Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino: October 2025

Friday, October 31, 2025

Cleveland-based Jazz Guitarist & Composer of Ohm! Dan Bruce

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Cleveland-based Jazz Guitarist & Composer Dan Bruce of Ohm! We talk about his new trio, the debut album The Architects, and his creative life in jazz.

Following two critically acclaimed releases with his ensemble :beta collective, this new album — out October 31, 2025 via Shifting Paradigm Records — explores funky grooves, jazz/rock fusion, and deep improvisational energy. It’s music for listeners who love surprises, bold textures, and dynamic interplay.

Known for both fiery improvisation and thoughtful composition, Dan Bruce has established a distinctive voice in the modern jazz landscape. After a decade shaping Chicago’s vibrant scene, he’s now based in Cleveland, balancing performance, teaching, and composing.

🎧 Get the album: https://shiftingparadigmrecords.bandcamp.com/album/the-architects

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Toronto-based Jazz Guitarist & Composer David Occhipinti

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Toronto-based Jazz Guitarist & Composer David Occhipinti. We talk about his brand-new 2025 album Camera Lucida and his remarkable journey through music.

This new recording features eight original compositions blending chamber music textures and jazz guitar improvisations with some of Canada’s finest musicians. David’s 2012 Camera Ensemble recording was praised by his mentor Jim Hall as “an absolute gem.”

Over his career, David has been nominated for multiple Juno Awards and has toured extensively across Canada, Europe, and Japan. Dive into this thoughtful conversation about creativity, collaboration, and the evolving sound of modern jazz.

🎧 Get the album: https://davidocchipinti.bandcamp.com/album/camera-lucida-elastic-recordings

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https://open.spotify.com/episode/3knndR4rPuGKCVqLdmAB9K?si=yHI0qvr-Q9uDTz0qdjJisg

Thursday, October 30, 2025

Alvaro Paulino Jr. & Linda EPO on MexFest @ Flushing Town Hall on 11.1.25

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Fifth-Generation Mariachi Musician Alvaro Paulino Jr. and Dynamic Singer & Pianist Linda EPO. We talk about the upcoming MexFest on November 1, 2025, at Flushing Town Hall, celebrating Día de los Muertos with music, art, and culture.

This inaugural festival honors Mexican art, community, and remembrance — featuring exhibitions, participatory workshops, storytelling, and a vibrant concert led by Linda EPO and Alvaro Paulino Jr.

Linda, a Queens native, delivers transcendent performances that blur cultural lines with her dynamic stage energy. Alvaro continues his family’s legacy as the Musical Director of Mariachi Tapatío de Alvaro, carrying forward a New York mariachi tradition begun in 1983 by his father from Puebla, Mexico.

🎟️ For tickets and info, visit: https://www.flushingtownhall.org

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https://open.spotify.com/episode/1yaMPmcOlaqZpGh6ib2HWG?si=o40o1J6oRsiJlbDrfRm5dA

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

NY-based Saxophonist, Arranger, Composer & Educator Lakecia Benjamin on 11.1.25 Folly Kansas City Show

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with 5x GRAMMY Nominated Saxophonist, Arranger, Composer & Educator Lakecia Benjamin. We catch up with this powerhouse of modern jazz to talk about her November 1, 2025 show at the historic Folly Theater in Kansas City and so much more.

From her early days performing with legends like Clark Terry and Terri Lyne Carrington, to her groundbreaking, genre-fusing sound blending jazz, R&B, funk, and soul, Lakecia continues to redefine modern jazz expression. Her 2023 album Phoenix, produced by Carrington, featured an all-star cast, and her 2025 single "Noble Rise" with Immanuel Wilkins and Mark Whitford continues that visionary momentum.

We discuss her first-ever Kansas City performance, her connection to healing through music after the Folly’s recent challenges, and her ongoing mission to uplift through art and authenticity.

🎷 Catch the KC Show: https://follytheater.org/event/lakecia-benjamin
🌐 All Things Lakecia: https://lakeciabenjamin.com/
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https://open.spotify.com/episode/3mZ4U9O1ALXhAMLbXjFNtc?si=K_qXMbqjQOCLQViA7DVJIw

Author, Survivor, Sales Guru & Overall Inspiration Jay Setchell

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. In this episode, we talk with Author, Survivor, Sales Guru & Overall Inspiration Jay Setchell. Jay’s life is a remarkable testament to resilience — having survived multiple deaths, near-death experiences, 73 surgeries, and paralysis. His story is a powerful exploration of inner strength, faith, and perseverance.

Jay believes that everyone carries a strength within — often hidden until life demands it. Through lessons learned from his upbringing, mentors, faith, and community, he’s discovered how to transform pain into purpose. From his base in Central Texas, Jay shares an unforgettable story about survival, mindset, and the power of never quitting.

🌐 Learn more about Jay: https://neverquittrying.com/
🎧 Subscribe to Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino for more powerful stories of courage, resilience, and human spirit.

