Podcast
Dyslexia Duo Podcast
Hosted by Aimee Rodenroth / Melissa Dean · EN
The Dyslexia Duo Podcast is an educational podcast dedicated to sharing stories, insights, and research about dyslexia, literacy, and learning differences.
Your hosts are Aimee and Melissa. We are dyslexia therapists who have decades of experience in dyslexia education at both the student and teacher education level.
The podcast episodes will discuss the early signs of dyslexia and delve into the intricacies of various dyslexia approaches and curricula. Many episodes will be dedicated to the challenges that parents experience when attempting to obtain the support that they need for their child from their school system. We will also have guest speakers who are dyslexia researchers, advocates, and leaders.
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Dyslexia Duo Podcast Episode 91 - Dr. Kelly Cartwright
3w ago01:06:27Tap to summarizeThe Dyslexia Duo: Executive Function and Dyslexia - Putting Thinking on the Table with Dr. Kelly Cartwright Melissa Dean and Aimee Rodenroth of the Dyslexia Duo interview Dr. Kelly Cartwright (UNC Charlotte) about how executive functions—working memory, inhibition, and cognitive flexibility—emerge within reading and help manage decoding, meaning-making, and comprehension. Dr. Cartwright explains why some dysfluent readers still comprehend, how weak executive skills can hinder retelling, summarization, and inference, and how “putting thinking on the table” with concrete scaffolds (manipulatives, story maps, inference maps, text-structure organizers, SRSD-style mnemonics) can reduce cognitive load and improve regulation of reading processes across subjects. They discuss dyslexia/ADHD differences, early identification of comprehension problems (including developmental language disorder), the need to teach decoding and comprehension in parallel, the value of connecting spelling-sound-meaning, concerns about fewer whole books and screen-driven attention, and secondary needs such as multisyllabic decoding and morphology. Cartwright shares READ Lab research on bridging processes and mentions a forthcoming educator toolkit. 00:48 Introducing Dr Cartwright 02:40 Executive Function Basics 05:49 Fluency vs Comprehension 09:20 Cognitive Flexibility in Reading 13:28 Tools and Resources 18:43 Retelling and Inference Scaffolds 24:00 Dyslexia ADHD Differences 27:16 Early Comprehension Instruction 34:09 Classroom Strategy Integration 36:55 Whole Books Decline 39:28 Anxiety and Motivation 41:35 Screens and Attention 44:17 Secondary Dyslexia Needs 47:28 Teacher Prep Myths 49:41 Parents Comprehension Tips 52:52 Building Background Knowledge 56:57 READ Lab Research 01:01:14 Lightning Round Wrap
Transcribe →Dyslexia Duo Podcast Episode 90 - Dr. Maria Murray of The Reading League
4w ago01:11:05Tap to summarizeThe Dyslexia Duo: Dr. Maria Murray on The Reading League, the Science of Reading, and Dyslexia as an Equity Issue On the Dyslexia Duo podcast, hosts Melissa Dean and Aimee Rodenroth interview Dr. Maria Murray, founder and CEO of The Reading League, about its origins in 2015 and its growth to 46 state chapters (including DC) with a goal of reaching all states by year’s end. Dr. Murray explains the science of reading as a vast, interdisciplinary body of scientifically based reading research and clarifies common misconceptions about dyslexia and ineffective approaches that waste time. She highlights The Reading League’s free “Science of Reading: Defining Guide” (also in Spanish and French), the organization’s resources (newsletter, Compass for families, journal, vetted shop, conferences, virtual courses on understanding and assessing dyslexia, and school/district professional learning), and argues literacy is a fundamental human right and civil rights issue tied to equity, poverty, and life outcomes. She emphasizes that most people who can’t read haven’t been taught and calls for better teacher preparation, implementation support, and broader public understanding. 