Find all the Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities Episodes Here, or Search by Topic!
Episode # 125 - College Success Coach Laura Amigone
In this Episode of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie speaks with Laura from Rudder Coaching, a college success coach who helps students not just survive but thrive during their college years.
Laura specializes in working with students already enrolled in college, helping them build strong time management habits, plan future careers, and develop confidence in their academic and personal lives.
Episode # 124 - College Entrance Exam Prep with Jim Wismer
In this episode, Laurie interviews Jim Wismer, director at Ivy Experience and board member of the National Test Prep Association (NTPA). He shares his journey from aspiring Latin teacher to seasoned test prep expert and now director overseeing tutoring and test preparation services.
Episode # 123 - Dyslexia Basics with Melanie Florsheim
In this episode, Laurie reconnects with Melanie Florsheim to revisit the foundational concepts of dyslexia, emphasizing that it is a neurological disorder affecting the brain’s ability to process written language—not a result of brain damage or reversed letters.
Episode # 122 - Homeschooling with Dr. Michele Evard
In this episode Laurie chats with Dr. Michele Evard, a seasoned homeschool consultant and co-author of a book on designing and documenting homeschool education. She explains that homeschooling allows children to learn naturally and connect new information to what they already know, breaking away from rigid, standardized timelines often found in traditional schools.
Episode # 121 - How To College with Dr. Andrea Malkin Brenner
In this episode, Laurie interviews Andrea Malkin Brenner, a college transition expert, sociologist, and co-author of How to College. Andrea shares her “Talking College” card decks, to help students and families navigate the transition from high school to college. Her materials offer realistic preparation and life skill-building that go beyond academics, targeting the often-overlooked emotional and logistical challenges of college life.
Episode # 120 - ADHD and Marriage
In this episode, Laurie invites her husband Tim to share their unique experience as a married couple who both have ADHD. They reflect on the challenges and strengths of navigating life, work, and parenting together while managing their symptoms.
Episode # 119 - IECA Conference 2025
In this episode of Let’s Talk Learning Disabilities, Laurie attends the Independent Educational Consulting Association (IECA) conference in Detroit, where she interviews several incredible professionals working to support students in their academic transitions.
Episode # 118 - Tips for Parents of Neurodivergent Students
In this episode, Laurie reconnects with Cindy Palmer from Threshold Coaches to discuss essential parenting strategies for supporting neurodivergent students, particularly those with ADHD, as they transition from high school to college.
Episode #117 -Emotional Impact of Learning Disabilities
This episode focuses on the often-overlooked emotional impact of learning disabilities and ADHD on both children and adults. Laurie emphasizes the importance of validation, open communication, and self-advocacy for both children and adults navigating these challenges.
Episode # 116 - College and Neurodiversity with Cindy Palmer
Laurie chats again with Cindy Palmer of Threshold Coaches to discuss the transition from high school to college for neurodiverse students. Cindy shares her top 10 tips for these students.
Episode # 115 - Autism & Learning Disabilities with Dr. Casey Vaccaro
Laurie is joined by Dr. Casey Vaccaro to explore autism, its symptoms, and its overlap with ADHD and learning disabilities. Dr. Vaccaro highlights the importance of early intervention, offering reassurance to parents that with the right support and therapies, children with autism can thrive and succeed.
Episode # 114 - Learning Disabilities Association 2025
Laurie Peterson interviews inspiring guests from Beacon College, Dean College, Fusion Academy and Author & Illustrator Krista Weltner, at the Learning Disability Association annual conference.
Episode # 113 - The Einstein School with Jan Van Blarcum p 02
Laurie welcomes Jan Van Blarcum. Laurie and Jan have known each other for many years, their connection stemming from Jan's tutoring company and Laurie's work in testing students. Jan now runs a school in Plano called The Einstein School.
Episode # 112 - The Einstein School with Jan Van Blarcum p 01
Laurie welcomes Jan Van Blarcum. Laurie and Jan have known each other for many years, their connection stemming from Jan's tutoring company and Laurie's work in testing students. Jan now runs a school in Plano called The Einstein School.
Episode # 111 - SAT and ACT Prep
Laurie sheds light on the often-overlooked topic of SAT and ACT accommodations for students with learning disabilities. With recent changes in regulations, Laurie shares valuable tips on how to start the process early, stay on top of evolving requirements, and ensure you're fully prepared to apply for the accommodations you need.
Episode # 109 - Visual Processing & Functional Vision - Justin Chelette of Texas Vision Therapy Part 2
In this Episode, Laurie and Abbey conclude their interview Dr. Justin Chelette, an optometrist from Texas Vision Therapy, delving into the topic of visual processing and functional vision.
Episode # 108 - Visual Processing & Functional Vision - Justin Chelette Texas Vision Therapy Part 01
Laurie and Abbey interview Dr. Justin Chelette, an optometrist from Texas Vision Therapy, to delve into the topic of visual processing and functional vision.
Episode # 107 - Test Anxiety with Lindsay Hollmuller
Laurie and Abbey sit down with Lindsay Hollmuller from Dallas Integrated Counseling to continue their Intervention series.
Lindsay discusses the common issue of test anxiety and introduces the Test Edge program, which helps individuals manage anxiety, whether it's tied to a learning disability or a standalone concern.
Episode # 106 - ADHD with Sydney Peterson
Laurie chats with her stepdaughter, Sydney, about the challenges and strengths of living with ADHD. Sydney shares her struggles with math but also celebrates how her ADHD helps her connect with clients, using personal experiences to support others with ADHD and learning disabilities.