Beyond the Mic with Sean Dillon

Sean Dillon | Beyond the Mic

I believe every person has value. Behind every headline, hustle, hard-earned moment, and family tale there’s a story worth sharing. That’s why I built Beyond the Mic. I talk with artists, athletes, authors, icons and people you need to know. I don’t do puff pieces. I ask questions that get to the real stuff: the doubts, wins, detours, and moments that shaped them. The stories that you normally don't get to hear. Some stories make you laugh. Some hit you in the gut. All of them remind you: people matter, you matter. I’m not here to be famous. I’m here helping others be heard. I want curiosity to run free, connect communities, and make something that sticks with you long after the mic is off. Because in a world full of noise, real stories still cut through. That's my mission. Let's go #BeyondTheMic. New Episodes Weekly! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

  1. Jonathan Goldstein Talks Road Trips, Regret, and "Heavyweight"

    14H AGO

    Jonathan Goldstein Talks Road Trips, Regret, and "Heavyweight"

    "Vulnerable conversations reveal who we are. They’re human." Welcome Jonathan Goldstein:We’re joined on the Starline by an author, humorist, radio producer and podcaster. You’ve heard his work on “Road Dot Trip”, “This American Life” and the #1 podcast “Heavyweight”. We welcome Jonathan Goldstein. Jonathan, let’s go Beyond the Mic. What makes road trips, reunions and difficult conversations so perfect for “Heavyweight”? How has the rebirth of “Heavyweight” changed the way you appreciate your listeners, producers and podcasting as a whole? You once said "My feeling is that this business of offering a glimpse behind the curtain can be used to create a more personal and intimate radio. Or not." Why is vulnerable conversations important? The Rockin' 8:Jonathan Goldstein from the “Heavyweight” podcast joins us Beyond the Mic. It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure. 1. Favorite album of all time? 2. If you hadn’t been able to get Heavyweight back up and running again, would you have fallen back to telemarketing? 3. What’s the one question you wished you could have asked Lenny Bruce? 4. Which character in Casablanca do you relate to the most? 5. Best memory at Concordia? 6. Nearsighted or farsighted? 7. The name of the story that melted your heart forever? 8. What was your worst haircut or style? The Back Half:Who helps guide making Heavyweight so special? What do you want people taking away from each episode? Which struggle is the one you are the one you face? The Impossible Question:If you could tell the story of one person, and everyone in the world would listen it who’s the story of? Who would star in the movie of your life? The Wrap:Loves sitting in the book stacks at Concordia, thinks Paul Giamatti would play him in the movie of his life and wants you to listen to the powerful podcast “Heavyweight” Jonathan Goldstein, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today. And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

    7 min
  2. Victoria Monet on her Book "Everywhere You Are"

    2D AGO

    Victoria Monet on her Book "Everywhere You Are"

    "This is one example of a dream that I've had and wanting to establish this idea." Welcome Victoria MonétWe’re joined on the Starline by a trailblazing singer, songwriter, producer and now children’s book author. She’s a Grammy-award winner including 2024 Best New Artist, Best R&B Album. Her book is “Everywhere You Are”. We welcome Victoria Monét. Victoria, let’s go Beyond the Mic. The goal of this book is combating separation anxiety in children and parental guilt. How did your own fight balancing time as a mom and your daughter Hazel influence the book? What was Hazel’s reaction when you read her the book first? “I promise to protect you, whether I’m near or far”. Did writing this book allow you to cement the love you have with your daughter forever? How has writing this book changed you? The Rockin' 8:Grammy-award winner Victoria Monét joins us Beyond the Mic. It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, answer with the first thing that comes to your mind. There is no Pressure. 1. Best beach you’ve ever visited? 2. One thing you want Hazel to take away from your life? 3. Favorite place to visit in Sacramento? 4. Do you remember your 1st headlining show in LA and what was the 1st song you sang at the El Rey? 5. Best memory of your choreographer friend Wendy Lee? 6. If you could be any animal other than a jaguar, what would it be? 7. Most weight you have ever lifted? 8. If you could sing a song with anyone who is no longer alive, who would have been your dream duet? Sneaking in A Couple More:Could we be seeing new music soon? Who influences you in the music scene today? One Big Question:How has music changed the way the way you see yourself from being a Sheldon Huskie to today? Will there be a follow up book? What’s the power of your daughter? The Wrap:She hip thrusted 435 pounds, loves visiting mom whenever she can and wants you to read her new children’s book “Everywhere You Are”. Victoria Monét thanks for taking the time to talk with us. And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

    7 min
  3. Bailey Chase from "Homestead"

    12/23/2025

    Bailey Chase from "Homestead"

