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]

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, host Darius Namdaran speaks with returning guest Natalie Brooks about putting adult dyslexia into mainstream conversation and her journey from school diagnosis to workplace struggles that led her to create Dyslexia in Adults. Natalie describes being dismissed by HR, building a large online following, completing 750 hours of executive function coaching, and securing a Bloomsbury book deal after a viral video about a “big backpack” as an adult dyslexia trait. They explore dyslexia as a processing difference linked to executive functions such as working memory, planning, and organization, and discuss why “try harder” often fails. Natalie outlines her book Dyslexia Unlocked; confidence, practical strategies, and strengths, rejecting the “superpower” narrative, and they share approaches involving techniques, tools, and team support, plus how she streamlined her business and wrote the book on an 18-month timeline.

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
• Natalie’s Previous Episode 146: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/146-dyslexia-expectations-in-school-and-in-the/id1387645599?i=1000656492970 
• Dyslexia Scotland: https://dyslexiascotland.org.uk/ 
• Moira Thomson episode 75: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/75-five-decades-of-dyslexia-provision-devlopment-in/id1387645599?i=1000484851030 
• Dyslexia in Adults Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dyslexia_in_adults/ 
• Dyslexia in Adults Free Guide: https://dyslexiainadults.myflodesk.com/phailhpl45 
• Website: https://www.dyslexiainadults.co/ 
• Natalie viral video with Darius: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4pp7dwMwT4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== 
• Here are all the links for the Dyslexia Unlocked book: https://linktr.ee/dyslexiainadults 
• 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 speak with Laura Cook, who left school at 18, discovered her dyslexia through support work at De Montfort University, and went on to build the Learning Support Centre, now providing specialist support to thousands of higher-education students and neurodivergent NHS trainees. Laura explains how neurodivergent needs often surface under workplace pressure, and introduces Skill Bridge, her newer venture offering end-to-end support for neurodivergent apprentices and employees, including screening, workplace needs assessments, strategy coaching, assistive technology, and training. The conversation explores differences between university and apprenticeship funding, how support is accessed via apprenticeship providers, the challenges of dual funding with Access to Work delays, and practical inclusive management steps like clear agendas, minutes, and effective training on tools.

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 
• Laura’s Linkedin: Laura Cook | LinkedIn
• For any inquiries, please email [email protected]
• Skill Bridge website: https://www.skillbridgesolutions.co.uk/ 
• Learning Support Centre website: The Learning Support Centre - Neurodivergent & Disability Specialists
• Learning Support ACA website: Home | Learning Support Aca
• British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
• 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 
• Digital catapult: https://www.digicatapult.org.uk/ 
• innovate UK: https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-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 Jill Cameron in rural Victoria, Australia, an early years educator, mum of three, and teacher trainee who was diagnosed with dyslexia about 18 months ago after her son Mitchell was diagnosed. Jill describes the relief of understanding her difficulties, especially very low working memory affecting reading, speaking, and writing, and shares how supportive family accommodations helped her growing up on a sheep farm. She discusses school experiences including refusing spelling tests, volunteering to read aloud, reading recovery, and being labeled “phonetically deaf.” Jill explains practical study strategies and accommodations for online university, including transcripts, scripting for video assignments, two screens, color-coded organization, OneNote, browser workspaces, and using AI to create questions and assignment blueprints.

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
• 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 speak with Alexander Molokwu, founder of Loujo, about using memorable, AI-generated songs to help dyslexic children learn curriculum content and improve retention. Alex shares how he discovered his dyslexia while studying neuroscience at Cardiff University, how educational songs helped him memorize complex material, and how supporting his niece’s struggles inspired Loujo. He explains how schools and parents can create tailored songs in different genres within 30 seconds, paired with quizzes and curriculum-aligned datasets, and discusses reported results including a 30% retention increase over text-based learning. Alex describes trials in primary and secondary schools, broader applications including autism and language learning, his accelerator experiences and grants, and invites listeners to trial Loujo and connect schools to the platform.

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 
• Luojo X: https://x.com/LearnwithLoujo
• Facebook: http://facebook.com/LearnwithLoujo
• Instagram: http://instagram.com/learnwithloujo
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/octananna-ltd-loujo
• Website: https://loujo.ai/
• British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
• 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 
• Digital catapult: https://www.digicatapult.org.uk/ 
• innovate UK: https://www.ukri.org/councils/innovate-uk/ 

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