Literacy Talks
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 Kemeny, a dedicated elementary teacher who is a CERI-certified Structured Literacy Classroom Teacher and author of 7 Mighty Moves.
Each episode is a conversation among friends with practical literacy strategies, powerful tips, and a real passion for teachers and students alike. Listen, laugh, and learn with Literacy Talks, brought to educators everywhere by Reading Horizons.
Episodes
104 episodes
Reflections from the Reading League Conference 2025
Fresh from the Reading League Conference in Chicago, the Literacy Talks trio—Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny—share highlights, favorite sessions, and key insights that left a lasting impression. From impactful keynotes to deep dive...
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Season 8
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Episode 12
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50:56
Free Literacy Sites We Actually Use (and Love)
Looking for free, practical literacy tools that really work? In this episode, the hosts of Literacy Talks share their favorite go-to websites for everything from decodables and syntax support to articulation videos and classroom-ready texts. It...
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Season 8
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Episode 11
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55:43
Handwriting, Spelling, and Student Voice: A Writing Deep Dive
Writing is anything but simple. In this episode, the hosts break down the foundational elements of writing instruction—from the mechanics of handwriting and spelling to the role of oral language and student motivation. They share insights, pers...
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Season 8
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Episode 10
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50:30
Pet Peeves, Round 3: The Gripes That Just Won’t Quit
We’re back with more of the literacy gripes that make us wince, laugh, and think deeper. In our third pet peeves episode, the Literacy Talks team—Stacy, Donell, and Lindsay—sound off on persistent myths, misplaced blame, phonics fluff, and why ...
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Season 8
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Episode 9
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55:44
100 Episodes Later: Our Never-Aired First Episode
We made it to 100 episodes! To celebrate, we’re doing something special—sharing the very first episode we ever recorded, one that never made it to air… until now. It’s raw, real, and full of heart. Join us as we look back on where it all began,...
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Season 8
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Episode 8
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1:02:20
The Great Syllable Debate: Balancing Science, Structure, and Student Needs
In this episode, the hosts dive into the so-called “Great Syllable Debate,” unpacking recent research and long-standing practices around syllable instruction. From the reliability of syllable division rules to the role of flexibility, they expl...
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Season 8
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Episode 7
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48:21
Making MTSS Work: Real Talk with Stephanie Stollar and Sarah Brown
In this episode of Literacy Talks, we sit down with Dr. Stephanie Stollar and Dr. Sarah Brown—two leading voices in reading improvement and MTSS. Together, they unpack what MTSS really means, how it connects to the science of reading, and why i...
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Season 8
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Episode 6
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54:33
From Cookies to Keynotes: Our Big Sky Conference Recap
What do cookies, comprehension, and courageous teaching have in common? They were all part of this year’s Big Sky Literacy Summit—and our team was there to take it all in! In this episode, Stacy, Lindsay, and Donell share their favorite session...
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Season 8
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Episode 5
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53:10
Breaking Down the Language Domains with Dr. Tiffany Hogan
In this episode, Dr. Tiffany Hogan joins the Literacy Talks team to unpack the five domains of language—phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics—and why understanding them is essential for effective literacy instruction. With cl...
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Season 8
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Episode 4
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58:46
What Schools Must Understand About Dyslexia — with Tim Odegard
In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Dr. Tim Odegard—renowned dyslexia researcher and advocate—joins hosts Stacy Hurst, Lindsay Kemeny, and Donell Pons for a conversation that challenges conventional thinking and calls for urgent chang...
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Season 8
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Episode 3
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59:29
No Merch, No Problem: Why SSSR Was Worth It — with Researcher Jake Downs
In this episode, the Literacy Talks team is joined by researcher Jake Downs for a lively recap of the Society for the Scientific Study of Reading (SSSR) Conference. From practitioner-day takeaways and cutting-edge studies to unexpected laughs a...
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Season 8
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Episode 2
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57:11
Back to School, Back to Basics: A Reading Reset
In this season-opening episode of Literacy Talks, Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny kick off the school year with a powerful conversation about the value of a reading reset. Whether you're a classroom teacher, literacy coach, or tuto...
