Adam Brody is the visionary President and CEO of Strategic Kids, an organization dedicated to empowering youth through "play with a purpose." Growing up within the foster care system, Adam faced a childhood marked by trauma and instability. However, it was through these challenges that he discovered the transformative power of mentorship and the game of chess. These experiences became the blueprint for his life’s work: providing children with the strategic tools they need to navigate life’s complexities both on and off the board.

While studying at UC Irvine, Adam began teaching chess at local elementary schools, including Foothill Ranch. 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.

In Episode 319 of PeppTalks with Jeanne, we are joined once again by Dr. Michael Gillman, 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 landscape of neurodiversity, this episode pulls back the curtain on the Gillman family’s private world, revealing a story of extraordinary resilience in the face of overlapping crises: autism advocacy and a childhood cancer diagnosis.

Michael and his wife, Rebecca, have spent over two decades navigating the unique challenges and joys of raising their son, Daniel, a high-functioning autistic adult and a verified math savant. Michael speaks candidly about the extraordinary measures he and Rebecca took to ensure Daniel was provided every educational tool and opportunity necessary to thrive in a traditional school setting. Their relentless advocacy ensured that Daniel was never overlooked by a system that often struggles to accommodate neurodiverse learners.

The true payoff of this dedication arrived in middle school, when Daniel’s extraordinary math ability was finally discovered—a breakthrough that Michael believes could have been missed entirely without the specific communication and learning tools they fought to give him. This foundation allowed Daniel to achieve a staggering academic trajectory, completing his undergraduate degree in analytics at USC in just three years before moving on to earn his Master’s at Georgia Tech. Today, Daniel thrives as both an analytics expert and a Professor of Analytics at Georgia Tech, a testament to the power of early intervention and parental belief.

However, the family’s strength was put to the ultimate test when Daniel was in elementary school and their youngest son, David, was diagnosed with pediatric cancer. Michael describes the agonizing reality of balancing the structured, intense needs of an autistic child with the life-and-death urgency of a sibling’s oncology treatments. This "double-front" battle required the entire family to lean into their bond unlike ever before, highlighting the profound emotional toll on the parents and their middle child.

Your host, Jeanne Pepper, facilitates this intimate conversation with the warmth and sensitivity that PeppTalks listeners have come to expect. This episode is an essential listen for anyone facing a "perfect storm" of family challenges, offering a message of solidarity and proof that with the right tools and unwavering advocacy, neurodiverse children can not only succeed but lead in their chosen fields.

In Episode 318 of PeppTalks with Jeanne, we are honored to welcome back Melissa Reiner, M.Ed., a titan in the field of autism and behavioral communication. While our previous conversation in Episode 304 laid the groundwork for understanding neurodiversity, this episode tackles the urgent need for authentic representation. As the long-standing consultant for the hit television series The Good Doctor, Melissa reveals how she works behind the scenes to ensure that autistic characters are portrayed with depth, dignity, and accuracy, moving far beyond the harmful stereotypes of the past.

A significant portion of our discussion focuses on Melissa's advocacy for "nothing about us without us." She shares her experiences navigating the entertainment industry, emphasizing why it is vital for autistic individuals to not only be represented on screen but also to be given the seat at the table in the creative process. For Melissa, representation isn't just about visibility—it's about opening doors to real-world opportunities and ensuring the media reflects the true diversity and capability of the autistic community.

Beyond the television studio, Melissa is dedicated to equipping neurodiverse individuals with the concrete tools they need for tangible success. We explore her "Declarative Language" approach, which shifts the focus from compliance to empowerment. Melissa explains how providing the right communication tools allows autistic individuals to navigate a world that wasn't always built for them, fostering independence, self-advocacy, and genuine connection within their families and workplaces.

As your host, Jeanne Pepper, I am continually inspired by Melissa’s ability to bridge the gap between Hollywood storytelling and real-life advocacy. This episode is a powerful look at how cultural narratives shape our understanding of autism and how, through intentionality and the right support systems, we can create a society where everyone has the tools to succeed. Whether you are a fan of The Good Doctor or a parent seeking better resources, this conversation is a masterclass in the power of voice and the necessity of inclusion

Host Jeanne Pepper brings together two force-of-nature advocates: investigative reporter Julie Anderson Holburn and survival expert Terra Newell. In this episode, we connect the dots between Dirty John survivor Terra’s journey and Julie’s relentless pursuit of family court reform. A raw, necessary conversation on overcoming trauma, exposing systemic failure, and the fierce power of the female voice in the fight for justice.

