The PeppTalk Podcast

In this episode of PeppTalk, Coby and Alexa are joined by professor Jennifer Smith to discuss how Pepperdine University is cultivating academic freedom within a distinctly faith-based environment.

We take you inside the 2025 Academic Freedom Colloquium: Faith and the Academy and the University’s signature Dialogue Dinner series—two initiatives at the heart of Pepperdine’s commitment to open, courageous dialogue. From topics like ra...

What is true friendship—and why does it matter now more than ever? In this thought-provoking episode of PeppTalk, the Fletcher Jones Chair of Great Books Dr. Jessica Hooten Wilson joins us for a conversation on the meaning of friendship in a fragmented, fast-paced world. Drawing from classical thinkers, Christian tradition, and her own experience in the classroom, Dr. Hooten Wilson explores how friendships of virtue are essential f...

In this special episode of PeppTalk, hosts Alexa and Coby speak with Pete Peterson, dean of the Pepperdine School of Public Policy, to discuss the launch of the Master of Middle East Policy Studies program—a first-of-its-kind graduate program in partnership with the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

Located at Pepperdine’s Washington, DC, campus, this two-year, in-person program combines the study of the modern Middle East ...

Hosts Alexa and Coby sit down with Kelly Haer to unpack what it truly means to build and sustain a healthy relationship with oneself. In this episode, listeners will go far beyond self-care to explore how their thoughts, emotions, and beliefs shape every connection they have. Discover why knowing oneself—an undertaking supported by Augustine—is essential, and how differentiation—staying rooted in Christ while remaining connected to...

In this episode, hosts Alexa and Coby sit down with Kelly Haer to discuss the season of singleness. In a culture filled with dating apps, romantic comedies, and social timelines, the question looms: Will Prince Charming ever come? (Spoiler: it’s not that simple!) Whether you’re single by choice, circumstance, or simply for now, this conversation invites you to reframe singleness—not as a pause in your story, but as a meaningful, pu...

In this episode, hosts Alexa and Coby sit down with Dee Dee Mayer to explore the vital role of relationships in the workplace. Drawing on insights from Gallup research, they unpack what truly drives job satisfaction and employee engagement. The conversation also delves into how pop culture reflects and shapes our understanding of work-life, with thoughtful references to Severance and The Office. Whether you're navigating office dyn...

In this episode, hosts Alexa and Coby sit down with Kelly Haer, executive director of the Boone Center for the Family, for a thoughtful and engaging conversation on parenting, family dynamics, and the biblical significance of the family. Together, they explore what it means to build strong, resilient families in today’s cultural climate and answer the following question: Is having a family today still worth it?

Learn about the Relat...

In this episode of PeppTalk, hosts Coby and Alexa sit down with Dee Dee for a conversation on the current state of the Church. From shifting cultural attitudes to changing demographics, they explore how the Church is experiencing both significant challenges and significant opportunities in today’s world.

Together, they dive into some of the pressing questions shaping modern faith communities: Why are so many young adults drawn to li...

In this episode, PeppTalk hosts Coby and Alexa sit down with Dee Dee Mayer, senior director of RelateStrong at the Boone Center for the Family and a trusted expert on relationships, to explore a big question: Is marriage still worth it in today’s world?

As cultural norms shift and divorce rates remain high, many are rethinking the value and purpose of marriage. In this episode, we unpack the emotional, spiritual, and practical reali...

In this episode, PeppTalk hosts Coby and Alexa chat with Kelly Haer, executive director of the Boone Center and expert on relationships, to discuss the challenges of modern dating. From the impact of dating apps to the rise of ambiguity and lack of clarity in relationships, Kelly shares insights on why dating feels more difficult today and offers practical advice on how to date with intention.

In a world of mass optionality and run ...

In this premiere episode, “Relationships: A PeppLearn Podcast,” we dive into one of life’s most persistent questions: Why do relationships seem so difficult? From romantic partnerships and friendships to workplace dynamics and family ties, relationships are at the center of our lives—and yet, they often come with conflict, frustration, and misunderstanding.

Pepptalk host, Alexa, is joined by two experts from Pepperdine’s Boone Cente...