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
89 episodes
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
Structured Literacy: The Answer We’ve Had All Along
For decades, we've had the research, the science, and the strategies to teach every child how to read—so why has it taken so long to put them into practice? 🤔In this must-listen episode of Literacy Talks, we welcome Dr. David Hu...
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Season 7
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Episode 2
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40:49
Structured Literacy Unpacked: Insights from IDA’s Landmark Issue
This season opener of Literacy Talks dives into the foundational elements of structured literacy, inspired by the International Dyslexia Association's 75th Anniversary issue of
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Season 7
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Episode 1
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26:10
Bright Beginnings: Shaping the Next Generation of Literacy Champions
This bonus episode of Literacy Talks recaps the Bright Beginnings pre-service teacher conference. Hosted by Stacy Hurst and featuring insights from a panel of esteemed educators, ...
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1:00:20
Addressing Some Misunderstandings of the Science of Reading
In our Season 6 finale, the hosts dive deep into an article from The Reading League Journal that addresses common misunderstandings about the science of reading. They explore a range of topics, including the role of comprehension, the 95% claim...
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Season 6
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Episode 16
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53:38
Part Two: Exploring Frustrations with Constructive Discussions
This episode of Literacy Talks focuses on the hosts' shared pet peeves related to literacy education. Donell expresses frustration with the persistent challenges around d...
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Season 6
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Episode 15
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39:04
Dyslexia Talks: Empowering Students with Mentorship and Community Support
This episode provides a powerful and inspiring look into the work of the Joseph James Morelli Legacy Foundation, which supports high school and college students with dyslexia who wish to pursue degrees in science, technology, engineering, and m...
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Season 6
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Episode 14
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1:32:00
Leveraging Oral Language for Literacy Growth
This episode of Literacy Talks examines the fundamental role of oral language in student success and literacy development. The hosts - Stacy, Donell, and Lindsay - share their jou...
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Season 6
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Episode 13
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52:57
Exploring Stanislas Dehaene's Groundbreaking Research on Reading Acquisition
The trio dives into the insights and research of renowned neuroscientist Stanislas Dehaene on the cognitive science of reading. Dehaene's work has revolutionized our understanding of how the brain learns to read, from the development of the vis...
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Season 6
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Episode 12
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53:03
Dyslexia Talks: Insights from Researcher and Professor of Psychology Tim Odegard
In this insightful conversation, Donell Pons sits down with Dr. Tim Odegard, a leading expert in dyslexia research. Odegard shares his personal journey as an individual with severe dyslexia and the challenges he faced with limited support and a...
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Season 6
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Episode 11
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46:45
Exploring Frustrations with Constructive Discussions
In this thoughtful episode of Literacy Talks, our hosts engage in a reflective discussion on insights and perspectives in the field of literacy education. The conversation explore...
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Season 6
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Episode 10
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42:39
Dyslexia Talks: Spotlighting Strengths and Reshaping the Narrative with Jeffrey Conger
In this insightful conversation, Dr. Jeffrey Conger, a professor at Montana State University, shares his personal journey with dyslexia and the inspiring work he is doing to spotlight the strengths of the dyslexic mind. He provides a unique per...
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Season 6
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Episode 9
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38:40
Live from The Reading League Conference 2024—Highlights and Takeaways
In this special episode of Literacy Talks, our hosts—Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny—take listeners on a journey through The Reading League National Conference 2024. ...
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Season 6
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Episode 8
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49:37
Dyslexia Talks: Helping Students with Disabilities Succeed in College and Beyond with Christine Anderson
In this insightful conversation, Donell Pons sits down with Christine Anderson, director of the Center for Disability and Access at the University of Utah. Christine shares her personal and professional experiences working with individuals with...
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Season 6
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Episode 7
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37:15
Dyslexia Talks: A Personal Story of Perseverance, Discovery, and Advocacy with Curtis Pons
In this powerful and personal episode, Donell Pons introduces her husband, Curtis, and his lifelong challenges with dyslexia. Through their candid conversation, listeners take an emotional journey, from the honeymoon revelation of Curtis's read...
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Season 6
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Episode 6
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48:35
Depicting Dyslexia: Youth Advocate Michael Atkinson’s Inspiring Story and Advice
Our hosts have a chat with Michael Atkinson, a recent high school graduate and youth advocate with Decoding Dyslexia Utah. Michael shares his personal journey with dyslexia, from his early diagnosis in first grade to the strategies and accommod...
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Season 6
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Episode 5
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35:50