The Different Ability® Podcast
Why am I different? Why do things have to be so difficult? Am I dumb? Why am I scared? Will it be this hard forever? Will I ever find the help I need to succeed? When will being different be accepted? Welcome to The Different Ability® Podcast where we will answer all of these questions and a whole lot more! Each week host Katey Fortun brings you tips and tricks on how to navigate being different, along with inspiring stories of guests that are living an amazing life having Different Abilities of their own. Parents and Educators of kids with D...
From Dyslexia to Children's Books: A Mother-Son Journey with Lynn Greenberg & Jon Greenberg
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Lynn Greenberg is back on The Different Ability® Podcast, and this time she's joined by her son, Jon!
In this episode, Jon shares his experiences growing up with dyslexia, the challenges he faced in school, and how finding the right learning environment changed his life. We also dive into the incredible mother-son collaboration behind their two published children's books, with Lynn as the author and Jon bringing the stories to life through his illustrations!
Plus, they're already working on book number THREE!
From dyslexia and advocacy to c...
The Stories We Don't Tell: Dyslexia, Identity & Representation with Leigh T. Braden
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What happens when someone tells your parents you'll probably never graduate high school, but you go on to earn a master's degree and write a novel?
In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, I'm joined by Leigh T. Braden, a fellow dyslexic, social worker, and author of the upcoming novel Word Blindness.
We talk about growing up with dyslexia, the incredible impact of parents who advocate for their children, finding confidence in our different brains, and why representation matters for adults with dyslexia, too.
Leigh also s...
Creating What You Wish Existed: Dyslexia, Advocacy & Representation with Lynn Greenberg
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What happens when you know your child is smart, creative, and capable, but the way they learn isn’t being understood?
In this episode, I sit down with Lynn Greenberg to talk about her experience advocating for her son, John, after recognizing early signs of dyslexia and ADHD. We talk about trusting your gut as a parent, finding the right support, the impact of finally having an answer, and what it means for a child to realize they aren’t alone.
Lynn also shares how she and John turned thei...
The Day My Dyslexia Diagnosis Changed My Life
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At 10 years old, I finally learned why school had always been so difficult for me.
In this special Dyslexia Awareness Month episode, I'm reading excerpts from Chapters 3 and 4 of my book, Embracing Your Different Ability®, taking you back to the testing process, the day I was diagnosed with dyslexia, and the moment that changed my life forever.
For years, I felt dumb, stupid, and alone. But that diagnosis gave me something I didn't even realize I needed: understanding.
And when the doctor asked what I would tell m...
Understanding Your Brain, Changing Your Life with Saara Haapanen
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What happens when you finally understand why your brain works the way it does?
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Saara Haapanen, ADHD and wellness expert, international speaker, and founder of Performance is Haapanen. Saara shares the twists and turns of her career, the experiences that eventually led to her ADHD diagnosis at 35, and how that diagnosis changed her life for the better.
We talk about understanding your brain, letting go of systems that were never designed for you, and finding ways to work with yourself instead...
It's Never Too Late to Understand Yourself with Walter & Stephanie
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In this episode, I sit down with husband-and-wife duo Walter and Stephanie to talk about their journeys of discovering they are neurodivergent later in life. Stephanie shares her experiences of being diagnosed with dyslexia as a child and, years later, receiving additional diagnoses, including autism and ADHD. Walter opens up about recently learning he has ADHD and how that new understanding has changed the way he sees himself.
Together, they discuss raising daughters who have also been diagnosed with neurodivergent disabilities, what they've learned as parents, and why understanding how our...
Back Behind the Mic!
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Where I've been, what I've been building, and the lessons I've learned along the way.
After a few quiet months away from the microphone, I'm excited to be back behind the mic.
The last few months have been filled with some of the biggest changes of my life... publishing my first book, stepping away from my corporate career, building new dreams in Colorado, and starting a new chapter that has challenged and stretched me in the best ways.
But this episode isn't just about catching...
