The Progress Report
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 American story is still being written—and it’s far from over.
Episodes
41 episodes
Get Up Eight Times: Rob Semerano on Baseball, Faith & the Comeback Nobody Saw Coming
He was drafted by the Oakland A's, heard his name called while a picnic table sat waiting to be painted, and spent the next two decades fighting through Tommy John surgery, a knee replacement, a hip replacement, a divorce, and the quiet questio...
Dr. John Bell on Character, Community & the Umpire's Code
Three words have anchored Dr. John Bell's graduation speech for decades: dream big, make a plan, work like a dog. In Part 2, the Port Jervis superintendent and Little League World Series umpire connects the dots between the diamond and real lif...
Dr. John Bell on Family, Little League & the 20-Year Road to Williamsport
He applied for 13 straight years. He got rejected every single time. And then, out of 10,000 applicants, Dr. John Bell was one of 16 umpires selected to work the Little League World Series in Williamsport. In Part 1, Port Jervis superintendent ...
Tony Perkins on Prostate Cancer, Podcasting & What Still Gets Him Up at 2:30 AM
The career is impressive. The person behind it is even more so. In Part 2, Tony Perkins gets personal — sharing his prostate cancer diagnosis, why he decided to go public with it, and how that decision led to countless men getting tested...
Tony Perkins on Comedy, Craft & the Carson Standard
He grabbed a hairbrush as a kid and pretended it was a microphone. Decades later, Tony Perkins has anchored major newscasts, co-hosted Good Morning America alongside Diane Sawyer and Robin Roberts, and made audiences laugh from comedy cl...
Andrew Marotta on Burnout, Balance & the Formula for Leading Well
Airtight compartments, Belgian beer in Brussels, and a 9 p.m. bedtime — Andrew Marotta's approach to avoiding burnout is as practical as it is intentional. In Part 2, Andrew breaks down the leadership formulas from his latest book, including th...
Small Actions, Big Impact: Andrew Marotta on Leading with Positivity
What happens when a Staten Island kid chasing small-town living lands in Port Jervis on the day of the flood — and never leaves? Andrew Marotta, educator, author, and the driving force behind Port Jervis City School District's communicati...
Steve Overmyer: The Stories Behind the Scoreboard
What does it feel like to be standing on the field when Dan Marino hits a touchdown pass in front of 80,000 screaming fans — and think the whole stadium is cheering for you? That's the kind of moment that turns a young broadcaster into...
Steve Overmyer: Reading the Room
A rejection letter that said your tape was so bad they didn't want it "infecting their other tape stock." A joke that landed wrong in front of a six-foot-ten Randy Johnson. A tip from David Wright to stop treating every loss like a funeral....
Taylor Mackenzie Mieszkuc on Anxiety, Authenticity, and Trusting Your Own Voice
In Part 2 of our conversation with 19-year-old singer-songwriter Taylor Mackenzie Mieszkuc, Jessica Curtis and Rob Sermerano go deeper into the story behind the songs — and the lessons Taylor has learned along the way.Taylor opens...
Striking Matches: Taylor Mackenzie Mieszkuc on Writing Her First Song at 12
At 19, Taylor Mackenzie Mieszkuc is already a decade into her musical journey — and in Part 1 of this conversation, Jessica Curtis and Rob Sermerano dig into how it all began.Taylor takes us back to a third-grade production of
The Guy With Stage Four Breast Cancer: What Men Need to Know Right Now
In part two of their conversation with male breast cancer advocate Jake Messier, Rob and Jessica dig into the naming debate — should breast cancer even be called breast cancer if the word itself keeps men from getting checked? Jake pushes back ...
The Guy With Stage Four Breast Cancer: Jake Messier on Fighting a Disease No One Thinks Men Can Get
Former Marine and marketing executive Jake Messier was 52 years old when he discovered a lump and waited months before getting checked — because, like most men, it never crossed his mind that breast cancer was something he needed to worry about...
Kevin McNee on Resilience, Risk, and Building Guest Player Connect
In part two of our conversation with Kevin McNee, the story gets personal. From pitching at Georgetown and Brookdale to blowing out his arm on a pro day with 30 MLB scouts watching, Kevin's baseball journey was defined as much by setbacks as by...
Guest Player Connect: Rethinking Travel Baseball with Kevin McNee
What if travel baseball didn't have to mean long-term contracts, uneven playing time, and a win-at-all-costs mentality? Rob Semerano and Jessica Curtis sit down with Kevin McNee, former Division I baseball player and partner at Guest Player Con...
Kurt Decker: Reinvention, Creative Courage and Surprising Second Acts
For 25 years, Kurt Decker worked behind the camera at NBC, helping produce some of television’s most iconic late-night moments. In this episode of The Progress Report, Kurt joins Jessica Curtis and Rob Semerano to share how a lifetime ...
Kurt Decker: From NBC Cameraman to Sinatra Showman
Kurt Decker spent 25 years behind the camera at NBC capturing some of television’s most iconic moments—but one spontaneous performance of “That’s Life” changed everything. In this episode of The Progress Report, Kurt shares how a dare ...
Larry Gatlin on 70 Years of Harmony, Faith, and a Farewell Tour at the Ryman
Country music legend Larry Gatlin joins Jessica Curtis and Rob Semerano to reflect on seven decades with the Gatlin Brothers, the faith and family foundation behind their longevity, and the upcoming 70th anniversary celebration at the Ryman Aud...
Ed Randall on Early Detection, Baseball Debates, and Noticing the Good
Longtime 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—...
Ed Randall on Loving the Work, Earning Trust, and Measuring Progress
Veteran 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 h...
Ed Randall on Baseball, Service, and Turning Survival into a Mission
Legendary 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 tu...
Trey Dombroski on Failure, Process, and Purpose
Trey 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 ...
Trey Dombroski on the Grind to Pro Baseball
Houston 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 Mo...
Teddy Sharkey on Sacrifice, Crossroads, and Betting on the Hard Path
Jessica 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 c...
Teddy Sharkey on Injury, Identity, and the Long Road Back
Jessica 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 re...