The Dyslexia Life Hacks Show

Matthew Head

This podcast gets to the stories behind the word dyslexia. From engineers to barristers, entrepreneurs to people who develop assistive technology. Each episode takes a deep dive into each persons story to find out how they struggled and succeeded with dyslexia, the strengths it brings and the people who support dyslexics. read less
EducationEducation
Finding Belonging and Navigating Micro-traumas with Devon Lowndes
22-11-2023
Finding Belonging and Navigating Micro-traumas with Devon Lowndes
1,500!That’s the number of micro-traumas neurodivergent people experience just at primary school age (5yrs - 12yrs). This includes things like saying; “you’re not trying”, “you’re lazy”, “you don’t work hard. You need to work harder!”. When we hear words like this what is actually being heard is “you’re not good enough” “you’re not worthy”, “you’re not enough”. It’s an attack on your personhood. In this episode, our host Matt Head is joined by Devon Lowndes, Co-founder and Director of ‘Self Agency’ as they discuss the importance of finding belongingness and the impact of micro-traumas and how to navigate these challenges.Devon has Dyslexia and ADHD and therefore has first hand experience of these micro-traumas that many neurodivergent people experience in a life-time. Devon tells us that these micro-traumas don’t leave physical scars, but we do hold them within our bodies which has a far reaching impact in all areas of our lives, be it at home, at work, or in education!In this episode, Devon tells us how she found belongingness and how important this is to thrive with dyslexia. Because, when you’re expelling energy to masking, assimilating or pretending, you can focus that energy for your own success! Devon, like many other neurodivergent people, know what it’s like not to feel like you fit in anywhere and how much you crave feeling like you belong.Self Agency was set-up to shine a light on neurodiversity and give everyone the tools to understand the challenges and enable organisations to evolve their cultures. Devon believes that, people with dyslexia, dyscalculic, dyspraxia, ADHD, autism, OCD, Tourette syndrome, mental health illnesses and acquired neurodiversity (such as trauma) have a wealth of strengths to bring to our society, and it’s time that they were recognised and valued.Key Topics:Not feeling like you fit in,Finally finding belongingness,feeling like you can be 100% yourself, what are micro-traumas, andhow to navigate these challengesFind Devon at-LinkedInSelf Agency -Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmesFor more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
How to Write a Book if you have Dyslexia with Matt Bird
08-11-2023
How to Write a Book if you have Dyslexia with Matt Bird
At school, Matt Bird was placed in remedial English classes  and left school education believing he was stupid. It wasn't until he was in his 20's when his mum suggested he may be dyslexic and should get tested. This was the first time Matt had even heard of the word 'Dyslexia' but the description started to make sense of the challenges he had faced when he was at school.Since leaving school, with a little nudge from his friends, he started his book writing career and he has now authored 20 books, has won a book of the year prize and writes for publications such as The Times newspaper. Wanting to share with people how he writes books and help them to achieve others' dream of writing a book, Matt now coaches 100+ people a year to become authors and publishes 50+ books a year. Matt believes that if he can write a book, then so can everyone!Matt Bird is Founder CEO of 'PublishU' enabling over 100 people a year to write, publish and launch their books to a global audience.As part of his giving back he is Founder of the global foundation NAYBA helping thousands of churches worldwide to better love their neighbours. In this episode, Matt Bird discusses with our Host Matthew Head about what growing up was like, and how it all changed when he found he had dyslexia. In this episode Matt will share some of what he does to write a book which might help you too!Key Topics:Growing up believing you are 'Stupid'Finding you have Dyslexia in your 20'sWriting the first book with a little nudge from friends,Helping 100's of people write their own book!Find Matt;https://www.publishu.com/https://www.publishu.com/free-Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
Effective Reading and Writing and the Power of AI with Russell Van Brocklen
25-10-2023
Effective Reading and Writing and the Power of AI with Russell Van Brocklen
