Dyslexia Duo Podcast

Dyslexia Duo Podcast Episode 76 - Dr. Tracy White

The Dyslexia Duo: Dr. Tracy White Weeden
In this episode of 'The Dyslexia Duo,' hosts Melissa Dean and Aimee Rodenroth sit down with Dr. Tracy White Weeden, the former president and CEO of Neuhaus Education Center and founder of Upstream Education for All.
 
Dr. Weeden shares her journey and passion for literacy, emphasizing the transformative power of reading and the need for systemic change in education. She highlights the importance of vision, community collaboration, and strategic partnerships in addressing dyslexia and promoting literacy. The conversation explores various strategies for engaging parents, supporting educators, and improving literacy outcomes for all students.
 
00:00 Introduction to the Dyslexia Duo Podcast
00:44 A Chance Meeting with Dr. Tracy White Weeden
01:35 Dr. Tracy's Journey and Insights on Literacy
03:52 Challenges and Solutions in Dyslexia Education
05:45 The Role of Nonprofits and Community in Literacy
09:04 Innovative Approaches to Literacy and Education
41:21 The Importance of Parental Involvement
48:12 Looking Ahead: Future Trends in Dyslexia Instruction
48:22 The Importance of University Partnerships
49:46 State Departments and Technical Assistance
50:20 Inspiration and Community Engagement
52:01 Relevance in Education
53:52 The Role of Business and Community in Education
56:33 The New Definition of Dyslexia
57:58 Challenges and Opportunities in Dyslexia Advocacy
01:04:44 Upstream Education and Nonprofit Initiatives
01:09:23 Speed Round: Personal Insights and Reflections
01:20:36 Final Thoughts and Farewell
 
To find out more about Upstream, check out this link: https://www.drtracywhite.com/nonprofit
 
Check out Dr. White's podcast here!: https://upstreampodcastwithdrtracywhite.podbean.com/
 
To Connect with Neuhaus, click this link: https://neuhaus.org/
 
 

Listen Again: Dr. Nancy Mather

Dyslexia Duo: Insights with Dr. Nancy Mather
 
In this episode of The Dyslexia Duo, hosts Aimee Rodenroth and Melissa Dean sit down with renowned expert Dr. Nancy Mather to discuss dyslexia, its identification, and its impact on learners. Dr. Mather provides an in-depth look at the importance of early intervention, the development of dyslexia assessment tools, and the multi-faceted nature of dyslexia that often includes comorbid conditions like ADHD and developmental language disorders. The conversation also dives into practical strategies for parents and educators, the significance of proper accommodations, and the evolving understanding and acknowledgment of dyslexia in educational systems. Essential for anyone involved in dyslexia, this episode offers valuable insights and resources aimed at improving the educational experience for those affected.
 
00:00 Welcome to The Dyslexia Duo
00:55 Introducing Dr. Nancy Mather
01:59 Dr. Mather's Journey into Dyslexia Research
03:43 Essentials of Dyslexia and New Developments
05:34 Comprehensive Dyslexia Assessment
15:11 Understanding Dyslexia and Its Impact
17:04 The History and Heredity of Dyslexia
32:28 Comorbidities and Complications in Dyslexia Evaluation
38:09 Behavioral Impact and Self-Esteem Issues
39:27 The Struggles of Withdrawn Students
39:55 Self-Esteem Issues in Adults with Dyslexia
40:30 Understanding Orthography and Dyslexia
42:01 Challenges in Orthographic Mapping
47:16 Effective Spelling Strategies for Dyslexic Students
54:00 Dyslexia and IDEA Eligibility
01:01:14 Supporting Dyslexic Students at Home
01:04:28 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Listen Again: Karen Avrit

Dyslexia Duo: An Interview with Karen Avrit
 
In this episode of the Dyslexia Duo podcast, hosts Aimee and Melissa sit down with Karen Avrit, the Director of Dyslexia Education at Scottish Rite for Children in Dallas. With over 30 years of experience and the author of numerous curricula, including the famed 'Take Flight,' Karen shares her journey and insights into the world of dyslexia education. She discusses her career transitions, the development of various teaching methods and materials like the 'mouth pictures,' and the impactful changes she has witnessed in dyslexia remediation. The conversation touches on the importance of early identification, the complexities of transitioning students between programs, and personal anecdotes that underline the transformative power of dedicated dyslexia therapy. Aspiring dyslexia therapists and educators are provided with invaluable advice and inspiration to make a significant impact in their fields.
 
