In this episode of The Great Guns Podcast, James is joined by Kirk Davis, a serving soldier in the RLC and ambassador for the Defence Dyslexia Network (DDN), for one of the most honest conversations the podcast has hosted.

Kirk shares what it’s really like to serve with dyslexia — from leaving school feeling “stupid”, hiding behind humour, rank, and delegation, to finally finding a safe space where he could speak openly and receive support.

This is a powerful episode about fear, stigma, identity, leadership, parenting, and neurodiversity in the military. Kirk’s story challenges long-held assumptions about intelligence, success, and what dyslexia really looks like — and why living in silence is far more dangerous than speaking out.

1. Dyslexia is not a lack of intelligence. It’s a different way of processing — not a weakness.
2. Many people hide in plain sight. Rank, humour, and delegation can mask deep anxiety and fear.
3. Living in silence is exhausting. The effort of hiding often causes more harm than dyslexia itself.
4. You don’t always need a diagnosis to ask for help. Simple adjustments can make a massive difference.
5. Speaking out changes everything. Not just for you — but for those around you.
6. Neurodiversity is an asset, not a liability. Different thinking strengthens teams.
7. You can succeed beyond what you think is possible. Kirk went from hiding his struggles to earning a Master’s degree.
8. The most important leadership starts at home. The moment with his daughter reminds us why empathy matters.

1. “I’m not stupid — I just can’t get the words onto paper.”
2. “I spent my career hiding behind rank.”
3. “Picking up a pen felt like kryptonite.”
4. “Living in silence is far more dangerous.”
5. “Daddy, if you can’t read it, I can read it for you.”
6. “I never wanted to be a dad because I thought I was too stupid.”
7. “Don’t suffer in silence.”
8. “Being different doesn’t make you less — it makes you valuable.”
9. “Reach out. Speak out. You’re not alone.”

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