Dyslexia Explored

Darius Namdaran
  • 4.8 (39)
  • Education
  • Updated Semimonthly

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

  1. 28m ago

    #190: Dyslexia, Redundancy and the Talent a CV Can’t Show with Jay Giddens

    In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee welcome back Jay Giddens, dyslexia advocate and host of Thick No More, to discuss redundancy, recruitment and the strengths a CV cannot always capture. After almost eight years working in educational accessibility, Jay shares the emotional reality of looking for work at 54 and translating a career built on relationships into written applications. He reflects on the listening skills, empathy and rapport that have helped him succeed in sales, and why these qualities can be difficult to demonstrate before an interview. The conversation explores using speech-to-text and AI to express your own ideas, alongside Jay’s concerns about recruitment rules that could mistake accessibility support for taking a shortcut. Together, they consider what fairer hiring could look like, from asking about adjustments early to offering different ways for candidates to introduce themselves. Jay also discusses the importance of suitable assistive technology, his involvement with the National Parents Alliance and the possibility of turning his experience into consultancy work. It is an honest conversation about confidence, finding your next opportunity and seeing the person behind the application. This podcast is sponsored by ivvi. Visual Notes for Visual Thinkers.Get ivvi notes now: https://www.ivvi.app/ Links: Jay Giddens Website: https://jaygiddens.com/Contact Jay: jay@jaygiddens.co.ukThick No More Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/thick-no-more/id1829509350Episode 168: Dyslexia, Text Readers and Empowerment with Jay Giddens: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/168-dyslexia-text-readers-and-empowerment-with-jay-giddens/id1387645599?i=1000743978327National Parents Alliance: https://nationalparentsalliance.org/ReadSpeaker TextAid: https://www.readspeaker.com/products/textaid/Disabled Students’ Allowance (England): https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsaApplying for Jobs, British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/advice/adults/looking-for-work/applying-for-jobsivvi: https://www.ivvi.app/What is Dyslexia, British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexiaHow to Mindmap: https://www.bulletmapacademy.com/mindmap-beginnersInterested in being a guest? Email us at jo@ivvi.app.

    #190: Dyslexia, Redundancy and the Talent a CV Can’t Show with Jay Giddens

  2. Oct 15

    #189: Dyslexia, Building Businesses and Learning to Read at 62 with David Chalk

    In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with David Chalk, Canadian entrepreneur and co-founder of Reading Road, about learning to read at 62 after decades of building businesses while struggling with written words. David describes the breakthrough he experienced with Nora Chahbazi’s sound-to-symbol approach during the filming of The Truth About Reading, and how it inspired his work on Reading Road. He shares his vision for an AI-powered tutor that responds to learners’ interests and emotions, building from spoken vocabulary towards writing and reading. Looking back, David reflects on the humiliation he experienced at school, his dyslexia diagnosis around 40, and the mother whose belief helped protect his self-worth. From building electronics and technology companies to presenting television programmes, he explains how curiosity, communication and pattern recognition helped him succeed, even while reading remained a struggle. The conversation explores emotional safety, mind mapping and three things David believes parents can offer their children: encouragement, unconditional love and the language to express their ideas. If you’d like to hear more about David’s story and his work on Reading Road, look for Dyslexia Explored wherever you listen to podcasts. This podcast is sponsored by ivvi. Visual Notes for Visual Thinkers.Get ivvi notes now: https://www.ivvi.app/ Links: Reading Road: https://readingroad.ai/Reading Road Beta Programme Sign-Up: https://readingroad.ai/beta-program/About David Chalk and the Reading Road Team: https://readingroad.ai/about/David’s Email: David@chalkcorp.comThe Truth About Reading Documentary: https://thetruthaboutreading.com/Episode 126: Other Ways to Teach Reading with Nora Chahbazi: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/126-other-ways-to-teach-reading-nora-chahbazi/id1387645599?i=1000585754816EBLI (Evidence-Based Literacy Instruction): ⁠https://eblireads.com/⁠EBLI Parent Resources: ⁠https://eblireads.com/parent-resources/⁠ivvi: https://www.ivvi.app/What is Dyslexia, British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexiaHow to Mindmap: https://www.bulletmapacademy.com/mindmap-beginnersInterested in being a guest? Email us at jo@ivvi.app.

    #189: Dyslexia, Building Businesses and Learning to Read at 62 with David Chalk

  3. Sep 29

    #188: Dyslexia, Moving Between Schools and Discovering Overlooked Strengths with Jack Gillanders

    In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with Jack Gillanders, recruitment business owner and co-founder of the LEVEL Foundation, about turning a difficult school experience into practical support for other families. Diagnosed with dyslexia at eight, Jack describes the relief of understanding his struggles, followed by repeated school moves, loneliness and using humour to hide his difficulties in the classroom. He reflects on his parents’ determination, the patient tutor he still hopes to thank, and the employers who recognised strengths that school had overlooked. The conversation explores why calling dyslexia a superpower can miss its real challenges, and how finding his place in recruitment helped Jack build a business and give back. Jack introduces the foundation he created with his mum, explaining how school grants and a toolkit of screening, assistive technology, teacher training and family support help turn funding into practical action. They discuss why money alone is not enough, the importance of involving parents, and helping children discover what they are good at before they lose confidence in themselves. This podcast is sponsored by ivvi. Visual Notes for Visual Thinkers.Get ivvi notes now: ⁠https://www.ivvi.app/⁠ Links: The LEVEL Foundation Website: ⁠https://www.levelfoundation.co.uk/⁠Contact Carol: ⁠carol@levelfoundation.co.uk⁠The LEVEL Foundation Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/level_foundation/⁠The LEVEL Foundation LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-level-foundation/⁠CMC Partners — About Jack and the Team: ⁠https://cmc-partners.com/about-us⁠ivvi: ⁠https://www.ivvi.app/⁠What is Dyslexia — British Dyslexia Association: ⁠https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia⁠How to Mindmap: ⁠https://www.bulletmapacademy.com/mindmap-beginners⁠AT Superstore: ⁠https://atsuperstore.com/⁠Talamo: ⁠https://www.talamo.co.uk/⁠I Can & I Am — Confidence-Building Bus Workshops: ⁠https://icanandiam.com/how-we-help/the-bus/⁠Inclusive Mainstream Fund — Guidance for School Leaders in England: ⁠https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/inclusive-mainstream-fund-support-for-school-leaders⁠Episode 167 — AT Superstore with Matt Dean: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/167-the-at-superstore-the-significance-of/id1387645599?i=1000740445629⁠Episode 175 — Dyslexia Screening with Jamie Wace: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/175-dyslexia-technology-and-screening-building-a/id1387645599?i=1000756257565⁠Episode 168 — Dyslexia, Text Readers and Empowerment with Jay Giddens: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/168-dyslexia-text-readers-and-empowerment-with-jay-giddens/id1387645599?i=1000743978327⁠Interested in being a guest? Email us at ⁠jo@ivvi.app⁠.

    #188: Dyslexia, Moving Between Schools and Discovering Overlooked Strengths with Jack Gillanders

  4. Sep 8

    #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

  5. Aug 27

    #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

  6. Jun 30

    #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

  7. Jun 9

    #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

  8. May 26

    #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
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4.8
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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
    190
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Darius Namdaran
  • Show Website
    Dyslexia Explored

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