Podcast
Pro Series with Eric Dillman
Hosted by Eric Dillman · EN
Explore the Pro Series Podcast with Eric Dillman – Interior Designer and Content Creator from Pittsburgh. Join Eric in dynamic sit-downs with global professionals, featuring guests from HGTV, Netflix stars, CEOs, founders of multi-million-dollar companies, business coaches, social media experts, and more. Uncover insights, success stories, and diverse perspectives in every episode.
37episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Inside the Music Industry with Shane Drake | EP. 258
2d ago00:58:27Tap to summarizeIn Episode 258, I welcome back Shane Drake, an award-winning director and filmmaker who has worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Carrie Underwood, Tim McGraw, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban, and Panic! at the Disco. His work has earned major industry recognition, including an MTV Video Music Award and multiple country music awards. This time, Shane isn't joining me to talk about directing music videos. He's here to talk about his new five-part documentary series, Shane Drake Presents: Before The World Paused.Shot entirely on an iPhone, the series gives viewers an incredibly intimate, behind-the-scenes look at musicians on the road just before the world shut down. From tour buses and backstage rooms to airports, ferries, green rooms, and quiet conversations, Shane captured a side of the music industry that most fans never get to see.We talk about music video production, documentary filmmaking, touring, the music industry, social media, creativity, and what it was like capturing this moment in time without knowing just how significant it would become.It's a conversation about music, filmmaking, nostalgia, and one of the most unusual moments in recent music history.
Transcribe →Is Podcasting The New Social Media? | OFF TOPIC 158
5d ago00:24:07Tap to summarizeWhy do we roll our eyes when someone says they're starting another podcast?We don't do that when someone creates an Instagram account, starts a Facebook page, or joins another social platform. At some point, social media simply became a platform that everyone could use to share something.Podcasting is the same thing.You don't have to be trying to become the next Joe Rogan. You don't have to have millions of listeners. A podcast is simply a platform that gives you the ability to communicate your ideas, tell stories, build a community and get your message across in a way that social media often can't.I also get into some big things happening in country music, including Ella Langley hitting another major milestone with "Choosin' Texas" and the latest conversation surrounding Kellie Pickler getting back into country music and her songwriting connections to some of the genre's biggest names. Langley's "Choosin' Texas" was recently reported at No. 1 for 14 consecutive weeks. Pickler has also been making a gradual return to the spotlight and country music, including her 2026 American Idol appearance. Podcasting isn't "another podcast." It's another platform. And maybe that's exactly the point.
Transcribe →Surgeon to Real Estate with Tom Burns | EP. 257
1w ago00:23:09Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a successful physician decides to build wealth beyond his medical career?In Episode 257, I sit down with Tom Burns, a retired orthopedic surgeon, entrepreneur, real estate investor, bestselling author, and physician for the United States Ski Team.While building a career in medicine, Tom also executed more than $750 million in real estate transactions and co-founded investment companies that have completed hundreds of millions of dollars in multifamily and private equity real estate deals across Texas and the Sunbelt.We talk about real estate investing, building wealth, financial independence, entrepreneurship, personal finance, and why a high income doesn't automatically mean you're financially successful. Tom also shares lessons from his bestselling book, Why Doctors Don't Get Rich, and what he's learned from balancing medicine, business, investing, and life.If you're interested in real estate investing, wealth building, financial freedom, entrepreneurship, or creating a life beyond your career, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
Transcribe →Instagram Algorithm Secret | OFF TOPIC EP. 157
2w ago00:07:02Tap to summarizeInstagram just quietly rolled out one of its biggest quality-of-life updates, and almost nobody is talking about it.In this episode, I break down Instagram's new "Your Algorithm" feature and show you exactly how to use it to take control of what shows up in your Reels feed. Instead of hoping the algorithm eventually figures you out, you can now tell Instagram what you actually want to see—and what you don't.If you're a business owner, designer, contractor, remodeler, or content creator, this update is even more valuable. Your feed shapes your ideas, inspiration, and ultimately the content you create. I'll explain how curating your algorithm can help you discover better content, stay ahead of trends, and improve your own social media strategy.I also dive into one of country music's biggest "what if" stories—Dierks Bentley reveals the hit songs he turned down, including "Whiskey Lullaby," "Drink a Beer," "I Drive Your Truck," and "Watching Airplanes." We talk about why artists pass on songs that become massive hits and what creators can learn from trusting their instincts.In this episode:• How to find Instagram's hidden "Your Algorithm" feature• How to train your Reels feed to show better content• Why this update matters for businesses and creators• What the feature can—and can't—do• The surprising list of hit songs Dierks Bentley passed on• Lessons in content, creativity, and making the right decisionsIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone looking to grow their business, improve their content, or simply take back control of their Instagram feed.
