Beyond Words

About Beyond Words

Beyond words, the Literacy Podcast aims to bring together experts and change-makers to discuss crucial issues in creating a literate world, such as access, equity, and the role of technology in learning. Guests will offer valuable perspectives on how to ensure high-quality literacy education for all. This podcast is brought to you by The World Literacy Foundation and World Literacy Summit and our new host, the talented and experienced Deborah Marks. Deborah brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to our discussions as a journalist, editor, publisher, author, podcaster, and producer.

Publisher

World Literacy Foundation and World Literacy Summit

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

3 Jun 2021

Latest episode

23 Sept 2025

Latest episodes

25 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Sept 2025

   From prison to PHD - The Journey of Kieron A. Bryan

   From a 25-year prison sentence to building a thriving business ecosystem, Kieron A. Bryan is proof that barriers can become stepping stones. In prison, he read over 250 books, earned a first-class degree, launched programmes to inspire others, and even wrote a children’s book that became the first in the world to sell its characters as NFTs. Since his release, Kieron has founded multiple ventures, spoken at universities and the House of Lords, and is preparing to begin his PhD on how AI and blockchain can help tackle recidivism. In this episode, Kieron shares how education behind bars became more valuable than dead-end jobs, offering real options, real hope, and real change. His story challenges us to reimagine the role of Further Education in justice, and reminds us that transformation begins with the conversations that matter.

2. 

   23 Jul 2025

   Two adventurers - One epic journey. All for children’s literacy

   Just ask our good friends, Russ and Pendar, about their unforgettable summer adventure. They’re about to take on a 3,000 km journey across the Himalayas in a tiny rickshaw, all to raise global awareness for literacy and share the gift of reading by distributing children’s books along the way.

3. 

   3 Mar 2025

   Bridging Literacies at the World Literacy Summit: Greg Zaralides Speaks

   How can we bridge the literacy gap and create a more inclusive world? In this episode, we sit down with Greg Zaralidesto explore the theme of the World Literacy Summit 2025: "Bridging Literacies." We discuss the summit’s impact, the importance of global collaboration in literacy, and what to expect at this year’s event in Oxford. Tune in for insights on the future of literacy and how you can be part of the movement!

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 29 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

35

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

60

Contact Beyond Words

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.