Jazz Drummer John Clay on His Career & Leading His First Album About Time (2026)

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with NYC-based veteran drummer, in-demand musician, and jazz leader John Clay.

We caught up with John to discuss his first album as a leader, About Time (2026), along with his long and evolving journey through the world of jazz.

Known for his creativity, fluid rhythmic feel, and ability to move seamlessly across musical styles, John has built a reputation as a go-to drummer on the New York scene. Originally from Louisville, he began playing in local bands at just 13 years old before relocating to New York City at 25—where he’s worked alongside some of the best in the business.

After years of supporting other artists, John steps into the spotlight with About Time, marking a major milestone as a bandleader and creative force.

In this conversation, we dive into his musical roots, artistic growth, and what it means to finally lead the charge.

🥁 Get the album & more:
https://johnclaymusic.com/about-time/

For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/
Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkc
Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2

The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER 

LehCats Interview – Karen & Norbert Stachel on Live at the Breakroom (2026)

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with jazz couple and dynamic duo LehCats—featuring Karen Stachel and Norbert Stachel.

We caught up with them to discuss their 2026 album Live at the Breakroom, recorded with legendary percussionist Giovanni Hidalgo.

Norbert, a versatile saxophonist and multi-woodwind player, is known for his unique voice as both a soloist and ensemble musician across genres. Karen, a celebrated flutist and composer, blends innovation with deep roots in straight-ahead jazz—creating a sound that is both fresh and grounded.

Together as LehCats, they bring a powerful musical connection and chemistry that shines through in every performance.

In this interview, we explore their journey, creative process, and the story behind their latest release.

🎶 Get the album:
https://lehcats.com/music

For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/
Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkc
Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2

The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER 

Mark DeCarlo Interview – Emmy-Winning Comedian on Success, Wellness & Purpose

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with Emmy Award-winning comedian, international motivational speaker, and corporate event host Mark DeCarlo.

Mark’s journey began with a life-changing moment—as an unhealthy 250 lb. high school freshman, a near-death experience pushed him to transform his life. That turning point led to a career filled with success across television, film, animation, and live performance.

Over the years, he has hosted a series on the Travel Channel, performed in dozens of TV shows and films, and brought his improvisational skills to stages around the world.

Today, Mark shares his insights on creativity, wellness, communication, and purpose through professional training and development workshops—helping teams and individuals unlock higher levels of performance and connection.

He is also the author of the best-selling book A Fork on the Road, where he shares powerful stories of transformation and success.

From his base in Los Angeles, we dive into his incredible journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

Enjoy this inspiring and entertaining conversation.

🔗 Learn more:
https://www.markdecarlospeaker.com/

For More Famous Interviews: Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991
Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh

The Home of Famous Interviews: http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_b

Joshua Routh | Sword Swallower, Author, Speaker & Founder

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with sword swallower, author, professional speaker, and founder of Circus Kaput, Joshua Routh.

Joshua is one of fewer than 100 sword swallowers in the world—an extraordinary entertainer who has captivated audiences globally. A graduate of the San Francisco Circus Center, where he was named “Class Clown,” he has built a career blending performance, storytelling, and powerful communication.

In 2003, he received a Community Arts Training Fellowship for his work as a social artist, and has performed everywhere from the Smithsonian Institution to Ripley’s Believe It or Not!.

Today, Joshua leads one of the Midwest’s largest resources for variety entertainers and is the author of Mind Blowing Presentations and his latest 2026 release, The S Word: Wielding Sincerity in a World of Performance.

From his base in St. Louis, we explore his journey from circus performer to impactful speaker, and how authenticity and storytelling can transform the way we communicate.

This is a story you won’t forget.

🔗 Learn more:
https://joshuarouth.com/

For More Famous Interviews: Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991
Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh

The Home of Famous Interviews: http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_b

Glen Lubbert Interview – Behavior Change, Performance & Building Stamina Lab

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with Co-Founder and CEO of Stamina Lab, Glen Lubbert.

Based in Austin, Glen leads a science-backed platform focused on behavior change for health, wellness, and performance. Through coaching, tools, and training programs, Stamina Lab helps professionals improve energy, focus, and resilience—without the guilt, shame, or overwhelm that often comes with trying to change.

A former Division I athlete, certified performance coach, and lifelong entrepreneur, Glen is now dedicated to training the next generation of health coaches, clinicians, and changemakers.

His philosophy is simple but powerful: people aren’t broken—and lasting change doesn’t come from fixing problems, but from building better systems and behaviors.

In this conversation, we explore his journey, the science of behavior change, and how to create sustainable results in both life and work.

Enjoy this inspiring story.

🔗 Learn more:
http://staminalab.io/ 

For More Famous Interviews: Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991
Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh

The Home of Famous Interviews: http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_b

Connie Warden Interview – Acupuncture, Yoga & Holistic Healing for Mind-Body Wellness

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with acupuncturist, yoga enthusiast, speaker, and author Connie Warden.

