Advocate & Founder Carol Waldman on Autism, Neurodiversity & Life After School | The Waldman Way

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with parent advocate, policy veteran, and founder of The Waldman Way Carol Waldman about autism, neurodiversity, advocacy, and helping young adults transition from school into work and independent adulthood.

When Carol's son Andrew was diagnosed with autism at age four, there was no clear roadmap for the journey ahead. Carol learned the Individualized Education Program (IEP) system, advocated for the support he needed, and helped him discover his strengths.

In 2024, Andrew graduated from the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a degree in political science. Along the way, he traveled through Europe independently and completed an internship in Washington, D.C. His journey reflects the possibilities that can emerge when young adults receive support, opportunities, and the chance to build independence.

Today, Carol is focused on another critical transition: what happens when school-based services end and neurodivergent young adults and their families must navigate employment, adult services, and independent living without a clear path forward?

Through The Waldman Way, Carol supports families and works to address the gaps that can leave young adults without the guidance and resources they need after graduation.

Carol also brings a wealth of public policy experience to her advocacy. She is a former California State Legislature staffer and an Executive Board Member of the California Democratic Party.

In this inspiring conversation, we explore parenting, autism advocacy, education, IEPs, public policy, employment opportunities, and the importance of building a future in which neurodivergent young adults can pursue their goals and thrive.

MORE CAROL WALDMAN & THE WALDMAN WAY

Website: http://www.thewaldmanway.org/ 

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Poet & Teacher Loren Broaddus on Newt Allen, Loving Baseball & His Life

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with Springfield, Missouri-based poet and teacher Loren Broaddus about his 2026 poetry collection, Wasn’t Any Maybe So: Poems from the Life of Newt Allen, and his lifelong love of baseball, teaching, and writing.

Newt Allen was a star second baseman for the legendary Kansas City Monarchs of the Negro Leagues. In this remarkable collection, Loren brings Allen's voice to life through poetry, exploring a world shaped by discrimination and Jim Crow while also capturing its vibrant culture, humanity, and rich experiences.

As Loren describes it, Newt Allen seemed to be tapping him on the shoulder for years, calling him to write not a history or biography, but a book of poems in his voice—a creative approach that gives Allen the freedom to tell his story in a deeply personal way.

We also explore Loren's journey as a writer and educator, his debut poetry collection, Joe DiMaggio Moves Like Liquid Light, published in 2019, and the everyday moments that have inspired his work over the years. From poems written on scrap paper and the backs of hall passes to the influence of his former Drury University English professor, Jo Van Arkel, Loren shares the experiences that shaped his creative life.

With academic backgrounds in history and education, Loren brings a distinctive perspective to baseball history, poetry, and the stories that connect generations.

If you're passionate about the Negro Leagues, Kansas City Monarchs history, baseball legends, American poetry, and the power of storytelling, this is an interview you won't want to miss.

MORE LOREN BROADDUS & HIS NEW BOOK

Website: https://www.lorenbroaddus.com/

Wasn’t Any Maybe So: Poems from the Life of Newt Allen:
https://406press.com/product/wasnt-any-maybe-so/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loren.broaddus/

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Author, Speaker & Advisor Fred Halperin on Leadership, Organizational Change & His Book Rebel-OS

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with author, speaker, and advisor Fred Halperin about leadership, organizational transformation, executive decision-making, and his new book, Rebel-OS.

For more than 40 years, Fred has been invited into the inner sanctum of senior leadership at some of the world's most important and influential organizations. His approach is direct and constructive, grounded in the belief that many leaders already recognize something isn't working in the way their organizations operate—but need the right insights and strategies to address it.

With decades of experience advising senior executives, Fred brings a distinctive perspective on leadership challenges, organizational effectiveness, and the changes required to move organizations forward. His book, Rebel-OS, reflects his experience, passion, and commitment to helping leaders rethink established approaches and create meaningful progress.

Based in New Jersey, Fred shares his professional journey, leadership philosophy, and insights into what it takes to challenge conventional thinking and build more effective organizations.

If you're interested in executive leadership, business strategy, organizational change, management, and fresh perspectives on how organizations work, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

More Fred Halperin:
Website: https://rebel-os-group.com/

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Former Athlete, Coach & Entrepreneur Javier Gutierrez on Fitness, Discipline & Building Strength for Life

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with former professional athlete, speaker, entrepreneur, actor, and strength coach Javier Gutierrez about fitness, discipline, mindset, faith, leadership, and building a stronger life.

