Dyslexia Explored

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with David Chalk, Canadian entrepreneur and co-founder of Reading Road, about learning to read at 62 after decades of building businesses while struggling with written words. David describes the breakthrough he experienced with Nora Chahbazi’s sound-to-symbol approach during the filming of The Truth About Reading, and how it inspired his work on Reading Road. He shares his vision for an AI-powered tutor that responds to learners’ interests and emotions, building from spoken vocabulary towards writing and reading. Looking back, David reflects on the humiliation he experienced at school, his dyslexia diagnosis around 40, and the mother whose belief helped protect his self-worth. From building electronics and technology companies to presenting television programmes, he explains how curiosity, communication and pattern recognition helped him succeed, even while reading remained a struggle. The conversation explores emotional safety, mind mapping and three things David believes parents can offer their children: encouragement, unconditional love and the language to express their ideas.

If you’d like to hear more about David’s story and his work on Reading Road, look for Dyslexia Explored wherever you listen to podcasts.

This podcast is sponsored by ivvi. Visual Notes for Visual Thinkers.
Get ivvi notes now: https://www.ivvi.app/

Links:

• Reading Road: https://readingroad.ai/
• Reading Road Beta Programme Sign-Up: https://readingroad.ai/beta-program/
• About David Chalk and the Reading Road Team: https://readingroad.ai/about/
• David’s Email: [email protected]
• The Truth About Reading Documentary: https://thetruthaboutreading.com/

• Episode 126: Other Ways to Teach Reading with Nora Chahbazi: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/126-other-ways-to-teach-reading-nora-chahbazi/id1387645599?i=1000585754816
• EBLI (Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction): ⁠https://eblireads.com/⁠
• EBLI Parent Resources: ⁠https://eblireads.com/parent-resources/⁠
• ivvi: https://www.ivvi.app/
• What is Dyslexia, British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia
• How to Mindmap: https://www.bulletmapacademy.com/mindmap-beginners

Interested in being a guest? Email us at [email protected].

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with Jack Gillanders, recruitment business owner and co-founder of the LEVEL Foundation, about turning a difficult school experience into practical support for other families. Diagnosed with dyslexia at eight, Jack describes the relief of understanding his struggles, followed by repeated school moves, loneliness and using humour to hide his difficulties in the classroom. He reflects on his parents’ determination, the patient tutor he still hopes to thank, and the employers who recognised strengths that school had overlooked. The conversation explores why calling dyslexia a superpower can miss its real challenges, and how finding his place in recruitment helped Jack build a business and give back. Jack introduces the foundation he created with his mum, explaining how school grants and a toolkit of screening, assistive technology, teacher training and family support help turn funding into practical action. They discuss why money alone is not enough, the importance of involving parents, and helping children discover what they are good at before they lose confidence in themselves.

This podcast is sponsored by ivvi. Visual Notes for Visual Thinkers.Get ivvi notes now: ⁠https://www.ivvi.app/⁠

Links:

• The LEVEL Foundation Website: ⁠https://www.levelfoundation.co.uk/⁠
• Contact Carol: ⁠[email protected]⁠
• The LEVEL Foundation Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/level_foundation/⁠
• The LEVEL Foundation LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-level-foundation/⁠
• CMC Partners — About Jack and the Team: ⁠https://cmc-partners.com/about-us⁠
• ivvi: ⁠https://www.ivvi.app/⁠
• What is Dyslexia — British Dyslexia Association: ⁠https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia⁠
• How to Mindmap: ⁠https://www.bulletmapacademy.com/mindmap-beginners⁠
• AT Superstore: ⁠https://atsuperstore.com/⁠
• Talamo: ⁠https://www.talamo.co.uk/⁠
• I Can & I Am — Confidence-Building Bus Workshops: ⁠https://icanandiam.com/how-we-help/the-bus/⁠
• Inclusive Mainstream Fund — Guidance for School Leaders in England: ⁠https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/inclusive-mainstream-fund-support-for-school-leaders⁠
• Episode 167 — AT Superstore with Matt Dean: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/167-the-at-superstore-the-significance-of/id1387645599?i=1000740445629⁠
• Episode 175 — Dyslexia Screening with Jamie Wace: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/175-dyslexia-technology-and-screening-building-a/id1387645599?i=1000756257565⁠
• Episode 168 — Dyslexia, Text Readers and Empowerment with Jay Giddens: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/168-dyslexia-text-readers-and-empowerment-with-jay-giddens/id1387645599?i=1000743978327⁠

Interested in being a guest? Email us at ⁠[email protected]⁠.

