Pro Series with Eric Dillman

Latest Episodes:

Creator Burnout, The End of ‘Era' | OFF TOPIC EP. 123 Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

Feeling burnt out from creating content? In this episode, I break down how to recognize creator burnout, why it’s okay to step back, and how switching from creator to observer mode can actually help you come back stronger.

We also dive into Instagram’s brand-new Repost button — what it means for creators, how it works, and why it could change the way your feed looks forever.

And finally, we talk music: is Shaboozy destined to be a one-hit wonder, or is his new album proof he’s here to stay? From “Tipsy” to “Amen” featuring Jelly Roll, we break it all down.

If you’re a creator, marketer, or just love pop culture, this one’s for you.

From ESPN to a Billion Views: Brian Wininger’s Viral Marketing Journey | EP. 204 Aug 15, 2025

Show notes

In Episode 204 of The Pro Series Podcast, host Eric Dillman sits down with Brian Wininger, a Southern California native whose career spans sports broadcasting, hospitality, and viral social media marketing.

Brian shares how his start in sports radio led him to produce and host shows for ESPN and CBS Sports Radio in Orlando, interviewing legends like Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, and covering major events including the Daytona 500 and UFC. He then transitioned to the hospitality industry with Disney and Marriott, gaining valuable experience in customer experience and brand storytelling.

Today, Brian is a marketing leader who blends creativity with strategy. His side passion project — a humorous social media account for his cat, Diesel — exploded into a viral sensation with nearly 200,000 followers and over 1 billion views, leading to a major brand partnership with Delectables cat treats.

This episode is packed with insights on content creation, personal branding, storytelling, influencer marketing, and turning creativity into career opportunities. Whether you’re an aspiring content creator, a sports fan, or looking to grow your brand online, this conversation will inspire and energize you.

Keywords: Brian Wininger, ESPN, CBS Sports Radio, sports broadcasting, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Daytona 500, UFC, Disney, Marriott, hospitality, marketing, social media growth, influencer marketing, viral content, brand partnerships, content creation, storytelling, billion views, cat influencer.

Timeless Interiors with Christina Richardson | EP. 203 Aug 08, 2025

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In Episode 203 of The Pro Series Podcast, I sit down with Christina Richardson — a U.S.-based interior designer with Scandinavian roots and a uniquely powerful design lens shaped by both engineering and artistry.

Born and raised on the northern coast of Sweden, Christina brings a rare balance of mechanical precision and creative warmth to every space she touches. With over 20 years of experience and a background in construction and mechanical engineering, her work reflects a deeply intentional, light-filled aesthetic rooted in the simplicity and functionality of Nordic design.

Now based in the U.S., Christina leads Christina Richardson Interiors — a studio known for its thoughtful residential and commercial work across the U.S. and Europe, including a recent restaurant project that perfectly blends form and function.

We talk about:

The influence of her Scandinavian upbringing on her design process
How engineering shaped her creative vision
Her signature “red thread” technique
And what it really means to listen to your client beyond the surface

Whether you’re a designer, a creative, or someone who just loves beautiful spaces with meaning — this episode will inspire you to look at design through a whole new lens.

Which Image Eraser App Actually Works? | OFF TOPIC EP. 122 Aug 04, 2025

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In Off Topic Episode 122, we’re diving into the world of AI tools—some are game-changers, and others are straight-up disappointments.

I break down the latest photo editing tools, including Apple's new AI cleanup feature (spoiler: not impressed), Snapseed’s underrated healing tool, and Canva’s surprisingly solid Magic Erase inside their Magic Studio app. If you’re creating content or editing on the go, this episode’s for you.

Plus, we take a quick look at YouTube’s new AI-powered age verification rollout happening in the U.S. This shift is sparking conversations about privacy, user control, and how platforms are adapting to global pressure around content access and safety.

Whether you're editing your latest reel or just curious about how AI is reshaping the internet—this one’s got a little bit of everything.

