The Power of Literacy - Dorothy Bush Koch on Barbara Bush's Legacy

Welcome to the Purposeful Podcast!Purposeful is a podcast by Nardi Media, created to amplify the voices of leaders, advocates, and changemakers who are uplifting the world through courage, service, and truth.In this episode, host Ashley Bernardi, Founder and CEO of Nardi Media, sits down with Dorothy “Doro” Bush Koch, daughter of the 41st President of the United States, George H.W. Bush, and former First Lady Barbara Bush, who devoted much of her life to championing literacy in America.Barbara Bush believed that literacy is one of the most powerful tools for opportunity, saying that if we could solve literacy in America, we could address many of the challenges facing our society, from poverty to educational inequality.Today, that mission continues through the work of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy, where Doro Bush Koch plays an important role in carrying forward her mother’s legacy.In this conversation, Ashley and Doro explore the power of reading within families, the importance of early literacy, and why helping both parents and children develop literacy skills can transform entire communities.From personal stories of growing up in a home filled with books to practical advice for parents raising children in a screen-driven world, this episode highlights how reading can shape confidence, curiosity, and opportunity for generations.A central truth from this episode:When families read together, they don’t just build literacy, they build connection, confidence, and opportunity for the future.What You’ll Learn:- Why literacy is one of the most powerful drivers of opportunity in society- The role Barbara Bush played in elevating family literacy across America- Why parents learning to read alongside their children changes entire families- The current literacy challenges facing children and adults in the United States- How parents can encourage a love of reading, even in a screen-filled world- Practical ways families can make reading joyful and part of everyday life- Why it’s never too late to start reading together