Last year, MSNBC’s Stephanie Ruhle, the charismatic anchor of The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle, tugged at heartstrings during an emotional conversation on the Today show with hosts Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb.
The 49-year-old journalist opened up about a life-changing moment: the day she discovered she had dyslexia, a revelation that came unexpectedly while discussing her eldest son, Reese Hubbard, with his teacher.
That candid 2024 interview, which went viral for its raw honesty, has resurfaced, captivating audiences once again. Now, with fresh updates on Ruhle’s flourishing career at MSNBC, her story continues to inspire, proving that dyslexia is no barrier to commanding the spotlight on national television.
In February 2024, Ruhle sat down with Guthrie and Kotb, sharing a story that resonated with millions. “I can’t believe I’m here talking about this. I can’t,” she admitted, her voice trembling as she recounted the moment she realized she shared her son’s struggle.
It all began when Reese, described by Ruhle as a “confident, outgoing kid,” struggled to learn to read. His younger brother even began finishing stories for him, a heartbreaking sign something was amiss.
When an “amazing teacher” suggested testing for dyslexia, the diagnosis not only explained Reese’s challenges but also unlocked a truth about Ruhle herself.
“When they told me he was dyslexic, I thought, ‘This is everything I have,’” she shared, her words striking a chord with viewers.
Ruhle’s dyslexia had gone undiagnosed for decades, masked by her remarkable memory. As a child, she was mistaken for a “super reader” because she could memorize poems and stories by age three, even entering school early.
But by second and third grade, when comprehension became critical, she struggled.
“I was hustling, kind of cheating,” she confessed, recalling how she negotiated with teachers for extra-credit projects to compensate for her academic challenges. “I always thought, ‘I don’t love pages. I love people. I’m not a student. I can’t wait for work.’”
This determination carried her from a high-flying finance career at Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank to the bright lights of television, where she’s now a household name.
Fast forward to 2025, and Ruhle’s star continues to shine at MSNBC. As the permanent host of The 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle, airing weeknights at 11 p.m. ET, she’s cemented her role as a leading voice in political and business journalism.
She also serves as NBC News’ Senior Business Analyst, appearing across platforms like NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt and TODAY.
Her ability to distill complex topics into compelling narratives has made her a standout, with interviews featuring heavyweights like President Biden and Donald Trump.
Beyond the anchor desk, Ruhle’s “Good News Ruhles” segment brings humanity to her coverage, while her podcast, Modern Ruhles: Compelling Conversations During Culturally Complicated Times, tackles zeitgeist issues with empathy and insight.
Ruhle’s dyslexia shapes her unique approach to journalism. On TODAY, she revealed her “lifeline”: index cards and a Sharpie.
“I don’t have reading comprehension for anything,” she admitted. “But I can take a dense subject and make an outline, and a shorter outline, and a shorter outline. That prompter is not a roadmap—it’s a safety net.”
Hoda Kotb noted Ruhle’s meticulous preparation, observing her talking to herself with those ever-present cards. Savannah Guthrie praised her intelligence, saying, “That’s obviously a sign you really have to understand this material.”
Ruhle’s ability to break down intricate stories, honed by her dyslexic thinking, has become her superpower, allowing her to connect with audiences in a way that’s both authentic and engaging.
Her journey hasn’t been without hurdles. Ruhle called her time at TODAY her toughest job, as covering 15 stories in 10 minutes was a nightmare for someone with dyslexia. “I can’t do that,” she said bluntly.
Yet, she’s turned her challenges into strengths, using her curiosity and storytelling prowess to thrive. In a 2024 podcast, Lessons in Dyslexic Thinking, she told host Kate Griggs, “Dyslexics are some of the most creative, most cerebral, most fantastic people to work with.”
Her advocacy for dyslexia awareness, including a partnership with Microsoft to promote their Immersive Reader tool, has further amplified her impact.
Ruhle’s story hit home when she penned an Instagram post in 2024, inspired by a frustrating flight where she couldn’t get through a book she always carried.
Thinking of Reese, struggling in class, she wrote, “This message is for any dyslexic out there hating school right now. I totally get it. School sucks. Paying attention is impossible. No matter how many times you read the words, they don’t seem to interact with your brain.”
She signed off as a “fellow dyslexic,” sparking a flood of responses from people saying, “That’s me. That’s my daughter. That’s my brother.” Celebrities like Gwyneth Paltrow even chimed in, making the post go viral.
Today, Ruhle continues to guide her son through his dyslexia, sharing strategies like using note cards and planners. “Let’s get ahead of this game because the world cannot wait to meet you,” she tells him, a message she extends to all dyslexic students.
Her advice to parents? “Get that planner for your kids. Go through their schedule so it’s not Sunday night and they’re backed against the wall.” This practical wisdom, born from personal experience, has made her a beacon of hope for families navigating similar challenges.
Rumors about Ruhle’s health have also swirled, with unconfirmed speculation about a stroke following a collapse at a 2025 White House Correspondent’s Dinner after-party.
However, no official statements from Ruhle or MSNBC confirm such an event, and she continues to appear vibrant on air.
Her openness about dyslexia and past Bell’s Palsy diagnosis shows her commitment to destigmatizing health challenges, making her an even more relatable figure.
From her early days in finance to her current role as a trailblazing anchor, Stephanie Ruhle’s journey is a testament to resilience. Her dyslexia, once a hidden struggle, is now a source of strength, proving that challenges can fuel success.
As she continues to light up MSNBC’s late-night slot and advocate for others, Ruhle’s message remains clear: “Hang on. Life awaits.” For dyslexic kids and adults alike, she’s living proof that the world is eager for their unique brilliance.
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