Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino: 2026

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

Jazz Bassist Shawn Lovato on His New Album Biotic & His Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader Shawn Lovato.

In this episode, we discuss his acclaimed 2026 release, Biotic, a bold and imaginative project that redefines the possibilities of the chordless tenor trio.

Joining Shawn on the album are celebrated tenor saxophonist Ingrid Laubrock and drummer Henry Mermer. Together, they create a sound that blends atmospheric textures, adventurous improvisation, punk-inspired energy, and deep jazz tradition.

Growing up outside New York City, Shawn's earliest influences came from punk, metal, and hip-hop rather than jazz. Those underground sounds helped shape his creative voice and ultimately informed his unique approach to improvised music. His path through jazz was unconventional, leading him to discover and reinterpret the legacy of chordless tenor ensembles through a modern lens.

We discuss the making of Biotic, composition, improvisation, musical influences, collaboration, jazz history, and the ongoing evolution of contemporary jazz.

Get the album:
Biotic on Bandcamp

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Dr. Michael Kosoy on The Ten Dimensions of Kabbalistic Biology, CDC & More

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with retired CDC research biologist, scientist, and author Dr. Michael Kosoy.

For more than 25 years, Dr. Kosoy worked at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), studying infectious diseases that emerge in nature and affect human populations. His research took him to more than 30 countries and spanned disciplines ranging from molecular genetics and microbiology to ecology and large-scale ecosystem analysis. Throughout his distinguished scientific career, he authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications that continue to influence research worldwide.

In this conversation, we explore his thought-provoking 2026 book, The Ten Dimensions of Kabbalistic Biology: A Scientist's Guide to Entering the Invisible World of Life. Drawing on decades of scientific investigation, Dr. Kosoy proposes that biology cannot be fully understood through observable data alone. He argues that unseen dimensions of life may play an important role in shaping health, disease, evolution, and ecosystems.

We discuss the intersections of science and philosophy, the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, the limitations of conventional biological models, and the possibilities that emerge when scientific inquiry is combined with broader perspectives on life and nature.

From his base in Colorado, Dr. Kosoy shares a fascinating journey that bridges rigorous scientific research with profound questions about the invisible forces shaping our world.

Enjoy this compelling conversation.

Learn more:
https://www.kabbalahbiology.com/

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Black, Gay, Christian & Done Hiding with Shermain Melton | Success, Faith and Finding Your Voice

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with author, entrepreneur, speaker, and truth-teller Shermain Melton.

Shermain's story is one of resilience, faith, courage, and authenticity. Growing up surrounded by poverty, gun violence, and drug activity, he overcame extraordinary circumstances to become a self-made, debt-free millionaire. Along the way, he faced another profound challenge: reconciling his Christian faith with the reality of being a gay man in communities that often rejected him for living his truth.

For years, Shermain struggled with the feeling that he was being asked to choose between faith and authenticity. The journey cost him friendships, business opportunities, and acceptance in certain circles, but it ultimately led him to a deeper understanding of purpose, self-worth, and freedom.

As the author of The Loneliness of the Accomplished Black Man, Shermain explores success, identity, survivor's guilt, and the hidden struggles that often accompany achievement. Today, he encourages others to stop shrinking themselves to fit into spaces that were never designed for them and instead live boldly and authentically.

From his base in Phoenix, Arizona, we discuss faith, entrepreneurship, success, identity, resilience, personal growth, and the power of embracing who you truly are. This is an honest, moving, and inspiring conversation you won't want to miss.

More Shermain:
https://www.shermainmelton.com/

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Executive Coach Jay Meacham on Helping Builders Create More Freedom in Life

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with entrepreneur, executive coach, business strategist, and leadership expert Jay Meacham.

Known as the go-to mind coach for builders who want more from life, Jay helps residential home builders, contractors, tradespeople, and construction industry professionals break free from burnout, reclaim their time, strengthen their leadership, and build lives that are as solid as the homes they create.

Growing up on an Iowa farm, Jay learned the value of hard work, resilience, and personal responsibility early in life. Those lessons helped carry him through a successful career in Fortune 500 leadership before he dedicated himself to serving the often-overlooked professionals who build and shape communities every day.

Today, through coaching, mentoring, and strategic guidance, Jay works with builders and skilled trades professionals to develop stronger businesses, healthier mindsets, greater financial freedom, and more meaningful lives. His approach combines practical business strategies with personal growth principles designed to help clients create success both professionally and personally.

From his base in Liberty, Missouri, we discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, mindset, business growth, work-life balance, personal development, construction industry challenges, and the importance of creating a purpose-driven life.

This is an inspiring conversation for builders, contractors, entrepreneurs, business owners, and anyone looking to build something meaningful.

