Episode 122: Season Recap

Saturday March 23, 2024 at the PeppTalks studio.

Assistant Producer Keith Anthony, guest Mara James, Executive Producer & Host Jeanne Pepper, Producer Eli Moskowitz at recording session October 24, 2023.

This is a fun recap with host Jeanne Pepper and her producer Eli Moskowitz. Eli and Jeanne discuss the season, the highlights and challenges, their experience working together and their plans for season 2! Get a sneak peak at the behind the scenes discussions that go into making this unique podcast.

Episode 122

Guests: Jeanne Pepper & Eli Moskowitz

Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper

Producer: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to:

all of our guests that made this season shine

Episode 121: Janeane Bernstein

Jeanne and Janeane at the recording of Episode 121

Dr. Janeane Bernstein

Mental healthcare advocate, journalist,

radio & podcast host, and author of
Get the Funk Out!: %^&* Happens, What to Do Next!

“turning her own personal loss into a life devoted to improving the human condition”

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 sizes. 

Episode 121

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Dr. Janeane Bernstein

Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper

Producer: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Episode 120: Beth Krom

Jeanne and Beth Krom at the recording of Episode 120

Beth Krom

Former Mayor of Irvine

“She passed every test of the very best in humanity with flying colors.”

Our guest Beth Krom, was a two time 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 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 codes in Santa Barbara to prevent another accidental death like his.   She also has cared for her disabled husband for almost thirty years. Beth inspires all around her to get up and do something when things aren’t right in this world - a true activist.  Her life work has not gone unnoticed.

Episode 120

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Beth Krom

Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper

Producer: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to;

Gideon Bernstein

Helen Harlan

Episode 119: Lisa Fuerst

Jeanne and Lisa Fuerst at the recording of Episode 119

Lisa Fuerst

Chair of the Board of EmanateHealth Foundation

& Fuerst Family Foundation

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 turn around. You never know where life's journey will take you. Lisa is one the special interviewees whose passion to excel and her dream of having a professional career made a huge investment in herself as a young woman to push through poverty, deprivation and lack of family support to make her dreams come true. Lisa is truly a study in what one can do through talent, hard work and determination, Bravo Lisa!

Episode 119

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Lisa Fuerst

Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper

Producer: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Episode 118: Justin Arenson

Jeanne and Justin Arenson at the recording of Episode 118

Justin Arenson

Campus Tree, founder & Chief Executive Officer

“Youth is not wasted on this young entrepreneur”

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 their campus.  He  explained the challenges for a young entrepreneur and his desire to do something good post college graduation.  We also had time to discuss his views on spirituality and the “afterlife.”  An interesting interview with a young entrepreneur - not to be missed!

Episode 118

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Justin Arenson

Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper

Producer: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to;

Gideon Bernstein

Helen Harlan

Episode 117: Susanna Wolfe

Susanna Wolfe and Jeanne Pepper at the recording session of Episode 117

Susanna Wolfe

Court Special Advocate Volunteer

Giving back in her “free” time gives this Occupational Therapist/Lactation consultant a busy schedule of service

Court Appointed Special Advocates

Reading Partners

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 and stayed to start her career. Susanna talks about the incredible work that CASA does helping children in the foster system and how she has personally benefitted from the experience of being an advocate for CASA. She also has her own lactation consulting business, continues to work for CASA, and participates in a program to teach inner city children to read (Reading Partners) and all while continuing to work as an occupational therapist and crochet. Find out how her work has made Susanna’s life meaningful and helped people live their best lives.

Episode 117

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Susanna Wolfe

Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper

Producer: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to;

Gideon Bernstein

Helen Harlan

Episode 116: Dalia Taft

Dalia Taft and Jeanne Pepper together for recording of Episode 116

Dalia Taft

The Historian with a History of Giving Back

Director, Orange County Jewish Historical Society

Grants Committee Chairman, Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County

Our guest this week, Dalia Taft, tells us about her personal journey in philanthropy and how she became an integral part of the Jewish community’s volunteer superstars. I first met Dalia almost twenty years ago when she was participating with our children in the Orange County standout organization “The Community Scholars Program” which brought us together for scholarship, camping trips, and other family friendly Jewish activities. Dalia presently is the volunteer chair of the Grants Committee of the Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County. She also lives at the intersection of illegal immigration, the Hispanic community and the Jewish community because her son recently married a “Dreamer.” Dalia discusses the importance of compassion for these children of illegal immigrants that are not allowed citizenship as adults and fear deportation. She also discusses her religious and spiritual beliefs and how they have changed over the years. This is a fascinating interview which will leave you with new perspectives on immigration and its affect on the children in this marginalized community.