Of course, we all know the common challenges of dyslexia in reading and writing, but few know how people with dyslexia can improve their reading and writing skills, and even excel neurotypical people in these two areas. Few know more about helping dyslexic people in this area than our guest for this episode Russell Van Brocklen.Russell is the founder of Dyslexia Classes, an ed-tech startup focused on teaching-learning different students (especially students with Dyslexia) how best to overcome challenges with Reading, Writing, and Comprehension skills. With a background in Neurological Communications and from own experience with his own Dyslexia, Russell has developed a  unique system for teaching writing that not only significantly improves the writing skills of highly motivated students with dyslexia, but also builds their reading and organisational skills and their confidence for long-term success.In this episode, our host Matthew Head explores the benefits of using AI to help bridge the gap between the skills of people with Dyslexia and their challenges. With AI now popping up everywhere it is difficult to see how the future jobs are going to sway more towards the skills which people with dyslexia excel most in.Key Topics:Understand what dyslexia is helps to identify ways to educate people to improve their reading and writing skills,Ways to improve reading and writing, andHow to use AI to level the playing field.Fined Russel at:Dyslexic Classes  (affiliate link)Ebook-Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
Misdiagnosis for Autism and Becoming an Olympian with Caragh McMurtry
11-10-2023
Misdiagnosis for Autism and Becoming an Olympian with Caragh McMurtry
Training in a competitive sport in any arena requires dedication, commitment, sacrifice and a lot of hard work. To reach the peak of your sport to compete in the olympics is an achievement not obtained by many. It is hard enough for anyone from most backgrounds to achieve. When a neurodiversity is thrown into the mix, it makes that achievement all the more impressive. No other success story compares to this episode’s guest, Olympic Rower for Team GB Caragh McMurtry. Starting out rowing from a young age, Caragh explains to our host Matthew Head, how sport for her was a way of communicating her world to others. Knowing that something was quite fitting from a young age, Caragh tells us how the immediate reaction was to be misdiagnosed and treated for Bipolar Disorder and various other mental health condition ignoring or missing the signs of Autism. The side effects from the medication worsened her ability to perform at the level she wanted so that she could succeed in internal rowing competitions. It wasn’t until 2019, 5 years after being misdiagnosed with Bipolar Disorder, that Caragh was finally diagnosed with High-functioning Autism and got the support she needed! “It gave me permission to be different and now I’m happier than I’ve ever been!”After retiring from professional rowing after the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympics Caragh set out to as her mission to make sure that no one goes through what she did and to help other people with neurodiversity through sport.“I founded Neurodiverse Sport CIC in response to the current lack of understanding and support available for neurodivergent athletes, and intend it to be a platform for support, education, and advocacy. “It is my belief that no athlete should feel misunderstood, isolated or unable to reach their full potential because they do not conform to neurotypical standards of behaviour and communication.”This is an incredible story which everyone needs to hear!Neurodiverse SportKey Topics:Being misdiagnosed with Bipolar for Autism,Being treated for mental health and ignoring signs of neurodiversity,Training for the olympicsLearning about Autism and getting the correct diagnosis,Building a charity to support those  with a neurodiversity  through sport ‘neurodiverse sport’.-Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
The Inspiring Dyslexia Success Story of Elizabeth Takyi
04-10-2023
The Inspiring Dyslexia Success Story of Elizabeth Takyi
Starting her primary education in Ghana in west africa, this episode’s guest Elizabeth Takyi was penalised in the class room for poor spelling and ready by the use of the cane.  This traumatic experience with education gave Elizabeth the feeling that ‘this is just the way it is. I must be stupid’. Moving to the UK for secondary education, Elizabeth became more disassociated with education and would regularly be ‘naughty’ and bunk off school. It wasn’t until leaving an abusive relationship and, in trying to prove everyone and herself wrong that she was in fact not stupid and could be just as successful as everyone, Elizabeth started a University course in HR. After completely failing the 1st year Elizabeth discovered that she had Dyslexia and Dyspraxia. Not knowing what this meant she struggled to know where to turn before the time of ‘Google’. It wasn’t until the support from college who supplied Elizabeth with assistive technology when Elizabeth started sore passing all of the subsequent years at university.With this new found confidence Elizabeth started ‘Aspire2 Inspire’ providing support to business owners with dyslexia and helping others in the same way that Elizabeth was supported.She now works in her dream job being an ambassador for neurobox where she continues to spread dyslexia and intersectionality awareness.Doing all this and being a single mother of three is tough and inspiring.Key Topics:Childhood trauma from being caned for not being able to read or write,Leaving an abusive relationship and aspiring to prove you’re not stupid!Finding out that you have dyslexia, getting the right support, then flying,Setting up support for business owners with dyslexia,Being unemployed and trying to find a job whilst disclosing you have dyslexia, andFinding the place where you belong! -Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
