Have you ever felt like you were navigating a world that just didn't understand you? In this powerful episode, we're joined by clinical psychologist Monique Mitchelson to explore the rich landscape of neurodivergence - from late diagnoses to celebrating neurodivergent identity. Monique brings a rare perspective as both a psychologist and someone with lived experience of autism and ADHD. Based in Brisbane, Australia, she's become a leading voice in neurodiversity advocacy through her clinical wor...
Jun 29, 2025•41 min•Ep. 77
What happens when a dyslexic woman who was told she’d "never be anything" becomes a trailblazing leader in disability inclusion? In this raw and powerful episode, Saraya O’Connell from Hotel Etico—Australia’s first social enterprise hotel—opens up for the first time about her dyslexia, ADHD, and how she turned workplace struggles into superpowers. Saraya is the General Manager of Hotel Etico, a groundbreaking not-for-profit hotel in the Blue Mountains that trains and employs young adults with di...
May 29, 2025•42 min
Ever felt like your brain just works differently — and wished technology could meet you halfway? In this empowering solo episode, Dr Shae Wissell shares why AI has become a game-changer for dyslexics and other neurodivergent minds, offering practical ways to turn daily challenges into new superpowers. In today’s episode, Dr Shae Wissell, researcher, advocate, and proud dyslexic and dysgraphic, dives deep into how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the way neurodivergent individuals wor...
Apr 29, 2025•30 min
In a world where disability often gets lost in the noise of bureaucracy, how do we ensure that every voice is heard? In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Peter Smith, the Director and Founder of the Center for Disability Employment Research and Practice (CDERP). With over 15 years of experience in the field, Peter has dedicated his career to improving employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. His journey began at Sydney University, where he recognised the lack of focus on dis...
Mar 29, 2025•37 min•Ep. 74
We are joined in this episode by Dr. Annalisa, the founder of Atom Consulting, a company dedicated to helping water utilities manage their risks, particularly in water quality. With a rich background in consulting and a personal journey through neurodiversity, Annalisa has become a passionate advocate for individuals with learning differences. After her elder son was diagnosed with autism, she pursued her own diagnosis of ADHD in her 40s, leading her to a deeper understanding of neurodiversity. ...
Feb 28, 2025•32 min
Did you know that most research on dyslexia focuses on children, leaving a massive gap in understanding how it impacts adults—especially in professional settings? In this episode of the Dear Dyslexia Podcast, host Dr. Shae Wissell dives into her groundbreaking research on the challenges faced by dyslexic adults in the workplace. She sheds light on the barriers they encounter, from stigma and lack of support to the often-overlooked emotional toll of navigating a world designed for neurotypical in...
Jan 30, 2025•20 min
Get ready for an eye-opening episode of the Dear Dyslexic! This week, we dive into the world of inclusive business practices and the remarkable journey of a powerhouse in the automotive industry. In this episode of the Dear Dyslexic podcast, host Dr Shae Wissell sits down with Raffy, a dynamic leader in the automotive industry and a passionate advocate for inclusive business practices. Raffy has been a trailblazer in her field for over 20 years, running a successful auto mechanic business with h...
Dec 01, 2024•40 min•Season 6Ep. 71
Imagine keeping a part of yourself hidden for over 50 years – a part of you that defines not just who you are, but how you think, work, and see the world. In today’s episode, Dr Shae Wissell sits down with Nigel Lockett, the Dyslexic Professor, to unravel the profound journey of embracing dyslexia and redefining it as a strength in the world of entrepreneurship. Episode Summary In this insightful conversation, Nigel Lockett, Emeritus Professor of Entrepreneurship and seasoned mentor, delves into...
Oct 30, 2024•45 min•Season 6Ep. 70
Discover how embracing neurodiversity can unlock hidden potential and transform workplaces with Mel Webster, a leader who proudly wears her ADHD and dyslexia as badges of strength. Mel Webster is the CEO of ADHD Australia, a passionate advocate for neurodiversity, and a proud individual with ADHD and dyslexia. With a background in working with individuals on the autism spectrum and a personal journey of diagnosis and parenting a neurodivergent child, Mel brings a wealth of experience and insight...
Sep 29, 2024•48 min•Season 1Ep. 69
What if the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals are more about survival than adaptation? In this episode of the Dear Dyslexia podcast, Dr. Shae Wissell dives deep into a thought-provoking discussion with Dr Neil Alexander Passe, a researcher and advocate who is reshaping our understanding of neurodivergence and its impact on daily life. Dr Neil Alexander Passe, a respected researcher in the field of dyslexia and neurodivergence, returns to the show to share his latest insights. With y...
