The PeppTalk Podcast

What does studying both science and great books teach a person, and what kind of life does that integration prepare one for? In this episode of PeppTalk, hosts Alexa and Coby sit down with Vera Syers, a graduating senior of Pepperdine's Seaver College Class of 2026, in her final week as a Pepperdine student. The conversation is a graduation-week reflection on what four years in the lab and at the great books table have taught Vera, and what she carries into her life post-grad. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pepperdineuniversity.substack.com

What does studying both science and great books teach a person, and what kind of life does that integration prepare one for? In this episode of PeppTalk, hosts Alexa and Coby sit down with Vera Syers, a graduating senior of Pepperdine's Seaver College Class of 2026, in her final week as a Pepperdine student. The conversation is a graduation-week reflection on what four years in the lab and at the great books table have taught Vera, and what she carries into her life post-grad.

What does it mean to be a truly Christian university? In this episode of PeppTalk, Coby sits down with Professor Ron Highfield — theologian, author, and 37-year member of the Pepperdine faculty — to explore the ideas behind his new book, The Christian University and the Academic Establishment. Professor Highfield has spent decades thinking carefully about what it means to educate students as Christians — forming them to think about God, their vocations,their relationships, and the world through a distinctly Christian lens. In this conversation, he unpacks why the word "Christian" has to mean something concrete, how universities like Harvard and Yale drifted from their founding missions, and what it will take for places like Pepperdine to hold the line. You'll hear about the surprising history of higher education in America, the very real pressures — legal, financial, and cultural — that Christian universities face today, and why Ron believes finding faculty who are both academically excellent and deeply Christian is one of the hardest and most important challenges of our time. Whether you're a student, a faculty member, an administrator, or simply someone who cares about the future of Christian higher education — this episode is a thoughtful and honest look at what's at stake, and what it will take to get it right. Ron Highfield is Professor of Religion at Pepperdine University's Seaver College, where he has taught theology and Christian thought for 37 years. His new book, The Christian University and the Academic Establishment, is available now: https://www.amazon.com/Christian-Univ... Learn more about Pepperdine University - https://www.pepperdine.edu/ Connect with Pepperdine: Like us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pepperdine Follow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/pepperdine Follow us on Instagram - https://instagram.com/pepperdine

What does it take to grow a family business and remain true to the values that built it?In this episode of PeppTalk, host Alexa sits down with Henning Strauss — CEO and owner of STRAUSS, Europe’s leading workwear brand, and Seaver College’s 2026 Distinguished Alumnus — to explore how purpose-driven leadership can shape both a company and a life.Henning traces his unlikely path from a small town in Germany to the Malibu coast, sharing what led him to take a leap of faith and study at Pepperdine. As a business administration major, Strauss quickly felt at home within Pepperdine’s welcoming campus community. He immersed himself in his coursework with the goal of one day contributing to his family’s business back home. For Strauss, Pepperdine’s values-centered curriculum, emphasis on servant leadership, and guiding Christian mission created an environment that shaped his leadership philosophy and inspired him to become a lifelong learner.In this conversation, you’ll hear how Henning went from working in the company warehouse to the CEO seat, what it means to carry forward his grandfather’s legacy, and how STRAUSS became the official workwear partner of Major League Baseball. He also shares his perspective on leadership, brand authenticity, and why giving back to the Pepperdine community remains an important part of his journey today.Whether you're a student exploring your next step, an entrepreneur building something from the ground up, or someone who believes there's always more to learn and more to come, this episode is an invitation to think bigger about what business, service, and legacy can look like in practice.Henning StraussHenning Strauss is CEO and co-owner of STRAUSS (Engelbert Strauss), Europe’s premier workwear brand. Founded by his grandfather, Engelbert, in 1948, STRAUSS has grown from a regional German supplier into a global manufacturer generating more than $1.54 billion in annual revenue. The company is known for engineering high-performance clothing and gear for builders, farmers, and tradespeople worldwide.Under Henning’s leadership, STRAUSS has expanded aggressively into the US market and secured a landmark partnership as the official workwear of Major League Baseball. A 2001 graduate of Pepperdine University’s Seaver College, where he studied business administration, Henning now returns as Seaver College’s 2026 Distinguished Alumnus — mentoring students, exploring educational opportunities for STRAUSS employees, and living out Pepperdine’s motto: Freely ye received, freely give.

