🎙️Melissa Jane in conversation with Tim Ridley: Dyslexia, Discovery & the Art of Being Different

In this honest and uplifting episode, I sit down with artist and performer Tim Ridley to explore his late diagnosis of dyslexia discovered in his 40s while studying for a Master’s in Fine Art.

We talk about growing up undiagnosed, the pressures to conform, and the beautiful balance between neurodiverse and neurotypical minds. Expect reflections, laughter, and plenty of lightbulb moments as we unpick the power of difference, creativity, and self-acceptance.

🧠 Neurodivergence isn’t something to fix—it’s something to understand and honour.

🎧 Listen now for insights, stories, and a conversation full of warmth, humour, and connection.

✨ Because being yourself is the best kind of success.

#DyslexiaAwareness #LateDiagnosis #TimRidley9678 #NeurodivergentVoices #CreativeBrains #InclusiveConversations #ArtAndNeurodiversity #DyslexiaJourney #DyslexicAndProu

Episode 3 Chatabout finding the Funny Side of dyslexia

Intro “Hi everyone, and welcome back. It’s just me again today, chatting to myself, because sometimes that’s where the best conversations happen, right? I wanted to carry on sharing my own experiences of living with dyslexia, and this time, I’m bringing a bit of humour into the mix.”

“You see, dyslexia isn’t just a label or a theory, it’s real, it’s daily, and it shows up in some truly hilarious ways. I could write a book on the funny bits alone… though knowing me, I’d probably misspell the title!

There have been times I’ve mixed up words in meetings and said something completely different to what I meant. I’ve sent texts that have made people laugh for all the wrong reasons. And don’t even get me started on the number of times I’ve misread signs, menus, or instructions, my own personal comedy show!

And you know what? Instead of beating myself up about it, I’ve learned to laugh. Because I am just as good as anyone else. My dyslexia doesn’t define my worth, my intelligence, or what I bring to the table. It’s just one part of me.

I think if more of us speak up and out about dyslexia, if we share the real, unpolished stories, the struggles and the silly moments, we’ll help others understand. We’ll create space for more compassion, more flexibility, and hopefully more laughter too.

Because at the end of the day, we can all work together. We all have something valuable to offer, and sometimes the best way to bridge gaps is with a good laugh.”

In this episode, Melissa continues her candid exploration of life as a neurodivergent woman. She opens up about her personal experience with dyslexia—how it shaped her self-perception, her challenges with traditional systems, and the powerful shifts that came from recognising her differences as strengths.

Melissa shares insights on how understanding neurodivergence, especially in a world often built for neurotypical norms, can lead to deeper empathy, better communication, and greater collaboration. She reflects on the importance of making space for all ways of thinking and being—and how blending neurodivergent and neurotypical perspectives can create the kind of balance and harmony our world desperately needs.

Whether you’re neurodivergent yourself, supporting someone who is, or simply curious about creating more inclusive spaces, this heartfelt episode will leave you inspired to honour difference and embrace your own unique wiring

Episode Description: In this honest and personal episode, I share my journey with dyslexia — the challenges, the discoveries, and the strengths I’ve uncovered along the way.

Recorded outdoors in a space that supports my neurodiverse needs, this conversation is unfiltered and real. You might hear the wind in the background, and that’s okay — because creating environments that allow us to be our true selves is what this series is all about.

This is the first episode in our new podcast series from the Affordable Coaching team, where we shine a light on neurodiversity, lived experience, and the power of showing up authentically.

Tune in to hear how owning my story changed everything — and why there's no need to apologise for how we process the world.