Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

James Chesterton Interview | Ashes of the Republic, Political Thriller, AI, Privacy & America's Future

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with former educator, banking professional, and author James Chesterton.

We take a deep dive into his provocative new political thriller Ashes of the Republic, a work of speculative fiction and satire set in the year 2046. The novel imagines an America transformed by the consolidation of theocratic power, where government surveillance, artificial intelligence, data-driven control, and the fusion of religion and state have fundamentally altered everyday life.

Drawing inspiration from contemporary debates surrounding privacy, technology, governance, reproductive surveillance, civil liberties, and the growing role of AI in society, Ashes of the Republic explores how current trends could shape the future if left unchecked. Through a compelling narrative, the book raises important questions about freedom, power, technology, democracy, and the future of individual rights.

Before becoming an author, James spent more than three decades in the banking industry. A graduate of Hunter College, he began his professional journey teaching high school English before earning an MBA from University of Connecticut and transitioning into corporate banking.

In this conversation, we discuss the inspiration behind the novel, political satire, speculative fiction, artificial intelligence, privacy concerns, current events, leadership, career transitions, writing, and the broader social questions that shaped the book.

This is a fascinating discussion about storytelling, technology, democracy, and the future we may be creating today.

Enjoy this interview.

Learn more and get the book:
James Chesterton Official Website

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Monday, June 22, 2026

Jobert E. Abueva Interview | The Janus Plan, Reinvention, TEDx Speaker & Marketing Leadership

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with TEDx speaker, marketing executive, philanthropist, and author Jobert E. Abueva.

Jobert's story is one of transformation, resilience, and reinvention. Born in the Philippines and raised across Nepal, Thailand, and Japan through his father's academic career, he developed a global perspective at an early age. Those experiences taught him that the most challenging journeys are often internal—and that personal growth begins when we are willing to cross our own thresholds.

Drawing from decades of leadership experience, Jobert authored The Janus Plan, a framework designed to help individuals navigate change, rediscover purpose, and create meaningful new beginnings.

As a senior marketing and philanthropy executive at ETS (Educational Testing Service) in Princeton, New Jersey, Jobert has built a distinguished career spanning Fortune 500 leadership, international branding, and global business development. Earlier in his career, while leading one of the world's most recognizable beauty brands, Herbal Essences, he experienced a profound period of burnout that ultimately became the catalyst for personal reflection, transformation, and the creation of The Janus Plan.

In this conversation, we discuss leadership, burnout, reinvention, personal growth, marketing, global business, purpose-driven work, philanthropy, resilience, and the lessons learned from a life lived across cultures and industries.

From his homes in New Hope, Pennsylvania, and New York City, Jobert shares valuable insights on finding clarity, embracing change, and building a more meaningful life.

Enjoy this interview.

Learn more about Jobert E. Abueva:
Jobert E. Abueva Official Website

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Neil Jurd Interview | The Leadership Book, Army Veteran, TEDx Speaker & Global Leadership Coach

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with Army veteran, bestselling author, TEDx speaker, and global leadership coach Neil Jurd.

Neil is one of today's leading voices in leadership development, helping individuals, teams, and organizations build stronger leadership skills through practical, actionable strategies. As the author of The Leadership Book, he has made leadership principles easier to understand and apply in both professional and personal settings.

Drawing from his military experience and years of coaching leaders around the world, Neil founded a rapidly growing online leadership training platform that delivers hands-on team development and leadership programs. His approach combines proven theory with engaging, real-world exercises designed to create lasting results.

In this conversation, we discuss leadership, team building, personal growth, military lessons, business culture, communication, resilience, decision-making, and the inspiration behind The Leadership Book. Neil also shares insights from speaking at major events worldwide and appearing on many of today's top leadership podcasts.

Whether you're a business owner, executive, manager, entrepreneur, coach, or someone looking to improve your leadership abilities, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and valuable takeaways.

From his home base in the United Kingdom, we get into it all.

Enjoy this interview.

Learn more about Neil Jurd:
Neil Jurd Official Website

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Ralph Simone Interview | Slow Down to Go Faster, Leadership, TEDx & The Power of Pause

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with acclaimed leadership coach, TEDx speaker, author, and organizational development expert Ralph Simone.

For more than 25 years, Ralph has helped individuals, teams, and organizations elevate their performance, increase self-awareness, and unlock their full leadership potential. His latest book, Slow Down to Go Faster, explores the transformative power of intentional reflection, conscious leadership, and strategic pauses in a fast-moving world.

