Podcast
Dear Dyslexic Podcast
Hosted by Shae Wissell · EN
Welcome to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast Series. These podcasts share stories of the lived experiences of people who have dyslexia and other learning disabilities, as well as those who care for, live and or work with us.
Shae Wissell the creator of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast Series states "I wanted to use podcasts as the medium to share unique stories of everyday Australians who have dyslexia and other learning disabilities, to shine a light on the success and the challenges of life with dyslexia. Without the reading barrier, we can all listen and learn."
You can listen to a variety of guest speakers from authors, to actors, entrepreneurs and every day dyslexic people not just surviving but thriving!
24episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
86 Part 2 Neurodiversity at Work: Strategies for Safety and Success with Ben Walkenhorst
May 600:29:47Tap to summarizeCreating Psychologically Safe Workplaces for Neurodivergent Teams In this episode of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, Dr Shae welcomes Ben Walkenhorst from BW Communications for a conversation about creating neurodiversity-inclusive workplaces through psychological safety, effective leadership and thoughtful workplace design. Drawing on his leadership experience across government, private and not-for-profit sectors, Ben explains what psychological safety looks like in practice and why it is becoming an increasingly important focus under workplace health and safety regulations. He describes psychological safety as creating environments where people feel comfortable speaking up, sharing ideas and asking for support without fear of judgement or negative consequences. Together, Dr Shae and Ben explore three key factors that influence workplace wellbeing and inclusion: leadership, job design and workplace environments. They share practical examples of how organisations can build more supportive cultures, including establishing non-judgemental meeting norms, fostering social connection in remote teams and using staff feedback to improve systems and processes. Ben also discusses workplace adjustments that can support neurodivergent employees, including managing sensory demands, providing role clarity, holding confidential one-on-one conversations, setting clear expectations and allowing flexibility around timeframes and communication styles. The discussion highlights how tools such as AI, assistive technology and strengths-based leadership approaches can help employees perform at their best. This episode offers practical insights for leaders, managers and workplaces looking to create psychologically safe environments where neurodivergent people can thrive. Resources Understanding Neurodivergence and Psychosocial Hazards in the Workplace About Dear Dyslexic Podcast The Dear Dyslexic Podcast amplifies the voices, experiences and expertise of people from the dyslexia and broader neurodivergent communities, creating conversations that inform, empower and inspire. Learn more about re:think dyslexia: www.rethinkdyslexia.com.au Stay Connected Thanks for listening to Dr Shae and the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, proudly produced by re:think dyslexia, a certified social enterprise. To stay up to date with our latest episodes, resources and events, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review the podcast on your favourite podcast platform. Listen to more Dear Dyslexic Podcast episodes on Spotify. Need Support? If any of the topics discussed in this episode have caused distress, support is available: Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 13YARN: 13 92 76 re:think dyslexia Helpline: 1800 13 6327 00:00 Welcome to Dear Dyslexic 00:34 Self Awareness Strategies 03:14 Leadership Builds Safety 04:32 Remote Team Culture 06:25 What Psychological Safety Means 07:34 Job Design and Demand 09:50 Inclusive Process Redesign 14:21 Environmental Factors at Work 18:21 Role Clarity and Supports 23:05 Reasonable Adjustments and KPIs 27:31 Personal Dyslexia Workarounds 29:11 Wrap Up and Resources
Transcribe →86: Part 1 Lived Experiences and Insights with Ben Walkenhorst
May 4Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Dr Shae from the Dear Dyslexic Podcast welcomes Ben Walkenhorst, consultant at BW Communications, to explore psychosocial hazards in the workplace, psychological safety, and what organisations can do to create environments where people feel safe to be themselves. With more than 20 years of experience across government, private and not-for-profit sectors, Ben shares insights from his leadership career and discusses why psychosocial hazards are becoming an increasingly important workplace issue as they are incorporated into work health and safety regulations across Australia. Ben also shares his lived experience of dyslexia, having been identified in primary school. He reflects on challenges including words appearing to move on the page, blurred vision and difficulties processing information in noisy environments. He explains how Irlen lenses, prescribed following extensive assessment, had a significant impact on his learning, helping him improve academically and ultimately supporting his success at university and throughout his professional career. Together, Dr Shae and Ben discuss the importance of understanding neurodivergence in the workplace, reducing barriers, and creating psychologically safe environments where