Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with high-growth operator and C-suite leader Chelsea Byers. Based in Seattle, she shares her journey through the high-stakes world of education startups, including helping scale a company to $100M in revenue.

In her memoir Course Correct, Chelsea opens up about the “invisible tax” of leadership—covering deeply personal challenges like navigating clinical depression, infertility, and the pressures of the #MeToo era while building and leading teams.

She describes herself as a “human infrastructure builder,” focused on growing organizations without sacrificing the people behind them. This conversation dives into leadership, resilience, mental health, and what it really takes to scale sustainably.

👉 More Chelsea:
https://theexecutivefront.substack.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chelseabyers/ 

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

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with change strategist, author, and transformational speaker Khutso Madubanya. Originally from South Africa and now based in Michigan, she brings a global perspective shaped by living and working in eight countries.

Dr. Madubanya helps leaders and teams navigate disruption with clarity, confidence, and trust in their own judgment. Her work focuses on the human side of change—how people respond when identity, expectations, and direction shift.

She is the creator of the P.I.V.O.T.™ Method, a practical framework designed to help individuals stay grounded and move forward effectively during times of uncertainty.

This is a powerful conversation about leadership, resilience, and thriving through change.

👉 More Dr. Madubanya: https://www.dancewithchange.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

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with author and transformational leadership expert Paul Espenan. With more than 38 years of experience, Paul has helped transform organizations through applied leadership strategies that build strong safety cultures and deliver breakthrough results.

He currently serves as Senior Vice President of Environmental, Health, Safety, and Regulatory for Diversified Energy Company, and is a Certified Safety Professional with a Master of Science in Environmental Science. His career includes leadership roles at Halliburton, ConocoPhillips, and LINN Energy.

We dive into his new book, The Heart and Soul of Safety: Leading Safety Performance From the Heart, and explore how leaders can create meaningful, people-centered safety cultures that drive lasting performance.

From his base in Louisiana, this conversation covers leadership, culture, and the human side of safety.

👉 More Paul: http://www.inspiritusgroup.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

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with ODOT retiree, outdoorsman, storyteller, and author Robert Bowers. Based in Oklahoma, Rob shares stories drawn from a lifetime spent hunting, fishing, and working in the outdoors.

After a 43-year career with the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, he turned to writing—crafting short stories and novels inspired by real-life experiences that often defy easy explanation. From encounters tied to cryptids and unexplained phenomena to moments of humor and suspense, his work blends reality with mystery.

We dive into his journey from public service to author, his fascination with the unexplained, and the stories that shaped his writing.

👉 More Robert: https://us.amazon.com/stores/author/B0BTCBBJWR/allbooks

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

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with nine-time Grammy-nominated jazz vocalist Tierney Sutton about her 2026 album Spring, a beautiful voice-and-piano collaboration with acclaimed pianist Tamir Hendelman.

Widely regarded as one of the most expressive voices in contemporary jazz, Tierney is known for her masterful storytelling and deep connection to the Great American Songbook. Over her career, she has interpreted works by legends such as George Gershwin, Antônio Carlos Jobim, Bill Evans, as well as modern icons like Sting and Joni Mitchell.

Spring marks her 17th album as a leader or co-leader and her first full voice-and-piano duo project. While the The Tierney Sutton Band has been a global force in jazz for nearly 30 years, this project highlights the intimacy, spontaneity, and freedom of a stripped-down setting.

From her base in Los Angeles, we explore her remarkable career, creative process, and the artistry behind this latest release.

👉 More Tierney: https://tierneysutton.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 

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with Latin musician, percussionist, bandleader, songwriter, and producer Tito Puente Jr.. As the son of the legendary Tito Puente—known as “El Rey de los Timbales” and “The King of Latin Music”—he continues a powerful musical legacy.

Tito Puente Jr. brings a high-energy fusion of jazz, Latin, salsa, merengue, and mambo to audiences around the world, keeping the spirit of his father alive while forging his own path.

We dive into his work with the YMU Jazz Collective in Miami, along with his journey through music, performance, and staying true to a legendary lineage.