00:42 Introducing Dr. Maria Murray 03:17 Building the Reading League 05:45 How Chapters and Membership Work 09:16 What Science of Reading Means 11:39 Dyslexia Myths and Misconceptions 15:48 Literacy as Equity and Public Health 24:49 Why Kids Aren’t Taught to Read 31:24 What Counts as Reading Science 34:46 TRL Resources for Dyslexia Families 37:14 Parent Compass and Chapters 37:48 Explicit Reading Instruction 40:08 Teacher Training and Coaching 42:21 Dyslexia Courses and Assessment 43:52 Literacy as Civil Rights 47:44 Beyond Test Scores 50:32 Finding Support and Resources 52:42 Research Stories and TRL Origins 56:53 Growing National Networks 59:53 Love of Reading Story 01:02:36 Final Advice and Policy 01:06:26 Rapid Fire and Wrap Up
Transcribe →Listen Again: Dr. Brennan Chandler
May 2301:09:21Tap to summarizeThe Dyslexia Duo: Bridging Research and Practice in Dyslexia - Intensive Intervention, Spelling, and Data-Based Individualization (with Dr. Brennan Chandler) Melissa Dean and Aimee Rodenroth of the Dyslexia Duo interview Dr. Brennan Chandler, assistant professor of dyslexia at Georgia State University, about his path from classroom teaching to researching intensive reading interventions and training educators. Dr. Chandler emphasizes bridging research and classroom practice through explicit instruction in language structure (phonology, orthography, morphology, syntax), stronger attention to writing and spelling, and empowering teachers to use data for decision-making. He highlights misconceptions that older struggling readers only need more K–2 phonics and that accommodations alone replace remediation, arguing adolescents need qualitatively different instruction including flexible vowel “flexing,” morphology, and connected “stretch” text practice. He explains diagnostic versus progress-monitoring data, outlines data-based individualization to intensify validated interventions, shares research showing spelling supports durable learning, and describes developing an open-source grades 1–3 spelling intervention, Spell Squad. 00:36 Introducing Dr Chandler 01:41 From Classroom to Research 04:19 Why Spelling Matters 04:57 Rethinking Teacher Training 08:45 Bridging Research and Practice 12:21 Misconceptions About Dyslexia 15:58 Older Students Need Different 19:05 Flexing Vowels Strategy 22:00 Morphology and Stretch Text 28:13 Spelling Research Deep Dive 33:02 Spelling Beats Reading Practice 36:44 Spelling Builds Memory 37:24 Handwriting and Gamified Practice 40:29 DBI for Non Responders 46:54 What Data to Collect 50:26 Adolescent Assessment Focus 53:20 Fixing Teacher Prep 59:53 Key Takeaways for All 01:02:25 Spell Squad Preview 01:04:57 Lightning Round and Farewell
Transcribe →Dyslexia Duo Podcast Episode 89 - Dr. Elizabeth Norton
May 1601:21:50Tap to summarizeThe Dyslexia Duo: Early Identification, RAN, and Mental Health - Dr. Elizabeth Norton on the Science and Policy of Dyslexia The Dyslexia Duo hosts Melissa Dean and Aimee Rodenroth interview Dr. Elizabeth Norton, a Northwestern University associate professor who studies reading development, dyslexia, early identification, and brain-based factors that make reading difficult. Dr. Norton describes how her childhood love of reading, early curiosity about peers who struggled, college research, and teaching at Landmark School led her to focus on identifying precursors of reading difficulties and improving early intervention. She defines dyslexia as an unexpected difficulty learning to read and discusses the newer IDA definition as more multifactorial, including links between language and reading, psychological well-being, and the importance of early identification. The conversation covers challenges translating research into policy (e.g., uneven screening guidance), limits of improving rapid automatized naming (RAN) and working memory, intervention goals and trade-offs, co-occurrence with ADHD, possible anxiety/depression risk, effects of prematurity, and large-scale longitudinal research including HBCD. 00:42 Meet Elizabeth Norton 02:06 Why Dr. Norton Studies Reading 07:16 Defining Dyslexia Today 09:45 New IDA Definition Highlights 12:22 Policy and Screening Gaps 16:38 What Happens After Screening 23:30 RAN and Automaticity Explained 27:41 When Progress Plateaus 36:14 Dyslexia and Mental Health 43:32 Micro Triggers and Stress 45:05 Prematurity and Brain Setup 50:41 Language in Utero Signals 53:56 Responding to Risk Flags 56:23 Research Surprises and Complexity 59:56 Early Intervention Reality Check 01:03:45 Hope and Next Tools 01:06:49 Naturalistic EEG and HBCD Study 01:16:08 Lightning Round and Farewell
Transcribe →Listen Again: Dr. Jan Wasowicz
May 901:45:29Tap to summarizeThe Dyslexia Duo: Dr. Jan Wasowicz on Dyslexia, Developmental Language Disorder, and the Language Literacy Network Melissa Dean and Amy Rodenroth of the Dyslexia Duo interview Dr. Jan Wasowicz, an ASHA-certified speech-language pathologist and literacy specialist with 40+ years of experience, inventor of Ear Aerobics, and creator of Spell Links and the SpellTalk listserv. Dr. Wasowicz explains the quadrant model distinguishing typical learners, dyslexia (word-level decoding/encoding weaknesses), developmental language disorder (spoken-language weaknesses affecting comprehension and writing), and a mixed profile, noting that about half of people with dyslexia also have DLD and discussing screening tools such as the TILS. She introduces her Language Literacy Network as an updated, research-based alternative to the Reading Rope that integrates reading and writing, morphology, pragmatics, and sight recognition as a byproduct of decoding/encoding. The conversation covers integrating phonology, orthography, and meaning, supporting spelling instruction, prosody as an outcome of underlying skills, parent reinforcement strategies, cautious use of AI for creating pattern-loaded materials, and vetted research resources and communities. 00:00 Meet Dr Jan Wasowicz 01:44 Credentials and Work 05:35 Spell Talk and Sites 07:06 From SLP to Literacy 09:15 Quadrant Model Dyslexia 12:45 DLD Screening Tools 17:15 Private Practice Patterns 21:05 Aerobics Origin Story 26:40 Hyperlexia and Pragmatics 30:23 Language Literacy Network 38:20 Pragmatics After COVID 41:19 Education Changes 42:09 Science of Reading Shift 43:04 Capital vs Lowercase SOR 45:35 Comprehension Beyond Phonics 49:55 Phonology Meets Orthography 52:13 Sounds Letters Meaning Glue 53:04 Teaching Word Meanings 57:29 Spelling Instruction Comeback 59:49 Spelling Approach to Reading 01:06:36 Prosody as an Outcome 01:09:09 Prosodic Competence and Stress 01:16:10 Helping Parents Reinforce 01:17:30 Read Aloud Coaching 01:18:58 Link Sounds to Writing 01:19:24 Family Time Matters 01:20:00 AI Tools Caution 01:20:52 ChatGPT Pattern Passages 01:24:26 Vetted Research Sources 01:26:42 PeaceNEX Inspirations 01:29:58 Lunch and Lit Learning 01:37:50 One Wish for Students 01:41:08 Closing Thanks and Credits
Transcribe →Dyslexia Duo Podcast Episode 88 - Dr. Pam Kastner
