The LDA Podcast

LDA America

This series from the Learning Disabilities Association of America features individuals with learning disabilities, researchers, parents, educators, and other experts to discuss the latest LD research, strategies, lived experiences, and more! 

  1. 4d ago

    No Experience Necessary: How PAW Patrol's Co-Creator Turned Dysgraphia Into a Learning Gift

    LDA board chair Mark DiPietro talks with Ronnen Harary, co-founder of Spin Master and co-creator of PAW Patrol, about his new book, No Experience Necessary: Why Betting on Yourself in Your 20s Is the Best Decision You'll Ever Make. Ronnen was identified with dysgraphia at age 10 in Toronto's public schools in 1979 and credits his accommodations with getting him through high school. He also describes growing up ashamed of his learning disability, hiding his extra exam time from classmates, and never having a single conversation with his parents about it. Ronnen now calls his LD a "learning gift." He explains the workarounds he built over a 32-year career: running meetings as live problem-solving sessions instead of using PowerPoint, visiting partners in person to read body language and environments, and protecting his mornings, when his thinking and handwriting are strongest. He argues that having a learning disability makes people more creative, because they have to keep inventing ways around obstacles. The conversation closes on failure. Ronnen says growing up as "the king of the Cs" taught him that he could get through anything, and he walks through three toy flops Spin Master had in a row, including Don't Free Freddy. His advice to young adults, and to anxious parents of kids with LD, is that failure carries more useful information than success, and that the bigger risk is never trying at all.

  2. Aug 26

    HCP: You are Not Alone: Michelle Eason Shares her Lead Poisoning Journey

    Michelle shares her granddaughter’s lead poisoning story, provides tips, and emphasizes resources for families struggling with (affected by? Or dealing with) lead poisoning. Michelle is a parent ambassador with the Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan. LDA’s Healthy Children Project thanks our podcast co-sponsors Healthy Homes Coalition of West Michigan and the Ecology Center. Tracy Gregoire, LDA’s HCP Director, chats with guest speakers Jameela Maun, Michelle Eason, and Meli Garcia.

  3. Aug 12

    Comprehensive LD Evaluations: Understanding Why a Student is Struggling

    Jenny Ponzuric is a licensed educational psychologist, educational consultant, IEP master coach, and certified leadership and mindset coach. In this episode, Jenny discusses the importance of understanding a student's full learning profile, factors school psychologists should keep in mind when performing learning disability evaluations, and how to ensure that parents and practitioners are on the same page.

  4. Jul 29

    Dr. Douglas Sims: Dyslexic Scientist

    Dr. Douglas Sims is a scientist, entrepreneur, author, and learning disability advocate. Dr. Sims discusses their experience in school with dyslexia and ADHD, and shares how they harnessed their strengths to reach success.

  5. Jul 15

    Navigating College Admissions for Students with Learning Disabilities

    Dr. Rachel Rubin is an internationally-recognized college admissions expert, and the founder of Spark Admissions. In this episode, Dr. Rubin discusses the latest trends in college admissions, how students with LD can prepare, disclosing a learning disability in an application, and more!

  6. Jul 1

    ADHD & Parenting: A Talk with an ADHD Coach

    Jeremy Didier is an ADHD coach, parent, immediate past president of CHADD's board of directors, a clinical social worker, and addiction counselor. Jeremy explains the importance of recognizing ADHD, shares how parents can support their neurodivergent children, and discusses her own ADHD diagnosis that came later in life.

  7. Jun 17

    Reducing Educator Burnout with Applied Harmony

    Katrina Huels, founder and CEO of Applied Harmony, discusses how burnout can impact educators and administrators.

  8. Jun 4

    A Speech Language Pathologist's Approach to NVLD

    Breanna Raborn is a speech language pathologist specializing in pediatric private practice. Breanna discusses NVLD, and how speech language pathologists can help improve social communication and understanding of receptive and expressive language.

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Ratings & Reviews

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About

This series from the Learning Disabilities Association of America features individuals with learning disabilities, researchers, parents, educators, and other experts to discuss the latest LD research, strategies, lived experiences, and more! 

Information

  • Creator
    LDA America
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    101
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The LDA Podcast
  • Show Website
    The LDA Podcast

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