Entrepreneurship and Dyslexia, and the ability to Absorb Information Quickly with Stephen Martin
27-09-2023
Entrepreneurship and Dyslexia, and the ability to Absorb Information Quickly with Stephen Martin
One really under appreciated dyslexic strength is the ability to absorb information quickly and explain complex topics in a way that is engaging and easy to understand! It is the very specific dyslexia skill set which propelled our guest in this episode, Stephen Martin, to become a highly successful entrepreneur. Growing up in New Zealand, where the school system did not recognise dyslexia, Stephen's dyslexia wasn't picked up until his family moved to Saudi Arabia and continued his education in a British school. In this fascinating conversation with our host Matthew Head, Stephen tells us how he leveraged his ability to absorb information quickly and be able to teach it to others in the form of an engaging narrative, turning complex topics into an easy to understand format which started his entrepreneur journey.Stephen also acknowledges the people in his life who have supported him. His biggest supporter being his mum who, upon finding out Stephen had dyslexia, became an overnight expert in dyslexia to make sure Stephen got all the support he would need in life. Stephen not only has his own marketing business, but also runs a dyslexia online community with its own podcast, Truth About Dyslexia. By Stephen's own admission, he needs just a little too much to do to feel comfortable and motivated which he believes he owes to his dyslexia and ADHD!This is a great episode not to be missed!Key Topics:Absorbing information quickly,Leveraging narrative reasoning, Life as an entrepreneur, andBeing just a little bit too busy to feel comfortable and stay motivated,Links to Stephen work -Truth About Dyslexia - https://truthaboutdyslexia.com/Truth About Dyslexia Podcast - https://truthaboutdyslexia.com/adult-dyslexia-podcast/Virtual Innovation-  https://virtualinnovation.co.nz/irtualTruth About Dyslexia YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6eO96kabO3y66aUeaEKbIg Truth About Dyslexia Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthaboutdyslexia/ Truth About Dyslexia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thetruthaboutdyslexia/ Truth About Dyslexia Quiz: https://form.jotform.co/80858341883871-Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
Achieving a Doctorate, and Dyslexia in Different Cultures with Dr Martin Bloomfield
13-09-2023
Achieving a Doctorate, and Dyslexia in Different Cultures with Dr Martin Bloomfield
Ever wondered how dyslexia is seen in different cultures and other countries? Do all countries assess dyslexia in the same way?Well.. in this episode, our guest, Dr Martin Bloomfiled reveals the answer to these questions, and it's not what you might think! Martin breaks the mould of what many might consider ‘dyslexic’. Like most children with dyslexia, Martin was branded ‘lazy’ and ‘class clown’ by his teachers. Now, having achieved a Doctorate in Philosophy, and being an active advocate for people with dyslexia, no one can say Martin is ‘lazy’! Martin is the person to speak to when you want to know what dyslexia across the world and in different cultures is like!In this fascinating conversation with our host Matthew, Martin discusses a broad range of topics, from what school life was like, finding out at 30 you have dyslexia, navigating dyslexia with varying different strategies, different types of dyslexia, and what it’s like to achieve a Doctorate with dyslexia.Being an active advocate for people with Dyslexia, Martin tells us about all of his work development resources for people with dyslexia, particularly creating a world map of all the dyslexic specialist schools on Google Earth!This is a great episode not to be missed!Key Topics:Achieving a Doctorate,Finding you have dyslexia later in life, Different ways other countries/cultures assess and see Dyslexia, andFinding new strategies to navigate the challenges of dyslexia,Links to Martins work:Dyslexia Compass - https://dyslexiacompass.eu/Dyslexia Bytes YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@DyslexiaBytesDyslexia Bytes Website - https://dyslexiabytes.org/Dyslexia Maps - https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/viewer?mid=1PiCs2_O4LOnJw7eBqLZivmiZLwB1AJVb&ll=3.236577596599851%2C44.899282970601405&z=2 LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-bloomfield-dyslexia-bytes/ -Proudly sponsored by neurobox. Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
Coaching, and Neurodiversity Policies for Businesses with Mark Woodward
30-08-2023
Coaching, and Neurodiversity Policies for Businesses with Mark Woodward