    "It takes a real authentic person to let themselves be vulnerable on screen in front of millions of people." Welcome Bailey Chase:We’re joined on the Starline by an actor, producer and most importantly husband and dad. You’ve seen him in “Longmire”, “Saving Grace” as a member of the Duke Football team and now in the drama thriller “Homestead”. We welcome Bailey Chase. Bailey, let’s go Beyond the Mic. Your career has been filled with complex, rugged characters. What makes playing Jeff Eriksson different? Jeff is protecting his family. What would you do to protect yours? We don’t call this Beyond the Mic for nothing brother. The world is a different place today. Angrier, and divisive. Why was it important to take this role and humanize a character who faces severe moral challenges? How has your onscreen family benefited from the love you have from your own family? Neal McDonough, Dawn Olivieri, Jesse Hutch. Plenty of heavy hitters. Which member of the cast that I didn’t mention has a special place in your heart? The Rockin' 8:Bailey Chase from “Homestead” joins us Beyond the Mic. It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, just trust your first instinct. There is no Pressure. 1. Best thing about being a dad? Instant Follow Up: Who plays good cop bad cop between you and your wife 2. What is the worst club in your golf bag? 3. As a former linebacker, what’s your thoughts on Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez and the Heisman Trophy? 4. Best type of tacos have what in them? 5. Favorite Christmas tradition? 6. What is the one quirk about you that people notice? 7. One chore your wife Amy depends on YOU to tackle? 8. If you were a flavor, what flavor would you be? The Impossible Question:What one tip would you give yourself 30 years ago before you did your first roles in “Hot Line” and “Baywatch”? The Back Half:“Homestead” is about surviving an apocalyptic event. How prepared are you for one today? What’s the thing you learned from the experience shooting “Homestead”? How has fighting to the top made it worth it for you as a mentor? What’s the one behind the scenes experience from “Homestead” that looking back you appreciate more? What’s the one thing about Neal McDonough that you have noticed that made you a better actor? Deeper Beyond the Mic with Bailey Chase:You push through everything through your faith. How has having discussions on homesteading changed the way you see community? You’ve been hustling for 20 years in L.A. What made it worth it? What made it not worth it? You’ve had incredible highs, and lows in your life. Successes in acting while recovering from that hurricane in North Carolina. How has the adversity you’ve faced made you stronger for the challenges and the joys you have today? Why has the strength of your family growing up helped you be a better man today? How has your industry changed for the better and worse today? What were your workouts like getting prepared for this role? You can’t fake being a Green Beret. Who is the one person you depend on the most, not family, that you could call on right now if you had a moral crisis? You’ve had cowboy roles from “Far Haven” to “Longmire” now with “Homestead” you’re not wearing the cowboy hat. Do you miss it? Favorite Clint Eastwood movie? Do you still have a hat from either “Far Haven” or “Longmire” Motivations:What one thing, that isn’t family, motivates you now? What do your fans mean to you? If you could have Jeff experience something in “Homestead”, what would you want him to experience? If you could find out one thing from ten years in the future today, what would you want to know? Why? Would you be happy if “Homestead” is still on the air in 10 years? One Big...

    28 min
  4. Binge Watching Beyond the MIc with Chris Woolsey on Angel Studios!

    12/22/2025

    Binge Watching Beyond the MIc with Chris Woolsey on Angel Studios!

    "For the first time in history, we're actually allowing our audience to have direct feedback in the types of projects we are bringing to market." Welcome Chris Woolsey:We’re joined on the Starline by a man who has worked for Crackle, Redbox, Vizio and is the King of Streaming. His latest project is consumer evangelist for Angel Studios let’s go Binge Watching with our friend Chris Woolsey welcome back! You are so kind, Chris, let’s go Binge Watching Beyond the Mic. Angel Studios has been stirring things up since the pandemic. How has the pay it forward model help allow better products to get to consumers? Resiliency has been the cornerstone of Angel. How do you see the future of entertainment with studios like Angel leading the way? How hard or easy it for filmmakers getting projects funded? You’ve been everywhere in Hollywood, why is filmmaking so difficult to day? Angel has had incredible successes and some failures… Fast FourChris Woolsey returns for binge watching but first it’s time for the Fast 4, 4 choices you have to make, just trust your first instinct Chris, there is no Pressure. 1. Ham or Turkey? 2. Sourdough Rolls or Croissants? 3. Pumpkin or pecan pie? 4. Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes? The Back Half:As you are the King of Streaming let’s start binge watching with “Homestead: The Series”. Tell us about it and why you love it so much? “Dry Bar Comedy” has allowed clean comedy sets to be performed by newer comedians. How does that make you feel where you don’t have to be dirty to be funny? Would you ever dust off your comedic stool, if “Dry Bar Comedy” would have you? What else are you excited about this month? Who are the names of stars of the future from Angel? You have movies coming out, how can people find Angel Studios? How has Angel changed the way you see the streaming world? Have your new bosses figured out what you do yet? The Impossible Question:You’re at a holiday table with three other people, one fictional, one historical and one current. They can’t be related to you. Who are you having dinner with? The Wrap:His ideal holiday meal is ham with sourdough rolls, and a pumpkin pie with pecan streusel, would invite Ben Franklin. He wants you to binge watch shows with Angel Studios. And that my friends is Binge Watching Beyond the Mic. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