Learn more about Jay:
Coach Jay Meacham Official Website

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Monday, June 15, 2026

Wear Joy Method Creator Casey Lum on Confidence, Wellness & The Fashion Wellness Revolution

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with keynote speaker, image coach, wellness advocate, and creator of the Wear Joy Method, Casey Lum.

Casey is leading what she calls the Fashion Wellness Revolution, helping people rethink the relationship between clothing, confidence, mental well-being, and self-expression. While fashion is often viewed as superficial, Casey believes it can be one of the most powerful wellness tools available when approached with intention and awareness.

Through her signature Wear Joy Method, she teaches women how to transform their daily closet experience from a source of stress, overwhelm, and self-criticism into a ritual that fosters confidence, clarity, energy, and focus. Her approach centers on the idea that personal style is not about buying more—it is about understanding yourself more deeply and aligning your outward appearance with your inner values.

In this conversation, we discuss fashion psychology, mental health, confidence, self-image, consumer culture, personal transformation, and why something as simple as getting dressed each morning can create a powerful ripple effect throughout an entire day.

From her base in Los Angeles, Casey shares insights into her journey, her mission, and the growing movement helping people discover greater joy through intentional style choices.

Learn more about Casey and the Wear Joy Project:
Wear Joy Project Official Website
Wear Joy Project Instagram

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Author & Executive Coach Adam Tilove on Why Brilliant People Can't Get Started

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with author, executive coach, educator, and founder of NeuroDiscipline, Adam Tilove.

Adam is the author of the book Split Second: Stop Stalling, Start Doing, a groundbreaking exploration of the half-second between deciding and acting—a moment where countless dreams, projects, and ambitions either move forward or quietly disappear.

A former Head of School and Certified Executive Coach, Adam works with high-performing professionals who often find themselves trapped by procrastination, perfectionism, and unfinished ideas. His NeuroDiscipline framework helps people understand why even the most talented and intelligent individuals struggle to take action and how they can reclaim momentum.

One of the most powerful moments in Adam's story came when he rediscovered a second-grade report card from 1980. His teacher had written: "Brilliant projects falling by the wayside." Forty-six years later, the observation still resonated deeply. That realization helped inspire a lifetime of learning, growth, and ultimately the creation of a system designed to help others overcome the same challenges.

Today, Adam is three years sober and dedicates his work to helping professionals stop stalling, build consistency, and finish what matters most.

From his base in Overland Park, Kansas, we discuss personal transformation, executive coaching, sobriety, productivity, leadership, psychology, performance, and the practical strategies behind creating meaningful change.

More Adam:
NeuroDiscipline Official Website

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Stanford Jazz Workshop Director Cory Combs Talks Jazz Festival 2026 with Branford Marsalis, Billy Childs & More

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Cory Combs, Executive Director of the Stanford Jazz Workshop, discussing the highly anticipated 54th Annual Stanford Jazz Festival.

In this conversation, Cory takes us through his journey from Wichita to one of the most respected positions in jazz education and presents a comprehensive look at the six-week celebration of music, culture, and learning taking place from June 21 through July 31, 2026.

Since its founding in 1972, the Stanford Jazz Festival has grown into one of America's premier jazz destinations, attracting thousands of music lovers from around the world to the beautiful campus of Stanford University. The 2026 edition celebrates jazz's rich history while showcasing its vibrant future through more than 25 performances, educational opportunities, world premieres, family-friendly events, and international collaborations.

Highlights include centennial celebrations honoring jazz legends Miles Davis and Jimmy Heath, featuring performances by acclaimed artists Jeremy Pelt, Jeb Patton, and David Wong.

The festival lineup also includes world-renowned performers such as Billy Childs, George Cables, Branford Marsalis, and Anat Cohen, alongside celebrated artists including The Westerlies, Nick Rossi, Nicolas Bearde, and Sasha Berliner.

We discuss jazz education, the importance of live performance, the festival's unique atmosphere, community impact, and why Stanford Jazz Festival remains one of the most exciting annual events on the jazz calendar.

For program details, artist updates, and tickets:
Stanford Jazz Festival Official Website

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Sunday, June 14, 2026

Jazz Saxophonist Maria Grand Discusses Her New 2026 Album Both Sides

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed jazz saxophonist, composer, bandleader, and creative visionary Maria Grand.

In this episode, we discuss her powerful and deeply personal 2026 release, Both Sides, along with her artistic journey, live performances, creative process, and perspectives on music and culture in 2026.

As her fourth full-length album, Both Sides explores duality in both structure and storytelling. One side of the project features Maria's working quartet with bassist Rashaan Carter, percussionist Shakoor Hakeem, and drummer Miguel Russell, delivering the adventurous, expressive, and emotionally resonant music that has become her signature.

