Ep. 334 Michelle Edgar
Michelle Edgar: Powerhouse Music Executive, All-American Sprinter, and Cultural Leader
Michelle Edgar and Jeanne Pepper at the PeppTalks Studios March 2026
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.
Beyond the boardroom, Michelle is a dedicated change agent and philanthropist. As the founder of The XX Project, she has created a vital membership platform that provides resources and tools to empower women in business, curating over 200 events nationwide featuring industry luminaries. Additionally, as the Executive Director of Music Unites, she has championed the cause of youth empowerment through music education, launching digital academies that offer students access to industry leaders and workshops, ensuring the next generation has the creative tools to succeed.
The global shutdown of 2020 served as a profound catalyst for Michelle’s life. Faced with the personal challenges of death and divorce, she chose to use that adversity as fuel. She embarked on a journey of total lifestyle transformation, discovering an inner athlete through a newfound passion for track and field. What began as a way to heal emotional wounds quickly turned into a high-performance pursuit. In just six months, while maintaining her full-time career, the 38-year-old first-time athlete broke 2,000 miles, lost over 30 pounds, and adopted the mantra "Run for Life."
Under the guidance of Coach Richard Rucker, Michelle’s untapped athletic potential exploded. Within a year, she defied conventional expectations, transforming into a competitive, multi-title All-American sprinter in the 60m and 100m. Her journey from the track to the podium—including placing 6th at the USATF National Championships—is a powerful narrative of how physical discipline can sharpen mental focus. This athletic success became a metaphor for her life, teaching her to set clear boundaries and manage the rigors of professional demands alongside elite athletic training.
Her commitment to growth extended to the classroom as well. Motivated to challenge herself further, Michelle enrolled in the Master of Legal Studies program at UCLA Law School, focusing on entertainment, sports, and media. Balancing school in the evenings with her professional role and competitive racing schedule, she graduated in May 2022. During her time at UCLA, she was a standout student, serving on the Entertainment Law Association board and receiving prestigious honors, including the Lakers Comerica Bank Women of Promise award and UCLA Law's U Serve Award for Public Policy.
Today, Michelle expertly integrates her diverse experiences into her civic role as the Santa Monica Arts Commissioner. In this capacity, she leverages her expertise in branding, strategy, and community building to steward the city’s cultural landscape. Her appointment represents the culmination of her career-long dedication to public service, ensuring that art and creativity remain accessible, sustainable, and vibrant forces within the community.
After all of these accomplishments, Michelle’s story comes to the breaking point at the end of 2026 when doctors discovered an abdominal mass and could not rule out cancer. Michelle’s surgery to remove the mass left her healthy with an excellent prognosis; the mass was benign. She discussed how this wake up call, lead her to realize that she wasn’t spending enough time every day just living and enjoying her life. She’s currently found her passion in Tango and has turned her attention to this artistic and physical activity. She proves that when one taps into their true power—aligning mind, body, and determination—the potential for reinvention is limitless.
Her mission now is to empower others to embark on their own journeys of discovery. Michelle encourages everyone to step out of their comfort zones, whether that means pursuing a new degree, starting a fitness journey, or leading a philanthropic cause. Her life is a guide for anyone looking to make a positive difference, illustrating that no matter your background or age, it is possible to pave a new path forward with focus and perseverance.
Episode 334
Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper
Guest: Michelle Edgar
Executive Producer: Jeanne Pepper
Producer: Eli Moskowitz
Original Theme: Jay Bernstein
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