Dyslexics Wanted

Today we welcome author/educator/illustrator Irene Buchine. Her impactful book for children and adults is entitled, “Celia and the Little Boy.”  It is the story of two children trapped in the darkness of depression, and what it took to find their way out. From struggling with dyslexia to raising a child with depression, Irene knows what it feels like to be unseen, marginalized and helpless.  She hopes her book offers hope and encouragement to children and their families.  Judging by the positive response from readers, her work is making a difference! If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you'd like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at dyslexicswanted.org.

Today we welcome Judge Gustavo Gelpi, appointed to the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in October, 2021. Our podcast is a personal account of  a young college student who received much from one of this country's pioneers in helping students with learning disabilities. Born in Puerto Rico, Gustavo received his undergraduate degree from Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. There he met and spent considerable time with Dr. Gertrude Webb, her husband Chet and their children. Judge Gelpi  has gone on to have a stellar career as a jurist and credits  much of his success to the kindness and mentorship of the Webb family. If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you'd like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at dyslexicswanted.org.

Today we welcome Dr. Phil Hulbig, who  has thirty years of experience teaching students who present with neurological uniqueness. He has developed and designed specialized metacognitive programs for students in various public school settings. He also works as an advocate, crisis intervention specialist, tutor, social skills coach, and skateboarding instructor. He was certified a NCLB highly qualified teacher in the four main subject areas at the middle and elementary levels. Since 2016, he has been a professor at PAL and an adjunct faculty in the Graduate School of Education at Lesley University.    Dr. Hulbig has a lot to say about the learning process and how it can be improved. If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you'd like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at dyslexicswanted.org.

We're proud to spotlight John Rinaldo, who as he admits, “has this thing called Dyslexia.”  Growing up in Canada, John struggled in school for many years until he finally got the help he needed to move forward in life. One of his ambitions was to write and publish a book,  something John and those who knew him once thought to be impossible.  But hard work, determination and resilience propelled him forward and his dream has become a reality.  The book is now available for sale on Amazon and John is donating proceeds from the Audible sales to help children with Dyslexia.     His book is entitled  Surviving Covid 19: Being Alone was the Best Covid 19 Medicine.  John has a hopeful story and is thrilled to share it with listeners to his podcast from around the globe. If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you'd like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at dyslexicswanted.org.

Today we invite you to enjoy a conversation with an expert in the art of communication.  Jordan welcomes Rebecca Rolland, EdD to discuss her wonderfully instructive new book The Art of Talking with Children: The Simple Keys to Nurturing Kindness, Creativity, and Confidence in Kids. Rebeca is a lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and serves on the faculty at Harvard Medical School. There are significant applications for helping children with dyslexia and other learning challenges as we learn to better communicate while fostering relationships with less conflict and stress and more kindness. If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you'd like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at dyslexicswanted.org.

Jordan invites a super fun guest to the podcast, sci-fi writer R.S. Mellette.   R.S. shares his personal story of coping with dyslexia and overcoming it to successfully work on the hit television show Xena: Warrior Princess.  He has taken his experience in the TV and film industries to craft a female-led YA (young adult) sci-fi novel sure to captivate readers of all ages.  It is a space opera entitled, Kiya and the Morian Treasure  and the reviews from fans and critics have been impressive.  R.S. is a prime example of the creative force so alive in people with dyslexia.  We are thrilled to highlight him today on the podcast! If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you'd like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at dyslexicswanted.org.

Today we take the microphones “across the pond” to interview a dynamic creative force whose work is celebrated in England and around the world.  Jordan invites you to meet inter-disciplinary artist Michelle Baharier.  She recounts enormous challenges as a child trying to read and write and how the kindness of a helpful teacher made such a difference in her life.    Art has always been Michelle's  outlet and mode of expression.  And she is certainly great at it!   She is constantly drawing and sketching, achieving notoriety for her poetry, photography, painting, dress making and so much more. She lives and works in South London and exhibits internationally across the UK, Europe, the USA and Middle East.  She is also the Artistic Director/Founder and CEO of the charity CoolTan Arts, run by and for disabled people. If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you'd like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at dyslexicswanted.org.