The album's other side expands beyond traditional performance through audio liner notes narrated by Jasmine Wilson, featuring Maria on saxophone alongside acclaimed pianist Angelica Sanchez. The result is a unique listening experience that merges music, reflection, narrative, and personal history.

Throughout this conversation, we explore the inspiration behind Both Sides, the evolution of her sound, the importance of storytelling in jazz, the realities of performing and creating in today's musical landscape, and her thoughts on America and the arts in 2026.

Maria Grand continues to emerge as one of the most compelling and original voices in contemporary jazz, and this interview offers a fascinating look into the mind of an artist unafraid to push boundaries while remaining deeply connected to personal truth and expression.

Get the album:
Both Sides on Bandcamp

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Brooklyn Jazz Pianist Luke Marantz on His New Album Echoes & His Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed Brooklyn-based jazz pianist, composer, improviser, and sonic explorer Luke Marantz.

In this episode, we discuss his mesmerizing 2026 release, Echoes, and take a deep dive into his journey through jazz, improvisation, composition, and modern music.

Created alongside bassist and guitarist Simon Jermyn, Echoes presents a captivating collection of duets that showcase a musical partnership developed over more than a decade. The album explores expansive sonic landscapes while blending jazz improvisation with elements of electronic music, contemporary classical composition, ambient textures, and post-rock influences. Additional contributions from drummer Josh Dion add further depth to the project.

Recognized by NPR as “among the best young American jazz pianists,” Luke has established himself as one of the most creative voices of his generation. Whether performing on acoustic piano or synthesizer, he continuously pushes the boundaries of genre while maintaining a strong connection to improvisation and jazz tradition.

We discuss the making of Echoes, artistic growth, collaboration, improvisation, electronic textures, contemporary composition, and the experiences that have shaped his musical voice—from his roots in Dallas to his time in Boston and his current home in Brooklyn.

This conversation offers a fascinating look into the creative process of an artist redefining what modern jazz can be.

Get the album and learn more:
Chill Tone Records Bandcamp

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Married Jazz Duo Al and Stacey Schulman on Their New Album Crazy World & Much More

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring married jazz collaborators, guitarist Al Schulman and vocalist Stacey Schulman.

In this episode, we dive into their thought-provoking new 2026 album, Crazy World, and explore their shared journey through music, creativity, collaboration, and life together.

Created during a period marked by cultural upheaval, rapid technological change, and uncertainty, Crazy World captures the feeling of living in an era where familiar foundations often seem to be shifting beneath our feet. Rather than offering easy answers, the album embraces the complexity of the modern moment—examining questions of truth, perception, authenticity, and human connection.

The project features an exceptional lineup of musicians, including legendary drummer Jeff Watts, bassist Corcoran Holt, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Dante Pope, and acclaimed pianist, arranger, and producer Gil Goldstein.

Beyond the music, we discuss how Al and Stacey first met, their evolution as artists and partners, the creative process behind the album, and the unique experience of building a musical life together.

This is an engaging conversation about jazz, relationships, artistic expression, collaboration, and finding meaning through music in a rapidly changing world.

Get the album:
Crazy World on Amazon Music

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Saturday, June 13, 2026

From Harlem Club Owner to Recording Artist | Marcus Goldhaber on His New Album The Promise of You & His Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed jazz vocalist, songwriter, bandleader, entrepreneur, and former club owner Marcus Goldhaber.

In this episode, we discuss his outstanding 2026 album, The Promise of You, along with his fascinating journey through the world of jazz, performance, songwriting, and club ownership.

On his sixth recording as a leader, Marcus presents a compelling collection that balances original compositions with timeless jazz standards. The album reflects both artistic growth and a renewed commitment to music after an important chapter in his life as the founder and owner of Room 623, a beloved Harlem listening room that became known for intimate performances and a deep appreciation of jazz artistry.

While operating Room 623 was a labor of love, it also required Marcus to place much of his recording career on hold. After closing the club, he returned his focus fully to creating music, resulting in the heartfelt and sophisticated recordings found on The Promise of You.

Co-produced with acclaimed pianist Art Hirahara, the album features a stellar ensemble including bassist Michael O'Brien and drummer Alvester Garnett, along with special guest appearances from GRAMMY-nominated guitarist Paul Bollenback, saxophonist and clarinetist Jay Rattman, trumpeter Summer Camargo, and three-time GRAMMY-winning percussionist Keita Ogawa.

We discuss the making of the album, jazz vocals, songwriting, entrepreneurship, running a music venue, artistic reinvention, and the experiences that shaped Marcus's unique path through the jazz world.