people can thrive. Resources Understanding Neurodivergence and Psychosocial Hazards in the Workplace About Dear Dyslexic Podcast The Dear Dyslexic Podcast amplifies the voices, experiences and expertise of people from the dyslexia and broader neurodivergent communities, creating conversations that inform, empower and inspire. Learn more about re:think dyslexia: www.rethinkdyslexia.com.au Stay Connected Thanks for listening to Dr Shae and the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, proudly produced by re:think dyslexia, a certified social enterprise. To stay up to date with our latest episodes, resources and events, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review the podcast on your favourite podcast platform. Listen to more Dear Dyslexic Podcast episodes on Spotify. Need Support? If any of the topics discussed in this episode have caused distress, support is available: Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 13YARN: 13 92 76 re:think dyslexia Helpline: 1800 13 6327
Transcribe →Lived Experiences and Insights with Ben Walkenhorst - Part 01
Apr 2900:01:27Tap to summarizeThe Dear Dyslexic Podcast introduces its mission to share honest conversations about dyslexia and other neurodivergent conditions and welcomes guest Ben Walkenhorst, a consultant at BW Communications with over 20 years’ experience across government, private, and not-for-profit sectors leading teams up to 200 people. The episode sets up a discussion on psychosocial hazards in workplaces, psychological safety, and creating environments where people can be authentic, especially as these hazards are becoming regulated under work health and safety codes in some states. Ben shares his lived experience of dyslexia, diagnosed around year five, describing symptoms including words “swimming” on the page, blurred vision, and auditory processing challenges, particularly in noisy rooms. He explains how Irlen lenses, fitted after extensive testing, helped him dramatically improve academically and supported his later university study and professional qualifications.Thanks for listening to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast. To keep up-to-date with all our news, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you haven’t done so yet, go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast.If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:LifeLine on 13 11 14BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 463613 Yarn (13 92 76)re:think dyslexia helpline 1800 13 6327
Transcribe →85. Embracing Neurodiversity: Insights from the International Women's Day Panel on Late Diagnosis
Apr 101:20:00Tap to summarizeRecorded as a podcast for International Women’s Day, this panel hosted by Dr Shae brings together Nicci Richman, Dr Kim Gordon, and Dr Annalisa Contos, to share experiences of late diagnosis (ADHD, autism, dyslexia/dysgraphia) and how it reshaped identity, self-compassion, and career trajectories. The discussion links perimenopause/menopause to reduced capacity to mask, emotional peaks and troughs, and grief over missed support and opportunities. Panelists describe the invisible load of masking, executive-function demands, parenting neurodivergent children, burnout, and workplace penalties for non-linear careers, “cultural fit,” and intersectional bias. They outline practical workplace changes—universal design, clarity, flexible output-focused work, supportive tools (including AI), easier adjustments, and leaders who model disclosure while noting supports like JobAccess and resources from ADHD Australia. About Dear Dyslexic Podcast The Dear Dyslexic Podcast amplifies the voices, experiences and expertise of people from the dyslexia and broader neurodivergent communities, creating conversations that inform, empower and inspire. Learn more about re:think dyslexia: https://rethinkdyslexia.com.au/ Stay Connected Thanks for listening to Dr Shae and the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, proudly produced by re:think dyslexia, a certified social enterprise. To stay up to date with our latest episodes, resources and events, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate and review the podcast on your favourite podcast platform. Listen to more Dear Dyslexic Podcast episodes: https://open.spotify.com/show/0jx91no... Need Support? If any of the topics discussed in this episode have caused distress, support is available: Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 13YARN: 13 92 76 re:think dyslexia Helpline: 1800 13 6327
Transcribe →84. "Dyslexia Unplugged: Conversations Across Continents"
Mar 200:40:24Tap to summarizeIn a first in-studio Dear Dyslexic Podcast interview, the host chats with Dr. Kim Percy and UK-based Dr. Helen Ross about dyslexia and broader neurodivergence in adulthood, focusing on transition points from school to university or work. Helen, in Australia on a Churchill Fellowship, describes how lack of clear, accessible support and long assessment waitlists can leave people—especially girls—unraveling during major transitions, and she explores Australian practices (including TAFE flexibility) to bring ideas back to the UK. Kim shares a parent and lecturer perspective, describing students and her own son falling through cracks due to missed emails, fees, system lockouts, and barriers to diagnosis and learning plans. They discuss the importance of “village” support networks, self-worth, and shifting assessments from deficits to strengths, noting ongoing misconceptions about intelligence and dyslexia.
