Famous Interviews & Neon Jazz with Joe Dimino

Regina Linke Returns with Little Helper | Famous Interviews Part 2

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Fri, 22 May 2026 19:31:33 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we welcome author and artist Regina Linke back to the show for Part 2 to discuss her new 2026 book Little Helper.

Regina Linke is a Taiwanese American artist known for her stunning Chinese gongbi-style painting — an ancient and highly detailed form of brush painting celebrated for its colorful precision, narrative depth, and timeless beauty. Through both her visual art and storytelling, Regina brings East Asian folklore, philosophy, and cultural traditions into a modern and accessible light.

Her latest book, Little Helper, follows the character Ah-Fu as he discovers creative ways to help friends, family, and community through thoughtful problem-solving and compassion. Inspired by traditional Chinese philosophy and values, this modern fable encourages readers of all ages to think creatively, support others, and approach challenges with kindness and ingenuity.

In this interview, we discuss Chinese gongbi painting, storytelling, illustration, creativity, East Asian folklore, philosophy, Taiwanese American identity, children’s literature, visual art, cultural heritage, imaginative thinking, and the inspiration behind Little Helper. Regina also reflects on her artistic journey and the growing appreciation for traditional Asian art forms in contemporary culture.

It’s wonderful to have her back on the show. Enjoy this inspiring interview with Regina Linke.

Get Little Helper:
https://oxherdboy.org/pages/little-helper

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Jairek Robbins on AI, Entrepreneurship, Leadership Strategy & Productivity

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Fri, 22 May 2026 18:52:23 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with entrepreneur, executive coach, speaker, podcast host, and founder of Executive Office AI, Jairek Robbins.

Jairek comes from one of the most recognized success-oriented families in the world — the first family ever featured on the cover of SUCCESS Magazine. For more than 20 years, he has coached founders, executives, and CEOs ranging from startups to companies generating over $100 million in revenue, with active clients in 137 countries worldwide.

At just 23 years old, Jairek received the Congressional Award Gold Medal from the United States Congress. Over the years, he has trained teams and leaders at Harvard, the U.S. Marines, U.S. Air Force Special Forces, BMW, UBS, Keller Williams, Major League Baseball, and members of the U.S. Olympic Team.

Today, through Executive Office AI, Jairek is helping business owners revolutionize productivity by building over 265 AI agents designed to replace expensive consultants and reclaim valuable time. His systems help entrepreneurs automate operations, increase efficiency, reduce costs, and free up more than 20 hours a week for leadership and growth.

In this interview, we discuss artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship, leadership development, productivity, automation, executive coaching, business systems, scaling companies, mindset, innovation, the future of AI in business, and his podcast Beyond the Bottleneck. From his home in Puerto Rico, Jairek shares wisdom, strategy, and insight from decades of experience helping leaders grow.

Enjoy this interview with Jairek Robbins.

More Jairek Robbins:
https://www.executiveoffice.ai/

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Entrepreneur & Navy Veteran David Petrash Talks Leadership Principles & The Ripple

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Fri, 22 May 2026 18:43:59 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with author, U.S. Navy veteran, entrepreneur, leadership speaker, and co-owner of City Wide Facility Solutions of Southern Arizona, David Petrash.

With more than 25 years of leadership experience, David has built and led successful businesses while mentoring others through the principles of faith-driven leadership, service, integrity, and character. As the author of The Ripple of Faith, he shares a powerful philosophy centered around what he calls the “Ripple Effect” — the idea that small actions rooted in faith and strong values can create lasting and far-reaching impact in the lives of others.

Through his leadership journey in both military and business environments, David has focused on building high-performing teams, developing future leaders, and creating organizational cultures grounded in trust, accountability, and excellence. His work combines practical leadership insight with personal growth, faith, resilience, and purpose-driven living.

In this interview, we discuss leadership development, entrepreneurship, military service, business growth, faith, mentoring, teamwork, integrity, personal responsibility, culture building, character, and the inspiration behind The Ripple of Faith.

This is an inspiring and insightful conversation filled with wisdom, perspective, and practical life lessons. Enjoy this interview with David Petrash.

