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Seeing Words: How Visual Thinking Unlocks Literacy w/ Olive Hickmott EP 203

What if reading finally clicked the moment a child learned to see words, not just sound them out?

In this episode, we sit down with forensic health and learning coach Olive Hickmott to explore how visual thinking can transform literacy for dyslexic and ADHD learners—and why this simple shift has the power to change an entire school’s culture.

Olive shares the observation that sparked her work: fluent spellers tend to look up and visualise words, while struggling spellers often look down into emotion. From that insight grew a practical, inclusive approach grounded in the brain’s visual word form area—the place where how a word looks, sounds, and means come together.

Together, we unpack why English is a highly visual language, especially with homophones and rule-breakers, and how pairing images with whole words can accelerate reading, spelling, and even handwriting. Olive is clear: this approach complements phonics rather than replaces it, offering realistic, step-by-step strategies parents and teachers can use right away—eyes-up cues, meaning-anchored word cards, and classroom scripts that fit into busy school days.

We also discuss ADHD, mental imagery overload, the creative strengths of neurodiverse thinkers, and how early years settings can gently “load” words before stress and self-doubt set in. Olive shares success stories from schools across Ireland and Wales, emerging research, and a blueprint for whole-school pilots.

This is a powerful reframe—from “What’s wrong with the child?” to “What else can we teach?” Expect practical tools, honest reflections, and a hopeful vision of learners lighting up as they realise they can do what once felt impossible.

If you care about literacy, inclusion, and giving every child a fair shot, this episode is for you.

Enjoyed the conversation? Follow, rate, and share the show with a teacher or parent who needs this. Your review helps more listeners discover practical ways to help children thrive.

Website: www.empoweringlearning.co.uk (including all books)
Learning Platform: www.visualkids.co.uk
3 books about learning differences, the latest is
The Elephants in the Classroom, Neurodiversity through the lens of mental imagery.
Blog: www.olivehickmott.co.uk

If you are enjoying my work then you can support me by 'buying me a coffee' at this page
I look forward to connecting with you Anita Mattu https://linktr.ee/AnitaMattu

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From Diet Myths to Real Food: How Women Can Fuel Their Bodies Without Restriction w/ Meagan Murtonen EP 202

Forget the diet noise.

In this episode, we sit down with holistic nutritionist and founder of That Girl Nourished, Meagan Murtonen, to unpack what actually fuels a strong, energised body—especially for women who are tired of chasing size goals and starting over every Monday.

Meagan shares her unconventional journey from the wedding industry to mindset coaching to nutrition, and why treating food as fuel—not something to restrict—changes everything. We dive into the difference between whole foods and ultra-processed “health” lookalikes, why real spices and quality fats matter, and how sugar quality and food pairing impact blood sugar, sleep, and cravings.

You’ll also learn why women’s 28-day hormone cycle means our nutritional needs differ from men’s daily rhythm, and how adequate protein, fat, and fibre support healthier hormone signalling, reduced inflammation, and better mood.

Meagan breaks down a realistic daily blueprint—around 130g of protein, at least 25g of fibre, and broad micronutrient coverage—using simple, satisfying meals like breakfast burritos, bone broth soups, Greek yogurt with high-protein granola, and chocolate chia pudding that tastes like dessert while delivering omega-3s and minerals.

We also challenge common nutrition fads like keto, carnivore, and BMI obsession, while offering practical swaps that stabilise energy and reduce decision fatigue.

If you’re ready to fuel like a human—not a headline—this episode is for you.

👉 Press play, subscribe, and leave a review sharing one small change you’ll try this week.

Website: www.meaganmurtonen.com
Podcast: That Girl Nourished
https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/that-girl-nourished/id1612152855 https://open.spotify.com/show/6CsxUl4mNOoMi8sDPqZFPL?si=xSu8na5PRnmKC7peUUZzBA

If you are enjoying my work then you can support me by 'buying me a coffee' at this page
I look forward to connecting with you Anita Mattu https://linktr.ee/AnitaMattu

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A Heartfelt End Of Year Wrap Up & New Year Message w/ Anita Mattu | EP 201

As we close out the year and step into a new one, we pause at Episode 201 to reflect, give thanks, and honour the community that brings Create the Courage to Be Fearless to life.

This is a heartfelt end-of-year wrap-up and New Year message — a moment to slow down, recognise the quiet power of courage, and remember that transformation doesn’t have to be loud to be real. We explore how small, consistent choices create ripple effects, how presence and love shape meaningful growth, and why your listen truly matters.

Looking ahead to the year to come, I share my gratitude for every person who presses play and my excitement for the powerful conversations ahead. I also invite you into co-creation — to share what you’d love to hear more of and what topics feel most meaningful right now.

If this episode resonates, please keep listening, share it with someone who might need it, and leave a review so others can find the show. Your presence here matters more than you know.

If you are enjoying my work then you can support me by 'buying me a coffee' at this page
I look forward to connecting with you Anita Mattu https://linktr.ee/AnitaMattu