Dyslexia Explored

Darius Namdaran

Sharing dyslexia stories from all stages and walks of life to help parents of Tween/Teens with Dyslexia find practical and helpful tips.

  1. 4 days ago

    #187: Teaching Dyslexia, Parenting Dyslexia: Two Very Different Lessons with Kait Feriante

    In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with Kait Feriante, co-founder and CEO of Redwood Literacy, about helping children with dyslexia build confidence and find reading support that fits their needs. Kait shares how teaching bright students who struggled to read led her and her husband Andre to become specialist teachers and establish Redwood. She explains why their approach expanded beyond the Wilson Reading System to include other methods, including SPELL-Links and UFLI. Kait also reflects on Andre’s discovery of his own dyslexia and how parenting their dyslexic daughter deepened her understanding of the emotional challenges behind academic struggles. From stepping back as her daughter’s tutor to seeing dictation unlock her storytelling, Kait offers an honest look at supporting a child without letting school scores define their potential. The conversation explores self-advocacy, recognising strengths, and how mind mapping and assistive technology can help children express their ideas and take ownership of their learning. This podcast is sponsored by ivvi. Visual Notes for Visual Thinkers. Get ivvi notes now: https://www.ivvi.app/Links: ivvi: https://www.ivvi.app/What is Dyslexia: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexiaHow to Mindmap: https://www.bulletmapacademy.com/mindmap-beginnersRedwood Literacy: https://www.redwoodliteracy.com/Redwood Literacy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redwoodliteracy/Redwood Literacy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@redwoodlearningRedwood Literacy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjN-BogTHtaoI9L8wuaHmQgRedwood Literacy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redwoodliteracychicago/Redwood Literacy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/redwoodliteracyFree Consultation Booking: https://redwoodliteracyscheduling.as.me/schedule/2c3b1c27/appointment/56124248/calendar/9385168?appointmentTypeIds%5B%5D=56124248Free Starter Access to Writing Our World: https://www.writing-our-world.com/offers/oMAKKrKk/checkoutWriting Our World (for teachers) Website: https://www.writing-our-world.comWriting Our World Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writing.our.world/Writing Our World TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writing.our.worldWriting Our World Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writingourworldAbout Kait, Andre and the Redwood Team: https://www.redwoodliteracy.com/dyslexia-treatment-team/Redwood Parent Support Programme: https://www.redwoodlearning.org/the-8-week-guided-parent-support-programRedwood Blog and Resources: https://www.redwoodliteracy.com/blog/Kait’s Email: kait@redwoodliteracy.comWilson Reading System: https://www.wilsonlanguage.com/resources/articles/wilson-reading-system-curriculum/SPELL-Links: https://spell-links.com/UFLI Foundations: https://ufli.education.ufl.edu/foundations/Google Docs Voice Typing: https://support.google.com/docs/answer/4492226Episode 126 — Other Ways to Teach Reading with Nora Chahbazi: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4PouYIAxgKZB3att3O6m0CInterested in being a guest? Email us at jo@ivvi.app

    #187: Teaching Dyslexia, Parenting Dyslexia: Two Very Different Lessons with Kait Feriante

  2. 27 Aug

    #186: Dyslexia Assessment and DARA: Giving Assessors Their Time Back with Dr Jennie Guise