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Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Zacc Harris, Chris Bates & Pete Hennig of the Twin Cities Jazz Quartet Atlantis Quartet

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Guitarist Zacc Harris, Bassist Chris Bates and Drummer Pete Hennig of the Twin Cities Jazz Quartet Atlantis Quartet. We dive into their electrifying new album, Live at Berlin, and explore the group’s deep collective history and creative chemistry.

Recorded during the opening week of Minneapolis’s newest jazz venue, Berlin, this Shifting Paradigm Records release captures a bold, freewheeling set of five previously unrecorded compositions that showcase the band’s reinvigorated, exploratory sound. Since forming in 2006, the Atlantis Quartet has become one of the most celebrated modern jazz groups in the Upper Midwest — known for blending intricate composition with fearless improvisation and infusing jazz with elements of rock, funk, and post-bop.

🎶 Get the album: https://shiftingparadigmrecords.bandcamp.com/album/live-at-berlin?from=discover_page

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https://open.spotify.com/episode/6aOjgMM7B1BdW5mvjhEmn2?si=i2WZOW0qTJWvrHuExiwEVA

Advocate, Activist, Artist & Author Hugh Flynn 

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. In this episode, we talk with Advocate, Activist, Artist & Author Hugh Flynn — a widely published journalist and award-winning playwright whose life’s work centers on advocating for underserved communities, especially those with disabilities.

His powerful memoir, SOMETHING SPECIAL BE, tells the deeply personal story of a gay man’s journey to become conservator for his disabled brother — a tale filled with love, betrayal, and resilience. Hugh’s brother Aaron was his hero, and Hugh was his champion. From his base in Los Angeles, Hugh shares an incredible story of family, advocacy, and the strength it takes to fight for what’s right.

🌐 Connect with Hugh: https://www.instagram.com/hughflynn24
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Listen here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1QXUYjIOeLfMV1794Jfw8l?si=PN55Oi8IQs6IeA7aCfN1jQ

Fashion Entrepreneur, Social Commerce Innovator, TV Personality & Author Christos Garkinos

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. In this episode, we talk with Fashion Entrepreneur, Social Commerce Innovator, Television Personality & Author Christos Garkinos. Known as the “Robin Hood of Fashion,” Christos was born to Greek immigrant parents in Detroit and built a remarkable career in the fashion world.

He worked with global powerhouses like Disney and Virgin Megastores before launching his own successful fashion line on HSN. A true pioneer in the luxury resale industry, Christos became the star of a Bravo TV show, has been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and The New York Times, and is the founder of Covet by Christos, a $100 million luxury live-streaming network and community platform.

From his base in Los Angeles, Christos shares his inspiring journey and discusses his debut book, Covet the Comeback: How a Son of Greek Immigrants Found Success, Lost Everything, Then Built a Fashion Empire.

🌐 Learn more about Christos: https://www.legacylaunchpadpub.com/
🎧 Subscribe to Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino for more stories of creativity, resilience, and success.

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https://open.spotify.com/episode/2I0or2lzO2lnT2xONT8aUq?si=rvWJHdRgS7WxFXGJ6-ugUw

Author, Mother of Six, Trauma Survivor & Founder of the Colin James Barth Outreach Julie Barth

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. In this episode, we talk with Author, Mother of Six, Trauma Survivor & Founder of the Colin James Barth Outreach, Julie Barth. Through her nonprofit, Julie is dedicated to supporting women-led households in times of crisis, offering hope and help where it’s needed most.

Her memoir, NOTES FROM A BLACKBERRY, is a powerful story of love, loss, and resilience — chronicling her journey as a special needs parent, the heartbreak of losing her first husband to cancer, and the courage to rebuild her life after years of emotional and financial abuse. Julie’s story shines a light on the hidden struggles so many face behind closed doors, while offering a message of strength, survival, and healing.

🌐 Learn more about Julie and her work: https://www.juliebarthauthor.net/
🎧 Subscribe to Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino for more powerful and inspiring stories of resilience, healing, and hope.

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https://open.spotify.com/episode/3PVMd6y0yVgrqrn9clEBO1?si=cfdPdE38SaKbPQTuYFCemw

Culture Architect, Speaker & Visionary Force Behind Castaway & Company Diane Yarborough

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. In this episode, we talk with Culture Architect, Speaker & Visionary Force Behind Castaway & Company, Diane Yarborough. As the founder and leader of an organization bringing fresh energy to how companies thrive, Diane draws from over 20 years of Disney experience to shape courageous leaders and build contagious, values-driven cultures — places where people truly want to work and stay.

With her mantra of ReThink, ReRecruit, and ReTain, Diane helps executives and leaders transform workplace dynamics through her Castle Approach to Life and Career Design. She also leads Dream Discovery Workshops across the country, guiding individuals to uncover their dreams and design meaningful paths toward them. This is an inspiring conversation on leadership, purpose, and building thriving workplace cultures.

