Category Archives: Episodes

Curry College PAL Program -030

January 16, 2020Episodesdecodingdyslexia

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Jordan Rich, recently sat down with Laura Vanderberg, Director, and Lori Lubeski, Professor, of Curry College’s PAL Program to hear about how it continues to grow while fulfilling Dr. Webb’s mission of helping students “challenge strengths and strengthen challenges.” If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at dyslexicswanted.org.

Kids with Superpowers -Christianna Alexander -029

December 27, 2019Episodesdecodingdyslexia

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Today Jordan meets a remarkable young entrepreneur named Christianna Alexander. She’s the oldest of three children and faced many learning challenges early on in school. Struggles continued into the 2nd grade and she was forced to repeat the year. But, it didn’t take long for Christi to develop more confidence and better grades when she transferred to a school that focused on helping kids with learning disabilities. She not only did well in school, she caught the business bug early and after lots of trial and error she created “Sweet Christi’s” a successful company focused on making all natural-handmade soaps that resemble delectable treats like donuts and cupcakes. Christianna views her disability as a blessing and her mission in life is to be an ambassador for children everywhere who suffer with learning disabilities. If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at dyslexicswanted.org.

Andy Magdanz -028

December 27, 2019Episodesdecodingdyslexia

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A conversation between Jordan Rich and master glass blower Andy Magdanz of Almost Perfect Glass, a hot glass studio in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Powered by solar energy, the studio is home to a fantastic array of glass artists, sculptors, and jewelers. Because of his dyslexia which resulted in poor reading and writing skills in school, Andy was ridiculed by some and often told he wouldn’t have the stuff to succeed. But like so many featured on these podcasts he gravitated toward his calling an passion for art and design to became one of the most sought-after craftsmen in his field. If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website atdyslexicswanted.org.

Dr. Sara Renzulli -026

November 25, 2019Episodesdecodingdyslexia

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A conversation between Jordan Rich and Sara Renzulli, visiting Assistant Professor, Counselor Education & Counseling Psychology Program with the Neag School of Education at the University of Connecticut. Much of her time is dedicated to helping exceptional kids with learning differences navigate school and social life, helping them grow into confident, capable adults. Sara shares her own story of childhood struggle and what she has learned in achieving balance and success.

If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast, write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at dyslexicswanted.org.

Jonathan Mooney -025

November 18, 2019Episodesdecodingdyslexia

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Meet Jonathan Mooney, a dyslexic writer, speaker and self-described do-gooder who is speaking the truth about difference vs. deficiency and people are listening. As a young student battling low expectations and feelings of failure, Jonathan came close to ending his life. He ultimately overcame despair (thanks to meeting up with the right teachers and mentors) and fought his way to becoming a college grad from Brown University. Jonathan earned an honors degree in English lit and wrote his first book at the age of 23. Since then he has been on the best-seller list often and is frequently on the road, advocating for initiatives to help those with learning disabilities.

Heather Caska, Way to Grow -024

November 6, 2019Episodesdecodingdyslexia

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A conversation between Jordan Rich and Heather Caska, Dyslexia Specialist, Director of Speech-Language and Dyslexia services at the Way to Grow pediatric therapy practice in Arizona. Heather recently joined the team at WTG and she loves the work she is doing to help children. She has experience working with a variety of communication disorders; however her passion lies in working with kids with dyslexia and helping their families. She is totally dedicated to bringing more awareness to the community and increasing early identification of dyslexia.

If you have a story worth sharing on this podcast , write to jordan@chartproductions.com. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at dyslexicswanted.org.

Dr. Kathryn Garforth -023

September 24, 2019EpisodesDan Thibeault

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A conversation between Jordan Rich and Dr. Kathryn Garforth who offers professional expertise in Educational Psychology and a personal understanding of the frustrations children and adults with learning difficulties experience. Her story demands to be shared. As a child, Dr. Garforth struggled with reading and spelling in her primary years. A psychoeducational assessment in grade four helped her understand her strengths and gave her hope that with the right instruction and accommodations she could succeed in school. But it was a troubling time with many setbacks and challenges. She ultimately overcame those challenges, went on to earn multiple post-secondary degrees and now offers professional help and lots of hope to those with learning disabilities.

Dan Fickes -021

September 1, 2019EpisodesDan Thibeault

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A conversation between Jordan Rich and accomplished video producer Dan Fickes, owner of Boston based company Ocean One Productions. Dan is an Emmy winning video shooter, director, editor and producer who also has an extensive background in broadcast television news. Growing up with dyslexia made Dan’s school years very difficult. He found help by the time he reached college and shares what he’s done to live with dyslexia and succeed at a very high level. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at dyslexicswanted.org.

Diamond Dallas Paige -020

August 7, 2019EpisodesDan Thibeault

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A conversation between Jordan Rich and former pro wrestler and WWE Hall of Famer, Diamond Dallas Paige. Dallas is a best-selling author with his latest motivational book entitled, “Positively Unstoppable.” He’s a world-renowned fitness instructor who recently launched his DDP Yoga program internationally. Thousands have been getting into shape with the help of DDP. As tough as he was in the ring, his most challenging competitor just might have been dyslexia. Hear his story of struggle, hard work and his eventual victory. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at dyslexicswanted.org.

Dr. Chris Menton -019

June 25, 2019EpisodesDan Thibeault

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A conversation between Jordan Rich and Dr. Chris Menton, criminal justice professor and former program director at Roger Williams University School of Continuing Studies. Jordan and Chris discuss the impact of dyslexia and other learning disabilities on members of the prison population. It’s an under-reported problem but there are ways to help deal with it. Professor Menton has published a number of research articles and has focused extensively on criminal justice, public safety, corrections and law enforcement training. Chris also discusses his experience as one of Dr. Gertrude Webb’s first students at Curry College’s PAL Program (Program for Advancement of Learning). Chris is a shining example of someone who has dealt successfully with the challenges of dyslexia. If you’d like to discover ways to support and become involved with the Webb Innovation Center for Dyslexia, please visit our website at dyslexicswanted.org.