More David Petrash:
https://www.rippleoffaith.com/

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Back Alley Brass Band's Matt Fillingham on Some Bright Morning | New Orleans Energy to KC Jazz

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Fri, 22 May 2026 04:50:38 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Matt Fillingham of the Back Alley Brass Band on their 2026 album Some Bright Morning.

The popular Kansas City-based brass band returns with another vibrant and energetic project filled with music they’ve performed and developed over the last several years. Rooted in the spirit and swagger of New Orleans brass band tradition, Some Bright Morning captures the infectious live energy, soulful grooves, and celebratory atmosphere that has helped Back Alley Brass Band become one of the Midwest’s rising live music acts.

In this conversation, Matt reflects on the band’s journey, the making of the new album, live performances, brass band culture, Kansas City’s evolving music scene, and upcoming World Cup-related gigs happening in Kansas City during the summer of 2026.

Known for blending jazz, funk, second line rhythms, and New Orleans bravado, Back Alley Brass Band continues building a loyal following through electrifying performances and community-driven music experiences.

We dive into the new record, touring, live music, KC culture, brass band influences, and what lies ahead for this exciting ensemble. Tune in.

Get the album & more:
https://backalleybrassband.bandcamp.com/album/some-bright-morning
https://www.backalleybrass.com/
https://backalleybrassband.bandcamp.com/

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Kansas City Jazz Trumpeter Alex Abramovitz | 2026 Live Album Jumpin’ on Grand Live at Black Dolphin

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Fri, 22 May 2026 04:47:24 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz trumpeter, bandleader, and Kansas City jazz mainstay Alex Abramovitz on the new 2026 album Jumpin’ on Grand Live at Black Dolphin with his Swing’n Kansas City Jazz Band.

We caught up with this veteran KC musician to discuss the rich Kansas City jazz scene, his longtime performances at iconic venues like the Green Lady Lounge and Black Dolphin, the making of this exciting live album, and the deep tradition of swing jazz that continues to thrive in KCMO.

Recorded live at Black Dolphin on October 18, 2025 during one of the band’s regular Saturday night “swing shift” performances, the album captures the authentic energy, improvisation, and timeless spirit of live Kansas City jazz. From his early musical experiences playing with John Scott to assembling one of the city’s premier swing ensembles, Alex shares stories, history, and insight from decades in the jazz world.

The official CD release event takes place Saturday, June 13 from 9:45 PM to 1 AM at Black Dolphin, located at 1813 Grand Blvd. in Downtown Kansas City, Missouri.

In this interview, we discuss live jazz performance, Kansas City swing, jazz history, improvisation, jazz clubs, recording live albums, the modern KC jazz scene, bandleading, and the enduring power of traditional jazz music.

This is a great conversation for jazz lovers, musicians, and anyone passionate about live music and Kansas City culture. Dig in.

Get the album and more:
https://www.swingnkansascityjazz.com/
https://greenladylounge.com/lp.html

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CEO Jody Layne Talks Healthcare Marketing, Clinic Growth & Medical Business Success

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Fri, 22 May 2026 03:59:04 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with seasoned entrepreneur, business strategist, and CEO of Accelerated Medical Practices, Jody Layne.

As a co-founder and growth strategist, Jody has helped scale multiple companies and countless wellness clinics by combining smart business systems with effective healthcare marketing and operational strategy. With more than 25 years of experience in digital marketing and business development — along with over a decade working directly inside hormone and wellness clinics — she has developed a unique ability to bridge the gap between great medicine and great business.

Jody is also the creator of the POWER Framework, a proprietary system designed to help clinics strengthen the five essential areas that drive sustainable growth: Positioning, Operations, Workforce, Experience, and Revenue. Her work focuses on helping healthcare providers create thriving practices while improving patient experience, operational efficiency, and long-term profitability.

From her base in Orlando, we discuss entrepreneurship, healthcare leadership, wellness clinics, hormone therapy businesses, marketing strategy, scaling companies, leadership development, clinic operations, patient experience, revenue growth, digital marketing, and the evolving future of wellness-centered healthcare.

This is a fascinating and informative conversation packed with practical business insight and entrepreneurial wisdom. Enjoy this interview with Jody Layne.

