Talking Dyslexia is a podcast from Talamo and the British Dyslexia Association. Hosted by Ellen Broome and Jamie Wace, each episode explores what dyslexia really means at school, at work, and in everyday life.
We speak with educators, parents, researchers, and dyslexic individuals to unpack the realities, debunk the myths, and celebrate the strengths of thinking differently. From early intervention to entrepreneurship, assistive tech to allyship, this series offers practical advice, fresh perspectives, and honest conversations.
E10: Leah Boleto on suspected dyslexia, early screening, and fighting for her son
Sky News/BBC Newsround journalist Leah Boleto joins Talking Dyslexia to share her family’s story: suspecting she’s dyslexic, and navigating diagnosis + support for her son Enzo (nearly 8).
We cover: the fact that dyslexia doesn’t mean unintelligence, “naughty” labels at school, phonics/letter reversals, why the system makes help hard to access, and what’s worked - strong SENCO relationships, short bursts, movement breaks, and protecting confidence early.
#TalkingDyslexia #LeahBoleto #Dyslexia #Neurodiversity #Parenting #Education #SENCO #EarlyScreening
14 Jan 2026
E9: From Moon Hall to Heart FM: Fia Tarrant on Dyslexia and Confidence
Broadcaster, presenter, and proud dyslexic Fia Tarrant joins Talking Dyslexia. Fia hosts Heart FM’s Naughty’s Weekdays Breakfast Show, started in radio at 17, and has presented across the UK and Spain — with appearances on the Disney Channel and Sky Sports.
In this episode of Talking Dyslexia, Fia opens up about:
- Being diagnosed early — and the teacher who first spotted the signs
- Moon Hall School: why it was “nurturing” and confidence-building
- The shock of mainstream school — and being told “dyslexia isn’t real”
- Why she calls herself “super dyslexic” (and why she won’t hide it)
- Scripts, live moments, and the panic of reading under pressure
- Parenting: her son Harris (10) may be dyslexic — and how she’s approaching it without pressure
- Her advice: lean into strengths, chase the things you love, and back yourself
Fia’s message is simple: be upfront about what you need, stop wasting energy on shame, and build your life around your strengths.
10 Dec 2025
E8: Mark Blundell on Hating School and Finding His Self-Worth in Racing
Former F1 driver and Le Mans winner Mark Blundell spent his school years outside the classroom door, told not to sit his exams and left to believe he “wouldn’t qualify as having an education”.
In this episode of Talking Dyslexia, Mark opens up about:
Hating school but finding self-worth in racing
How dyslexia pushed him to think differently in business and sport
Getting diagnosed in his late 50s - and why it felt like a weight off his shoulders
The reality of contracts, live TV, short attention spans… and still backing yourself anyway
Mark’s message is simple: if you suspect you’re dyslexic, get it checked. It’s not a big deal - and it might explain more than you think.
#TalkingDyslexia #MarkBlundell #forumlaone #f1 #formula1 #LeMans #racing #diagnosis #latediagnosis #tv #neurodiversity #BDA #education
7 Nov 2025
E7: Jack Churchill OBE - Changing Lives with Assistive Tech
Scanning Pens co-founder Jack Churchill shares his journey from dyslexia diagnosis to building a global assistive technology company, and why the right tools can transform education, work, and even prison systems.
23 Oct 2025
E6: Louise Selby - Supporting Children with Dyslexia at Home and School
Dyslexia specialist Louise Selby talks about her books for parents, packed with strategies to help children thrive, and why understanding morphology - the building blocks of words - can be a game-changer. With over 25 years’ experience, she offers clear, practical advice for supporting children both in the classroom and at home.
7 Oct 2025
E5: Juliet Campbell - A Call for A National Dyslexia Strategy
MP Juliet Campbell shares how being the parent of a dyslexic child inspired her to fight for better policy and support in education, from grassroots training to parliamentary reform.
29 Sept 2025
E4: Penny Lancaster - Her Late Dyslexia Diagnosis and Her New Book
Model and TV personality Penny Lancaster opens up about her late dyslexia diagnosis, how it shaped her life, and why she’s now a proud ambassador for the British Dyslexia Association. She also discussed her new upcoming book Someone Like Me which is available here (https://www.amazon.co.uk/Someone-Like-Me-Penny-Lancaster/dp/152668697X).
4 Sept 2025
E3: Ami Charlize - Dyslexia and Content Creation: Trials and Triumphs
Content creator and author Ami Charlize opens up about life online, her dyslexia journey. From building a huge following online to joining Jamie Oliver at the BDA’s ‘Demand Change’ rally, Ami’s story is one of drive, creativity, and using your voice. We talk about growing up in the public eye, sharing tips for dyslexic learners on TikTok, and why she’s climbing Everest to raise awareness.
Diversity and SEND specialist Frances Akinde drops in with Ellen and Jamie to cut through token gestures and show what allyship really looks like on the ground. She draws on her work co-founding the BAMEed SEND Hub and her punchy book Be an Ally, Not a Bystander to reveal how intersectionality shapes classrooms, corridors and policy meetings alike. Straight-talking, evidence-rich and genuinely empowering.
13 Jun 2025
E1: Chris Campbell: Humour, Mix-Ups & the Marathon Mindset
Comedian and dyslexia advocate Chris Campbell joins Ellen and Jamie for a frank, funny dive into daily dyslexic life, as well as, the quiet frustrations no one sees. Chris shares how humour fuels his community of thousands, why he tackled the London Marathon for the British Dyslexia Association, and the messages that kept him putting one foot in front of the other. Raw, relatable, and unexpectedly uplifting.
PLEASE NOTE ANY MENTION OF THE MARATHON IS NOW OUTDATED
2 Jun 2025
Introduction
In this first episode of Talking Dyslexia, Jamie and Ellen introduce the series and share why it matters. They explore why dyslexia is so misunderstood, what the podcast will cover, and what listeners can expect in the weeks ahead.
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