, ABC, Comedy Central, Howard Stern, and E! Entertainment, Modi has received rave reviews in The New York Times, Time Out NY and The New York Post.
Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Modi emigrated with his family to the United States at the age of seven and was raised on Long Island. After graduating from Boston University, he worked as an investment banker until his first open-mic night made him realize that stand-up was his true calling.
Equipped with a sharp wit and a knack for reading an audience, Modi has gone on to become a successful fixture in New York's vibrant comedy scene, often doing bits that incorporate his heritage, and he is a hit with diverse Jewish audiences as well as fans of all backgrounds and beliefs.
Now a regular performer at the New York and Los Angeles comedy clubs, Modi also headlines around the country and across the globe. Modi has played himself on HBO's Crashing and Netflix's When Jews Were Funny. He's also appeared in several feature films and played leading roles in two: Waiting for Woody Allen, which won the LA Film Festival, and Stand Up, a feature-length film. In 2018, Mayor Bill De Blasio declared June 26th 'Mordechi Modi Rosenfeld Day' in the city of New York for his accomplishments and contributions to the artistic community.
Modi is also the host of 'And Here's Modi', the podcast.
ABOUT THE GUEST: ARTHUR LUXENBERG
Arthur M. Luxenberg is an attorney and co-founder of Weitz & Luxenberg P.C., one of New York City's leading mass-tort and personal injury law firms. He serves on judicial screening and disciplinary committees for the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, and has held leadership roles with the New York State Trial Lawyers Association and the New York City Bar Association. A committed philanthropist, Arthur and his wife, Randi, actively support charitable and humanitarian initiatives worldwide.
QUOTES
"The most important thing for people who stutter is to keep talking. And for the world to learn to listen."
"The danger of stuttering is less about the words and sounds getting stuck. It's more about not saying what you really want to say."
"Looking in the mirror and seeing you're worth it. You're perfectly imperfect, just like every other human being. That's the way we're made."
ABOUT THE HOST
Uri Schneider, M.A. CCC -SLP is co-founder and leader at Schneider Speech; creator and host of Transcending Stuttering; and former faculty at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine.
SEE ALL SHOW NOTES http://www.transcendingx.com/podcast
LEARN MORE at http://www.transcendingx.com and http://www.schneiderspeech.com
Discover why trying to fix your speaking fears actually makes them worse. Confidence doesn't come from trying to fix yourself. It comes from learning how to find your flow.
In this conversation with the inimitable Dan Greenwald, we'll explore how to move beyond communication fears and step into a state where speaking feels natural and connected. Together, we unpack why fixing speech often backfires, how energy state shapes your presence in high-stakes moments, and why surrounding yourself with the right people acts as a mirror for growth.
You'll also hear Uri's half-marathon story as a metaphor for breaking through glass ceilings, and Dan's introduction to the Thirty-Ten-Zero system, a simple framework to align your daily actions with your high level goals. Whether you're navigating stuttering, social anxiety, or the pressure to perform perfectly, this episode offers practical ways to find flow for confident speaking and embrace authentic self-expression.
In this episode on finding flow for confident speaking, you'll discover
- Why "fixing" communication fears makes them stronger, and what to do instead.
- How to get into flow state - for public speaking and more.
- Practical tips to transcend stuttering and speaking anxiety.
- How to harness your energy (sleep, movement, mindset) for confident communication.
- How the Thirty-Ten-Zero system helps you reach big goals with daily actions.
- Why authentic self-expression strategies beat perfection every time.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction to TranscendingX
01:05 Guest Introduction: Meet Dan Greenwald
02:24 The Journey of Transcending Stuttering
04:19 Frameworks and Systems for Success
07:04 Personal Growth and Overcoming Limits
14:41 The Power of Energy State
25:31 Becoming a Great Communicator
25:54 The Power of Focus and Systems
26:58 Energy and Performance
27:12 Defining Your True Desires
32:05 Introducing the Thirty-Ten-Zero System
38:38 The Thirty-Ten-Zero Framework Explained
42:29 Scaling and Expanding Thirty-Ten-Zero
46:37 Who is Thirty-Ten-Zero For?