More Jody Layne:
http://www.acceleratedmedicalpractices.com/

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Executive Coach Thom Dennis Talks Leadership & Organizational Change

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Thu, 21 May 2026 16:48:17 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with leadership consultant, executive coach, and author Thom Dennis.

Thom is the author of Rewilding the Corporate Mind and has spent more than 30 years working with CEOs, executive teams, and organizations navigating complexity, culture, leadership, and transformational change. His experience spans the Royal Marines, global corporate leadership environments, and decades of leadership development work focused on strategy, human behavior, and systems thinking.

What makes Thom’s perspective unique is his commitment to exploring the deeper patterns shaping leadership today. Rather than offering quick fixes or surface-level solutions, he examines why many well-intentioned organizations struggle to create sustainable change, authentic culture, and meaningful human connection in modern workplaces.

His work blends leadership psychology, organizational culture, emotional intelligence, resilience, complexity theory, and living systems thinking into a powerful framework for leading in uncertain times. From his base in the UK, Thom helps leaders rethink how organizations function and how people can thrive within them.

In this interview, we discuss executive leadership, workplace culture, organizational transformation, human behavior, resilience, systems thinking, business strategy, leadership coaching, change management, emotional intelligence, corporate wellness, modern leadership challenges, and the inspiration behind Rewilding the Corporate Mind.

This is a thoughtful and insightful conversation filled with leadership wisdom and practical perspective for today’s evolving business world. Enjoy this interview with Thom Dennis.

More Thom Dennis:
https://www.serenityinleadership.com/

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From Dreaming of Space to Real Estate Success with Tiffany Alexander

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Wed, 20 May 2026 15:37:47 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with real estate expert, investor, and Aspen Sage Investment Fund manager Tiffany Alexander.

Tiffany began her real estate investing journey back in 2006 and has since explored a wide variety of successful investment strategies, including short sales, tax liens, multi-family property flips, and creative real estate investing. Over the past seven years, however, her primary focus has become promissory note investing — a specialized niche that has helped her and her clients maximize returns and build long-term wealth.

Through her work with Aspen Sage Investment Fund, Tiffany has assisted more than a thousand people in identifying and achieving their real estate and investment goals. Her experience spans market strategy, financial growth, passive income, wealth creation, and helping investors better understand alternative opportunities within the real estate world.

Originally wanting to become an astronaut, Tiffany’s journey eventually led her into entrepreneurship, investing, and financial education. In this interview, we discuss her fascinating career path, real estate investing, promissory notes, wealth strategy, passive income, business growth, leadership, financial mindset, entrepreneurship, and the lessons she has learned along the way.

This is an informative and inspiring conversation packed with practical insight and real-world experience. Enjoy this interview with Tiffany Alexander.

More Tiffany Alexander:
https://aspensagefund.com/

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Business Growth Expert Keri Doan Talks Visibility, Branding & Marketing

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Wed, 20 May 2026 15:18:44 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with business visibility and growth expert Keri Doan, the visionary behind Waiting on West.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything you’ve been told to do — posting constantly, buying courses, joining training calls, and still not seeing meaningful business growth — Keri’s message will resonate deeply. She helps entrepreneurs and business owners cut through the noise, simplify what’s not working, and build authentic visibility without burning out or losing themselves in the process.

With more than 15 years of experience supporting growing businesses, Keri is known for helping people clarify their voice, align their strategy with their real life, and create sustainable systems that actually support long-term success. Her work blends business growth, personal alignment, branding, marketing strategy, mindset, and practical execution into a refreshing and human-centered approach to entrepreneurship.

From her base in Toronto, we discuss entrepreneurship, visibility, branding, burnout, marketing overwhelm, authentic growth, leadership, business systems, mindset, online business culture, content strategy, and the importance of building a business that fits your life — not the other way around.

This is a thoughtful and empowering conversation for entrepreneurs, creators, and anyone trying to grow without sacrificing themselves along the way. Enjoy this interview with Keri Doan.

More Keri Doan:
https://waitingonwest.com/

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Author & Artist Carine Van Hee Talks Healing & Emotional Freedom

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Wed, 20 May 2026 14:25:53 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with author, visual artist, speaker, and emotional awareness advocate Carine Van Hee.

