Shows
The Progress ReportEd Randall on Early Detection, Baseball Debates, and Noticing the GoodLongtime broadcaster Ed Randall joins The Progress Report to deliver a clear, urgent message on prostate cancer awareness, early screening, and why a simple PSA test can save lives. He also dives into baseball’s never-ending arguments—from Hall of Fame voting to legacy, numbers, and who really gets to decide greatness. Grounded in decades of experience and advocacy through Fans for the Cure, the conversation is a reminder that progress often starts with paying attention, asking the right questions, and taking action early. Support the show
2026-02-2512 minThe Progress ReportEd Randall on Loving the Work, Earning Trust, and Measuring ProgressVeteran broadcaster Ed Randall reflects on a lifetime in baseball media, from transistor radios in the Bronx to building a career rooted in curiosity, integrity, and respect. He shares why trust—not controversy—has defined his interviews, and how progress, at this stage of life, is measured by impact rather than attention. The conversation also highlights his most meaningful work beyond the mic, including his ongoing advocacy through Fans for the Cure, where purpose has become the ultimate measure of success. Support the show
2026-02-1820 minThe Progress ReportEd Randall on Baseball, Service, and Turning Survival into a MissionLegendary broadcaster Ed Randall joins The Progress Report to share unforgettable stories from a lifetime in baseball, including an encounter with Ted Williams and reflections on the game’s most iconic figures. The conversation then turns personal, as Randall recounts his own prostate cancer diagnosis and how it led him to found Fans for the Cure, now in its third decade of advocacy and education. It’s a powerful reminder that progress isn’t just about what’s built on the field, but about using a platform to save lives and make sure no one faces cancer alone. Support...
2026-02-1130 minThe Progress ReportTrey Dombroski on Failure, Process, and PurposeTrey Dombroski pitches in the Houston Astros organization and joins Jessica Curtis and Rob Semerano for a wide-ranging conversation about failure, sacrifice, and learning to trust the process in professional baseball. Trey reflects on breaking a single-season strikeout record, the importance of pitcher–catcher trust, and how embracing setbacks has shaped both his career and mindset. The episode closes with a powerful look at his bigger goals—using baseball as a platform to make an impact, give back, and be remembered for more than just wins and stats.Support the show
2026-02-0421 minThe Progress ReportTrey Dombroski on the Grind to Pro BaseballHouston Astros pitching prospect Trey Dombroski joins Jessica Curtis and Rob Semerano to talk spring training in Florida, minor league life, and the long, non-linear road to professional baseball. From growing up in New Jersey and playing at Monmouth University to learning how to compete against stars he once watched on TV, Trey shares what the grind really looks like. It’s a candid conversation about failure, confidence, and what it takes to keep moving forward in a game built on resilience. Support the show
2026-01-2824 minThe Progress ReportTeddy Sharkey on Sacrifice, Crossroads, and Betting on the Hard PathJessica Curtis and Rob Semerano talk with professional pitcher Teddy Sharkey about the difficult decision to step away from football and fully commit to baseball. Teddy reflects on sacrifice, trust in family and mentors, and choosing the less comfortable path in pursuit of a long-term dream. The conversation explores what it means to go all-in—emotionally, physically, and mentally—when success demands patience, discipline, and belief. Support the show
2026-01-2120 minThe Progress ReportTeddy Sharkey on Injury, Identity, and the Long Road BackJessica Curtis and Rob Semerano sit down with professional pitcher Teddy Sharkey to talk about the mental and physical grind of coming back from major injury. Teddy reflects on Tommy John surgery, the emotional toll of rehab, and the mindset required to stay committed when the game humbles you. It’s a candid conversation about resilience, belief, and what it really takes to keep chasing the dream. Support the show
2026-01-1415 minThe Progress ReportPat Dunn on Perseverance, Performance, and Finding Joy on StageBroadway performer Pat Dunn joins Jessica Curtis and Rob Semerano to reflect on his journey from early community theater to starring in the revival of Mamma Mia! on Broadway. Pat shares candid stories about child acting, career droughts, anxiety, and the resilience required to survive in a profession built on rejection. Along the way, he explores how adrenaline, preparation, and joy fuel his performances—from Broadway stages to Yankee Stadium and even embodying Elvis Presley. Support the show