49:28 Future Aspirations and AI Integration
54:10 Final Thoughts and Cheers
ABOUT THE GUEST
Dan Greenwald is a strategist, educator, and founder of ThirtyTenZero — a clarity-first framework for navigating growth and reinvention. His path has moved through classrooms, startups, real estate deals, and leadership rooms. The common thread: helping people and systems move with purpose. Dan is known for his calm presence, sharp thinking, and ability to guide others through complex moments with structure and trust. He lives in New York City with his wife and three kids.
QUOTES
"You're gonna have to do things that sometimes don't feel good to get what you really want."
"The reason why it's so hard for us to figure out what it is that we really want is because as creatures we're designed to figure out how to stay safe."
"Usually we think our job is our ultimate 30,000 foot focus. It's not. Life is too short to make it all about our job."
"You're gonna have to do things that sometimes don't feel good to get what you really want."
"The idea is that it's not about trying to "fix it." It's about how do I get beyond it? How do I make sure that it doesn't stop me in living the life that I wanna live?"
"The more you don't want this thing to show up, it will show up. And the more you try to push it down, the stronger it pushes back."
"If you focus on your purpose, the thing that you're hoping won't happen, will happen less - than if you get really hyperfocused on stopping thing."
"People are craving the return to authenticity. The simplicity, the self, the inner... as technology continues to grow, the need for people to reconnect with their inner true self is gonna continue to grow."
"We are social creatures. People act as mirrors... you wanna be around people that give you a certain type of wisdom, perspective, experience."
ABOUT THE HOST
Uri Schneider, M.A. CCC -SLP is co-founder and leader at Schneider Speech; creator and host of Transcending Stuttering; and former faculty at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine.
SEE ALL SHOW NOTES http://www.transcendingx.com/podcast
LEARN MORE at http://www.transcendingx.com and http://www.schneiderspeech.com
Listen in for a masterclass in courage: not the absence of fear, but the refusal to let fear run the show.
Mark Friedlich grew up in a tenement apartment on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, the son of Holocaust survivors, sharing a bedroom and living with scarcity. Today, he speaks on global stages, testifies before Congress, and serves as Vice President of Government Affairs at a multinational corporation.
He also stutters, sometimes noticeably, always unapologetically.
In this raw, powerful conversation, Mark shares how he built a career at the highest levels of leadership without ever hiding his voice. He doesn't minimize his fear. He prepares. He shows up. He speaks anyway.
If you've ever feared speaking up in a meeting, on a stage, or in a tough conversation, this episode will change how you see fear, confidence, and what it really means to own your voice.
In this episode on how to own your voice in high-stakes situations, you'll discover:
- Why Mark never saw stuttering as an impediment, and what that mindset unlocked for him;
- The difference between fear that stops us and fear that sharpens us;
- How to own your voice in high-stakes situations, even if you stutter;
- How to respond with strength and grace when other people give you "the look";
- How preparation, mindset, and choosing discomfort can be antidotes to holding back;
- Mark's memorable conversation with President Bill Clinton;
- And more.
AUDIO TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction to TranscendingX and the Power of Voice 01:17 – Meet Mark Friedlich: From Stuttering and Scarcity to Executive Leadership 04:14 – What It's Like to Be a VP of Government Affairs in a Global Corporation 07:03 – How Preparation Builds Confidence in High-Stakes Situations 17:29 – Redefining Stuttering: From Weakness to Source of Strength 19:51 – Why Authenticity Creates Trust and Lasting Impact 21:02 – Owning Personal Identity and Evolving With Intention 22:33 – How to Handle Social Reactions and Stay Grounded 25:06 – Standing Up for Yourself with Clarity and Respect 25:56 – Understanding the Personal and Professional Cost of Speaking Up 29:00 – Strategic Preparation Tips for Confident Communication 33:51 – Final Reflections on Leadership, Courage, and Being Seen ABOUT THE GUEST
Mark Friedlich, ESQ, CPA is Vice President of Government Affairs for a multinational software corporation, advising the Senate Finance Committee, House Ways and Means Committee, and multiple presidential administrations. With senior executive experience at PwC, Thomson Reuters, and Wolters Kluwer, he's recognized as a leading authority on tax, accounting, and economic policy. Mark serves on the IRS Board, AICPA, and HBR Advisory Council.