Episode 116

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Dalia Taft

Producer: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to;

Gideon Bernstein

Helen Harlan

Episode 115: Bailey Kaufman

Jeanne Pepper and Bailey Kaufman enjoying some downtime after Episode 115

Bailey Kaufman

The unofficial representative of Generation Z

EdD candidate Fordham University

This is a shorter interview with my family friend Bailey Kaufman. Bailey is a young graduate student presently living in Slovakia as a Fulbright scholar! When not traveling the world, Bailey is a full-time doctorial canidate at Fordham University in NYU. While on leave this past year, Bailey took time to sit down with us to discuss the benefits of community service and her own personal journey to find meaning in her work. Bailey also discussed her spirituality and thoughts on a higher power. Bailey represents many under thirty people (“Gen Z”) in her perspectives on spirituality, kindness and education. Learn what makes this up and coming Gen Z ‘er tick and how we can incentivize more of these promising twenty-something adults to choose careers and activities that help others.

Episode 115

Host & Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Bailey Kaufman

Producer: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to:

Gideon Bernstein

Helen Harlan

Bailey Kaufman

Podcast 114: Linda Alva

Linda Alva and Jeanne Pepper, Episode 114

Linda Alva

“Her son’s death put her on a mission to end accidental overdoses by Fentanyl”

Drug Awareness Advocate Pilates Instructor

In a heart wrenching interview, Linda candidly recounts the events surrounding the 2021 overdose and death of her 22-year-old son Tristan from his accidental use of Fentanyl and the recent epidemic of Fentanyl overdoses taking the lives of so many young people. Learn from Linda about her son Tristan and how the death of this talented young artist has impacted her and her two surviving daughters. Linda, a Pilates instructor, and single mother has made it her life mission to inform the public about the dangers of all illicit drug use and the importance of everyone keeping Narcan (a drug used to slow down an overdose) on hand where it could potentially save a life. We also discuss other easy practical options for preventing a tragedy like this. This is an inspiring interview giving a voice to a generation of parents and their young adult children who have suffered the consequences of this dangerous chemical since Fentanyl recently began making its way into the homes of our children.

Episode 114

Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper

Producer: Eli Moskowitz

Sound: Eli Moskowitz

Post Production: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to:

Gideon Bernstein

Monica Levy

Podcast 113: Peter MacDonald

Peter MacDonald & Jeanne Pepper, Ep. 113

Peter MacDonald

Former Executive Vice President Loan Depot

“The only Irish Catholic ever honored as Mensch of the Year by the Orange County Jewish Community”

Philanthropist at Large

On this episode, Peter MacDonald the former Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Loan Depot gives us the back story on what inspired an average Canadian Irish Catholic and one of ten children to become an integral part of the Orange County Jewish community.  His journey began after finishing college, when Peter left Canada alone to explore southern California and eventually made it to Western State College of Law in Orange County.   We discuss Peter’s improbable casting as 1980’s Canadian “say no to drugs” icon, his foray as a house painter, and his stint as the only Irish Catholic recognized as a “Mensch of the Year” by the Orange County Jewish Federation.  Learn what makes this accomplished philanthropist tick and how he made his dreams of family, career, philanthropy, and beach life come true.

Episdoe 113

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Peter MacDonald

Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper

Producer: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to:

Helen Harlan

Bailey Kaufman

Episode 112: Wendy Arenson

Wendy Arenson and Jeanne Pepper Episode 112

Wendy Arenson

“Professional Community Builder”

Executive Director, President Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County

Guest Wendy Chase Arenson is a driving force behind the Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County, serving as both its Executive Director and President. Since joining the organization in 2012, her dedication to community collaboration and donor engagement has fueled the Foundation's remarkable growth. Wendy discusses her love for helping people, her lifelong community service and how she ended up as one of the Orange County community’s leading experts in philanthropic giving.