Aug 29, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 68
Are you ready to hear how one organisation is making a difference in the lives of young people with neurodivergences? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Deirdre Hardy from Future Connect! In this episode, we are thrilled to host Deirdre Hardy, a dedicated advocate for young people with neurodivergences. Deirdre is the CEO of Future Connect, an organisation committed to supporting young individuals as they transition from education to employment. With a wealth of experience in working wit...
Jul 30, 2024•18 min•Season 1Ep. 67
Dive deep into the world of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) with Dr. Jamica Nadina Love, a trailblazer making waves across the education sector and beyond. Get ready to challenge your perspectives and understand the true power of intersectionality. Guest Introduction: In this episode, we welcome Dr. Jamica Nadina Love, a renowned DEI expert and transformative leader. As the first Chief Diversity Officer at the historic Virginia Military Institute and the founder of Higher Dimensions Consu...
Jun 29, 2024•39 min•Season 1Ep. 66
n this episode, Shae has an open discussion with Kim Percy, where they talk about life and parenthood as a late-diagnosed dyslexic. After her youngest son was diagnosed in year 2, Kim found herself relating to many of his experiences with dyslexia and felt she too may be dyslexic. Over the last 24 years, she has co-directed and been a senior designer for Designscope, an agency dedicated to branding, strategy, web and print design. Her first passion was visual art, and she has had prominent exhib...
May 29, 2024•38 min•Season 6Ep. 65
In this fun podcast Dr Shae Wissell speaks with Dr Helen Ross about living with dyslexia and undiagnosed ADHD. Helen is a dyslexia expert and Special Educational Needs specialist with experience in independent and public education sectors, as well as at local and national levels. As a former teacher/SENDCo with over 10 years of experience, I now work as a freelance consultant, researcher, and board member. Helen offers a unique perspective as she is dyslexic herself, emphasising the importance o...
Apr 30, 2024•34 min•Season 6Ep. 64
In this episode, Shae speaks with Dana Neiger, Author/CHRO/Co-Founder at HIVE Talent Acquisition Firm Dana's recruiting experience covers a wide range of industries such as accounting and finance, construction, engineering, light industrial and warehousing, sales and marketing, with a specialty in legal recruiting. Her human resources consulting background includes, training, payroll, sponsorship, HRIS, networking, social media and branding. Dana is a graduate of the private women's college, Agn...
Mar 30, 2024•39 min•Season 6Ep. 64
This episode may contain sensitive discussions if you find any of this content distressing, seek support: Life Line on 13 11 14 BeyondBlue counsellor on 1300 22 4636 Im Dr Shae Wissell and you have been listening to the Dear Dyslexic Podcast. Head to rethinkdyslexia.com.au to find out more about today’s guest speaker. To keep up-to-date with all our news sign up to our mailing list and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. If you haven’t done so yet go to your favoured podcast platform ...
Feb 28, 2024•37 min•Season 6Ep. 62
In this episode, Shae speaks with Craig Collinson. Shae and Craig share their insights into their research and Craig's fascinating topic Lexism” – the Othering and discrimination of dyslexics. This conversation may come across as a bit controversial, so we look forward to hearing your thoughts on the topic! Craig is a UK dyslexic academic and a Researcher Development Fellow at Edge Hill University. He was born and brought up in the south of England; the first of his immediate family to go to uni...
Nov 30, 2023•45 min
Every workplace needs a dyslexic or ten. Problem solver. Lateral thinker. Emotionally intelligent. Creative. Intuitive. Empathic. People with dyslexia have the kind of strengths that help an organisation be more dynamic, innovative and forward-thinking. All it takes, with the help of HR and DEI, is the support our workplace programs provide. That’s the advantage of doing things differently. In this special edition, Shae speaks with Sally Close (HR consultant), Kate Madden (CEO), and Lorna Berry ...
Oct 23, 2023•34 min•Season 5Ep. 60
In this episode, Shae speaks with Ph.D. colleague and peer Bill Goh. Together they discuss a number of topics from accessing a diagnosis, educational trauma, advocacy and PhD life. We hope you enjoy this episode as much as Shae and Bill enjoy spending time unpacking life as Dyslexic PhD candidates. A bit about Bill. Trying to get an education with dyslexia resulted in me failing grade two and dropping out of school in grade twelve. I have very few fond memories of school. Yet, decades later I’m ...
