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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.
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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 it's more than just moving students through tiers. With candid insights, practical tools, and a clear call for systems-level change, this is the real talk educators need to hear. You'll come away informed, inspired, and ready to take meaningful next step...
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 sessions, most powerful moments, and the insights that influenced their thinking. From the sweet story of the “last cookie” to profound reminders about the power of oral language, teacher knowledge, and resilience in education, this recap captures the heart, h...
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 clear explanations, real classroom examples, and insights into language-related neurodiversities, this conversation brings research and practice together in practical, actionable ways. Tune in for an engaging discussion that will deepen your understanding...
1In 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 change in how schools approach dyslexia. From his own journey as an undiagnosed struggling reader to his groundbreaking research on the intersection of literacy and mental health, Dr. Odegard shares insights that every educator, policymaker, and parent needs...
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 and zero conference swag, they unpack the insights, surprises, and trends shaping the future of literacy instruction. Chat about this episode in The Science of Reading Collective. Explore the Reading Horizons Discovery® Product Suite. Access past show...
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 tutor, this episode will help you reflect, refocus, and realign your instruction with what matters most: evidence-based reading practices grounded in Structured Literacy. From analyzing student data and setting intentional goals to refining your Tier 1 in...
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 how her latest work takes teachers deeper—offering a practical, behind-the-scenes look at how to structure a powerful, flexible, and evidence-based literacy block. With insights from her own classroom, reflections on teacher feedback, and inspiration drawn f...
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 International Dyslexia Association. In this special finale, hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny revisit the insights, standout moments, and expert voices that shaped a season devoted entirely to Structured Literacy. From defining integration to honoring teacher-researcher collaboration, we explore what’s evolved, what endures, and what’s next in ...
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 strategies, Dr. Cárdenas-Hagan shares inspiring insights and actionable tools for supporting English learners in meaningful, evidence-based ways. She dives into the importance of oral language, cross-linguistic connections, and how all teachers—regardle...
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 explore what it really means to teach at the “magical intersection” of instruction and student engagement. From tiered systems of support (MTSS/RTI) to the practical realities of implementing Structured Literacy in the classroom, this episode offers both in...
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 Perspectives on Language and Literacy, Dr. Spear-Swerling dives into the how of Structured Literacy instruction and why it’s just as critical as the what. Together with hosts Stacy Hurst, Donell Pons, and Lindsay Kemeny, Dr. Spear-Swerling explores what it rea...
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 structure of “considerate texts,” Dr. Cain offers practical insights into how educators can teach comprehension intentionally. Tune in for a deep, thought-provoking conversation that connects research to classroom practice and redefines what it means to underst...
In this episode of Literacy Talks, Donell, Stacy, and Lindsay dive into Linnea Ehri’s article from Perspectives on Language and Literacy, exploring how reading proficiency develops over time through explicit, systematic instruction. From early learners to older struggling readers, the hosts reflect on the power of Structured Literacy to support all students—unpacking the phases of reading development, the role of decoding and spelling, and why practice and integration are key. If you've ever ...
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, and Lindsay Kemeny explore how vocabulary development, sentence structure, grammar, text organization, and critical thinking all play a role in effective literacy instruction. They discuss the importance of integrating reading and writing, fostering deep engagemen...
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 Lindsay Kemeny explore how this visual framework supports professional development, bridges gaps between teacher knowledge and practice, and enhances reading and writing instruction. From phonemic awareness to morphology, syllable structure to orthographic conventions,...
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, from the inspiring keynotes to the camaraderie among educators. They also break down key takeaways from their favorite sessions, highlighting powerful insights on comprehension, writing, fluency, and the science of reading. Plus, don’t miss hearing abou...
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 practice of three cueing—a method that once dominated classrooms but falls short of scientific backing. Margaret shares her personal journey from the challenges of remote teaching during the pandemic to pioneering research partnerships that underscore t...
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, systematic reading instruction is the most effective way to support students—especially those who struggle. They discuss the life-changing consequences of reading failure, the importance of well-trained educators, and the role Structured Literacy plays in promoting equity i...
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 Hurford, Editor-in-Chief of Perspectives on Language and Literacy, to discuss the latest issue focusing on Structured Literacy and its critical role in reading instruction. We dive into: ✅ The biggest myths holding back effective reading instruction ✅ Why Structured Lit...
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 Perspectives on Language and Literacy. Hosts Stacy Hurst, Lindsay Kemeny, and Donell Pons explore the insights of Barbara Wilson and Jessica Hammond on how structured literacy, grounded in the science of reading, is transforming classrooms. Whether you’re new to the concept or a seasoned educator, join us for an engagi...
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