The Dyslexic Maverick with Nancy Disbrow

In this episode of The Dyslexic Maverick, Nancy sits down with Dave Thompson — ADHD and dyslexic thinker, visiting scholar at Vanderbilt's Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, and author of Brainstorm: A Guide to Neurodivergent Talent and the Future of Work.

They unpack:

• What neurodiversity really means (it's not just "them" — it's all of us)

• Why some workplaces feel like "penguins in the desert"

• The difference between dreamers and schemers — and why you need both

• How neurodivergent leaders can thrive without burning out

• What psychological safety actually looks like at work

If you've ever felt out of place in your job — or you're building a team and want to get it right — this conversation will shift how you see talent, leadership, and the future of work.

Connect with Dave Thompson: https://www.brainstormneurodiversity.com/book

Connect with Nancy Disbrow: The Dyslexic Maverick

What if there was a simple, side-effect-free way to calm your brain, regulate mood, and boost focus in minutes?

In this powerful live session, Nancy sits down with amino acid therapy expert Lori Hammer to try something she's never done before - test amino acids on-air, in real time, to balance her neurotransmitters and calm her ADHD brain.

You'll see it all unfold: from nervous laughter to emotional stillness, Nancy walks through how different amino acids (like L-tryptophan, GABA, tyrosine, and glutamine) affect her mind and body while Lori explains the science behind each.

This episode is a rare combination of vulnerable experimentation and expert insight into how targeted amino acid therapy can help with:

✔️ ADHD, anxiety, and mood regulation

✔️ Sugar cravings and emotional reactivity

✔️ Brain-gut connection and neurotransmitter health

✔️ The real reason some "messy" leaders are actually wired for brilliance

Whether you're neurodivergent or just curious about brain optimization - this one's a game-changer.

Lori Hammer: Connect with Laurie

Follow Laurie on Instagram: Take Back My Brain

Connect with Nancy: The Dyslexic Maverick

In this honest, grounded conversation, Nancy sits down with Dustin Dale, founder of Beyond the Horizon Consulting, executive coach, bestselling author, and keynote speaker to talk about leadership, dyslexia, resilience, and the experiences that shape how we show up at work and in life.

Dustin shares his story of growing up dyslexic, navigating serious childhood health challenges, and learning early lessons around grit, humility, and perseverance. Together, Nancy and Dustin explore how differently wired brains often develop strong emotional intelligence, resilience, and leadership instincts not because it's easy, but because it's necessary.

In this episode, you'll hear conversations around:

• Growing up dyslexic and misunderstood in school

• How early adversity shapes resilient, self-aware leaders

• Why leadership is caught, not taught

• Emotional intelligence as a real-world leadership advantage

• How challenge and struggle can become a strategic edge

• What it means to keep chasing the next version of yourself

It's a real, motivating conversation for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone who's ever felt "different" and wondered if that difference might actually be their edge.

Dustin Dale is the founder of Beyond the Horizon Consulting and the creator of the Lead by Serving leadership framework. He is a bestselling author, award-winning speaker, and executive coach who equips leaders to inspire trust, reduce turnover, and build organizations worth following.

With experience across multiple industries, Dustin is known for blending servant leadership with a no-excuses mindset helping leaders grow personally while driving meaningful, sustainable business results.

YouTube

LinkedIn

Website: Dustin Dale

In this episode of the Dyslexic Maverick Podcast, host Nancy Drow interviews Dustin Dale, the founder of Beyond the Horizon Consulting and creator of the Lead by Serving leadership model.

Dustin shares his journey with dyslexia, diagnosed in third grade, and an autoimmune disease while navigating a tumultuous childhood which included his parents' divorce. He recounts how these challenges have shaped his perspective and resilience.

They delve into how leaders imprint their behaviors on their teams and the importance of coachability in leadership. Dustin also discusses his latest book 'Take it Forward', focusing on overcoming personal lies and excuses. They highlight the importance of servant leadership and the influential, exponential impact leaders have on their teams and others.

Connect with Dustin Dale

Website: https://www.dustin-dale.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thebeyondthehorizonexp

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

Connect with Nancy

Website: www.neuro-osity.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dyslexicmaverick

https://bio.site/dyslexicmaverick

In this episode of the Dyslexic Maverick Podcast, host Nancy Drow interviews Jordan Rappel, a recent business graduate from Bowling Green State University who has dyslexia. They discuss Jordan's journey from diagnosis in first grade to navigating college life, including the accommodations and strategies she utilized to succeed academically. Jordan shares insights on the importance of self-advocacy, the benefits of certain study techniques, and the role of supportive professors. The conversation also touches on future career aspirations and the significance of embracing and being proud of one's dyslexic brain.

In this episode, Scott shares his inspiring journey of living with dyslexia and how he transformed what many see as a challenge into one of his greatest strengths.

From the struggles he faced in school to the powerful mindset shifts that changed his path, Scott's story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of believing in your unique way of learning. Discover how Scott navigated the obstacles of dyslexia, developed strategies that worked for him, and ultimately turned his differences into a driving force for success. His journey sheds light on the realities of dyslexia while offering hope, encouragement, and practical insight for anyone facing similar challenges.

Key takeaways:

-Overcoming the early struggles of dyslexia

-Discovering the power of mindset shifts

-Developing strategies that work for unique learners

-Building confidence through persistence

-Turning challenges into lifelong strengths

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