Ep. 346 Glenn Kirschbaum
Glenn Kirschbaum is a double Emmy Award-winning producer and writer whose career in non-fiction television and documentary filmmaking is defined by a commitment to moral clarity and message-driven storytelling. Over his career, Kirschbaum has overseen dozens of hours of television programming for networks including The History Channel, A&E, Discovery, The Travel Channel, The Weather Channel, and HGTV. Recognizing a major cultural shift in audience preferences, Kirschbaum notes that while the word "documentary" was once viewed as dry or appealing to younger viewers, non-fiction films have grown in popularity as audiences seek out authentic truth in an unpredictable world.
Glenn Kirschbaum and Jeanne Pepper in the PeppTalks Studios October 2026
Kirschbaum’s landmark production, "Adolf Hitler: Man and Myth," earned two national Emmy Awards: a News & Documentary Award for Outstanding Historical/Cultural Programming and a Daytime Emmy Award for Best Writing. While producing the film, Kirschbaum traveled across America and Europe to interview Holocaust survivors, Nazi hunter Simon Wiesenthal, and surviving members of Hitler’s inner circle. A key moment from the film was an interview with Abe Foxman, former National Director of the Anti-Defamation League, who stated: "The crematoria at Auschwitz did not begin with bricks. They began with words. And it was the absence of words, the fact that nobody stood up and said, 'That’s not true. It’s a lie. It’s idiots' that also allowed those words to build crematoria." This statement became Kirschbaum’s guiding principle across all subsequent projects. Reflecting on the 1989 film’s original conclusion—that a Holocaust could not occur in America due to its diversity—Kirschbaum has observed how misinformation spread across social media can be accepted as truth by people from all backgrounds, underscoring the vital role of truth-focused media.
In addition to historical programming, Kirschbaum focuses on films designed to raise awareness and foster social connection. He served as writer for the acclaimed 92-minute biographical documentary "Remembering Gene Wilder," directed by Ron Frank. The film celebrates the iconic actor’s life, comedic genius, and body of work, while bringing vital public awareness to Alzheimer’s disease through partnerships and support from pharmaceutical companies, Alzheimer's organizations, the Alzheimer's Association, and the BrightFocus Foundation. Kirschbaum’s script expertly weaves together archival footage, home movies, Wilder’s audiobook narration, and interviews with famous collaborators—including Mel Brooks, Alan Alda, Carol Kane, Rain Pryor, Harry Connick Jr., and Wilder’s wife, Karen Wilder. The film went on to win widespread festival acclaim, including Best Overall Documentary at the Newport Beach Film Festival and multiple Audience Awards across the country.
Looking ahead, Kirschbaum and his creative partner are preparing a documentary centered on the unexpected friendship between Muhammad Ali and Howard Cosell, exploring the bond between a Black Muslim athlete and a White Jewish broadcaster to address themes of unity in a divided world.
Beyond his work behind the camera, Kirschbaum serves on the Board of Directors for The Lange Foundation, a pet adoption and animal welfare organization based in Los Angeles. Through its Intervention Program, representatives stationed outside Los Angeles County shelters assist pet owners en route to surrendering animals, offering support and funding necessary services to keep pets out of shelters and in loving homes. For Kirschbaum, providing direct aid to animals and pet owners offers immediate, fulfilling community impact alongside the long-term process of documentary filmmaking.
Ep. 345 Avigayil Finley
Avigail Victoria "Avi" Finley is a modern-day ethicist, writer, and public intellectual who is redefining how ethical frameworks apply to daily life. Her unique worldview is forged from a diverse and deeply human background, spanning service as an Israeli combat medic, years of educational and community work, and high-level technology-policy research at the Zvi Meitar Institute. This rich tapestry of experiences allows her to approach complex moral questions with a rare blend of practical wisdom, cultural depth, and unwavering empathy.
As the founder of the Modern Ethicist, Avi has built a public platform dedicated to making moral reasoning accessible, relevant, and usable outside of ivory towers. She champions the belief that ethics should not belong exclusively to academic elites, but should actively inform the ordinary choices we make in our families, friendships, and communities. Her writing focuses heavily on relationship ethics, boundaries, and the moral imagination required to honor another person's full humanity, even amid deep conflict or disagreement.