2026-01-0744 minThe Progress ReportSgt Bert "Maverick" Gonzalez: Doing the Job Right: Training, Trust, and the Meaning of “Maverick”Jessica Curtis and Rob Semerano continue their conversation with retired Miami-Dade Police Sergeant Bert “Maverick” Gonzalez, focusing on the lessons he carried through decades of training thousands of officers. Bert reflects on pride in the uniform, setting personal beliefs aside for the mission, and why trust matters even when colleagues don’t like each other. He also shares the origin of his “Maverick” call sign and explains why officer safety, professionalism, and doing the job right always come first. Support the show
2025-12-3120 minThe Progress ReportThe Progress Report Junior: Games, Gadgets, and Growing UpThe Progress Report Junior takes over as Jack, Robbie, and Lucas sit down with brothers Blake and Austin for a wide-ranging, free-flowing conversation. From video games and consoles to sports, hunting, music, and holiday traditions, the group talks about what they love and what they’re curious about. Along the way, they share big dreams, small life lessons, and a reminder that getting better at anything happens one step at a time.Support the show
2025-12-2419 minThe Progress ReportSgt. Bert “Maverick” Gonzalez: Service, Trust, and the Long Road HomeJessica Curtis and Rob Semerano sit down with retired Miami-Dade Police Sergeant Bert “Maverick” Gonzalez to reflect on nearly four decades in law enforcement and the moments that defined his career. Bert shares powerful firsthand stories of saving lives, losing a partner, and the unspoken bonds of trust that exist between officers in life-or-death situations. The conversation also explores leadership, human behavior, and how purpose and vigilance continue long after the badge comes off. Support the show
2025-12-1721 minThe Progress ReportWhen You’re Through Learning, You’re Through: Lessons from Bob Jewell In Part Two, Bob shifts from storytelling to reflection, opening up about the lessons he learned through decades in comedy, business, and community life. He talks about humility, resilience, the grind of the road, and why chasing curiosity can change everything. This episode is filled with wisdom, heart, and the kind of perspective that only comes from a lifetime of experience. Support the show
2025-12-1026 minThe Progress ReportBuilding Side Splitters: Bob Jewell’s Comedy Club OriginsIn Part One of our conversation with longtime Side Splitters owner Bob Jewell, we trace his unlikely path from a casual open mic to running one of Florida’s premier comedy clubs. Bob shares stories from the club’s early days—18-hour workdays, last-second remodels, and the comedians who helped shape its identity. From Ray Romano to Billy Gardell, this episode offers a funny, revealing look behind the scenes of life in stand-up. Support the show
2025-12-0326 minThe Progress ReportFrom Spray Paint to Pinstripes: The Remarkable Journey of Ray Negron Rob Semerano and Jessica Curtis sit down with Ray Negron—author, former Yankees executive, and one-time teenage graffiti artist whose life changed the day George Steinbrenner caught him in the act. Negron shares the extraordinary twists that took him from a Bronx holding cell to the Yankee clubhouse, where players and mentors shaped his faith and purpose. His story is a testament to second chances, gratitude, and the unexpected places where true transformation begins. Support the show
2025-11-1932 minThe Progress ReportNever Fly Solo: Leadership Lessons from Fighter Pilot Waldo WaldmanLieutenant Colonel Waldo Waldman joins Jessica Curtis to share how lessons from 65 combat missions translate into leadership, teamwork, and courage under pressure. A Hall of Fame speaker and bestselling author of Never Fly Solo, Waldo reveals how facing fear, building trust, and finding your “wingmen” can change both your career and your life. Together, they explore what it really means to lead with courage, humility, and purpose—whether in the cockpit or the boardroom. Support the show