What does it mean to do business on Monday the way you worship on Sunday? In this episode of PeppTalk, Alexa sits down with Professor Jooho Lee — business professor at Seaver College and lead investigator of Pepperdine's Faith and Business Initiative — to explore one of the most overlooked tensions in modern professional life: the gap between faith and work. Professor Lee calls it the "Sunday-Monday gap" — the disconnect between the values people hold in their spiritual lives and the decisions they make in the marketplace. Funded by a $260,000 Templeton Foundation grant, his initiative is working to close that gap through research, a fellowship program, and a growing campus conversation about what a genuine theology of business might look like.Jooho Lee is an Associate Professor of Business Ethics and Law at Pepperdine University's Seaver College. He received his PhD in business ethics and legal studies from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he also earned his JD from Penn Law School. He additionally holds an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary. His research focuses on the ethical and legal issues associated with theories of markets and firms, and his work has been published in Business Ethics Quarterly, Berkeley Business Law Journal, Tulane Law Review, Christian Scholar's Review, Philosophy of Management, Journal of Business Ethics, and more. Professor Lee is the lead investigator of Pepperdine's Faith and Business Initiative, which brings together scholars, practitioners, and students to explore the theological dimensions of business and what it means to close the Sunday-Monday gap."

Why do people still read thousand-year-old books — and why does it matter more now than ever? In this episode of PeppTalk, host Coby Dolloff sits down with two of the foremost experts on the Great Books tradition to explore what these timeless texts have to teach us about how to live, how to think, and who we are.Jeremy Wayne Tate, founder and CEO of the Classic Learning Test, and Jessica Hooten Wilson, Pepperdine's Fletcher Jones Chair of Great Books, have each devoted their careers to the same conviction: that the books which have endured for centuries have endured for a reason. Together, they reflect on the great works that shaped their own lives and careers — and make the case for why every generation needs to wrestle with them anew.In this conversation, you'll hear how reading Homer, Dante, and Dostoevsky, can form character in ways no algorithm or career training program can replicate, why the classics speak across cultures and centuries to the deepest questions of human experience, and what it looks like to build an education — and a life — around the pursuit of truth, goodness, and beauty.Whether you've never cracked open a Great Book or you’re a scholar of classics, this episode is an invitation to discover the invitation to the Great Conversation — and why accepting the invitation just might change your life. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pepperdineuniversity.substack.com

What does a 750-year-old poem have to say about practicing Lent today? In this episode of PeppTalk, hosts Coby and Alexa sit down with Professor Paul Contino—Pepperdine's Distinguished Professor of Great Books—to explore how Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy illuminates the Lenten season with clarity and depth.Professor Contino brings Dante's vision to life, tracing the poem's timeless themes of repentance, humility, and spiritual renewal. He shows how the medieval poet's journey down into the underworld, up Mount Purgatory, and into the communal beatitude of Heaven can help guide our own journey through life. He also shares insights from Pepperdine Alumni Affairs' "Great Books Club: Dante Discussions," which he currently leads, reflecting on why The Divine Comedy continues to spark meaningful conversation among students and alumni generations after they first encounter it.In this conversation, you'll hear why Lent may be the perfect season to pick up Dante, how great literature deepens our understanding of suffering and hope, and what one of Christianity's most celebrated works can teach us about the pilgrim's path — wherever we find ourselves on it.Whether you're encountering The Divine Comedy for the first time or returning to it with fresh eyes, this episode is an invitation to journey through Lent in the company of Dante Alighieri, one of history's greatest spiritual guides.Paul ContinoPaul J. Contino is Distinguished Professor of Great Books at Pepperdine University. He received his Ph.D. in English Literature from the University of Notre Dame, after which he taught for twelve years at Christ College, the Honors College of Valparaiso University. Since joining Pepperdine in 2002, he has twice received the Howard A. White Award for Teaching Excellence. He and his wife, Professor Mary Mullins, have co-edited the journal Christianity and Literature. He co-edited Bakhtin and Religion: A Feeling for Faith (Northwestern University Press, 2001). His more recent book, Dostoevsky’s Incarnational Realism (Cascade, 2021), was a finalist for both the Lilly Network and CCL book awards, and has been translated into Russian. His essay on “Theological Approaches to Teaching Dante” appears in the MLA Approaches to Teaching the Divine Comedy. He has also published essays on Zhuangzi, Jane Austen, and a number of contemporary Catholic writers. Most recently, he contributed to the Hallow App's 2026 Lent Pray40 Challenge, consulting with their team on a guided reflection on Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov. Sign up for “Great Books Club: Dante Discussion with Paul Contino”Watch Great Books Club: The Divine Comedy — Inferno, Part I on PeppLearnWatch Great Books Club: The Divine Comedy — Inferno Part II, Purgatorio, Part I on PeppLearn This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pepperdineuniversity.substack.com