Sometimes, providing support to people with dyslexia can be indirect. What does this mean…?Well, in this episode Matthew is joined by Mark Woodward from neurobox as he explains why the trend today is to support, coach and train those middle managers of organisations to equip them with the skills, knowledge, and understanding of what leading people with neurodiversity, such as dyslexia, looks like. When leading people with a neurodiversity, such as dyslexia, it is more than just understanding the legal requirements of an organisation, it’s about learning what support people with neurodiversity need and how to provide that support. Specifically, people with dyslexia think and work in different ways from those who are ‘neurotypical’ such as approaching problems from a novel or unique perspectives which are not obvious to others. Supportive leaders and managers go much further than just getting the best out of their neurodiverse team members. Leaders and managers who show understanding and willingness to learn more, make people with a neurodiversity like dyslexia feel supported, like they don’t have to hide away their challenges, and removes a lot of pressure. Furthermore, leaders and managers who remain curious remove a lot of pressure from themselves, demonstrating that you can work through challenges and seek the most out of the dyslexic strengths together.Mark is a coach working with individuals, organisations, and managers to provide coaching and training to better support people with neurodiversities such as dyslexia. After a lifetime of working with neurodiversity, and more than 13 years of supporting others with neurodiversity - and disabilities - mark has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in supporting not just people but also teams, managers, and organisations. From helping design and deploy neurodiversity, disability and wider ED&I policies, through to working with individual managers and employees.Spending time with many dyslexic people, Mark found that he also possessed many of the similar traits of dyslexia and often wonders and considers being formally diagnosed. Through the shared set of traits, Mark has found passion in working with neurodiverse people and specifically people with dyslexia which drives his commitment to supporting people. Visit:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markswoodward/Website: https://neurobox.co.uk/ Key Topics:Learning about dyslexia and other neurodiversities ,Coaching,Working with organisations to design ED&I policies, and Working with leaders and managers to learn about neurodiversity.-Proudly sponsored by neurobox (formerly Dyslexia Box). Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
Men's Mental Health, Dyslexia, Athletics, and the Journey to Self-Acceptance with Lee Povey
16-08-2023
Men's Mental Health, Dyslexia, Athletics, and the Journey to Self-Acceptance with Lee Povey
Having coached many of the fastest athletes to ever sit on a bike, our guest today Lee Povey built a reputation of being the best track cycling coach in the world.  Imagine finding out at 50 years old you have dyslexia! Well, that is exactly what happened to Lee In this episode Lee shares his amazing story of how, growing up, he always excelled in areas such as Maths and Science but struggled to articulate that into written words. Having always suspected that there was something underlying to this, Lee undertook tests after tests online all pointing to dyslexia.Finally, Lee had the answer to this missing piece from his whole life and suddenly a lot of the challenges Lee had been faced with in life made sense. It’s no surprise that Lee found sports and athletics as an outlet from an early age and later rose to high heights in sprint cycling competing in velodromes. In this episode, Lee tells us how his big picture thinking and empathy enabled Lee to support fellow cyclists in their development and was always seen as the person everyone can rely upon for support. This is what ultimately led Lee into Sports Coaching and then eventually Life Coaching really leading into the strengths that came with his dyslexia.However, this was also what led to his downfall. After suffering from a very serious velodrome accident Lee discovered that, being the dependable support for everyone else, Lee didn’t know how to ask for help for himself and how to accept help.This accident led Lee to discover more about himself and ultimately find ways of showing when he needs more support and learning to accept help. Lee has now set-up support networks for men in similar scenarios to help one-another in talking about mental health.Like many people with dyslexia, Lee had learnt on his own self coping strategies to navigate the challenges with dyslexia he didn’t know he had. This grit and determination that came from self-dependency meant that it brought Lee great success and also great challenges. Lee is the guy you call in to transform growing companies into market leaders and world-beaters!Find Lee atwww.linkedin.com/in/leepoveywww.mypcoaching.orgwww.instagram.com/leepoveyYou don’t want to miss this episode!Key Topics:Find you have dyslexia later in life,Finding coping strategies to navigate dyslexic challenges,Cycling Learning to ask for, and accept, help.-Proudly sponsored by neurobox (formerly Dyslexia Box). Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
Edward Sabbagh - From Moving Schools to Graduating a Year Early
02-08-2023
Edward Sabbagh - From Moving Schools to Graduating a Year Early