This is a vibrant conversation about rhythm, legacy, and the future of Latin jazz.

👉 More Tito: https://www.instagram.com/titopuentejr/
👉 More YMU Jazz Collective: https://ymu.org/

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 

Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series. On this episode, we talk with Andover, Massachusetts-based jazz composer, songwriter, and pianist Ron Rieder. We dive into his 2026 album Compositions in Blues and Other Hues, a collection of eleven straight-ahead jazz tunes brought to life by an inspired group of musicians.

Known for his work as a pianist, Ron has expanded into composition, building on earlier projects like Latin Jazz Sessions. This new release reflects a deep love of jazz, collaboration, and musical storytelling.

We also explore his unique journey balancing a life in science with a career in music, and how those worlds intersect in his creative process.

👉 Get the music: https://ronrieder.bandcamp.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 

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with leadership coach Carmen Wiesinger, who specializes in helping founders and ambitious women maintain clarity, confidence, and presence under pressure.

A year ago, Carmen was doing everything “right” on paper — performing, pushing forward, and showing up — but internally she felt reactive, unstable, and constantly seeking validation. What changed everything wasn’t strategy — it was understanding her nervous system.

From her base in Germany, Carmen now helps high performers regulate their internal state so they can lead powerfully, make clear decisions, and stop second-guessing themselves when it matters most.

In this conversation, we dive into:

• Why confidence disappears under pressure
• The connection between leadership and the nervous system
• How to stop overthinking and self-doubt in real time
• Tools for emotional regulation and grounded leadership
• Building internal stability as a founder or executive

This is a powerful episode for anyone navigating stress, leadership, and personal growth.

👉 More Carmen: https://beacons.ai/iron.carmen
Take the Quiz: https://carmen-byrbzw02.scoreapp.com

🎧 Subscribe for more interviews with inspiring leaders, creatives, and entrepreneurs.

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

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with business professional, parenting expert, and author Pat Hankin. Based outside of Boston, Pat brings a powerful combination of lived experience and practical expertise to the world of single parenting.

We dive into her book, The Field Guide for Single Parents, a clear, fact-based resource designed to help solo parents navigate real-life challenges with confidence. Drawing from her background in finance, time management, and systems thinking—as well as her involvement in a parenting community of nearly half a million members—Pat delivers actionable, no-fluff advice that works in the real world.

This conversation covers everything from managing time and money to building strong support systems and staying grounded through the demands of solo parenting.

👉 More Pat: https://pathankin.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

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with chief connector, speaker, author, and purpose-driven coach Larry Kesslin. Based in San Diego, Larry shares insights from his decades-long entrepreneurial journey and the life experiences that shaped his mission.

We dive into his fourth book, The Joy Molecule, which features powerful stories of inspiring individuals and the five key lessons that helped him discover deeper joy and meaning. From a transformative trip to Africa to his work helping high achievers reconnect with their true identity, Larry offers a grounded and human approach to personal transformation.

Through frameworks focused on purpose, identity, and conscious connection, he helps people shift from focusing on what they do to understanding why they’re here.

This is a meaningful conversation about living with intention, creating joy, and building a life rooted in purpose.

👉 More Larry: https://www.5-dots.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

Welcome to a new edition of the Famous Interviews with Joe Dimino series. On this episode, we talk with author and founder of Kokoro Business Performance Ed Howard. Based in Singapore, Ed brings a unique perspective to leadership—blending neuroscience, psychology, artificial intelligence, and over three decades of Zen training into a powerful human-centered framework.

Before launching his company, Ed spent 20 years as a Regional Head of Compliance in global investment banking, where he witnessed firsthand the effects of burnout, overwhelm, and cognitive overload on leaders.

Today, he helps leaders develop clarity, resilience, and peak decision-making skills in the age of AI. He is also the author of the upcoming book One Breath Leadership, which integrates ancient wisdom with modern science to help individuals perform at their best.

This is a thoughtful and grounded conversation about leadership, focus, and navigating complexity in today’s fast-changing world.

👉 More Ed: https://www.onebreathleadership.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