Today Jordan welcomes a remarkable young woman with boundless energy, creativity and a keen business sense. Heidi Williams is an ex-competitive rock climber and parttime ski-patroller who loves the outdoors.   She is a highly popular  vlogger in the travel space  with thousands of international followers.  Heidi combines her love for the outdoors with prowess in business.  She founded  Mona, a successful surf and athletic wear company.  Realizing her talent in running her own business she launched a career as a business-life coach, helping others run their start-up businesses.  Along with her flourishing coaching work, she recently founded  LeadTalko a lead generation  agency that harnesses the power of organic conversation to gain start-ups 30 to 40 new leads per day via SMS and direct message marketing. She has never let dyslexia  slow her down. She is determined to learn and grow despite the odds.  Heidi Williams is a fine example of Dyslexics getting it done! If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you'd like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at dyslexicswanted.org.

Today Jordan introduces us to sci-fi novelist Andrew Nehring, who is the author of  “The Corrupted Light Chronicles” series and his latest entitled “David Massie and the Quantum Flux, Book 1.”   Possessing a vivid imagination with a flare for creative writing, Andrew is succeeding as a  writer, despite being told by some when he was younger (in a galaxy far, far away) that his dyslexia would hold him back, would burden him the rest of his life.   His many readers would strongly disagree.  They love his work and are anxious for sequels.  Like so many others,  Andrew shares his story of struggle and determination to use dyslexia to his advantage creatively. If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you'd like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at dyslexicswanted.org.

Today Jordan welcomes a dynamic teacher and student team to the podcast.  Meet Gabriela Diller, special educator, advocate and educational consultant.  She recently founded Lotus Advocacy, offering tutoring, advocacy and consulting for special education success.  Gabi specializes in executive functioning, coaching, transition skills and college and job readiness. One of her former students is joining us as well.  Manny Valmir graduated from Boston Prep High School, then attended Westfield State's learning disabilities program, transferred to Framingham University and recently graduated with a degree in criminal justice.  He's proud to share news of his positive experience being helped by Gabriela. The two are now good friends and their story reminds us that with time, dedication  and patience, anything is possible. If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you'd like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at dyslexicswanted.org.

Jordan Rich welcomes Taylor Lowe to our podcast.   Taylor is an Emmy Award winning motion graphics designer and video producer currently sharing his many of years of ongoing professional experience with the next generation of content creators at Park Avenue Christian Academy ( PACA) in Florida. His personal story with dyslexia began when he was an young elementary school student.  With hard work, determination and a winning attitude,  Taylor has become a recognized innovator in the video industry.  His professional work has been featured on every major network including ABC, NBC, CBS, BET, FOX, PBS and Amazon Prime Video. And he is proud to serve as mentor to young students eager to learn. If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at dyslexicswanted.org.

A conversation between Jordan Rich and  Barry Weiner, a true renaissance man who has enjoyed success in movie and documentary production, business and real estate and public service, despite deep struggles with learning during  his school years.  Things changed in a big way when Barry enrolled in the Program for Assisted Learning at Curry College in Milton.  There he met and was mentored by the late Dr. Gertrude Webb and he credits her and the Pal Program for  the  learning skills, confidence and motivation to win at life! If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at dyslexicswanted.org.

A conversation between Jordan Rich and  Jessica Minihan, special educator, behavior analyst and author of “The Behavior Code: A Practical  Guide to Understanding and Teaching the Most Challenging Students.  We discuss Jessica’s systematic approach for deciphering causes and patterns of difficult behaviors and how to match them with proven strategies.  It’s all about getting our students back on track to learn! If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at dyslexicswanted.org.

A conversation between Jordan Rich and Phil Newman, licensed social worker on staff at the Carroll School in Lincoln, Massachusetts.  Phil discusses the pressures faced by children with learning differences and what’s being done to help them.  He is also the co-founder of Next Step Academics,  a ground breaking organization that addresses students’ interrelated educational and behavioral needs.   Phil and his colleagues are helping young people achieve their goals and enjoy success! If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at dyslexicswanted.org.

We are proud to present this very special podcast episode. The Program for Assisted Learning at Curry College in Milton recently celebrated its 50th anniversary.  Founded by the late Dr Gertrude Webb, a pioneer in teaching children with learning differences, PAL has changed the lives of countless students over the years.  This podcast features audio from the virtual reunion where former students and educators reflected on the success of the program and thank Dr. Webb and those she inspired for leadership and progress  in education  at the college level and beyond. .  If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at dyslexicswanted.org. If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at dyslexicswanted.org.