Through her deeply personal story, creative work, public speaking, and writing, Carine is helping raise awareness about emotional manipulation, toxic relationships, and the importance of emotional freedom. Her mission is to inspire people to choose relationships built on honesty, respect, trust, and healthy connection.

Carine is also one of the Voices for the European Family Justice Center Alliance (EFJCA), where she helps advocate for awareness, protection, and healing for individuals affected by emotional abuse and manipulation. Her work combines art, storytelling, lived experience, and advocacy to help others recognize unhealthy patterns and break free from destructive cycles.

Her book serves as a powerful first step toward empowerment and healing, encouraging readers to stand up for themselves, reclaim their voice, and move toward healthier relationships and emotional well-being. As Carine says, awareness is what breaks the cycle.

In this interview, we discuss emotional manipulation, toxic relationships, healing, self-worth, emotional freedom, trauma recovery, advocacy, personal growth, creative expression, visual art, family justice, and the power of storytelling to inspire transformation.

This is an important and deeply moving conversation filled with honesty, courage, and hope. Enjoy this interview with Carine Van Hee.

More Carine Van Hee:
https://www.carinevanhee.com/

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Human Rights Advocate Zolal Habibi Returns | Justice, Freedom & Iran - Part 2

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Tue, 19 May 2026 17:29:10 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we reconnect with human rights and women’s rights advocate Zolal Habibi for Part 2 of our powerful conversation.

Zolal is an Iranian human rights activist and one of the leading voices advocating for justice, democracy, and women’s rights in Iran. She serves on the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), where she works internationally to support the vision of a secular, democratic republic in Iran.

In this follow-up conversation, we go deeper into her remarkable story, the realities facing women and activists in Iran, and the courage that continues to drive her mission for meaningful and lasting change. We discuss democracy, freedom, political resistance, human rights advocacy, women’s empowerment, global awareness, leadership, resilience, and the future she hopes to help create for the Iranian people.

Zolal brings insight, strength, and hope to a conversation that feels especially important in today’s world. Tune in for this thoughtful and inspiring interview.

More Zolal Habibi:
https://ncr-iran.org/

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Jody Brooks on Authentic Living, Mental Health & Leadership | Famous Interviews

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Tue, 19 May 2026 16:51:59 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with coach, award-winning business owner, sustainability expert, and United Nations speaker Jody Brooks.

His remarkable journey has taken him from senior leadership roles in international education and sustainability to confronting a deeply personal mental health crisis marked by severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal thinking that pushed him to the edge of what felt survivable.

But Jody didn’t simply recover — he rebuilt his life from the inside out. That transformative experience became the foundation for his Nine Principles of Authentic Living, a powerful framework designed to help others reconnect with themselves, overcome internal struggles, and create lives rooted in honesty, resilience, and purpose.

Today, Jody combines lived experience, leadership insight, emotional intelligence, and authentic coaching to guide people toward healthier, more grounded lives. He possesses a rare warmth, honesty, and ability to make deeply personal conversations feel safe, meaningful, and accessible.

In this interview, we discuss mental health, anxiety, depression, personal transformation, authentic leadership, sustainability, emotional resilience, coaching, healing, mindfulness, purpose, self-awareness, and the importance of living truthfully in a demanding modern world.

This is a moving and deeply human conversation filled with wisdom, vulnerability, and hope. Enjoy this interview with Jody Brooks.

More Jody Brooks:
https://authenticcoaching.me/

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Author Evan Marks Talks Debut Novel Vesper, NYC & Career

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Tue, 19 May 2026 16:41:48 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with investment banker, author, and former electronic music producer Evan Marks.

Originally from Australia, Evan spent his early twenties immersed in electronic music production before trading studio gear for a one-way ticket to New York City, where he built a successful career as an investment banker advising companies across a wide range of industries. Alongside his professional career, he became deeply fascinated by the complex social dynamics, relationships, ambition, and emotional contradictions that shape life in New York.

That world would eventually inspire his debut novel Vesper — a work described as Sex and the City reimagined through the philosophical lens of Milan Kundera. His writing blends literary fiction, romance, identity, ambition, desire, and existential reflection into stories that explore the deeper dimensions of the human condition.