Host Jeanne Pepper sits down with investigative reporter Julie Holburn Anderson, the driving force behind the historic recall effort of several Orange County family court judges. Explore the shocking controversy of judicial misconduct, the fight for child safety, and how investigative journalism is holding the bench accountable to the families they serve.

In Episode 315 of PeppTalks, host Jeanne Pepper 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.

The journey begins at Working Wardrobes, where Bonni Pomush guides us through the comprehensive services they provide to help people "get back to work." Far more than just professional attire, Working Wardrobes offers job training, career coaching, and a supportive environment that fosters self-sufficiency. As a seasoned leader in the non-profit sector, Bonni discusses the critical importance of workforce readiness and the profound psychological shift that occurs when an individual is equipped with the skills and confidence to provide for themselves and their family.

The exchange continues as Valerie Bailey introduces Bonni to the I Found Me Foundation bus, a mobile sanctuary serving the Inland Empire. Valerie’s mission is deeply focused on providing a safe space for Veterans and those in need of hands-on help. The bus serves as a distribution hub for quality clothing and a mobile office where Valerie provides direct assistance with Veterans Affairs (VA) and personal advocacy. By meeting Veterans where they are, Valerie ensures they have a place to take a necessary break, receive personal care, and access the benefits they have earned through their service.

This episode is a masterclass in community partnership and specialized advocacy. Listen as Bonni and Valerie discuss the synergy between their missions—how the mobile, hands-on support found in the Inland Empire via the I Found Me Foundation complements the career-readiness infrastructure of Working Wardrobes. It is a heart-centered conversation about the power of transformation, the importance of supporting our nation's heroes, and the unwavering commitment of these two women to seeing their neighbors thrive through dignity and direct action.

Valerie Hirsh on Healing Through Grief – Jack Hirsh’s Legacy and the Child Life Program

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).

Valerie Hirsh and Jeanne Pepper on September 11, 2025 at the PeppTalks Studio

Our connection goes back decades, starting in 1996 as young lawyers at a chaotic new law firm in Irvine, California. We became mothers around the same time in 1998 —I had Blaze, and Valerie became pregnant with her first son shortly after. Tragically, we were later bonded less than 20 years later by the shared, excruciating experience of losing our beloved children. I lost Blaze in January 2018 at age 19, while Valerie was just learning about her son’s cancer diagnosis. Unbeknownst to me, Jack passed away two years later in April 2020 at 18 years old. It was not until 2024 that I became aware of Jack’s passing through a social media post about the anniversary of Jack’s death. I reached out to Valerie. It had been over ten years since I last saw Valerie and her sons at a Destination Imagination Tournament. This history provides the foundation for an especially candid conversation about profound grief. We discuss the devastating sadness the Hirsh family experienced with the loss of their bright light, Jack, and how the challenge of carrying that sorrow became a pivotal turning point in their lives.

In a conversation that is central to this episode, Valerie opens up about the immense pain, but also how they chose to channel their grief into a powerful force for good. She discusses Jack's profound connection to the Child Life team, which provided comfort, normalcy, and a sense of control during his treatment. The Child Life Program uses therapeutic play and education to help pediatric patients and their families cope with the stress and trauma of hospitalization. It’s a vital service that focuses on the emotional and developmental well-being—a service that helped ease some of the Hirsh family’s own suffering.

The Hirsh and McSwain families established this endowed fund to ensure that Jack's spirit of generosity and his interest in helping other children experience a gentler hospital stay lives on in perpetuity. This powerful act of medical philanthropy is a testament to turning personal tragedy into a lasting legacy of compassionate care. Whether you are seeking a meaningful discussion on navigating parental grief, or looking for inspiration to give back, this episode will resonate deeply. Learn how the fund supports Child Life Specialists and how you can join the mission to provide comfort to vulnerable children. To read more about Jack's interest in the Child Life program or to donate, please visit: http://connect.chla.org/goto/jackhirshendowment.