To kick off Season 2 of PeppTalk, host Alexa Borstad sits down with Anthony Kennada ('08) and Ulysse Saltiel ('25) to explore the heart and vision behind the inaugural Waves Innovation Summit. Held on Pepperdine's Malibu campus in partnership with the Graziadio Business School and Seaver College, the Summit brings together students, alumni, faculty, and industry leaders for a day focused on bold ideas, practical learning, and meaningful connection.The Waves Innovation Summit is an annual, one-day conference led by students and alumni. The 2026 Summit will feature expert speakers, breakout panels, and networking opportunities centered on the future of technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship—with a special focus on practical AI literacy and career pathways in emerging technologies.This year, the Summit runs alongside a landmark campus event: Shark Tank will be on Pepperdine's campus hosting the Shark Tank × Pepperdine pitch event, where students, alumni, faculty, staff, and Most Fundable Company participants will have the opportunity to meet with Shark Tank producers and pitch their next great idea.Anthony Kennada ('08)Anthony Kennada is one of the defining voices in modern B2B marketing. He was the founding Chief Marketing Officer of Gainsight, where he helped create the customer success category and scale the company from zero to more than $100 million in annual recurring revenue, culminating in a $1.1 billion acquisition. He later authored Category Creation and served as Chief Marketing Officer at three Cloud 100 SaaS companies before founding AudiencePlus, a technology platform helping brands become media companies through owned content and community. Today he is the Chief Executive Officer of Goldenhour, a brand consultancy bringing together his life's work in response to AI-driven disruption—advancing brand humanity, the belief that in an era of infinite intelligence, humanity becomes the ultimate competitive advantage.Ulysse Saltiel ('25)Ulysse is an Associate at Armada, where he helps bridge the digital divide by developing modular data centers and connectivity infrastructure that enable real-time data processing, AI workloads, and resilient connectivity in remote, underserved regions where traditional infrastructure cannot reach. A graduate of Pepperdine University with degrees in business and philosophy, Ulysse distinguished himself through active leadership and innovation on campus — founding the Coastal Capital Summit, expanding the student-investment internship program within Pepperdine’s endowment, and earning recognition as both an Outstanding Philosophy Student of the Year and a dedicated participant in the Great Books program. Today, as an engaged alumnus, Ulysse is committed to giving back to his alma mater as the youngest member of the Seaver College Board of Advisors and founder of the Waves Innovation Summit. He brings a mission-driven approach to every endeavor, guided by a strong passion for empowering faith-based professionals and building communities that blend purpose with progress. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pepperdineuniversity.substack.com

In this episode of PeppTalk, the podcast welcomes one of the most legendary entertainers of all time: Pat Boone. Hosted by Alexa and Kelly Haer, executive director of Pepperdine’s Boone Center for the Family, the episode highlights Boone’s life, career, and faith. Tune in to hear how Boone rose to fame as one of America’s top teen idols, selling more than 45 million records, starring in 26 films, and hosting numerous television and radio programs. His influence on American popular culture spans generations.In the conversation, Boone reflects on his extraordinary journey and the legacy he values most: faith and family. He shares personal stories from his career alongside cultural icons such as Brian Wilson, Elvis Presley, and others, offering a rare glimpse into music history. As the namesake of Pepperdine University’s Boone Center for the Family, Boone also discusses his commitment to strengthening God-honoring relationships and offers encouragement to young people and families today.This episode celebrates Pat Boone’s legacy and marks the Season One finale of the PeppTalk podcast. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pepperdineuniversity.substack.com

