103: How AI Empowers Dyslexic and Introverted Minds – with Russell Van Brocklen

Dyslexia touches as many as 15–20% of learners, yet most families still hear “wait and see.” Russell Van Brocklen flips that script. As the Dyslexia Professor, he translates structured-literacy methods—proven most effective for struggling readers—into bite-size actions parents can use tonight. 

What if the way you think—often seen as a challenge—was actually your greatest productivity advantage?

In this episode of The Quiet Warrior Podcast, I speak with Russell Van Brocklen, an entrepreneur and advocate for dyslexic and neurodivergent thinkers. Russell shares his personal journey of navigating education and business as a dyslexic, and how he discovered that the very traits that once made him feel “different” are the ones driving his creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial success.

We dive into how artificial intelligence (AI) can transform the way introverts, dyslexics, and deep thinkers approach productivity—making work not only more efficient, but more aligned with their natural strengths. Russell offers practical examples of using AI to simplify complex tasks, manage energy, and create space for high-impact work.

If you’ve ever felt like the traditional way of working wasn’t designed for you, this conversation will inspire you to work with your brain, not against it.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Russell’s journey from academic struggles to entrepreneurial success as a dyslexic
   
• Why dyslexia is not a weakness, but a different way of processing information
   
• The surprising parallels between introverted productivity and dyslexic problem-solving
   
• How AI can act as an “external brain” for planning, writing, and decision-making
   
• Specific AI tools that help neurodivergent and introverted thinkers thrive
   
• How to design a workday around your energy patterns, not just your to-do list
   
• The mindset shift from “overcoming limitations” to “leveraging unique strengths”
   

Whether you’re dyslexic, introverted, or simply looking to improve productivity in a way that feels sustainable and authentic, this episode offers fresh, empowering insights.

Connect with Russell Van Brocklen:

Website: https://dyslexiaclasses.com/

Book reference:

Overcoming Dyslexia, Sally Shaywitz M.D.

Postwar Japan as History

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This episode was edited by Aura House Productions