How Phil Hanley’s severe dyslexia fuels his comedy

What this episode covers

Canadian stand-up comedian Phil Hanley has lived with severe dyslexia for so long he can’t see life any other way. But what once held him back as a child has now become his greatest superpower, as he’s been able to find the humour in his diagnosis to great success. That’s something he writes about in his new memoir, Spellbound: My Life as a Dyslexic Wordsmith. Phil sits down with guest host Talia Schlanger to talk about his fascinating life (including a brief modelling career in the ’90s) and how comedy gave him the confidence to overcome his shame.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Q with Tom Power?

This episode is 25 minutes long.

When was this Q with Tom Power episode published?

This episode was published on January 6, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Canadian stand-up comedian Phil Hanley has lived with severe dyslexia for so long he can’t see life any other way. But what once held him back as a child has now become his greatest superpower, as he’s been able to find the humour in his diagnosis...

Can I download this Q with Tom Power episode?

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