Welcome to the latest episode of The Dyslexia Life Hacks Show! In this episode Matt engages in a discussion with Edward Sabbagh the walk through journey through Edward's life in Brooklyn, his struggle with undiagnosed dyslexia, and turning it around to graduate college a year early.Edward takes us through his formative years in Brooklyn. Starting off in a Jewish school without knowing about his dyslexia, he shares the immense challenges he faced, leading to a pivotal decision to transition to a special education school.Edward shares his struggles with feelings of inadequacy, especially when compared to his seemingly more talented siblings. However, the revelation of his own unique strengths became a turning point in his life.The COVID-19 pandemic brought unparalleled challenges to students worldwide, and Edward's college experience was no exception. Discovering the obstacles he encountered during remote learning and the sheer determination that enabled him to complete his college education a year ahead of schedule, this period also saw him successfully balancing a part-time job.As a recent graduate, Edward now works in the management for a dental practice. -Proudly sponsored by neurobox (formerly Dyslexia Box). Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
Embracing Fitness and Overcoming Challenges with Steve Parke
19-07-2023
Embracing Fitness and Overcoming Challenges with Steve Parke
In this episode, host Matt sits down with Steve Parke, the founder of ParkeCore personal training. Parkecore aims to provide support and accountability for everyone's fitness goals, believing that accessibility is key. Join Matt and Steve as they dive into Steve's personal journey, discussing his upbringing, experiences with teasing, and the impact of dyslexia on his life.Steve reflects on his upbringing in Leicester as a child of parents from the Windrush generation. He bravely shares the experiences of being teased during his school days, targeted for his skin colour, weight, and dyslexia. These challenges, though difficult to bear, shaped his determination to stand up against bullies and defend his beliefs.A pivotal moment in Steve's life came during one transformative summer when he decided to change his body. This experience ignited a lifelong interest in training and fitness, eventually leading him to become part of the Leicester Tigers youth team. Steve also highlights how his dyslexia enhanced his understanding of the human body and anatomy, particularly when he immersed himself in a subject he deeply loved.Drawing from his experience in sales-focused roles after his education, Steve gained valuable insights into non-verbal communication. He seamlessly transferred these skills into his personal training practice, enabling him to connect with clients on a deeper level.Matt and Steve engage in a thought-provoking discussion about the intersection of dyslexia and fitness. Steve shares how his unique life skills, honed through personal experiences, shape his training style and empower his clients. Steve sheds light on the incorporation of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) into his training sessions. Through these techniques, Steve empowers his clients to overcome mental barriers, cultivate a positive mindset, and achieve their fitness goals.Stay tuned until the end of the episode, where Steve reveals a practical nutrition tip specifically tailored for individuals with dyslexia. Discover how simple adjustments can make a significant impact on maintaining a healthy lifestyle.-Proudly sponsored by neurobox (formerly Dyslexia Box). Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
Jo Rees: Juggling Teaching, Motherhood, and Dyslexia Support
05-07-2023
Jo Rees: Juggling Teaching, Motherhood, and Dyslexia Support
Welcome to another episode of The Dyslexia Life Hacks Show. In this edition, host Matt engages in a fascinating conversation with Jo Rees, founder of Another Way Round Dyslexia Support. With a 22-year career as a primary school teacher and extensive experience as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), Jo now dedicates her efforts to providing support for parents and adults. Tune in as she shares her personal journey, including the revelation of her own dyslexia, and discover how she balances her roles as a mother, educator, and dyslexia advocate. Plus, keep an ear out for Jo's unexpected viral success on TikTok, where she combines dyslexia awareness with some unexpected dance moves! In this episode, Matt and Jo delve into various aspects of Jo's life, offering insights and reflections along the way. They discuss Jo's experience as a teacher while being unaware of her own dyslexia, and how she overcame challenges in planning through strategic measures. Jo candidly opens up about the impact of dyslexia on her postnatal depression and the journey of self-discovery that followed. With three children to raise, Jo talks about finding a balance between motherhood and her teaching career, and the career changes she made to accommodate her family's needs while providing dyslexia support.Jo also shares the intricacies of her son's journey with dyslexia, including the strategies they employed to help him stay focused and find his own path. The episode touches upon the unique challenges faced in supporting her two daughters' education compared to her son's experience. Furthermore, Jo discusses the establishment of her own business, Another Way Round Dyslexia Support, and the unexpected rise to fame on TikTok, where she combines educational content with a dash of entertainment.As the episode draws to a close, stay tuned for a special segment where Jo shares additional insights and reflections, recorded after having time to ponder the questions raised during the podcast.-Proudly sponsored by neurobox (formerly Dyslexia Box). Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
