Our guest Beth Krom, was a former Irvine mayor with a long history of public service, who championed the city's growth while on council (2000-2004) and as mayor (2004-2006). After the personal tragedy of losing of her 22 year old son Noah, she stepped back from politics but her commitment to Irvine remains.   She also discusses her efforts following Noah’s death to reform building safety codes in Santa Barbara to prevent another accidental death like his.   Beth inspires all around her to get up and do something when things aren’t right in this world - a true activist.  Her life work has not gone unnoticed.

Episode 120

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Beth Krom

Producer: Eli Moskowitz

Original Theme: Jay Bernstein

Special Thank You to our volunteers

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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 [email protected]

#PeppTalkswithJeanne #JeannePepper #BlazeitForward

Lisa Fuerst, volunteer Chairman of the Board of Emanate Health, talks about her life's challenges, the struggles she had to educate herself as a young woman and how she later became part of the family that owns and operates the very school that helped turn her life around. You never know where life's journey will take you - stay tuned to hear more about this incredible woman.

Episode 119

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Lisa Fuerst

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 [email protected]

#PeppTalkswithJeanne #JeannePepper #BlazeitForward

Our guest Justin Arenson, a third generation “do gooder”  is a young entrepreneur who used his love of business, community and computers to create a software application for universities and large private/closed social circles to effectively manage activities among social clubs/groups.   You will want to check out his company Campus Tree and how it can help students find activities on their campus.  He  explained the challenges for a young entrepreneur and his desire to do something good post college graduation.    We also had time to discuss his views on spirituality and the “afterlife.”  An interesting interview with a young entrepreneur - not to be missed!

Episode 118

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Justin Arenson

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 [email protected]

#PeppTalkswithJeanne #JeannePepper #BlazeitForward

CASA volunteer Susanna Wolfe was our guest this week. Susanna is a great example of a community volunteer who has lived a life of service and continued in a career helping others. Like me, Susanna is also a parent of an LGBTQ child and discusses what that has been like for her. She also tells us about her early life in Canada and how she made it to the United States to study occupational therapy and stayed to start her career. Susanna talks about the incredible work that CASA does helping children in the foster system and how she has personally benefitted from the experience of being an advocate for CASA. She also has her own lactation consulting business, continues to work for CASA, and participates in a program to teach inner city children to read (Reading Partners) and all while continuing to work as an occupational therapist and crochet. Find out how her work has made Susanna’s life meaningful and helped people live their best lives.

Episode 117

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Susanna Wolfe

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 [email protected]

#PeppTalkswithJeanne #JeannePepper #BlazeitForward

Our guest this week, Dalia Taft, tells us about her personal journey in philanthropy and how she became an integral part of the Jewish community’s volunteer superstars. I first met Dalia almost twenty years ago when she was participating with our children in the Orange County standout organization “The Community Scholars Program” which brought us together for scholarship, camping trips, and other family friendly Jewish activities. Dalia presently is the volunteer chair of the Grants Committee of the Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County. She also lives at the intersection of illegal immigration, the Hispanic community and the Jewish community because her son recently married a “Dreamer.” Dalia discusses the importance of compassion for these children of illegal immigrants that are not allowed citizenship as adults and fear deportation. She also discusses her religious and spiritual beliefs and how they have changed over the years. This is a fascinating interview which will leave you with new perspectives on immigration and its affect on the children in this marginalized community.

Episode 116

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Dalia Taft

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 [email protected]

#PeppTalkswithJeanne #JeannePepper #BlazeitForward

This is a shorter interview with my family friend Bailey Kaufman. Bailey is a young graduate student in New York City studying education. While on leave, Bailey came took time out from her Phd program to sit down with us to discuss the benefits of community service and her own personal journey to find meaning in her work. Bailey also discussed her spirituality and thoughts on a higher power. Bailey represents many under thirty people (“zillenials”) in her perspectives on spirituality, kindness and education. Learn what makes this up and coming generation tick and how we can incentivize them to choose careers and activities that help others.

Episode 115

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Bailey Kaufman

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 [email protected]

#PeppTalkswithJeanne #JeannePepper #BlazeitForward

In a heart wrenching interview, Linda candidly recounts the events surrounding the 2021 overdose and death of her 22-year-old son Tristan from his accidental use of Fentanyl and the recent epidemic of Fentanyl overdoses taking the lives of so many young people. Learn from Linda about her son Tristan and how the death of this talented young artist has impacted her and her two surviving daughters. Linda, a Pilates instructor, and single mother has made it her life mission to inform the public about the dangers of all illicit drug use and the importance of everyone keeping Narcan (a drug used to slow down an overdose) on hand where it could potentially save a life. We also discuss other easy practical options for preventing a tragedy like this. This is an inspiring interview giving a voice to a generation of parents and their young adult children who have suffered the consequences of this dangerous chemical since Fentanyl recently began making its way into the homes of our children.

Episode 114

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Linda Alva

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 [email protected]

#PeppTalkswithJeanne #JeannePepper #BlazeitForward

On this episode, Peter MacDonald the former Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Loan Depot gives us the back story on what inspired an average Canadian Irish Catholic and one of ten children to become an integral part of the Orange County Jewish community. His journey began after finishing college, when Peter left Canada alone to explore southern California and eventually made it to Western State College of Law in Orange County. We discuss Peter’s improbable casting as 1980’s Canadian “say no to drugs” icon, his foray as a house painter, and his stint as the only Irish Catholic recognized as a “Mensch of the Year” by the Orange County Jewish Federation. Learn what makes this accomplished philanthropist tick and how he made his dreams of family, career, philanthropy, and beach life come true.

Episode 113

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Peter MacDona

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 [email protected]

#PeppTalkswithJeanne #JeannePepper #BlazeitForward

Guest Wendy Chase Arenson is a driving force behind the Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County, serving as both its Executive Director and President. Since joining the organization in 2012, her dedication to community collaboration and donor engagement has fueled the Foundation's remarkable growth. Wendy discusses her love for helping people, her history of community service and how she ended up as one of the Orange County community’s leading experts in philanthropic giving.

Episode 112

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Wendy Arenson

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 [email protected]

#PeppTalkswithJeanne #JeannePepper #BlazeitForward

On this episode Jeanne is joined once again by Gideon Bernstein her husband and co-founder of #BlazeitForward, volunteer chairman of the Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County and philanthropist. During this interview Gideon talks about the role of the Jewish Community Foundation of Orange County, how it came to be and what you can do for your organization.

Episode 111

Hosted by: Jeanne Pepper

Guest: Gideon Bernstein

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 [email protected]

#PeppTalkswithJeanne #JeannePepper #BlazeitForward