As a Black Belt in karate, lifelong learner, and avid reader, Ralph brings a unique perspective to leadership development—one rooted in discipline, continuous growth, and the understanding that meaningful progress often begins by slowing down.

We discuss the inspiration behind Slow Down to Go Faster, his TEDx talk The Power of Pause, leadership in today's world, personal growth, coaching, mindfulness, and the importance of creating space for better decision-making and stronger relationships.

Ralph also shares the experience of writing a book alongside his son and how that collaborative process made him a more effective writer, communicator, father, and leadership coach.

From his home base in New York, we cover leadership, purpose, family, coaching, learning, and much more.

Enjoy this inspiring conversation.

Learn more about Ralph Simone:
Slow Down to Go Faster Official Website

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Stephen Parisi Jr. Interview | Buddy!, Debut Jazz Album, Chicago Bassist & His Career

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring Chicago-based jazz bassist, composer, and bandleader Stephen Parisi Jr..

On this episode, we dive into his outstanding debut 2026 album Buddy!, a deeply personal recording that pays tribute to the mentors, family members, musical communities, and experiences that helped shape his artistic voice.

Originally from Buffalo, Stephen built a strong reputation as one of Western New York's most sought-after bassists before relocating to Chicago, where he continues to immerse himself in one of America's richest jazz traditions. Along the way, he developed a distinctive sound rooted in tradition while embracing the creative possibilities of modern jazz.

Produced by Buffalo jazz piano legend and longtime mentor George Caldwell, Buddy! features an exciting ensemble of emerging musicians performing a collection of original compositions that showcase Stephen's abilities as both a bassist and composer.

In this conversation, we discuss the making of Buddy!, mentorship, family influences, composition, the transition from Buffalo to Chicago, building a career in jazz, working with George Caldwell, and the importance of community in artistic growth.

The result is a heartfelt debut that celebrates friendship, gratitude, artistic development, and the people who help shape a musician's path.

We cover the whole story.

Enjoy.

Get the album:
Buddy! on Bandcamp

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Barry Greene Interview | Giants, Jazz Guitar Legends, Wes Montgomery Tribute & Lifetime in Jazz

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring acclaimed jazz guitarist, educator, author, and clinician Barry Greene.

On this episode, we sit down with the Jacksonville, Florida-based guitarist to discuss his outstanding 2026 release Giants, a deeply personal recording that honors the legendary musicians who helped shape his artistic voice and lifelong relationship with jazz.

Giants serves as a heartfelt tribute to some of the most influential guitarists in jazz history, including Pat Martino, Grant Green, Wes Montgomery, and Russell Malone. Through organ trio performances, modern ensemble arrangements, and intimate solo guitar explorations, Barry celebrates their influence while showcasing his own distinctive musical identity.

Known throughout the jazz world for his exceptional musicianship and decades of dedication to music education, Barry has inspired generations of students through teaching, clinics, masterclasses, instructional materials, and performances. His approach combines deep respect for jazz tradition with a highly personal and expressive artistic voice.

In this conversation, we discuss the making of Giants, the legacy of the guitar masters who inspired him, jazz education, improvisation, technique, mentorship, performing, recording, and the lessons learned from a lifetime devoted to music.

We also explore his journey from New Jersey to an internationally respected career as one of today's most admired jazz guitar educators and performers.

Enjoy this interview.

Get the album:
Giants on Origin Records

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Early Times Interview | 2026 Album Border Crossings, Jazz-Blues Fusion & SiriusXM Legend

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz Interview Series featuring veteran guitarist, singer, songwriter, producer, composer, and longtime SiriusXM personality Early Times.

On this episode, we dive into his outstanding 2026 release Border Crossings, a dynamic recording that seamlessly blends jazz, blues, Latin rhythms, and American roots music into a vibrant and soulful musical statement.

What makes Border Crossings especially compelling is the way it was recorded—captured live in a single session with an all-star ensemble featuring legendary drummer Steve Gadd, bassist Luques Curtis, pianist Zaccai Curtis, and saxophonist Craig Handy. The result is a recording filled with spontaneity, chemistry, and world-class musicianship.

Beyond his recording career, Early Times is a familiar voice to music lovers across North America as a foundational on-air personality at SiriusXM, where he is widely recognized for his work on B.B. King's Bluesville and Deep Tracks. His decades-long career has connected him to countless artists, recordings, and musical traditions.

In this conversation, we discuss the making of Border Crossings, working with legendary musicians, the evolution of blues and jazz, songwriting, recording live in the studio, radio broadcasting, and a lifetime dedicated to music.

We cover the whole story.

Enjoy.

Get the album and learn more:
Early Times Official Page

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