Jake Cohen is a New York Times bestselling author, a bright new star in the culinary world, and, as he famously puts it, a "nice Jewish boy" from New York City. His journey into food began not just with a love for eating, but with a deep appreciation for the rituals of hospitality. After graduating from the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Jake honed his skills in some of New York’s best restaurants, including DANIEL and ABC Kitchen. However, he soon realized that his true passion lay not in the high-pressure environment of fine dining lines, but in the storytelling and connection found in food media. This pivot led him to influential roles as the Food Editor of Tasting Table, the Food Critic for Time Out New York, and the Editorial Director of the Feedfeed.

It was the publication of his debut cookbook, Jew-ish: A Cookbook: Reinvented Recipes from a Modern Mensch, that truly launched Jake into the cultural zeitgeist. In this bestselling collection, Jake reinvented the food of his Ashkenazi heritage and beautifully blended it with the Persian-Iraqi traditions of his husband, Alex. The book wasn't just a collection of recipes; it was a love letter to modern identity, proving that tradition can be fluid, inclusive, and incredibly delicious. By modernizing classics—like his famous braided challah—Jake opened the door for a new generation to embrace their heritage with pride and creativity.

Building on that success, Jake released his sophomore book, I Could Nosh, in 2023. This book shifts the focus to the art of "noshing"—eating enthusiastically and often between meals. But for Jake, noshing is more than just snacking; it is a lifestyle of radical hospitality. It is about keeping the fridge stocked for friends, managing stress through the rhythm of cooking, and ensuring that no one ever leaves his home hungry. His recipes, from "schmears" to savory tarts, are designed to facilitate gathering, emphasizing that the act of feeding others is one of the highest forms of care.

Beyond the kitchen, Jake is a powerful adv

Craig Colley is a virtuoso composer, a classically trained musician, and the visionary creator behind the global platform, Soft Soothing Sounds. His work transcends traditional music, offering a virtual oasis of calm designed to promote self-care, meditation, and a positive escape from the relentless stress of modern life. Colley's professional legacy is immense, spanning over 50 years in music, during which he released 19 albums, composed over 1,000 songs, played more than 12,000 gigs, and even holds a Guinness World Record. This vast experience, including writing music for television shows on VH1, ABC, and CBS, laid the foundation for his current, deeply personal calling.

The second act of Craig's life was not a choice, but a transformation forged through hardship. In 2020, he endured a devastating mountain bike accident resulting in nine broken ribs and a fractured clavicle. This physical trauma was compounded by financial loss and the anxiety of his ongoing Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) diagnosis. Later, the onset of severe tinnitus and subsequent hearing loss threatened to silence his life's work completely. It was in this profound moment of vulnerability and isolation that Colley leaned on his strong faith and his innate artistic ability, realizing that music and visuals were the "miracle" that could distract and lift him from his lowest point.

This moment of clarity led to the creation of Soft Soothing Sounds. Colley took his combined expertise—as a master composer and an experienced videographer—and merged them into a powerful medium. He traveled to stunning, natural locations, capturing breathtaking landscapes and nature sounds. He then composed and improvised original piano music, writing his melodic pieces "live" to specifically pair with the visuals he had captured. The result is a unique, cinematic experience where the soothing audio and video are entirely created by Colley, offering what he calls the "Power of Positive Distraction" for those facing pain, stress, or insomnia.

Colley's mission is now to share this healing platform with others. As a grateful member of the CLL Society and a health advocate, his work is deeply informed by his personal journey, designed to help others relax, recover, focus, or sleep in a serene environment. Albums like Soft & Smokey, Glisten, and Bodie have garnered thousands of views, with listeners reporting a reduction in stress, anxiety, and pain. Craig Colley’s story is a testament to the fact that turning personal trauma into a powerful, positive mission can create a legacy of tranquility for millions around the world.

In this critical discussion, we are joined by two formidable voices in the fight for health equity: Tony Morrison, award-winning journalist and founder of The Morrison Group, and Phillip Yaeger, CEO of Radiant Health Centers. Together, we explore the fragile state of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in 2025 and the dangerous reality that federal funding cuts pose to our progress.

