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.
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
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.