Dyslexia Explored

Latest Episodes:

#188: Dyslexia, Moving Between Schools and Discovering Overlooked Strengths with Jack Gillanders Sep 29, 2026

Show notes

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.uk⁠
The 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-us⁠
ivvi: ⁠https://www.ivvi.app/⁠
What is Dyslexia — British Dyslexia Association: ⁠https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/dyslexia/about-dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia⁠
How to Mindmap: ⁠https://www.bulletmapacademy.com/mindmap-beginners⁠
AT 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-leaders⁠
Episode 167 — AT Superstore with Matt Dean: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/167-the-at-superstore-the-significance-of/id1387645599?i=1000740445629⁠
Episode 175 — Dyslexia Screening with Jamie Wace: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/175-dyslexia-technology-and-screening-building-a/id1387645599?i=1000756257565⁠
Episode 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=1000743978327⁠

Interested in being a guest? Email us at ⁠jo@ivvi.app⁠.

#187: Teaching Dyslexia, Parenting Dyslexia: Two Very Different Lessons with Kait Feriante Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

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-dyslexia
How to Mindmap: https://www.bulletmapacademy.com/mindmap-beginners
Redwood Literacy: https://www.redwoodliteracy.com/
Redwood Literacy Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redwoodliteracy/
Redwood Literacy TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@redwoodlearning
Redwood Literacy YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjN-BogTHtaoI9L8wuaHmQg
Redwood Literacy Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redwoodliteracychicago/
Redwood Literacy LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/redwoodliteracy
Free Consultation Booking: https://redwoodliteracyscheduling.as.me/schedule/2c3b1c27/appointment/56124248/calendar/9385168?appointmentTypeIds%5B%5D=56124248
Free Starter Access to Writing Our World: https://www.writing-our-world.com/offers/oMAKKrKk/checkout
Writing Our World (for teachers) Website: https://www.writing-our-world.com
Writing Our World Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writing.our.world/
Writing Our World TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writing.our.world
Writing Our World Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/writingourworld
About 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-program
Redwood Blog and Resources: https://www.redwoodliteracy.com/blog/
Kait’s Email: kait@redwoodliteracy.com
Wilson 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/4492226

Episode 126 — Other Ways to Teach Reading with Nora Chahbazi: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4PouYIAxgKZB3att3O6m0C

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 Aug 27, 2026

Show notes

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-dyslexia
How to Mindmap: https://www.bulletmapacademy.com/mindmap-beginners
Dysguise Diagnostics: https://www.dysguisediagnostics.com/
Dysguise Diagnostics Facebook: https://www.dysguisediagnostics.com/facebook
Learn 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.com
SASC 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-dsa
British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/

Interested in being a guest? Email us at jo@ivvi.app

#185: Dyslexia and Overcoming Challenges with JT Mestdagh Jun 30, 2026

Show notes

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-dyslexia
JT’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-functioning
What is Working Memory: https://goodsensorylearning.com/blogs/news/tagged/working-memory
BETT Show: https://www.bettshow.com/
British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

Interested in being a guest? Email us at jo@ivvi.app

#184: Dyslexia and Defying Limits: Alex Chaparro's Guide to Redefine Dyslexia Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

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.uk
International 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-support
Disabled Students Allowance: https://www.ivvi.app/dsa-for-dyslexia

Interested in being a guest? Email us at jo@ivvi.app

#183: Parenting Dyslexia, ADHD and Executive Function with Glynda Cullen May 26, 2026

Show notes

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-dyslexia
Glynda’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-functioning
What is Working Memory: https://goodsensorylearning.com/blogs/news/tagged/working-memory
BETT Show: https://www.bettshow.com/
British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

Interested in being a guest? Email us at jo@ivvi.app

#182: Dyslexia, Confidence Building, and Candlemaking Triumphs with Eleanor Barbour May 12, 2026

Show notes

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=qr
Website link: https://tyninghamecandles.co.uk/
British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
International 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-support
Disabled Students Allowance: https://www.ivvi.app/dsa-for-dyslexia

Interested in being a guest? Email us at jo@ivvi.app

#181: Executive Functions and Dyslexia: Transitioning High School to University with Dr. Tara Williams Apr 30, 2026

Show notes

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-dyslexia
Dr 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_consultants
Dr 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=1000743905277
Inclusive 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-functioning
Working Memory: https://goodsensorylearning.com/blogs/news/tagged/working-memory
BETT Show: https://www.bettshow.com/
British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

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 Apr 20, 2026

Show notes

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/darrenclark2
Neurodiversity Stories Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@neurodiversitystories5128
British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk
International 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-support
Disabled Students Allowance: https://www.ivvi.app/dsa-for-dyslexia

Interested in being a guest? Email us at jo@ivvi.app

#179: Dyslexia in Adults, Confidence, and Success with Dyslexia Unlocked Author Natalie Brooks Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, host Darius Namdaran speaks with returning guest Natalie Brooks about putting adult dyslexia into mainstream conversation and her journey from school diagnosis to workplace struggles that led her to create Dyslexia in Adults. Natalie describes being dismissed by HR, building a large online following, completing 750 hours of executive function coaching, and securing a Bloomsbury book deal after a viral video about a “big backpack” as an adult dyslexia trait. They explore dyslexia as a processing difference linked to executive functions such as working memory, planning, and organization, and discuss why “try harder” often fails. Natalie outlines her book Dyslexia Unlocked; confidence, practical strategies, and strengths, rejecting the “superpower” narrative, and they share approaches involving techniques, tools, and team support, plus how she streamlined her business and wrote the book on an 18-month timeline.

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
Natalie’s Previous Episode 146: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/146-dyslexia-expectations-in-school-and-in-the/id1387645599?i=1000656492970
Dyslexia Scotland: https://dyslexiascotland.org.uk/
Moira Thomson episode 75: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/75-five-decades-of-dyslexia-provision-devlopment-in/id1387645599?i=1000484851030
Dyslexia in Adults Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dyslexia_in_adults/
Dyslexia in Adults Free Guide: https://dyslexiainadults.myflodesk.com/phailhpl45
Website: https://www.dyslexiainadults.co/
Natalie viral video with Darius: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C4pp7dwMwT4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Here are all the links for the Dyslexia Unlocked book: https://linktr.ee/dyslexiainadults
Executive Function: https://goodsensorylearning.com/blogs/news/tagged/executive-functioning
Working Memory: https://goodsensorylearning.com/blogs/news/tagged/working-memory
BETT Show: https://www.bettshow.com/
British Dyslexia Association: https://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

Interested in being a guest? Email us at jo@ivvi.app

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