Sep 15, 2023•54 min•Season 6Ep. 59
Welcome to episode 58 with Nicci Richman. Nicci is a neurodivergent Organisational Development professional, supporting businesses to embrace inclusive design that optimises performance, productivity and belonging. She is an effective Leader with a demonstrated history of working in a range of sectors, I bring strengths in building purposeful cultures, training and development, removing complexity, and streamlining processes. Nicci's career has its foundations in social research, working on empl...
Jul 28, 2023•43 min•Season 6Ep. 58
In the second part of this two-part series, Shae speaks with Gareth Robinson from Mindhabits. Gareth shares with Shae the Habit Staker and how by creating tiny habits every day we can start to manage and cope not just during stressful and traumatic times, but in managing day-to-day life. Having lost his brother and 3 close mates to suicide, he is a passionate mental health advocate who specialises in helping clients sell better, find more time, less stress, and better habits. Gareth’s profession...
Jun 20, 2023•58 min•Season 5Ep. 57
In this two-part series, Shae speaks with Gareth Robinson from Mindhabits. Gareth shares with Shae how tiny habits can help us manage and cope during stressful and traumatic times. Having lost his brother and 3 close mates to suicide, he is a passionate mental health advocate who specialises in helping clients sell better, find more time, less stress, and better habits. Gareth’s professional and personal purpose overlap as he does his bit to help people live better and organisations grow. He lov...
May 30, 2023•46 min•Season 5Ep. 56
In this episode, Shae speaks with Mark Long from I AM LEX. Mark created a brand new communication tailored for the 21st century by rebranding the dyslexic identity to reflect the modern age ~ I AM LEX. Dyslexia is riddled with old paradigms, misunderstandings, false narratives, and a harmful stigma. It is about time to showcase the extraordinary creatives and exceptional problem solvers with something that connects them all for neurodiversity.
Mar 31, 2023•44 min•Season 6Ep. 55
In this episode, Shae speaks with Autumn O’Connor and Tammy McGown about raising children as neurodivergent parents the ups, downs, and the many laughs along the way. Autumn O'Connor is a new mother to a wonderful little man; learning how to give him a strong secure attachment, so he may grow up feeling safe, loved and free to be himself. Autumn is a twice-exceptional adult (autism, gifted IQ, dyslexia and dyscalculia), and believes her neurominority lived experiences give her a unique perspecti...
Sep 12, 2022•56 min
In this episode, Shae speaks with Councillor Teeny Brumby from Burnie, Tasmania. Teeny is an effervescent and outgoing Wife and Mum of four children who LOVES op-shopping, coffee and public speaking and is an amazing dyslexic advocate. We hope you enjoy this podcast as much as Shae enjoyed speaking with Teeny!
Jul 27, 2022•49 min
In this episode, Shae speaks with Ben Fogarty. Ben is a barrister at Denman Chambers, with expertise in discrimination law (specialising in disability discrimination), administrative law, criminal law, guardianship and mental health law, and employment and industrial relations laws. He has been a barrister for 10 years and, prior to that, was a solicitor for 12 years. Prior to being called to the bar, Ben was the senior solicitor at the Homeless Persons’ Legal Service. He has also been the Actin...
Jun 28, 2022
In this episode, Shae speaks with Natalia Lychowski who is proudly neurodivergent Nat is a Business Transformation Analyst, the Global Neurodiversity Advancement Leader, and Leader of Global Neurodiversity @ IBM Business Resource Group Co-Chair. This podcast has been proudly sponsored by IMC training. With more than 25 years of experience, 12 international locations, and 350 employees, imc is the leading full-service provider of digital training. Experts in the fields of technology, e-learning c...
May 26, 2022
We are so excited to be launching our 50th podcast, with nearly 25000 downloads worldwide our podcasts continue to be a valuable resource to our growing community! This is a special edition podcast episode from our Living Successfully with Dyslexia 2021 Conference. Shae had a round table conversation with Autumn O’Conner, Tammy McGown and Dr. Rebecca Flower on neurodiversity in the workplace.
Apr 03, 2022•56 min
In this podcast Shae speaks with Darlene McLennan is the Manager of the Australian Disability Clearinghouse on Education and Training (ADCET) and the National Disability Coordination Officer for Tasmania. Both of which are hosted by the University of Tasmania.
Feb 22, 2022•34 min
This is a special podcast episode, a round table conversation from our 2021 Conference. In this podcast, Shae had a round table conversation with Dan Graham and Sally Close about the role of advocacy in the workplace. Dan Graham is a Theatre Director and a Disability Advocate with a particular interest in access support for neuro-diverse performing artists. His directing and access work has seen him travel all over Australia and the world to research and explore access and inclusion. Sally Close...
Jan 25, 2022•49 min