    In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with Dr Jennie Guise, Chartered Psychologist, founder of DysGuise and CEO of Dysguise Diagnostics, about the life-changing value of dyslexia assessment and the development of DARA. Jennie traces her journey from teaching health psychology and seeing dyslexic nursing students misunderstood to becoming a full-time assessor. She explains why adults often seek assessment when their established coping strategies stop working, how comprehensive assessments uncover both challenges and hidden strengths, and why good feedback can replace shame with understanding. The conversation also lifts the lid on the time, testing costs and SASC compliance involved in producing a diagnostic report. Jennie introduces DARA, the DysGuise Assessment Reports Assistant, which embeds current guidance, reduces clerical errors and helps assessors focus on professional analysis rather than formatting. They also discuss accessible report summaries, workplace needs assessments, assistive technology and how better tools could ease assessment bottlenecks. This podcast is sponsored by ivvi. Visual Notes for Visual Thinkers.Get ivvi notes now: https://www.ivvi.app/ Links: ivvi: https://www.ivvi.app/What is Dyslexia: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexiaHow to Mindmap: https://www.bulletmapacademy.com/mindmap-beginnersDysguise Diagnostics: https://www.dysguisediagnostics.com/Dysguise Diagnostics Facebook: https://www.dysguisediagnostics.com/facebookLearn About DARA: https://www.dysguisediagnostics.com/learn-about-dara/DysGuise Assessments: https://dysguise.com/About Dr Jennie Guise: https://dysguise.com/about/Jennie’s Email: jennieguise@dysguise.comSASC Assessment Guidance: https://www.sasc.org.uk/assessment-guidance/Dyslexia Scotland: https://dyslexiascotland.org.uk/Helen Arkell Dyslexia Charity: https://helenarkell.org.uk/Disabled Students’ Allowance: https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsaBritish Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/Interested in being a guest? Email us at jo@ivvi.app

    #186: Dyslexia Assessment and DARA: Giving Assessors Their Time Back with Dr Jennie Guise

  3. 30 Jun

    #185: Dyslexia and Overcoming Challenges with JT Mestdagh

    In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with JT Mestdagh about his extraordinary journey of living with complex medical challenges and dyslexia. He shares how early health struggles shaped his life, how his learning differences were hidden for years, and how he eventually discovered his strengths. The conversation explores resilience, faith, community, and practical tools such as mind mapping and dyslexic-friendly fonts that support visual thinkers. JT also reflects on overcoming adversity through adventure, demonstrating how challenges can become a path to growth and achievement. This podcast is sponsored by ivvi. Visual Notes for Visual Thinkers. Get ivvi notes now: https://www.ivvi.app/Links:  Ivvi: https://www.ivvi.app/ what is dyslexia: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexiaJT’s website: jtmestdaghfoundation.org Unteathered: https://a.co/d/0gq4OvVS No Bad Days: https://a.co/d/02L9PLOn JT’s Social Media Links: https://linktr.ee/JT__Mestdagh Tattum Reading Program: https://www.tattumreading.com/ Linda Mood Bell: https://lindamoodbell.com/ Hooked On Phonics: https://www.hookedonphonics.com/ Dragon Dictation: https://dragon.nuance.com/en-us/dragon Dyslexic Font: https://dyslexiefont.com/en/ Executive Function podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/executive-function-brain-trainer-podcast/id1588400094 What is Executive Function: https://goodsensorylearning.com/blogs/news/tagged/executive-functioningWhat is Working Memory: https://goodsensorylearning.com/blogs/news/tagged/working-memory BETT Show: https://www.bettshow.com/ British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.ukInterested in being a guest? Email us at jo@ivvi.app

    #185: Dyslexia and Overcoming Challenges with JT Mestdagh

  4. 9 Jun

    #184: Dyslexia and Defying Limits: Alex Chaparro's Guide to Redefine Dyslexia

    In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with Alex Chaparro, a former realtor of 37 years who became an author and neurodiversity coach. Alex explains how his journal, originally a private operations manual, unexpectedly became his book The Dreamer’s Guide to Achieving in Uncertain Times, rooted in erasing limiting labels and rewriting his own narrative. He describes early school experiences of being unable to read, bullying, and creatively hiding difficulties, then a seventh-grade shift where he rapidly improved his reading level. The conversation explores impostor syndrome, perfectionism, disclosure, and redefining labels’ “small print.” Alex shares returning to finish college with accommodations, his later ADHD diagnosis, and how self-acceptance helped him lose 200 pounds, regain mobility, and find joy and purpose in coaching. This podcast is sponsored by ivvi. Visual Notes for Visual Thinkers. Get ivvi notes now: https://www.ivvi.app/ Links:  Ivvi: https://www.ivvi.app/ What is Dyslexia: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia How to Mindmap: https://www.bulletmapacademy.com/mindmap-beginners Alexander Chaparro Website: https://www.powerupcoach.net/ Book Title: The Dreamer’s Guide to Achieving in Uncertain Times  Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/0j2EgSVS Barnes & Nobles Link: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dreamers-guide-to-achieving-in-uncertain-times-alexander-chaparro/1150042091?ean=9781968247157 Social Media Links:  Personal Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/chaparrogroup   Personal Linkedin Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderchaparro/   PowerUp Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/powerupcoachinghub   PowerUp FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566632063013  British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.ukInternational Dyslexia Association: https://dyslexiaida.org/ SEND: https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs SEN Support: https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs/special-educational-needs-supportDisabled Students Allowance: https://www.ivvi.app/dsa-for-dyslexia Interested in being a guest? Email us at jo@ivvi.app

