Episode 212
Kim Turner
Co-Founder of Patrick’s Purpose
“Kim and her husband face the reality of heartbroken parents with thoughtfulness, kindness and action; changing the world and the lives of young people in their purposeful process.”
Jeanne and Kim Turner November 12, 2024.
The Turner and Bernstein families have a terrible commonality - they both lost their precious teen sons in the same week. Patrick Turner died by suicide in January of 2018, soon after Blaze was discovered missing. His death left his parents heartbroken. They found notes from Patrick where he challenged his family, friends, and community to make our world a kinder and more inclusive place. Wanting to make sense out of his senseless death - the family created Patrick’s Purpose - a non-profit foundation that creates a platform Kim uses everyday to work towards making the changes that he wished to see. This warm and kindhearted mother of four hasn't rested since his death and continues to make this world a better place in his honor, not unlike the Bernstein family. Learn more about what makes this local hero tick on this episode.
Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper
Guest: Kim Turner
Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper
Producer: Eli Moskowitz
Original Theme: Jay Bernstein
Find out more about Kim Turner here
Visit the Patrick’s Purpose Website here
Make Contact with Kim Turner and Patrick’s Purpose
P.O. Box 10104, Newport Beach, CA, 92658
patrickspurposefoundation.org
Episode 211
Terra Newell
Podcaster and Crime Victims’ Advocate
“Terra Newell: More Than Just "Dirty John." She is a modern day David, who conquered a Goliath and proved that size and physical strength alone are not enough to defeat a real hero.”
Terra and Jeanne in the Pepptalks Studios November 12, 2024.
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 powerful platform for positive change. Beyond her advocacy work, Terra has also leveraged her voice and experiences to create and host the podcasts "Terra's Baddy Club" and "Survivor Squad," where she shares her insights on personal growth, healing, and empowerment. Additionally, she has ventured into the world of education, teaching aspiring podcasters and currently working on a documentary project. Terra's journey is one of remarkable resilience and strength. In 2016, she courageously defended herself against a violent attack by Meehan, a harrowing event that serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of domestic abuse. This incident, while deeply traumatic, has also become a catalyst for her advocacy work and a testament to her unwavering spirit.
Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper
Guest: Terra Newell
Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper
Producer: Eli Moskowitz
Original Theme: Jay Bernstein
Find out more about Terra here
Jeanne and Terra's conversation encourages listeners to use their experiences as catalysts for change, fostering compassion and understanding in a challenging world.
Episode 210
Bonni Pomush gives Pepptalks a tour of Working Wardrobes
Executive Director of Working Wardrobes
Jeanne and Bonni at the Working Wardrobes offices during the recording of Bonni’s podcast.
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 County 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 their clients for success and send them into the workforce. We also learn more about their mission, history and discover how they help people on their journey to finding their way into the workforce and a better life. Thank you Bonni!
Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper
Guest: Bonni Pomush
Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper
Producer: Eli Moskowitz
Original Theme: Jay Bernstein
Find out more about Bonni here
Visit Working Wardrobes website
Career Success Center - for those in need of services
2000 E McFadden Ave
Santa Ana, CA 92705
info@workingwardrobes.org
Mon-Fri: 8AM – 5PM
Donation Center - for those who want to donate clothing
17392 Daimler Street, Suite 150
Irvine, CA 92614
Tues–Sat: 9AM – 3PM
(Closed Holiday Weekends)
Episode 209
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 strategic partnerships. Using his experience and expertise to ensure the successful implementation of the divisional engagement strategy and the growth of ADL's influence throughout the western division, he brings extensive experience in Jewish community relations and interfaith affairs to the role, having dedicated his career to fostering understanding and combating discrimination.
ADL tracks hate incidents in your area.
Peter Levi
ADL Western Division
Director of Engagement & Partnerships at Anti-Defamation League
“Peter may be one of the biggest brains out there in the effort to stop hate in this world- his life’s work reminds us that even the most gifted people are extremely challenged by it”
Jeanne and Peter Levi in studio on January 23rd, 2025.
Peter Levi
Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper
Guest: Peter Levi
Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper
Producer: Eli Moskowitz
Original Theme: Jay Bernstein
Find out more about the ADL Southern California here
Find out more about the ADL in your area here
Episode 208
David is not just the president of Stryker-Munley Group, Charlotte, North Carolina. He is also the one of the integral parts of the inception of #BlazeitForward. David’s podcast reveals that philanthropy is not just about money - he reveals that money cannot buy purpose in life or friendship - both of which David has more than most. Besides working full-time as a senior communications advisor to a client base including media & publishing, advertising & production, technology, entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations - he is also has time to be a basic superhero and do-gooder at large. Previously lead of SMG, Los Angeles, David remains active with Southern California business and organizations as well. Don’t miss this podcast and the man that moves mountains with his warm smile, humble wit and immense charm.
David Thalberg
Stryker-Munley Group
Public Relations Specialist
“There is no question that if Jeanne and Gideon are the soul of #BlazeitForward, David is the heart”
David is not just the president of Stryker-Munley Group, Charlotte, North Carolina. He is also the one of the integral parts of the inception of #BlazeitForward. David’s podcast reveals that philanthropy is not just about money - he proves to us that money alone cannot buy purpose in life or friendship - both of which David has more than most. Besides working full-time as a senior communications advisor to a client base including media & publishing, advertising & production, technology, entrepreneurs and non-profit organizations - he also has time to be a basic superhero and do-gooder at large. Previously lead of SMG, Los Angeles, David remains active with Southern California business and organizations as well. Don’t miss this podcast and the man that moves mountains with his warm smile, humble wit and immense charm.