Connie is a lifelong explorer of human potential, holding a Master’s degree in Oriental Medicine and bringing over 40 years of experience as a yoga student and more than 20 years as a teacher.

Her work blends acupuncture, mindfulness training, meditation, and movement—offering a holistic approach to health that considers the deep connection between mind and body. She emphasizes how Oriental medicine provides a different and often complementary lens to Allopathic Medicine.

Based in Denver, Connie shares insights on vitality, balance, and sustainable wellness practices that support long-term health.

In this conversation, we explore her journey, philosophy, and practical tools for living a more mindful and energized life.

🔗 Learn more:
https://conniewarden.com/ 

For More Famous Interviews: Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991
Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh

The Home of Famous Interviews: http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_b

William Schuhlein Interview – Hypnosis, Trauma Healing & Subconscious Transformation

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with clinical master hypnotist William Schuhlein.

Bill helps clients uncover and work through subconscious patterns that often go unnoticed—but can deeply influence behavior, habits, and emotional well-being. His work focuses on helping people overcome trauma, break free from limiting beliefs, and create lasting transformation.

After facing personal challenges of his own, Bill discovered the life-changing potential of hypnosis. That journey led him to become certified with the National Guild of Hypnotists and eventually found Renewed-Life Hypnosis & Wellness Center.

From his base in Boca Raton, Bill now helps individuals achieve a wide range of goals—from weight loss and addiction recovery to improved confidence and emotional healing.

This is a powerful conversation about growth, redemption, and the ability to change from within.

🔗 More Bill:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-schuhlein-b0191010/

http://www.renewedlifehypnosis.com/ 

For More Famous Interviews: Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991
Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh

The Home of Famous Interviews: http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_b

Isabella Isherwood Interview – Jazz Vocals, Theater & The Sweetest Sounds (2026)

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series. On this episode, we talk with Chicago-based actor, vocalist, pianist, music director, and conductor Isabella Isherwood.

We caught up with her to discuss her debut 2026 album The Sweetest Sounds, and a promising career that continues to expand across stage, screen, and music.

A dynamic and versatile performer, Isabella has trained at The Second City, Acting Studio Chicago, and the Jazz Institute of Chicago—bringing a rich blend of theatricality and musicality to her jazz artistry.

In this conversation, we explore her journey, creative process, and the evolution of her sound as she steps into the spotlight with her first full-length release.

This is a fresh and exciting voice in modern jazz.

Dig this interview.

🎶 Get the album & more:
https://www.isabellaisherwood.com/

For More Neon Jazz: Shows via MixCloud: https://www.mixcloud.com/neonjazzkc/
Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/user/neonjazzkc
Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-joe-dimino/id546432639?mt=2

The Home of Neon Jazz: http://theneonjazz.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Neon Jazz via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=ER 

Savio P. Clemente Interview – Resilience, Leadership Under Pressure & Beating Cancer

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with keynote and TEDx speaker, healthcare leadership strategist, wellness coach, and journalist Savio P. Clemente.

Savio helps executives regain composure, clarity, and strategic focus after crisis. Drawing on more than 2,000 expert interviews—and his own powerful journey as a two-time cancer survivor—he developed the Adaptive Resilience Leadership framework.

His work focuses on reducing cognitive fatigue, improving decision-making, and helping leaders perform at their best under high-stakes pressure.

In this conversation, we explore his career journey, lessons from battling cancer, and how resilience can be built, not just endured.

This is a deeply human and practical discussion on leadership, adversity, and growth.

🔗 Learn more:
https://www.saviopclemente.com/

For More Famous Interviews: Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991
Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh

The Home of Famous Interviews: http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_b

Anna Machkalov Interview – Hypnotherapy, Subconscious Healing & Mind-Body Connection

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with certified hypnotherapist Anna Machkalov.

With over 23 years of experience in cosmetic medicine, Anna has worked closely with patients during some of their most vulnerable moments—developing a deep understanding of the mind-body connection, and how safety, trust, and perception influence healing.

Alongside her medical career, she has spent decades exploring consciousness and the power of the subconscious mind. That journey led her to formal hypnotherapy training during the pandemic, where she began helping clients reprogram limiting beliefs and unlock lasting change.

Based in Los Angeles, Anna shares insights into hypnotherapy, subconscious transformation, and how true healing often begins from within.

This is a fascinating conversation about the hidden forces that shape our thoughts, behaviors, and lives.

🔗 Learn more:
https://annamachypnosis.com/

For More Famous Interviews: Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991
Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh

The Home of Famous Interviews: http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_b

Dr. Patrick Porter Interview – BrainTap, Neuroplasticity & Peak Performance

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with neuroscience expert, inventor of BrainTap, and performance innovator Dr. Patrick Porter.

