PeppTalks with Jeanne Pepper

It was the publication of his debut cookbook, Jew-ish: A Cookbook: Reinvented Recipes from a Modern Mensch , that truly launched Jake into the cultural zeitgeist. In this bestselling collection, Jake reinvented the food of his Ashkenazi heritage and beautifully blended it with the Persian-Iraqi traditions of his husband, Alex. The book wasn't just a collection of recipes; it was a love letter to m...

Craig Colley is a virtuoso composer, a classically trained musician, and the visionary creator behind the global platform, Soft Soothing Sounds. His work transcends traditional music, offering a virtual oasis of calm designed to promote self-care, meditation, and a positive escape from the relentless stress of modern life. Colley's professional legacy is immense, spanning over 50 years in music, d...

In this critical discussion, we are joined by two formidable voices in the fight for health equity: Tony Morrison, award-winning journalist and founder of The Morrison Group, and Phillip Yaeger, CEO of Radiant Health Centers. Together, we explore the fragile state of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in 2025 and the dangerous reality that federal funding cuts pose to our progress. For decades, community-based...

In this episode we sit down with the legendary neuroscientist Dr. James McGaugh, a Distinguished Professor at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and a world-renowned expert in the mechanisms of learning and memory. Dr. McGaugh's career spans six decades, pioneering research that has fundamentally reshaped our understanding of how the brain forms, stores, and retrieves memories. This episod...

Anne Friedman is the Executive Director of Gay for Good, a leading national non-profit organization that actively mobilizes the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) community and its allies for transformative community service. Anne's career is a testament to the power of grassroots commitment and strategic non-profit leadership, focused on proving that the LGBTQ+ community is a pow...

Dr. Theresa M. O. Ukpo’s authoritative work The Forgotten Genocide on the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970) is deeply rooted in her personal experience of the conflict and her subsequent academic career dedicated to understanding large-scale trauma. Born in Owerri, Imo state, Nigeria, to parents who were notable pioneers in the nation’s education system, Dr. Ukpo demonstrated exceptional academic pro...

Joe Dreamz is a rising inspirational hip-hop artist, singer, and entrepreneur from San Diego, California, whom many describe as a "breath of fresh air" in the music industry. His platform is built not just on his music, which blends an "old school message with a new school sound," but on his powerful, purpose-driven movement to encourage others to "Live Joe Dreamz." He is also a singer and fashion...

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 threads of self-discovery, legal precedent, and a remarkable commitment to community and the arts. Josh takes us through his journey as a teenage cis girl to a tran...

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 work and her experience co-founding the retail giant with her ex-husband, Hezy Shaked. Tilly opens up about the challenges of her divorce and the hard lessons s...

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 America, shares how his work in broadcast journalism laid the foundation for his current role as a powerful advocate for the LGBTQ community. The conversation explore...

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 expert, and behavioral and autism specialist. She is the founder of Bridging Pathways Autism and Behavioral Consulting and the author of several books....

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 transcends the charts, delving into a journey of grief and resilience. This is the story of his son, Jack Nathan, and a legacy of hope born from unimaginable loss. E...

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 help others find their own strength and purpose Episode 301 Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper Guest: Valerie Bailey Producer: Eli Moskowitz Original Theme: Jay Berns...

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 discussed the challenges and triumphs of creating content that resonated with their growing audience, highlighting specific interviews and topics that generated signi...

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, she has been recognized for her exceptional journalism and commitment to storytelling. Beyond her anchoring duties, Devine is known for her deep involvement in...

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 County. Simonsen is deeply committed to empowering young people to achieve their full potential, focusing on critical areas such as housing, health and wellness, a...

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 one of proactive kindness and a desire to create a more inclusive world. Touched by the life and tragic passing of Blaze, whom he knew from religious school at...

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 grounded in her identity. Our interview takes place on Zoom to accommodate her ASL interpreter and features an entertaining twist in the video version of our interv...

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 transformative experiences that harmonize the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of individuals. As a certified Gong Master and Sound Alchemist, he expertly inte...

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 get them on the life path they desire. Through a blend of a multitude of healing modalities including intuitive guidance, somatic work, energy healing, and spirit...

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) Foundation. In addition to her work with CHOC, Adrienne also serves on several other non-profit boards, including: • Merage Jewish Community Center (JCC) • Tilly's Life...

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 deeply personal and unflinching account of her own experiences with FGM, arranged marriage, and life within Somalia's complex social and political landscape. M...

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 deeply personal and unflinching account of her own experiences with FGM, arranged marriage, and life within Somalia's complex social and political landscape. Mir...

Episode 221 Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper Guest: Kanan Durham Producer: Eli Moskowitz Original Theme: Jay Bernstein Special Thank You to our volunteers FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to PeppTalks with Jeanne Facebook: PeppTalks with Jeanne Pepper Instagram: @pepptalkswithjeanne LinkedIn: Jeanne Pepper DISCLAIMER Jeanne Pepper is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or enti...

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” about lifestyle and/or identity. Mike brings a unique blend of leadership and creativity to his role as Board Chairman of Men Alive, Orange County’s Gay Men’s Chorus...