Harvey Hubbell Show n Tell Podcast

Recorded live at The Reading League Conference in Syracuse, NY, Harvey sits down in person with Jessica Silverski to talk about what it feels like to be part of a national movement for evidence-based literacy. Jessica shares her experiences supporting schools and educators, the importance of collaboration, and the excitement surrounding the growing momentum for structured literacy. This conversation captures the authentic energy, passion, and hope that filled the conference halls — and continues to drive this work forward.
 

This short episode features testimonials from educators, parents, and advocates who responded to Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars. These reflections highlight the emotional and professional impact of the film — from classroom transformation to renewed hope in literacy reform. It’s a snapshot of how the movement is growing, one voice and one community at a time.
 

In this episode, Harvey talks with Laura Stewart, Chief Academic Officer at 95 Percent Group, an organization known for helping schools implement evidence-based reading instruction with clarity and coherence. Laura shares insights from her work supporting districts across the country — what it takes to shift practice, how to build teacher confidence, and why alignment matters when improving literacy outcomes at scale. We also explore her personal journey as an educator and leader, and the passion that drives her continued commitment to ensuring every child learns to read.

Harvey sits down with Margie Gillis, veteran educator, researcher, and founder of Literacy How. For decades, Margie has worked alongside schools and teachers to translate the science of reading into effective classroom practice. In this conversation, she shares practical insight on what great instruction looks like, how to support teachers through change, and why literacy is a matter of both knowledge and heart. Margie’s clarity, compassion, and deep experience make this an inspiring and grounding discussion for anyone committed to helping students learn to read.
 

In this episode, we share highlights from a live panel discussion at the International Dyslexia Association Conference in Columbus, Ohio, recorded after a screening of Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars. Educators, specialists, and advocates reflect on the film, discuss the realities schools are facing, and share strategies for improving literacy outcomes for all students. This conversation captures honest perspectives, professional insight, and the shared commitment to ensuring every child learns to read.

Harvey is joined by Ben Powers, Head of The Southport School and founder of the Southport CoLAB, a global literacy hub dedicated to advancing evidence-based reading practices. Ben shares how Southport became a model for structured literacy and student-centered support, and how the CoLAB works to bring research directly into classrooms and teacher training. This conversation explores leadership, innovation, and what it means to create environments where neurodiverse learners thrive. Ben’s work reminds us that literacy reform is not only possible — it’s happening.

Harvey speaks with Emily Hanford, the investigative journalist behind the groundbreaking series “Sold a Story,” which revealed how widely-used methods of teaching reading were not aligned with the science of how children actually learn. Emily discusses the reporting process, the public response, and the complex forces that allowed ineffective instructional practices to spread for decades. This conversation goes beyond the headlines — exploring what accountability looks like, how change happens, and what gives hope for the future of literacy in America. It’s a candid, thoughtful, and deeply human discussion about why reading matters and what is at stake for millions of children.
 

In this episode, Harvey talks with Elise Lovejoy, founder of Express Readers, a classroom literacy program and decodable book series designed to help beginning readers build skills with confidence and joy. Elise shares how Express Readers grew from classroom needs, why decodable text matters, and how thoughtful instructional design can support students who are just learning to read. We also explore her creative process, her passion for supporting teachers, and her commitment to making early reading experiences both effective and meaningful. It’s a conversation about literacy foundations — and the power of tools created by educators who truly understand what children need.

Harvey sits down with Cherie Dorreen, an education advocate devoted to supporting students and families—especially those navigating disabilities and literacy challenges. Drawing from her corporate strategic background and her own experience as a parent of two neurodiverse children, Cherie brings a compassionate, solution-driven approach to the IEP and 504 process. She works to ensure that families are heard as equal partners in developing a child’s education plan, helping them ask the right questions and confidently engage in collaboration with schools. Cherie also serves as a Regional Leader for Decoding Dyslexia CA and was the architect behind the California State PTA resolution “Equitable Literacy for All Students.” Her story and expertise shine a light on how advocacy can truly transform outcomes — one child, one family, one meeting at a time.

In this episode, Harvey is joined by Dr. Maria Murray, founder and CEO of The Reading League, a national organization dedicated to advancing evidence-based reading instruction. Maria shares the story behind The Reading League’s creation, the growth of the movement, and the ongoing work to support educators, schools, and states in aligning practice with the science of reading. We also get a glimpse into what drives her personally — the mission, the urgency, and the belief that literacy is a human right. This conversation highlights the power of community, clarity, and courage in transforming how children learn to read.