David Thalberg
Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper
Guest: David Thalberg
Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper
Producer: Eli Moskowitz
Original Theme: Jay Bernstein
Find out more about David here
dthalberg@strykermunleygroup.com
917.952.2580
Episode 207
Radiance Healing Journey
Live Event
This week we wanted to share something different for the week of giving thanks. 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 in Orange County, California. We enjoyed some yoga and meditation together. Then we joined in a discussion of the healing journeys of our special guests. Finally, we ended this incredible afternoon with a sound bath sending us all off feeling fantastic.
Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper, Executive Producer
Guests: Linda Alva, Sierra Sovereign, Sela Longo, Anna Elizabeth-Grace, Dennis Mataviesko, Soraya Mire
Producer: Eli Moskowitz
Original Theme Music: Jay Bernstein
Special Thank You to our volunteers: Adrienne Matros, Helen Harlan, Monica Levy and the Radiance community
Episode 206
Gideon Bernstein & WIlliam Weinberg Trial Wrap Up
Gideon Bernstein and William Weinberg enjoying their podcast experience
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.
Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper, Executive Producer
Guests: Gideon Bernstein & William "Bill" Weinberg
Producer: Eli Moskowitz
Original Theme: Jay Bernstein
Special Thank You to our volunteers
Episode 205
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 competent defense.
William Weinberg, Esq.
Criminal Defense Attorney
Gideon and Brandi Bernstein with William “Bill” Weinberg during the recording of their episode in November 2024.
Attorney William M. Weinberg was born and raised in Orange County. As the youngest child in a family of seven 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 competent defense. Learn from William “Bill” Weinberg about his passion for helping people and for giving back to his community. While Bill has never represented a victim in a criminal prosecution - he took a tremendous professional risk - when he offered to help the Bernstein family navigate seven long years of the criminal prosecution of the man that killed their son Blaze. Bill discusses his philosophy and the case against Blaze’s killer. It was truly a remarkable gift to have William there with us in court and the Bernstein family will always hold a special place in their hearts for him.
Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper, Executive Producer
Guest: William "Bill" Weinberg
Producer: Eli Moskowitz
Original Theme: Jay Bernstein
Special Thank You to our volunteers Helen Harlan, Monica Levy, Jenna Dzierzynski, Linda Alva
Episode 204
Bonni Pomush
CEO Working Wardrobes
“Bonni makes being authentic and kind something very cool - truly a great leader in helping give humans dignity and purpose.”
Bonni’s episode isn’t just about the fabulous work she does helping veterans and other displaced workers find their way back into the workforce. Bonni is also a proud member of the LGBTQ community and discusses her trials and tribulations in coming out and in finding her path to her partner and the wonderful life they share. Bonni is so full of enthusiasm for the work she does and the lives she has touched. She 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 Resources and Human Development as well as over 25 years of leadership experience in government and non-profit agencies, Bonni thrives on championing the community she serves.
Jeanne Pepper and Bonni Pomush, November 2024
Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper
Guest: Bonni Pomush
Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper
Producer: Eli Moskowitz
Original Theme: Jay Bernstein
Find out more about Bonni here
Visit Working Wardrobes website
Career Success Center - for those in need of services
2000 E McFadden Ave
Santa Ana, CA 92705
info@workingwardrobes.org
Mon-Fri: 8AM – 5PM
Donation Center - for those who want to donate clothing
17392 Daimler Street, Suite 150
Irvine, CA 92614
Tues–Sat: 9AM – 3PM
(Closed Holiday Weekends)
Episode 203
It all begins with an idea.
Elizabeth Espinosa
Emmy Award winning Journalist
Health Advocate - Core Kidney
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 organizations. She is also an advocate for her mother who is on a transplant waiting list after Kidney failure. Come and learn how Elizabeth uses her talent and platforms to make the world a better place.
Elizabeth Espinosa, Jeanne Pepper and Soraya Mire at the PeppTalks recording studio 2024.
Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper
Guest: Elizabeth Espinosa
Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper
Producer: Eli Moskowitz
Original Theme: Jay Bernstein
Special Thank You to;
Soraya Mire
Episode 202
It all begins with an idea.
James Pendergrass
NAACP Member at Large
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. Come learn more about this caring, fun and community oriented human who is helping bridge the gaps in our cultural diversity.
James Pendergrass and Jeanne Pepper in the PeppTalks studios recording Episode 202.
Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper
Guest: James Pendergrass
Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper
Producer: Eli Moskowitz
Original Theme: Jay Bernstein
Special Thank You to;
Monica Levy
Episode 201
It all begins with an idea.
Alisa Abecassis
Court Appointed Special Advocates
Alisa Abecassis was a philanthropist before we met, but 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 organization and a dedicated volunteer.
Alisa Abecassis, Justin Arenson and Jeanne Pepper following Alisa’s podcast interview.
Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper
Guest: Alisa Abecassis
Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper
Producer: Eli Moskowitz
Original Theme: Jay Bernstein
Special Thank You to;
Helen Harlan