A person who stutters, Mark grew up on New York's Lower East Side with Holocaust survivor parents and transformed potential limitations into leadership strengths. From testifying before Congress to mentoring young professionals who stutter, Mark demonstrates that authentic leadership means owning every part of yourself.
Preparation is everything. Authenticity is non-negotiable. Every fear presents an opportunity.
QUOTES "Put yourself in uncomfortable situations because that's the only way one will grow" - Mark Friedlich
"We can't control most situations. The only thing we are able to control is how we react." - Mark Friedlich
"Whether you think you have a speech impediment or you don't think you have a speech impediment, you're right." - Uri Schneider
ABOUT THE HOST Uri Schneider, M.A. CCC -SLP is co-founder and leader at Schneider Speech; creator and host of Transcending Stuttering; and former faculty at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine.
SEE ALL SHOW NOTES http://www.transcendingx.com/podcast LEARN MORE at http://www.transcendingx.com and http://www.schneiderspeech.com
Not everyone stutters on their words, but everyone stutters on something: fear, shame, doubt. Today, we explore what it means to face those inner barriers and move forward anyway.
In this episode, Uri sits down with longtime friend and collaborator Dan Greenwald, a strategist, educator, and founder of ThirtyTenZero, a clarity-first framework for navigating growth and reinvention. Dan's journey began with a childhood stutter, but evolved into a lifelong exploration of what it means to grow through discomfort and live with intention.
This conversation is about far more than speech. It's about overcoming fear through self-awareness, building a life from the inside out, and developing the inner tools to keep growing when life gets hard.
Dan shares the story behind his transformative personal operating system and how each one helps people transcend personal limitations and take action from a place of purpose.
Whether you're navigating self-doubt, burnout, or a new season of change, this episode offers practical and empowering tools for personal growth and a reminder that you're stronger than you think.
In this episode on turning fear into opportunity, you'll discover:
- The life-shaping moment that sparked Dan's path to self-awareness
- How to grow your courage muscle and take action through fear
- Tools to help you identify limiting beliefs
- Why overcoming fear through self-awareness leads to lasting change
- How Dan developed the ThirtyTenZero system for aligned living
- The role of active resting in mental and emotional resilience
- New tools for personal growth that work in real life, not just in theory
- A fresh lens on transcending personal limitations, whether it's stuttering, self-doubt, or another X
TIMESTAMPS
01:28 Dan's Early Struggles with Stuttering
02:03 The Concept of 'Everyone Has a Stutter'
03:38 Navigating Fear and Shame
12:04 Educational Experiences and Influences
29:20 Developing the ThirtyTenZero System
34:45 Harnessing Fear as Opportunity
35:48 The Courage Muscle: Building Resilience
37:01 Parenting and Problem-Solving Skills
39:55 Transcending Personal Challenges
52:52 Active Resting and Energy Farming
01:02:07 Final Thoughts and Reflections
ABOUT THE GUEST
Dan Greenwald is a strategist, educator, and founder of ThirtyTenZero — a clarity-first framework for navigating growth and reinvention. His path has moved through classrooms, startups, real estate deals, and leadership rooms. The common thread: helping people and systems move with purpose. Dan is known for his calm presence, sharp thinking, and ability to guide others through complex moments with structure and trust. He lives in New York City with his wife and three kids.
QUOTES
"Shame is the ultimate pain." - Dan Greenwald
" It's natural for all of us to want to stay safe. It's just who we are as creatures." - Dan Greenwald
ABOUT THE HOST Uri Schneider, M.A. CCC -SLP is co-founder and leader at Schneider Speech; creator and host of Transcending Stuttering; and former faculty at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine. SEE ALL SHOW NOTES http://www.transcendingx.com/podcast
LEARN MORE at http://www.transcendingx.com and http://www.schneiderspeech.com
What does it mean to keep showing up when life changes your body, your voice, your sense of self?
Dr. Phil Schneider has spent a lifetime helping people find their voice. But when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's, he found himself on the other side of the therapeutic relationship, learning how to live with a tremor, navigate shame, and reclaim agency in a body that no longer behaved the way it used to.
