Pepptalks with Jeanne Pepper features the co-founder of #BlazeitForward; activist, advocate and inspirational speaker Jeanne Pepper and her special guests. Guests include those who actively work helping others or who have unique knowledge of the current needs of marginalized communities, children and those struggling in our world. Guests are recognized for unique or extraordinary community service, starting, working at and/or growing the most needed and influential non-profits, or dedicating their lives to humanitarian causes in their local or even global communities. Key issues discussed are 1. the value of community service and opportunities for high school students, 2. advocacy for LGBTQAI+...
In a world increasingly open to diverse narratives, some individuals stand out not just for their personal journeys but for the profound impact they have on society. Joshua Vecchione is one such person, whose life story weaves together thre…
On this episode, we sit down with the incredible Tilly Levine, the co-founder of the successful retail chain, Tilly's. We dive into her inspiring personal history, from her early life as an immigrant with very little, to the years of hard w…
In this compelling episode, we sit down with Tony Morrison, an Emmy and GLAAD award-winning producer and journalist, to discuss his remarkable career and profound personal journey. Tony, a former senior producer at ABC's Good Morning Americ…
Melissa Reiner, M.Ed., is a prominent autism and behavioral consultant widely regarded as one of the top experts in California. With a Master's Degree in Special Education.  Melissa is a world-class speaker, esteemed author, communication e…
In the high-stakes world of music, David Nathan stands as a powerhouse music executive from Republic Records, instrumental in the careers of global superstars like Taylor Swift and The Weeknd. But his most profound and impactful story trans…
In this inspiring episode, meet Valerie Bailey - singer, songwriter and wife of Earth, Wind & Fire's Phillip Bailey - as she shares the story behind her uplifting organization, "I Found Me." Learn how she uses her platform to give back and …
PeppTalks Season 2 culminated in a retrospective interview between Host Jeanne Pepper and Producer Eli Moskowitz, as they looked back on a season that saw the show expand its reach and deepen its thematic explorations. Jeanne and Eli discus…
Christine Devine is a highly respected and multi-award-winning news anchor for FOX 11 Los Angeles, where she can be seen anchoring the weeknight news. With an impressive 16 Emmy Awards to her name, including the prestigious Governors Award,…
Chris Simonsen is the President and CEO of Orangewood Foundation, a role he has held since 2013. Under his leadership, Orangewood has significantly expanded its reach and impact, serving thousands of foster and community youth in Orange Cou…
Brayden Werschmidt, a compassionate 13-year-old, celebrated his Bar Mitzvah with an inspiring Bar Mitzvah project that not only honored the memory of a my son, Blaze Bernstein but also took a firm stand against bullying. Brayden's story is…
Jojo Savea is a Deaf Samoan woman, content creator, and social media services provider. She focuses on storytelling, culture, and authenticity in her work. Having moved frequently throughout her life, she learned to adapt while staying grou…
Taran Gong, residing in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, is a globally recognized sound healer, speaker, and the creative force behind Taran Zensory Experiences, offering immersive wellness journeys. Taran has committed his life to crafting transf…
Louru is a passionate Healer and Shaman who specializes in meeting people exactly where they are on their healing journey and holding sacred space to transmute what no longer serves them while offering education and intuitive guidance to ge…
Adrienne Matros is a licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry. She is a philanthropist and currently serves on the board of directors for Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC) Foundati…
Part 2 of 2.....Soraya Mire is a Somali-born author, filmmaker, and human rights activist whose powerful voice resonates globally in the fight against female genital mutilation (FGM). Her searing memoir, "The Girl with Three Legs," offers a…
Part 1 of 2...Soraya Mire is a Somali-born author, filmmaker, and human rights activist whose powerful voice resonates globally in the fight against female genital mutilation (FGM). Her searing memoir, "The Girl with Three Legs," offers a d…
Episode 221Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper Guest: Kanan DurhamProducer: Eli Moskowitz Original Theme: Jay Bernstein Special Thank You to our volunteersFOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to PeppTalks with JeanneFacebook: PeppTalks with Jeanne PepperInstagram: @pe…
In this special follow-up interview, Mike Auchter discusses his early life and the challenge he faced in “coming out” as a gay man in the automotive industry. This is a very relatable interview for anyone facing a challenging “reveal” abo…
