If You Can Write It, You Can Read It: Russell Van Brocklen on Dyslexia, Confidence & Human Potential

A single sentence in childhood can become a life sentence.Russell Van Brocklen was once told he would never read at grade level. Years of labels, accommodations, exclusion, and frustration quietly shaped the way he saw himself—and the way others saw him too.Today, Russell is a New York State Senate-funded dyslexia researcher, founder of DyslexiaClasses.com, and the creator of a practical learning framework built around one transformational idea: “If You Can Write It, You Can Read It.”But this conversation goes far beyond dyslexia.Together, we explore:How school systems can quietly erode identity and confidenceWhy struggling learners often carry shame—not lack of intelligenceThe neuroscience behind typing, articulation, repetition, and structured writingWhy motivation and “specialty interests” matter so deeply during interventionThe emotional impact of constantly feeling behindHow small, repeatable wins rebuild trust over timeWhy strong writing and critical thinking skills matter even more in the AI eraRussell also challenges the belief that neurodiverse learners are somehow less capable—arguing instead that many simply need a different pathway to succeed.This episode is for parents, educators, students, neurodiverse adults, and honestly… anyone who has ever questioned their own intelligence after years of struggle.Because sometimes the problem was never potential. It was method. Learn more about Russell’s work, programs, and forthcoming book, If You Can Write It, You Can Read It, at DyslexiaClasses.comExplore resources & support materials at The P-I-G Podcast Library.We would love to hear from you—please send us some "Fan Mail"!Support the showHearing the stories of others helps us connect more deeply to our own—because legacy is built in how we live, every single day.💬 Subscribe, Review & ShareFollow the show, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with someone who may need it. 🔗 Connect with UsHave a story or expertise to share? We’d love to hear from you. 🌐 www.thepigpodcast.com 📬 thepigpodcast.com/contact📱 Facebook, Instagram & LinkedIn💖 Support the Show If The P-I-G has meant something to you, consider supporting or sponsoring the podcast: thepigpodcast.com/sponsorship |  buzzsprout.com/2449606/support