The Progress Report

Broadway 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 perfo...

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 “M...

The 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 an...

Jessica 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 leader...

 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

In 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 t...

 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 chance...

Lieutenant 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 w...

Jessica 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...

Jessica 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 isol...

 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...

Jessica 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 conv...

Jessica 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.  S...

Jessica 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 fami...

Jessica 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 conversa...

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 wr...