Steve Berndt Interview – Heart of Hearts (2026) | Jazz Trombonist & Bandleader | Neon Jazz

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Ottawa-based bandleader, vocalist, and trombonist Steve Berndt.

We caught up with Steve to talk about his new 2026 album Heart of Hearts, a project that explores themes of love, honesty, and emotional connection through jazz. The eleven-track release features eight original compositions along with inventive jazz interpretations of three well-known pop and rock songs from the 1970s.

Steve is also the leader of the jump blues group The Jivewires. Over the years, the band has released six albums filled mostly with original material and has toured extensively across Europe, the United States, and Eastern Canada.

In this interview, we dive into the inspiration behind Heart of Hearts, Steve’s journey through jazz and jump blues, and the stories behind a long career making music and leading bands.

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

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South Florida-based Jazz Guitarist Tom Lippincott

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring South Florida–based jazz guitarist Tom Lippincott.

We caught up with Tom to talk about his new 2026 album Ode to the Possible and his journey through the world of jazz guitar, education, and musical discovery.

Tom’s path in music began at the age of 17 when his first guitar teacher, Randy Wimer, introduced him to both classical and jazz guitar fundamentals. That early mentorship sparked a passion that eventually led him to attend the renowned University of North Texas, one of the most respected jazz education programs in the world.

Throughout his career, Tom has been influenced by inspiring teachers and mentors, shaping not only his artistry but also his role as a dedicated music educator. In this conversation, we explore his creative process, the making of Ode to the Possible, and the journey that led him into a lifelong commitment to jazz performance and teaching.

🎸 Get the album and learn more:
https://tomlippincott.com/ 

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Philadelphia-based Jazz Pianist & Composer James Fernando

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Philadelphia-based jazz pianist and composer James Fernando.

We caught up with this prodigiously talented artist — known for equal parts mischief and mastery — to talk about his 2026 album Philly 3 and his adventurous life in music.

This is James’ sixth album overall and his powerful debut recording with his working trio. The record features:

• James Fernando – Piano

• Dan McCain – Bass

• Kyon Williams – Drums

The trio first came together in 2023 after James received a last-minute call to assemble a group for a performance at the legendary Kennedy Center — with only three days’ notice.

From that moment, the chemistry of the trio sparked a new creative chapter that ultimately led to Philly 3. In this conversation, we dive into James’ nomadic journey through music, geography, collaboration, and the evolving modern jazz scene.

🎹 Get the album:
https://dlmediamusic.com/press-releases/james-fernando-the-prodigiously-talented-pianist-composer-releases-philly-3/

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Entrepreneur, Author, Speaker, Comedian & The Money Jesus Garrett Gunderson

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with entrepreneur, author, speaker, comedian, and financial educator Garrett Gunderson.

Garrett has spent decades uncovering the truth about how the wealthy actually build and preserve wealth. From starting his first business at just 15 years old to earning the SBA Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award, he has dedicated his career to helping entrepreneurs turn complex financial strategies into practical, actionable insights.

His signature philosophy, the Rockefeller Method, teaches entrepreneurs how to save more, reduce financial stress, and create a life they never feel the need to escape from.

Garrett also brings entertainment into financial education. His comedy special The American Ream blends humor, storytelling, and financial strategy into an engaging experience designed to transform the way people think about money.

In this conversation, we explore entrepreneurship, financial freedom, wealth-building strategies, and Garrett’s unique approach to helping business owners rethink their relationship with money.

It’s an insightful and entertaining conversation you won’t want to miss. Enjoy.

More on Garrett:
https://garrettgunderson.com/
https://www.instagram.com/garrettbgunderson/

Watch the film:
https://www.primevideo.com/detail/Garrett-Gunderson-The-American-Ream/0HVAHUX159WVJCI95SSZ747Z18 

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Transforming Heartbreak Into Purpose | Becca Eve Young Interview | Author of It’s Gonna Get Messy

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with author, transformational coach, and soulful storyteller Becca Eve Young.

Once a corporate strategist, Becca took a powerful journey into healing, reinvention, and authentic living. She is the author of the debut book It’s Gonna Get Messy, a raw, unfiltered story about heartbreak, grief, awakening, and learning to reclaim your worth after life falls apart.

Today, Becca helps people navigate what she calls the “messy middle”—those uncertain seasons where identity shifts, purpose evolves, and healing becomes real. Through honest storytelling, spiritual insight, and a bit of sass, she encourages others to step off the societal script and create lives that feel authentic and aligned.

In this interview, we talk about her journey from corporate life to transformational coaching, the healing power of storytelling, and how embracing life’s chaos can ultimately lead to deeper purpose and clarity.

It’s a powerful story of resilience, reinvention, and hope.
Enjoy this conversation.

More on Becca:
https://www.beccaeveyoung.com/ 

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Naomi Morad Interview – Psychosomatic Healing, Brainspotting & Inner Child Work

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series featuring psychosomatic practitioner and trauma-informed healer Naomi Morad.

With more than 23 years of experience, Naomi specializes in helping people reconnect with the essence of who they truly are—guiding individuals back to clarity, energy, and deeper self-awareness.

Through her practice, Naomi gently supports clients in identifying and releasing deeply rooted emotional patterns and beliefs that may be holding them back. Her work integrates a variety of powerful healing approaches designed to help people become more whole and reclaim their authentic selves.

Naomi is trained in several transformative modalities, including:

• Brainspotting

• Parts Work

• Inner Child Healing

• Guided Meditation

• Body Talk Dance Therapy

Based in Atlanta, Naomi’s journey has taken her across the world—from Germany to New York City and Israel—shaping her global perspective on healing, growth, and human connection.

In this episode, we explore:

• Psychosomatic healing and mind-body connection

• Releasing emotional patterns and trauma

• Inner child work and self-awareness

• Healing through movement and meditation

• Naomi’s global journey and personal path

This is a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about healing, presence, and returning to the truth of who we are.

🌐 Learn more about Naomi:
https://www.naomimorad.com/

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Irish Musician, Podcast Host, Tour Guide, Arts Manager & Best Selling Author Tara Connaghan

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series featuring Irish musician, podcast host, tour guide, arts manager, and bestselling author Tara Connaghan.

Based in Ireland, Tara specializes in a topic that many musicians quietly wonder about but rarely talk about — the unspoken etiquette of Irish traditional music sessions.

Irish sessions are a cornerstone of traditional music culture, where musicians gather in pubs and community spaces to share tunes. But for newcomers, visitors, and adult learners, the unwritten rules can be confusing.

Through her work and her platform Session Etiquette, Tara helps musicians understand the subtle social and musical dynamics of sessions so they can participate with confidence, respect, and musical sensitivity.

Her guidance helps players avoid common missteps and instead enjoy welcoming, authentic traditional music experiences.

In this episode we discuss:

• The hidden rules of Irish music sessions

• How newcomers can join a session respectfully

• The culture and traditions behind session playing

• Advice for traveling musicians visiting Ireland

• Why musical etiquette matters in folk traditions

This is a fascinating conversation about culture, community, and the living tradition of Irish music.

🌐 Learn more about Tara and session etiquette:
https://www.sessionetiquette.com/

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