The Dyslexic Font That Sparked a Bigger Conversation with Rebeka & Taosies
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What happens when a simple font sparks a powerful conversation?
In this episode, returning guest Rebeka Acosta is back! This time joined by her teenage son, Taosies, for a real and eye-opening discussion about dyslexia, perspective, and growth.
This conversation started when I sent Rebeka the first three chapters of my book in both a standard font and a dyslexic-friendly font. She didn’t like the dyslexic font… but her son LOVED it. That difference in perspective led to this honest and meaningful conversation.
Taosies shares his pers...
Breaking Barriers & Building a Life Without Limits with Jo Elizabeth Pinto
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What happens when you refuse to accept the limits others place on you?
In today’s episode, I sit down with Jo Elizabeth Pinto for a powerful conversation about inclusion, advocacy, and navigating a world that doesn’t always know how to support you.
We talk about the importance of having people who believe in you, discovering how you learn best, and building confidence and independence along the way.
This conversation is a reminder that inclusion and advocacy can change everything and that sometimes, all it takes is so...
Navigating Loss, Motherhood, Homeschooling, and Dyslexia with Stephany Rios
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In today’s episode, I’m joined by Stephany Rios, host of the Homeschool with Steph podcast, homeschooling mom of five, and entrepreneur.
Stephany shares her powerful life story—growing up and stepping into a caregiving role at a young age while her mom battled cancer. In her early 20s, she helped care for her mom, supported her eight younger siblings, along side her dad, and followed in her mom’s footsteps by becoming a nurse. Through it all, she experienced deep loss, resilience, and growth that shaped the woman and mother s...
Chapter 28 Conversation – Courage, Celebration, and Taking the Next Step | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this final episode of The Different Ability® Podcast for Season 6, Katey reflects on Chapter 28 of Embracing Your Different Ability®, sharing the courage it took to be vulnerable, the mix of emotions she experienced finishing the book, and the practical lessons she’s learned along the way. She discusses how to navigate fear, self-doubt, and external labels while celebrating accomplishments and embracing unique abilities.
Katey offers advice for anyone working toward big goals, including strategies for overcoming obstacles, building a supportive community, and taking the first step toward believing in yourself. She...
Chapter 27 Conversation – Raising an Advocate – Lessons from a Parent | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey sits down with her mom, Lynn, to explore Chapter 27 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss how Lynn’s perspective on learning disabilities has evolved since Katey’s diagnosis and the vital role of family, community, and support systems in navigating early challenges.
Lynn shares advice for parents and caregivers just starting their journey, what an ideal “village” of support looks like, and how to foster self-advocacy in children. They also reflect on societal misconceptions about learning differences, balancing protection with independence, and encour...
Chapter 26 Conversation – Finding Courage in the Face of Limiting Beliefs | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom dive into Chapter 26 of Embracing Your Different Ability®, focusing on limiting beliefs, self-doubt, and the courage it takes to keep going—even when quitting feels easier. Katey opens up about the moments during the writing process when negative self-talk crept in and how her different ability both challenged and strengthened her along the way.
They discuss the importance of support systems, using tools and accommodations without shame, and why asking for help is a powerful form of self-advocacy. This conv...
Chapter 25 Conversation – Advocating for Change Through Personal Storytelling | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom reflect on Chapter 25 of Embracing Your Different Ability® and the power of personal storytelling as a catalyst for advocacy and change. Katey shares how speaking at her great aunt Lynn’s celebration of life shaped her confidence as a speaker and reaffirmed her purpose as an advocate.
They discuss stepping outside comfort zones, the impact of encouragement from educators, and why sharing personal experiences can open doors, build connection, and inspire others. Katey also highlights the importance of family supp...
Chapter 24 Conversation – From Struggles to Strengths: Living with Different Ability® | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 24 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. Katey shares the pivotal mindset shift that led her to embrace the concept of Different Ability®—reframing dyslexia from a limitation into a source of strength. Together, they discuss navigating misconceptions, finding purpose through life’s unexpected turns, and creating “motivation moments” that spark growth and confidence. This conversation also dives into vulnerability in advocacy, the importance of community, and the vision behind protecting and growing the Different Ability® and Motivation Moment® brands. It’s an empow...
