Preview Mode Links will not work in preview mode

First impressions can take only 6 seconds to make! But if you’re neurodivergent, those quick judgments about you can be misleading.

That’s where the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast comes in! Join me, Carolyn Kiel, as I talk with neurodivergent entrepreneurs, creators, advocates & more about their lives and identities. Their stories shatter misconceptions, break stigma and showcase the vibrance of neurodiversity.

Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, TuneIn, iHeartRadio or Android, so you never miss an episode! 

Sign up for my free newsletter to become a Beyond 6 Seconds Insider and get early access to new episodes! Plus, as a special thank you, you'll get immediate access to download the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds list of autism resources!

Are you interested in being a guest on Beyond 6 Seconds? Click here to apply!

Learn how you can support this podcast and get a shout-out on a future episode!

Recognition for Beyond 6 Seconds:

  • Women Who Podcast Awards 2025: First Place Winner - Impactful Story category
  • Ambie Awards 2024: Nominee - Best DIY Podcast
  • Signal Award Gold Winner and Listener's Choice Winner: 2023 Best Individual Episode - Best Conversation Starter 
  • Positive Change Podcast Awards 2022: First Place Winner - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion category
  • Positive Change Podcast Awards 2022: First Place Winner - Personal Journal category
  • Positive Change Podcast Awards 2022: First Place Winner - Mental Health category
  • Positive Change Podcast Awards 2022: Second Place Winner - Inspiration/Motivation category
  • Positive Change Podcast Awards 2022: Second Place Winner - Psychology category
  • Signal Award Silver Winner: 2022 Best Individual Episode - Diversity, Equity & Inclusion 
  • W3 Award Gold Winner: 2022 Podcasts General Series - Community 
  • W3 Award Silver Winner (x2): 2022 Podcast Features - Best Individual Episode
  • International Women's Podcast Association: 2022 Shortlist - "Moment of Raw Emotion" Episode Category

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

  1. All Episodes
  2. Learning to read at age 32 – with Oliver James, author of Unread

Learning to read at age 32 – with Oliver James, author of Unread

May 18, 2026

Oliver James is a California-based personal trainer, motivational speaker, literacy activist, and influencer. He has been featured by Today, NPR, the Jennifer Hudson Show, the Los Angeles Times, Newsweek, Rachael Ray, and ABC News, among many others. Additionally, he received the Barbara Bush National Literacy Award in 2023.  

Oliver is the author of “Unread: A Memoir of Learning (and Loving) to Read on TikTok.” His book is about teaching himself to read starting at the age of 32, and his experience with childhood learning disabilities and educational neglect. In just 365 days, he went from barely being able to read a restaurant menu, to closing in on his goal of finishing 100 books in a year.

Oliver has become a TikTok/BookTok sensation for the way he’s documented his decision to learn to read as an adult, and his struggles and triumphs along the way.

During this episode, you will hear Oliver talk about:

  • Why he describes himself as being “functionally illiterate” and how his experience with literacy “started wrong”
  • What inspired him to share his journey to learn how to read on social media, at the age of 32
  • How reading has profoundly changed his perspective on life
  • What it was like writing a book about his experience

Buy Oliver’s book “Unread”: hachettebookgroup.com/titles/oliver-james/unread/9781454959403/

Follow Oliver at oliverspeaks1 on Instagram, TikTok, Threads and YouTube.

Email Oliver at OliverSpeaks1 [at] gmail.com.

Learn more about the Nardagani app that has helped Oliver learn how to read: nardagani.com

Support or sponsor this podcast: BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube: youtube.com/watch?v=xWGXsqQaloQ

Read the episode transcript: carolynkiel.com/podcast/oliver-james-unread

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player: pod.link/1336740192 

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes: mailchi.mp/f9f6e8356138/insider 

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*