PeppTalks with Jeanne Pepper

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 drive performance metrics with vision and integrity. A proven operator, connector and talent developer, Erika has led cross-functional international teams and...

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 school, Regan worked as an investigator for the Law Office of Harold LaFlamme. The law firm contracted with Orange County to provide legal representation–minor’s c...

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, raises kids, does public speaking, podcasts and finds time to run her health and wellness business. Tahera is an energetic mother of four and married to her high...

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 on the Moon podcast. Solomon has taught storytelling workshops and directed projects like TRANSformation and gUN Cou...

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 was Chief Engineer for a global automotive component supplier. Vocal music has been a lifelong passion for Mike. From performing Gregorian Chant in high school...

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 that, he spent 15 years leading communications and business development teams at Advantage Solutions (Nasdaq: ADV) and spearheaded groundbreaking marketing init...

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. Serving as a storyteller, media force, resource, and advocate, GLAAD tackles tough issues and provokes dialogue so that authentic LGBTQ stories are seen, heard, an...

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. This warm and kindhearted mother of five hasn't rested since his death and continues to make this world a better place in his honor. Learn more about what makes t...

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 TV series. While her life was tragically impacted by her mother's abusive relationship with con man John Meehan, Terra has transformed her experience into a po...

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 @workingwardrobes1597 on YouTube So join us as we learn even more about how Working Wardobes takes gently used business clothing to stock their facility where they dress...

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 pivotal in fostering positive relationships within the Jewish community, advancing educational initiatives, engaging volunteer leaders, and nurturing strateg...

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. Previously lead of SMG, Los Angeles, David remains active with Southern California business and organizations as well. Episode 208 Hosted by: Jeanne Peppe...

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 enjoyed some yoga and meditation together. Then we joined in a discussion of the healing journeys of our special guests. Finally, ended this incredible afternoon...

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 206 Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper Guest: Gideon Bernstein & William "Bill" Weinberg Producer: Eli Moskowitz Original Theme: Jay Bernstein Special Thank You to our volunteers FOLLOW...

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 his blood.” Mr. Weinberg’s law practice is devoted solely to criminal defense. He believes that all individuals accused of a crime are entitled to a fair and c...

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 potential and worth not only benefits clients but creates a collaborative, positive culture for her team that in turn fosters connections. With a master’s in Family Res...

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 severely disabled younger brother. As a result, Elizabeth is an advocate for the rights of the disabled and works with various community groups and non-profit organiz...

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 with a single mother and now his life in Orange County where he works for Google, his community service and his association with the NAACP.  &nbs...

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 learned about becoming a Court Appointed Special Advocate and soon CASA also became particularly important to her. Tune in and learn about this incredible organ...

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. Episode 122 Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper Guest: Eli Moskowitz Producer: Eli Moskowitz Original Theme: Jay Bernstein Special Thank You to our volunteers FOLLOW or SUBSCR...

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, Creative Arts & Wellness Series, and other programming designed to address the mental health and wellness needs of students, teachers, and organizations of all si...

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, she stepped back from politics but her commitment to Irvine remains.   She also discusses her efforts following Noah’s death to reform building safety code...

Lisa Fuerst, volunteer Chairman of the Board of Emanate Health, talks about her life's challenges, the struggles she had to educate herself as a young woman and how she later became part of the family that owns and operates the very school that helped turn her life around. You never know where life's journey will take you - stay tuned to hear more about this incredible woman. Episode 119 Hosted by...

Our guest Justin Arenson, a third generation “do gooder”  is a young entrepreneur who used his love of business, community and computers to create a software application for universities and large private/closed social circles to effectively manage activities among social clubs/groups.   You will want to check out his company Campus Tree and how it can help students find activities on th...

CASA volunteer Susanna Wolfe was our guest this week. Susanna is a great example of a community volunteer who has lived a life of service and continued in a career helping others. Like me, Susanna is also a parent of an LGBTQ child and discusses what that has been like for her. She also tells us about her early life in Canada and how she made it to the United States to study occupational therapy a...