Empowering Dyslexic Learners with Assistive Technology feat. Richard Purcell from CareScribe
21-06-2023
Empowering Dyslexic Learners with Assistive Technology feat. Richard Purcell from CareScribe
Welcome to another episode of The Dyslexia Life Hacks Show. In this episode, Matt sits down with Richard Purcell, the founder of CareScribe, a renowned assistive technology company based in the UK. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of CareScribe's innovative products, Caption.ed and Talk Type, designed to empower dyslexic individuals in their studies and professional pursuits.In this episode, Matt engages in an enlightening conversation with Richard Purcell, the founder of CareScribe. Richard shares his personal experiences as a dyslexic medical student and the journey that led him to establish CareScribe, an assistive technology company at the forefront of accessibility solutions.Matt and Richard explore Richard's academic pursuits as a medical student and how he harnessed his visual skills to understand complex medical concepts. They discuss the challenges he faced with medical terminology during his university years and the subsequent development of Medincle, Richard's initial assistive technology creation in collaboration with a fellow student.The conversation then delves into Richard's experiences as a junior doctor and the pivotal moments that inspired him to establish CareScribe. Richard provides valuable insights into the company's mission and the transformative impact of their products, Caption.ed and Talk Type. These AI-powered note-taking software and dictation software respectively empower dyslexic learners, enabling them to overcome challenges and excel in academic and professional settings. Matt and Richard also explore user experiences, highlighting the usability and effectiveness of CareScribe's innovative tools. They discuss the company's future goals and aspirations, aiming to create a more inclusive and accessible world.About CareScribe:CareScribe, a leading UK-based assistive technology company founded in 2020, is dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities. Their groundbreaking products, Caption.ed and Talk Type, level the playing field for dyslexic learners and foster independence in educational and professional environments. Endorsed by prestigious Russell Group universities and utilized by FTSE 100 companies, CareScribe's commitment to accessibility has earned them accolades within the industry.Tune in to this episode as Matt and Richard shed light on the remarkable advancements in assistive technology offered by CareScribe and discover how these innovations can transform the lives of dyslexic learners.-Proudly sponsored by neurobox (formerly Dyslexia Box). Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
Unleashing Hidden Potential with Paul Daniels Jr.
07-06-2023
Unleashing Hidden Potential with Paul Daniels Jr.
Welcome to Episode 53 of The Dyslexia Life Hacks Show! In this episode, our host Matt engages in an enlightening conversation with Paul Daniels Jr., the founder of Peripheral Thinkers. Paul is a seasoned advisor to Fortune 500 companies and boasts an impressive track record of generating significant revenue throughout his career.Paul shares his personal story, starting from his school days in Texas and his transition into studying business at university. Despite initially pursuing advertising, he found himself working as a design manager and eventually started his own business at the age of 25, despite having limited prior business knowledge. As his business flourished, Paul began interacting with individuals who aspired to success, prompting him to shift his focus towards corporate America, leveraging his talent for recognizing patterns. To enhance his career prospects, he took the initiative to learn engineering and programming, acquiring valuable skills along the way. Paul provides insights into his journey, from participating in a training programme to eventually serving on the boards of various companies.At the age of 40, Paul discovered he was dyslexic and recognized the unique abilities that allowed him to excel in connecting ideas and developing innovative strategies. He shares how these talents propelled his career while acknowledging the challenges he faced. Understanding that 10% of the population possesses similar hidden skills that enable them to navigate challenges and foster innovation, Paul created a training course called Peripheral Thinkers. During the podcast, he offers a glimpse into the course, showcasing the transformative power of this type of thinking through an early example.Join us for this insightful conversation as we delve into Paul Daniels Jr.'s inspiring journey, his strategies for success, and his dedication to empowering others through Peripheral Thinkers. Tune in to discover how you can tap into your untapped potential and revolutionise your problem-solving approach.-Proudly sponsored by neurobox (formerly Dyslexia Box). Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
Overcoming Struggles and Embracing Neurodiversity at GSK with Danielle Cudjoe-Michalski
24-05-2023