Episode 112

Host and Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Wendy Arenson

Producer: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to:

Gideon Bernstein

Helen Harlan

Bailey Kaufman

Episode 111: Gideon Bernstein

Gideon Bernstein and Jeanne Pepper, PeppTalks with Jeanne Ep. 111

Gideon Bernstein, Author

“Anyone who thinks they can’t make a difference should look at what one mosquito can do”

Author, “Giving: The Guide to Happiness for the Modern Philanthropist”

In this episode Jeanne is joined once again by Gideon Bernstein her husband and co-founder of #BlazeitForward, volunteer chairman of the Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County and philanthropist. During this interview Gideon talks about the role of the Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County, how it came to be and what you can do for your organization.

Episode 111

Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper

Producer: Eli Moskowitz

Sound: Eli Moskowitz

Post Production: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to;

Gideon Bernstein

Helen Harlan

Bailey Kaufman

Episode 110: Rick Matros

PeppTalks with Jeanne - Episode 110 Featuring Rick Matros

Rick Matros

Philanthropy’s most tattooed man?

IsraAid

Rick Matros is more than just a super cool father of seven and grandpa of 15 who is adorned with amazing tattoos of his family, music, Judaism and Israel. Serving on the board of IsraAid US and with his wife Dr. Adrienne Matros, they support many non-profit organizations such as Jewish National Fund, the Merage Jewish Community Center, Artists 4 Israel (Healing Ink), the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Children’s Hospital of Orange County, Tilly’s Life Center, Radiant Healthcare, The Samueli Academy (not an inclusive list) and they also travel the world to help others. You will be absolutely amazed by Rick's success story as he takes us through his tough early years and his intentioned decision as a young hoodlum to have a "good" life. We could have made this a 10 hour interview and still not covered every fascinating detail of his prolific career as a businessman, philanthropist and family man. While we anticipate he will be back again, get a taste now of this remarkable man.

Episode 110

Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper

Producer: Eli Moskowitz

Sound: Eli Moskowitz

Post Production: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to:

Helen Harlan

Episode 109: Adrienne Matros

Adrienne Matros 2019 Philanthropist of the Year at her recording session with Jeanne Pepper

Dr. Adrienne Matros

Part Chippewa and Part Superhero

2019 Philanthropist of the Year

In this episode, Jeanne interviews 2019 Philanthropist of the Year, Adrienne Matros who discusses her love of helping other people, how she took her humble beginnings and turned it into a life of service, and of special interest - her Chippewa (native) family history.  Adrienne generously supports numerous causes in Orange County both financially and with her own active work.  Find out how this grandmother of 15 and mother of 7 finds time to be on the board of multiple non-profits, helps in caring for her grand children and still manages to travel the world with her family and her husband Rick.

Episode 109

Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper

Producer: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to:

Helen Harlan

Episode 108: Susan Seely

Susan Seeley, the National Executive Director of Na’Amat USA with Jeanne Pepper in Episode 108

Susan Seely

“Big things come in little packages.”

National Executive Director, Na’Amat USA

On this episode Jeanne is joined by Susan Seely the National Executive Director of Na'Amat USA. Susan talks about how her organization is making a difference supporting women and their causes in Israel. We discuss Susan's long professional history in social justice, and how her passion for helping people led to her success in nonprofit work.

Episode 108

Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper

Producer: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein
Special Thank You to:

Helen Harlan

Episode 107: Gideon Bernstein

Gideon Bernstein and Jeanne Pepper, Episode 107.

Gideon Bernstein, President

“leading with passion and dedication to foster community growth”

Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County

On this episode Jeanne is joined by Gideon Bernstein; her husband, co-founder of #BlazeitForward, author, volunteer chairman of the Jewish community foundation of Orange County and philanthropist. During this quick interview Gideon talks about the role of the Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County and how a community foundation can help you with your philanthropy. We also had time to talk about his book, “Giving: A Handbook to Happiness for the Modern Philanthropist.”