For decades, community-based clinics like Radiant Health Centers in Orange County have been the firewall preventing the spread of HIV. Through Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program funding and accessible care, we nearly eliminated the disease. However, as we face drastic reductions in federal support this year, we stand on the precipice of a crisis. Without the safety net of neighborhood clinics offering PrEP, testing, and comprehensive care to the uninsured, we face a serious opportunity for HIV to resurge.

Anne Friedman is the highly effective Executive Director of Gay For Good (G4G), a national non-profit organization that mobilizes the LGBTQ+ community and its allies to perform visible community service. With her extensive experience in non-profit management and a deep commitment to social justice, Anne leads G4G’s mission to connect thousands of volunteers with diverse non-profit organizations, fostering understanding, building bridges, and demonstrating the positive impact of the LGBTQ+ community.

Anne's leadership is instrumental in expanding G4G's reach and impact, ensuring that the organization not only provides critical volunteer support to communities but also promotes LGBTQ+ visibility and acceptance. She skillfully navigates the complexities of non-profit growth, program development, and community engagement, ensuring that G4G's service projects are both impactful and inclusive, supporting a wide array of causes from environmental conservation to food security.

Testifying to History: The Literature of Genocide

The Mandate to Document: The forgotten genocide

Dr. Ukpo’s primary activist contribution is her authorship of the book The forgotten genocide. The selection of the word "forgotten" is a deliberate political and historical declaration. The title implies that the atrocities committed during the Nigeria-Biafra War (1967-1970) have been deliberately overlooked or excluded from international and even national historical discourse, despite evidence classifying the events as genocide. Her work, therefore, functions not merely as history but as a form of corrective advocacy, demanding acknowledgment for the systemic political violence and human rights violations that caused catastrophic suffering, primarily among the Igbo population.  

Contextualizing Systemic Violence

By centering her activism on documentation, Dr. Ukpo positions herself as a critical voice advocating for historical recognition and accountability. Her book ensures that the lessons of the Biafra War, including the catastrophic death toll and the profound social disintegration, are not relegated to a closed chapter of history. Furthermore, her ability to discuss the Nigerian Genocide provides authoritative context for understanding contemporary security issues and ethno-religious conflicts that continue to destabilize Nigeria. Her scholarship frames historical genocide not as an isolated event, but as a foundational trauma that continues to underpin modern instability and systemic health disparities, thereby connecting her political commentary seamlessly with her public health expertise.  This synthesis of historical severity (genocide) and intimate vulnerability (relationship stress) is precisely what makes Dr. Ukpo an exceptionally compelling podcast guest. Her career demonstrates that the principles she applies to understanding societal fractures—such as identifying pathogenic determinants, managing chronic stress, and advocating for peace—are universally applicable. The discussion is likely to pivot from the macro scale of her work on The forgotten genocide and its implications for Nigerian instability to the micro scale of individual psychological wellness, using her expertise in Peace Is Health to offer guidance on achieving emotional resilience and harmony in daily life. This blend of authoritative scholarship and relatable, candid emotional honesty ensures a discussion that is both deeply informative and broadly engaging for a popular audience.

Dr. Theresa M. O. Ukpo’s podcast is an interview that is an exceptionally rare combination of academic rigor and lived geopolitical experience. Her development from a young woman whose education was halted by the Nigeria-Biafra War to a Ph.D. Epidemiologist who documented The forgotten genocide and teaches the necessity of Peace Is Health demonstrates a career marked by relentless social responsibility.

The overarching conclusion is that Dr. Ukpo’s professional focus—the study of stress, trauma, and systemic conflict through the lens of epidemiology—is a direct, scholarly response to the political violence that shaped her early life. Her body of work provides a unified analysis of suffering, arguing that violence, whether political or personal, must be understood as a primary public health concern. She is uniquely equipped to translate the severe, long-term costs of historical atrocities into practical, human-centered discussions on wellness, mental health, and conflict resolution, making her an indispensable voice in contemporary discourse.

