Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino

Saturday, April 11, 2026

Neon Jazz Special - The Neon Beat’s John Christopher has a Thelonious Monk Question for Neon Jazz’s Joe Dimino

Welcome to a special edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series with a bit of a curveball. During the recording of Episode 953 on April Fool’s Day 2026, Neon Beat host and creator John Christopher flipped the script and asked Neon Jazz host & creator Joe Dimino to reflect on the lore, legacy, and lasting impact of legendary jazz pianist Thelonious Monk.

What followed was an insightful, spontaneous, and thought-provoking conversation about one of the most enigmatic figures in jazz history. From Monk’s unconventional style and compositional brilliance to his enduring influence on modern jazz, this episode dives deep into the mind and mythology of a true icon.

Whether you're a lifelong jazz fan or just discovering Monk’s genius, this candid exchange offers a unique perspective you won’t hear anywhere else.

🎧 In this episode:

The mystique and mythology of Thelonious Monk
His influence on modern jazz and improvisation
Personal reflections from Joe Dimino
A spontaneous April Fool’s Day twist

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Friday, April 10, 2026

Bassist, Composer & Arranger Corcoran Holt on 2026’s Freedom of Art

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with acclaimed jazz bassist, composer, and arranger Corcoran Holt.

We dive into his powerful 2026 release Freedom of Art, a deeply personal and expressive sophomore album that reflects transformation, family, and the enduring spirit of freedom at the heart of jazz.

Throughout his career, Corcoran has performed with some of the genre’s most celebrated artists, including a notable tenure with Kenny Garrett. This new project captures the essence of those experiences while weaving in his own life journey since his 2018 debut The Mecca.

We also explore his path from New York City to Washington and now to Phoenix, along with the evolution of his sound and perspective since we last spoke in 2018.

In this conversation, we cover:

The making of Freedom of Art
Personal growth and transformation through music
Life experiences shaping his compositions
The meaning of freedom in jazz today
Touring, collaboration, and creative evolution

Dig this deep and inspiring jazz conversation.

🎶 Get the album:
https://outsideinmusic.bandcamp.com/album/freedom-of-art

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Product Design, Leadership & Music | Joseph Fulginiti Story

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with project team leader, strategic thinker, team builder, and musician Joseph Fulginiti.

With over 20 years of experience, Joseph has helped organizations solve complex product and business challenges through design—turning ambiguity into clarity, strategy into execution, and teams into high-performing units. His work spans SaaS, fintech, and enterprise platforms, where he has led and scaled design teams that improved customer outcomes and drove measurable business impact.

Based in Upstate New York, Joseph balances a dynamic professional life in product strategy with his passion for music as a jazz drummer. This conversation dives into both worlds—business and creativity—revealing how discipline, collaboration, and vision connect them.

In this interview, we cover:

Leading high-performing product and design teams
Turning complex problems into actionable strategy
Scaling teams across SaaS and fintech industries
The intersection of creativity, leadership, and execution
Life as a jazz drummer alongside a tech career

This is a must-watch for leaders, entrepreneurs, designers, and creatives looking to elevate both their work and mindset.

👉 Learn more about Joseph:
https://jpfulginiti.com/about/

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Growing Your Own Leaders | Rich Ashton on Small Business Success

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with small business owner, serial entrepreneur, and author Rich Ashton.

Over a 45-year career in business, Rich faced a major challenge that many entrepreneurs know all too well—choosing between hiring outside leadership that doesn’t fit the company culture or promoting internal employees who aren’t fully prepared.

Determined to solve this, he created a powerful in-house leadership development program that transformed his companies. The results were so successful that he was eventually able to step away from daily operations and entrust his businesses to a strong, capable leadership team.

His book, Growing Your Own: Common Sense Advice for Developing Leaders in Small Business, lays out the principles behind that success and provides a practical roadmap for building leaders from within.

Based in Texas, Rich shares a story full of real-world insight, inspiration, and actionable advice for business owners looking to grow sustainably.

In this interview, we cover:

Developing leaders from within your organization
Building a strong and lasting company culture
Why traditional hiring often fails small businesses
Creating systems that allow you to scale and step away
Lessons from decades of entrepreneurship

Enjoy this insightful and inspiring conversation.

🔗 Learn more:
https://www.growingyourown.net/

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Thursday, April 9, 2026

Josh Block Interview | Leadership, Culture & Putting People First

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with entrepreneur, speaker, leadership coach, author, and former President of Block Imaging — Josh Block.

Josh has built his career helping leaders shift from control to collaboration, and from pressure to possibility—creating environments where both people and performance thrive. As the founder of Cube Mobile Imaging and a leader who has guided companies through growth, transition, and transformation, he brings real-world experience to modern leadership challenges.

At the core of his philosophy is one simple truth: People matter most. And when leaders truly embrace that, organizations win.

In this conversation, we explore:

His leadership journey and business experience
Lessons from leading high-growth organizations
Building strong, people-first company cultures
Moving from pressure-driven leadership to possibility
Insights from his new book and coaching work

📍 Based in Michigan, Josh continues to impact leaders and organizations across industries.

🌐 Learn more about Josh:
https://www.blockimaging.com/blog/author/josh-block

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Executive Coach Chip Scholz on Leadership, Identity & Growth

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with executive coach, author, and woodturner Chip Scholz.

With nearly 30 years of experience working with leaders and organizations, Chip has guided people through transition, uncertainty, and growth. Over time, he’s come to understand that the most defining moments in life don’t arrive with fanfare—they happen quietly, in everyday conversations, unexpected turns, and even in the simple act of shaping wood.

Describing himself as “a man with a lathe, a pocketknife, and a few stories,” Chip blends leadership insight with craftsmanship, offering a grounded and thoughtful perspective on what truly matters.

In this interview, we explore:

Leadership beyond titles and recognition
Navigating change and uncertainty
The connection between craftsmanship and personal growth
Lessons from decades in business, coaching, and public affairs
Finding identity and meaning in everyday life

🌐 Learn more about Chip:
http://scholzandassociates.com/

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Wednesday, April 8, 2026

Betty Bryant – 96 Years Young | New Jazz Album & Career Reflections

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with legendary Kansas City-born, Los Angeles-based jazz singer, pianist, and composer Betty Bryant.

At the remarkable age of 96, Betty returns with her 2026 album Nothin’ Better to Do — a recording that radiates the natural confidence of a seasoned club performance, where the music speaks for itself. With a storyteller’s instinct and deep respect for melody, she delivers a timeless jazz experience shaped by decades of artistry, not trends.

Produced by Robert Kyle, the album features an exceptional group of Southern California musicians who create a sound that is both intimate and expansive—perfectly supporting Betty’s voice without overshadowing it.

In this interview, we explore:

The making of Nothin’ Better to Do
Her incredible journey through jazz history
Growing up in Kansas City
Her connection to fellow jazz great Marilyn Maye
Performing and recording at 96 years young

🎧 Get the album here:
https://betybryant.bandcamp.com/album/nothin-better-to-do?from=discover_page

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