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
10 episodes
From 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 t...
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32:54
Never Fly Solo: Leadership Lessons from Fighter Pilot Waldo Waldman
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 ...
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23:10
Tom Faggione: Faith, Family, and the Lessons of Team Sports
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...
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49:05
Brian Rollman: Teaching Beyond the Textbook
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 ref...
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40:45
Evan 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 observatio...
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25:44
Bob Sellers: Lessons From Baseball, Broadcasting, and Positivity
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 baseb...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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41:23
The Banach Brothers: Wrestling, Resilience, and Brotherhood
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 har...
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47:11
Mike Desmond: Building Community Through Little League
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...
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25:31