Beyond personal and interpersonal ethics, Avi operates at the cutting edge of digital responsibility and AI governance. Her technology-policy research—such as her work examining freedom of expression in the era of generative AI at the Zvi Meitar Institute—explores how emerging technologies challenge public discourse, truth, and the protection of vulnerable groups. She bridges the gap between fast-moving tech innovations and human-centered values, helping organizations navigate ambiguous moral landscapes with clarity and integrity.
In this episode, Avi joins Jeanne Pepper to explore why so many modern challenges stem from a fundamental failure to be honest with ourselves and each other. They unpack the nuance of setting healthy boundaries, moving past performative guilt, and cultivating true responsibility. Avi offers actionable insights for anyone looking to align their daily choices with their deeper values, reminding listeners that integrity is practiced in the quiet, everyday moments of connection.
Ultimately, Avi Finley’s work serves as an invitation to reclaim moral agency in a fragmented world. She encourages individuals to embrace the careful, courageous work of honest self-reflection. By showing up with warmth, intellectual rigor, and a commitment to human dignity, she inspires audiences to build stronger relationships and more resilient communities, empowering everyone to blaze it forward with purpose and authenticity.
Ep. 344 Jill & Amnon Damti
Jill and Amnon Damti are a pioneering deaf and hearing dance duo whose work transcends physical boundaries and redefines how we communicate. As the creators of the globally recognized "Two Worlds" performance, this Israeli couple bridges the gap between deaf and hearing cultures through a mesmerizing fusion of movement, spoken word, and pantomime. Their partnership is a powerful demonstration of harmony and inclusion, proving that the most profound human connections often happen entirely without sound.
Amnon Damti, profoundly deaf from birth, discovered dance as a vital means of self-expression in a hearing world. After spending ten years in an institution for the hearing-impaired in Jerusalem, he joined the renowned Israeli dance group "Sound and Silence" (Kol Demama) at age 15, eventually becoming its lead dancer for 15 years. His sharp, powerful, and decisive movements earned him global acclaim; Gallaudet University named him the Best International Deaf Dancer, which led to a historic invitation to perform at the White House for President George H.W. Bush in 1990.
Ep. 343 Robert Millar & Amber Billingsley
Join host Jeanne Pepper in Episode 342 with Jets and Jellyfish founders Robert Millar and Amber Billingsley. Discover how trading corporate boardrooms for global borders created high-comfort travel, immersive wildlife conservation, and transformative adventures. Learn how stepping out of your comfort zone unlocks deep cultural connections and extraordinary experiences.
Ep. 342 Bryanna Reynolds
In this exciting episode of PeppTalks With Jeanne, I sit down with the immensely talented Australian television producer and emerging documentary director, Bryanna Reynolds. With a resume boasting over 200 episodes of prime-time cable and streaming television, Bryanna has made an incredible mark on the unscripted television landscape. From her early days in Melbourne to chasing her dreams in Los Angeles after winning the green card lottery, her journey is a masterclass in resilience and following your passion. We dive deep into what it takes to forge a successful path in the highly competitive entertainment industry and how she transitioned from entertainment reporting to producing high-stakes reality television.
Ep. 341 Nikka Gershman
Nikka Gershman is an internationally acclaimed flute soloist, composer, and founder of the Music Society of the Future. Hailed as a "Magic Flutist" and recognized worldwide for her extraordinary musical maturity, she made history as the youngest-ever Kovner Fellow at The Juilliard School. Beyond her virtuosity on stage, Nikka is dedicated to expanding classical music’s reach by performing as a soloist, composing, and arranging complex masterworks that push the boundaries of flute repertoire.
On a personal note, Nikka is also my cousin—her dad is my first cousin, Evan Pepper—and I have had the absolute joy and privilege of watching her grow up into the extraordinary person and musician she is today. Seeing her dedication unfold from such a young age has made following her remarkable career all the more special.
Nikka’s musical journey gained early momentum when she became the youngest-ever Haynes Young Artist, representing William S. Haynes Flute Company—the oldest flute manufacturer in America. A former student at the Colburn Music Academy under the mentorship of legendary flutist Jim Walker, she has earned some of the classical music world's highest honors. These include the Absolute First Prize at the Concorso Internazionale A Tutto Flauto, Sir James Galway’s “Outstanding Junior Performer” Award, and a YoungArts National Winner with Distinction.