Transcribe →Creating Beyond Construction with Darren Keefe | EP. 256
3w ago00:32:43Tap to summarizeWhat happens when a master craftsman, television personality, and content creator all come together in one career?In Episode 256, I sit down with Darren Keefe, best known for HGTV's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and to millions on Instagram as The Dancing Carpenter.Born in Northern Ireland and raised in a family of craftsmen, Darren shares his journey from woodworking and custom furniture to national television, founding Drumcree Designs, and building a loyal online community through design, humor, and authenticity.We talk about craftsmanship, interior design, social media, content creation, entrepreneurship, and why showing your personality can be one of the most valuable tools for growing a creative business.Whether you're a designer, builder, content creator, or entrepreneur, this conversation offers practical insight into blending creativity, storytelling, and craftsmanship to build a career that stands out.
Transcribe →AI Profile Photos Need to Stop | OFF TOPIC EP. 156
3w ago00:10:56Tap to summarizeArtificial intelligence was supposed to be the future. Now it's becoming the problem.This week, we're drawing the line between using AI as a powerful tool and letting it replace the very thing that makes your brand worth following in the first place: you.From AI-generated headshots and fake project renders to caption generators that make every designer sound the same, we discuss why authenticity is becoming the biggest competitive advantage in design, marketing, and content creation. We also break down the latest research on consumer trust, why audiences are getting better at spotting AI-generated content, and how to use AI the right way without losing your voice.Then we shift gears to country music, where history was made twice. Kenny Chesney sets a new all-time Country Airplay record with his 62nd career Top 10 hit, passing George Strait and Tim McGraw, while Morgan Wallen's I'm the Problembecomes the first album in Country Airplay history to produce seven No. 1 singles from its original release.Whether you're a designer, content creator, marketer, or country music fan, this episode covers the stories everyone will be talking about.In this episode:Is AI helping your business or hurting your brand?Why authenticity is winning again online.How to use AI without replacing your own voice.Kenny Chesney breaks the all-time Country Airplay Top 10 record.Morgan Wallen makes Country Airplay history with I'm the Problem.
Transcribe →The Builder Behind the Brand with Mark Williams | EP. 255
4w ago00:52:22Tap to summarizeIn Episode 255, I sit down with Mark Williams, founder of Mark D. Williams Custom Homes and host of his own podcast, to discuss the mindset behind exceptional craftsmanship, leadership, and entrepreneurship.Starting his business at just 24 years old, Mark has spent more than two decades building luxury custom homes while creating a company culture centered on curiosity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Along the way, his team earned the title of Minnesota Builder of the Year, a testament to their commitment to quality and innovation.In this conversation, we explore custom home building, construction leadership, entrepreneurship, podcasting, business growth, and why embracing failure is often the fastest path to success.Whether you're a builder, designer, architect, entrepreneur, or simply fascinated by the business behind great homes, this episode is packed with insights on creating something that lasts.
Transcribe →Don't Believe the Internet | OFF TOPIC EP. 155
4w ago00:09:52Tap to summarizeGrowing up as millennials, we heard the same advice over and over: "Don't believe everything you see on the internet." Fast forward to today, and somehow the people who taught us that lesson are the first to fall for clickbait headlines, fake celebrity quotes, AI-generated photos, and rage-bait posts.In this episode, I talk about why that shift happened, how social media rewards outrage instead of truth, and why it's become so easy to mistake engagement for reality. I also dive into the latest country music news, a few things that caught my attention this week, and whatever else ends up going off the rails.If you've ever watched someone share an obviously fake post with complete confidence, this one's for you.
Transcribe →Building a Design Business with Jacqueline Thornton | EP. 254
Jul 1900:25:35Tap to summarizeIn Episode 254, I sit down with Jacqueline Thornton, an award-winning designer and founder of her own creative studio in Pittsburgh, to discuss her journey from working for others to becoming a business owner.We explore the realities of starting a design business, the challenges of creative entrepreneurship, building confidence as a business owner, and what it takes to turn years of professional experience into a company of your own.Whether you're an interior designer, graphic designer, creative professional, or aspiring entrepreneur, this conversation offers valuable insight into making the leap from employee to business owner and creating a career on your own terms.
Transcribe →From Greece To Staff Sergeant with Georgia Varoucha | EP. 253
Jul 1000:30:50Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to build a life of service, leadership, and resilience in a new country?In Episode 253, I sit down with Georgia Varoucha, a Staff Sergeant in the New Jersey Army National Guard, to discuss her journey from growing up in Greece to serving in the United States military.With experience in Army National Guard recruiting, military leadership, and finance, Georgia shares how discipline, perseverance, and personal growth have shaped her career. We explore the realities of military service, leading others, overcoming challenges, building resilience, and developing the mindset required to succeed under pressure.Whether you're interested in the Army National Guard, military careers, leadership development, women in the military, personal growth, or building resilience, this episode offers valuable insight into what it means to serve with purpose while continuously growing as a leader.
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