Overcoming Struggles and Embracing Neurodiversity at GSK with Danielle Cudjoe-Michalski
Welcome to another episode of The Dyslexia Life Hacks Show! In today's conversation, Matt sits down with Danielle Cudjoe-Michalski, founder of Thinking Light Coach. Danielle is not only an Associate Director Project Manager Vaccine at GSK but also a proud co-founder of the GSK Neurodiversity network.Join Matt and Danielle as they delve into her personal journey, discussing the challenges she faced during her degree studies and how managing dyslexia at the time influenced her choice of study. They explore the early stages of Danielle's career and the perseverance it took for her to secure a position at GSK. An interesting anecdote arises when Danielle recounts an encounter with a colleague who unintentionally "outed" her dyslexia while reading her handwritten notes. From there, Danielle candidly shares her experience of working multiple jobs and the eventual burnout that ensued. Together, they uncover the valuable lessons she learned and how she continues to navigate her mind and preserve her brain energy to prevent further burnout.Listen in as Danielle reveals her process of self-discovery within her job, identifying her strengths and finding a role that suits her unique style. The conversation also delves into the establishment of the new diversity network at GSK, highlighting the importance of fostering inclusivity within the workplace. Furthermore, Danielle discusses the challenges and rewards of setting up her coaching business while juggling a full-time job.Tune in to this enlightening episode as Danielle Cudjoe-Michalski shares her empowering story of resilience, growth, and the pursuit of a fulfilling career while embracing neurodiversity within the GSK organisation.Key Topics:- Danielle's personal struggle during her degree studies and the impact of dyslexia management on her chosen field- The hurdles Danielle faced and her determined journey to secure a job at GSK- An unintended revelation of dyslexia by a colleague and the subsequent lessons learned- Navigating multiple jobs and the importance of maintaining mental well-being- Discovering strengths and finding a job that aligns with individual work style- The significance of the GSK Neurodiversity network and its impact on fostering diversity and inclusion- Establishing a coaching business alongside a full-time job and the challenges involvedJoin us in this inspiring episode with Danielle Cudjoe-Michalski as she shares her empowering story of resilience, growth, and the pursuit of a fulfilling career while embracing neurodiversity at GSK. Gain valuable insights and practical advice for individuals living with dyslexia and anyone seeking to create an inclusive workplace environment.Danielle'sLinkedInInstagram-Proudly sponsored by neurobox (formerly Dyslexia Box). Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
Unleashing The Dyslexic Advantage with Dr. Brock Eide
10-05-2023
Unleashing The Dyslexic Advantage with Dr. Brock Eide
In this episode of The Dyslexia Life Hacks Show, Matt talks to Dr. Brock Eide, co-author of the book, The Dyslexic Advantage, about the unique brain structures and strengths associated with dyslexia.Matt introduces Dr. Brock Eide, a neuro-learning expert, and co-author of The Dyslexic Advantage. They discuss Dr. Eide's background in medicine and his interest in dyslexia.Dr. Eide shares his first experience with dyslexia and how it affected his family. He talks about his children's experiences and how it sparked his interest in dyslexia research.Dr. Eide talks about how he and his wife Fernette wrote The Dyslexic Advantage and the response they received. They discuss the paradigm shift in the way dyslexia is viewed and the strengths associated with it.Dr. Eide talks about the updated edition of the book and the new research that supports the dyslexic advantage. He discusses the unique brain structures and organization of people with dyslexia and the special talents and skills that come with it.Matt and Dr. Eide wrap up the episode by discussing the importance of understanding dyslexia and its strengths. They encourage listeners to learn more about dyslexia and to embrace the dyslexic advantage.-Proudly sponsored by neurobox (formerly Dyslexia Box). Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
Celebrating 50 Episodes: Reflecting on The Dyslexia Life Hacks Show with Richard Elliott Kirk
26-04-2023
Celebrating 50 Episodes: Reflecting on The Dyslexia Life Hacks Show with Richard Elliott Kirk
