Nardi Media's Purposeful Podcast

Ashley Bernardi, CEO and Founder, Nardi Media
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The Purposeful Podcast is where purpose meets power. We spotlight thought leaders and visionary voices who are changing the world—through innovation, advocacy, creativity, and leadership. These conversations will challenge you, inspire you, and remind you that impact is possible when you move with intention.

  1. Jun 4

    How to Find Your Authentic Voice in Leadership, Public Speaking, and the Age of AI | Vital Voice Training

    In this episode of Purposeful, Ashley Bernardi sits down with Casey Erin Clark and Julie Fogh, co-founders of Vital Voice Training, to explore the power of voice, authentic communication, and what it really means to show up as yourself in leadership. Casey and Julie help leaders, executives, entrepreneurs, authors, TEDx speakers, and organizations communicate with more confidence, presence, authenticity, and connection. Drawing from their backgrounds in professional theater, voice coaching, leadership development, and public speaking, they challenge the outdated idea that leaders need to sound a certain way in order to be taken seriously. Together, Ashley, Casey, and Julie discuss why communication is not about perfection or performance. It is about humanity, embodiment, trust, and genuine connection.In this conversation, they explore: • How to find and trust your authentic voice • Why women’s voices are often scrutinized in leadership spaces • The communication barriers that keep people from speaking up • How theater and voice training can help leaders communicate with more presence • Why “just be confident” is not helpful advice • The role of voice, embodiment, and connection in public speaking • Why human communication matters even more in the age of AI • How leaders can create safer environments for people to use their full voice • Why authenticity is not the opposite of intentionality • What it means to lead, speak, and communicate as your real self This episode is a powerful conversation for leaders, communicators, founders, speakers, and anyone who wants to speak with more clarity, courage, and connection. Learn more about Vital Voice Training at vitalvoicetraining.com.

    48 min

  2. May 14

    Williams Syndrome, Rare Disease Advocacy, and the Power of Love with Camille Fortunato

    In this moving episode of Purposeful, Ashley Bernardi sits down with Camille Fortunato, mother, advocate, and founder of The Anthony Filippazzo Grant for Williams Syndrome Research, to share her family’s journey with Williams syndrome and the mission that grew from it. When Camille’s son, Anthony, was born, doctors immediately knew something was wrong. After years of medical complications, uncertainty, and searching for answers, Anthony was diagnosed with Williams syndrome, a rare genetic condition that can affect development, learning, cardiovascular health, and multiple organ systems. Camille shares what those early years were like, how her family found community after diagnosis, and why she turned pain into purpose through advocacy, awareness, and medical research. In this conversation, Ashley and Camille discuss: • Anthony’s diagnosis journey • What Williams syndrome is and why awareness matters • The emotional reality of navigating a rare disease as a family • The importance of community and connection • The need for more research into Williams syndrome and cardiac complications • How The Anthony Filippazzo Grant for Williams Syndrome Research is helping fund meaningful progress • The joy, empathy, love, and humanity often found within the Williams syndrome community This episode is a powerful reminder that awareness is more than information. It is connection, advocacy, and hope. Learn more about The Anthony Filippazzo Grant for Williams Syndrome Research at wsresearch.org. Subscribe to Purposeful for more conversations with mission-driven leaders using their voices, platforms, and stories to create meaningful change.

    41 min

  3. May 6

    Remember, Honor, Teach: Karen Worcester on the Mission of Wreaths Across America

    In this deeply moving episode of Purposeful, Ashley Bernardi sits down with Karen Worcester, Executive Director of Wreaths Across America, to discuss the organization’s powerful mission to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom. Karen shares the origin story of Wreaths Across America, from one family’s simple act of remembrance at Arlington National Cemetery, to a national, year-round movement led by volunteers across the country. Ashley also shares her personal connection as a Gold Star daughter, reflecting on how Wreaths Across America helps her honor her father’s legacy and teach her children about service, sacrifice, and remembrance. Together, Ashley and Karen explore: • The story behind Wreaths Across America • Why saying the names of fallen service members matters • The role of volunteers in carrying the mission forward • How the organization teaches children about service, civics, and freedom • Why remembrance is about individual stories, not just symbolic acts • How families, schools, veterans, and communities can get involved year-round This conversation is a heartfelt reminder that remembrance is not limited to one day. It is something we carry forward through stories, service, education, and community. Learn more about Wreaths Across America and how to get involved at WreathsAcrossAmerica.org. Subscribe to Purposeful for more conversations with mission-driven leaders using their voices, platforms, and leadership to make a meaningful impact.

