Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino

Wednesday, June 3, 2026

Ray Jozwiak Interview | Contemporary Jazz, Improvisation & Artistic Independence

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring veteran Delaware-based jazz pianist, composer, and improviser Ray Jozwiak.

We caught up with Ray to discuss his latest 2025 album, Ray's Music, and his fascinating lifelong relationship with jazz, improvisation, and creative expression.

The album features a collection of instrumental compositions filled with deep improvisation, adventurous musical ideas, and a personal artistic vision that reflects decades of musical exploration. While music was not his sole profession throughout his life, Ray has remained deeply committed to the art form and is now creating some of his most inspired work in retirement.

In this conversation, Ray reflects on his musical journey, his unique approach to creativity, and his willingness to follow his own artistic instincts rather than popular trends. We also discuss his years performing with OHO, the influential Baltimore-area musical collective that played a significant role in shaping his musical identity and continues to inspire his work today.

From jazz improvisation and composition to artistic independence and lifelong creativity, this interview offers a thoughtful look at a musician who has always followed his own path.

Learn more about Ray and his music:
Ray Jozwiak Official Website

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Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Jazz Bassist Matt Dwonszyk Talks New Album Live at the Side Door & His Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring accomplished jazz bassist, composer, arranger, and educator Matt Dwonszyk.

We caught up with Matt to discuss his outstanding 2026 release, Live at the Side Door, and his remarkable journey through the world of jazz.

Based in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, Matt has become one of the most sought-after bassists in New England. A graduate of the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz and holder of a master's degree from SUNY Purchase College, he has built a respected career as both a performer and educator. Today, he serves on the faculty of Manchester Community College and Central Connecticut State University while maintaining a busy performance schedule.

Matt began playing electric bass at age eleven before transitioning to upright bass during his time at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts. That decision launched a lifelong dedication to jazz, improvisation, composition, and musical excellence.

In this conversation, we discuss the making of Live at the Side Door, the experience of recording live jazz, his development as a bassist and bandleader, the importance of jazz education, and the lessons learned from years of performing with some of the region's finest musicians.

Get the album:
Live at the Side Door on Bandcamp

Learn more about Matt:
Matt Dwonszyk Official Website

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Serial Entrepreneur Danny M. Goldberg on Business Growth, Risk Intelligence & Leadership Success

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with author, serial entrepreneur, executive leader, and professional speaker Danny M. Goldberg.

With more than 16 years of experience leading national training programs and building successful businesses across multiple industries, Danny has established himself as a respected voice in leadership, professional development, business strategy, and organizational growth. As the founder of several successful ventures, including GoldSRD, he has built brands focused on leadership excellence, risk intelligence, people-first growth, and practical business solutions.

Danny oversees large-scale training initiatives, advises leaders, and speaks to executive audiences across the country. Known for his direct communication style, humor, and real-world perspective, he delivers insights that challenge conventional leadership thinking and encourage professionals to lead with confidence, accountability, and authenticity.

In this interview, we discuss entrepreneurship, leadership development, business growth, executive communication, risk management, professional success, personal development, and his new book, A Little Bit of A$$hole. We also explore the lessons learned from building multiple companies, leading teams, and helping organizations achieve sustainable growth.

From his base in Dallas, Danny shares a powerful story filled with experience, wisdom, and practical advice for entrepreneurs, leaders, and professionals at every stage of their journey.

More Danny:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannymgoldberg/

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Former Global HR Leader Marta Simeonova on Becoming a Better Manager

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with former Global HR Transformation Leader, leadership coach, and management expert Marta Simeonova.

After building a successful international career leading HR transformation initiatives and managing teams across five continents, Marta now helps managers and leaders increase their impact, improve performance, and achieve meaningful professional growth. Through her coaching work, she guides professionals in removing internal and external obstacles, managing time more intentionally, building stronger stakeholder relationships, and aligning success with personal fulfillment.

Based in Bulgaria, Marta brings a global perspective to leadership, drawing on years of experience working with diverse teams, cultures, and organizations. Her approach combines practical leadership strategies with self-awareness and personal alignment, helping clients reach their most important career goals while becoming more authentic and effective leaders.

In this conversation, we discuss leadership development, management skills, career advancement, executive coaching, productivity, communication, stakeholder management, organizational change, personal growth, and what it takes to thrive in today's fast-changing workplace.

Learn more about Marta Simeonova:
Manage to Soar Official Website

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Retired FBI Agent Eric Robinson on Crime Fighting, Faith & Life in the FBI

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with retired FBI Special Agent, author, and former pastor Eric Robinson.

After a distinguished 24-year career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Eric recently retired from federal service, having worked some of the most challenging and complex investigations in law enforcement. During his time with the FBI, he investigated white-collar crime, counterterrorism, crimes against children, gang activity, narcotics cases, and public corruption. He also served as a SWAT operator, firearms instructor, and tactics instructor.

Before joining the FBI, Eric spent 12 years in Christian ministry, including serving as a Baptist pastor in Western New York. His unique path from the pulpit to federal law enforcement gives him a perspective few people can offer.

In this conversation, we discuss his remarkable career, the lessons learned from decades of public service, leadership under pressure, faith, law enforcement, and his upcoming memoir, which shares humorous, surprising, and unforgettable stories from both his ministry and FBI careers.

From investigations and tactical operations to life lessons and personal growth, Eric's story is filled with fascinating experiences and valuable insights.

Learn more about Eric Robinson:
Preacher to Breacher Official Website

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Actor, Author & Minister Sandra Bargman on Authentic Living, Life Transitions & Personal Growth

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with actor, singer, director, interfaith minister, author, teacher, speaker, and podcaster Sandra Bargman.

With more than 35 years of experience as a creative professional, Sandra has built a career centered on helping people navigate life's most important transitions. As the host of the The Edge of Everyday Podcast, she explores what it means to live authentically, embrace change, discover purpose, and become the fullest expression of who you are.

Drawing from a rich background that combines creativity, personal development, spirituality, performance, and emotional insight, Sandra helps individuals move beyond limiting patterns and into lives marked by intention, courage, and meaningful communication. Whether facing a career change, personal reinvention, identity evolution, or a search for deeper fulfillment, her work provides guidance for navigating uncertainty with confidence and clarity.

From her home base in upstate New York, Sandra shares her remarkable journey through the arts, ministry, podcasting, teaching, and personal transformation. We discuss authenticity, creativity, communication, growth, purpose, resilience, and the lessons she has learned throughout a multifaceted and inspiring career.

Learn more about Sandra Bargman:
Sandra Bargman Official Website

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Canadian Jazz Saxophonist John Sweenie Talks Debut Album Mysticism for Intellectuals & His Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Canadian jazz saxophonist, composer, educator, and researcher John Sweenie.

We caught up with John to discuss his debut album, Mysticism for Intellectuals, and his unique journey through the worlds of jazz performance, composition, education, and scholarly research.

Recorded live over two nights at the legendary The Yardbird Suite, the album features an all-star ensemble and captures the energy, spontaneity, and depth of modern jazz performance. Mysticism for Intellectuals exists at the fascinating intersection of rigorous study and intuitive expression, reflecting John's ongoing effort to reconcile analytical understanding with artistic instinct.

In this conversation, we explore his roots in the bebop tradition, the influence of Black American Improvised Music, the process of internalizing and transmitting improvisational language, and how his work bridges performance, composition, and research. We also discuss the making of the album, live recording, jazz education, creative development, and the future of improvisational music.

John's thoughtful approach offers a compelling perspective on how jazz continues to evolve while remaining deeply connected to its rich traditions.

Learn more and get the album:
John Sweenie Official Website

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