Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Storyteller Clayton Johnson: The Walk-Up Protocol | Music, Mindset & Performing Under Pressure

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with Creator, Storyteller, Speaker, Presenter & Designated Hitter Clayton Johnson.

Clayton Johnson has been on more than 2,500 stages around the world, speaking to audiences ranging from intimate groups to crowds of 10,000 people. But what makes Clayton different is his ability to take information, training and real-world experience and weave it all into compelling, engaging and moving stories.

With an unmistakable smile, infectious positivity and a remarkable ability to find joy, fun and gratitude even in difficult situations, Clayton brings powerful energy to every room and every stage. His mission is simple: help people perform at their best when the pressure is on.

After years of observing a simple but powerful principle used by elite athletes, Clayton developed The Walk-Up Protocol—a practical framework that uses music to shift your mental and emotional state before life's biggest moments.

Whether you're preparing for a high-stakes presentation, difficult conversation, sales call, job interview, performance, leadership moment or pivotal opportunity, Clayton teaches people how to stop allowing fear, doubt or the energy of the room to dictate how they show up.

In this conversation, we get into the whole story behind Clayton Johnson, his years on stages around the world, the power of storytelling, performing under pressure, mindset, confidence, music and the development of the Walk-Up Protocol.

How do you change your state before the moment that matters most? Clayton has built a fascinating answer—and it starts with the same idea that has helped elite athletes get ready to perform.

Enjoy this interview.

More Clayton:
The Walk-Up Protocol

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Author, Ironman Triathlete, 2X Cancer Survivor & Nonprofit Executive Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with Author, Ironman Triathlete, 2X Cancer Survivor, Nonprofit Executive and Mental Health & Addictions Expert Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds.

Jeff is the author of Every Mile Matters: Turning Triathlon Training Into Cancer Triumph, a powerful memoir that draws remarkable parallels between endurance sports and surviving cancer. The book quickly became a top new release in several Amazon categories and tells the story of Jeff’s journey through two cancer diagnoses in two years—first prostate cancer, followed by Stage 3B colorectal cancer.

An avid triathlete and 15-time marathon runner, Jeff discovered that the same mental toughness, discipline and perseverance he developed through swimming, biking and running could become essential tools for navigating cancer treatment and recovery.

In this gripping conversation, we dig into his journey from Ironman training to cancer treatment, including radiation, chemotherapy, recovery and the emotional challenges that come with facing serious illness more than once. We also explore how his personal experiences have shaped the work he now does helping others through his expertise in mental health and addictions.

From his base in Long Island, New York, Dr. Reynolds shares an extraordinary story of endurance, resilience, healing and purpose. This is a conversation about what it means to keep moving forward—even when the finish line seems impossibly far away.

Every mile matters. Every story matters. Every comeback matters.

Enjoy this gripping and wonderful story and interview.

More Dr. Reynolds:
Every Mile Matters

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Hilary Momberger: From Fame to Fall to Flourish | Trauma, Resilience, Purpose & Transformation

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with Transformational Mentor, Trauma Coach, Motivational Speaker & Dynamic Keynote Presenter Hilary Momberger.

Hilary’s journey—from fame to fall to flourish—is more than a powerful story. It is the foundation of the work she now does to help others transform their lives. After experiencing significant success in the entertainment industry, followed by personal and professional setbacks, Hilary brings a rare depth of real-world experience, perspective, truth and wisdom to her work.

With more than 40 years of life and professional experience, Hilary specializes in trauma-informed coaching, helping individuals—especially women—move through past wounds, shift their mindset, reconnect with their power and step into a more confident, self-led life.

In this conversation, we explore trauma healing, resilience, personal transformation, overcoming setbacks, turning pain into purpose, confidence, mindset, self-leadership and finding a new direction in life. Hilary shares the lessons that came from both extraordinary highs and difficult lows—and how those experiences shaped her mission to help others flourish.

This is a conversation about what happens when life changes, the strength it takes to rebuild, and the possibility of creating something meaningful from the experiences that once felt impossible to overcome.

Hilary is tremendous. Enjoy this interview.

More Hilary:
Hilary Momberger Powers

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Michael Pronko on A Guide to Jazz in Japan | Japanese Jazz, Kansas City & Finding the Hidden Clubs

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with author Michael Pronko, talking about his 2026 book A Guide to Jazz in Japan.

Michael was back in his old stomping grounds of Kansas City to sit down with Neon Jazz for a wide-ranging conversation about his early memories of KC, his journey to Japan, and how he became deeply woven into the country's extraordinary jazz culture.

In A Guide to Jazz in Japan, Pronko brings together jazz history, cultural insight, travel knowledge, and personal experience to explore one of the most vibrant jazz scenes in the world. More than a travel guide, the book is a love letter to Japanese jazz and an invaluable cultural resource for anyone curious about the music, people, clubs, neighborhoods, and traditions that make Japan's jazz scene so unique.

