This week's guest is the amazing, down-to-earth Holly Robinson Peete who you might recognize from her acting roles but has evolved through her personal experience into being a voice for her father, her son, and her community to become one of the most trusted advocates for consistent and reliable education, outreach and support for both Parkinson's and autism.

Through Holly's father, Matthew Robinson, who served as producer and portrayed the original beloved character of 'Gordon' on the iconic children's program, "Sesame Street", Holly was exposed to the entertainment industry first-hand when as a four year-old, she appeared on television opposite her father. She knew at a young age that entertainment was her calling.

Born in Philadelphia and raised in Los Angeles from the age of 10, Holly completed her undergraduate studies at the prestigious Sarah Lawrence College where she majored in Psychology and French. She spent her junior year studying abroad at Sorbonne University in France and became fluent in the language. Soon thereafter, with an introduction from her mother,  powerhouse talent agent Delores Robinson, she landed a part opposite the newcomer Johnny Depp on the hit series, "21 Jump Street" and then went on to star in many other successful tv series including "Hangin' with Mr. Cooper" and  "For Your Love". Holly has also been in thirteen Hallmark movies and, in early 2021,  starred in the mystery mini-series, "Morning Show Mysteries" on Hallmark's Movies and Mysteries channel. 

In 1997, Holly and her husband, former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete, formed the HollyRod Foundation, inspired by her father's courageous battle with Parkinson's disease, with the mission to help improve the quality of life of people with Parkinson's. HollyRod's mission expanded to provide support and resources to those affected by autism after her eldest son was diagnosed.  Most recently, the Foundation opened RJ's Place Vocational and Family Support Services Center in Los Angeles to provide training and job opportunities for young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) as well as support services to their families free-of-charge.

In this episode, Holly and long-time family friend, host Brad Johnson  share memories of Holly's journey, her upbringing and arrival in LA as a child, meeting her handsome star quarterback husband and how 21 Jump Street launched her acting career. She also discusses forming of the Hollyrod Foundation including the good work it's doing and it's well-known annual fundraising event, travel abroad with Magic Johnson, LL Cool J and Samuel Jackson families this summer and, finally, how she balances her busy life! 

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