On today’s episode, meet the author of a groundbreaking book that is a must-read for parents, educators and anyone concerned with the education of children with dyslexia. Micki Boas has written, “ One in Five:  How We’re Fighting for our Dyslexic Kids in a System That’s Failing Them.”  Micki talks with Jordan about battling the system that was neglecting her own children and she shares some of what she has learned about cutting through “the invisible red tape” that can be so frustrating. If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at dyslexicswanted.org.

Dyslexics Wanted goes international once again and welcomes Rosalin Abigail Kyere-Narty, a trailblazing woman from Ghana who was diagnosed as a young adult with dyslexia.  Since then she has worked tirelessly to help her country recognize and help those with dyslexia. She recently started the Africa Dyslexia Organization to champion awareness and advocacy in Ghana and across Africa. Hers is a tale of overcoming adversity while offering hope to others. If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org.

Today’s guest is a dyslexic father of a daughter who also has dyslexia. Jeff never knew he had it until his daughter was diagnosed.  Since then he and his wife have lobbied for legislation in California to recognize learning difficulties. He  is also a teacher for the state of California and work as a counselor for the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Jeff is also a dedicated soccer coach for youth, high school, college and pro teams. He is a great help and inspiration  to young players who exhibit dyslexia. If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org.

Today, Jordan introduces us to Sandra Carter from Birmingham, England.  She shares her wonderful story of meeting the challenges of dyslexia during her lifetime, finally being tested and diagnosed at age 40.  By age 50 she realizes her dream of becoming a published science fiction novelist.  She currently has three books available with more on the way. Sandra also gives back, mentoring others while using many creative arts to explore and maximize her “gift of dyslexia.”  If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org.

Today Jordan introduces you to another remarkable young person.  Abigail Steeves lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  The 14-year old 9th grader has dealt with dyslexia for years, but only recently received her diagnosis.  She hasn’t let it stop her or even slow her down.  Abigail is a leading climate change and environmental activist who has led large rallies and organized events to bring attention to the causes she is passionate about.  Like so many of the students we feature, Abigail focuses on the strengths that have emerged from having dyslexia  She is a born leader. If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org.

On this special edition, Jordan welcomes back to the podcast Steve Wilkins, Head of School at the Carroll School in Lincoln, an independent day school for elementary and middle school students in grades 1 – 9 who have been diagnosed with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia.   Steve addresses the quick transition to remote learning, the impact of Covid-19 on the educational and emotional well-being of the students and creative ways the faculty is connecting and helping  students. If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org.

Jordan had a chance to connect with Wes Hamilton, who shared his incredible story of how he’s living his best life after being paralyzed in a shooting.  Wes reminds us that within our uniqueness lies our greatness---an inspiring message shared by all of us at the Webb Center. If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org.

Jordan Rich, recently sat down with Laura Vanderberg, Director, and Lori Lubeski, Professor, of Curry College's PAL Program to hear about how it continues to grow while fulfilling Dr. Webb's mission of helping students "challenge strengths and strengthen challenges.” If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org.

Today Jordan meets a remarkable young entrepreneur named Christianna Alexander. She’s the oldest of three children and faced many learning challenges early on in school. Struggles continued into the 2nd grade and she was forced to repeat the year. But, it didn’t take long for Christi to develop more confidence and better grades when she transferred to a school that focused on helping kids with learning disabilities. She not only did well in school, she caught the business bug early and after lots of trial and error she created “Sweet Christi’s” a successful company focused on making all natural-handmade soaps that resemble delectable treats like donuts and cupcakes. Christianna views her disability as a blessing and her mission in life is to be an ambassador for children everywhere who suffer with learning disabilities. If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org.

A conversation between Jordan Rich and master glass blower Andy Magdanz of Almost Perfect Glass, a hot glass studio in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Powered by solar energy, the studio is home to a fantastic array of glass artists, sculptors, and jewelers. Because of his dyslexia which resulted in poor reading and writing skills in school, Andy was ridiculed by some and often told he wouldn’t have the stuff to succeed. But like so many featured on these podcasts he gravitated toward his calling an passion for art and design to became one of the most sought-after craftsmen in his field. If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org.