Whether you're planning a trip to Japan, living there, an armchair traveler, or simply a lifelong jazz fan, Michael Pronko points you toward some of the best Japanese jazz experiences — including places far beyond the usual tourist destinations.

From Kansas City to Japan, this conversation explores jazz, travel, culture, history, discovery, and the many unexpected connections between two great jazz worlds.

Dig into this wide-ranging Neon Jazz conversation with Michael Pronko and discover why Japan has become such an important destination for jazz lovers around the world.

Get Michael Pronko's book — A Guide to Jazz in Japan:
Michael Pronko — A Guide to Jazz in Japan

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Monday, September 14, 2026

Teri Pruitt: 25 Years on Broadway | Leadership, Teamwork & The Magic Behind the Curtain

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with 25-year Broadway veteran and founder of Open the Aperture Teri Pruitt.

Most people think Broadway is all about the stars. Teri Pruitt knows the real magic happens because hundreds of people work together behind the curtain — communicating, collaborating, trusting one another, solving problems, and showing up every night ready to perform.

After more than 30 years as a professional theatre artist, including over 25 years on Broadway, Teri has experienced firsthand how the theatrical process creates one of history's most fascinating living laboratories for teamwork, leadership, communication, collaboration, and trust.

That experience became the foundation for Open the Aperture, where Teri brings the lessons of theater into the business world through keynotes, workshops, consulting, and conversations designed to help organizations see their people, teams, and possibilities differently.

Her roots are in Overland Park, Kansas, but her remarkable professional story took hold in New York City and on Broadway. In this wide-ranging conversation, we cover the entire ride — from her Kansas City-area beginnings to more than two decades of Broadway experience and the evolution of that experience into a new mission helping leaders and organizations.

What can Broadway teach us about leadership? What does it take to build trust within a team? How do hundreds of people with different roles and responsibilities work together toward one shared outcome?

Teri Pruitt has spent decades living those answers.

This is a fascinating conversation about Broadway, theater, leadership, teamwork, communication, trust, collaboration, creativity, career transformation, and the power of seeing the bigger picture.

Dig into the story behind the curtain with Teri Pruitt.

More Teri Pruitt / Open the Aperture:
Teri Pruitt

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Finance Guru Bill Korman: The 168 Game | Navy Leadership, Time Ownership, Resilience & Thriving Under Pressure

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with Former Navy Chief, wealth strategist, author, leadership strategist, and time management expert Bill Korman.

After serving 20 years in the U.S. Navy, Bill built a career around leadership, resilience, discipline, and helping people perform at their best in high-pressure environments. Drawing from decades of military leadership and experience advising organizations, he shares practical lessons on leadership, adaptability, accountability, structure, and staying effective when the stakes are high.

Bill is also passionate about helping people take control of the one resource nobody gets more of: time.

His book, The 168 Game: Time Ownership vs. Time Management, challenges the traditional way we think about managing our schedules. Instead of simply trying to manage an endless list of tasks, Bill focuses on owning your time, creating structure, establishing priorities, and making the most of the 168 hours available to us every week.

From military leadership to wealth strategy, resilience, productivity, discipline, and personal performance, this conversation covers it all.

We dig into what it takes to thrive in chaos and uncertainty, develop habits that create results, lead under pressure, and build a life where you are more intentional about where your time goes.

If you're interested in time management, productivity, leadership development, military leadership, resilience, personal growth, or taking greater control of your life, this conversation with Bill Korman has plenty of practical insight.

Dig into this fascinating conversation and discover the 168 Game.

More Bill Korman:
BFL Agency

Book: The 168 Game: Time Ownership vs. Time Management

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Delphin Kyubwa: Making Sense of AI | AI Literacy, Education, Governance & His Congo-to-America Journey

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with technology leader, AI educator, and author Delphin Kyubwa.

With more than 20 years of experience in technology transformation, Delphin brings a unique perspective to the rapidly changing world of artificial intelligence. He serves as Branch Chief at the California Department of Technology, teaches computer science at Sierra College in Rocklin, California, and writes and speaks about AI adoption, AI governance, and practical AI literacy.

His latest book, Making Sense of AI, offers educators and curious learners a practical approach to understanding and using artificial intelligence effectively and responsibly.

But Delphin's story goes far beyond technology.

From his base in Sacramento, California, we explore his remarkable journey from the Congo to America and beyond, the experiences that shaped his career, his path into technology and education, and what he believes people need to understand as AI continues transforming the way we work, teach, learn, and live.

We dig into AI literacy, artificial intelligence in education, responsible AI adoption, AI governance, technology leadership, teaching computer science, and the future of AI — along with the personal story behind the professional accomplishments.

Whether you're an educator, technology professional, business leader, student, or simply trying to make sense of the AI revolution, this conversation with Delphin Kyubwa offers plenty to consider.

Dig into this fascinating journey from the Congo to America — and into the future of artificial intelligence.

Get the book — Making Sense of AI:
Making Sense of AI on Amazon

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