For the past decade, Evan has immersed himself in the kaleidoscope of stories that define modern dating culture, social identity, love, longing, and personal transformation. He is currently at work on a second novel — a cerebral thriller examining the intersection of crime, free will, and determinism.

In this interview, we discuss writing, storytelling, finance, philosophy, modern relationships, literature, identity, New York culture, electronic music, creativity, ambition, artistic evolution, and the inspiration behind Vesper.

It’s a fascinating and unforgettable story filled with insight, creativity, and perspective. Enjoy this interview.

More Evan Marks:
https://www.kinderspielpress.com/
https://www.evan-marks.com/

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BrainShift Founder Hanna Curman Talks AI, Leadership & Humanity

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Tue, 19 May 2026 16:40:14 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with speaker, coach, author, and founder of BrainShift, Hanna Curman.

Hanna is helping lead a new era of transformation focused on leadership, mental health, nervous system awareness, and human-centered performance. Through her work with executives and organizations, she teaches leaders how to guide transformation from the nervous system up — because culture ultimately lives in biology.

Her journey into this work became deeply personal when she realized that her own reactive patterns were affecting not only her health, but also her daughter’s will to live. That life-changing experience transformed the direction of her life and mission.

Today, Hanna brings an urgent and powerful message into the AI era: if humanity does not balance technological speed with emotional intelligence, empathy, ethics, and nervous system regulation, we risk losing the very qualities that make leadership effective and human. She believes the erosion of prefrontal capacity — our ability to reason, empathize, and make ethical decisions — is one of the defining leadership challenges of modern times.

In this interview, we discuss leadership transformation, executive coaching, mental health, emotional regulation, AI and humanity, neuroscience, organizational culture, stress, resilience, empathy, ethics, self-awareness, and the future of leadership in a rapidly changing world.

It’s a deeply insightful and timely conversation filled with wisdom, vulnerability, and practical perspective. Tune in.

More Hanna Curman:
https://hannacurman.se/

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Literacy Innovator Kate Markland Talks Books, Storytelling & Healing

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Tue, 19 May 2026 16:05:04 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with co-author, literacy innovator, children’s author, and global education advocate Kate Markland.

A former physiotherapist turned storytelling pioneer, Kate is the creator of StoryQuest™ — a groundbreaking methodology that achieved 100% engagement across 465 children in nine schools. She is also the co-author of The Adventures of Gabriel, an Amazon number one bestselling children’s book series born from one of the most painful and transformative chapters of her life.

For twenty years, Kate worked as a physiotherapist, learning to listen in a way most people never do — not simply to symptoms, but to the deeper story beneath them. Over time, she realized that healing often begins not with the body, but with being truly heard. That profound insight became the foundation for everything she would later build in literacy, storytelling, education, emotional well-being, and child empowerment.

From her base in the UK, we discuss her remarkable journey, StoryQuest™, children’s literacy, emotional healing, creativity, leadership, education innovation, storytelling, advocacy, and the importance of helping every child find and share their voice.

This is an inspiring and deeply meaningful conversation about the power of stories to transform lives. Enjoy this interview with Kate Markland.

More Kate Markland:
https://www.katemarkland.com/

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Mark Wade on the 2026 Album New Stages, Contemporary Jazz & Creative Evolution

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Tue, 19 May 2026 04:46:40 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader Mark Wade on his 2026 release New Stages with his trio on Dot Time Records.

This latest project marks not only a brand-new album, but also a major turning point in Mark’s creative evolution — a moment where years of innovation, artistry, and experience merge with exciting future ambitions. New Stages is a collection of original jazz works inspired by treasured classical music that Mark has developed a deep personal connection with over many years, now reimagined through the lens of modern jazz trio performance.

Mark Wade continues to establish himself as a contemporary composer with a truly global musical perspective, blending jazz improvisation, classical influences, lyrical storytelling, and adventurous composition into a deeply expressive sound.

We first interviewed Mark back in 2018 and again in 2022, and now four years later he returns to Neon Jazz to discuss this fresh new chapter, his evolving artistry, the trio dynamic, composition, recording, performance, and the inspiration behind New Stages.

This is another thoughtful and compelling conversation with one of modern jazz’s most creative voices. Enjoy this interview.