Ep. 340 Angelique Fawcette
Angelique Fawcette is an acclaimed independent film producer, CEO, and fierce human rights activist who has dedicated a substantial portion of her life to fighting for elder justice and personal autonomy. Beyond her entertainment ventures—such as heading Archangel Films LA and producing the sci-fi feature Unbelievable!!!!!—Fawcette became widely recognized for her deeply personal and courageous battle to protect the legacy and well-being of her close friend, trailblazing Star Trek icon Nichelle Nichols.
The tragic final chapter of Nichols' life became embroiled in a deeply contentious and heartbreaking legal web. After Nichols was diagnosed with dementia, she became the center of a bitter multi-party dispute involving her former manager and her son. Having been named by Nichols as her successor and healthcare agent during moments of lucidity, Fawcette stepped forward to object to sweeping conservatorship measures. She argued fiercely that Nichols was being stripped of her dignity, isolated from her chosen community, and subjected to a restrictive system that overrode the actress's explicit personal wishes.
Fawcette's relentless advocacy transformed her into a leading voice against conservatorship abuse, drawing national parallels to movements fighting for the rights of vulnerable public figures. Despite fighting tirelessly in courtrooms and organizing public demonstrations to preserve Nichols' autonomy and visitation rights, Fawcette faced heartbreaking systemic roadblocks as Nichols was ultimately moved away from her long-time home prior to her passing in July 2022.
In Episode 340 of the PeppTalks podcast, Angelique Fawcette opens up about the devastating reality of watching a dear friend succumb to a broken legal system. She shares poignant behind-the-scenes stories of her friendship with Nichelle Nichols, the emotional toll of the high-profile conservatorship battle, and why she continues to champion systemic reform to protect vulnerable elders from exploitation and isolation.
Ep. 339 Ariel Wilson Gbenedio
Biography: Ariel Gbenedio, LCSW
Ariel Wilson Gbenedio is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), transformational speaker, and dedicated advocate for mental health and suicide prevention. With nearly a decade of experience across diverse clinical settings—including crisis residential treatment and outpatient care—Ariel has become a trusted voice for those navigating the darkest chapters of their lives. Her work is rooted in a blend of evidence-based practices, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), but her true impact lies in her deeply compassionate, human-centered approach to healing.
Throughout her career, Ariel has witnessed the profound need for a more open, honest, and proactive dialogue regarding suicide. Recognizing that clinical expertise alone is not enough to dismantle the stigma surrounding the topic, she has expanded her reach to the keynote stage. As a sought-after speaker, she engages audiences with raw authenticity, aiming to bridge the gap between clinical theory and lived experience. Her goal is not just to inform, but to shift the collective perspective on how we perceive mental health crises, encouraging societies to prioritize emotional well-being with the same urgency as physical health.
Ep. 338 Amy Love
Amy Love: Empowering the Next Generation to Be "AI-Irreplaceable" with DiscoveringAI.org
Amy Love is a distinguished technology executive, entrepreneur, and the visionary founder of DiscoveringAI.org, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to equipping families for the rapidly shifting landscape of artificial intelligence. With a prestigious background that includes a Harvard MBA and a tenure as a Fortune 500 Chief Marketing Officer, Amy brings a unique blend of high-level corporate strategy and hands-on parenting wisdom to the mission of AI literacy. Her work centers on the belief that we should not fear the rise of machine intelligence, but rather embrace it as a catalyst for developing human potential.
Ep. 337 ShawnLaRé Brinkley, LMFT
Ep. 337 ShawnLaRé Brinkley, LMFT
Healing Trauma and Finding Purpose Through Holistic Therapy
ShawnLaRé Brinkley, MS, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and the visionary CEO and President of Living Loved Healing. With over a decade of clinical experience, she has dedicated her career to understanding the "why" behind the human experience, working with individuals and couples to navigate the complexities of trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Her practice is founded on the belief that healing is an organic, fluid process, and she employs an eclectic range of therapeutic modalities—including art, music, and movement—to meet her clients exactly where they are.
