Harvey Hubbell Show n Tell Podcast

In this episode, Harvey sits down with Eric Gardner, writer and producer of Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars. Eric shares what drew him into the literacy crisis, the process of shaping real stories into a compelling documentary narrative, and the responsibility of telling the truth about reading instruction in America. Together, they reflect on the emotional moments behind the camera, the urgency of literacy reform, and the power of film to spark awareness and action. This conversation gives listeners a rare look at the heart and intent behind Hopeville.

In Part 2, Harvey and Susie van der Vorst continue their conversation, diving deeper into what it means to teach reading well — not just through method, but through relationship, trust, and patient guidance. Susie shares insights from directing Camp Spring Creek, where students with dyslexia gain skills, confidence, and community. Together, they reflect on what makes Orton-Gillingham instruction effective, how educators can sustain this work, and why helping a child learn to read is ultimately an act of empowerment. This episode brings the conversation full circle — thoughtful, personal, and full of purpose.

In Part 1 of this conversation, Harvey is joined by Susie van der Vorst, a Fellow of the Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators, a distinction held by fewer than 200 professionals worldwide. With more than 25 years of experience, Susie trained under the legendary Diana King at The Kildonan School and Camp Dunnabeck, and today serves as the Director of Camp Spring Creek. She shares her journey into Orton-Gillingham practice, the principles that anchor effective literacy instruction, and her passion for helping children become confident, independent readers. This episode offers both deep expertise and heartfelt purpose.

This short episode highlights the new updates to the Hopeville Advocacy Toolkit, designed to make literacy advocacy clearer, easier to share, and more actionable in your community. Harvey walks through the improved features, updated resources, and enhanced guidance to help parents, educators, and education leaders engage in meaningful conversations about reading instruction. Whether you're new to the movement or already advocating for change, this quick update will help you get oriented and ready to make an impact.

In Part 2 of Harvey’s conversation with Jake Sussman, we go deeper into how students with learning differences can develop confidence, agency, and pride in who they are. Jake shares how Superpower Mentors supports young people in navigating school, self-advocacy, and emotional resilience — not by “fixing” them, but by helping them understand and unlock their strengths. This episode explores the mindset shifts that change lives: from shame to empowerment, from isolation to community, and from limitation to possibility.

In Part 1 of this conversation, Harvey speaks with Jake Sussman, founder of Superpower Mentors, an organization dedicated to empowering neurodiverse students by helping them understand and embrace their learning differences. Jake shares his own personal journey through school, the challenges he faced, and how discovering his strengths reshaped his identity and purpose. We explore the power of mentorship, storytelling, and community in supporting students who often feel misunderstood in traditional learning environments. This episode sets the foundation for a deeper conversation about advocacy, identity, and unlocking student potential.

In this episode, Harvey speaks with Dr. Teerath Grewal, educator, advocate, and member of The Reading League community, who works to ensure that literacy instruction is both evidence-based and equitable. Dr. Grewal brings deep insight into supporting students, families, and schools as they navigate dyslexia, intervention, and the systemic barriers that often stand in the way of effective reading instruction. Together, they explore how identity, culture, communication, and instructional practice intersect — and why true progress begins with listening to and centering the needs of the child. This conversation blends expertise, compassion, and a shared commitment to meaningful literacy change.

Harvey is joined by Donna Hejtmanek, former educator and founder of the influential Facebook community “Science of Reading—What I Should Have Learned in College.” With tens of thousands of teachers actively seeking clarity and support, Donna has become a leading voice in helping educators unlearn outdated methods and adopt practices that actually work. In this conversation, Donna shares her journey, the challenges educators face when shifting instruction, and why community-based collaboration is essential for literacy reform. We also get to know the passion behind her advocacy — and why she continues to fight for evidence-based reading for every child.

In this episode, Harvey sits down with Sharon Dunn, M.Ed., a former principal who led dramatic reading gains in a high-poverty elementary school through evidence-based instruction and committed leadership. Sharon’s school improvement journey gained national attention — featured by DIBELS (Acadience), the 95 Percent Group, and highlighted at major state and national conferences. Now serving as an MTSS leadership consultant and co-creator of the Science of Reading for Administrators learning community, Sharon shares what truly makes literacy improvement sustainable. This conversation blends practical strategies with Sharon’s personal passion for ensuring every child is given the opportunity to read.

Harvey is joined by Dr. Liz Brooke, Chief Learning Officer at Lexia, to discuss how research-driven literacy solutions can support both teachers and students. Liz shares insights from her career as a speech-language pathologist, researcher, and leader developing tools grounded in the science of reading. Together, they explore what it takes to bridge research and classroom practice, how to support educators through change, and why structured literacy is essential for ensuring every child becomes a confident reader. It’s a thoughtful, practical conversation about real-world implementation and lasting impact.