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with Kait Feriante, co-founder and CEO of Redwood Literacy, about helping children with dyslexia build confidence and find reading support that fits their needs. Kait shares how teaching bright students who struggled to read led her and her husband Andre to become specialist teachers and establish Redwood. She explains why their approach expanded beyond the Wilson Reading System to include other methods, including SPELL-Links and UFLI. Kait also reflects on Andre’s discovery of his own dyslexia and how parenting their dyslexic daughter deepened her understanding of the emotional challenges behind academic struggles. From stepping back as her daughter’s tutor to seeing dictation unlock her storytelling, Kait offers an honest look at supporting a child without letting school scores define their potential. The conversation explores self-advocacy, recognising strengths, and how mind mapping and assistive technology can help children express their ideas and take ownership of their learning.

This podcast is sponsored by ivvi. Visual Notes for Visual Thinkers.

• Get ivvi notes now: https://www.ivvi.app/

Links:

• ivvi: https://www.ivvi.app/
• What is Dyslexia: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia
• How to Mindmap: https://www.bulletmapacademy.com/mindmap-beginners
• Redwood Literacy: https://www.redwoodliteracy.com/
• Redwood Literacy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redwoodliteracy/
• Redwood Literacy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@redwoodlearning
• Redwood Literacy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjN-BogTHtaoI9L8wuaHmQg
• Redwood Literacy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redwoodliteracychicago/
• Redwood Literacy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/redwoodliteracy
• Free Consultation Booking: https://redwoodliteracyscheduling.as.me/schedule/2c3b1c27/appointment/56124248/calendar/9385168?appointmentTypeIds%5B%5D=56124248
• Free Starter Access to Writing Our World: https://www.writing-our-world.com/offers/oMAKKrKk/checkout
• Writing Our World (for teachers) Website: https://www.writing-our-world.com
• Writing Our World Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writing.our.world/
• Writing Our World TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writing.our.world
• Writing Our World Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writingourworld
• About Kait, Andre and the Redwood Team: https://www.redwoodliteracy.com/dyslexia-treatment-team/
• Redwood Parent Support Programme: https://www.redwoodlearning.org/the-8-week-guided-parent-support-program
• Redwood Blog and Resources: https://www.redwoodliteracy.com/blog/
• Kait’s Email: [email protected]
• Wilson Reading System: https://www.wilsonlanguage.com/resources/articles/wilson-reading-system-curriculum/
• SPELL-Links: https://spell-links.com/
• UFLI Foundations: https://ufli.education.ufl.edu/foundations/
• Google Docs Voice Typing: https://support.google.com/docs/answer/4492226

• Episode 126 — Other Ways to Teach Reading with Nora Chahbazi: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4PouYIAxgKZB3att3O6m0C

Interested in being a guest? Email us at [email protected]

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with Dr Jennie Guise, Chartered Psychologist, founder of DysGuise and CEO of Dysguise Diagnostics, about the life-changing value of dyslexia assessment and the development of DARA. Jennie traces her journey from teaching health psychology and seeing dyslexic nursing students misunderstood to becoming a full-time assessor. She explains why adults often seek assessment when their established coping strategies stop working, how comprehensive assessments uncover both challenges and hidden strengths, and why good feedback can replace shame with understanding. The conversation also lifts the lid on the time, testing costs and SASC compliance involved in producing a diagnostic report. Jennie introduces DARA, the DysGuise Assessment Reports Assistant, which embeds current guidance, reduces clerical errors and helps assessors focus on professional analysis rather than formatting. They also discuss accessible report summaries, workplace needs assessments, assistive technology and how better tools could ease assessment bottlenecks.

This podcast is sponsored by ivvi. Visual Notes for Visual Thinkers.
Get ivvi notes now: https://www.ivvi.app/

Links:

• ivvi: https://www.ivvi.app/
• What is Dyslexia: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia
• How to Mindmap: https://www.bulletmapacademy.com/mindmap-beginners
• Dysguise Diagnostics: https://www.dysguisediagnostics.com/
• Dysguise Diagnostics Facebook: https://www.dysguisediagnostics.com/facebook
• Learn About DARA: https://www.dysguisediagnostics.com/learn-about-dara/
• DysGuise Assessments: https://dysguise.com/
• About Dr Jennie Guise: https://dysguise.com/about/
• Jennie’s Email: [email protected]
• SASC Assessment Guidance: https://www.sasc.org.uk/assessment-guidance/
• Dyslexia Scotland: https://dyslexiascotland.org.uk/
• Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity: https://helenarkell.org.uk/
• Disabled Students’ Allowance: https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa
• British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/

Interested in being a guest? Email us at [email protected]

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with JT Mestdagh about his extraordinary journey of living with complex medical challenges and dyslexia. He shares how early health struggles shaped his life, how his learning differences were hidden for years, and how he eventually discovered his strengths. The conversation explores resilience, faith, community, and practical tools such as mind mapping and dyslexic-friendly fonts that support visual thinkers. JT also reflects on overcoming adversity through adventure, demonstrating how challenges can become a path to growth and achievement.

