Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino

Saturday, October 17, 2026

Ilaria Capalbo Interview | The Brightest Sun (2026) | Motherhood, Creativity & Experimental Jazz

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Stockholm-based Italian bassist and composer Ilaria Capalbo! We caught up with Ilaria to explore her new 2026 album, The Brightest Sun, her journey in music, and the life experiences that shaped this deeply personal project.

Inspired by the transformative experience of motherhood, The Brightest Sun emerged from fragmented composing sessions while Ilaria was expecting her child and during the early days of motherhood. The result is music with an experimental, exploratory quality, reflecting a creative process shaped by change, discovery, and a new perspective on life.

We discuss the inspiration behind the album, the realities of balancing motherhood and music, her evolving artistic voice, and the journey that brought this compelling new work to life. Join us for an engaging conversation about creativity, transformation, and the power of musical exploration.

🎧 Get the album, The Brightest Sun:
https://ilariacapalbo.bandcamp.com/album/the-brightest-sun

Subscribe for more Neon Jazz interviews featuring jazz musicians, composers, and adventurous artists from around the world.

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Friday, October 16, 2026

Cheri Baugh Woods: Two Leukemia Battles, Faith & Miracles Still Happen | Inspirational Story

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series .. On this episode, we talk with faith-based speaker, leukemia survivor, and author of Win-Win: Miracles Still Happen, Cheri Baugh Woods. After facing two forms of leukemia, a bone marrow transplant, two brain surgeries, divorce, widowhood, and other life-changing challenges, Cheri has transformed her experiences into a message of hope, resilience, faith, and purpose.

Cheri brings a powerful perspective to life’s most difficult seasons. Her story is not simply about what she survived, but about the lessons she learned along the way and how those lessons can help others navigate their own struggles. Through honest conversation, personal stories, and practical takeaways, she encourages people to keep moving forward, trust God through uncertainty, and discover that their circumstances do not have to define their future.

We explore her remarkable journey, the role of faith in overcoming adversity, finding meaning amid uncertainty, building resilience through life’s toughest moments, and recognizing hope when the path forward seems unclear. Cheri’s message reminds us that even in the midst of profound challenges, new possibilities can emerge and miracles still happen.

Learn more about Cheri Baugh Woods, her book, and her inspirational work:
https://www.authorcheribaughwoods.com/

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Award-Winning Filmmaker & Storyteller Helix Wolfson on AI, Creativity & More

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series .. On this episode, we talk with award-winning filmmaker and AI storyteller Helix Wolfson about reinvention, emerging technology, creativity, and the evolving relationship between technology and humanity.

With more than 25 years of experience across film, brand content, the metaverse, and emerging technology, Helix has built a remarkable career at the intersection of innovation and human connection. He co-founded Infinite Reality, produced the official virtual Burning Man experience in 2020, and now creates AI-generated content for major brands, including a Hyundai commercial produced entirely with artificial intelligence. His work has helped shape campaigns for globally recognized names such as Google, Microsoft, BMW, Uber, AT&T, Toyota, and Burning Man.

But Helix’s story goes far beyond filmmaking and technology. Known for taking unconventional paths, he legally changed his name and ran for Mayor of Los Angeles as Paul E. Amori, the “Mayor of Love,” turning a political campaign into a broader conversation about connection, community, and possibility.

We explore his creative evolution, the future of AI-generated video and advertising, the opportunities and challenges of AI storytelling, the power of brand narratives, and how emerging technologies can create deeper human experiences. We also dig into the experiences, ideas, and unexpected turns that have shaped Helix’s fascinating journey.

Connect with Helix Wolfson:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helixwolfson/?isSelfProfile=false
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/helixalot/
Website: https://www.heliximagen.ai/helixwolfson

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Steve Rawlins: Word on the Street | Jazz Composer, Arranger & Pianist on His Remarkable Musical Journey

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed Jazz Composer, Arranger & Pianist Steve Rawlins. We get into his new 2026 release, Word on the Street, and a remarkable life spent in the world of music.

After more than five decades composing, arranging, performing and helping other artists realize their musical visions, Steve Rawlins steps fully into the spotlight with Word on the Street. This vibrant ensemble recording brings together music from different chapters of his career while introducing fresh compositions shaped specifically for his wildly adventurous quintet.