Chapter 23 Conversation – Embracing Mentors and Making an Impact | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 23 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They dive into the powerful role mentors play in shaping confidence, careers, and advocacy. Katey reflects on Doug’s advice to focus on making friends rather than just selling, how mentorship helped her navigate a career shift into sales, and why relationship-building has been central to her professional growth. Through stories of unexpected connections and small acts of kindness, this conversation highlights how mentorship, curiosity, and human connection can create ripple effects that lead...
Chapter 22 Conversation – The Power of Networking and Making Bold Moves | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 22 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss how meaningful connections often open doors more effectively than traditional job applications and how taking bold steps can lead to unexpected opportunities. Katey shares insights on transitioning into new roles, navigating job loss, trusting the people around you, and staying open to chance encounters that can change the course of your career. This conversation encourages listeners to embrace nontraditional paths, take calculated risks, and trust that growth often happens outside of co...
Chapter 21 Conversation – The Power of a Gift: How Advocacy Begins in the Heart | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 21 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. Katey reflects on the profound impact her great aunt Lynn had on her life and advocacy journey, sharing meaningful memories that made her feel deeply seen and valued. They discuss the emotional experience of receiving a gift Lynn had set aside before her passing and how that moment reshaped Katey’s perspective on advocacy, connection, and legacy. This conversation highlights how small, thoughtful gestures can leave lasting impressions and how love, belief, and enco...
Chapter 20 Conversation – The Hand That Raised Mine: Honoring a Legacy of Advocacy | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 20 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. Katey reflects on a powerful moment that felt like her hand was being raised by Lynn herself and how that experience reshaped her perspective on public speaking and advocacy. Together, they discuss the role of vulnerability in sharing personal stories, the importance of finding “your people,” and carrying forward a legacy of advocacy through loss and grief. This heartfelt conversation encourages listeners to trust their voice, honor those who’ve shaped them, and believe...
Chapter 19 Conversation – Ask, Connect, Achieve: How Taking Risks Opened New Doors | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 19 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss how Katey’s experiences at UW-Stout prepared her for networking, taking risks, and confidently putting herself out there. Katey shares lessons learned from mentors, how to handle “not right now” responses with persistence and humility, and the bold moments that helped open unexpected doors. This conversation reinforces the power of asking, building connections, and trusting that advocacy and courage can lead to meaningful opportunities in both career and life.
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Chapter 18 Conversation – Breaking Barriers: Kindness, Connection, and Personal Growth | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, dive into Chapter 18 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They explore the power of kindness, persistence, and human connection through stories that shaped Katey’s personal growth. From breaking down emotional walls through patience, to finding purpose and belonging in an unexpected work environment, this conversation highlights the importance of showing up as yourself in every season of life. Katey also shares encouragement for anyone navigating spaces that feel unfamiliar or unwelcoming, reminding listeners that growth often begins with authenticity and comp...
Chapter 17 Conversation – Putting Yourself Out There: The Importance of Building Relationships | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 17 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss how taking initiative, like learning Revit outside of the curriculum, shaped Katey’s confidence, leadership, and professional identity in college. Katey shares the challenges she overcame teaching herself with limited resources, the role of tutoring in building skills and self-assurance, and strategies for building authentic relationships with professors and mentors. The episode also highlights the significance of family support and celebrates milestones, like winning first place, that reinforce confidence and achievement.
Chapter 16 Conversation – Finding My Voice: Advocacy, Self-Discovery, and College Challenges | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 16 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss managing test anxiety, the role of humor in coping with college demands, and understanding unique learning differences such as letter reversals. Katey shares insights for students who may relate but don’t have a formal diagnosis and highlights her ongoing journey of self-discovery. The episode emphasizes the importance of advocacy, learning about yourself, and embracing strategies that build confidence and resilience in both academic and personal life.
