Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

Multi-Instrumentalist Rob Scheps | Blue States (2026) | Core Tet, SteepleChase & More

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with acclaimed jazz multi-instrumentalist and composer Rob Scheps. With deep Kansas City roots, Rob returns to Neon Jazz to discuss his 2026 album, Blue States, and his latest chapter with the long-running Core Tet on the legendary SteepleChase label.

Building on a career defined by musical curiosity and consistently compelling recordings, Blue States finds Rob continuing to evolve the Core Tet sound. With a vibrant frontline featuring trumpet, soprano saxophone, and flute, the ensemble reimagines music by Shunzo Ohno, Carla Bley, Sam Jones, Ronnie Boykins, and John Abercrombie through its distinctive musical voice.

Rob is joined by pianist Jamie Reynolds, bassist David Kingsnorth, and drummer Victor Jones for a project that blends thoughtful arrangements, adventurous interplay, and a deep respect for jazz tradition with a forward-looking spirit.

We explore the inspiration behind Blue States, Rob's return to SteepleChase, the evolution of Core Tet, his Kansas City connections, and the creative drive behind a career built on musical excellence. It's a fascinating conversation with an artist continuing to push forward while honoring the music and musicians who came before him.

🎧 Discover more from Rob Scheps:

Website: https://www.robschepsmusic.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnzuBFkZdZVsr-Qtx6QMlrQ

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Business Scaling Architect and Leadership Mentor Lady Jen Du Plessis

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we sit down with Lady Jen Du Plessis — The Business Scaling Architect and Sovereign Leadership Mentor — for a fascinating conversation about entrepreneurship, leadership, personal growth, and what it really takes to build lasting success.

After generating more than $400 million in revenue across multiple businesses, Lady Jen now helps established founders and CEOs strengthen their leadership, build high-performing teams, improve business systems, and develop strategic relationships. Her mission? Help entrepreneurs scale their businesses without allowing the business to consume their lives.

An award-winning international speaker, bestselling author, and host of three podcasts and the television show Business on the Vine, Lady Jen brings decades of experience and insight to the world of business and personal transformation.

From her home base in Virginia, we explore her rise to success, the dreams that drove her forward, the struggles that shaped her journey, and the lessons she has learned along the way. We also dive into sustainable business growth, leadership, team building, and the importance of creating a life that reflects your own definition of success.

It's an engaging conversation about ambition, resilience, purpose, and building a legacy while you're still living it.

Learn more about Lady Jen Du Plessis:
https://ladyjenduplessis.com/

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Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Founder & Executive Director Cat How on Branding, Creativity & Building Famous Brands | How&How

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with Cat How, founder and executive director of the global branding agency How&How, about creativity, brand strategy, design, entrepreneurship, female leadership, and using business to make a difference.

With studios in London and Los Angeles, How&How helps brands stand out through fresh thinking, distinctive design, and impactful storytelling. Cat's journey to building the agency began in journalism, where she became an award-winning journalist and design critic, before studying Communication Design at Central Saint Martins and launching How&How in 2020.

But Cat's mission extends beyond branding. A committed advocate for equality and climate action, she founded GetSet, a pro-bono climate initiative, and GetEven, a female leadership mentorship program. She also serves as an ambassador for UN Women, Clean Creatives, and We Show the Salary, and mentors emerging creative talent through D&AD Shift and Adobe.

In this conversation, we explore Cat's path from journalism and design criticism to creative entrepreneurship, the art of making brands memorable, and the importance of building a more inclusive and sustainable creative industry.

From brand identity and visual storytelling to climate advocacy, mentorship, and empowering women in leadership, Cat shares the experiences and ideas behind her work and vision.

If you're interested in branding, graphic design, creative business, marketing strategy, female entrepreneurship, and purpose-driven leadership, this is an inspiring conversation you won't want to miss.

MORE CAT HOW & HOW&HOW

Website: https://how.studio/

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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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