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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.