Erika Pedersen has over two decades of C-suite executive sales and strategic account management expertise in global logistics and SaaS implementation. A graduate of the USC Marshall School of Business Entrepreneur Program, Erika is known to…
Regan first became involved with CASA in 2001 while living in New York City and studying at Columbia. She completed a one-year internship with CASA-NYC, launching her career advocating for children in the dependency system. While in law sch…
I first met Tahera at a “Blaze it Forward” event in Foothill Ranch when she came to support our family during a cleanup at the memorial park there. I was immediately interested in this self styled lifestyle “guru” who sings, writes books, r…
Jeffrey Solomon is the co-founder of Houses on the Moon Theater Company, where he writes and directs plays. His works include Building Houses on the Moon, De Novo, and Tara's Crossing. He adapted De Novo into an audio drama for the Houses o…
Mike Auchter brings a unique blend of leadership and creativity to his role as Board Chairman of MenAlive, Orange County’s Gay Men’s Chorus. A retired manufacturing engineer with a 32-year career in the automotive industry, Mike’s last role…
Will Minton has more than 25 years of marketing experience in the consumer goods, foodservice, and entertainment industries, most recently serving as the chief marketing officer of Breakout Learning, an education technology company. Before…
Founded in 1985, GLAAD is a non-profit organization focused on LGBTQ advocacy and cultural change. GLAAD works to ensure fair, accurate, and inclusive representation and creates national and local programs that advance LGBTQ acceptance. Ser…
When Patrick Turner died by suicide in January of 2018, he challenged his family, friends, and community to make our world a kinder and more inclusive place. Kim uses her platform to work every day to make the changes that he wished for. …
Terra Newell: More Than Just "Dirty John"Terra Newell is a prominent advocate for victims of domestic violence and exploitation of crime victims, whose story gained national attention through the popular "Dirty John" podcast and subsequent …
On the day that Bonnie's first episode with Jeanne premiered, she invited us down to join her for a tour of the Working Wardrobes facility in Orange CountΩçy and to be a guest on her podcast "Rebuilding Careers" which you can find @workingw…
Rabbi Peter Levi serves as the Western Division Director of Engagement & Partnerships at Anti-Defamation League (ADL) in Orange County/Long Beach. He is responsible for setting and managing the divisional engagement strategy. This role is p…
David Thalberg is the president of Stryker-Munley Group, Charlotte. David is a senior communications advisor to a client base including media & publishing, advertising & production, technology, entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations. Pr…
We want to share something different this week of giving thanks. So in cooperation with the amazing women in the Radiance community, we invited a eclectic group of people (our fans) to share an afternoon under the setting sun together. We e…
Joining Jeanne and William Weinberg in this rare post trial conversation part 2 is Gideon Bernstein, father of Blaze Bernstein. Learn more about the what was going on in the courtroom during the trial and after. Episode 206Hosted by: Jeanne…
Attorney William M. Weinberg was born and raised in Orange County. As the youngest child in a family of lawyers— both of his parents were attorneys and all four of his siblings are attorneys—you could say that his passion for the law is “in…
Bonni joined Working Wardrobes as its second-ever CEO in January 2022 and is committed to making the organization’s future success as strong as its foundation. Her optimistic philosophy of empowering individuals to live up to their potentia…
Elizabeth is a two time Emmy award-winning Journalist. Her 30+ year career includes her broadcasting work at Telemundo, KTLA Los Angeles, and CNN. Elizabeth credits much of her success to the struggles she’s endured growing up with a se…
Today we meet James Pendergrass  - a member at large for The NAACP. I first met James at an inclusive seder this year and asked him to come on my show to tell us about his life as an African American growing up on the east coast and Texas …
Alisa Abecassis – a philanthropist before we met, when Blaze died it got personal for Alisa and she took #BlazeitForward to the next level. Not only did she become an active philanthropist within the #BlazeitForward community, but she also…
Jeanne is in the hotseat this time, she's being asked questions by her behind the camera wookie. So tune in and listen as she discusses what she got out of this first season and what the future of PeppTalks with Jeanne might look like.Episo…
Janeane Bernstein, EdD is a mental health advocate, journalist, and speaker. In response to the global pandemic, she created the mental health and wellness podcast and event series, OUTSIDE THE BOX; this includes her CARE Initiative, Creati…
Our guest Beth Krom, was a former Irvine mayor with a long history of public service, who championed the city's growth while on council (2000-2004) and as mayor (2004-2006). After the personal tragedy of losing of her 22 year old son Noah, …