In this episode, Uri sits down with his father, mentor, master clinician, and co-founder of Schneider Speech, for one of the most personal and moving conversations on the podcast to date.
Together, they explore Phil's decades of work helping people find their voice, and how his understanding of communication deepened through his own health journey.
What helped him move forward wasn't hiding. It was naming the tremor, talking about it with family, and choosing connection over shame. Opening up was the moment he began reclaiming agency. Resilience didn't come from isolation. It came from letting people in.
This episode is full of warmth, story, and hard-earned wisdom on voice, vulnerability, and what it really means to be present with another human being.
In this episode on connection and resilience, you'll discover:
- How a nonverbal girl found her voice on stage and transformed Phil's career
- What Parkinson's taught Phil about stuttering, shame, and self-acceptance
- Why communication is about connection, not correction
- How being seen is more healing than being "fixed"
- The hidden cost of hiding, and the freedom of naming what's hard
- How moments of presence can shape the course of a life
- And more invaluable insights
TIMESTAMPS
01:10 Meet Dr. Phil Schneider: A Legacy in Communication
03:03 How His Career in Speech Therapy Began
08:54 Learning from a Student: A First Encounter with Stuttering
13:38 The Power of Belief: How Gladys Found Her Voice
17:09 Connecting Through Communication
26:22 Teaching, Mentorship, and Shaping Future Therapists
29:29 Why Emotions Matter in the Therapy Room
30:39 Transformative Voice Therapy
34:35 Shame, Parkinson's, and the Cost of Hiding
36:54 Openness, Vulnerability, and Reclaiming Agency
48:29 The Heart of Therapy: Growth Through Honest Connection
53:57 What Parents and Young Adults Need to Hear
57:06 Final Thoughts and Reflections
ABOUT THE GUEST
Phil Schneider, Ed.D. CCC-SLP is the founding partner of Schneider Speech Pathology. Recognized as a master clinician and teacher, he has been practicing and teaching for over 40 years. He holds the title of Professor Emeritus of Communication Disorders at Queens College, CUNY. Phil has been honored with the New York State Speech-Language-Hearing Association Distinguished Clinician Award, the New York City Speech-Language-Hearing Association Professional Achievement Award, and the Queens College Award for Excellence in Teaching. In 2004 he was named the Speech Pathologist of the Year by the National Stuttering Association; in 2006 he was awarded the highest Honors of the New York State Speech-Language-Hearing Association, and in 2013 he was given the Advocacy Award by the Stuttering Association of the Young (SAY). Phil is a spokesperson for the Stuttering Foundation of America and has appeared on NBC, ABC and WOR-TV; he has presented more than 200 inspirational and innovative seminars across the United States and around the world. His first documentary, "Transcending Stuttering: The Inside Story" aired on PBS in 2004, and has been viewed (free) online by tens of thousands of people worldwide. It is viewed and studied in universities around the country. His second documentary, "Going with the Flow: A Guide to Transcending Stuttering" featured the process of therapy, including real footage of Dr. Schneider engaging two young adults who stutter. His other publications include basic vocal physiology as well as applied clinical topics related to voice disorders, stuttering and principles of therapeutic change. He enjoys roller-blading, hiking and spending time with his family. QUOTES
" You don't really know what a person needs or wants, and the only thing you can do is really listen and try to care and try to understand." - Dr. Phil Schneider " I realized this sense of being diminished by being out of control of your body in front of other people, and even without other people, was intrinsically shaming. It didn't require any other people." - Dr. Phil Schneider " Challenge can be an invitation to growth, and it can lead to intimacy, to being really open with people." - Dr. Phil Schneider " So long as there's life and there's breath, there's possibility." - Dr. Phil Schneider " Parenting is scary because it'll always feel like it's your fault" - Dr. Phil Schneider
ABOUT THE HOST Uri Schneider, M.A. CCC -SLP is co-founder and leader at Schneider Speech; creator and host of Transcending Stuttering; and former faculty at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine. SEE ALL SHOW NOTES http://www.transcendingx.com/podcast
LEARN MORE at http://www.transcendingx.com and http://www.schneiderspeech.com