Episode 107

Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper

Producer: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to:

Helen Harlan

Episode 106: Heather Kline

Heather Kline and Noa Tishby at Women’s philanthropy VOICES event March 19, 2024 Ep. 106

Heather Kline, President of Jewish Federation Orange County

“Heather Kline, may be petite, but her impact is undeniably formidable making her a true force to be reckoned with in the realm of community leadership.”

Woman of the Year 2024

Heather Kline and Jeanne Pepper, Ep. 106

On this week’s episode Heather Kline, an Orange County philanthropist and “Lion of Judah”, discusses her life and community service with Jewish Federation where she serves as board president. Jewish Federation of Orange County’s Women’s Philanthropy division honored Heather as 2024 “Woman of the Year” on March 19th 2024. Heather also shares with us about her spirituality, how she finds meaning in this world and about the tragic and impactful loss of her mother when she was in college.

Episode 106

Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper

Producer: Eli Moskowitz

Sound: Eli Moskowitz

Post Production: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to:

Monica Levy

Episode 105: Mara James

Mara James founder and President of The Extraordinary Lives Foundation and Jeanne Pepper, Ep. 105

Mara James, Founder & President

“Together, we can make a difference and help others lead truly extraordinary lives.”

Extraordinary Lives Foundation

On this episode, Jeanne is joined by Mara James of the Extraordinary Lives Foundation (“ELF”). ELF is a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering individuals to lead extraordinary lives despite facing significant challenges. Mara James, a visionary philanthropist, started ELF to provide support, resources, and opportunities for those who are striving to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams. Using a character “Piggy Bear” in children’s books she created, her books teach life lessons about diversity, mental health and self acceptance. In studio, Mara discusses her own mental health journey and spiritual awakening. Join us as we discuss Mara’s passionate journey to celebrate the extraordinary potential within every individual and to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.

Episode 105

Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper

Producer: Eli Moskowitz

Camera Operator: Keith Anthony

Sound: Eli Moskowitz

Post Production: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to;

Gideon Bernstein

Monica Levy

Episode 104: Erin Runnion

Erin Runnion and Jeanne Pepper discuss her work as a child advocate, Ep. 104

Erin Runnion, Founder & President

“Turning tragedy into triumph and protecting our children”

The Joyful Child Foundation

On this episode Jeanne is joined by Erin Runnion from The Joyful Child Foundation. The Joyful Child Foundation was established to prevent crimes against children through programs focused on education, awareness, and empowerment. At the heart of this impactful organization is its founder, Erin Runnion, a dedicated advocate for child safety and well-being.

Erin Runnion founded the Joyful Child Foundation in memory of her daughter, Samantha, who was tragically abducted and murdered in 2002. Despite enduring such a devastating loss, Erin channeled her grief into creating a lasting legacy for Samantha and a beacon of hope for children everywhere. Erin went on to devote herself and her career to helping children and families. Learn about her story, trauma and how she made something positive come from her tragedy. Erin's passion, resilience, and dedication serve as a driving force behind the Joyful Child Foundation's mission, making a profound impact on communities and emphasizing the importance of child safety and empowerment. Her vision and leadership continue to guide the foundation's work, ensuring that Samantha's legacy lives on through a legacy of hope, education, and joy.

Episod 104

Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper

Producer: Eli Moskowitz

Camera Operator: Keith Anthony

Sound: Eli Moskowitz

Post Production: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to:

Gideon Bernstein

Monica Levy

Episode 103: Keith Anthony

Keith Anthony and Jeanne Pepper, Episode 103

Keith Anthony, Producer

“he combines raw vulnerability with powerful storytelling to inspire his audience to do good”

What Could You Do?

On this episode Jeanne is joined by Keith Anthony, positivity content creator and host of What Could You Do? Join us as we discover a short form video series that places a spotlight on people solving everyday issues experienced in their community. Learn how positive content creation is the future of media because it makes the people who make it and the people who watch it vibe higher!

Episode 103

Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper

Producer: Eli Moskowitz

Guest: Keith Anthony

Sound: Eli Moskowitz

Post Production: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to;

Gideon Bernstein

Monica Levy