    21 min
  5. Dayna Isom Johnson from Etsy on 2026 Trends

    12/21/2025

    Dayna Isom Johnson from Etsy on 2026 Trends

    "Becoming a mom has just really untapped a whole nother side of me that I didn't know existed." Welcome Dayna:We’re joined on the Starline by a trend expert with more than a decade of experience finding the latest and impressive styles out there. You’ve seen her on NBC’s “Making It” and returning to take over #7 in most appearances on Beyond the Mic, it’s our friend Dayna Isom Johnson. Dayna, let’s go Beyond the Mic. We’ve talked before, during and after a pandemic. You’ve seen styles change on a sometimes weekly basis. How has style for this holiday season evolved in the last six months? Patina Blue and Washed Linen are the color and texture for 2026, but if you can’t find them, what are some of the still hot colors and textures right now? What was the lessons you took away from your time on YouTube’s “Instant Influencer” Current favorite gift from Etsy right now? The Rockin' 8:Dayna Isom Johnson from Etsy joins us Beyond the Mic. You’ve been here, you know it’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, just trust your first instinct. There is no Pressure. 1. Best thing about son Ozzie? 2. Last time you had your signature drink, the Harlem Kiss? Was it at the Poe Museum? 3. One chore you depend on your husband Ryan to do? 4. The best Beyonce song is obviously? 5. Favorite yoga pose? 6. Which is the best Christmas cookie? 7. Best memory at the Fashion Institute of Technology? 8. The best spice is obviously? Sneaking in A Couple More:What are the gifts we need to be looking at for our sons and daughters this year? How about for the impossible to shop for aka my wife? Which trend surprised you in 2025? What’s the trend people should watch out for in 2026? The Impossible Question:You’ve adapted and allowed. But how has this last year as a mom allowed you to grow as a communicator for the 5.4 million small business owners you represent? One Big Question:What’s the perfect gift you would like to receive this year? The Wrap:Dayna Isom Johnson loves a Harlem Kiss, depends on her husband to do the laundry and wants you to check out her out at daynaisomjohnson.com and at ETSY. Dayna, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today! And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

    8 min
  6. Duane Betts on the 9th Annual Allman Betts Family Revival Tour

    12/18/2025

    Duane Betts on the 9th Annual Allman Betts Family Revival Tour

    "It just makes it a lot easier to function in general. You know, I just am so grateful for the gift of music." Welcome Duane Betts:We’re joined on the Starline by a singer, songwriter and guitarist. Out on the road with the Ninth Annual Allman Betts Family Revival Tour we welcome Duane Betts. Duane, let’s go Beyond the Mic. When people see the Allman Betts Family Revival, what do you want them to experience? Why has working with Devon such been a blessing for you? "It’s a magical feeling being alive. There’s darkness but there is so much beauty in this big world. Nature never disappoints. It’s never wrong. It just is…. And that’s enough for me." How has the way you see the world change these last couple of years without your dad? How did your dad help your love of music? The Rockin' 8:Duane Betts from Ninth Annual Allman Betts Family Revival Tour. It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, just trust your first instinct. There is no Pressure. 1. Ever a member of Colombia House Music Club? 2. Favorite album that isn’t yours or your dads? 3. Best thing about a dog? 4. Favorite concert you went to as a fan? 5. Best place to play a show at? 6. First guitar you ever played and who gave it to you? 7. Who is the one person you would love to play a show with?  8. How do you drink your coffee? The Back Half:You’ve finally released your solo album “Wild & Precious Life” and have been a guitar picker for hire. Why was a solo project important for you? How comfortable was working in the recording studio and what did you take away from it? Who inspires you musically currently? Who doesn’t get the credit you think they deserve? What’s the one funny moment from the tour? One Big Question:How has your sobriety changed the way you see your music? The Impossible Question:If you could recreate one moment again with your late dad, what would it be? The Wrap:He originally a drummer, loves Smashing Pumpkins and wants you to experience the Ninth Annual Allman Betts Family Revival Tour. Duane Betts thanks for taking the time to talk with us today! And that my friends is Beyond the Mic. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

