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
27 episodes
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...
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14:55
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 ...
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15:38
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 ...
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12:00
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...
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33:11
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—...
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12:54
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...
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20:32
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...
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30:10
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 ...
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21:47
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...
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24:28
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...
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20:41
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...
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15:11
Pat Dunn on Perseverance, Performance, and Finding Joy on Stage
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 drought...
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44:17
Sgt 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 un...
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20:12
The Progress Report Junior: Games, Gadgets, and Growing Up
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 t...
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19:47
Sgt. Bert “Maverick” Gonzalez: Service, Trust, and the Long Road Home
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 sa...
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21:41
When 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 curiosit...
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26:51
Building Side Splitters: Bob Jewell’s Comedy Club Origins
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, l...
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26:53
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