

The Happy Pod: Learning to read in your 30s
16 snips May 10, 2025
Oliver James, a 35-year-old experiencing the transformative journey of learning to read, shares his story on TikTok as 'Oliver Speaks.' His openness about overcoming embarrassment is inspiring. Also featured is 81-year-old Eddie Brocklesby, an Ironman competitor, who proves that age is just a number when it comes to fitness. The discussion includes laughter yoga, the compassion of relocating chimps, and the broader themes of resilience and community support. Together, they highlight the remarkable journeys of personal growth and empowerment.
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Learning to Read in Adulthood
- Oliver James struggled with learning to read due to ADHD and special needs classes with an approach focused on behavior rather than learning.
- He began teaching himself to read in his 30s with encouragement from his partner, sharing his journey openly on TikTok.
Embrace Reading Struggles
- Lean into the struggle when learning to read; confusion means progress.
- Don't focus on finishing or understanding immediately, just keep going.
Reading's Emotional Paradox
- Reading can feel like destruction and rebuilding, painful yet healing simultaneously.
- This paradox reflects the deep emotional transformation that reading can trigger.