A look back over 2024.
In this special year-end episode, host Matthew Head takes listeners on a reflective journey through the standout moments and stories from 2024. From CEOs and MPs to former Olympians and tech innovators, Matthew revisits conversations with guests who brought diverse experiences of living with dyslexia.
The episode highlights powerful narratives of discovery, resilience, and success—many guests shared how dyslexia shaped their lives, careers, and identities.
Matt Hancock MP recounted his Oxford University experience, where dyslexia was first identified after struggling with essays despite excelling in oral discussions. Another reflected on the power of early diagnosis at 14, describing how targeted support transformed his confidence and performance in school.
For many, dyslexia was a hidden challenge for years. Jamie Waller revealed how they discovered their diagnosis at 36 after selling a multi-million-pound business. The emotional liberation of accepting and vocalizing their dyslexia transformed their life, career, and confidence.
Other stories touched on family connections—how children’s diagnoses often led parents to reflect on their own dyslexic traits—and the importance of tailored support and assistive technologies like audiobooks and dyslexia-friendly fonts.
Through these stories, Matthew weaves a narrative of shared humanity, showing how dyslexia affects people differently yet reveals a common theme: when individuals embrace their dyslexia, seek the right support, and align with their passions, they unlock new paths to growth and success.
As the year comes to a close, this episode offers inspiration and encouragement for listeners, showing that dyslexia, with its challenges and strengths, is a journey worth celebrating.
Key Takeaways –
- Dyslexia Diagnosis Brings Empowerment: Early diagnosis can level the playing field, while late diagnosis often brings clarity and confidence.
- Tailored Support is Transformative: Extra time in exams, assistive technology (e.g., audiobooks, reader pens), and dyslexia-friendly fonts make significant differences.
- Family Patterns of Dyslexia: Many adults discover their dyslexia through their children’s diagnoses, highlighting its hereditary nature.
- Strengths and Struggles Coexist: Dyslexia may present daily challenges, but it also enhances creativity, verbal strengths, and visual thinking.
- Overcoming Stigma: Accepting and sharing dyslexia often leads to personal liberation and career success.
- Passion Unlocks Potential: Aligning learning or work with passions (e.g., sport, art, or technology) helps overcome struggles.
Key Topics:
- Seek an assessment if you or someone you know is struggling; diagnosis can open doors to support and confidence.
- Use tools like audiobooks, dyslexia-friendly fonts, and assistive tech to make learning accessible and enjoyable.
- Focus on strengths and interests to build skills—passion is a powerful motivator.
- Advocate for inclusive education that accommodates different learning profiles.
- Don’t hide dyslexia—embracing it can empower you and inspire others.
Timestamps –
00:00 – 00:30 – Introduction: Reflecting on 2024’s key episodes
01:14 – 04:34 – Oxford University guest: Dyslexia diagnosis and learning through recognizing words as pictures
06:31 – 09:55 – Early diagnosis at 14: How extra time and support transformed school performance
12:48 – 15:42 – Family discovery: Dyslexia traits revealed through children’s experiences
20:10 – 23:26 – Late diagnosis at 36: From dropout to selling a £40 million business and embracing dyslexia
27:11 – 30:54 – Tailoring learning to passions: The “Trojan horse” method for kids
31:22 – 32:19 – Closing thoughts: Community advocacy and looking ahead to 2025