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Season 8
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Episode 1
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48:38
From Mighty to Masterful: Lindsay Kemeny’s Next Chapter
In this special summer bonus episode of Literacy Talks, co-host Lindsay Kemeny steps into the spotlight to share the story behind her newest book, Rock Your Literacy Block. Building on the foundation of Seven Mighty Moves, Lindsay reveals ho...
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Season 7
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45:02
From FOMO to Front Row: A Deep Dive into the Reading League Summit
What happens when leading voices in literacy come together—not to lecture, but to listen, question, and grow? In this bonus episode, Donell Pons recaps her experience at the 2025 Reading Le...
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50:00
Season Finale: Highlights, High Points, and Lessons in Structured Literacy
As we wrap up Season 7 of Literacy Talks, we reflect on a powerful journey through the lens of the 75th Anniversary Issue of the ...
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Season 7
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Episode 12
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32:39
What Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan Taught Us About Structured Literacy for Multilingual Learners
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Elsa Cárdenas-Hagan—renowned author, educator, and advocate for multilingual learners—to explore how Structured Literacy can empower every student. From bridging language and culture to practical classroom ...
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Season 7
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Episode 11
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51:37
The Magical Intersection: Where Structured Literacy Meets Tiered Instruction
In this episode, the Literacy Talks team dives into Dr. Tim Odegard’s compelling article from Perspectives on Language and Literacy—“Structured Literacy: The Backbone of a Robust Literacy Ecosystem.” Join Stacy, Donell, and Lindsay as they e...
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Season 7
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Episode 10
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52:35
Expert Insights with Dr. Louise Spear-Swerling: Prioritizing the "How" in Literacy Instruction
In this episode of Literacy Talks, we’re joined by the incomparable Dr. Louise Spear-Swerling—professor, researcher, and long-time advocate for evidence-based reading instruction. Building on her article in the 75th anniversary issue of Perspec...
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Season 7
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Episode 9
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46:50
Comprehension Starts Before the Text: Insights with Dr. Kate Cain
In this episode, Dr. Kate Cain joins Literacy Talks hosts Stacy Hurst and Donell Pons to explore why comprehension isn’t just about decoding—it’s about what students bring to the text. From oral language and background knowledge to the structur...
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Season 7
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Episode 8
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41:19
Cracking the Code and Tying the Strands: Integrating Structured Literacy Across All Ages
In this episode of Literacy Talks, Donell, Stacy, and Lindsay dive into Linnea Ehri’s article from Perspectives on Language and Literacy, ...
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Season 7
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Episode 7
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45:59
The Infomap: A Roadmap for Teaching Literacy, Part 2
In this episode of Literacy Talks, we continue our deep dive into the Structured Literacy Infomap, shifting our focus from word recognition, handwriting, and spelling to comprehension and composition. Hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, an...
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Season 7
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Episode 6
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39:04
The Infomap: A Roadmap for Teaching Literacy, Part 1
In this episode of Literacy Talks, we dive into the Structured Literacy Infomap, a powerful tool designed to align educators on the principles and practices of effective literacy instruction. Hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and ...
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Season 7
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Episode 5
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40:18
The Ultimate Plain Talk Recap: Our Must-Share Insights from the Conference
Join Literacy Talks hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny as they dive into their favorite moments from the 2025 Plain Talk Conference! In this special bonus episode, they reflect on what makes this conference a must-attend event, ...
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Season 7
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47:03
Bridging the Gap: From Three Cueing to Structured Literacy
This episode invites you into an eye-opening conversation about transforming reading instruction. Host Stacy Hurst, along with co-hosts Donnell Pons and Lindsay Kemeny, sits down with literacy expert Margaret Goldberg to challenge the outdated ...
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Season 7
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Episode 4
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52:39
The Urgency of Structured Literacy: Preventing Reading Failure
In this episode of Literacy Talks, we dive into the essential question: Why is Structured Literacy critical for all learners?Hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny explore research-backed reasons why explicit, system...
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Season 7
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Episode 3
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40:25