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Dyslexia and Me: Honest Conversations

Dyslexia and Me: Honest Conversations

Written by: Laura Gowers
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About this listen

A podcast for people who want to understand dyslexia beyond the stereotypes.

Hosted by Laura Gowers, founder of This is Dyslexia, dyslexia assessor, coach and former SENCo with over 20 years’ experience in education, this podcast explores what dyslexia really looks like in everyday life, at home, in school, at work and in our sense of self.

You’ll hear honest conversations with adults diagnosed later in life, parents navigating the uncertainty of supporting a dyslexic child, and professionals who understand the emotional impact of dyslexia, not just the theory.

We talk about late diagnosis, burnout and overwhelm, confidence and self-worth, dyslexia in the workplace, and how understanding how your brain works can bring clarity, relief and self-compassion.

2025 Laura Gowers
Economics
Episodes
  • Your brain, your money: ADHD, Dyslexia and Neurodivergent Business with Maddy Alexander-Grout
    Jan 21 2026

    In this episode, Laura Gowers speaks with Maddy Alexander-Grout, a neurodivergent entrepreneur and author, who shares her journey as an ADHD money and business coach. Diagnosed with Dyslexia as a child and ADHD at 37, Maddy discusses the challenges she faced with money management, impulsive spending, and the impact of her neurodivergent conditions on her life and career. She emphasises the importance of understanding your own brain to manage finances effectively. Maddy also addresses misconceptions about dyslexia and the media's portrayal of neurodivergent conditions, advocating for a more nuanced understanding and support for those affected.

    More about the guest:

    Maddy Alexander-Grout is a multi award winning entrepreneur , and best selling Author of Mad About Money- Managing finances and life with ADHD , she is a disability advocate as well as being a business and money coach for neurodivergents.

    You can connect with Maddy:

    instagram- @maddytalksmoney

    Instagram - @maddyversecommunity
    TikTok- @madaboutmoneyofficial

    Join the From Invisible To In Demand Masterclass

    More about the host:

    Laura Gowers is an award winning dyslexia assessor, neurodivergence coach and former teacher and SENCo with over 23 years of experience in education. She is the founder of This is Dyslexia - Dyslexia assessments & coaching and runs a specialist dyslexia assessment centre in Canterbury, Kent, supporting children and adults locally and across the UK through in person and online assessments.

    Her work is strengths based, focusing on clarity, confidence and wellbeing, helping people move beyond labels and understand how their brain truly works.

    Website: www.thisisdyslexia.co.uk

    Instagram:@thisisdyslexiauk

    Facebook: @LauraGowersUK

    Facebook Page:@this.is.dyslexia.uk

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    36 mins
  • Overcoming Dyslexic Labels: A message of empowerment with Rose Gibson
    Jan 14 2026

    In this episode, Laura Gowers speaks with Rose Gibson, a dyslexic entrepreneur and author, about her experiences with dyslexia, the impact of technology, and the importance of understanding different learning styles in education. Rose shares her journey from struggling with reading and spelling to becoming a successful business owner and author, emphasising the power of belief and the role of supportive environments in overcoming challenges. The conversation also touches on parenting and how to foster a positive learning experience for children with dyslexia.

    Key takeaways

    • Dyslexia can shape one's identity and self-perception.
    • Technology plays a crucial role in managing dyslexia today.
    • Understanding different learning styles is essential for effective education.
    • Writing can be a therapeutic and empowering process for dyslexics.
    • Celebrating small achievements is important for building confidence.
    • Dyslexia does not define one's capabilities or potential.
    • Supportive environments can significantly impact learning outcomes.
    • Parents should focus on understanding rather than comparing children's abilities.
    • Mistakes are a natural part of learning and should be embraced.
    • Belief in oneself is key to overcoming challenges.

    More about the guest:

    Rose Gibson is a Yorkshire based entrepreneur, mum of three and founder of BabyBeats, a national franchise helping women build flexible, family friendly businesses supporting mothers through pregnancy and beyond. Her Amazon bestselling book, l'm Fine: The Truth About Becoming a Mum (That No One Warns You About), shines a light on the raw, emotional truths of motherhood. BabyBeats (https:/ www.babybeats.co.uk) offers exercise classes by qualified fitness professionals for mum and baby, mindful movers for toddlers and children and adult exercise classes.

    Social media links: @babybeatsuk and @babybeatshq

    More about the host:

    Laura Gowers is a dyslexia assessor, neurodivergence coach and former teacher and SENCo with over 23 years of experience in education. She is the founder of This is Dyslexia - Dyslexia assessments and coaching and runs a specialist dyslexia assessment centre in Canterbury, Kent, supporting children and adults locally and across the UK through in person and online assessments.

    Her work is strengths based, focusing on clarity, confidence and wellbeing, helping people move beyond labels and understand how their brain truly works.

    Website: www.thisisdyslexia.co.uk

    Instagram: @thisisdyslexiauk

    Facebook: LauraGowersUK

    Facebook Page: @this.is.dyslexia.uk

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    23 mins
  • The impact of a dyslexia diagnosis:a conversation with primary school teacher & author Dan Batchelor
    Jan 14 2026

    Laura Gowers is joined by author and primary school teacher, Dan Batchelor to discuss how a diagnosis of dyslexia in his late teens had an impact on his understanding of himself. We discuss Dan's personal experiences with dyslexia, the impact of diagnosis, the influence of dyslexia on teaching, challenges within the education system, practical support for dyslexic children and advice for adults with dyslexia.

    Key Takeaways

    • Diagnosis impact
    • Challenges and strengths
    • Support and understanding

    More about the guest:

    Dan Batchelor grew up in West Sussex where with his twin brother where he would spend most of his time playing football, tennis, golf or any sport he could. During his time in college, he learnt that he had dyslexia. Despite this he went on to study Sports Science at University in High Wycombe achieving a 2:1. Dan always had a love for reading, movies and any form of media but it wasn't until he moved to London in 2012 that he started to come up with the concept for his story.

    In 2018, Dan had a complete change of career and began working as a primary school teacher - a job he is passion about and loves. Whilst working as a teacher, Dan finished his story as well as deciding on the concept for the sequel.

    Although Dan is dyslexic and does not have a background in literature, he knows the importance of reading and often tells the children he teaches,

    'Once you have learnt to read, you can read to learn. His love of reading and storytelling is what inspired him to begin writing and continue to build new worlds and stories.

    You can connect with Dan through his website:

    https://www.jackpalmerseries.co.uk and on instagram: @danbatchelor.author

    More about the host:

    Laura Gowers is an award winning dyslexia assessor, neurodivergence coach and former teacher and SENCo with over 23 years of experience in education. She is the founder of This is Dyslexia - Dyslexia assessments and coaching and runs a specialist dyslexia assessment centre in Canterbury, Kent, supporting children and adults locally and across the UK through in person and online assessments.

    Her work is strengths based, focusing on clarity, confidence and wellbeing, helping people move beyond labels and understand how their brain truly works.

    Website: www.thisisdyslexia.co.uk

    Instagram: @thisisdyslexiauk

    Facebook: LauraGowersUK

    Facebook Page: @this.is.dyslexia.uk

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    23 mins
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