A conversation between Jordan Rich and Dr. Rhoda Bernard, managing director of the Berklee College of Music Institute for Arts Education and Special Needs and Larry Rothstein of No Limits Media.  Both guests  focus on the impact of art, music, theatre and dance on people  of all ages with special needs and learning disabilities. Neuro-diversity is now being recognized understood and promoted  with the help of caring educators and advocates like Rhoda and Larry. If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org.

A conversation between Jordan Rich and Sara Renzulli, visiting Assistant Professor, Counselor Education & Counseling Psychology Program with the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut.  Much of her time is dedicated to helping exceptional kids with learning differences navigate school and social life, helping them grow into confident, capable adults.     Sara shares her own story of childhood struggle and what she has learned in achieving balance and success. If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org.

Meet Jonathan Mooney, a dyslexic writer, speaker and self-described do-gooder who is speaking the truth about difference vs. deficiency and people are listening. As a young student battling low expectations and feelings of failure, Jonathan came close to ending his life. He ultimately overcame despair (thanks to meeting up with the right teachers and mentors) and fought his way to becoming a college grad from Brown University.  Jonathan earned an honors  degree in English lit and wrote his first book at the age of 23.  Since then he has been on the best-seller list often  and is frequently on the road, advocating for initiatives to help those with learning disabilities. If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org.

A conversation between Jordan Rich and Heather Caska, Dyslexia Specialist, Director of Speech-Language and Dyslexia services at the Way to Grow pediatric therapy practice in Arizona. Heather recently joined the team at WTG and she loves the work she is doing to help children.  She has experience working with a variety of communication disorders; however her passion lies in working with kids with dyslexia and helping their families.  She is totally dedicated to bringing more awareness to the community and increasing early identification of dyslexia. If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast , write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org.

A conversation between Jordan Rich and Dr. Kathryn Garforth who offers professional expertise in Educational Psychology and a personal understanding of the frustrations children and adults with learning difficulties experience.  Her story demands to be shared. As a child, Dr. Garforth struggled with reading and spelling in her primary years. A psychoeducational assessment in grade four helped her understand her strengths and gave her hope that with the right instruction and accommodations she could succeed in school. But it was a troubling time with many setbacks and challenges.  She ultimately overcame those challenges, went on to earn multiple post-secondary degrees and now offers professional help and lots of hope to those with learning disabilities. If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast , write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org.

A conversation between Jordan Rich and Zachary Wingate.  Zachary’s mission is to take what he has learned about dyslexia and “pay it forward.”  He shares his experiences helping others with dyslexia understand that they are not alone and that there are steps they can take to succeed.  Zachary’s is a story of hard work, a vow to never give up and an acknowledgement of the power of humor and love in living a life with dyslexia.  If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast , write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org.

A conversation between Jordan Rich and accomplished video producer Dan Fickes, owner of Boston based company Ocean One Productions.  Dan is an Emmy winning video shooter, director, editor and producer who also has an extensive background in broadcast television news.  Growing up with dyslexia made Dan’s school years very difficult.  He found help by the time he reached college and shares what he’s done to live with dyslexia and succeed at a very high level. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org.

A conversation between Jordan Rich and former pro wrestler and WWE Hall of Famer, Diamond Dallas Paige. Dallas is a best-selling author with his latest motivational book entitled, “Positively Unstoppable.”  He’s a world-renowned fitness instructor who recently launched his DDP Yoga program internationally.  Thousands have been getting into shape with the help of DDP.  As tough as he was in the ring, his most challenging competitor just might have been dyslexia. Hear his story of struggle, hard work and his eventual victory. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org.

A conversation between Jordan Rich and Dr. Chris Menton, criminal justice professor and former program director at Roger Williams University School of Continuing Studies.  Jordan and Chris discuss the impact of dyslexia and other learning disabilities on members of the prison population.  It’s an under-reported problem but there are ways to help deal with it.  Professor Menton has published a number of research articles and has focused extensively on criminal justice, public safety, corrections and law enforcement training. Chris also discusses his experience as one of Dr. Gertrude Webb’s first students at Curry College’s PAL Program (Program for Advancement of Learning).  Chris is a shining example of someone who has dealt successfully with the challenges of dyslexia. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org.

Berkley Singer is an exemplary special education teacher, currently employed in Colorado.  Her work with students has been highly impactful.   Berkley shares her own story of coping with dyslexia as a student and reflects on the motivation and inspiration offered by her grandmother Dr. Gertrude Webb, a life long leader in the field who changed the way we think of learning disabilities. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org.