00:00 Introduction to the Dyslexia Duo
00:59 Meet Karen Avrit: A Dyslexia Expert
01:56 Karen's Journey in Education
05:00 A Life-Changing Diagnosis
09:33 Memories and Lessons from Scottish Rite
18:03 Identifying Dyslexia at Scottish Rite
23:09 The Evolution of Take Flight Curriculum
26:50 Challenges and Innovations in Dyslexia Education
48:24 The Initial Struggles and Revisions
48:52 Personal Stories and Family Anecdotes
49:51 Sponsor Messages
51:55 Challenges with Mouth Pictures
52:30 Incorporating PA into Take Flight
57:02 Order of Presentation in Dyslexia Curricula
01:01:07 Development of Mouth Pictures
01:08:33 Evolution of Dyslexia Curricula
01:21:58 Impact of Dyslexia Therapy
01:28:44 Retirement Plans and Future Endeavors
01:34:48 Final Thoughts and Wishes for Students

Listen Again: Dr. Maryanne Wolf

Dyslexia Duo with Dr. Maryanne Wolf
 
In this episode of 'The Dyslexia Duo' podcast, hosts Aimee and Melissa, accompanied by special guest Dr. Maryanne Wolf, delve deep into understanding dyslexia. They explore Dr. Wolf's extensive background in cognitive neuroscience and her pivotal work on the reading brain, literacy, and dyslexia. Dr. Wolf shares her personal journey from teaching in Hawaii to her research at Harvard, emphasizing the importance of literacy as a basic human right. The conversation touches on the intricacies of deep reading and the dangers of over-reliance on digital media for young readers. Dr. Wolf introduces her ‘RAVE-O’ program, designed to enhance reading fluency and comprehension through multi-component interventions. The episode is rich with insights into the science of reading, the challenges faced by dyslexic individuals, and strategies for effective teaching.
 
00:00 Introduction to the Dyslexia Duo
00:52 Meet Our Special Guest: Maryanne Wolf
01:28 Maryanne Wolf's Journey into Cognitive Neuroscience
07:09 The Importance of Reading as a Human Right
10:33 Understanding Dyslexia and Its Implications
16:40 The Science of Reading and Teaching Strategies
28:58 Challenges in Dyslexia Education
29:24 Personal Stories and Advocacy
31:43 Dyslexia in the Modern World
35:10 Upcoming Resources and Modules for Teachers
35:52 The Shift to Digital Textbooks
36:37 Print vs Digital: Research Insights
39:34 The Impact of Digital Exposure on Children
43:46 The Importance of Deep Reading
45:13 The Role of Empathy in Reading
46:03 Critical Thinking and Social Media
50:04 Introducing Ravo: A Reading Program
59:04 The Family of Educators
01:00:23 Conclusion and Farewell

Dyslexia Duo Podcast Episode 75 - Faith Borkowsky and Judy Boksner of The Literacy View

Empowering Dyslexia Advocates: Insights from The Dyslexia Duo and Literacy View
In this episode of The Dyslexia Duo, hosts Melissa and Aimee sit down with Faith Borkowski and Judy Boksner, co-hosts of The Literacy View podcast.
The discussion covers a range of topics, including the myths surrounding dyslexia, effective teaching strategies, the importance of public advocacy, and the role of emotions in driving educational change.
Faith and Judy share their personal journeys and professional experiences, highlighting how the science of reading can sometimes be misinterpreted or inadequately applied. They also emphasize the need for continuous professional development for teachers, support for parents, and the evolution of literacy education.
The conversation concludes with a look at upcoming episodes featuring renowned literacy expert Dr. Tim Shanahan and more exciting topics.
 