May 201:05:33Tap to summarizeThe Dyslexia Duo: Dr. Pam Kastner on Structured Literacy, the Instructional Hierarchy, and the Role of Syntax in Reading Melissa Dean and Aimee Rodenroth of the Dyslexia Duo interview Dr. Pam Kastner, a longtime educator and former Pennsylvania state literacy lead, about her career and why she shifted from balanced literacy and whole language approaches to structured literacy after seeing students struggle and having a dyslexic granddaughter. Dr. Kastner contrasts structured literacy’s direct, explicit, systematic instruction with assumptions in balanced literacy, explaining the instructional hierarchy (acquisition, building fluency, generalization, adaptation), the need for accuracy first, immediate corrective feedback, many opportunities to respond, and avoiding hand-raising as a comprehension check. She discusses syntax as a key but underemphasized component of language that supports comprehension and writing, and stresses oral language development through rich vocabulary and complete sentences. She calls for stronger teacher preparation, leadership, and system-level support, and encourages parents that dyslexic children can learn to read and it is not the child’s fault. 00:44 Meet Dr. Pam Kastner 01:47 Career Journey in Education 05:12 Family and Purpose 07:30 Origin Story in Literacy 13:01 Why Structured Literacy 15:02 Instructional Hierarchy Explained 19:26 Accuracy and Errorless Learning 27:03 Data Driven Teaching 36:25 Dyslexia Services Promo 37:25 Why Syntax Matters 38:14 Legacy of William Van Cleve 38:57 Teaching Syntax Early 42:42 Oral Language to Literacy 43:08 Robust Vocabulary in Class 47:10 30 Million Words Initiative 50:23 Fixing Teacher Preparation 56:54 Message to Dyslexic Families 01:01:44 Lightning Round Q&A
Transcribe →Dyslexia Duo Podcast Episode 87 - Deirdre O'Toole, Missy Purcell, & Elise Lovejoy
Apr 2501:16:41Tap to summarizeThe Dyslexia Duo: Inside Ireland’s Right to Read Conference: Building a Global Movement for Dyslexia and Literacy The Dyslexia Duo hosts, Melissa Dean and Aimee Rodenroth, interview Deirdre “Dee” O’Toole, chairperson of Right to Read Ireland and organizer of Ireland’s inaugural Right to Read Conference, along with U.S. literacy advocates Missy Purcell and Elise Lovejoy. Dee describes moving from primary teaching into literacy research, beginning a PhD, and leading a team of nine to plan a March conference for 400 attendees that sold out in 90 minutes with a 300+ waiting list. The guests discuss why the event felt uniquely mission-driven and practitioner-focused, the value of global collaboration for dyslexia and literacy, Ireland’s bilingual English/Irish context, and gaps affecting disadvantaged and dyslexic learners despite high national reading scores. They highlight advocacy strategies, teacher autonomy and hunger for evidence-based learning, concerns about U.S. implementation barriers, and plans for a larger, possibly expanded conference next year. 00:50 Meet Dee and Right to Read 02:41 Conference Growth Story 03:42 Meet Missy Purcell, the Advocate 05:03 Meet Elise Lovejoy of Express Readers 06:34 Why the Conference Felt Different 09:18 Global Dyslexia Collaboration 12:26 Advocacy Steps for Change 19:00 Ireland Literacy Reality Check 22:24 Inside the Conference Lineup 28:15 Decodables Go International 39:59 Conference Design Takeaways 41:49 Bilingual Dyslexia Testing 42:43 Irish Reading Challenges 43:35 Etymology Rabbit Holes 44:27 Dysgraphia and Dyscalculia 46:06 Second Language Anxiety 47:50 Morphology and Latin 51:24 Teacher Support Strategies 56:57 Funding and Teacher Pay 01:01:03 Next Year Conference Plans 01:03:52 Where to Find Them 01:05:23 Accents and Ireland Stories 01:10:14 Lightning Round Wrap Up
Transcribe →ALTA 2026: ALTA Closing
Apr 1800:02:46Tap to summarizeThe duo bid adieu to the ALTA 2026 conference
Transcribe →ALTA 2026: Jasmin Dean
Apr 1800:08:16Tap to summarizeThe duo have a lively discussion with the founder of Celebrate Dyslexia, Jasmin Dean.
Transcribe →ALTA 2026: Sally Gerstner
Apr 1800:08:20Tap to summarizeThe duo discuss best practices for therapists in private practice with Sally Gerstner
Transcribe →