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Chapter 15 Conversation – From Small Town to Big Opportunities: Self-Advocacy in College | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 15 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss the mental shift required when transitioning from the supportive environment of high school to advocating for yourself in college. Katey shares how early experiences practicing handshakes and introductions built her confidence in meeting professors, strategies for students who feel anxious about self-advocacy, and tips for creating meaningful relationships with educators and mentors. This conversation highlights the power of self-advocacy, confidence-building, and proactive communication in college and beyond.
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Chapter 14 Conversation – Embracing Dyslexia and Building My Dream at UW-Stout | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 14 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss Katey’s journey of self-acceptance and overcoming self-doubt while pursuing the Art and Design program at UW-Stout. Katey shares the challenges of transitioning to a larger college environment, forming strong connections with roommates, and learning to embrace her dyslexia. The conversation also highlights the importance of utilizing disability services, requesting accommodations like extra test time and note-taking, and carrying advocacy skills from school into the workplace. This episode encourages students and youn...
Chapter 13 Conversation – From Rebellion to Realization – Starting My College Journey | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, dive into Chapter 13 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They explore the pivotal moments that shaped Katey’s college decision, including advice from her Great Aunt Lynn, navigating peer influence, and the impact of a tour guide who helped her see the college in a new light. Katey shares how this experience taught her the value of being open to new possibilities, the importance of disability services, and the role of a strong support system in school and work environments. This conv...
Chapter 12 Conversation – A Teacher’s Impact: How Mrs. D Showed Me the Power of Advocacy | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 12 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss the pivotal role of teachers in helping students advocate for themselves, highlighting the encouragement Katey received from Mrs. D during a vulnerable moment in school. Katey shares how writing a letter about her foreign language requirement shaped her mindset toward self-advocacy, the importance of having allies in education, and practical steps students and parents can take to ensure their rights are respected. This conversation emphasizes how educators, parents, and students can wo...
Chapter 11 Conversation – Testing My Limits: The Power of Accommodations | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 11 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss the challenges students face in embracing accommodations during high school, the balance between independence and support, and how using an IEP can make a tangible difference in academic performance. Katey shares strategies for testing oneself with and without accommodations, highlights the importance of self-advocacy, and offers guidance for teachers and parents on helping students understand and confidently use their learning supports. This conversation empowers students to recognize the value of accommodations wh...
Chapter 10 Conversation – A First Job That Taught Me Life Lessons in Leadership and Independence | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 10 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss Katey’s first job and the invaluable lessons it taught her about leadership, responsibility, and independence. From being trusted with new responsibilities to learning time management and accountability, Katey reflects on how these experiences built her confidence and prepared her for future challenges. This conversation emphasizes the connection between work experiences, self-advocacy, and developing skills that extend beyond the workplace into all areas of life.
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Chapter 9 Conversation – Learning by Doing – Creativity and Hands-On Learning Shaped My Story | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, dive into Chapter 9 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They explore how creativity, thinking outside the box, and hands-on experiences—like welding at a young age—helped Katey build confidence, overcome challenges, and develop her advocacy skills. Katey shares strategies for identifying strengths and areas for improvement, offers guidance for students and parents navigating learning differences, and emphasizes the importance of being more than your disability. This conversation inspires listeners to embrace creativity, hands-on learning, and self-advocacy to shape their own path.<...
Chapter 8 Conversation – Redefining Learning: How I Advocated for My Success | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, dive into Chapter 8 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They explore the challenges Katey faced during classroom reading sessions, the anxiety and stress of struggling with traditional learning methods, and the importance of involving children in their own IEP or 504 meetings. Katey shares how technology, like audiobooks, transformed her relationship with reading and offers practical advice for parents advocating for their child’s learning needs. This conversation highlights the power of parental support, self-advocacy, and confidence-building strategies for students with learning diff...