After more than a decade playing professional baseball and over 15 years coaching clients of all ages and backgrounds, Javier has built his career around one core belief: lasting results come from discipline, consistency, and mastering the fundamentals.

Today, he helps busy professionals, executives, athletes, and everyday individuals improve their health, build strength, increase longevity, and develop sustainable habits that extend far beyond the gym. His coaching philosophy combines practical fitness strategies with personal responsibility, leadership, mindset, and faith.

Based in Chicago, Javier shares his journey from professional baseball to coaching and entrepreneurship, along with insights into physical fitness, mental toughness, personal growth, and creating lasting change.

If you're interested in strength training, healthy living, athletic performance, fitness motivation, leadership, and becoming the best version of yourself, this conversation is for you.

Connect with Javier Gutierrez:

Website: https://www.javiergutierrez.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitnesswjavier

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/javier-gutierrez-201b40126/

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Trombonist Steve Davis Interview | Meets Hank Jones, Vol. 2 (2026) | Jazz History & Timeless Swing

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed trombonist Steve Davis, returning to the program to share the remarkable story behind his 2026 album, Steve Davis Meets Hank Jones, Volume 2.

In June 2008, Steve Davis, bassist Peter Washington, and legendary pianist Hank Jones entered the studio for a session that was never intended to become a major archival release. Just a month before Jones’s 90th birthday, and a year and a half after undergoing quadruple bypass surgery, the jazz icon still possessed the musical brilliance, elegance, and unmistakable touch that made him a legend. Jones passed away in 2010, but the magic captured during that session endured.

It took 15 years for this music to begin reaching listeners, with the first volume arriving in 2024. Now, Volume 2 continues the story, offering another opportunity to hear a master at work alongside two outstanding jazz musicians.

We dig into the history behind these recordings, the experience of playing with Hank Jones, the journey from studio session to album release, and the enduring power of great jazz. It's a rich, fascinating conversation about musicianship, legacy, and the moments that make jazz history.

🎧 Get the album, Steve Davis Meets Hank Jones, Volume 2:
https://stevedavissmoke.bandcamp.com/album/steve-davis-meets-hank-jones-volume-2

It's great to have Steve Davis back on Neon Jazz for this unforgettable story. Dig the jazz, my friends.

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Saxophonist Paul Carlon Interview | Between Us Three (2026) | Modern Jazz, AI & Musical Connection

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz saxophonist and composer Paul Carlon, returning to the program to discuss his stellar 2026 trio album, Between Us Three!

We catch up with Paul for a wide-ranging conversation about the inspiration and hopes behind this new project, the art of making music in today's ever-changing world, and the importance of human creativity and connection. We also explore the growing presence of artificial intelligence in everyday life, the energy of live performances, and what it means to keep creating, collaborating, and moving forward as a musician in the modern era.

Paul brings thoughtful perspective and musical insight to a conversation that goes beyond the notes. It's always a pleasure to welcome him back to Neon Jazz, and this time we're diving deep into the ideas and artistry behind Between Us Three.

🎧 Get the album, Between Us Three:
https://trrstore.bandcamp.com/album/between-us-three

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Italy-born, NYC-based Musician Noe Socha: View From Inside | Guitar, Harmonica & Blues-Infused Jazz

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with Italy-born, NYC-based guitarist and harmonica player Noe Socha. We get into his new 2026 album View From Inside and a stellar life in the world of music.

Originally from the small town of Carpi, Italy, Noe has developed a distinctive musical voice shaped by folk icons Bob Dylan and Neil Young, Delta blues legends Mississippi John Hurt, Muddy Waters, and Lightnin’ Hopkins, along with a touch of Jimi Hendrix-inspired fire. His signature sound blends fiery guitar technique, virtuosic harmonica playing, blues-rooted expression, and an adventurous musical spirit.

Over the years, Noe has toured, performed, and recorded with a wide range of artists, building a career defined by versatility, passion, and originality. He was also recently featured in a Netflix documentary from Norman’s Rare Guitars, bringing his musical journey and guitar artistry to an even wider audience.

We explore the inspiration behind View From Inside, his evolution as a guitarist and harmonica player, the musical influences that shaped his sound, his journey from Italy to New York City, and the experiences that have defined his life in music.

Discover more about Noe Socha:

http://www.noemusic.net/ 

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