Transcribe →83. Why Educator Belief Matters More Than Diagnosis: Transforming TAFE for Dyslexic Students
Jan 2800:46:48Tap to summarizeIn this powerful episode of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, host Dr Shae Wissell sits down with Brad Beach, Director of Strategy, Quality and Learning at TAFE Gippsland, to explore dyslexia and neurodivergence in vocational education.Brad shares his personal journey as a dyslexic student—from struggling in remedial reading classes to accidentally getting into Melbourne University and eventually leading educational innovation. His story highlights the transformative power of educator belief, referencing John Hattie's research showing that an educator's belief in a student is the strongest predictor of success.The conversation tackles critical topics including:The challenges and opportunities of the "neurodivergent" labelWhy universal design alone isn't enough—students need individualized supportEducational trauma and its lasting impact on dyslexic individualsTAFE Gippsland's groundbreaking program for students experiencing intersectional disadvantage, achieving 90-100% retention ratesThe importance of wraparound services and trauma-informed teaching approachesMoving beyond the "superpower" narrative to focus on practical strategies and strengthsBrad offers invaluable advice for educators: ask students what they need, provide information in multiple formats, leverage technology, and above all—believe in your students' potential.A must-listen for educators, parents, and anyone interested in creating truly inclusive learning environments.A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host:I'm Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also listen to our Dear Dyslexic Podcast as well!If you haven’t done so yet go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on Hobo CEO.If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:· LifeLine on 13 11 14· BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636
Transcribe →82. Speech Pathologist Decodes Dyslexia: Myths, Assessments, and Lifelong Support
Nov 2900:50:42Tap to summarizeEver wondered why speech pathologists are unsung heroes in the world of dyslexia? In this eye-opening episode of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast, we dive deep into the fundamentals of dyslexia, bust myths about assessments, and explore how early intervention can transform lives—plus, practical tips for navigating co-occurring challenges like ADHD and dysgraphia. Joining us is Elise Cassidy, a passionate speech pathologist and founder of Code Read Network, a leading organization dedicated to raising dyslexia awareness in Australia. With over 30 years of experience in literacy and language development, Elise specializes in supporting children and adults with dyslexia, speech sound disorders, and related learning difficulties. She's driven campaigns like the iconic "Light Up Red for Dyslexia" initiative, which has illuminated landmarks across the country to spotlight dyslexia awareness month, and runs Little Voices, a clinic focused on empowering young people with dyslexia through tailored interventions, assistive technology, and multidisciplinary approaches. Elise unpacks the core of dyslexia, explaining how it stems from phonological processing and speech sound system challenges—far beyond just "speech" as many assume. We explore the pivotal role of speech pathologists in early identification, intervention, and assessments, including why they're essential for children and adults alike. The conversation tackles the barriers to diagnosis in Australia, such as high costs and limited access, and advocates for accessible screening tools like those from Read3. Elise shares insights on co-occurring conditions like ADHD, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia, offering strategies for executive functioning support, assistive technology (from text-to-speech to AI tools), and building "super glue" memory through repetition. For more on Elise's work, visit Little Voices: https://www.littlevoices.net.au/ A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host: I'm Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. You can also listen to our Dear Dyslexic Podcast as well! If you haven’t done so yet go to your favoured podcast platform and subscribe, rate and review this podcast. Join me next time for another conversation on Hobo CEO. If you found any of this content distressing, seek support: · LifeLine on 13 11 14 · BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636