This is an inspiring conversation about passion, perseverance, creativity, and the enduring power of great music.

Get the album and learn more:
The Promise of You on Bandcamp

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Jazz Saxophonist Dave Schumacher on Cubeye's New Album Agua Con Gas & His Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring acclaimed jazz saxophonist, composer, arranger, bandleader, educator, and longtime New York jazz fixture Dave Schumacher.

In this episode, we dive into the new 2026 Cubeye album, Agua Con Gas, while exploring Dave's remarkable four-decade journey through the world of jazz.

For more than 40 years, Dave Schumacher has been a vital presence on the New York jazz scene. As a freelance baritone saxophonist, he has performed in over 465 cities across 41 countries on five continents, building a truly international career through performance, collaboration, composition, and education.

Dave toured extensively throughout the Americas and Europe as a member of Lionel Hampton's orchestra during the 1980s, helping carry on the legacy of one of jazz's most celebrated big bands. One of his career highlights came in 1987 when he traveled to Japan with the Art Blakey Big Band to perform at the renowned Mt. Fuji Jazz Festival.

In 1990, Dave became an original member of Harry Connick Jr.'s orchestra, adding another significant chapter to a career filled with memorable performances and collaborations.

We discuss the inspiration behind Agua Con Gas, life on the road, the evolution of jazz, international touring, arranging, composing, teaching, and the experiences that shaped one of the most respected baritone saxophonists working today.

This conversation is packed with stories from decades on the bandstand and offers a fascinating look into the life of a dedicated jazz artist who has seen the music from every angle.

Get the album and learn more:
Dave Schumacher Bandcamp Page

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Friday, June 12, 2026

From Ironworker to Safety Expert | Author Kim Pierce on 34+ Years in the Trades

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with acclaimed construction safety expert, author, trades professional, and industry leader Kim Pierce.

With more than 34 years in the construction industry, Kim has built an extraordinary career rooted in hard work, resilience, leadership, and a commitment to protecting workers. Growing up in Minnesota, she learned the fundamentals of construction from her father before embarking on a remarkable journey through the trades.

Kim spent 14 years working hands-on as a carpenter and ironworker, gaining firsthand experience on job sites, from roofing projects to bridge construction. Those experiences—including real-world close calls and near misses—eventually inspired her transition into construction safety, where she has dedicated decades to helping workers stay safe and return home to their families.

We discuss her powerful book, The Hands That Built This, which explores the realities of life in the trades, workplace safety, leadership, and the lessons learned from a lifetime in construction.

Beyond her safety career, Kim is also an accomplished fiction writer. Under the pen name Jake B. Cage, she writes science fiction and post-apocalyptic novels. We also discuss the latest installment in her Enclave Series, Shadows Beneath the Ruins, and how storytelling complements her professional life.

From a conversation recorded while traveling through Ontario, California, Kim shares insights on workplace safety, leadership, women in construction, skilled trades, writing, perseverance, and the value of experience.

This is a fascinating discussion for construction professionals, safety leaders, tradespeople, entrepreneurs, authors, and anyone inspired by stories of grit, determination, and lifelong learning.

Get the book:
The Hands That Built This on Amazon

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Pittsburgh Composer Laura Chu Wiens as AurallaurA on New Music & Her Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series featuring Pittsburgh-based jazz and world music composer, vocalist, songwriter, and cultural explorer Laura Chu Wiens, better known as AurallaurA.

In this episode, we discuss her fascinating 2026 release, The Critique of Capital: An Engaging Revue, along with her unique path into music, composition, performance, and global cultural exploration.

Raised in a Chinese-American household and shaped by extensive international experiences, Laura has developed an artistic voice that transcends borders and genres. Fluent in both Mandarin Chinese and Spanish, she has immersed herself in musical traditions around the world, studying and performing folk music in Chiapas, Mexico, township jazz in Cape Town, South Africa, Roma music in Belgrade, Serbia, and Lisu minority folk music in Yunnan, China.

Her creative journey has also included writing and performing vocal music for four productions on BBC Radio 4, further expanding her reach as a composer and storyteller.

What makes Laura's story particularly compelling is that music was never originally intended to be her primary path. Yet through curiosity, travel, language, cultural exchange, and artistic exploration, it evolved into a deeply meaningful career and creative mission.

In this conversation, we discuss world music, jazz, composition, cultural influences, global travel, language, songwriting, performance, creativity, identity, and the inspiration behind The Critique of Capital: An Engaging Revue.

This is a rich and engaging discussion for jazz fans, world music enthusiasts, composers, travelers, and anyone interested in how art can connect cultures and experiences from around the globe.

Learn more about AurallaurA:
AurallaurA Facebook Page

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