    21 min
  7. Jefferson White on Wrecked Rentals and the Movie On Bar Regulars "Drink and Be Merry"

    12/15/2025

    Jefferson White on Wrecked Rentals and the Movie On Bar Regulars "Drink and Be Merry"

    "Being an actor means you have very little control over your own life. You're sort of spending most of your time sitting around waiting for the phone to ring." Welcome Jefferson WhiteWe’re joined on the Starline by an actor and producer. You’ve seen him on “Chicago P.D.”, “Eileen”, “Civil War” and might have acted with a cowboy hat here and there. His latest movie is “Drink and Be Merry”. We welcome Jefferson White. Jefferson, let’s go Beyond the Mic. You’ve said “All films are a labor of love. This one is very special to me.” How long did it take your friends asking before you said yes? “You’re in the business of misery my friend.” What made Chet different? How many bars have you been in where you’ve seen the type of regulars like in “Drink and Be Merry”? The Rockin' 8:Jefferson White from ““Drink and Be Merry” joins us Beyond the Mic and it’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, just trust your first instinct. There is no Pressure. 1. Does it hurt not seeing Iowa State in the Big 12 football championship? 2. Best thing about Mount Vernon? 3. One thing your wife Casey depends on you to do? 4. Favorite thing for you to photograph? Instant Followup: First camera you got and do you still have it? 5. Longest hike you’ve been on was how long? 6. Would you rather live in Brooklyn, Iowa or Yellowstone? 7. What was harder: riding a horse, holding the semen collector or pouring out fake booze? 8. Best thing in Guthrie Texas? One Big Question:What’s the one thing that people don’t know about you but they would be surprised by? The Wrap:He wrecked his rental car in Guthrie, loves his Nikon F10 and wants you to see “Drink and Be Merry” Jefferson White, thanks for taking the time to talk with us today. And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

    9 min
  8. David Gura from Bloomberg's “The Big Take Daily” podcast

    12/02/2025

    David Gura from Bloomberg's “The Big Take Daily” podcast

    "There's a lot of talk about the kind of K-shaped economy...not everybody's doing great here." Welcome David Gura:We’re joined on the Starline by an award winning journalist. You’ve seen his work on NBC News, MSNBC and now tackles everything on what’s shaping the world’s economies as co-host of “The Big Take Daily” with Bloomberg. We welcome David Gura. David, let’s go Beyond the Mic. "The Big Take Daily" has tackled everything from AI and the boom of Doodles to Biotech Power race and China. How does this podcast challenge you on a daily basis? Which episode recently was one that you found specifically interesting? David, was there one story that someone pitched that you weren’t sure of but the final result completely changed your mind? How has your work on “The Big Take Daily” changed you as a journalist? The Rockin' 8:David Gura wants you to listen to “The Big Take Daily” podcast and he joins us Beyond the Mic. It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, just trust your first instinct. There is no Pressure. 1. Last baseball game you attended was where with which two teams playing? 2. Favorite performer at the Telluride Bluegrass festival? 3. Your first fiddle was what and do you still have it? 4. Favorite type of beer is a lager, ale, pilsner, porter or what? 5. Do you know where your Martha’s Vineyard 2nd prize ribbon for baking bread is right now? 6. Longest run you ever did was where and do you remember your time? 7. Do you remember your first article at The Cornell Daily Sun?   8. Best memory as an intern for NPR’s “All Things Considered”? Sneaking in A Couple More:What’s the one thing young journalists need to do in your opinion? Is there one story that people aren’t talking about that they really should? What is the key moment coming up for the future of the world? One Big Question:Who is the one person not related to you who influenced you as a journalist and you hope you make proud every day? The Wrap:His dad gave him his first fiddle, love’s a delicious IPA and was almost a cartoonist. David Gura wants you to listen to “The Big Take Daily” podcast. David thanks for taking the time to talk with us today. And that my friends is a Beyond the Mic Short Cut. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

    10 min
4.8
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

I believe every person has value. Behind every headline, hustle, hard-earned moment, and family tale there’s a story worth sharing. That’s why I built Beyond the Mic. I talk with artists, athletes, authors, icons and people you need to know. I don’t do puff pieces. I ask questions that get to the real stuff: the doubts, wins, detours, and moments that shaped them. The stories that you normally don't get to hear. Some stories make you laugh. Some hit you in the gut. All of them remind you: people matter, you matter. I’m not here to be famous. I’m here helping others be heard. I want curiosity to run free, connect communities, and make something that sticks with you long after the mic is off. Because in a world full of noise, real stories still cut through. That's my mission. Let's go #BeyondTheMic. New Episodes Weekly! This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp