The Science of Reading Formula

Welcome to The Science of Reading Formula, the podcast that helps you simplify reading instruction, save time, and support every student’s success— without feeling like you’re running on empty. I’m Malia Hollowell—a National Board Certified Teacher, author, and founder of Playdough to Plato. Over the past 20 years, I’ve honed my craft, combining science-backed practices with practical solutions to meet the real challenges educators face every day. Each episode dives into essential pillars of teaching success: Smart strategies to meet the needs of every student without adding extra stress to your plate. Honest conversations and tips to tackle teacher burnout and find a balance between school and home life. Science-backed practices that actually work—saving you time and boosting student results. Practical tips to streamline your planning and free up time for what matters most. </p

The Science of Reading Formula is a education podcast hosted by Malia Hollowell, with 118 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Malia Hollowell hosts The Science of Reading Formula, a education show with 118 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

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  Episode #10

  Simple Moves That Supercharge Vocabulary Instruction with Blythe Anderson

  Sep 28, 202647 minS3

  What if teaching vocabulary didn’t mean adding more to your plate—but simply rethinking the words you already use? In this episode, Dr. Blythe Anderson shares simple talk moves that make a big impact. From classroom job titles to science experiments, you’ll learn how to turn everyday moments into powerful vocabulary instruction. In this episode, we'll talk about: Why word lists aren’t enough—and what actually works. 8 talk moves that boost vocabulary in seconds. How to build word consciousness in your classroom. Why vocabulary supports decoding, not just comprehension. Practical tips for supporting multilingual learners. Show Links Dr. Anderson's Faculty Profile at University of Buffalo Join Malia on Instagram. Become a Science of Reading Formula member! Rate, Review, and Follow If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #8

  My Child Couldn't Read and No One Noticed with Missy Purcell

  Sep 14, 202650 minS3

  Missy Purcell was a teacher. Her son went to a “good” school. But in third grade, she realized something no one else had: he couldn’t read. In this powerful conversation, Missy shares the story that shocked her district—and later, the country—when she told it on Emily Hanford’s Sold a Story . What happens when a bright, well-behaved child falls through the cracks of a balanced literacy system? And what does it take to finally get him the instruction he deserved? This episode is part personal wake-up call, part rally cry for educators who want to get it right. If you’ve ever wondered whether your reading block is working for all kids… don’t miss this one. In this episode, we'll talk about: The moment Missy realized her son had been “passing” without reading. How balanced literacy hides real reading struggles. Why compliant kids are the easiest to overlook. What Sold a Story revealed about systemic failure. How teachers can shift without shame—and start making change now. Show Links Missy's Website // Instagram // Facebook Join Malia on Instagram. Become a Science of Reading Formula member! Rate, Review, and Follow If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #5

  Why Kids Act Out and What Their Nervous System is Trying to Tell You with Kim Barthel

  Aug 24, 202645 minS3

  Why do some kids act out, melt down, or shut down—no matter how consistent or calm we are? In this powerful episode, I’m joined by internationally respected occupational therapist Kim Barthel, who helps us unpack the neuroscience of behavior. We talk about how trauma affects student behavior, what’s really happening when kids dysregulate, and why traditional behavior plans often miss the mark for the kids who need our help the most. If you’ve ever felt helpless in the face of a child’s big emotions—or exhausted from trying to manage it all—this conversation will leave you feeling grounded, validated, and better equipped to support every learner in your room. In this episode, we'll talk about: How trauma affects student behavior—and what we often miss Why some kids explode, while others shut down completely What “co-regulation” looks like in real-life classrooms How your own nervous system impacts your students What you can do tomorrow to create more safety and connection Show Links Kim's Course: Trauma Sensitive Education (Use MALIA20 for 20%off!) Join Malia on Instagram. Become a Science of Reading Formula member! Rate, Review, and Follow If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #4

  The Surprising Way Your Voice Can Calm a Dysregulated Classroom with Tracy Goodwin

  Aug 17, 202644 minS3

  What if your voice was the key to calming chaos in your classroom? In this episode, voice expert Tracy Goodwin shares how tone, pace, and presence can either soothe or activate a child’s nervous system—especially those who are dysregulated. You’ll learn simple shifts you can make to use your voice as a powerful tool for connection, co-regulation, and classroom calm. In this episode, we'll talk about: How your voice impacts student behavior and emotional safety. The science behind tone, cadence, and nervous system response. Why some calm voices still feel “tense” to kids—and how to fix it. Simple strategies to use your voice for co-regulation. How to build student trust without raising your volume. Show Links Tracy Goodwin Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Join Malia on Instagram. Become a Science of Reading Formula member! Rate, Review, and Follow If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!

  ListenShow Notes
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  Episode #3

  "I Couldn't Keep Reteaching... so I Tried Something Different" with Rose Crystal

  Aug 10, 202618 minS3

  What if your students could finally retain what you teach—and you could stop second-guessing every phonics lesson? In this episode, veteran first grade teacher Rose shares how she went from overwhelmed and unsure… to confident and clear—thanks to her first step inside The Science of Reading Formula : our four-week bootcamp called The Reading Roadmap. If you’re tired of piecing together your reading instruction, this conversation is the encouragement and direction you’ve been looking for. In this episode, we’ll talk about: Why so many teachers feel stuck teaching reading—and how to break free. The very first step Rose took to start seeing real student growth. How the Reading Roadmap gives you just what you need (without the overwhelm). What changed in her confidence, planning time, and student results. How to know if you’re ready to join The Science of Reading Formula . Show Links Preview the Vault of Tools & Trainings Join Malia on Instagram. Become a Science of Reading Formula member! Rate, Review, and Follow If you loved this episode, please take a minute to rate and review my show! That helps the podcast world know that this show is worth sharing with other educators just like you. Scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select "Write a Review". Then let me know what you loved most about the episode! While you're there, be sure to follow the podcast. I'm adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and I don't want you to miss out!

  ListenShow Notes

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