We are joined by a guest who is both a distinguished educator and a cornerstone of the host's own family: Richard Bernstein. Richard is a former honors civics teacher who dedicated twenty years to the Los Angeles Unified School District at Vermont High School. Teaching in an area so volatile it was designated for "combat pay," Richard developed a unique perspective on the failures and successes of the American educational system, specifically regarding how we prepare our youth for the complexities of the modern world.

Episode 321

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Richard Bernstein

Producer: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to our volunteers

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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

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While studying at UC Irvine, Adam began teaching chess at local elementary schools, including Foothill Ranch Elementary School. What started as a collegiate endeavor quickly blossomed into a mission-driven career. He realized that chess was more than just a game; it was a vehicle for teaching critical thinking, patience, and confidence—skills especially vital for at-risk youth. This passion led to the expansion of Academic Chess and the eventual founding of Strategic Kids.

Episode 320

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Adam Brody (http://www.strategickids.com/)

Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper

Producer: Eli Moskowitz (https://www.instagram.com/elijoelmos/)

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to our volunteers

FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to PeppTalks with Jeanne

Facebook: PeppTalks with Jeanne Pepper

Instagram: @pepptalkswithjeanne

TikTok: @pepptalkswithjeanne

LinkedIn: Jeanne Pepper

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 Producers@PepptalkswithJeanne.com #PeppTalkswithJeanne #JeannePepper #BlazeitForward

We are joined once again by Dr Michael GIlman, a devoted father who first shared his insights on the show during episode 304, alongside autism expert Melissa Reiner. While his previous appearance touched on the medical and societal landscape of neurodiversity, this episode pulls back the curtain on the Gilman family's private world, revealing a story of extraordinary resilience in the face of overlapping crises: autism advocacy and a childhood cancer diagnosis.

Episode 319

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Dr. Michael Gilman

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 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

#PeppTalkswithJeanne #JeannePepper #BlazeitForward

Episode 318

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Melissa Reiner

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 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

#PeppTalkswithJeanne #JeannePepper #BlazeitForward

Julie Anderson-Holburn and Terra Newell: The Family Court Nightmare: Coercion, Corruption, and Crisis We welcome two fearless forces in the fight against abuse: Terra Newell, domestic violence survivor and victims' rights activist, and investigative journalist Julie Anderson-Holburn. This powerful panel moves beyond typical true crime to dissect the systemic failure faced by victims after they leave their abusers—specifically within the Family Court system. Episode 317 Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper Guest: Julie M Anderson Holburn and Terra Newell 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 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 #PeppTalkswithJeanne #JeannePepper #BlazeitForward

Journalist Julie Anderson-Holburn reveals the shocking findings of her investigative work, which centers on alleged corruption in Orange County, California, and Arizona Family Courts. She discusses the pattern where judges are accused of ignoring credible evidence of abuse (sexual, physical, and psychological), and instead, prioritizing the profits of court-appointed "expert" evaluators, reunification therapists, and lawyers. This system, Julie argues, often penalizes protective parents (usually mothers) who raise allegations of abuse, effectively silencing and traumatizing both women and children.

Episode 316

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Julie M Anderson Holburn

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 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

#PeppTalkswithJeanne #JeannePepper #BlazeitForward

n this episode, Pepptalks goes on location at Working Wardrobes corporate offices and facilitates a powerful exchange between two impactful leaders dedicated to restoring dignity through service. We are joined by Bonni Pomush, the CEO of Working Wardrobes, and Valerie Bailey, the visionary founder of the I Found Me Foundation. This episode goes beyond a standard interview as we go on-site for a reciprocal tour, witnessing firsthand how these organizations provide the tools, clothing, and confidence necessary for individuals to overcome barriers to employment and personal stability.

In this profoundly moving and intimate episode, I sit down with my dear friend, Valerie Hirsh, to confront the unimaginable: the loss of a child. Valerie, the mother of the late Jack Hirsh, shares the personal story behind the creation of the Jack Hirsh Endowed Fund for the Child Life Program at Children's Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA).

Episode 314

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Valerie Hirsh

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 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

#PeppTalkswithJeanne #JeannePepper #BlazeitForward