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

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/

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Former CBS News Journalist Amjad Tadros - New Book 'The Fixer', 60 Minutes, Middle East & Freedom

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with veteran Middle East journalist, former CBS News and 60 Minutes producer, and author Amjad Tadros.

For more than 30 years, Amjad Tadros worked behind the scenes helping international news organizations report from some of the world’s most complex and dangerous conflict zones. His book The Fixer: A Journalist’s Accidental Journey Through the Middle East reveals the hidden and often overlooked world of the “fixer” — the local journalist and producer who guides foreign correspondents through war zones, political upheaval, revolutions, and history in the making.

Throughout his remarkable career, he worked closely with CBS News, 60 Minutes, and other international media outlets, helping journalists navigate conflicts and breaking news across Iraq, Jordan, Yemen, and the wider Middle East and Gulf region. Serving as the crucial bridge between foreign media and realities on the ground, he witnessed decades of global events firsthand.

From his current home base in Jordan, we discuss his book, international journalism, war reporting, storytelling, Middle East history, political conflict, media ethics, life behind the camera, retirement, and the many unforgettable stories gathered throughout his extraordinary career.

This is a fascinating and deeply insightful conversation about journalism, history, courage, and the unseen side of global reporting. Enjoy this interview with Amjad Tadros.

More Amjad Tadros:
https://www.amjadtadros.com/

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Kansas City Organist Chris Hazelton Talks 2026 Album In Rotation, Projects & Shows

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Kansas City jazz organist, composer, and bandleader Chris Hazelton. We caught up with this very busy musician to talk about his new 2026 album In Rotation, his work with the Cory Weeds Duo covering Huey Lewis tunes, live performances, and much more.

Following up his acclaimed 2023 release After Dark, In Rotation explores time, texture, groove, improvisation, and mood through a distinctive instrumental lineup featuring Hammond B-3 organ, vibraphone, saxophone, and drums. The album showcases an exceptional lineup of Kansas City jazz talent including Brett Jackson on tenor and baritone saxophone, Peter Schlamb on vibraphone, and John Kizilarmut on drums.

Known for his soulful Hammond organ sound, inventive improvisation, and energetic live performances, Chris Hazelton continues to be a major force in the Kansas City jazz scene and beyond.

In this interview, we discuss jazz organ, composition, live performance, modern jazz, improvisation, Kansas City music, collaboration, recording, touring, Huey Lewis reinterpretations, and the inspiration behind In Rotation.

We dig into all of it and more. Enjoy this interview with Chris Hazelton.

More Chris Hazelton & music:
https://chrishazelton.bandcamp.com/album/chris-hazelton
https://www.chrishazelton.com/ 

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Top Real Estate Advisor Debbi DiMaggio on Success, Mindset & How to Activate Purpose and Peak Performance

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with top-producing real estate advisor, entrepreneur, coach, speaker, podcast host, and bestselling author Debbi DiMaggio.

Based in both San Francisco and Los Angeles, California, Debbi has built a remarkable 35-year career as a top-performing real estate advisor while also becoming a nationally recognized coach, leadership expert, and motivational speaker. She is the bestselling author of five books, including Mindset in Motion: Activate Your Purpose, Power and Peak Performance, and creator of the transformational 5-Step Mindset in Motion Method.

Debbi also happens to be baseball legend Joe DiMaggio’s third cousin, and she believes they share the same relentless drive for excellence, discipline, and achievement. As founder of Foundation for Success and host of the Mastering the Art of Success podcast, she has spent decades empowering entrepreneurs, professionals, leaders, and individuals to achieve breakthrough results through mindset, action, clarity, and purpose-driven living.

In this interview, we discuss real estate success, entrepreneurship, mindset, leadership, coaching, motivation, personal development, business growth, resilience, peak performance, success habits, and building a meaningful and impactful life.

It’s a stellar story filled with inspiration, wisdom, and practical insight. Enjoy this interview with Debbi DiMaggio.

More Debbi DiMaggio:
https://debbidimaggio.com

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Executive Development Expert Dr. John Austin on Leadership, Uncertainty & Decision-Making

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with researcher, educator, executive development leader, and author Dr. John Austin.

Dr. Austin is the dean of the Honors College and the P.D. Merrill Endowed Chair of Business at the University of New England. For more than two decades, he has helped professionals, executives, and leaders learn how to lead, adapt, and make effective decisions in uncertain and rapidly changing environments.

He believes that every person has the capacity to thrive in a chaotic world and has dedicated his career to developing techniques, strategies, and leadership frameworks that help people build confidence, resilience, adaptability, and clarity under pressure.

From his home base on Peaks Island, Maine, we discuss leadership, uncertainty, executive development, decision-making, confidence building, business strategy, education, resilience, psychology, and how people can become stronger and more effective during times of disruption and change.

This is a thoughtful and timely conversation filled with practical wisdom and leadership insight. Tune in and enjoy this interview with Dr. John Austin.

More Dr. John Austin:
https://certain-about-uncertainty.com/ 

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Chief Learning Officer Ana Smith on Leadership & Personal Growth

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with Chief Learning Officer, leadership strategist, and human potential expert Ana Smith.

Ana sees what many leaders miss — the untapped brilliance inside individuals, teams, and organizations. As the Chief Learning Officer at BrightFlare, she blends more than 20 years of experience across business, psychology, leadership development, and technology to help organizations unlock the human side of transformation.

Throughout her career, she has coached thousands of executives, led global initiatives for major organizations including Microsoft, GE, HP, and American Express, and spoken on some of the world’s most respected stages, including TED. Her work focuses on leadership, mindset, emotional intelligence, innovation, organizational change, human behavior, and helping people realize their full potential.

In this interview, we discuss executive coaching, leadership development, emotional intelligence, personal growth, business transformation, psychology, workplace culture, innovation, communication, and the incredible journey that took Ana from her roots in Mexico to becoming an internationally respected leadership expert in America.

Enjoy this insightful and inspiring conversation with Ana Smith.

More Ana Smith & BrightFlare:
https://brightflare.com/

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Montréal Jazz Guitarist Mike Bruzzese Talks New Album Another Space & His Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Montréal-based guitarist, composer, and bandleader Mike Bruzzese. We talked about his new 2026 album Another Space and his evolving career in the world of jazz.

This second album stands as a deeply collaborative and expressive project that captures the spirit of imagination, connection, improvisation, and shared artistry that shaped its creation. Another Space features an outstanding ensemble including Ben Solomon on tenor saxophone, Mike De Masi on bass, Adam Arruda on drums, and a special guest appearance by vocalist Laura Anglade performing Billy Strayhorn’s timeless classic Lush Life.

Born and raised in Montréal, Mike was surrounded by music from an early age and began playing guitar at the age of 12. By 17, he discovered a deep passion for jazz guitar, setting him on a path toward composition, performance, collaboration, and artistic exploration in contemporary jazz.

In this interview, we discuss jazz guitar, composition, improvisation, collaboration, recording, Montreal’s jazz scene, musical influences, storytelling through music, and the inspiration behind Another Space.

Enjoy the journey and this thoughtful conversation with Mike Bruzzese.

Get the album & learn more:
https://www.mikebruzzese.ca/ 

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