Joe Dreamz is an inspirational rapper and hip-hop artist from San Diego, California, in the United States. He is also a singer and fashion designer. His music, which combines elements of both classic and alternative hip hop, is characterized by its distinctive style and fascinating, relevant, and motivating lyrics.

Career and Background

Before his career in music, Joe Dreamz worked a series of dead-end jobs and felt a lack of purpose. He eventually realized his "window to his Dreamz was slowly closing," and he made the decision to "take a leap of faith" into the music industry. His career is now centered on inspiring others to do the same, with the core message being to "LiveJoeDreamz" (live your dreams) so they can live fulfilling lives.

He credits his current professional success to what he feeds his mind and body, as well as the people he surrounds himself with. He was fortunate to have had mentors, authors, pastors, parents, teachers, peers, and even Lyft passengers who inspired him, and now he strives to do the same for others through his music and fashion.

It all begins with an idea.

Tilly Levine is an amazing example of resilience, purpose, and the power of a positive mindset. Tilly immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 23 with her then-husband, Hezy Shaked, with nothing but a single suitcase and a lot of positivity. Together, with a strong work ethic and an entrepreneurial spirit, they began selling clothes and toys at a local swap meet before saving enough to open the first Tilly’s retail store in Orange County in 1982. This single shop would eventually grow into a nationally recognized NYSE retail chain with over 200 locations.

Her personal journey continued to evolve after her divorce. Instead of allowing this to be a source of strife, she and her ex-husband focused on a positive, solution-oriented approach, successfully keeping their family and business partnership together. This experience reinforced her core philosophy of positivity, a belief that positive thoughts lead to positive feelings, which in turn lead to positive action. This same philosophy, which she credits for her success in business and in life, would become the foundation for her next, and most important, chapter.

Tilly's "aha" moment came after years of philanthropic work. While donating money to provide food and shelter for teens, she noticed that many of them would unfortunately return to negative lifestyles. She realized what they truly needed were tools to build confidence, find purpose, and cope with life's challenges. In 2012, this realization led her to found Tilly's Life Center (TLC), a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth with social-emotional learning. Tilly believes that TLC is her true purpose on this planet, as the center's "I Am Me" curriculum helps young people learn how to regulate their emotions and make better decisions, providing them with hope and the skills to create a happy, healthy, and productive future. TLC’s provides teens with the tools they need to cope with the complex challenges of today. Tilly's journey is a powerful reminder that our personal struggles can be transformed into a force for good, creating a lasting legacy that helps others find their way.

ItIn 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.all begins with an idea.

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, when Daniel was in elementary school.

The Vision of Jack Nathan

“It was Jack Nathan himself, a compassionate and creative soul, who originally founded Jack's World as a clothing brand. His vision was incredibly selfless: to donate the profits from his brand to organizations dedicated to helping individuals struggling with mental illness. He wanted to use his creativity to make a tangible difference in the lives of others.A Father's Continuation of a Son's Legacy

Following Jack's tragic passing, David Nathan has heroically dedicated himself to honoring and continuing his son's mission. He has channeled his grief into action, ensuring that Jack's compassionate vision endures.

Jack's World Records: Drawing on his extensive experience in the music industry, David has expanded the mission by creating Jack's World Records as an imprint of his existing SoulMusic Records.

A Label with a Purpose: The record label is specifically designed to be a safe haven for artists who are battling addiction and mental health challenges. It aims to provide a supportive and understanding environment where they can create music and heal, continuing the charitable mission his son started.

“Valerie's life has been a symphony of music and service. She has graced stages and lent her voice to iconic artists such as Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, and of course, Earth, Wind & Fire. Her songwriting has achieved Gold status, with her compositions featured in major motion pictures. But beyond the accolades and the spotlight, Valerie's true passion lies in connecting with people on a deeper, more personal level…Valerie's work with "I Found Me" is a powerful expression of her belief that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued. It's a hands-on, grassroots approach to philanthropy that goes beyond mere charity. It's about building connections, fostering hope, and empowering individuals to rediscover their own worth. In a world that can often feel disconnected, Valerie Bailey's heartfelt mission is a beautiful reminder of the profound impact one person can have when they lead with love, compassion, and a genuine desire to serve others..”