This podcast is sponsored by ivvi. Visual Notes for Visual Thinkers.

• Get ivvi notes now: https://www.ivvi.app/

Links: 

• Ivvi: https://www.ivvi.app/ 
• what is dyslexia: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia
• JT’s website: jtmestdaghfoundation.org 
• Unteathered: https://a.co/d/0gq4OvVS 
• No Bad Days: https://a.co/d/02L9PLOn 
• JT’s Social Media Links: https://linktr.ee/JT__Mestdagh 
• Tattum Reading Program: https://www.tattumreading.com/ 
• Linda Mood Bell: https://lindamoodbell.com/ 
• Hooked On Phonics: https://www.hookedonphonics.com/ 
• Dragon Dictation: https://dragon.nuance.com/en-us/dragon 
• Dyslexic Font: https://dyslexiefont.com/en/ 
• Executive Function podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/executive-function-brain-trainer-podcast/id1588400094 
• What is Executive Function: https://goodsensorylearning.com/blogs/news/tagged/executive-functioning
• What is Working Memory: https://goodsensorylearning.com/blogs/news/tagged/working-memory 
• BETT Show: https://www.bettshow.com/ 
• British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

Interested in being a guest? Email us at [email protected]

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with Alex Chaparro, a former realtor of 37 years who became an author and neurodiversity coach. Alex explains how his journal, originally a private operations manual, unexpectedly became his book The Dreamer’s Guide to Achieving in Uncertain Times, rooted in erasing limiting labels and rewriting his own narrative. He describes early school experiences of being unable to read, bullying, and creatively hiding difficulties, then a seventh-grade shift where he rapidly improved his reading level. The conversation explores impostor syndrome, perfectionism, disclosure, and redefining labels’ “small print.” Alex shares returning to finish college with accommodations, his later ADHD diagnosis, and how self-acceptance helped him lose 200 pounds, regain mobility, and find joy and purpose in coaching.

This podcast is sponsored by ivvi. Visual Notes for Visual Thinkers.

• Get ivvi notes now: https://www.ivvi.app/ 

Links: 

• Ivvi: https://www.ivvi.app/ 
• What is Dyslexia: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia 
• How to Mindmap: https://www.bulletmapacademy.com/mindmap-beginners 
• Alexander Chaparro Website: https://www.powerupcoach.net/
• Book Title: The Dreamer’s Guide to Achieving in Uncertain Times  
• Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/0j2EgSVS 
• Barnes & Nobles Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dreamers-guide-to-achieving-in-uncertain-times-alexander-chaparro/1150042091?ean=9781968247157 
• Social Media Links:  Personal Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/chaparrogroup   
• Personal Linkedin Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderchaparro/   
• PowerUp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerupcoachinghub   
• PowerUp FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566632063013  
• British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
• International Dyslexia Association: https://dyslexiaida.org/ 
• SEND: https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs 
• SEN Support: https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs/special-educational-needs-support
• Disabled Students Allowance: https://www.ivvi.app/dsa-for-dyslexia 

Interested in being a guest? Email us at [email protected]

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with dyslexia specialist tutor and consultant Glynda Cullen about a parent’s long journey raising two daughters with dyslexia and ADHD, including the guilt and emotional impact of late diagnoses. Glynda shares early signs in nursery and primary school, her daughter’s growing anxiety and emotionally based school avoidance, and how limited teacher training and systemic pressures affected support, with accommodations only appearing at GCSEs. The conversation explores current SEND changes in England, inclusion expectations, and how tools like ivvi Notes can scaffold executive function in classrooms. Glynda describes her daughter’s path after school, finding confidence and “her tribe” through training protection dogs and building a dog training business, highlighting the importance of cultivating strengths beyond academics.

This podcast is sponsored by ivvi. Visual Notes for Visual Thinkers.

• Get ivvi notes now: https://www.ivvi.app/

Links: 

• ivvi: https://www.ivvi.app/ 
• what is dyslexia: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia
• Glynda’s Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@glynda1270  
• Website: https://guidingstardyslexia.co.uk/ 
• Tutor: https://www.sensationaltutors.co.uk/
• Do you want to pilot ivvi at your school?: https://www.ivvi.app/pilot-waiting-list 
• Jennie Guise- DARA: https://dysguise.com/dara/ 
• Executive Function podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/executive-function-brain-trainer-podcast/id1588400094 
• What is Executive Function: https://goodsensorylearning.com/blogs/news/tagged/executive-functioning
• What is Working Memory: https://goodsensorylearning.com/blogs/news/tagged/working-memory 
• BETT Show: https://www.bettshow.com/ 
• British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

Interested in being a guest? Email us at [email protected]

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with Ellie Barbour, a candlemaker and content creator who recently left her job as a high school PE teacher to pursue her business full time. Ellie shares being identified as dyslexic in primary school, receiving a formal diagnosis in later primary, and the impact of confidence, stigma, and support such as Touch Type Read and Spell. She describes a difficult first year of high school with missed support, followed by a pivotal move to Morrison’s Academy where small classes, learning support, and mind mapping transformed her study strategies, including using a scribe in exams. The conversation explores dyslexia strengths, teaching as a role model, possible ADHD, and how her all-in focus helped grow her taper-candle business from a lockdown hobby to markets and beyond.

