On this episode of Relatable Wisdom, I sit down with Russell Van Brocklen, best known as the “dyslexia professor,” whose favorite mantra comes from Walt Disney: “It’s fun doing the impossible.” Russell’s story is nothing short of remarkable: once told his dyslexia was the worst ever seen, he managed not only to excel in law school but also to engineer a breakthrough in dyslexia education. Russell shares how he moved students—once reading at a middle-school level—to graduate-level writing in a single school year, achieving a 100% success rate at a fraction of the cost of traditional programs. We dig deep into the science behind his method, the roadblocks he faced, and why personal passion and hope drive real change. If you’re seeking hope, creative solutions, or new perspectives on overcoming learning challenges, Russell's journey proves that so-called “impossibles” are often waiting for fresh eyes and relentless heart. Join us to discover how embracing your struggles can lead you to redefine what’s actually possible.

Connect with Russell Van Brocklen

Website: https://dyslexiaclasses.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dyslexia-classes/

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Chapters

00:00 Introduction And Welcome
00:37 Russell’s Journey With Dyslexia
01:17 Facing The Socratic Method
02:18 Discovering The “Impossible” Quote
02:59 Brain Research And Dyslexia
03:40 Crafting A Breakthrough Curriculum
04:47 Outperforming Established Programs
05:34 The Real Meaning Of Impossible
07:03 Overcoming Roadblocks And Barriers
08:55 Autocorrecting Spelling And Grammar
10:07 Adapting The Method For Everyone
11:17 Teaching Through Deep Interests
13:49 Building Vocabulary Through Stories
14:17 Real-Life Results And Success Stories
15:20 Walt Disney’s Dyslexic Journey
16:22 Teaching Advanced Skills To Young Students
17:04 Transforming Writing Assessment
18:03 Lessons For All Learners
18:36 Closing Reflections And Wisdom
19:05 Where To Find Russell
19:47 Farewell And Takeaways