Dr. Porter has helped over 120,000 people—including pro athletes, veterans, and high achievers—optimize their mental performance and well-being. His work is grounded in more than 30 clinical studies and blends brainwave science, visualization, and the principles of neuroplasticity.

He has been featured in major outlets like The Wall Street Journal and CNN, and has appeared on The Joe Rogan Experience.

His upcoming book, Brain Fitness Blueprint, offers a fresh, science-backed approach to improving mental clarity, emotional resilience, and overall brain health.

In this conversation, we explore the science behind brain optimization, practical tools for everyday life, and how anyone can begin rewiring their mind for better results.

This is a powerful look inside the brain—and how to unlock its full potential.

🔗 Learn more:
https://drpatrickporter.com/

For More Famous Interviews: Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991
Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh

The Home of Famous Interviews: http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_b

Entrepreneur, Tech Visionary & CEO/Founder of Famous.ai & Supercool.com Alex Mehr - Part II

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with entrepreneur, tech visionary, and CEO/founder of Famous.ai and Supercool.com, Alex Mehr.

This marks his second appearance on the show, and this time we go deeper into his work in artificial intelligence, building platforms that bring ideas and dreams to life, and his broader vision for the future of technology and human potential.

From his base in Puerto Rico, Alex shares insights on innovation, entrepreneurship, and what it takes to build impactful tech companies in today’s rapidly evolving landscape.

This is a forward-thinking conversation about AI, creativity, and turning vision into reality.

🔗 Learn more:
https://famous.ai/
https://supercool.com/

For More Famous Interviews: Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991
Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh

The Home of Famous Interviews: http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_b

The Toni Will Interview – Sports Leadership, Sobriety & Rebellious Success

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with professional sports executive, author, speaker, and creator of empowHER, Toni Will.

Toni serves as the General Manager and Governor of the Kalamazoo Wings, a men’s professional hockey team in the ECHL. She leads in a high-pressure, male-dominated industry with a focus on culture, performance, and innovation.

Beyond sports, she is the founder of empowHER, an annual women’s empowerment conference, and host of the Women In… Podcast. A TEDx speaker and Ironman triathlete, Toni brings a unique blend of discipline, authenticity, and real-world leadership to everything she does.

Her upcoming book, Rebellious Success (releasing August 11, 2026), explores the mindset and identity shifts needed to lead boldly and live fully.

Today, her work centers on what alcohol-free living unlocks—clarity, confidence, and courageous leadership.

From her base in Kalamazoo, we dive into leadership, identity, and thriving under pressure.

Enjoy this powerful conversation.

More Toni Will:
https://www.toniwill.com/ 

For More Famous Interviews: Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991
Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh

The Home of Famous Interviews: http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_b

Author Charles Evan Stewart Interview – LBJ, Legal History & Untold American Stories

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with author, attorney, educator, and historian Charles Evan Stewart.

A recently retired senior partner from a major international law firm in New York City, Charles brings decades of legal and academic experience to his work. He is a visiting professor at Cornell University and an adjunct professor at Fordham Law School.

He has published nearly 300 articles across respected outlets like the New York Law Journal, New York Business Law Journal, and the Federal Bar Council Quarterly. In 2016, he received the Sanford D. Levy Award from the New York State Bar Association for his contributions to legal ethics.

In this conversation, we explore the fascinating, lesser-known stories behind his books—including his latest work on Lyndon B. Johnson—blending history, law, and storytelling into a compelling narrative.

This is where deep knowledge meets engaging storytelling.

Enjoy this insightful interview.

📚 Learn more about Charles Evan Stewart:
https://www.cevanstewartauthor.com/

For More Famous Interviews: Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991
Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh

The Home of Famous Interviews: http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_b

Mark McFatridge Interview – CEO Leadership, Decision-Making & Building Quade

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with podcaster, founder, and CEO of Quade, Mark McFatridge.

Mark leads a national CEO peer advisory network focused on leadership through connection, perspective, and shared experience. His journey began when he was tasked with turning around one of the lowest-performing regions of a national bank—far from home and without a roadmap. That experience shaped his belief that CEOs make better decisions when they have trusted peers and honest feedback.

In 2021, he founded Quade to help leaders overcome isolation, gain clarity, and lead with confidence at the highest level.

Mark is also the host of the podcast Igniting the CEO Within, where he shares real conversations about executive decision-making, resilience, and leadership.

Based in Indianapolis, we explore his journey, leadership philosophy, and the realities of leading at the top.

Enjoy this insightful interview.

More Mark McFatridge & Quade:
https://quadecircle.com/

For More Famous Interviews: Subscribe via Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgi6GpDDDrc_PgOzaERGbLQ Subscribe via iTunes/Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/famous-interviews-with-joe-dimino/id1660256991
Subscribe via Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7j92QDS13LXgajPt80X2dh

The Home of Famous Interviews: http://famousinterviewswithjoedimino.blogspot.com/

Contribute to Famous Interviews via PayPal:                    https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_b