🌐 Learn more about Diane and her work: https://castawayandcompany.com/
🎧 Subscribe to Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino for more stories of leadership, purpose, and transformation.

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https://open.spotify.com/episode/3sDhKsZuSeryMEBiLql8T4?si=c7z_H_UxSSaGFUN-z3AfFQ

Founder of Microdosing for Healing and the Professional Microdosing Facilitator Program Kayse Gehret

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. In this episode, we talk with Kayse Gehret, Founder of Microdosing for Healing and the Professional Microdosing Facilitator Program. With nearly 30 years in the healing arts, Kayse has helped over 1,400 people across 30 countries use microdosing as a tool for healing, spiritual awakening, and heart-led transformation.

We dive into how Earth Medicine can become a practical pathway to alignment, intuition, and soul healing. This inspiring and wide-ranging conversation explores evolution, healing, past lives, and living consciously in the modern world.

🌿 Learn more about Kayse and her work: https://www.microdosingforhealing.com/

🎧 Subscribe to Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino for more stories of transformation, consciousness, and healing.

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Listen here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/5LiZFPtZfDRbPb9iPGWt8o?si=2ahq9w3ASl-lxb1VjjuMHg

Professional Artist & Creator of Soul Portraits Devorah Brinckerhoff

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. In this episode, we talk with Professional Artist & Creator of Soul Portraits, Devorah Brinckerhoff. With over 30 years of experience, Devorah’s work has been featured in galleries across the U.S. and is part of private collections around the world.

Through her own healing journey, she developed Soul Portraits — a powerful mixed-media creative healing practice that transforms personal materials like letters, photos, and journal pages into deeply meaningful works of art. From her Oregon studio, she creates commissioned Soul Portraits and teaches others through workshops and coaching, helping people reconnect with their stories and heal through creativity.

🎨 Learn more about Devorah and her work: https://www.soulportrait.art

🎧 Subscribe to Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino for more inspiring stories of creativity, healing, and transformation.

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https://open.spotify.com/episode/3FQl6YEN2OwdWSfsJWYtX0?si=piX-KpzyRdOzi0Qn67gNTg

Monday, October 27, 2025

Serial Entrepreneur, Tech Visionary & CEO/Founder of Famous.ai & Deal.ai Alex Mehr

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. In this episode, we talk with Serial Entrepreneur, Tech Visionary & CEO/Founder of Famous.ai & Deal.ai, Alex Mehr. His groundbreaking platform, Famous.ai, empowers anyone to build full-scale web apps simply by describing them in plain language — no coding required.

Before launching Famous.ai, Alex co-founded Zoosk, one of the world’s leading online dating platforms, which scaled past $200 million in annual revenue before a successful exit. With a PhD in engineering and experience working at NASA, Alex now leads a mission to close the gap between ideas and execution, enabling creators and entrepreneurs to launch real products in days. Originally from Iran and now based in Puerto Rico, Alex shares his powerful journey of innovation, resilience, and vision.

🌐 Learn more about Alex and his work: https://famous.ai/
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Listen here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2TOqNZLcpbf7xNb8a6Lw9i?si=UMrOKqUhT9SKz-X7Ppwj7Q

Pulitzer Prize Winning Journalist, Educator, Entrepreneur & Founder/CEO of BizHack Academy Dan Grech

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. In this episode, we talk with Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist, Educator, Entrepreneur & Founder/CEO of BizHack Academy, Dan Grech. As the visionary leader of BizHack Academy, Dan is on a mission to train 1 million underserved businesses to grow 10x faster through AI-powered marketing and business storytelling — empowering owners, stakeholders, and communities to thrive.

A former NPR and PBS journalist turned entrepreneur, Dan carries a legacy of teaching and innovation inspired by his family roots — from a science teacher grandfather in Philadelphia to a soccer coach grandfather in Spain. Based in Miami, Dan shares his inspiring story of journalism, entrepreneurship, and purpose-driven impact.

🌐 Learn more about Dan and BizHack Academy: https://bizhack.com/
🎧 Subscribe to Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino for more stories of leadership, innovation, and transformation.

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Listen here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/10YJPnlSx3kKP8tv3CXAdN?si=C81HyNIJSw2D9bOBOzD7lg

Author, Entrepreneur & Chairman of Sawyer Kurt Avery

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. In this episode, we talk with Author, Entrepreneur & Chairman of Sawyer, Kurt Avery — a visionary leader redefining how innovation, sustainability, and technology can transform the world. Under his guidance, Sawyer has become a force for good — creating solutions that save lives, curb malaria, and empower purpose-driven businesses to thrive. Kurt’s story is one of impact, innovation, and inspiration, showing how technology and purpose can come together to drive real, lasting change.

🌐 Learn more about Kurt and Sawyer: https://www.sawyer.com/

🎧 Subscribe to Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino for more stories of innovation and purpose-driven leadership.

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Listen here:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/73ytwbjPSD7Q7fX3qpUDWd?si=yLS3NTIxRxCMfULveUIPtA