In this special episode of PeppTalk, presented by Pepperdine University and the Boone Center for the Family, we’re joined by Kelly Haer, Executive Director of the Boone Center for the Family, and Dr. Henry Cloud — acclaimed clinical psychologist, leadership expert, and New York Times bestselling author of Boundaries, the book that has helped millions cultivate healthier relationships and stronger lives. Drawing on decades of experience guiding leaders, families, and individuals, Dr. Cloud offers practical wisdom on managing expectations, honoring family well, setting healthy boundaries, and finding peace amid the pressures of the holiday season. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pepperdineuniversity.substack.com

In this episode, we’re unpacking the Pain and Peace Cycle, which is a core piece of the Boone Center’s RelateStrong and RelateStrong Leadership Series Curriculum. When we’re triggered, we often fall into patterns that create hurt, but there is also a restorative path that leads to peace. Dee Dee walks us through this transformative model and shares how understanding these cycles can reshape the way we navigate stress, conflict, and relationships. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pepperdineuniversity.substack.com

In this episode of PeppTalk, Kelly Haer and Dee Dee Mayer from the Boone Center for the Family explore how followers of Christ can navigate political differences without letting them divide relationships. Just in time for the holiday season, they unpack why political conversations feel more personal and polarizing today—and share practical, faith-centered ways to stay connected even when opinions differ and conflict arises. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pepperdineuniversity.substack.com

On this episode of PeppTalk, we welcome an unusual guest: the Ghost of George Pepperdine. What started as a witty X account poking fun at Pepperdine history has grown into a Substack filled with sharp, provocative reflections on the University’s past, present, and soul. In this episode, learn why Pepperdine remains “haunted” by its founding ideals, the history behind Founder’s Day, and how mythmaking shapes institutions. Hear personal stories of Ronald Reagan, Blanche Seaver, and more in this spooky conversation and uncover the ways Pepperdine’s history still shapes its future—and why some ghosts never leave the places they love. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pepperdineuniversity.substack.com

In this special episode of PeppTalk, we sit down with the WAVES WORSHIP team, a worship and songwriting movement at Pepperdine, to talk about the impact of worship at Pepperdine and their exciting upcoming projects. From leading chapels and creating spaces of authentic encounter with God to producing their first full-length album, WAVES WORSHIP is shaping the spiritual life of the Pepperdine community with students and Gen-Z front and center.Their first single off their debut album, “Everywhere,” is out now. Their self-titled debut album, WAVES WORSHIP, will be released on September 12—just in time for the Pepperdine community to gather for the Worship Summit on September 13.Join us as we go behind the music with WAVES Worship and hear their vision for how worship can inspire, unite, and transform lives both on campus and beyond. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pepperdineuniversity.substack.com

As we close our PeppTalk series on relationships, we turn to the one relationship that shapes all the others—our relationship with God.In this powerful conversation, Dee Dee helps us unpack what it really means to walk with God. We explore timeless wisdom from figures like Augustine, Paul, and Job, the role of spiritual disciplines, how to stay grounded in dry seasons, and why relationship—not performance—is at the heart of the Christian life.Dee Dee also offers practical advice on how to seek and sustain a relationship with God through the development of healthy spiritual habits.Whether you’re seeking deeper faith, struggling in silence, or curious about spiritual growth, this episode offers wisdom and encouragement to pursue a transformative relationship with the One who created you for connection.Discover why intimacy with God is the starting point for lasting change in every area of your life and how the RelateStrong | Leadership Series can bring lasting hope and healing to your ministry. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pepperdineuniversity.substack.com