Steve’s career spans an extraordinary range of musical experiences. He has arranged music for legendary recording artists including Smokey Robinson, Bette Midler and Chaka Khan. His work has also reached the stages of the Academy Awards and Emmy Award ceremonies, along with television productions including The Crazy Ones, 24 and Jeopardy!.

In this conversation, we explore Steve’s new album, his creative process, the evolution of his musical voice and the experiences that have shaped more than 50 years in the business. We dig into the art of jazz composition and arranging, working with celebrated artists, and finally bringing his own musical vision to the forefront with Word on the Street.

From a lifetime behind the scenes to a fresh chapter leading his own adventurous quintet, Steve Rawlins has a tremendous story to tell.

Enjoy this interview, celebrate a remarkable musical career, and discover the sounds of Word on the Street.

GET THE ALBUM & MORE:
https://www.steverawlins.com/

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Thursday, October 15, 2026

Drummer & Composer Phil Haynes on Terra, Ben Monder & a Lifetime in Jazz

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with jazz drummer and composer Phil Haynes, discussing his 2026 album Terra and the creative journey behind it.

Since publishing his acclaimed 2023 memoir, Chasing the Masters, Phil has entered a prolific new chapter of his musical life. The writing process prompted him to revisit his past, reconnect with old friends, and reunite with longtime collaborators—including musicians he hadn't worked with in decades.

His new album, Terra, brings those threads together through a fresh musical collaboration that spans generations. Released on his own Corner Store Jazz imprint, the project features guitarist Ben Monder and revives a duo partnership that had been dormant for more than a quarter century.

In this conversation, we explore the inspiration behind Terra, the lasting impact of musical relationships, the reflections sparked by Chasing the Masters, and how revisiting the past can open the door to new creative possibilities. We also dig into Phil's life as a drummer, composer, bandleader, and independent artist navigating an ever-evolving jazz landscape.

Terra is more than a new recording—it's a story of reconnection, musical discovery, and the enduring power of collaboration.

🎧 Get Phil Haynes' album Terra on Bandcamp:
https://philhaynesmusic.bandcamp.com/album/terra

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Zak Barnett: Master Acting Coach on Hollywood, Creative Blocks & Finding Your Purpose

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series .. On this episode, we talk with Zak Barnett, Founder of Zak Barnett Studios, thought leader, and master acting coach. Based in Los Angeles, Zak has spent more than a decade training some of Hollywood’s most promising emerging talents, from kids booking their first roles to Oscar and Emmy winners.

Zak views acting as a martial art — a lifelong practice built on self-awareness, courage, discipline, and purpose. His approach goes beyond performance, helping actors understand themselves more deeply, break through creative blocks, and build the confidence to bring their fullest selves to their work and everyday lives.

We explore Zak’s personal journey, his timeline in the entertainment industry, the craft and business of acting, and what it takes to grow as a performer in Hollywood. We also dig into how overcoming creative barriers can unlock greater confidence, authenticity, and purpose both on camera and off.

Discover more about Zak Barnett and his work:
https://zakbarnett.com/

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Jason Guy: Boudoir Photography, Confidence & the Art of Beautiful Portraits

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series .. On this episode, we talk with entrepreneur and photographer Jason Guy, the creative eye behind boudoir photography that helps everyday women discover their most confident selves through flattering poses, stunning light, and beautiful imagery.

Jason’s journey into boudoir photography began almost by accident. When he decided to take portrait photography seriously, he turned to family and friends to practice his lighting and technical skills. But he quickly discovered that great photography required more than mastering a camera. He needed to learn how to direct and pose people in ways that brought out their best. That realization led him to study boudoir photography and develop his own approach to creating striking, confidence-building portraits.

Today, Jason brings together technical skill, artistic vision, and an understanding of how posing and lighting can transform an image. We explore his journey as an entrepreneur and photographer, the craft of boudoir photography, helping clients feel comfortable in front of the camera, and his life as a devoted husband and proud father based in California.

Discover more about Jason and his photography:
https://jgboudoir.com/

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