    #184: Dyslexia and Defying Limits: Alex Chaparro's Guide to Redefine Dyslexia

  5. 26 May

    #183: Parenting Dyslexia, ADHD and Executive Function with Glynda Cullen

    In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with dyslexia specialist tutor and consultant Glynda Cullen about a parent’s long journey raising two daughters with dyslexia and ADHD, including the guilt and emotional impact of late diagnoses. Glynda shares early signs in nursery and primary school, her daughter’s growing anxiety and emotionally based school avoidance, and how limited teacher training and systemic pressures affected support, with accommodations only appearing at GCSEs. The conversation explores current SEND changes in England, inclusion expectations, and how tools like ivvi Notes can scaffold executive function in classrooms. Glynda describes her daughter’s path after school, finding confidence and “her tribe” through training protection dogs and building a dog training business, highlighting the importance of cultivating strengths beyond academics. This podcast is sponsored by ivvi. Visual Notes for Visual Thinkers. Get ivvi notes now: https://www.ivvi.app/Links:  ivvi: https://www.ivvi.app/ what is dyslexia: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexiaGlynda’s Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@glynda1270  Website: https://guidingstardyslexia.co.uk/ Tutor: https://www.sensationaltutors.co.uk/ Do you want to pilot ivvi at your school?: https://www.ivvi.app/pilot-waiting-list Jennie Guise- DARA: https://dysguise.com/dara/ Executive Function podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/executive-function-brain-trainer-podcast/id1588400094 What is Executive Function: https://goodsensorylearning.com/blogs/news/tagged/executive-functioningWhat is Working Memory: https://goodsensorylearning.com/blogs/news/tagged/working-memory BETT Show: https://www.bettshow.com/ British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.ukInterested in being a guest? Email us at jo@ivvi.app

    #183: Parenting Dyslexia, ADHD and Executive Function with Glynda Cullen

  6. 12 May

    #182: Dyslexia, Confidence Building, and Candlemaking Triumphs with Eleanor Barbour

    In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with Ellie Barbour, a candlemaker and content creator who recently left her job as a high school PE teacher to pursue her business full time. Ellie shares being identified as dyslexic in primary school, receiving a formal diagnosis in later primary, and the impact of confidence, stigma, and support such as Touch Type Read and Spell. She describes a difficult first year of high school with missed support, followed by a pivotal move to Morrison’s Academy where small classes, learning support, and mind mapping transformed her study strategies, including using a scribe in exams. The conversation explores dyslexia strengths, teaching as a role model, possible ADHD, and how her all-in focus helped grow her taper-candle business from a lockdown hobby to markets and beyond. This podcast is sponsored by ivvi. Visual Notes for Visual Thinkers. Get ivvi notes now: ⁠⁠https://www.ivvi.app/⁠⁠ Links:  Ivvi: https://www.ivvi.app/ What is Dyslexia: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia How to Mindmap: https://www.bulletmapacademy.com/mindmap-beginners Instagram link: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_tyninghame?igsh=Z3NvbzExN3Flc2Nl&utm_source=qrWebsite link: https://tyninghamecandles.co.uk/British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.ukInternational Dyslexia Association: https://dyslexiaida.org/ SEND: https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs SEN Support: https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs/special-educational-needs-supportDisabled Students Allowance: https://www.ivvi.app/dsa-for-dyslexia Interested in being a guest? Email us at jo@ivvi.app

    #182: Dyslexia, Confidence Building, and Candlemaking Triumphs with Eleanor Barbour

  7. 30 Apr

    #181: Executive Functions and Dyslexia: Transitioning High School to University with Dr. Tara Williams

