Therapod Podcast - Rising with Dyslexia

In this episode, we go Beyond Dyslexia with a truly fascinating guest: Nellie Nakhel, a successful academic who has navigated the halls of higher education while grappling with dyslexia. Our guest shares their candid journey, from the early frustrations of feeling like an outsider in a system that didn't play to their strengths, to the grit it took to persist and find their own path.

We explore a profound narrative of self-acceptance, uncovering how they came to see their dyslexia not as a limitation, but as a different kind of operating system. We'll dive into the unique cognitive strengths that come with thinking differently—how their brain's unique wiring allowed them to connect disparate ideas, spot hidden patterns, and innovate in their field in ways their peers couldn't.

This is more than a story of overcoming a challenge; it's an exploration of redefining what "academic success" truly

means.https://open.spotify.com/episode/20cBMYPh0qd2pjaWxVqkzF?si=s6sI-A4BR1C6vds8nxON9Q

Turning Dyslexia into Storytelling Power with Nellie Nakhel of Lovely Life Library

The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast — ADHD, Autism, AuDHD, Other ND Conditions & Lived Experiences

Guest: Nellie Nakhel — author, advocate, and founder of Lovely Life Library, a creative space where children’s stories celebrate neurodiversity and inclusion.

Diagnosed with dyslexia at a young age, Nellie transformed what once felt like a barrier into her greatest creative strength. Through her storytelling and teaching, she’s helping kids and adults alike see that thinking differently isn’t a limitation — it’s a superpower.

Together, Paul and Nellie explore how neurodiversity shapes learning, creativity, and empathy, and what it means to create stories that make every child feel seen.

Notable Quotes

“It’s not necessarily a bad thing to think differently — it just means your mind works in its own amazing way.” — Nellie Nakhel

“If I can make even one child feel better about their differences, that’s success to me.” — Nellie Nakhel

“Neurodiversity isn’t something to overcome — it’s something to celebrate.” — Paul Cruz

Nellie Nakhel is an author, educator, and advocate for neurodiversity. As the founder of Lovely Life Library, she creates inclusive picture books that help children embrace their differences with pride. Her work blends her background in psychology, her experience in higher education, and her personal journey with dyslexia to empower learners of all kinds.

Turning Dyslexia into Storytelling Power with Nellie Nakhel of Lovely Life Library | Podcasts