Jeanne Pepper and ShawnLarae Brinkley at March 11th Interview @PeppTalks Studios
Guided by the wisdom, "To she whom much is given, much is required," Shawn has built a reputation as a fierce advocate for those facing the deepest of struggles. Her professional journey includes extensive work with survivors of domestic violence, human sex trafficking, and childhood sexual abuse, as well as families grappling with the loss of loved ones to homicide, suicide, and systemic violence. She brings a unique combination of clinical rigor and profound empathy to her work, creating a safe, intentional space where clients can uncover their true selves before trauma shaped their narratives.
As a clinician, Shawn prioritizes "psychological flexibility," helping her clients develop the resilience needed to remain present and engaged even when life becomes difficult. Her work extends beyond the therapy room; she is an active public speaker and consultant on critical topics such as suicide prevention, bullying, and human sex trafficking awareness. By fostering a culture of safety, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard, she empowers her clients to transition from a place of feeling "stuck" or disconnected to a life of hope and deep, personal fulfillment.
Ep. 336 Andrea Suchin
Andrea Suchin is a dedicated caregiver advocate, entrepreneur, and the visionary founder of Wuggle™, a wellness company centered on improving nervous-system health through restorative sleep. Her professional mission is deeply rooted in her personal history; after her husband, Craig, was diagnosed with behavioral frontotemporal dementia (FTD) at age 54, Andrea’s world shifted overnight. While raising four children, she transitioned into a full-time caregiving role, navigating the brutal realities of a progressive, terminal illness that stripped away the life she and her husband had built together.
The years that followed were defined by extreme stress, sleepless nights, and the profound, anticipatory grief of watching a loved one slowly disappear. As she balanced the complex demands of medical advocacy, financial strain, and protecting her family, Andrea reached a breaking point where her own health began to fail. It was in this "survival mode" that she realized the critical necessity of rest—not just as a luxury, but as a lifeline required to continue the work of love and caregiving.
Ep. 335 Dr. Marie-Ange Eyoum Tagne
Dr. Marie-Ange Tagne’s life is a profound study in resilience, rooted in the vibrant culture of Cameroon. Raised by a devoted single mother who practiced medicine, Marie-Ange was exposed early on to the realities of hard work, intellectual rigor, and the vital importance of serving one's community. Her mother’s independence and unwavering commitment to her profession provided a powerful blueprint for Marie-Ange, instilling in her the belief that one’s circumstances do not define one's ultimate potential.
The transition from Cameroon to the United States for her education was a path defined by formidable obstacles. Navigating the complexities of international relocation, adapting to a new academic ecosystem, and overcoming the cultural isolation inherent in such a move required a level of fortitude that few possess. These formative years were a true crucible for her character; she did not simply endure these hardships—she transformed them into the foundation of her identity, relying on her innate ingenuity to navigate systems that were not always built for her success.
Ep. 334 Michelle Edgar
Michelle Edgar is a multifaceted force in the entertainment industry, celebrated for her ability to build brands and ignite change. With over a decade of executive leadership, Michelle has shaped creative marketing strategies and secured high-level partnerships at industry giants including Epic Records, ICM Partners, Warner Bros. Records, and Redlight Management. As Head of Partnerships at LiveXLive and former VP of Brand Marketing at Epic Records, she has spearheaded campaigns for iconic artists like Travis Scott, Mary J. Blige, and the Black Eyed Peas. Her professional career is defined by a consistent commitment to excellence and a "builder’s mindset" that seamlessly connects artists with corporate partners.
Ep. 333 Jeremy Hamburgh
Jeremy Hamburgh is a California-based coach and the founder of My Best Social Life, an organization dedicated to helping neurodivergent adults develop the skills necessary to find community, friendship, and romantic connections. Before transitioning into his current role, Jeremy served as a prosecutor in New York City, where he honed his ability to communicate persuasively. He draws a direct parallel between winning over a jury in a courtroom and succeeding in a social setting, noting that skills like telling compelling stories, asking insightful questions, and active listening are magnetic in both environments.