    38 min

  4. Apr 22

    The Leadership Skill No One Talks About: Kindness | Ian Sandler | Purposeful Podcast

    What if kindness isn’t a soft skill… but one of the most powerful leadership tools we have? In this episode of the Purposeful Podcast, Ashley Bernardi sits down with Ian Sandler, co-chair of Riley’s Way, a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering young leaders to create meaningful change through kindness, empathy, and connection. Ian’s journey is deeply personal. After the sudden loss of his daughter Riley at just nine years old, he and his family chose to honor her legacy by building something that would impact generations to come. What began in a hospital room has grown into a national movement, equipping young people with the tools, resources, and support to lead with purpose. This conversation goes beyond grief.It’s about redefining leadership. It’s about empowering the next generation. And it’s about recognizing that kindness, empathy, and emotional intelligence are not optional—they are essential in today’s world. A central truth from this episode: Kindness isn’t passive. It’s an active, strategic force for real change. What You’ll Learn: - Why kindness is a powerful (and overlooked) leadership skill - How Riley’s Way is empowering the next generation of change-makers - The importance of emotional intelligence in a world driven by AI - How young people are already creating meaningful impact - Why leadership needs to shift from authority to service- How to get involved and support the movement

    31 min

  5. Mar 27

    Animal Welfare Is About People Too | Stella Hanly on Community, Leadership & Impact

    What if animal welfare isn’t just about animals… but about people too? In this episode of the Purposeful Podcast, Ashley Bernardi sits down with Stella Hanly, CEO of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, to explore how the field of animal welfare is evolving from shelter-based services to a more holistic, community-centered model. Stella’s journey from corporate consulting to nonprofit leadership is rooted in a desire to create meaningful impact. Today, she leads an organization that is redefining what it means to support animals by also supporting the people who care for them.Because one truth is becoming increasingly clear: Where there’s an animal in need, there’s often a human in need too. In this conversation, we explore how removing judgment, increasing access to resources, and strengthening community partnerships can keep families and pets together—and why that matters more than ever. A central truth from this episode: Animal welfare is not just about rescue. It’s about prevention, support, and strengthening the communities that care for both people and pets. What You’ll Learn: - Why animal welfare is shifting toward a community-centered model - The connection between housing, economic hardship, and pet surrender - How removing judgment helps families seek support earlier - Why pets are essential to human well-being, not a luxury - How local partnerships expand impact across communities - What “more than a shelter” really means in practice - How you can support animal welfare in your own community Learn more or support:https://alexandriaanimals.org

    30 min

  6. Mar 26

    The Power of the Pause: Turning Grief Into Purpose | Effie Santos | Purposeful Podcast

    What if the most powerful thing you could do right now… is pause?In this episode of the Purposeful Podcast, Ashley Bernardi sits down with keynote speaker, TEDx presenter, and author Effie Santos to explore the transformative role of pausing in leadership, decision-making, and personal growth. Effie’s story is deeply personal.After the devastating loss of her 19-year-old daughter, Maddie, she chose to turn grief into purpose by founding Maddie’s Movement—an organization that supports teens and young adults aging out of foster care with the tools, community, and confidence to build independent, thriving lives. But this conversation goes beyond grief.It’s about how we lead.It’s about how we respond to uncertainty.And it’s about learning to create space for clarity, courage, and intentional action—especially in life’s most difficult moments. A central truth from this episode:Confidence doesn’t come before action. Courage does. And often, it begins with the decision to pause.🎧 What You’ll Learn: -What it really means to pause and why it’s not about doing nothing - How to turn pain into purpose in a meaningful, lasting way - Why courage comes before confidence in leadership - How pausing creates clarity in high-pressure environments - Why constant action can limit effective decision-making - How Maddie’s Movement is creating real impact for young adultsLearn More About Effie Santos: Website: https://effiesantos.com Maddie’s Movement: https://maddiesmovement.org

    29 min

  7. Mar 26

    Hawaii Flooding Crisis: How You Can Help Right Now | Maui United Way CEO Interview

    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 Jeeyun (Jee) Lee, CEO of Maui United Way, to discuss the devastating flooding currently impacting communities across Hawaii. This conversation is deeply personal. Ashley’s own family is directly affected, and what is unfolding on the ground has not yet received the level of national attention it deserves.Historic flooding has swept across parts of the Hawaiian islands, destroying homes, disrupting supply chains, and leaving families without access to basic necessities like food, fuel, and shelter. Communities on islands like Maui and Molokai are facing urgent challenges while navigating limited infrastructure, delayed federal aid, and the realities of island life.In this episode, Jeeyun (Jee) Lee, shares what is truly happening right now, the immediate needs facing families, and how organizations like Maui United Way are working to support recovery efforts in real time. This is more than a conversation. It is a call to awareness, compassion, and action. A central truth from this episode:In times of crisis, the most effective support is not always more “things.” It is the right resources, delivered at the right time, through trusted community networks. What You’ll Learn: -What is happening right now on the ground in Hawaii following the floods - The real challenges island communities face during disaster recovery -Why FEMA aid delays are impacting immediate relief efforts -The most urgent needs families are facing today - Why financial support is more effective than physical donations -How Maui United Way is coordinating community-led recovery - How you can make a meaningful impact from anywhere

    17 min

  8. Mar 20

    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

    26 min
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About

The Purposeful Podcast is where purpose meets power. We spotlight thought leaders and visionary voices who are changing the world—through innovation, advocacy, creativity, and leadership. These conversations will challenge you, inspire you, and remind you that impact is possible when you move with intention.

Information

  • Creator
    Ashley Bernardi, CEO and Founder, Nardi Media
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ashley Bernardi, CEO and Founder, Nardi Media
  • Show Website
    Nardi Media's Purposeful Podcast