Episode 215 Mike Auchter & Valerie Ousley
Panel: Mike Auchter and Valerie Ousley
Men Alive: Orange County Gay Men’s Chorus
"Kindness has a home with these two people that find purpose in spreading joy, creating great memories and making people happy”
This episode celebrates the transformative power of community, leadership, and song with two instrumental figures from MenAlive, the Orange County Gay Men’s Chorus: Volunteer Board Chairman Mike Auchter and Executive Director Valerie Ousley. Mike, a retired manufacturing engineer whose corporate life included a distinguished 32-year career culminating as a Chief Engineer in the automotive sector, shares how vocal music has always been his true North. His lifelong passion for male voice choruses led him to co-found the successful Michigan-based Measure for Measure chorus, serving as its first president and growing it into a 60-member group that thrives decades later. Now, as Chairman of MenAlive since 2020, Mike channels that same energy into fostering artistic excellence and expanding the chorus’s powerful message in Southern California.
Valerie Ousley, Executive Director, brings decades of dedication to the organization she considers her extended family. Since joining in 2005, Valerie has served in almost every leadership capacity, from Costume Manager to Vice President, before taking on her full-time Executive Director role. Her professional background as a 25-year business owner in early childhood education has equipped her with the organizational savvy and can-do attitude necessary to champion MenAlive’s mission. Her commitment to music and equality is deeply personal, reinforced by her son now singing in the baritone section.
Together, Mike and Valerie detail how MenAlive functions as more than just a musical group—it is a vital safe space and a chosen family for its members. The chorus is dedicated to its mission of building bridges of understanding, fostering LGBTQ+ inclusivity in Orange County, and bringing unbridled joy through its celebrated musical and theatrical productions. Listen as they discuss how the chorus has expanded its charitable outreach under their leadership and how their combined passion—from Mike’s engineering precision to Valerie’s authentic enthusiasm—drives the organization forward, creating a lasting impact on the community and its membersValerie (she/her/hers) has been an integral part of MenAlive since 2005, starting as Costume Manager and later serving in various leadership roles, including Backstage Manager, Governance Director, Chorus Manager, Vice President of the Board of Directors, and most recently, Executive Director. Her deep passion for music and equality has fueled her dedication to the organization, which she considers her extended family. With her son Brandon now joining the baritone section, that family connection has become even more personal.
Before stepping into her role as Executive Director full-time, Valerie spent 25 years as a business owner, specializing in early childhood education. She resides in Orange County with her supportive husband, Kevin, a drummer who shares her love for music. Together, they have three children, three grandsons, and a high-maintenance cat who rules their household.
As a singer herself, Valerie brings a lifelong love of performance and an unwavering can-do attitude to everything she does. With authenticity, dedication, and enthusiasm, she continues to champion MenAlive’s mission of building bridges, advocating for inclusivity, and inspiring the Orange County community.
Valerie Ousley, Jeanne Pepper and Michael Auchter at the PeppTalks studio.
Episode 215
Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper
Guests: Michael Auchter and Valerie Ousley
Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper
Producer:Eli Moskowitz
Original Theme: Jay Bernstein
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Links discussed in Episode 215
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 studio with Valerie and Mike
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