00:00 Introduction to the Dyslexia Duo
00:49 Meet the Special Guests: Spice Girls of Literacy
01:06 Personal Journeys in Education
02:46 Challenges and Realizations in Teaching
08:27 The Literacy View Podcast: A New Adventure
16:45 Dyslexia Laws and School Systems
21:05 The Importance of Evidence-Based Practices
34:41 Guest Selection and Podcast Topics
38:30 Parental Involvement and Advocacy
40:18 Sponsorship Messages
42:23 Reflections and Changing Views
43:46 Navigating the Science of Reading
44:38 The Power of Questioning and Continuous Learning
44:57 Influencers and Confusion in the Reading World
47:05 Empowering Educators with Best Practices
47:34 Challenges Teachers Face in Pursuing Knowledge
48:43 The Impact and Reach of Podcasting
50:44 Innovative Approaches to Professional Development
54:04 Supporting Teachers and Students with Dyslexia
56:53 Advice for Parents of Children with Dyslexia
59:05 The Importance of Parental Advocacy
01:00:32 Addressing Literacy Challenges in Schools
01:01:55 The Role of Pediatricians and Community Support
01:07:33 Professional and Personal Milestones
01:14:32 The Lightning Round: Fun and Insights
01:22:12 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans
Find out more about the Literacy View with Faith and Judy here: https://theliteracyview.com/

Dyslexia Duo Podcast Episode 74 - Dr Brennan Chandler Interview

The Duo interview literacy researcher and dyslexia specialist, Dr. Brennan Chandler.  This discussion illuminates the importance of improving reading instruction for all students, especially those who struggle, by moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach.  Effective teaching requires a deep understanding of how reading develops, the use of data to guide instruction, and specialized strategies for different age groups.
For early learners, the focus is on making the "science of reading" practical for teachers. For adolescents with dyslexia, the emphasis shifts to qualitatively different instruction involving morphology and flexible decoding. Across all groups, though, the core message is that empowering educators with knowledge and data literacy is more effective than simply mandating curricula or increasing instructional time.

Listen Again: Dr. Jan Hasbrouck

Listen again to the duo's Season 1 interview with Dr. Jan Hasbrouck, originally airing on 9/21/2024.
To find out more about Dr. Hasbrouck and her work, visit her website: https://www.janhasbrouck.com/

Dyslexia Duo Podcast Episode 73 - Rebecca Bush Interview

The duo interview therapist and author of " Dyslexia and Your Newly Diagnosed Child: Parenting Essentials, Tips, and Strategies to Help Your Child", Rebecca Bush.
 
Find out more about Rebecca here: https://www.leadchanges.com/about
Buy the book! : https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/799487/dyslexia-and-your-newly-diagnosed-child-by-rebecca-bush-calt-ldt/
 
Other interviews with Rebecca:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqFEIn6Tkgg
https://www.cbs42.com/business/press-releases/ein-presswire/837107776/author-rebecca-bush-introduces-dyslexia-your-newly-diagnosed-child-from-penguin-random-house-on-september-30-2025/
 
 

Dyslexia Duo Podcast Episode 72 - Leta Palmiter Interview

The duo interview the author of "Mississippi Rising: How The Last Became First In Literacy Growth", Leta Palmiter.

Dyslexia Duo Podcast Episode 71 - Tiffany James Interview

The duo have a lively interview talking with Tiffany James.
 
Find out more about Nessy here: https://www.nessy.com/en-gb
Order Tiffany's Book- What I Need here: https://a.co/d/hQ10qrH
Watch the short film Mical here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-Eycme4NFM