Now a thriving college graduate building a full-time career, Duncan—alongside his mom, Julie—opens up about the deeply emotional and often heartbreaking challenges he faced during his school years.

From the daily struggles of dyslexia to the long journey of discovering effective learning strategies and finding his voice as an advocate for himself, Duncan’s story is a powerful testament to perseverance, resilience, and hope. Along the way, he learned that life-changing breakthroughs often begin with one simple decision: refusing to give up.

As Duncan shares, “Never giving up and advocating for yourself” became the turning point that carried him forward.

Listen in as Duncan and Julie reveal their inspiring “God Story”—a moving journey through struggle, growth, and ultimately, the triumph of finding purpose and success against the odds.

This back to school edition features Valerie Dubose, Associate Director of Disability Support Services at the University of Alabama @ Birmingham. If you're a parent with a child with a learning difference or a student preparing for college Valerie gives valuable insight into the transition from high school to college and what these services look like on campus. We discuss what happens to your 504 and IEP, the student's role in self advocacy, what to look for in college disability programs and more important details to consider.

In this inspiring episode of The Dyslexia Den, we sit down with Homewood Fire Battalion Chief Evan Van Arsdale to hear his remarkable journey with dyslexia. As a child, Evan struggled through school because his dyslexia went unrecognized, but he discovered that anything he could visualize—from building science projects to construction—became one of his greatest strengths. A friend's suggestion to explore firefighting led him to a career where he thrived in firefighter and EMT training, later also excelling as a community college instructor by helping others see the bigger picture. Evan's story is a powerful reminder that dyslexia is not a limitation but a different way of thinking, and his journey offers hope, encouragement, and valuable takeaways for children, parents, and adults navigating life with dyslexia.

Martha Ann brings a unique perspective as a former 1st grade teacher with hands on experience teaching children to read. Her journey as an educator lead her to becoming a Certified Academic Language Therapist. She now works with students throughout Alabama through evaluations, diagnosis, intervention and therapy. Martha Ann brings a wealth of knowledge and we're so happy she joined us in the Dyslexia Den to share it with you. If you're interested in Martha Ann's services you can reach her via email [email protected]

In today's episode we're joined by Heather Gudger, who started this journey with her son in 2012. She was determined to get her son the services he needed in school and as a result impacted her entire community. Heather shows us how to gracefully fight for your child and champions you to never give up. You are their best advocate and there's hope on the other side of the battle. We hope you are as inspired by Heather as we are.

Fran Spina brings immense depth and experience in this episode of the Dyslexia Den. Her family began their journey in 2009. Her passion led her onto the board of Alabama GameChangers and eventually onto a legislative committee that helped draft the Alabama Literacy Act. We discuss cracks in the system and also dreams and hopes of how future children can be educated in an encouraging environment.

We are thrilled to be joined by ABC 33/40 News Chief Meterologist, James Spann. In Alabama he needs no introduction but many will be surprised to learn he is dyslexic. Whether you are dyslexic or not, you'll want to listen! His story is inspiring and gives so much hope & encouragement to those with learning differences. James was diagnosed late as an adult and spent his life developing strategies to overcome challenges created by Dyslexia. We hope you enjoy this episode of the Dyslexia Den as much as we did.

We are joined by Dr. Laura Fiveash who is both a mother to triplets who all received special education and also the Executive Director of the Spring Valley School in Birmingham, AL. Dr. Fiveash has advocated for children covered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for over 20 years. She currently serves on the Association of LD Schools board, an organization that serves the LD schools around the nation and also on the Alabama Committee on Grade-Level Reading and recently completed Leadership Birmingham. She brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to share.

We are so excited to partner with Jessica Lane, owner of Kitchen Table IEP. Her story starts at home but evolves into becoming an IEP Advocate & Coach. She brings a passionate story and great resources.

This will be an episode format we'll include frequently. Hearing the Dyslexia journey through the perspective of children. How it feels, what's strategies work, some that don't and even encouragement! Join us in the Dyslexia Den.