Dyslexia Explored

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, communi...

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 narrat...

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 schoo...

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 Tou...

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 fo...

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-cr...

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 coach...

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with Laura Cook, who left school at 18, discovered her dyslexia through support work at De Montfort University, and went on to build the Learning Support Centre, now providing specialist support to thousands of higher-education students and neurodivergent NHS trainees. Laura explains how neurodivergent needs o...

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with Jill Cameron in rural Victoria, Australia, an early years educator, mum of three, and teacher trainee who was diagnosed with dyslexia about 18 months ago after her son Mitchell was diagnosed. Jill describes the relief of understanding her difficulties, especially very low working memory affecting reading,...

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with Alexander Molokwu, founder of Loujo, about using memorable, AI-generated songs to help dyslexic children learn curriculum content and improve retention. Alex shares how he discovered his dyslexia while studying neuroscience at Cardiff University, how educational songs helped him memorize complex material,...

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee speak with Jamie Wace, CEO and co-founder of Talamo, about his late dyslexia diagnosis and how it shaped his path to building an affordable school-based dyslexia screener. Jamie shares how exam access-arrangement testing led to his diagnosis at 15, the impact of working memory challenges, and how strategies like min...

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee introduce Dr. Helen Ross, an inspiring educator, researcher, and advocate who shares her profound insights into neurodiversity. They discuss a range of topics, including the heavy mental load and masking experienced by neurodivergent girls during key life transitions, the transformative power of EdTech and AI, and w...

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee welcome returning guest Kerry Pace to give a practical guide for UK university students with dyslexia or other learning differences who have been awarded Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA). Kerry explains what the DSA grant award letter looks like, why it’s a “golden ticket,” and how to read the key tables showing s...

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee interview Rose Lord, a neurodivergent entrepreneur and former British champion gymnast who is developing the My Best Mood app to build emotional resilience in children. Rose recounts her journey from having "extreme dyslexia" that left her unable to process written words to finding success through a specia...

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee welcome back Katrina Cochrane, a notable expert in the field of dyslexia. They delve into the complexities of dyslexia assessments and explore when and why it might be beneficial to pursue an assessment. Katrina, a former head of education at the British Dyslexia Association and founder of Positive Dyslexia, shares...

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee welcome Annie, a young student who shares her inspiring dyslexia journey. Annie, currently in her final year of A Levels in England, opens up about her struggles with dyslexia, her passion for music and horses, and the unique coping mechanisms she developed over time. The conversation delves into how Annie navigated...

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee welcome guest Michelle Power, an expert in the process of obtaining Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA). Together, they explore the journey of applying for DSA, especially for students with dyslexia. Michelle shares her extensive experience from being an Assistive Technology Officer to a DSA Needs Assessor and di...

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee dive into the significance of text readers for individuals with dyslexia. Joined by Jay, a seasoned professional in assistive technology and dyslexia advocate, they unpack the wide-ranging benefits of text readers. Jay shares his personal journey with dyslexia, the challenges he faced growing up, and how technology...

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, hosts Darius Namdaran and Jo Lee welcome Matt Dean from Aventido. Matt shares his extensive experience in the world of assistive technology (AT), particularly in the realm of disability students allowance (DSA) and workplace tech solutions. The discussion traverses Matt's journey from marketing and factory management to becoming a co-founder of...

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, host Darius Namdaran and new co-host Jo Lee welcome Craig Steele, a computer scientist with a unique background in theater studies. Craig shares his extensive experience in education and technology, particularly focusing on non-formal education and assistive technology for the past 15 years. The discussion delves into the intersection of dyslexia a...

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, host Darius Namdaran is joined by Liam Hughes of Biggerplate to discuss mind mapping as a powerful tool for individuals with dyslexia. Liam shares his personal story of discovering mind mapping software in university, which helped him overcome his struggles as a slow reader and pass critical exams. They explore the history of mind mapping, the diff...

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, host Darius Namdaran welcomes back Joe Lee, his co-founder and wife, to discuss how coaching strategies can aid individuals with dyslexia. Leveraging her extensive experience as a life and business coach, Joe breaks down the distinctions between various forms of coaching and counseling. She delves into two essential models: the Drama Triangle and A...

In this episode of Dyslexia Explored, host Darius Namdaran interviews his wife Jo, an accomplished pharmacologist, scientific researcher, life coach, and business coach who later co-founded an AI software company. Despite not having dyslexia herself, Joe has extensively lived in and supported a family deeply intertwined with the condition. They discuss Joe's unique perspective from understandi...

In this episode of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, host Darius Namdaran dives into the critical topic of executive function and its impact on individuals with dyslexia. Joined by Dr. Erica Warren, an expert in the field, they explore the intricacies of working memory and how understanding it can be a game changer. They discuss practical strategies like using whiteboards and mind maps, and how lever...

When the Neurodiversity Show was cancelled this year, Dr Martin Bloomfield wanted to pay tribute to Arran Smith's original concept, while keeping part of the conversation alive by bringing together some of the speakers, with the support of the Dyslexia Explored Podcast, and created this one-off online event: The Neurodiversity Empowered 2025. The second of a series of talks from the said event...