In today's episode, I'm joined by Holly Peppe, a poet, author, and literary executor, who also spent over 30 years in global media, PR, and crisis communications, advocating for clients in education, the arts, health, and human rights. She taught literature at both high school and university levels, including serving as Director of the English Department at the American College of Rome. More recently, she has published An Absence of Fear, a poetry collection reflecting on love, loss, and resilience, and Sophie and the Swans, a children’s book addressing bullying.
Throughout this episode, Holly shares her deep passion for writing and poetry, explaining how it has been a lifelong means of self-expression and healing. She talks about her professional journey—from teaching literature to running a global PR firm—before returning to poetry, which she had long kept private. Facing a terminal illness, she found the courage to publish An Absence of Fear, a poetry collection that captures her reflections on love, family, and illness. Holly reads excerpts from her work, including poignant poems about her mother, father, and her own experiences with cancer. She also discusses Sophie and the Swans, her anti-bullying children's book, and the importance of helping others through writing. She encourages listeners to embrace creativity as a tool for coping with grief and emphasizes the value of human connection and altruism.
Tune in to episode 308 where Holly Peppe shares how a terminal diagnosis led her to publish her poetry, the inspiration behind her anti-bullying book, and the role of creativity in finding meaning.
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
A life dedicated to writing & poetry (1:18)
A terminal diagnosis & the urgency to publish (4:02)
The power of writing in processing emotions (6:33)
Holly reads selections from An Absence of Fear (9:55)
Cancer and humor as a coping mechanism (12:22)
Helping others and staying active amid grief (13:38)
Connection with others and moving beyond self-centeredness (17:09)
The Story Behind Sophie and the Swans (22:24)
Finding meaning through creativity & connection (25:23)
Final thoughts & encouragement (26:07)
Connect with Holly Peppe:
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LinkedIn
Book: Holly Peppe - Sophie and the Swans
Book: Holly Peppe - An Absence of Fear
Let's Connect:
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The Grief and Happiness Alliance
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