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Literacy Talks

Reading Horizons
Dyslexia
Science Of Reading
Structured Literacy
Literacy
Education
Literacy Education
Reading Proficiency
Phonics
Phonemic Awareness
Teaching Strategies
Literacy Instruction
Reading Instruction
Assessment
Reading Comprehension
Teacher Training
Comprehension
International Dyslexia Association
Plain Talk Conference
Explicit Instruction
Teaching Practices

Welcome to Literacy Talks, a podcast from Reading Horizons, where reading momentum begins. Each episode features our trio of literacy champions: Stacy Hurst, an assistant professor of reading at Southern Utah University and Chief Academic Advisor at Reading Horizons; Donell Pons, a dyslexia specialist, educator, presenter, and writer, who now works with adults with reading challenges; and Lindsay ... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes138Founded5 years ago
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Education

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Show Notes

Dyslexia is one of the most common reasons students struggle to learn to read, yet misconceptions about what it is—and what it isn't—persist.

In this episode, Donell and Stacy discuss the International Dyslexia Association's updated defi... more

Episode Description

What's the most effective way to teach students to read and spell irregular words? In this episode, Stacy, Donell, and Lindsay examine new research comparing Heart Word instruction and mispronunciation correction, two approaches t... more

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Show Notes

In this follow-up to Episode 127, Donell Pons and Lindsay Kemeny reconnect with Kristie Nelson to hear how her son Braxton is progressing after being identified with dyslexia. While targeted reading intervention has led to encouraging gai... more

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Fresh from The Reading League's 10th Annual Conference in Chicago, Lindsay, Donell, and Stacy share the research, ideas, and classroom strategies that caught their attention. From the growing influence of AI to the importance of oral language, readin... more

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Recent Guests

Kristie Nelson
Mother and educator sharing her family's experience supporting her son with dyslexia
Episode: Episode 136: Making Reading Gains Stick: The Middle School Challenge | The Braxton Story, Part 2
Andrea Setmeyer
Special guest appearing as an honorary host
Episode: Episode 124: The Best Assessment Takeaways from the Reading League Summit
Kareem Weaver
Educator and leader focused on literacy access
Fulcrum
Episode: Episode 121: Turning Awareness into Impact with Kareem Weaver
Adrea Truckenmiller
Associate professor at Michigan State University, school psychologist
Michigan State University
Episode: Episode 120: Too Many Reading Assessments? What to Keep—and What to Let Go
Patrick Kennedy
Dr. Patrick Kennedy, author of an article in The Reading League Journal focused on dyslexia screening
University of Oregon (referenced)
Episode: Episode 119: Screening to Catch Reading Problems Before They Grow
Jessica Toste
Editor of The Reading League Journal; Associate Professor focusing on reading development
The Reading League; University of Texas at Austin
Episode: Episode 118: You Have the Data—Now What? How to Actually Use Reading Data in Your Classroom
Elizabeth Lammerow
Representative, The Reading League
The Reading League
Episode: Episode 117: What Your Reading Data Is Really Telling You
Maria Murray
Special guest
[not explicitly stated in transcript]
Episode: Episode 115: Changing the System: The Story Behind The Reading League
Grant Rivera
Superintendent of the Marietta School District
Marietta School District
Episode: Episode 114: Investing in People, Not Programs: A District’s Literacy Transformation

Hosts

Stacy Hurst
Host of Literacy Talks; professor and chief academic advisor at Reading Horizons
Donell Pons
Host of Literacy Talks, Dyslexia specialist; educator, presenter, and writer
Lindsay Kemeny
Co-host of Literacy Talks; elementary teacher and author; certified Structured Literacy specialist

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 109 ratings
  • Love this podcast

    I’m so grateful for this podcast. Your advice, candid conversation, honesty, and intentionality on who you bring on as guests are all so helpful for those of us in the world of literacy. You’ve inspired me to continue my own education and deepen my training to support teachers and other professionals in the field. Bravo!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Gk1180
    United States5 months ago
  • Strong Language 1

    Excellent podcast! I really enjoy the candid conversations. I’d love to hear a conversation about teaching and encouraging ELL families to strengthen their L1 so they can have a stronger L2. There is still a myth that if they want their child to learn English they should limit L1 speech.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Belinda40
    United Statesa year ago
  • Powerful

