PeppTalks with Jeanne Pepper

This is a shorter interview with my family friend Bailey Kaufman. Bailey is a young graduate student in New York City studying education. While on leave, Bailey came took time out from her Phd program 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 (“zillenials”) in her perspectives on spirituality, kindness and education. Learn what makes this up and coming generation tick and how we can incentivize them to choose careers and activities that help others.

Episode 115 Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper Guest: Bailey Kaufman Producer: Eli Moskowitz Original Theme: Jay Bernstein Special Thank You to; Gideon Bernstein Helen Harlan Bailey Kaufman DISCLAIMER Jeanne Pepper is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Jeanne Pepper unless so stated. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Ms. Pepper’s guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ms. Pepper. If you have any questions about this disclaimer or the content herein, please contact us at PepptalkswithJeanne@gmail.com

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 Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper Guest: Linda Alva Producer: Eli Moskowitz Original Theme: Jay Bernstein Special Thank You to; Gideon Bernstein Helen Harlan Bailey Kaufman DISCLAIMER Jeanne Pepper is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Jeanne Pepper unless so stated. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Ms. Pepper’s guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ms. Pepper. If you have any questions about this disclaimer or the content herein, please contact us at PepptalkswithJeanne@gmail.com

On this episode, Peter MacDonald the 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.

Episode 113 Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper Guest: Peter MacDonald Producer: Eli Moskowitz Original Theme: Jay Bernstein Special Thank You to; Gideon Bernstein Helen Harlan Bailey Kaufman DISCLAIMER Jeanne Pepper is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Jeanne Pepper unless so stated. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Ms. Pepper’s guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ms. Pepper. If you have any questions about this disclaimer or the content herein, please contact us at PepptalkswithJeanne@gmail.com

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, how it and how she ended up as one of the Orange County community’s leading experts in philanthropic giving.

Episode 111 Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper Guest: Wendy Arenson Camera Operator: Eli Moskowitz Sound: Eli Moskowitz Post Production: Eli Moskowitz Original Theme: Jay Bernstein Special Thank You to; Gideon Bernstein Helen Harlan Bailey Kaufman DISCLAIMER Jeanne Pepper is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Jeanne Pepper unless so stated. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Ms. Pepper’s guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ms. Pepper. If you have any questions about this disclaimer or the content herein, please contact us at PepptalkswithJeanne@gmail.com

On 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

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Gideon Bernstein

Sound: Eli Moskowitz

Post Production: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to;

Gideon Bernstein

Helen Harlan

Bailey Kaufman

DISCLAIMER

Jeanne Pepper is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Jeanne Pepper unless so stated. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Ms. Pepper’s guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ms. Pepper. If you have any questions about this disclaimer or the content herein, please contact us at PepptalkswithJeanne@gmail.com

Rick Matros is more than just a super cool father of seven and grandpa of ten covered with amazing tattoos of his family, music, Judaism and Israel. Serving on the board of IsraAid US and with his wife Dr. Adrienne Matros and supports strmany non-profit organizations such as Jewish National Fun, 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 and also traveling 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

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Rick Matros

Sound: Eli Moskowitz

Post Production: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to;

Gideon Bernstein

Helen Harlan

DISCLAIMER

Jeanne Pepper is providing this podcast as a public service.  Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Jeanne Pepper unless so stated. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Ms. Pepper’s guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ms. Pepper. If you have any questions about this disclaimer or the content herein, please contact us at PepptalkswithJeanne@gmail.com

In this episode, Jeanne is joined by 2019 philanthropist of the year Adrienne Matros discusses her love of helping other people, how she took her humble beginnings and turned it into a life of service, and interestingly 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 7 finds time to be on the board of multiple non-profits, helps in caring for her 10 grand children and still manages to travel the world with her family and her husband Rick.

Episode 109

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Adrienne Matros

Camera Operator: Eli Moskowitz

Sound: Eli Moskowitz

Post Production: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to;

Gideon Bernstein

Helen Harlan

DISCLAIMER

Jeanne Pepper is providing this podcast as a public service.  Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Jeanne Pepper unless so stated. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Ms. Pepper’s guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ms. Pepper. If you have any questions about this disclaimer or the content herein, please contact us at PepptalkswithJeanne@gmail.com

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

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Susan Seely

Camera Operator: Eli Moskowitz

Sound: Eli Moskowitz

Post Production: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to;

Gideon Bernstein

Helen Harlan

DISCLAIMER

Jeanne Pepper is providing this podcast as a public service.  Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Jeanne Pepper unless so stated. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Ms. Pepper’s guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ms. Pepper. If you have any questions about this disclaimer or the content herein, please contact us at PepptalkswithJeanne@gmail.com

In this episode we are joined by my husband and founder of #BlazeitForward, volunteer chairman of the Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County and philanthropist. 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 our own philanthropy when our children were young and his book, “Giving: A Handbook to Happiness for the Modern Philanthropist.”

