From Ironworker to Safety Expert | Author Kim Pierce on 34+ Years in the Trades

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with acclaimed construction safety expert, author, trades professional, and industry leader Kim Pierce.

With more than 34 years in the construction industry, Kim has built an extraordinary career rooted in hard work, resilience, leadership, and a commitment to protecting workers. Growing up in Minnesota, she learned the fundamentals of construction from her father before embarking on a remarkable journey through the trades.

Kim spent 14 years working hands-on as a carpenter and ironworker, gaining firsthand experience on job sites, from roofing projects to bridge construction. Those experiences—including real-world close calls and near misses—eventually inspired her transition into construction safety, where she has dedicated decades to helping workers stay safe and return home to their families.

We discuss her powerful book, The Hands That Built This, which explores the realities of life in the trades, workplace safety, leadership, and the lessons learned from a lifetime in construction.

Beyond her safety career, Kim is also an accomplished fiction writer. Under the pen name Jake B. Cage, she writes science fiction and post-apocalyptic novels. We also discuss the latest installment in her Enclave Series, Shadows Beneath the Ruins, and how storytelling complements her professional life.

From a conversation recorded while traveling through Ontario, California, Kim shares insights on workplace safety, leadership, women in construction, skilled trades, writing, perseverance, and the value of experience.

This is a fascinating discussion for construction professionals, safety leaders, tradespeople, entrepreneurs, authors, and anyone inspired by stories of grit, determination, and lifelong learning.

Get the book:
The Hands That Built This on Amazon

For More Famous Interviews: Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991
Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh

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

Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_b

Laura Chu Wiens as AurallaurA on New Music & Her Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Pittsburgh-based jazz and world music composer, vocalist, songwriter, and cultural explorer Laura Chu Wiens, better known as AurallaurA.

In this episode, we discuss her fascinating 2026 release, The Critique of Capital: An Engaging Revue, along with her unique path into music, composition, performance, and global cultural exploration.

Raised in a Chinese-American household and shaped by extensive international experiences, Laura has developed an artistic voice that transcends borders and genres. Fluent in both Mandarin Chinese and Spanish, she has immersed herself in musical traditions around the world, studying and performing folk music in Chiapas, Mexico, township jazz in Cape Town, South Africa, Roma music in Belgrade, Serbia, and Lisu minority folk music in Yunnan, China.

Her creative journey has also included writing and performing vocal music for four productions on BBC Radio 4, further expanding her reach as a composer and storyteller.

What makes Laura's story particularly compelling is that music was never originally intended to be her primary path. Yet through curiosity, travel, language, cultural exchange, and artistic exploration, it evolved into a deeply meaningful career and creative mission.

In this conversation, we discuss world music, jazz, composition, cultural influences, global travel, language, songwriting, performance, creativity, identity, and the inspiration behind The Critique of Capital: An Engaging Revue.

This is a rich and engaging discussion for jazz fans, world music enthusiasts, composers, travelers, and anyone interested in how art can connect cultures and experiences from around the globe.

Learn more about AurallaurA:
AurallaurA Facebook Page 

For More Famous Interviews: Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991
Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh

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

Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_b

Jazz Bassist Scott Lee on His New Genre-Bending Florida-Inspired Album Greetings from Florida

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring accomplished Florida-based jazz bassist, composer, educator, and recording artist Scott Lee.

In this episode, we discuss his ambitious and genre-defying 2026 album, Greetings from Florida: Postcards from Paradise, a compelling musical exploration of the myths, realities, beauty, and contradictions that define Florida.

This innovative song-cycle project features acclaimed jazz vocalist and guitarist Camila Meza and draws lyrical inspiration from eight poems by Cuban-American poet Carolina Hospital. Together, they create a rich musical narrative that explores the tension between the dream of paradise and the lived experiences of those who call Florida home.

Known for blending jazz, classical influences, and contemporary popular music, Scott Lee has developed a distinctive compositional voice. His music often incorporates odd-meter grooves, interlocking rhythmic patterns, sophisticated harmonies, and a unique balance between intellectual complexity and emotional immediacy.

In this conversation, we discuss the inspiration behind Greetings from Florida: Postcards from Paradise, songwriting, composition, poetry, collaboration, jazz education, bass performance, creativity, and the evolving landscape of contemporary jazz.

Scott also reflects on his musical journey, artistic influences, teaching career, and the process of transforming poetry into powerful musical storytelling.

This is a fascinating conversation for jazz lovers, composers, musicians, educators, and anyone interested in the intersection of literature, culture, and music.

Get the album and learn more:
Scott Lee Official Website

For More Famous Interviews: Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991
Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh

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

Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_b

Jazz Vocalist Sylvia Brooks on Soliloquy, Songwriting, Creativity & Her Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed Los Angeles-based jazz vocalist, songwriter, performer, and recording artist Sylvia Brooks.

In this episode, we dive into her sixth album, Soliloquy, and explore a remarkable creative journey shaped by music, acting, storytelling, and artistic expression.

Raised by parents who were both musicians and artists, Sylvia grew up immersed in a world of creativity and performance. That rich artistic foundation has informed a career marked by authenticity, elegance, and a deep commitment to meaningful storytelling through song.

