You’ve got a friend in me!

In this episode, we meet Jack Churchill OBE, Founder and CEO of Scanning Pens and Empowering Technology Group. Diagnosed with dyslexia at 14, Jack experienced firsthand the challenges of keeping up in school. After losing his job during the late 1990s dot-com bubble burst, Jack and his university friend Toby started Scanning Pens. They recognized the immense benefits of text-to-audio pens for dyslexic individuals. Today, their advanced scanning pens, including exam-approved versions, support people with dyslexia globally. In 2023, Jack and Toby received an OBE for their contributions to international trade and the dyslexia community. This episode delves into the journey of Scanning Pens, its evolution, and the future of assistive technology.

.Did you know that up to 40% of children in the US struggle with reading by the fourth grade? In the UK, that’s the equivalent of years 4-5 in Primary School! This enlightening episode features Matthew Head in conversation with Dr. David Hurford, a renowned research scientist and professor at Pittsburgh State University, who also founded CARRD, a non-profit dedicated to supporting individuals with dyslexia.

Dr. Hurford shares his transformative journey from aspiring astronomer to a leading figure in developmental psychology, emphasising the importance of structured literacy in teaching reading. The discussion delves into the emotional toll of dyslexia on children, highlighting the benefits of early intervention for both academic and emotional well-being. Dr. Hurford also introduces CARRD’s affordable evaluations and Dyslexia101.com, a free online dyslexia evaluation platform making resources accessible globally.

A key takeaway from Dr. Hurford’s insights is the balanced perspective on dyslexia; he advises against calling dyslexia a “superpower” and advocates for providing accurate information and unconditional support to children.

This episode is a must-listen for parents, educators, and anyone navigating dyslexia, offering valuable insights and hope for a more inclusive, literate world.

For the final episode of 2024, Matthew Head reflects on a year of juggling work, creativity, and burnout—and the lessons he learned to regain balance. As a lead engineer at Jaguar Land Rover, Matthew’s days were packed with designing concept cars, editing podcasts, rehearsing for amateur dramatics, and playing guitar. But by mid-year, exhaustion hit hard, forcing him to reassess his lifestyle.

In this candid episode, Matthew shares how he overcame burnout by simplifying his life: outsourcing podcast editing, reintroducing exercise, optimizing sleep, and embracing intentional choices. He discovered that true energy comes from passion and balance, not endless productivity.

Join Matthew as he explores how small, sustainable changes transformed his year—and how these insights can help you build a life you love in 2025. Tune in for practical tips and inspiring reflections!