2025-11-1223 minThe Progress ReportTom Faggione: Faith, Family, and the Lessons of Team SportsJessica Curtis and Rob Semerano sit down with Tom Faggione for an inspiring conversation about resilience, leadership, and community. From the life lessons of Little League to the responsibilities of public service, Tom shares how faith, family, and teamwork shape his approach to every challenge. Together, they explore what it means to get up after setbacks, lead with humility, and strive each day to be just one degree better. Support the show
2025-11-0549 minThe Progress ReportBrian Rollman: Teaching Beyond the TextbookJessica Curtis and Rob Semerano sit down with longtime Port Jervis educator and coach Brian Rollman, whose classroom—known to generations of students as “Club 110”—has been a haven of positivity and purpose for nearly three decades. Rollman reflects on how empathy, humor, and vulnerability have shaped his approach to teaching and coaching in an era of constant distraction. From overcoming the isolation of COVID to inspiring students long after graduation, his story is a powerful reminder that the best lessons in life aren’t always found in the curriculum. Support the show
2025-10-2940 minThe Progress ReportEvan Mack: Transforming Communities Through the Power of Music Jessica Curtis and Rob Semerano talk with composer and educator Evan Mack, founder of We Are Instrumental, a nonprofit providing quality instruments and music opportunities to underserved schools. Inspired by his son’s observation of classmates playing on broken instruments, Evan turned compassion into action—launching a movement that now spans across the Adirondack region. From Carnegie Hall to rural classrooms, this conversation explores how music can open doors, fuel dreams, and change lives. Support the show
2025-10-2225 minThe Progress ReportBob Sellers: Lessons From Baseball, Broadcasting, and PositivityJessica Curtis and Rob Semerano sit down with Emmy-winning journalist and author Bob Sellers, whose career has taken him from the baseball diamond to the anchor desk at Fox, CNBC, MSNBC, and beyond. Bob reflects on resilience, the lessons baseball taught him about failure and persistence, and how passion fueled his path into journalism. With stories of sports, news, and life perspective, this conversation highlights the power of attitude and positivity in shaping success. Support the show
2025-10-1541 minThe Progress ReportThe Banach Brothers: Wrestling, Resilience, and BrotherhoodJessica Curtis and Rob Semerano sit down with Olympic champions Ed and Lou Banach, alongside their brother Steve, a decorated U.S. Army Ranger. Together, the brothers share how faith, family, and failure shaped their journeys from childhood hardship to Olympic gold and military service. Their story is one of perseverance, teamwork, and the belief that adversity can forge extraordinary strength. Support the show
2025-10-0847 minThe Progress ReportMike Desmond: Building Community Through Little LeagueJessica Curtis and Rob Semerano talk with Mike Desmond, president of Brick Little League and District 18, whose lifelong love of baseball grew from the fields where he once played as a kid. Mike shares stories from his time with the Yankees and Mets, the lessons of coaching, and the challenges of balancing parents, players, and community spirit. From live-streamed games to programs that bring families together, his work shows how youth sports can shape character and create lasting impact. Support the show
2025-10-0125 minThe Progress ReportBalancing Chaos and Confidence with Carly WalkoJessica Curtis and Rob Semerano sit down with Carly Walko, a mom, entrepreneur, and philanthropist who turned a personal passion for fashion into the thriving brand ThirtySomethingFashion. Carly shares how she built her business from a blog, navigated the chaos of raising kids while chasing her dream, and discovered the importance of asking for help. From style tips to life lessons, this conversation spotlights resilience, creativity, and giving back to the community. Support the show
2025-09-2423 minThe Progress ReportWhat Does Progress Look Like?The Progress Report is where optimism meets action. Hosted by Jessica Curtis and Rob Semerano, this weekly podcast shines a light on the people, ideas, and innovations moving America forward. From unsung heroes to household names, each episode dives into personal stories of resilience, leadership, creativity, and grit. It’s not about politics—it’s about progress. Whether it's a high school wrestler overcoming the odds, a local business changing lives, or a national figure sharing lessons from the frontlines, The Progress Report celebrates the spirit that keeps this country going. Tune in, get inspired, and be reminded: the Americ...
2025-09-2103 min