Episode 107

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Gideon Bernstein

Camera Operator: Eli Moskowitz

Sound: Eli Moskowitz

Post Production: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to;

Gideon Bernstein

Helen Harlan

DISCLAIMER

Jeanne Pepper is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Jeanne Pepper unless so stated. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Ms. Pepper’s guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ms. Pepper. If you have any questions about this disclaimer or the content herein, please contact us at PepptalkswithJeanne@gmail.com

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 recently named Heather their 2024 “Woman of the Year.” Heather also shares with us about her spirituality, how she finds meaning in this world and about the tragic loss of her mother when she was in college.

Episode 106

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Heather Kline

Camera Operator: Eli Moskowitz

Sound: Eli Moskowitz

Post Production: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to;

Gideon Bernstein

Monica Levy

DISCLAIMER

Jeanne Pepper is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Jeanne Pepper unless so stated. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Ms. Pepper’s guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ms. Pepper. If you have any questions about this disclaimer or the content herein, please contact us at PepptalkswithJeanne@gmail.com

On this episode, Jeanne is joined by Mara James from the Extraordinary Lives Foundation “ELF”. Mara founded ELF to help children using a character “Piggy Bear” in children’s books she created to teach life lessons about diversity, mental health and self acceptance. She also discusses her own mental health journey and spiritual awakening.

Episode 105 Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper Guest: Mara James Camera Operator: Keith Anthony Sound: Eli Moskowitz Post Production: Eli Moskowitz Original Theme: Jay Bernstein Special Thank You to; Gideon Bernstein Monica Levy DISCLAIMER Jeanne Pepper is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Jeanne Pepper unless so stated. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Ms. Pepper’s guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ms. Pepper. If you have any questions about this disclaimer or the content herein, please contact us at PepptalkswithJeanne@gmail.com

On this episode Jeanne is joined by Erin Runnion from The Joyful Child Foundation. Erin made national news in 2002 when her beautiful 5 year old daughter Samantha was kidnapped in broad day light in front of their Orange County home. Erin’s daughter was raped and murdered by a recidivist child molester. 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

Episode 104

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Erin Runnion

Camera Operator: Keith Anthony

Sound: Eli Moskowitz

Post Production: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to;

Gideon Bernstein

Monica Levy

DISCLAIMER

Jeanne Pepper is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Jeanne Pepper unless so stated. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Ms. Pepper’s guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ms. Pepper. If you have any questions about this disclaimer or the content herein, please contact us at PepptalkswithJeanne@gmail.com

On this episode Jeanne is joined by Keith Anthony, positivity content creator and host of What Could You Do?

Join us as we discover what a short form video series that places a spotlight on people solving everyday issues experienced in their community can do to help move the conversation.

Episode 103

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Keith Anthony

Camera Operator: Keith Anthony

Sound: Eli Moskowitz

Post Production: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to;

Gideon Bernstein

Monica Levy

DISCLAIMER

Jeanne Pepper is providing this podcast as a public service. Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Jeanne Pepper unless so stated. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Ms. Pepper’s guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ms. Pepper. If you have any questions about this disclaimer or the content herein, please contact us at PepptalkswithJeanne@gmail.com

On this episode Jeanne is joined by Philip Yaeger the Executive Director and CEO of RadiantHealth Centers. Join the conversation and learn more about Phil, his own journey and finding his true purpose as he became a leader in his community. Radiant Health Centers provides compassionate and comprehensive health services to all under served individuals in Orange County, with a special focus on the LGBTQ+ community.

Episode 102

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Philip Yaeger

Camera Operator: Keith Anthony

Sound: Eli Moskowitz

Post Production: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to;

Gideon Bernstein

Monica Levy

DISCLAIMER

Jeanne Pepper is providing this podcast as a public service.

Reference to any specific product or entity does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by Jeanne Pepper unless so stated. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on the program does not imply an endorsement of them or any entity they represent. Views and opinions expressed by Ms. Pepper's guests are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views of Ms. Pepper. If you have any questions about this disclaimer or the content herein, please contact us at PepptalkswithJeanne@gmail.com

On this episode Jeanne is joined by Anne Friedman the Executive Director of Gay For Good

Anne discusses her journey in community service and how it led her to Gay for Good. Learn what Gay for Good does and how you can get involved.

Gay For Good mobilizes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) and ally volunteers to promote diversity, foster inclusion and strengthen ties to the broader community.