This podcast is sponsored by ivvi. Visual Notes for Visual Thinkers.

• Get ivvi notes now: ⁠⁠https://www.ivvi.app/⁠⁠ 

Links: 

• Ivvi: https://www.ivvi.app/ 
• What is Dyslexia: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia 
• How to Mindmap: https://www.bulletmapacademy.com/mindmap-beginners 
• Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_tyninghame?igsh=Z3NvbzExN3Flc2Nl&utm_source=qr
• Website link: https://tyninghamecandles.co.uk/
• British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
• International Dyslexia Association: https://dyslexiaida.org/ 
• SEND: https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs 
• SEN Support: https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs/special-educational-needs-support
• Disabled Students Allowance: https://www.ivvi.app/dsa-for-dyslexia 

Interested in being a guest? Email us at [email protected]

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with Dr. Tara Williams, a chemistry professor in California and former Sussex PhD graduate, about how executive function often drives difficulties when students transition from high school to university. Williams describes the social and practical upheaval of moving away from home, the need to self-advocate for accommodations, and how unstructured time, shifting deadlines, and planning demands can overwhelm neurodiverse students. They define executive functioning as planning, organization, and time management, discuss accommodations such as extra exam time, quiet rooms, note takers, and flexible grading for spelling-heavy subjects, and emphasize early preparation, body doubling, reading and note-taking habits, and building supportive relationships with faculty and campus services. Williams also shares her consulting work, forthcoming book, and contact details.

This podcast is sponsored by ivvi. Visual Notes for Visual Thinkers.

• Get ivvi notes now: ⁠https://www.ivvi.app/⁠ 

Links: 

• Ivvi: https://www.ivvi.app/ 
• what is dyslexia: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia
• Dr Tara Social Media Links:
• Website: https://innovativecollegiateconsultants.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-williams-phd/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iccedservices#
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your_innovative_consultants
• Dr Tara Notable Guest Interviews: 
• Parenting Teens: Advice Redefined for Today's Complex World: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/136-college-transition-hacks-for-parents-of/id1720826175?i=1000743905277
• Inclusive Education Project (IEP) Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/helping-students-learn-executive-functioning-skills/id1307157016?i=1000682986383 
• Executive Function podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/executive-function-brain-trainer-podcast/id1588400094 
• Previous Episode with Janet Scott: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/71-ebola-and-coronavirus-doctor-discusses-her/id1387645599?i=1000478151331 
• Previous Episode with Kerry Pace: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/80-dyspraxia-nursing-and-online-tutoring-with-kerry-pace/id1387645599?i=1000488468841 
• Executive Function: https://goodsensorylearning.com/blogs/news/tagged/executive-functioning
• Working Memory: https://goodsensorylearning.com/blogs/news/tagged/working-memory 
• BETT Show: https://www.bettshow.com/ 
• British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

Interested in being a guest? Email us at [email protected]

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee interview Darren Clark, who discovered he was dyslexic at 36 after hearing a TV interview and researching via the British Dyslexia Association. Darren recounts severe isolation at secondary school, being placed in a “unit,” missing exams, and leaving with no qualifications, alongside growing up in an unsafe, high-crime area. He describes getting his first job pushing trolleys at Sainsbury’s, progressing through retail to senior leadership overseeing 76 stores and a £4m weekly budget, supported by mentor Robin Stevens. Darren shares entrepreneurial ventures including a large cleaning business, selling a social media company, and losing businesses during COVID while caring for his terminally ill mother. He explains dyslexia strengths like tenacity, communication, and outsourcing, and details advocacy work with the BDA and internationally, including Kenya and Malawi, school talks reaching over a million students, and his message to protect personal voice alongside AI.
Links: 

• Ivvi: https://www.ivvi.app/ 
• What is Dyslexia: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia 
• How to Mindmap: https://www.bulletmapacademy.com/mindmap-beginners 
• Darren’s Linkedin -  www.linkedin.com/in/darrenclark2
• Neurodiversity Stories Youtube -  https://www.youtube.com/@neurodiversitystories5128
• British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
• International Dyslexia Association: https://dyslexiaida.org/ 
• SEND: https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs 
• SEN Support: https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs/special-educational-needs-support
• Disabled Students Allowance: https://www.ivvi.app/dsa-for-dyslexia 

Interested in being a guest? Email us at [email protected]