Get the album:
https://dottimerecords.bandcamp.com/album/new-stages

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Self-Leadership Expert Bobby Shelton Talks Discipline, Personal Growth & Motivation

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Mon, 18 May 2026 13:58:12 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with self-leadership expert, podcaster, author, and creator of the Easy Hard vs. Hard Hard framework, Bobby Shelton.

With a Doctorate in Strategic Leadership (DSL), Bobby has spent years studying why so many high-performing individuals still struggle with consistency, discipline, alignment, and follow-through. His conclusion is both simple and challenging: most people are not lacking information — they are lacking internal authority.

Through his groundbreaking framework and his podcast The Self-Leadership Lab, Bobby explores what it truly means to govern your inner world so your outer life reflects your deepest values and convictions. His work blends practical leadership strategies, decision-making frameworks, self-discipline, Stoic philosophy, personal responsibility, and faith-based wisdom into a powerful approach to meaningful living and sustainable growth.

In this interview, we discuss leadership, mindset, motivation, habits, self-governance, consistency, personal development, philosophy, emotional resilience, strategic thinking, productivity, and how to align your life with your principles and purpose.

This is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation packed with practical wisdom and deeper insight into what it takes to lead yourself well. Enjoy this interview with Bobby Shelton.

More Bobby Shelton:
https://www.easyhardvshardhard.com/

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David Schroeder on Sonny Rollins, Jazz Wisdom, Podcasting & 2026 Album A Kind of Gentle Light

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Mon, 18 May 2026 04:44:25 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz professor, musician, author, interviewer, and podcast host David Schroeder. We are honored to welcome David back to the show to discuss his moving new 2026 album A Kind of Gentle Light along with his fascinating work interviewing some of the most important figures in jazz history.

Following a landmark year spent in intimate conversations with 95-year-old jazz icon Sonny Rollins, the families of Duke Ellington and Stan Getz, and the inner circle of David Sanborn, this NYU Professor of Jazz Studies continues to bridge music, storytelling, history, and humanity in powerful ways.

A Kind of Gentle Light offers a deeply meditative and emotionally resonant musical dialogue centered on compassion, reflection, and shared human experience. The album features David’s expressive work on chromatic harmonica, bass flute, and the Mongolian ever buree — a rare and hypnotic instrument he mastered during time spent performing in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Joining him is acclaimed Italian pianist Antonio Figura, helping shape an album filled with beauty, atmosphere, and emotional depth.

In this interview, we discuss jazz history, improvisation, podcasting, storytelling, education, world music influences, composition, spirituality in music, modern jazz, and the inspiration behind A Kind of Gentle Light.

We cover a wide range of fascinating territory on this memorable rendezvous on Neon Jazz. Dig this conversation.

Listen to the album:
https://music.apple.com/us/album/kind-and-gentle-light/1867658291
https://open.spotify.com/track/4PEnGGyEP5vzYTFA3eOVg0?si=cdd4c0ab7aa44313&nd=1&dlsi=dcb35b5ed889404a

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From Medicine to Music | Mark Tonelli Talks Brasiliana, Jazz Guitar & Brazilian Music

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Sun, 17 May 2026 16:41:07 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Illinois-based jazz guitarist, composer, educator, and Fulbright Scholar Mark Tonelli. We got into his new 2026 album Brasiliana and his fascinating path through the world of jazz and Brazilian music.

This breakthrough release blends the vibrant rhythms, melodies, and spirit of Brazilian music with the creativity and improvisation of contemporary jazz. Featuring an all-star Brazilian cast of musicians, Brasiliana is the result of years of cultural immersion, collaboration, travel, and musical exploration.

Between 2022 and 2025, Mark made thirteen trips to Brazil. His first visit came as a Fulbright Scholar teaching music at a university, and just a few years later he returned as a Fulbright Scholar once again — this time to create and record Brasiliana.

Mark’s life story is equally compelling. His path moved from medicine to architecture before ultimately leading him fully into music, jazz guitar, education, composition, and international artistic collaboration.

In this interview, we discuss Brazilian jazz, guitar improvisation, cultural exchange, Fulbright experiences, composition, jazz education, travel, creativity, world music influences, live performance, and the inspiration behind Brasiliana.