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 race, gender, and identity to enduring questions of truth and tradition, our podcasters explore how Pepperdine is leading a national conversation that merges conviction and curiosity. Together, they consider what it looks like to pursue truth boldly while remaining rooted in Christian faith. Through candid discussion, seminar-style engagement, and Christ-centered hospitality, Pepperdine is building a culture where academic freedom isn’t unmoored from conviction—it’s tethered to it. This episode challenges common assumptions about intellectual freedom and shows how faith-based universities might actually be among its fiercest defenders.Want more on faith and academic freedom? Read Pepperdine President Jim Gash’s recent feature op-ed in U.S. News & World Report. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pepperdineuniversity.substack.com

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 for human flourishing. Together, we unpack timeless texts—from Aristotle to C.S. Lewis—and discuss how the Great Books invite us into a richer understanding of friendship as a moral and spiritual practice. Whether you're a student, a seeker, or simply someone longing for deeper connection, this episode will inspire you to rethink the relationships that shape your life.Interested in learning more about Pepperdine's Great Books Program? Click here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pepperdineuniversity.substack.com

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 and US foreign policy with hands-on training for careers in diplomacy, intelligence, development, advocacy, and more. To ensure that merit is the sole factor in admission, the program will provide full scholarships to the inaugural cohort.Discover today how the academically rigorous Master of Middle East Policy Studies program will equip students with real-world experience and a faith-informed perspective to lead in one of the world’s most complex regions.🔗 Learn more and Apply Today This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pepperdineuniversity.substack.com

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 others—can lead to genuine freedom and wholeness.Learn more about the Boone Center's RelateStrong programs here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pepperdineuniversity.substack.com

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, purpose-filled chapter. Together, we explore how to embrace singleness with hope and intention, rather than viewing it as an ambiguous loss.Learn about the RelateStrong, framework that has brought healing and transformation around the globe here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pepperdineuniversity.substack.com

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 dynamics or leading a team, this episode offers valuable takeaways on building healthier, more connected workplaces.Learn about the RelateStrong, framework that has brought healing and transformation around the globe here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pepperdineuniversity.substack.com

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 RelateStrong, framework that has brought healing and transformation around the globe: https://boonecenter.pepperdine.edu/relatestrong/Learn more about the Boone Center's RelateStrong programs here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pepperdineuniversity.substack.com

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 liturgical traditions like Catholicism and Orthodoxy? How can the Church contribute to human flourishing and authentic fellowship? And lastly, what should someone consider when searching for a church home?Whether you’re a young seeker, a church leader, a St. Francis nerd, or even a curious skeptic, this episode invites you into a deeper look at the topic of church—past and present.Learn more about the Boone Center's RelateStrong programs here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pepperdineuniversity.substack.com

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 realities couples face today—drawing from data, real-life stories, and decades of insight.Whether you’re single, dating, married, or simply curious, this episode invites you into an honest, encouraging conversation about commitment, connection, and what makes true intimacy worth it.Learn more about the Boone Center's RelateStrong programs here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pepperdineuniversity.substack.com

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 clubs, this episode explores how to date well and navigate the complexities of emotional connections. With 61 percent of dates originating online, how do we foster meaningful connections in today’s digital world? Kelly also discusses the Relationship IQ program, which offers tools for dating and developing relationships with clarity.Learn more about the Boone Center's RelateStrong programs here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pepperdineuniversity.substack.com

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 Center for the Family:Kelly Haer, executive director of the Boone Center, brings clinical insight and years of counseling experience to explore the deep emotional and cultural forces that shape how we connect with—and disconnect from—one another.Dee Dee Mayer, Senior Director of RelateStrong and Interim Chaplain, offers a practical lens on how young adults and emerging leaders can build healthy, thriving relationships in a world increasingly marked by disconnection and digital overload.Together, they unpack the reasons relationships can be so challenging, from the loneliness epidemic and "alone together" paradox to the impact of social media, shifting values, and spiritual neglect. With personal stories, biblical wisdom, and psychological research, this episode invites listeners to examine their own relationships and begin the journey toward greater connection and flourishing.The PeppTalk Podcast is brought to you by PeppLearn. PeppLearn brings together the intellectual, creative, and spiritual life of Pepperdine University to alumni and friends of the university. Here, you can engage in conversations of personal and global significance across the university from world-renowned professors and global thought leaders who visit campus.Learn more about the Boone Center's RelateStrong program here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit pepperdineuniversity.substack.com