Welcome to episode 50 of The Dyslexia Life Hacks Show! In this special episode, host Matt is joined by his old friend Richard Elliott Kirk, who appeared on the first two episodes of the podcast. As they catch up, they discuss how the podcast has grown since its launch in July 2021 and some of the highlights from previous episodes.Matt and Richard reminisce about their friendship that has lasted over 25 years, including Matt's role as one of the best men at Richard's wedding. They also share the genesis of The Dyslexia Life Hacks Show and how it has evolved since the first two episodes that Richard was on.Listeners can expect to hear interesting highlights from previous episodes, such as Matt's love of motor racing and his interview with racing driver Ben Hurst. Matt and Richard also recommend two very different episodes to new listeners to showcase the breadth of the podcast.The discussion takes a deeper dive into Matt's experience of dyslexia and how his understanding of it has evolved since launching the podcast. They share some life hacks and tips for public speaking, as they recall Matt's talk at two Dyslexia Shows.For long-term listeners, Matt and Richard reflect on the three rapid-fire questions that Matt asks every guest on the podcast and some of the most interesting answers they've heard.Join Matt and Richard as they celebrate this special milestone episode of The Dyslexia Life Hacks Show and look forward to what's to come.-Proudly sponsored by neurobox (formerly Dyslexia Box). Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmesFor more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
Engineering Leadership, Dyslexia, and Podcasting: Michael Fisher's Journey
12-04-2023
Engineering Leadership, Dyslexia, and Podcasting: Michael Fisher's Journey
Introduction: Welcome back to the Dyslexia Life Hacks Show! In this episode, Matt is joined by civil engineer and podcast host Michael Fisher. Michael shares his journey of discovering he was dyslexic at six years old and struggling to receive the right support. We discuss the challenges of finding the right support and fitting in with peers while dealing with dyslexia.Michael's Dyslexia Journey: Michael talks about his experience of being taken out of his current school and put into a specialist school to receive the support he needed. We discuss how dyslexia support is often stigmatized and the challenges that come with carrying specialist equipment in classrooms. Michael shares his passion for reading and his daily routine to ensure he can consume books efficiently.Dyslexia in Engineering: As fellow engineers, Matthew and Michael discuss what it's like to be dyslexic in their profession and how dyslexia helps them. Michael goes into great detail about how his dyslexia has informed his work as a civil engineer and now in a management role. We discuss how embracing our differences can lead to better outcomes and how dyslexia has given Michael a unique perspective on problem-solving.Leadership and Passion: Michael is passionate about great leadership and shares his experience of learning how to apply good leadership skills. We discuss how dyslexia thinking can tie into leadership and how Michael applies his skills as a leader. Michael discovered his joy in editing podcasts and started his own business, Fisher Audio Cast, which focuses on podcast production, marketing, and growth.Conclusion: This episode covers a lot of ground on Michael's dyslexia journey, reading habits, and passion for leadership and podcasting. Don't forget to follow the Dyslexia Life Hacks Show on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts to stay updated on future episodes. Thank you for listening.-Proudly sponsored by neurobox (formerly Dyslexia Box). Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmesFor more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter
Dr. Chris Arnold of Dyversity Lab on Dyslexia, Advertising, and Diverse Thinking
29-03-2023
Dr. Chris Arnold of Dyversity Lab on Dyslexia, Advertising, and Diverse Thinking
Welcome to The Dyslexia Life Hacks Show with host Matthew Head. In this episode, Matt speaks with Dr. Chris Arnold, founder of Dyversity Lab, a global network of people who naturally think differently. Dr. Arnold shares his dyslexia story and how his experiences have shaped his career in advertising and leadership style. He discusses the challenges he faced in school and how his dyslexia has influenced the way he thinks and approaches problem-solving.Chris delves into the topic of dyslexia in the workplace. He shares insights into the unique challenges and opportunities that dyslexics face and how dyslexia can be an asset in certain industries, including advertising. He shares stories from his successful career at Saatchi and Saatchi, where he worked as a director and leveraged his dyslexic thinking to create innovative campaigns.He then introduces the concept of being a 2d thinker vs 3D thinker and explains how dyslexics can leverage their unique cognitive abilities to excel in certain areas. He also shares information about the "Think Like a Dyslexic" programme, which is designed to help individuals and companies tap into the strengths of dyslexic thinkingFinally, Dr. Arnold hints at his upcoming flip book, which promises to provide even more valuable insights into the advertising experience. He invites listeners to check out the Dyversity Lab website for more information and resources.Thank you for tuning in to The Dyslexia Life Hacks Show with host Matt and guest Dr. Chris Arnold of Dyversity Lab on Dyslexia, Advertising, and Diverse Thinking. Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode.-Proudly sponsored by neurobox (formerly Dyslexia Box). Working together with organisations and employees neurobox  builds neuroinclusive workplaces. They do this by creating awareness, improving wellbeing, and breaking down barriers through their tailored end-to-end support programmes.For more hacks tip and tricks for dyslexia and full show notes please visit Dyslexia Life Hacks.Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter