Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino

Sunday, April 12, 2026

Tom Oren – Dark Lights (2026) | Jazz Piano, Monk Competition Winner Interview

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with NYC-based jazz pianist and composer Tom Oren.

We dive into his 2026 album Dark Lights on Anzic Records, along with his roots in Tel Aviv and a rapidly rising international career. This trio recording showcases an extraordinary blend of boundary-pushing technique, deep musical imagination, and a rare ability to tell vivid, emotional stories through sound.

A winner of the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Piano Competition, Oren has established himself as a creative force in modern jazz. Beyond his jazz work, he has also made a strong impact in classical and orchestral settings.

In 2021, he composed a dynamic and kaleidoscopic score for director Avi Nesher’s award-winning film Image of Victory. The soundtrack, released in 2022 on Sony Music Masterworks, highlights his ability to fuse classical influences with a forward-thinking jazz language.

This conversation explores creativity, storytelling through music, and the evolution of a world-class jazz artist.

👉 Get the album & more: https://www.tomoren.com/

🎧 In this episode:

The making of Dark Lights (2026)
Tom Oren’s jazz trio sound and vision
Winning the Thelonious Monk Piano Competition
Blending jazz with classical and film scoring
From Tel Aviv roots to the NYC jazz scene

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Tony Iezzi on Breaking Trauma Patterns | Reenactment Therapy Explained

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with clinical psychologist and author Tony Iezzi.

With over 35 years of experience, Tony has helped countless individuals break free from trauma, stress, and the deeply ingrained behavior patterns that keep them stuck. He is the co-author of Reenactments: Break the Behavior Patterns That Keep You Stuck in Trauma, Stress, and Everyday Life, a groundbreaking work that blends science, clinical expertise, and real-world insight.

His innovative approach led to the development of “reenactment therapy,” a powerful framework designed to help people identify and interrupt unconscious behavior loops that replay past trauma in present-day life.

From his roots as an immigrant in Montreal to his decades-long career in psychology, this conversation dives deep into healing, awareness, and transformation.

👉 Learn more about Tony: https://tonyiezzi.com/

🎧 In this episode:

What reenactment therapy is and how it works
How trauma shapes behavior patterns
Breaking unconscious cycles and emotional loops
The psychology behind stress and healing
Tony’s personal journey from Montreal to clinical practice

👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more powerful conversations with authors, experts, and thought leaders.

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Lodro Rinzler on “You Are Good, You Are Enough” | Meditation, Self-Worth & Resilience

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with Buddhist meditation teacher and bestselling author Lodro Rinzler.

In a world increasingly defined by division, burnout, and a constant sense of “not enough,” Lodro offers a powerful and timely message: you are not broken. In his latest book, You Are Good, You Are Enough, he draws on decades of meditation practice in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition to help people quiet their inner critic and reconnect with their innate worthiness.

Through grounded, practical wisdom, Lodro dismantles the myth that we are fundamentally flawed and instead introduces the concept of “basic goodness” — a path toward resilience, clarity, and self-acceptance. Named one of 50 Innovators Shaping the Future of Wellness by SONIMA, he has authored eight books and spent over 25 years teaching meditation around the world.

This inspiring and insightful conversation dives into mindfulness, self-compassion, and how to live with greater peace and purpose in modern life.

👉 Learn more about Lodro: https://www.lodrorinzler.com/

🎧 In this episode:

The meaning of “You Are Good, You Are Enough”
How to silence your inner critic
The concept of basic goodness in Buddhism
Meditation practices for everyday life
Finding resilience in a chaotic world

👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more inspiring conversations with thought leaders, authors, and innovators.

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Saturday, April 11, 2026

Neon Jazz Special - The Neon Beat’s John Christopher has a Thelonious Monk Question for Neon Jazz’s Joe Dimino

Welcome to a special edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with a bit of a curveball. During the recording of Episode 953 on April Fool’s Day 2026, Neon Beat host and creator John Christopher flipped the script and asked Neon Jazz host & creator Joe Dimino to reflect on the lore, legacy, and lasting impact of legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Monk.

What followed was an insightful, spontaneous, and thought-provoking conversation about one of the most enigmatic figures in jazz history. From Monk’s unconventional style and compositional brilliance to his enduring influence on modern jazz, this episode dives deep into the mind and mythology of a true icon.

Whether you're a lifelong jazz fan or just discovering Monk’s genius, this candid exchange offers a unique perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.

🎧 In this episode:

The mystique and mythology of Thelonious Monk
His influence on modern jazz and improvisation
Personal reflections from Joe Dimino
A spontaneous April Fool’s Day twist

👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more exclusive jazz interviews and stories.

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Friday, April 10, 2026

Bassist, Composer & Arranger Corcoran Holt on 2026’s Freedom of Art

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with acclaimed jazz bassist, composer, and arranger Corcoran Holt.

We dive into his powerful 2026 release Freedom of Art, a deeply personal and expressive sophomore album that reflects transformation, family, and the enduring spirit of freedom at the heart of jazz.

Throughout his career, Corcoran has performed with some of the genre’s most celebrated artists, including a notable tenure with Kenny Garrett. This new project captures the essence of those experiences while weaving in his own life journey since his 2018 debut The Mecca.

We also explore his path from New York City to Washington and now to Phoenix, along with the evolution of his sound and perspective since we last spoke in 2018.

In this conversation, we cover:

The making of Freedom of Art
Personal growth and transformation through music
Life experiences shaping his compositions
The meaning of freedom in jazz today
Touring, collaboration, and creative evolution

Dig this deep and inspiring jazz conversation.

🎶 Get the album:
https://outsideinmusic.bandcamp.com/album/freedom-of-art

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Product Design, Leadership & Music | Joseph Fulginiti Story

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with project team leader, strategic thinker, team builder, and musician Joseph Fulginiti.

With over 20 years of experience, Joseph has helped organizations solve complex product and business challenges through design—turning ambiguity into clarity, strategy into execution, and teams into high-performing units. His work spans SaaS, fintech, and enterprise platforms, where he has led and scaled design teams that improved customer outcomes and drove measurable business impact.

Based in Upstate New York, Joseph balances a dynamic professional life in product strategy with his passion for music as a jazz drummer. This conversation dives into both worlds—business and creativity—revealing how discipline, collaboration, and vision connect them.

In this interview, we cover:

Leading high-performing product and design teams
Turning complex problems into actionable strategy
Scaling teams across SaaS and fintech industries
The intersection of creativity, leadership, and execution
Life as a jazz drummer alongside a tech career

This is a must-watch for leaders, entrepreneurs, designers, and creatives looking to elevate both their work and mindset.

👉 Learn more about Joseph:
https://jpfulginiti.com/about/

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Growing Your Own Leaders | Rich Ashton on Small Business Success

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with small business owner, serial entrepreneur, and author Rich Ashton.

Over a 45-year career in business, Rich faced a major challenge that many entrepreneurs know all too well—choosing between hiring outside leadership that doesn’t fit the company culture or promoting internal employees who aren’t fully prepared.

Determined to solve this, he created a powerful in-house leadership development program that transformed his companies. The results were so successful that he was eventually able to step away from daily operations and entrust his businesses to a strong, capable leadership team.

His book, Growing Your Own: Common Sense Advice for Developing Leaders in Small Business, lays out the principles behind that success and provides a practical roadmap for building leaders from within.

Based in Texas, Rich shares a story full of real-world insight, inspiration, and actionable advice for business owners looking to grow sustainably.

In this interview, we cover:

Developing leaders from within your organization
Building a strong and lasting company culture
Why traditional hiring often fails small businesses
Creating systems that allow you to scale and step away
Lessons from decades of entrepreneurship

Enjoy this insightful and inspiring conversation.

🔗 Learn more:
https://www.growingyourown.net/

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