We also dive into the remarkable journey that shaped his life and music. Dig this interview.

Get the album:
https://marktonelli.bandcamp.com/album/brasiliana

The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

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Acclaimed Jazz Singer Lisanne Lyons - New Album 'May I Come In' & Her Career

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Sat, 16 May 2026 17:10:57 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Miami-based acclaimed jazz singer, educator, and performer Lisanne Lyons. We take a deep dive into her new 2026 release May I Come In along with her celebrated journey through the world of jazz.

Possessing a beautiful voice, a natural sense of swing, and a deep connection to the Great American Songbook tradition, Lisanne brings timeless jazz storytelling into a contemporary setting. For this project, she collaborated with arranger Mike Lewis to create lush orchestral arrangements performed by an outstanding jazz orchestra featuring some of Miami and New York’s finest musicians.

Lisanne’s professional career began immediately after high school as a featured vocalist for the United States Air Force Bands, where she traveled and performed around the world. Over the years, she has shared the stage with jazz legends and ensembles including the Woody Herman Orchestra, Maynard Ferguson Big Bop Nouveau, Arturo Sandoval, Larry Elgart, and many more.

In this interview, we discuss jazz vocals, big band music, swing, improvisation, the Great American Songbook, arranging, performance, jazz education, touring, collaboration, and the inspiration behind May I Come In.

She’s full of wisdom, musical insight, and unforgettable stories from decades in jazz. Enjoy this interview with Lisanne Lyons.

Get the album:
https://originarts.com/oa2/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=22248

The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

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Certified Life Coach Dave Johnson on Sobriety, Homelessness & Transformation

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Fri, 15 May 2026 16:50:24 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with certified life coach, sobriety advocate, motivational speaker, and survivor Dave Johnson.

After spending 31 years battling addiction — including four years homeless and living out of his car — Dave has transformed his life through sobriety, mindset work, psychology, discipline, and personal growth. Now more than three years sober, he is dedicated to helping others not only stay sober, but also discover a new perspective on life, resilience, and self-worth.

Dave’s story is one of extraordinary perseverance and transformation. At just 18 years old, he survived a devastating head-on collision with a diesel truck and was pronounced dead at the scene. Doctors told him it would take a year to walk again, yet he recovered in just three and a half months. Later, he confronted and conquered his fears through martial arts and cage fighting, using the discipline and mindset from five different martial arts styles to completely reshape his approach to life.

From his base in Arizona, we discuss addiction recovery, sobriety, homelessness, psychology, motivation, resilience, mindset, trauma, personal transformation, martial arts, life coaching, mental strength, overcoming adversity, and helping others reclaim their lives.

This is a powerful story of survival, growth, redemption, and purpose. Enjoy this inspiring conversation with Dave Johnson.

More Dave Johnson:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpcQWkiIYpm7jztWHfjQJYg

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Rising Jazz Star Shenel Johns on Her Debut Album Stars, Faith, Freedom & Artistic Evolution

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Fri, 15 May 2026 06:24:02 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz bandleader, vocalist, and storyteller Shenel Johns. We take a deep dive into her highly anticipated debut album Stars, arriving in Summer 2026, along with her career, upcoming performances, and artistic evolution.

This debut project marks a major milestone in Shenel’s journey following years of celebrated work as a featured jazz vocalist, ensemble leader, and performer with Jazz at Lincoln Center. Produced by Grammy-winning artist Kamau Kenyatta, the new release showcases her powerful voice, emotional storytelling, and bold artistic identity.

On May 16, Shenel celebrates the release of her new EP with a debut performance at the La Jolla Music Society in San Diego, California, followed by an official album release celebration on August 20, 2026, at the legendary Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City.

Originally from Hartford, Connecticut, Shenel was first drawn to jazz as a form of rebellion against her strict religious upbringing in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Since then, she has built an extraordinary career that includes earning the #1 spot on BBC Classical Radio as a vocalist in a jazz ensemble, while The Boston Globe described her as “history in the making.”

In this interview, we discuss jazz vocals, bandleading, creativity, live performance, faith, personal growth, storytelling, contemporary jazz, artistic freedom, collaboration, and the inspiration behind Stars.