Ep. 332 Sunny Stone
Sunny Stone is a visionary singer, songwriter, filmmaker, and the Founder and CEO of Sunny Stone Entertainment. Her mission is to be instrumental in creatively and actively bringing hope to the world, guided by her personal philosophy: "Let my actions speak louder than my words." Sunny’s life is defined by a journey of profound resilience; born in Brooklyn, New York, she endured a harrowing childhood that included kidnapping, extreme malnutrition, and being a victim of commercial sexual exploitation between the ages of six and eight. After two years of being lost in a cycle of abuse, she was rescued by Child Protection Services. This traumatic chapter instilled in her a lifelong promise to advocate for the vulnerable and prevent others from suffering similar fates.
Ep. 331 Gina Maier Vincent
Gina Maier Vincent
Gina Maier Vincent is a visionary thought leader, master motivator, author, and empowerment entrepreneur renowned for her vivacious energy and unfiltered approach to transformation. Born and raised on Long Island, New York, Gina brings a distinct, fast-paced, straight-shooting East Coast drive to her current home in Southern California, where she guides high achievers worldwide to step out of stagnation and into their true purpose. She is the creator of the Exquisitely Aligned brand, spanning a globally streamed podcast, an original television show, and a highly personalized, soul-shifting coaching practice.
Gina’s path as a transformation expert began in 2003 when she discovered her passion for mind-body wellness through teaching yoga. However, her signature three-step "Exquisite Alignment Blueprint" was forged through profound personal adversity. In 2009, her husband Mark faced a critical health crisis requiring a life-saving double organ transplant. Stepping fiercely into the role of medical advocate while navigating an economic collapse, Gina discovered firsthand that time, money, and energy are sacred, finite resources that cannot be wasted on societal expectations.
This life-altering chapter compelled Gina to redefine success entirely, shifting away from external checklists and leaning into soul-level truths. Recognizing that millions of successful individuals secretly struggle with a persistent feeling that "something is missing," she founded Blissed-Out, Fit, and Feisty, LLC to help high earners shatter self-imposed boundaries. She teaches her clients how to break free from what she calls the "Conformity Trap"—the self-imposed prison built from the fear of failure and the judgments or "shoulds" of others.
Gina expands her global reach with her book, Exquisitely Aligned: A Pocket Guide to Your Magnificent Future. The guide serves as a practical blueprint for aligning daily decisions with authentic desires rather than chasing a one-size-fits-all paradigm. In this episode, Gina sits down with Jeanne Pepper to share her raw insights on why reclaiming your unique gifts is exactly what the world is missing, providing listeners with the permission and tools to start living an exquisite life today.
Ep. 330 Breon Rydell
Bréon Rydell is a celebrated Irish singer-songwriter, poet, and intellectual whose creative output is inextricably linked to a childhood defined by a staggering act of violence. At the heart of his interview with Jeanne Pepper is the discussion of the unexplained murder of his brother at the hands of classmates when Bréon was just a young boy. This early encounter with senseless brutality left an indelible mark on his family and became the silent engine behind his lifelong pursuit of moral clarity and social justice.
For Bréon, music has never been mere entertainment; it has been a survival mechanism and a weapon against the same types of prejudice that shattered his family’s peace. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, his advocacy is deeply personal. In the episode, he reflects on how his own identity and the memory of his brother’s death converged to create a unique empathy for victims of hate crimes. This connection led him to write the hauntingly beautiful song "Into the Light," dedicated to the memory of Blaze and other LGBTQ+ individuals who have lost their lives to violent crime.
Growing up in a Scots-Irish musical family provided Bréon with the traditional foundation to tell these heavy stories. He first channeled his activism into the mid-1980s London music scene with his band ACCENT, recording at Abbey Road Studios and using his lyrics to confront sectarianism, homophobia, and racism. His later academic journey as a Visiting Fellow at the University of Heidelberg allowed him to analyze these cultural dynamics through a radical intellectual lens, which he describes as the "hidden syllabus" of his life.
In recent years, Bréon’s work has taken him to the front lines of global conflict, including a 2022 mission to Ukraine, where he produced a film trilogy to bear witness to the devastation of war. Whether he is filming in a war zone or composing orchestral works for campaigns to stop violence against women, his mission remains focused on human dignity. By sharing the specific pain of his brother’s murder and his own journey as a gay man, Bréon offers a roadmap for how tragedy can be distilled into a powerful, resonant purpose.
