On this episode, we sit down with the incredible Tilly Levine, the co-founder of the successful retail chain, Tilly's. We dive into her inspiring personal history, from her early life as an immigrant with very little, to the years of hard work and her experience co-founding the retail giant with her ex-husband, Hezy Shaked. Tilly opens up about the challenges of her divorce and the hard lessons she learned about letting go of the past and embracing change with love and abundance.

Tilly’s story is not just one of business success; it's a testament to the power of a positive mindset, which she credits for all of her achievements. This core belief led her to her ultimate dream job: founding Tilly’s Life Center (TLC) She shares the pivotal moment she realized that beyond material needs, what young people truly needed were life skills to navigate adversity, make positive choices, and build confidence.

Episode 305

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Tilly Levine

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

In this compelling episode, we sit down with Tony Morrison, an Emmy and

GLAAD award-winning producer and journalist, to discuss his remarkable

career and profound personal journey. Tony, a former senior producer at

ABC's Good Morning America, shares how his work in broadcast journalism

laid the foundation for his current role as a powerful advocate for the

LGBTQ community. The conversation explores his impactful history at

GLAAD, where he served as Senior Director of Communications, and the

pivotal moment he decided to publicly share his own story of living with

HIV.

The discussion delves into Tony's life and work, highlighting his

commitment to destigmatizing HIV and amplifying the voices of those

living with the virus. We learn about his personal experience of keeping

his diagnosis a secret for years before his brave decision to go public

with an essay for Good Morning America. This act of vulnerability

sparked a new chapter in his career, shaping his advocacy work and

inspiring his digital series, "Truth Be Told," which spotlights thriving

individuals in the HIV community.

Episode 303

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Tony Morrison @THETonyMorrison

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

Melissa Reiner, M.Ed., is a prominent autism and behavioral consultant widely regarded as one of the top experts in California. With a Master's Degree in Special Education. Melissa is a world-class speaker, esteemed author, communication expert, and behavioral and autism specialist. She is the founder of Bridging Pathways Autism and Behavioral Consulting and the author of several books. Notably, Reiner has served as the autism consultant for the ABC television show, "The Good Doctor," where she worked with actor Freddie Highmore to ensure an authentic portrayal of a character with autism. Her work focuses on developing effective communication, building resilience, and fostering successful client relationships.

Dr. Michael Gillman is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Orange County, California, who holds degrees from Stanford University and Case Western Reserve University. His practice specializes in a wide range of orthopedic conditions, with particular expertise in foot and ankle disorders and outpatient joint replacement surgeries. Dr. Gillman has been recognized as a Physician of Excellence by the Orange County Medical Association and holds patents for his innovative work in custom joint replacement. His career is marked by leadership roles and a commitment to advancing patient care in orthopedic medicine. He is the father of three children and married to Rebecca, a physical therapist. Their middle child, Daniel was diagnosed on the Autism Spectrum at 2 years of age.

In this powerful and emotional episode, we delve into the life of Dr. Michael Gillman, a distinguished orthopedic surgeon and a father who successfully navigated the profound challenges of raising a child with high-aptitude autism. Alongside autism consultant Melisa Reiner, we explore the often-misunderstood world of autism, moving beyond conventional narratives of hardship to highlight a story of exceptional aptitude and resilience. Dr. Gillman shares his personal journey, detailing how his family nurtured the extraordinary talents of his son, Daniel, and managed to secure a bright future for him while managing a serious brain cancer diagnosis in David (their youngest son), when Daniel was in elementary school.

Episode 304

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guests: Melissa Reiner & Dr Michael Gillman

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

In the high-stakes world of music, David Nathan stands as a powerhouse music executive from Republic Records, instrumental in the careers of global superstars like Taylor Swift and The Weeknd. But his most profound and impactful story transcends the charts, delving into a journey of grief and resilience. This is the story of his son, Jack Nathan, and a legacy of hope born from unimaginable loss.

Episode 302

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: David Nathan

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

In this inspiring episode, meet Valerie Bailey - singer, songwriter and wife of Earth, Wind & Fire's Phillip Bailey - as she shares the story behind her uplifting organization, "I Found Me." Learn how she uses her platform to give back and help others find their own strength and purpose

Episode 301

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Valerie Bailey

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

PeppTalks Season 2 culminated in a retrospective interview between Host Jeanne Pepper and Producer Eli Moskowitz, as they looked back on a season that saw the show expand its reach and deepen its thematic explorations. Jeanne and Eli discussed the challenges and triumphs of creating content that resonated with their growing audience, highlighting specific interviews and topics that generated significant listener engagement. They shared behind-the-scenes anecdotes, offering insights into the production process and the collaborative dynamic that defined the season.

Episode 231

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Eli Moskowitz

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

Christine Devine is a highly respected and multi-award-winning news anchor for FOX 11 Los Angeles, where she can be seen anchoring the weeknight news. With an impressive 16 Emmy Awards to her name, including the prestigious Governors Award, she has been recognized for her exceptional journalism and commitment to storytelling. Beyond her anchoring duties, Devine is known for her deep involvement in community initiatives and has received numerous accolades for her philanthropic efforts, including being named one of "50 Women Changing LA" by Los Angeles Magazine. She is also an alumna of Arizona State University, where she is inducted into the Walter Cronkite School of Broadcast Journalism's Hall of Fame.

A cornerstone of Christine Devine's career and perhaps her most impactful work is her dedication to "Wednesday's Child." For over two decades, she has hosted this weekly segment on FOX 11 News, which showcases children in foster care who are seeking permanent adoptive homes. Her compassionate reporting has directly led to more than 455 children finding their "forever families." Devine's commitment to this cause is deeply personal, stemming from her own family's experience with adoption and fostering. Her tireless advocacy for foster youth has earned her national recognition, including being honored by Congress as an "Angel in Adoption," and she has even authored a book on the subject, Finding a Forever Family: A News Anchor's Notebook.

Episode 230

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Christine Devine

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

Chris Simonsen is the President and CEO of Orangewood Foundation, a role he has held since 2013. Under his leadership, Orangewood has significantly expanded its reach and impact, serving thousands of foster and community youth in Orange County. Simonsen is deeply committed to empowering young people to achieve their full potential, focusing on critical areas such as housing, health and wellness, and education and employment. His tenure has seen the development of innovative programs designed to provide comprehensive support and resources, helping youth transition successfully into independent adulthood.

Prior to his role at Orangewood, Simonsen held various leadership positions in the non-profit sector, accumulating extensive experience in fundraising, program development, and strategic planning. His passion for youth advocacy is evident in his dedicated efforts to create opportunities and break cycles of poverty and instability for vulnerable populations. Simonsen's work at Orangewood Foundation reflects his belief in the transformative power of mentorship and support, continually striving to create a brighter future for the youth of Orange County.

Episode 229

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Chris Simonsen

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