A conversation between Jordan Rich and Bodhi Bragonier, an 11-year old currently in the 5th grade, whose parents are also dyslexic. Bodhi has dealt with the challenges many children with dyslexia face and he shares perspectives on peer pressure, the impact of tutors, the sensitivity that adults sometimes lack when dealing with dyslexic kids and how he approaches solving problems in innovative ways. Bodhi is also a budding entrepreneur with several established online businesses and many more likely to come. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org.

A conversation between Jordan Rich and Matt Bomes, Founder and Chief Innovation officer for Summit Street Medical,  empowering food allergy families to live life to the fullest.   The company is currently in the midst of unveiling an exciting new delivery system for epinephrine, certain to help millions with food allergies.  Matt talks with us about his early struggles with Dyslexia and his determination to overcome learning roadblocks.   Through determination and hard work, Matt has flourished personally and professionally and his story will inspire.  If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org.

Dean Bragonier is the Founder and ‘Executive Dyslexic’ of NoticeAbility.org. He and his team have pioneered the development of teaching and learning techniques helping dyslexic students succeed in academics and life. Shaped by his own challenges with dyslexia, Dean became a successful college student after struggling through the traditional secondary education system. He soon discovered his true gifts as an entrepreneur opening a very successful restaurant on Martha’s Vineyard. NoticeAbility is the culmination of Dean’s passion for education and his conviction that the advantages of dyslexia far outweigh its associated challenges. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org.

Taylor Mali has been writing and performing poetry since 2000. His poems have been described as eminently clear, relatable, humorous and touching. He has performed or taught poetry in over 50 foreign countries and throughout the United States. He is a vocal advocate of teachers and the nobility of teaching, having taught in one capacity or another since 1990. In that capacity he worked with students with varying learning disabilities, inspiring them to love learning and creativity.  Formerly president of Poetry Slam, Inc., the non-profit organization that oversees all poetry slams in North America, Taylor Mali makes his living entirely as a spoken-word and voiceover artist these days, traveling around the country performing and teaching workshops as well as doing occasional commercial voiceover work. He has written several books and has narrated several books on tape, including The Great Fire (for which he won the Golden Earphones Award for children’s narration). If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org.

Kids With Super Powers – Joey and Rick Nurmi – A conversation between Jordan Rich and Joey and his dad Rick Nurmi. Joey is now attending college having successfully overcome the hurdles of Dyslexia. Hear his perspective on how Dyslexia has benefited him in many creative ways. Also, Joey’s dad Rick will share his story of pride and appreciation for what Joey has accomplished. Together this father and son team exemplifies what dedication, focus, hard work and love is all about. And if you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with Decoders, a groundbreaking film we’re creating to celebrate the strengths of dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org

A conversation between Jordan Rich and children’s book author Jodi Tattiana-Charles, who talk about how it wasn’t until Jodi was an adult that she learned she is dyslexic and therefore as a child she just thought she wasn’t that smart.  Her Haitian immigrant parents placed a huge value on education but they also encouraged Jodi and gave her opportunities to learn in unconventional ways.  Watching her parents overcome obstacles and persevere encouraged her to do the same thing. Most recently she wrote a book titled “It’s Just A Rug” where three young friends take a journey to discover, and ultimately celebrate the legacy of their families’ personal histories.   In this podcast Jodi talks about how she intuitively compensated for her dyslexia, and continually challenged and developed her strengths.  To discover ways to support and become involved with Decoders, the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia’s groundbreaking film project celebrating the strengths of dyslexia, please visit us at WICD.org.

Educator and literacy specialist Deb Mallin is the founder and CEO of Literacy Matters. Deb had a thriving private practice helping students, one at a time, learn to read and write. The more success she had helping her students and student families, the more concerned she became about the vast numbers of those she couldn’t help. With the encouragement and support of her husband and three sons, she leveraged the most innovative technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to replicate her processes on a scalable device to now reach entire classrooms of emerging readers. Deb created the Literacy Matters Foundation and is on course to close the widening literacy gap, making possible what others thought to be impossible. The Literacy Matters Foundation is a growing team of educators, content experts, technology gurus and strategists who have come together to help students master literacy by leveraging technology, refining curriculum, nurturing relationships, and painting a vision of the world when we’re all on the same page. Find out more at www.literacymatters.org. To discover ways to support and become involved with Decoders, the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia’s groundbreaking film project celebrating the strengths of dyslexia, please visit us at WICD.org.