    In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with Dr. Tara Williams, a chemistry professor in California and former Sussex PhD graduate, about how executive function often drives difficulties when students transition from high school to university. Williams describes the social and practical upheaval of moving away from home, the need to self-advocate for accommodations, and how unstructured time, shifting deadlines, and planning demands can overwhelm neurodiverse students. They define executive functioning as planning, organization, and time management, discuss accommodations such as extra exam time, quiet rooms, note takers, and flexible grading for spelling-heavy subjects, and emphasize early preparation, body doubling, reading and note-taking habits, and building supportive relationships with faculty and campus services. Williams also shares her consulting work, forthcoming book, and contact details. This podcast is sponsored by ivvi. Visual Notes for Visual Thinkers. Get ivvi notes now: ⁠https://www.ivvi.app/⁠ Links:  Ivvi: https://www.ivvi.app/ what is dyslexia: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexiaDr Tara Social Media Links:Website: https://innovativecollegiateconsultants.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tara-williams-phd/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iccedservices#Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your_innovative_consultantsDr Tara Notable Guest Interviews: Parenting Teens: Advice Redefined for Today's Complex World: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/136-college-transition-hacks-for-parents-of/id1720826175?i=1000743905277Inclusive Education Project (IEP) Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/helping-students-learn-executive-functioning-skills/id1307157016?i=1000682986383 Executive Function podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/executive-function-brain-trainer-podcast/id1588400094 Previous Episode with Janet Scott: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/71-ebola-and-coronavirus-doctor-discusses-her/id1387645599?i=1000478151331 Previous Episode with Kerry Pace: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/80-dyspraxia-nursing-and-online-tutoring-with-kerry-pace/id1387645599?i=1000488468841 Executive Function: https://goodsensorylearning.com/blogs/news/tagged/executive-functioningWorking Memory: https://goodsensorylearning.com/blogs/news/tagged/working-memory BETT Show: https://www.bettshow.com/ British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.ukInterested in being a guest? Email us at jo@ivvi.app

    #181: Executive Functions and Dyslexia: Transitioning High School to University with Dr. Tara Williams

  8. 20 Apr

    #180: Dyslexia in Business: From Trolley Pusher to Business Owner to Dyslexia Advocate with Darren Clark

    In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee interview Darren Clark, who discovered he was dyslexic at 36 after hearing a TV interview and researching via the British Dyslexia Association. Darren recounts severe isolation at secondary school, being placed in a “unit,” missing exams, and leaving with no qualifications, alongside growing up in an unsafe, high-crime area. He describes getting his first job pushing trolleys at Sainsbury’s, progressing through retail to senior leadership overseeing 76 stores and a £4m weekly budget, supported by mentor Robin Stevens. Darren shares entrepreneurial ventures including a large cleaning business, selling a social media company, and losing businesses during COVID while caring for his terminally ill mother. He explains dyslexia strengths like tenacity, communication, and outsourcing, and details advocacy work with the BDA and internationally, including Kenya and Malawi, school talks reaching over a million students, and his message to protect personal voice alongside AI.Links:  Ivvi: https://www.ivvi.app/ What is Dyslexia: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia How to Mindmap: https://www.bulletmapacademy.com/mindmap-beginners Darren’s Linkedin -  www.linkedin.com/in/darrenclark2Neurodiversity Stories Youtube -  https://www.youtube.com/@neurodiversitystories5128British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.ukInternational Dyslexia Association: https://dyslexiaida.org/ SEND: https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs SEN Support: https://www.gov.uk/children-with-special-educational-needs/special-educational-needs-supportDisabled Students Allowance: https://www.ivvi.app/dsa-for-dyslexia Interested in being a guest? Email us at jo@ivvi.app

    #180: Dyslexia in Business: From Trolley Pusher to Business Owner to Dyslexia Advocate with Darren Clark
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About

Sharing dyslexia stories from all stages and walks of life to help parents of Tween/Teens with Dyslexia find practical and helpful tips.

Information

  • Creator
    Darius Namdaran
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    187
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Darius Namdaran
  • Show Website
    Dyslexia Explored

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