Pro Series with Eric Dillman

Hosted by Eric Dillman

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Episodes

416

Latest episode

Aug 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

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.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

September 3, 202615 min

Stop Scrolling. Start Networking. | OFF TOPIC EP. 160

On this episode of Off Topic , Eric talks about one of the simplest ways to actually grow on Instagram without spending more time on the app: be more human. Follow the accounts in your niche, engage with people you look up to, and stop leaving those generic “Love this!” comments. Say something meaningful, ask a question, add to the conversation, and actually connect with people. Because you're already scrolling Instagram anyway. Why not use some of that time to build relationships and your own platform? Plus, Eric talks about the latest country music releases , what he's been listening to, and what you need to have on your radar right now.

August 30, 202642 min

Design with Restraint with Ryan Smart | EP. 260

The Power Of Restraint More isn't always better when it comes to interior design. In Episode 260, I sit down with Ryan , founder of Smart Studio Designs , to talk about his journey from marketing for national home builders to building his own interior design business. After designing model homes and seeing firsthand how much a space can influence the way people feel, Ryan decided to take his experience and passion for design in a new direction. His philosophy comes down to one word: restraint . Knowing when to stop, choosing the right materials, using lighting intentionally, and creating balance through texture can often make a bigger impact than simply adding more. We talk about interior design, home building, design philosophy, entrepreneurship, model homes, materials, lighting, and what it really takes to create spaces that feel intentional and timeless. If you're a designer, builder, homeowner, or simply someone who appreciates great interiors, this conversation is worth a listen.

August 26, 202624 min

Remembering Dolly Parton | OFF TOPIC EP. 159

I never got to see Dolly Parton live, and that's something I'll always regret. But here's the thing about Dolly — you didn't have to meet her to feel like she taught you something. She showed all of us what it looks like to work hard, stay kind, and never let success change who you are at your core. Today I'm doing a full off-topic episode dedicated to her. Honestly, I think Dolly might be the most universally loved person on the planet — country fans, pop fans, people who've never heard a country song in their life — everybody loves Dolly. That's rare. That's special. In this episode I'm breaking down: Songs and projects Dolly worked on that most people have no idea she was even part of The insane records she's broken across music, theme parks, and pop culture Everything she's given back — from the Imagination Library to funding vaccine research to helping her own hometown This isn't just a tribute. It's a reminder of just how much one person can do in a lifetime. Rest easy, Dolly. Thank you for everything.

August 23, 202638 min

Crafting the Luxury Market with Doug Rozenboom | EP. 259

What does it take to stay relevant in an industry built on craftsmanship, design, and tradition? In Episode 259, I sit down with Doug Rozenboom , CEO and co-owner of Worthen Custom Iron & Brass , a Richmond, Virginia company with more than 50 years of furniture-making heritage. Doug brings decades of experience across luxury furniture, interior design, product development, merchandising, and retail , with leadership roles at Pottery Barn, Walmart, A.R.T. Furniture, and Jonathan Charles Fine Furniture. We talk about the evolution of luxury furniture , custom manufacturing, craftsmanship, working with designers and retailers, and how traditional furniture companies can innovate without losing what made them great in the first place. If you're an interior designer, architect, builder, furniture professional, or simply interested in luxury home design , this episode offers a fascinating look behind the scenes of an industry where craftsmanship meets modern business. The future of furniture is being built—and Doug has a front-row seat.

August 16, 202658 min

Inside the Music Industry with Shane Drake | EP. 258

In 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.

August 13, 202624 min

Is Podcasting The New Social Media? | OFF TOPIC 158

Why 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.

August 9, 202623 min

Surgeon to Real Estate with Tom Burns | EP. 257

What 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.

August 6, 20267 min

Instagram Algorithm Secret | OFF TOPIC EP. 157

Instagram 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 decisions If 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.

July 31, 202632 min

Creating Beyond Construction with Darren Keefe | EP. 256

What 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.

July 29, 202610 min

AI Profile Photos Need to Stop | OFF TOPIC EP. 156

Artificial 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 Problem becomes 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 .