Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino: March 2026

Monday, March 23, 2026

Pianist Ted Rosenthal on 2026's Good Old Days & Honoring Ken Peplowski

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with acclaimed jazz pianist Ted Rosenthal.

We dive into his 2026 release The Good Old Days, part of his ambitious “Trios in 4 Acts” series—an expansive collection of recordings featuring his two working trios. These sessions were recorded in the summer of 2024 and released in installments beginning in March 2025.

A major highlight of this project is the presence of his close collaborator, the late clarinet master Ken Peplowski. In this conversation, we reflect on their musical history, Ken’s lasting impact on jazz, and the emotional depth behind this body of work.

We also explore Ted’s approach to trio performance, recording, and sustaining the tradition while pushing it forward.

This is a rich conversation rooted in jazz history, artistry, and legacy.

Enjoy.

🎶 Get the album:
https://www.tedrosenthal.com/

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Sunday, March 22, 2026

Federica Colangelo Interview – Italian Jazz Piano & Forward (Acquaphonica Trio)

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with Italian jazz pianist Federica Colangelo.

We caught up with her from Rome to discuss her latest work with her trio Acquaphonica, including their fourth album Forward.

Her music is defined by continuous exploration—blending jazz with 20th-century European and American classical influences, along with the intricate rhythmic traditions of South Indian Carnatic music. The result is a truly unique and global compositional voice.

We also talk about her recent tour in India and how those experiences continue to shape her evolving sound.

This is a deep dive into creativity, culture, and modern jazz expression.

Enjoy this conversation.

🎶 Get the album:
https://folderolrecords.bandcamp.com/album/forward

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Dave Slonaker Interview – Big Band Jazz, Film Scoring & Shifty Paradigms (2026)

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with big band leader, orchestrator, arranger, and film & TV composer Dave Slonaker.

Based in Los Angeles, Dave has built a dynamic career creating music for film, television, and the jazz world. We dive into his 2026 album Shifty Paradigms, a project that showcases his deep understanding of big band arranging and modern composition.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Dave’s journey began with a fascination for big band sounds as a teenager—spending hours at the Carnegie Library studying how the music was constructed from the ground up.

That curiosity evolved into a decades-long career scoring for film and television while continuing to push boundaries in jazz orchestration.

In this conversation, we explore his musical roots, creative process, and the evolving world of composition across jazz and screen.

Dig this insightful interview.

🎶 Get the album:
https://originarts.com/recordings/recording.php?TitleID=82944

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Friday, March 20, 2026

Raychel Perman Interview – Leadership, Healing Trauma & Building Resilient Success

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with coach, speaker, author, and co-founder of RAYMA Team, Raychel Perman.

Raychel is a leadership expert and co-creator of RAYMA Foundations™, a transformational leadership curriculum and coach training program designed to help individuals lead with authenticity, resilience, and clarity.

Since 2017, she has been on a personal journey of healing from decades of trauma and health challenges—while raising a family and building a successful business aligned with her needs. That lived experience now fuels her work helping others navigate adversity and step into empowered leadership.

Her philosophy is powerful: brokenness, health challenges, and past mistakes don’t disqualify you—they prepare you.

Based in North Dakota, Raychel shares insights on healing, leadership, and creating a life and business that truly works for you.

This is a deeply human and inspiring conversation.

Enjoy.

More Raychel Perman:
https://www.raymateam.com/

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Lisa Holt Interview – Insurance Strategy, Risk Management & Real Estate Success

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with insurance strategist, broker, and founder of Ivy Risk Strategies, Lisa Holt.

Since discovering her passion for insurance in 2015, Lisa has dedicated her career to helping real estate owners and developers navigate the often complex world of risk management. After years with one of the largest brokerages in the world, she launched her own firm in 2021 to deliver a more personalized and effective approach.

Through Ivy Risk Strategies, Lisa has built a process that simplifies insurance, reduces stress, and helps clients make smarter decisions with confidence. Her mission is clear: make insurance less painful—and even enjoyable.

In this conversation, we explore her journey as an entrepreneur, her immigrant story, and how she built a thriving business in a highly technical field.

Enjoy this insightful and inspiring interview.

More Lisa Holt & Ivy Risk Strategies:
https://www.ivyrisk.com/

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Jazz Saxophonist Dave Wilson | When Evan Goes East & Modern Sound

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, composer, and scholar Dave Wilson.

We dive into his 2026 release When Evan Goes East, a project that continues his exploration of sound at the intersection of avant-garde jazz, experimental music, and groove-driven styles like R&B and electronic music.

Dave’s work is known for bringing together unique configurations of collaborators—each project creating new musical conversations while expanding on past ideas. This album is no exception, pushing boundaries while staying rooted in expressive, evolving jazz traditions.

In this conversation, we explore the creative process behind the album, the blending of genres, and perspectives on music and modern America.

Dig this forward-thinking conversation.

🎶 Get the album:
https://davewilsonmusic.bandcamp.com/

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James Judson Interview – Jazz Comeback Story & 2026 Album Songs of My Dreams

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with storied jazz pianist and vocalist James Judson.

We dive into his powerful 2026 album Songs of My Dreams, a project that marks an extraordinary return to music after a 30-year hiatus.

James began performing at just five years old and quickly found success, winning singing contests and playing local venues throughout his youth in Boulder. Music seemed destined to be his life’s path—until his mid-thirties, when he made the difficult decision to step away and focus on raising a family and building a construction business.

For three decades, his musical gifts remained on hold—until now.

Co-produced with GRAMMY-winning producer Tim Sonnefeld, Songs of My Dreams is more than an album—it’s a story of rediscovery, passion, and the enduring power of music.

We explore his journey, the return to jazz, and what it means to finally share these songs with the world.

Dig this inspiring story.

🎶 Get the album:
https://www.jamesjudson.com/songs-of-my-dreams

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Thursday, March 19, 2026

Rachel Kerr Schneider Interview – From Loss to Hope | Debut Book The Widow Chose Red?

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with entrepreneur, inspirational author, and speaker Rachel Kerr Schneider.

Rachel’s powerful story is rooted in love, loss, and resilience. Her first book, The Widow Chose Red?, chronicles her journey alongside her husband John through his terminal diagnosis, and the emotional path that followed.

Widowed at 49 while raising two teenage sons, Rachel then faced another profound challenge—navigating teen addiction—an experience that inspired her forthcoming second book.

Today, she blends deeply personal storytelling with practical tools to help others rebuild their lives after loss. Through her speaking engagements, she creates space for healing, reflection, and empowerment.

Based in Dallas, her mission is to help others reconnect with purpose, spirit, and strength in the face of life’s most difficult moments.

This is a story of courage, healing, and hope.

Enjoy this moving conversation.

📚 Get the book & learn more:
https://www.spiritedprosperity.com/

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Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Zipporah Jarmon Interview – Empowerment, Identity & Within Me Coaching

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with creator of Within Me Coaching, Zipporah Jarmon.

Based in Chicago, Zipporah is an Advanced Certified Life Coach specializing in empowerment, life transitions, and relational polyamory coaching. She is the founder of Within Me Coaching, a practice dedicated to helping individuals reconnect with their inner strength and navigate life with clarity, resilience, and confidence.

Within Me Coaching focuses on uplifting and supporting BIPOC and LGBTQ+ individuals, offering a safe and affirming space for growth, identity exploration, and personal transformation.

Zipporah’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: you already have everything within you to thrive—her work is about helping you access it.

This is a conversation rooted in modern life, authenticity, and the courage to live fully aligned.

Enjoy this inspiring interview.

More Zipporah Jarmon:
https://www.withinmecoaching.com/

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Joe Wyrwas Interview – Leadership, High-Pressure Decisions & Tech Executive Insights

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with leadership coach, technology executive, and licensed skydiver Joe Wyrwas.

Joe is the founder of Wyser With Joe, where he helps leaders and teams think clearly and act decisively in complex, high-pressure environments. He also serves as a Vice President in a technology consulting firm supporting mission-critical intelligence community and U.S. government programs, bringing over a decade of experience leading technical teams.

Blending practical leadership frameworks with real-world experience and personal storytelling, Joe helps leaders navigate fear, uncertainty, and responsibility without losing momentum. His work sits at the intersection of leadership, technology, and human performance.

Beyond the boardroom, Joe is also a licensed skydiver with over 650 jumps—bringing a unique perspective on risk, clarity, and decision-making under pressure.

Based in Baltimore, we dive into leadership, mindset, and thriving in high-stakes environments.

Enjoy this powerful conversation.

More Joe Wyrwas:
https://wyserwithjoe.com/

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Liz Watt Interview – Burnout, Holistic Wellness & Finding Purpose in Life & Leadership

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with author, speaker, and holistic wellness expert Liz Watt.

Liz helps individuals and leaders thrive in mind, body, and purpose. Drawing from her personal journey, leadership experience, and natural health practices, she shares practical insights on burnout, identity, and sustainable success.

She is also the co-founder of Be Healthy Utah, one of the largest natural health conferences in the region, where she brings together thought leaders in wellness and personal development.

Having navigated burnout, health challenges, leadership pressure, and the constant pull to do more, Liz offers a grounded and real-world approach to creating a life of balance and purpose without losing yourself in the process.

In this conversation, we explore holistic health, mindset, resilience, and how to build a sustainable path to success.

Enjoy this insightful interview.

More Liz Watt:
https://elizabethannwatt.com/

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John Beasley Interview – GRAMMY Winner on Invisible Piano & Miles Davis Tribute Tour

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with GRAMMY-winning jazz pianist, composer, and arranger John Beasley.

We dive into his upcoming 2026 album Invisible Piano, releasing May 8, 2026—a bold and immersive project that explores the creative mind of a composer and arranger, featuring the acclaimed SWR Big Band.

John is also touring with his ensemble Unlimited Miles, celebrating the centennials of jazz legends Miles Davis and John Coltrane. A former keyboardist for Freddie Hubbard and Miles Davis, his playing reflects a rich blend of generational jazz influences.

We also talk about bringing the Miles tribute show to The Folly Theater on March 29, 2026, along with his approach to performance, composition, and the evolving jazz landscape.

This is a deep dive into artistry, legacy, and innovation in modern jazz.

Dig in.

🎶 Everything John Beasley:
https://www.johnbeasleymusic.com/

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Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Award-Winning Franchise Consultant & Franchise Owner Richard Potter | Famous Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with award-winning franchise consultant and multi-unit franchise owner Richard Potter.

Rich helps professionals transition from corporate careers into business ownership using proven franchise models. Working with more than 500 franchise brands across 37 industries, he brings a unique perspective as both a consultant and an active franchisee.

With over a decade of experience as a self-employed entrepreneur, he has launched multiple startup and franchise businesses, helping others take control of their careers and build long-term success.

Based in Arizona, he shares insights on entrepreneurship, franchise opportunities, and how to confidently make the leap from employee to business owner.

In this conversation, we explore the realities of franchise ownership, the mindset required for success, and how to find the right business fit.

Enjoy this inspiring and informative interview.

More Richard Potter:

https://franchiseheroes.co/

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Sira Laurel Interview – Brain Science, Leadership & Thriving in an AI Workplace

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with leadership coach, Birkman consultant, and founder of North of Normal, Sira Laurel.

A former Director of HR and builder of brain-friendly workplaces, Sira helps leaders use neuroscience to transform how they lead teams in today’s AI-powered world. Her work focuses on understanding how the brain and nervous system operate—and applying that knowledge to move leaders from reactive, stress-driven management to more resilient, adaptable leadership.

Through her programs, she helps executives, professionals, and change-makers break free from limiting habits, build resilience, and create lasting positive change in both mindset and workplace culture.

In this conversation, we explore leadership in the age of AI, brain-based performance, and how to build healthier, more effective organizations.

Enjoy this insightful interview.

More Sira Laurel:
https://www.leadnorthofnormal.com/

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Writer, Podcaster & Certified Alcohol Mindset Coach Anna Donaghey | Famous Interviews

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with writer, podcaster, and certified alcohol mindset coach Anna Donaghey.

With more than 25 years as a strategic planner in the advertising industry, Anna built a career uncovering the deep, often unspoken desires that drive human behavior. Today, she helps curious individuals explore and reshape their relationship with alcohol—not because they have to, but because they deserve more.

Drawing from her own journey with alcohol addiction, her strategic background, and her training with Annie Grace, Anna’s coaching focuses on uncovering the deeper needs beneath habits. Her work blends psychology, reflection tools, and identity-based coaching to support lasting, meaningful change.

Based in the United Kingdom, she helps clients design a life they don’t feel the need to escape from.

In this conversation, we explore mindset, behavior change, sobriety, and personal transformation.

Enjoy this powerful and insightful interview.

More Anna:
https://www.thebeliefscoach.com/

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David Cieri Interview – Music Behind the 2026 PBS Documentary - Ken Burns’ THOREAU

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with jazz composer David Cieri about his work on the 2026 documentary THOREAU.

This highly anticipated film by legendary filmmaker Ken Burns premieres on March 30, 2026, and features an all-star cast including George Clooney as narrator, Jeff Goldblum as Henry David Thoreau, Meryl Streep as Margaret Fuller, and Ted Danson as Ralph Waldo Emerson.

As is often the case with his work, David composed and performed the music for the film, with the official soundtrack release arriving the same day via Ropeadope.

Ken Burns praised Cieri’s artistry, calling him a master composer capable of capturing every nuance of image and sound—from emotionally sublime passages to rhythmically hypnotic moments.

In this interview, we explore the creative process behind scoring a major documentary, the intersection of jazz and film, and David’s journey as a composer.

Dig this deep dive into music, storytelling, and cinematic art.

🎬 Learn more about the film:
https://www.pbs.org/show/henry-david-thoreau/

🎶 Get the soundtrack & more:
https://www.davidcieri.com/music-for-film

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New Orleans Jazz Clarinetist Benjamin Cousins on What We Dream It To Be & His Career | Neon Jazz Exclusive

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with New Orleans–based jazz clarinetist and composer Benjamin Cousins.

We dive into his debut 2026 album What We Dream It To Be, a forward-looking and reflective project that reconnects with the optimism of childhood while exploring the power of honoring dreams and realizing their full potential.

From his roots in New Orleans to studying at Berklee College of Music and eventually returning home, Benjamin’s journey is a compelling story of growth, creativity, and musical identity.

In this conversation, we explore his influences, his evolution as an artist, and the deeper inspiration behind his music.

Dig this interview with a rising voice in modern jazz.

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

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