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
Ep 78: Understanding ADHD: Insights from a Dad's Perspective
Jul 29, 202500:34:52Tap to summarizeHave you ever felt the weight of navigating a world that doesn’t quite understand the unique challenges of neurodivergence? In this heartfelt episode, Shae sits down with Derek McCormack from the Raising Children Network. Derek shares what it’s been like parenting neurodivergent children, navigating complex emotions, diagnoses, and shifting perspectives. From exploring emotional load to advocating in school systems, Derek’s insights are real, relatable, and deeply needed.
Transcribe →Ep 77: Late Diagnoses and Neurodivergent Identity: Monique Mitchelson's Journey
Jun 29, 202500:40:31Tap to summarizeHave you ever felt like you were navigating a world that just didn't understand you? In this powerful episode, we're joined by clinical psychologist Monique Mitchelson to explore the rich landscape of neurodivergence - from late diagnoses to celebrating neurodivergent identity. Monique brings a rare perspective as both a psychologist and someone with lived experience of autism and ADHD. Based in Brisbane, Australia, she's become a leading voice in neurodiversity advocacy through her clinical work and popular podcast with over 2.5 million listeners. Her journey is particularly compelling - from initially training in clinical psychology to discovering her own neurodivergence during professional development with autism expert Tony Attwood. From unpacking school report cards to examining workplace accommodations, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in neurodiversity. Whether you're personally navigating these experiences, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking to understand more about cognitive diversity, you'll find Monique's perspective both enlightening and empowering. Featured Resources: The Neurodivergent Skills Workbook for Autism and ADHD by Monique Mitchelson Want to hear more from Monique? Check out her podcast here and connect with her work here. A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host: I'm Dr. Shae Wissell, and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexia Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s discussion. To keep up to date with all our news, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You can also listen to our Hobo CEO podcast as well! If you haven’t done so yet, go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another insightful conversation on Dear Dyslexia Podcast. If you found any of this content distressing, seek support: LifeLine – 13 11 14 BeyondBlue Counsellor – 1300 22 4636
Transcribe →Episode 76: The Power of Vulnerability: How Hotel Etico’s Saraya Rewrote Her Story
May 29, 202500:41:38Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a dyslexic woman who was told she’d "never be anything" becomes a trailblazing leader in disability inclusion? In this raw and powerful episode, Saraya O’Connell from Hotel Etico—Australia’s first social enterprise hotel—opens up for the first time about her dyslexia, ADHD, and how she turned workplace struggles into superpowers. Saraya is the General Manager of Hotel Etico, a groundbreaking not-for-profit hotel in the Blue Mountains that trains and employs young adults with disabilities in hospitality. A dyslexic and ADHD leader, she’s spent years masking her neurodivergence while advocating for systemic change in employment. Diagnosed with dyslexia at 15 (after teachers called her "stupid"), Saraya left school early, climbed the ranks in hospitality and disability sectors, and now champions inclusive hiring practices—all while navigating the invisible challenges of neurodiversity. In this episode, we discuss a range of significant topics, including: ● The emotional toll of educational trauma and being underestimated. ● Disclosure struggles: Why even disability sector leaders hide their dyslexia. ● Workplace strategies for dyslexia/ADHD (like handling forms and multi-step instructions). ● How Hotel Etico is revolutionizing hospitality inclusion—and why the industry is embracing it. ● The recent ADHD diagnosis that explained her "chaos superpower." ● Vulnerability in leadership: Why Saraya is finally going public with her story. A Note From Our Director and Podcast Host: I'm Dr. Shae Wissell, and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexia Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s discussion. To keep up to date with all our news, follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. You can also listen to our Hobo CEO podcast as well! If you haven’t done so yet, go to your favorite podcast platform to subscribe, rate, and review this podcast. Join me next time for another insightful conversation on Dear Dyslexia Podcast. If you found any of this content distressing, seek support:
Transcribe →Episode 13 with Assistive Technology Expert Jamie Crabb
Oct 22, 2019Tap to summarizeJamie has over 10 years of experience working in education. In his life in London, Jamie's worked for the Metropolitan Police in schools and worked extensively in theatre. He's also heavily involved in specialist disability and specific learning differences support and assessment, mental health mentoring and Assistive Technology training. Find out more about Jamie at www.jamiecrabbtherapy.com or - even better - take a listen to this fascinating and very practical conversation.
Transcribe →