On Soliloquy, Sylvia delivers a powerful collection of four jazz standards and four original compositions that explore the many dimensions of the human experience. The album examines life's joys, challenges, heartbreaks, triumphs, compassion, resilience, romance, and beauty through vivid lyrics and expressive performances.

In this conversation, we discuss the inspiration behind the album, songwriting, jazz vocals, acting, creativity, artistic growth, performance, and the lessons learned throughout her career in music and entertainment.

Sylvia shares insights into her creative process, her passion for connecting with audiences, and how personal experiences have shaped the emotional depth found throughout Soliloquy.

This is a thoughtful and engaging discussion for jazz fans, vocal music enthusiasts, songwriters, performers, and anyone who appreciates compelling storytelling through music.

Get the album and learn more:
Sylvia Brooks Official Website

For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/
Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkc
Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2

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

Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER 

Author Bill Smoot on San Quentin Exodus and Teaching Behind Prison Walls

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with acclaimed educator, novelist, essayist, and author Bill Smoot. His remarkable story begins in Maysville, Kentucky, where he grew up in the 1950s surrounded by family, community, baseball, Boy Scouts, and time spent on his grandparents' dairy farm.

Bill attended Purdue University intending to become an engineer, but his intellectual curiosity led him toward philosophy and journalism. During his college years, he became politically engaged while serving as editor of The Purdue Exponent, helping shape discussions during a transformative era in American history.

Over the past decade, Bill has dedicated himself to teaching at Mount Tamalpais College inside San Quentin Prison, bringing higher education opportunities to incarcerated students and helping transform lives through learning, literature, and critical thinking.

We discuss his latest novel, San Quentin Exodus, a compelling work of fiction centered around a dramatic prison escape while exploring larger themes of freedom, redemption, justice, and the human spirit.

In this engaging conversation, Bill shares insights on teaching inside prison walls, writing fiction, philosophy, education, social change, and the life experiences that shaped his journey from rural Kentucky to one of America's most unique educational environments.

This is a fascinating discussion about storytelling, learning, transformation, and the power of education.

More Bill Smoot:
https://billsmoot.net/

San Quentin Exodus:
https://www.amazon.com/San-Quentin-Exodus-Bill-Smoot/dp/162720671X

For More Famous Interviews: Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991
Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh

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

Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_b

Dr. John Oberg on Healthcare, Entrepreneurship & Navigating Change

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with founder, CEO, board director, advisor, professor, entrepreneur, and healthcare innovator John Oberg.

Based in Austin, Texas, Dr. Oberg is trusted by organizations to navigate growth, leadership challenges, organizational change, innovation, and conflict resolution. Throughout his career, he has built and led transformative healthcare ventures that are reshaping how care is delivered and managed.

Dr. Oberg is the founder of Sedera, a community-based medical cost-sharing organization recognized among the fastest-growing companies in America, and Precina Health, a pioneering virtual medical practice focused on chronic care management and innovative healthcare solutions, including the thoughtful deployment of artificial intelligence.

His leadership extends beyond entrepreneurship. He previously served on the board of OnlineMedEd, a global medical education platform helping train medical and physician assistant students worldwide, and currently serves on the board of Health Admins, a leading third-party administrator organization.

In this conversation, we discuss healthcare innovation, entrepreneurship, leadership, artificial intelligence, organizational growth, conflict management, healthcare reform, business strategy, medical education, virtual care, executive decision-making, and the future of healthcare.

Born and raised in Los Angeles and now based in Austin, Dr. Oberg also hosts his own podcast and brings a unique perspective on leadership, innovation, and creating meaningful impact in rapidly changing industries.

This is an insightful discussion for entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, executives, innovators, and anyone interested in leadership and transformation.

Learn more about Dr. Oberg:
John Oberg Official Website

For More Famous Interviews: Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991
Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh

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

Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_b

Marathon Grand Slam Finisher William Thomas on Leadership, Resilience and Chasing Big Dreams

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with leadership consultant, author, endurance athlete, adventurer, and Marathon Grand Slam finisher William Thomas.

William's story is a powerful reminder that it is never too late to pursue extraordinary goals.

He didn't begin running until the age of 42, yet he went on to accomplish something achieved by only a select group of people worldwide: completing the Marathon Grand Slam by running a marathon on all seven continents and at the North Pole.

Now 60 years old, William continues to challenge himself, completing three to four marathons each year while adding even more remarkable achievements to his resume. Since finishing the Grand Slam, he has completed the Abbott World Marathon Majors and taken on the legendary Everest Marathon, one of the most demanding endurance races on the planet.

William shares the lessons behind these adventures in his book Cross the Lines, encouraging readers to embrace challenges, pursue meaningful goals, and refuse to let age become an excuse for inaction.

In addition to his accomplishments as an endurance athlete, William is an accomplished leadership consultant who helps organizations and individuals develop stronger leadership capabilities, resilience, adaptability, and purpose-driven growth.

From his nomadic base in Singapore, we discuss leadership, personal development, endurance sports, marathon running, adventure travel, mindset, resilience, lifelong learning, achieving ambitious goals, and the power of stepping outside your comfort zone.

This inspiring conversation offers valuable lessons for leaders, entrepreneurs, athletes, adventurers, and anyone looking to redefine what is possible later in life.

Learn more about William Thomas:
Designing Leaders Official Website

For More Famous Interviews: Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991
Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh

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

Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_b