254 35 Years Old And Learning To Read With Oliver James
Mar 12, 2024
01:06:15
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35-year-old Oliver James overcomes functional illiteracy, ADHD, and OCD struggles, inspiring millions with his journey of self-teaching to read. Advocating for adult literacy, Oliver's TikTok experience goes viral, highlighting societal challenges and personal growth. Exploring neurodivergence, social interactions, self-expression, and societal expectations, Oliver reflects on the transformative power of reading and motivational speaking.
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Quick takeaways
Learning to read transformed Oliver's life, creating a new perspective on self-awareness and breaking generational patterns.
Introducing books to his children reshapes their upbringing, aiming to establish a foundation where literacy is valued from a young age.
Navigating social interactions as a neurodivergent individual poses challenges in balancing different identities, emphasizing the complexity of personal boundaries and societal expectations.
Deep dives
The Transformative Power of Reading
Learning how to read has been a life-changing experience for Oliver James, a TikTok sensation and motivational speaker. Through his journey, Oliver shares how he went from feeling functionally illiterate to embracing his struggle with reading. Reading brought awareness to himself, allowing him to see the world differently and break free from generational patterns. Oliver's passion for reading has not only changed his life but also influenced his children's perception of books and learning.
Breaking Generational Curses Through Literacy
Oliver's transformation through reading extends to breaking generational curses in his family. By introducing books and literacy into his household, Oliver is reshaping the narrative for his children. He recognizes the impact of childhood experiences and aims to create a new environment where reading is a natural and valued part of their lives. This shift towards embracing literacy from a young age aims to build a foundation for his children that differs from his own upbringing.
Navigating Interactions and Self-Expression
Despite the transformative power of reading, Oliver faces challenges in navigating social interactions. Due to his unique background and ability to 'code-switch,' Oliver finds himself balancing between different identities. He grapples with maintaining composure in the face of rudeness, drawing on his resilience and self-awareness to navigate such encounters. Through his experiences, Oliver highlights the complexity of managing personal boundaries and societal expectations while staying true to oneself.
Challenges of Code Switching and Navigating Different Identities
The podcast delves into the challenges of code-switching and navigating different identities, specifically focusing on the experiences of a neurodivergent individual. The speaker highlights the struggle of presenting different versions of oneself in various interactions, such as deciding whether to be vulnerable about personal struggles or to adopt a different persona. This internal turmoil is further accentuated by societal expectations and the need to adapt to different environments, showcasing the complex nature of identity and interaction.
Impact of ADHD and Neurodivergence on Daily Functioning
The episode sheds light on the impact of ADHD and neurodivergence on daily functioning, drawing from personal experiences of the speaker's late diagnosis of ADHD and struggles with OCD. The discussion emphasizes the challenges of forgetfulness, lack of focus, and the constant battle with a chaotic mind. The narrative underscores the rollercoaster of emotions, guilt, and shame that accompany neurodivergent traits, highlighting the importance of understanding and embracing one's unique cognitive processes for personal growth and self-acceptance.
I’m beyond excited to share this episode with the one and only Oliver James. At 35 years old, Oliver is learning how to read for the first time.
You might have seen him on TikTok, Good Morning America, The Rachael Ray Show, or NPR, where he’s shedding light on functional illiteracy.
After being diagnosed with ADHD and OCD as a child, Oliver spent most of his life struggling to keep up both in and out of the classroom until a string of bad choices found him in prison.
On the other side, Oliver continued to struggle. His ADHD and OCD left him desperate for answers but not sure where to turn — until he decided to teach himself how to read in 2020. Oliver captured the raw journey on TikTok, where he ended up going viral.
Over the past four years, Oliver’s story has inspired millions. He’s now using his powers for good as a public speaker and advocate for adult literacy. I truly cannot wait for you to hear his story.