    Wow, wow, wow! Listening to the episode about the life experience and journey that Donell’s husband, Curtis has had was so powerful. Thank you for sharing your words, feelings, thoughts and vulnerability. Every teacher should listen to this one (and every episode with this fabulous trio of hosts)!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ClarkeNatalie
    United States2 years ago
  • Insightful

    I always find the episodes so insightful. They provide such helpful information. I feel inspired to do the best I can for my students with help from great podcasts like this one.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    greatway yo start my morning.
    United States2 years ago
  • Talking out of both sides of their mouth

    The episode on Writing matters was infuriating. The hosts disparage Calkins and her approach to writing, yet they exalt the exact lessons and philosophies of writing instruction that Calkins has had in place for years. MANY of the “ideas” they shared were literally ripped from the pages of Calkins’ units of study. Calkins did phenomenal things for writing instruction. The hosts also mention ThinkSRSD in this episode, which is also very much copied from Calkins’s work. Can we stop skirting aroun... more

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    makenzie132
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Guest lineups are diverse and consistently center students' needs.
Candid conversations and actionable guidance across literacy topics.
Content is insightful and motivating for teachers seeking to improve literacy outcomes.
Listeners appreciate the mix of practical tips and research-grounded discussion.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Episode 136: Making Reading Gains Stick: The Middle School Challenge | The Braxton Story, Part 2
Q: So you've already mentioned, you've seen a great deal of improvement in his reading. And how about his writing? And Kristie, just overall, his attitude towards learning. What have you seen?
Kristie says his writing has improved with occupational therapy and more careful pacing, while middle school has been a major adjustment. His reading has become harder since targeted phonics instruction stopped, so the school plans to resume it; he has also begun asking teachers for the support he needs.
Episode 136: Making Reading Gains Stick: The Middle School Challenge | The Braxton Story, Part 2
Q: When you look back, Kristie, what stands out to you about that time? Is there anything that you want to share with us now that you didn't realize at the time that you've now realized going forward?
Kristie realized Braxton had been struggling more than his grades suggested, and that accommodations and targeted instruction helped reveal his abilities and improve his reading.
Episode 115: Changing the System: The Story Behind The Reading League
Q: How has the Reading League evolved since its inception?
From a grassroots gathering to a nationwide network with chapters, conferences, a summit, and a scholarly journal, all aimed at disseminating and implementing science-based reading practices while focusing on equity and professional learning.
Episode 115: Changing the System: The Story Behind The Reading League
Q: What inspired the founding of the Reading League?
The founders were frustrated by the recurring 'that's not our job' refrain and believed teachers needed direct access to science-based reading knowledge; this motivation spurred the creation of a national network and resources to empower educators.
Episode 111: Rethinking Literacy Through Community Collaboration
Q: What about the summit makes it so special?
Jenny describes the summit as a space for engaged collaboration among educators and scholars, emphasizing the importance of shared learning and the vibrant discussions that arise during the event.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Literacy Talks

What is Literacy Talks about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A practical, educator-focused show that centers on literacy Instruction, assessment, and system-wide implementation. Across episodes, the discussions cover structured literacy, dyslexia, MTSS, and district-wide literacy transformations, blending classroom strategies with policy and leadership insights. Guests range from school-based practitioners to researchers and administrators, all exploring how to translate research into actionable instruction, data-informed decision making, and scalable programs. A notable strength is the trio of hosts who bring hands-on experience from Reading Horizons, coupled with guests who connect classroom realities to district pathways, making it valuable for teachers, coaches, and literacy leaders seeking tangi... more

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To see how many followers or subscribers Literacy Talks has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

How many episodes of Literacy Talks are there?

Literacy Talks launched 5 years ago and published 138 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Literacy Talks?

Recent guests on Literacy Talks include:

1. Kristie Nelson
2. Andrea Setmeyer
3. Kareem Weaver
4. Adrea Truckenmiller
5. Patrick Kennedy
6. Jessica Toste
7. Elizabeth Lammerow
8. Maria Murray

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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