Chapter 7 Conversation – Standing Up for Myself – The Moment That Changed Everything | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 7 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They dive into the pivotal middle school moment that shaped Katey’s confidence and taught her the power of using her voice. Katey reflects on how nervousness, teasing, and supportive guidance contributed to building resilience, and they share practical steps listeners can take to grow their own confidence. This conversation emphasizes the importance of facing challenges, leaning on support, and recognizing turning points that can transform self-esteem and personal growth.
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Chapter 6 Conversation – Finding My Voice Through Dyslexia and Sports | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 6 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss the challenges Katey faced transitioning from elementary to middle school while navigating a learning disability, the impact of supportive mentors like Coach K on both her athletic and personal growth, and the fear of being “found out” by peers and teachers. This conversation also highlights Katey’s journey toward self-acceptance and advocacy, demonstrating how sports and perseverance can help children build confidence and embrace their unique abilities.
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Chapter 5 Conversation – Beyond the Diagnosis: A Mother’s Journey Through Dyslexia | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, dive into Chapter 5 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss the moment Lynn realized Katey’s reading struggles were more than typical childhood challenges and the emotional journey of navigating guilt while advocating for her child. This conversation also explores the process of creating an Individualized Education Program (IEP), the importance of parental involvement in schools, and strategies for speaking up in the face of resistance. They share insights on societal changes needed to support children with learning disabilities and offe...
Chapter 4 Conversation – Shifting the Narrative: “I Learn Differently” | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey, her mom Lynn, and a special guest appearance by her dad dive into Chapter 4 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They explore the transformative power of the phrase “I just learn differently,” how it shaped Katey’s identity through middle school and beyond, and the critical role of parental support in embracing her diagnosis rather than feeling shame. The conversation also tackles society’s fixation on “normal,” moments of self-doubt, and how Katey leverages her visual thinking and creative strengths in her work, life, and advocacy today...
Chapter 3 Conversation – Finding My Voice Through Dyslexia | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, explore Chapter 3 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They discuss the long journey of recognizing hidden struggles, the emotional impact of feeling “dumb” or “stupid,” and the importance of advocacy when schools don’t always listen. Together, they share insights for parents and children navigating dyslexia, address the guilt and helplessness parents may feel, and offer encouragement for kids who are scared to speak up about their challenges. This conversation highlights resilience, self-advocacy, and finding your voice in the face of unseen learn...
Chapter 2 Conversation – Trusting Your Gut: A Parent’s Journey Through Unseen Struggles | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey and her mom, Lynn, dive into Chapter 2 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. They explore the challenges of recognizing a child’s hidden struggles, the impact of teacher feedback, and the ways a shy personality can mask underlying needs. Together, they discuss how trust, intuition, and resilience play a role in parenting children who don’t always fit the typical learning mold. This conversation offers encouragement, insight, and practical wisdom for parents, caregivers, and educators navigating similar journeys.
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Chapter 1 Conversation – From Shame to Strength | Embracing Your Different Ability®
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In this episode of The Different Ability® Podcast, Katey dives deeper into Chapter 1 of Embracing Your Different Ability®. This conversation reflects on early moments of self-doubt, the long-lasting impact of being misunderstood, and the quiet signs that often get missed when a child is struggling. Together, Katey and her mom unpack a story that stayed hidden for decades, explore how adult responses shape confidence and trust, and offer insight for parents and educators who want to better support children who feel like they’re falling through the cracks.
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RE-RELEASE: Dyslexia Struggles
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This week, I’m bringing back a powerful conversation from the archive: Dyslexia Struggles.
As I prepare for the release of my book Embracing Your Different Ability®, it felt like the perfect time to revisit this episode where I open up about the real, everyday challenges I face living with dyslexia. From the frustrations to the behind-the-scenes moments people don’t always see, I share honestly about what it’s like and the tools and strategies that have helped me navigate it all.
If you or someone you love has dys...
RE-RELEASE: Standing up to your bully!
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Re-releasing this episode because the message still matters. If you’ve ever been made to feel “less than,” this is your reminder: you are not alone!
Let’s stand up to our bullies, grow in confidence, and embrace what makes us uniquely us - differences and all!
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