We cover the whole story. Enjoy this inspiring and powerful conversation with Shenel Johns.

More Shenel Johns:
https://www.sheneljohns.com/

The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

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Accent Coach Jay Poulton Talks Executive Presence, Communication & The Authority Gap

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Fri, 15 May 2026 04:17:12 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with author, former journalist, executive leadership coach, and communication expert Jay Poulton.

This ICF-credentialed executive coach brings more than two decades of experience in communications, journalism, leadership development, and coaching. As founder of The Accent Coach, Jay works one-on-one with senior leaders in more than thirty-five countries, including executives at Apple, Amazon, and FedEx.

At the heart of his work is what he calls “The Authority Gap” — the distance between what a leader is truly capable of and what others actually hear, perceive, and respond to. Through communication coaching, executive presence training, and leadership development, Jay helps leaders strengthen clarity, confidence, influence, and authentic connection.

Growing up in Canada with a father connected to the legendary Montreal Canadiens organization also played a meaningful role in shaping his perspective, communication style, and life journey. From his base in Canada, we dive into his fascinating career, leadership philosophy, coaching work, storytelling, communication strategies, and the lessons he has learned along the way.

In this interview, we discuss executive communication, leadership presence, public speaking, confidence, accent coaching, personal growth, emotional intelligence, coaching, influence, storytelling, career evolution, and professional development.

He’s full of wisdom, insight, and practical strategies for leaders everywhere. Enjoy this interview with Jay Poulton.

More Jay Poulton & The Accent Coach:
https://www.theaccentcoach.com/

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Executive Coach & Consultant Loala McCann Talks HR, Leadership Transitions & Success

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Fri, 15 May 2026 04:08:47 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with executive coach, consultant, and leadership strategist Loala McCann.

She is the guiding force behind Intrinsic Consulting, where she specializes in helping leaders successfully navigate career transitions, promotions, organizational change, and pivotal leadership moments. Before launching her coaching and consulting practice, Loala spent years in senior HR leadership roles within the healthcare and medical technology industries, most recently leading HR teams for a global medical device company based in the Seattle area.

Today, she brings that valuable insider perspective to her executive coaching work, helping leaders and teams unlock their potential, strengthen communication, elevate performance, and lead with greater clarity, confidence, and effectiveness.

From her base in Seattle, we discuss executive coaching, leadership development, career transitions, emotional intelligence, workplace culture, organizational leadership, HR strategy, business growth, team performance, mindset, communication, and navigating change in today’s evolving professional world.

This is an insightful conversation filled with leadership wisdom, practical strategies, and inspiring perspectives on growth and transformation. Enjoy this interview with Loala McCann.

More Loala McCann & Intrinsic Consulting:
http://intrinsicnow.com/

The Home of Famous Interviews: http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/

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Jazz Guitarist Phil Sargent on New Album Slow Motions & His Career

neonjazzkc@gmail.com (Joe Dimino) — Thu, 14 May 2026 05:28:09 -0700

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Boston-based veteran jazz guitarist, composer, and educator Phil Sargent. We got into his new 2026 album Slow Motions and his fascinating life in the world of jazz.

This new solo guitar album is less about technical display and more an invitation into stillness, reflection, and deep listening. Slow Motions reimagines jazz standards and original compositions through the lens of classical counterpoint, chromatic harmony, improvisation, and subtle emotional storytelling — capturing the guitar as a complete, breathing ensemble rather than a single instrument.

Over the course of his career, Phil has worked with acclaimed musicians including Dave Liebman, Antonio Sanchez, Jerry Bergonzi, and many others. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, he leads his own group whose music draws from a wide range of influences including modern jazz improvisation, odd meters, and the Eastern tonalities of Balkan music traditions.

In this interview, we discuss jazz guitar, improvisation, composition, solo performance, harmony, creative process, contemporary jazz, world music influences, live performance, and the inspiration behind Slow Motions.

It’s a thoughtful and inspiring conversation filled with insight into artistry, creativity, and the evolving language of jazz guitar. Enjoy this interview with Phil Sargent.

Get the album & learn more:
https://www.philsargentmusic.com/

The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

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