Sold a Story: The Podcast Every Teacher Should Hear

If you teach reading, care about literacy, or have you ever read or heard about how many children struggle with reading, Sold a Story is the podcast you can’t afford to miss. Hosted by award-winning journalist Emily Hanford, this gripping documentary series investigates how reading instruction in schools in the US went massively off track – as well as what it means for educators and students today. Despite decades of scientific research showing how children learn to read, many schools remained stuck in outdated methods that have been disproved by science. Hanford traces how influential authors and a major publishing company promoted these methods, selling materials and training that (mis)shaped classrooms across the US and beyond.

A National Reading Crisis

The story opens with a sobering statistic: 65% of US fourth graders are not proficient readers. Through the eyes of parents, teachers, and struggling students, Hanford reveals how well-intentioned educators have been “sold a story” – in other words, they’ve been taught to use approaches that simply don’t work for most children. The podcast explores how these methods, often rooted in the “whole word” movement (i.e. the idea that children can learn to read by learning by heart what whole words look like, instead of learning to decode them letter by letter) and the “balanced literacy” movement (i.e. a combination of the whole word method with some phonics), overlook the essential skills children need to become confident readers.

Myths, Money, and Missed Opportunities

Hanford’s reporting is meticulous and compelling. She examines the rise of influential figures like Marie Clay and Lucy Calkins, whose ideas about reading became gospel in teacher training and classroom resources – even as scientific evidence mounted against them. The series also looks closely at the publishing giant Heinemann, whose materials are described by teachers as their “bibles,” yet are based on debunked theories. Teachers’ voices are central throughout the podcast. Many share their frustration and heartbreak at discovering that, despite their best efforts, they weren’t giving children the tools they needed. For some, listening to Sold a Story is a revelation, confirming long-held doubts about popular reading programs.

A Call for Change

Sold a Story isn’t just a critique – it’s a catalyst. Since its release, the podcast has sparked national debate, inspired new reading laws in at least 25 states in the US, and prompted school districts to rethink their approach to literacy instruction. Teachers, parents, and policymakers are now demanding evidence-based practices rooted in the “science of reading.” Here at Mrs Wordsmith, we’re especially interested in the scientifically proven methods that shape our ability to become proficient readers. It’s an area of research we’re always keeping up to date with, and one that shapes all the products we design.

Why Every Educator Should Listen

• It’s eye-opening: When you tune into Sold a Story, you’ll learn how reading myths became mainstream, and why it matters for your classroom.
• It’s practical: The podcast highlights what works and what doesn’t, helping you make informed choices about reading instruction.
• It’s empowering: Hearing from fellow teachers who have changed course is inspiring and affirming.

So from everyone here at Mrs Wordsmith, Sold a Story gets a huge thumbs-up! It’s essential listening for anyone committed to helping children read and thrive.