Alex Maclean-  A conversation between Jordan Rich and pilot and photographer, Alex Maclean, who has flown his plane over much of the United States documenting the landscape. Alex is dyslexic, and in this interview he talks about his early diagnosis in the 1950’s and how his mother, recognizing the disparity between his curiosity and intelligence, and his reading ability, read to him so that he could keep up with his schoolwork; in fact he excelled in school, and graduated from Harvard College.  He credits having dyslexia with his ability to think spatially and translate what he sees in his mind’s eye into images taken through his camera lens. Trained as an architect, he has portrayed the history and evolution of the land from vast agricultural patterns to city grids, recording changes brought about by human intervention and natural processes. His powerful and descriptive images provide clues to understanding the relationship between the natural and constructed environments. MacLean’s photographs have been exhibited widely in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia, and are found in private, public and university collections. To see images of and learn more about Alex’s work, go to AlexMaclean.com. To discover ways to support and become involved with Decoders, the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia’s groundbreaking film project celebrating the strengths of dyslexia, please visit us at WICD.org.

Carey and Cliff Cort-  A conversation between Jordan Rich and Carey and Cliff Cort, inspired and inspiring dyslexics married to each other, and the parents of two daughters one of whom is dyslexic.  Cliff and Carey talk about the joys and difficulties they’ve experienced being dyslexic, and how it has challenged and enhanced their work and family life. To discover ways to support and become involved with Decoders, the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia’s groundbreaking film project celebrating the strengths of dyslexia, please visit us at WICD.org.

Steve Wilkins- A conversation between Jordan Rich and Steve Wilkins, Head of The Carroll School in Lincoln, Massachusetts, a school with a national reputation that celebrates and supports the unique learning styles of dyslexic students.  Steve talks about The Carroll School as an outgrowth of the civil rights movement, a time when outliers began to assert their rights, as well as its current mission to apply state of the art research to teaching students. Steve says dyslexia is hard and he’s not entirely sure if it’s a pure gift, but there are many small presents within it, not the least of which is a need to learn how you learn.To discover ways to support and become involved with Decoders, a groundbreaking film we’re creating to celebrate the strengths of dyslexia, please visit us at WICD.org.

Kids With Super Powers- Charlie and Mary Warley- A conversation between Jordan Rich and Charlie and Mary Warley, a son and his mother discussing their perspectives on his experience being dyslexic.  Unlike the others in his family, Charlie is dyslexic. Listen to him talk about his own perspective on dyslexia, and to his mother talk about the joys and challenges she’s experienced learning from and with him as he traveled an academic path unfamiliar to her. And if you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with Decoders, a groundbreaking film we’re creating to celebrate the strengths of dyslexia, please visit our website at WICD.org

Tom West- A conversation between Jordan Rich and Tom West, who is dyslexic and the author of Seeing What Others Cannot See (2017), Thinking Like Einstein (2004), and In the Mind’s Eye, which has been translated into Japanese, Chinese and Korean (1991 and 1997). In addition to being an author, Tom has worked with engineering and consulting firms where he co-managed a large international renewable energy research, design and training program in Egypt for USAID, participated in and led trade missions to Japan, Korea, the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia, via Hong Kong and Singapore, helped to redesign a nationwide computer information management system (SSI) and integrated strategic planning for several federal government agencies. To learn more about Tom go to WICD.org, where you can also discover ways to support and become involved with Decoders, a groundbreaking film we’re creating to celebrate the strengths of dyslexia.

Kurt Carberry- A conversation between Jordan Rich and Kurt Carberry, President of the North Star Media Group. Kurt is dyslexic, a former student of Dr. Gertrude Webb, and a graduate of the PAL program, which she founded at Curry College in 1969. Kurt credits having dyslexia with his ability to listen carefully and focus on other people’s needs. As his dad owned several radio stations throughout New England some of his first jobs included using his strong verbal skills by working on-air during holidays and weekends, times no one else wanted to work. Those early experiences taught him how to listen, and that he could succeed, and they sparked his passion for radio, and from there his passion for radio sales. To learn more about Kurt go to WICD.org, where you can also discover ways to support and become involved with Decoders, a groundbreaking film we’re creating to celebrate the strengths of dyslexia.