Love Is Blind BTS with Mason Horacek | EP. 202 Aug 01, 2025

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Ever wondered what it’s actually like to be on Love Is Blind — behind the cameras, inside the pods, and under the pressure of finding love in the spotlight?In Episode 202 of The Pro Series Podcast, I sit down with Mason Horacek, cast member from Season 6 and a talented filmmaker and storyteller, to uncover the untold stories of being on set. From navigating real emotions in a controlled environment to the surprises the cameras don’t show you — Mason shares a raw, honest look into what it’s like to live (and film) one of Netflix’s most talked-about dating shows.We also dive into his passion for capturing authentic stories through film, how his experience on Love Is Blind shaped his perspective, and what it really takes to build trust — both on and off screen.Whether you're a reality TV fan, a filmmaker, or just curious about what happens when the cameras stop rolling — this episode is for you.

Old Houses, Hurt Feelings & a Country Chart Plot Twist | OFF TOPIC EP. 121 Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

Why do people act like a house being built in 1904 automatically makes it superior? In this episode, we talk about when "they don't make 'em like this anymore" becomes code for crooked floors, no insulation, and vintage asbestos.

Then—let’s talk hurt feelings and hard stats. I break down why posting a list of top-selling country artists somehow offended people... even though I didn’t write the numbers, I just read them. (Blame Billboard. Or math.)

And finally, the longest-charting country song of all time? It’s not who you think. Spoiler: It’s not even technically country. Let’s get into it.

The Strategy Behind Don’s Appliances with Matt Hillebrand | EP. 201 Jul 25, 2025

Show notes

In Episode 201 of the Pro Series Podcast, we’re joined by Matthew Hillebrand, Vice President of Outside Sales and IT at Don’s Appliances.With over 30 years of experience, Matt shares how Don’s Appliances has grown to over 190 employees, become a Top Workplace in Pittsburgh, and continues to lead the way in customer experience, sales innovation, and digital content creation.We discuss:The evolution of the appliance retail industryBuilding a sales strategy that puts people firstCreating trust through educational contentLeading through growth and changeThe behind-the-scenes of Don’s podcast “What’s the Deal with Don’s”Why their motto is “Evolve, so as to not dissolve.”Whether you’re in construction, design, sales, or retail—this episode is packed with insights on scaling a family business, embracing technology, and keeping customers at the center.🎙️ Tune in now and get inspired by how a regional brand became an industry powerhouse.

Top-Selling Country Artists of All Time + IG’s Weirdest Trend Yet | OFF TOPIC EP.120 Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

Country music is having a moment — and this week on Off Topic, we’re covering it all. First, we break down how Morgan Wallen’s “I’m the Problem” has sold 850,000 more units than any other album in the U.S. this year — and what makes this release such a monster success.Then, we dive into the Top 10 Highest-Selling Country Artists of All Time — from legends to unexpected names. Think you know who’s #1? Think again.But that’s not all...People are now renting fake friends for vacation photos.Yes, literally.There are services that will pose you with a “friend” on a fake trip, or even Photoshop you into dream destinations like Hawaii or the Grand Canyon — all for the ’gram. We unpack:Why this trend is blowing up nowWhether it’s harmless fun or next-level fakeThe pressure of online image vs. real lifeAnd… would YOU do it?This episode is full of hot takes, real talk, and a little bit of chaos — just how we like it.

How Houzz & AI Are Transforming Design with Liza Hausman | Ep. 200 Jul 17, 2025

Show notes

We’ve made it to Episode 200 of The Pro Series Podcast! To mark this major milestone, I’m joined by Liza Hausman, Vice President of Industry Marketing at Houzz — the leading platform revolutionizing residential design and construction.

In this episode, Liza shares how pros can stay ahead using Houzz Pro, and how the industry is evolving to meet the needs of modern homeowners and professionals alike.

Plus, you’ll get a sneak peek into the 2025 U.S. Houzz State of AI Report and how artificial intelligence is changing the way we design, build, and run our businesses.

Whether you're a designer, builder, or industry enthusiast — this is one episode you don’t want to miss.

The Instagram + Google news: OFF TOPIC EP: 119 Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

Instagram Hits Google, Wallen’s Remix Tease, Holiday Chaos & Country Music Weekly
In this episode of Off Topic, we’re diving into Instagram’s newest update—your posts might start showing up on Google (yes, really). We break down what that means for creators and small businesses. Then we’re talking about the Morgan Wallen “Miami” remix featuring Lil Wayne and Rick Ross—what’s the hype and will it live up? Plus, stores are already rushing the holidays (because why wait?), and we wrap it all up with this week’s hottest country music updates.

Whether you're here for the algorithm tea or the country charts, you’re in the right place.

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