Transcribe →81. I Got Diagnosed With ADHD at 40+ | What I Wish I'd Known Sooner
Oct 3000:12:38Tap to summarizeFor years, I thought I was just busy. Running a podcast, a charity, doing my doctorate, working full-time, raising a child - that's just life, right? But when I was diagnosed with combined ADHD (moderate to severe) in my 40s, everything finally made sense. In this deeply personal episode, I'm stepping away from our usual dyslexia focus to share my own ADHD diagnosis journey - the signs I missed for decades, the internal chaos I thought was normal, and why getting help changed everything. What I cover: - Why I never thought I could have ADHD (despite working with it for years) - The signs I dismissed: constant internal dialogue, unfinished tasks, extreme fatigue, childhood anxiety - How medication helped me in ways I never expected - Why the "everyone's a bit ADHD" narrative is harmful - Addressing the over-diagnosis myth - and why women in their 40s+ are finally getting diagnosed - Why men are likely underdiagnosed (and what we can do about it) - The link between ADHD and dyslexia (they highly correlate) Key takeaway: If these traits are impacting your quality of life consistently - not just occasionally - that's when it might be ADHD. Everyone forgets things sometimes, but if it's life-altering where you can't function, that's different. Resources mentioned: ADHD Australia: https://adhdaustralia.org.au/ (trusted partner with excellent resources and conference content) Contact Rethink Dyslexia for support with ADHD diagnosis: rethinkdyslexia.com.au Shae's book: Dyslexia: Insights into the hidden disability in and out of the workplace https://rethinkdyslexia.com.au/dyslexia-insights-into-the-hidden-disability-in-and-out-of-the-workplace/ About Dr. Shae: Shae is a Doctor of Public Health, Certified Practicing Speech Pathologist, founder of Rethink Dyslexia, and host of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast. She was diagnosed with combined ADHD (inattentive and hyperactive, moderate to severe) in her 40s. Timestamps: 00:00 "I never thought I could have ADHD" 01:09 Why I'm sharing this now 03:25 When the narrative around ADHD became harmful 04:12 My journey: from focus on dyslexia to recognizing ADHD 06:00 The signs I dismissed for years 08:00 The "unfinished tasks" pattern 10:00 Childhood anxiety and sleep struggles 11:00 Getting assessed: the diagnosis process 11:10 How medication changed everything 13:00 "Everyone's a bit ADHD" - why this narrative is wrong 14:00 What medication actually did for me 17:17 The over-diagnosis myth (and the UK data) 19:00 Why women seek help more than men 21:03 Encouraging everyone to seek support 23:04 What diagnosis gave me: understanding, language, calm If you're struggling with constant mental fatigue, internal chaos, or feeling like life is harder for you than everyone else - you're not alone. Reach out. Get assessed. There is support.
Transcribe →80 Dear Dyslexic Podcast | A New Chapter: Now With VIDEO
Sep 3000:00:40Tap to summarizeWelcome to a new chapter of the Dear Dyslexic Podcast. In this special launch video, Dr Shae Wissell shares how the show is evolving to bring stories of dyslexia, ADHD, and neurodiversity to life through video as well as audio. The podcast has always been about real lived experience, honest conversations, and reshaping the way society understands and supports neurodivergent adults. Now you can watch as well as listen — connecting even more deeply with the people and stories that matter. Subscribe today and join us on this journey, one story at a time.
Transcribe →Ep 79 - Neurodivergence & Substance Use: Breaking the Stigma with Dr Erin Lalor AM
Aug 2700:38:22Tap to summarizeDr. Erin Lalor AM joins us in this episode to explore the complexities of neurodivergence and substance use, shedding light on the challenges faced by individuals at the intersection of these experiences. Drawing on her extensive background in clinical psychology and research, Dr. Lalor delves into personal insights, societal stigma, and evidence-based approaches to supporting neurodivergent individuals living with substance use challenges.
Transcribe →