In this episode of the Dyslexic Maverick Podcast, Nancy welcomes Mara Ryan, a passionate advocate for dyslexia and ADHD.

Mara shares her journey from understanding her daughter's challenges with dyslexia to writing a dyslexia-friendly children's book titled 'Lucky Dog.' She discusses her motivations, the process of creating the book, and her hope to foster confidence in young readers with similar learning differences.

Nancy and Mara also unpack their personal parenting experiences, the importance of community support, and the need for more inclusive literature. This episode is a heartfelt conversation about turning challenges into strengths and making a positive impact through storytelling.

Connect with Mara:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humankindbooks

HumanKind Books: https://www.humankind-books.com

Buy on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4oJeALO

Connect with Nancy: https://bio.site/dyslexicmaverick

In this episode, Nancy chats with Jamal Waterburn, a pharmacist turned tech consultant and podcast host who discovered he was autistic in his 40's. His story is full of twists, resilience, and real talk about navigating work and life with a differently wired brain.

You’ll hear Jamal open up about:

• Bouncing from pharmacy to tech (and finally finding his groove).

• What it was like getting diagnosed later in life.

• How masking, burnout, and missed cues showed up at work.

• Why ChatGPT became one of his best therapy tools.

• The real power of leadership that sees the human behind the résumé.

This one’s honest, eye-opening, and a reminder that different doesn’t mean broken—it just means we lead, work, and live a little differently.

Connect with Jamal:

Instagram: @jamalisgood

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamalwedderburn/

Podcast: https://linktr.ee/rjsquaredpodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKqGw7DnATE3beS-ewnh7UA

Connect with Nancy: https://bio.site/dyslexicmaverick

In this episode Nancy sits down with Brady Douville a commercial loan officer, connector, and creative problem-solver with a background in insurance, banking, and property management. Diagnosed with ADHD in high school, Brady has built a career that plays to his strengths: building relationships, thinking outside the box, and finding solutions that others might miss.

You’ll hear Brady share:

• How he turned a “squiggly” career path into a job that fits his brain perfectly. - Why independence and flexibility are essential for his success.
• Simple systems he uses daily (from Outlook calendars to whiteboards) to stay on track. 
• How being “hyper” as a kid prepared him for high-energy networking as an adult. 
• His best advice for anyone feeling stuck in the wrong role. Connect with Nancy: 

https://bio.site/dyslexicmaverick

In this episode, host Nancy Disbrow speaks with Alyssa Garrity, a certified speech pathologist in Lenexa, Kansas.

• They discuss the advantages of classical education for children with dyslexia and ADHD, sharing personal experiences and the structured, systematic approach of classical schools.
• Alyssa highlights the importance of direct phonics instruction, structured lessons, and engaging, hands-on activities that cater to differently wired brains.
• They also explore the role of memorization, movement breaks, and how classical education integrates various subjects to provide a holistic and enriching learning experience.

Links: 

The Society for Classical Learning (for more information about classical education and to search for a local classical school): https://www.societyforclassicallearning.org/

The International Dyslexia Association: https://dyslexiaida.org/

The Orton-Gillingham Academy (search for a teacher/tutor/school in your local area): https://www.ortonacademy.org/for-parents/find-a-teacher-tutor/

Alyssa's personal email address for resources or support: [email protected]

Connect with Nancy: https://bio.site/dyslexicmaverick

In this episode, we explore amino acid therapy with our special guest, Lori Hammer. Lori, who has a degree in psychology and is a CEU-certified nutritional therapist, shares her personal journey of overcoming an eating disorder, anxiety, and depression through amino acid therapy.

• Learn the science behind amino acids and their role in balancing neurotransmitters
• Discover how targeted amino acids can support symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, and depression
• Find out how nutritional therapy leverages the brain’s chemistry for genuine emotional change

Connect with Laurie:

Laurie's Website: https://www.lauriehammer.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecalmmomcommunity

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/takebackmybrain

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZw1GBitFZkaR8aSfbaOxeQ

Connect with Nancy: https://bio.site/dyslexicmaverick

In this final episode of season one of the Dyslexic Maverick podcast,  Nancy interviews her father, Jon Hummel. They discuss the discovery of dyslexia in their family, Jon’s personal struggles and triumphs with dyslexia and ADHD growing up, and his successful career path. Jon shares stories about overcoming academic challenges, the value of experiential learning, and transitioning from military service to entrepreneurial success. They talk about the importance of resilience, the role of supportive teachers, the impact of a neurodiverse mind in a structured environment like the military, and the significance of focusing one’s energy positively. The episode is a candid reflection on their shared journey and serves as an inspiring message to parents and individuals with dyslexia and ADHD.

In this episode, we delve into how designing workplaces with differences in mind can significantly boost productivity and employee morale. Learn about the 30% productivity increase witnessed through visual changes and the universal benefits of inclusive accommodations. Discover how having a licensed social worker on staff helps address mental health challenges that one in four people face, offering a supportive environment for both neurodiverse and neurotypical employees. These strategies create a more equitable workplace and enhance employee retention and loyalty by making everyone feel understood and valued.

 Their award-winning marketing video: https://youtu.be/eKZEPtCeez0

Connect with Spectrum Designs and Patrick Bardsley:

Spectrum Designs: https://www.spectrumdesigns.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spectrumdesignsfoundation#

Instagram: @spectrum_designs https://www.instagram.com/spectrum_designs/#

LinkedIn: Spectrum Designs Foundation https://www.linkedin.com/company/spectrum-designs-foundation/posts/?feedView=all LinkedIn

Patrick Bardsley https://www.linkedin.com/in/patrick-bardsley-a2a37843/

TikTok: @spectrumenterprises

Connect with Nancy: https://bio.site/dyslexicmaverick

In this episode, Nancy and Jess, a dynamic PhD candidate in astronomy at Vanderbilt University, explore Jess's journey from being a musician to an aspiring astrophysicist. Diagnosed with ADHD, Autism, and OCD, Jess discusses how she navigates and leverages her neurodivergent brain to thrive in her field.

The conversation delves into the intricacies of galactic archaeology, Jess's struggle with sensory overloads and personal challenges, and the inspiring mission behind her nonprofit organization, the Neuroverse Initiative. They also touch upon the unique needs and strengths of neurodivergent individuals, both in academia and the workplace, and the importance of creating inclusive environments.

Jess's candid insights provide hope, inspiration, and practical advice for those navigating their own neurodivergent journeys.

Connect with Jess:

Jessica Stasik: https://linktr.ee/jesstella

The Neuroverse Initiative: https://linktr.ee/neuroverseinitiative

In this episode of the Dyslexic Maverick podcast, Nancy Disbrow is joined by Seth Rodman, a Registered Nurse and board-certified nurse coach specializing in ADHD. Together, they explore the intersection of ADHD, nutrition, and mindfulness. 

Seth shares his personal journey with ADHD, revealing how martial arts and proactive meal planning have been key strategies for managing his symptoms. They discuss the science of neurotransmitters, the importance of a balanced diet, and practical tips for incorporating mindfulness into daily routines. 

This insightful conversation also touches on the significance of building a supportive community and the role of evidence-based practices in ADHD management.

Connect with Seth: 

Website: www.clarifywellness.coach