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

    DEC 2

    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
  2. Actor Sherman Augustus on Stranger Things Season 5

    DEC 1

    Actor Sherman Augustus on Stranger Things Season 5

    "You’re giving the audience a little bit of yourself, you know, so folks think I’m a mean guy in real life. I am. Or no, I’m not. I’m not a mean guy." Welcome Sherman Augustus:We’re joined on the Starline by a son, dad, director, musician, producer, former football player, Taekwondo black belt and does some acting on the side. His latest role is Lt. Colonel Jack Sullivan in “Stranger Things”. We welcome Sherman Augustus. Sherman, let’s go Beyond the Mic. This cast is a who’s who of stars. What made this role one you loved from the get go? Your character is on the hunt for Eleven / Jane. How has working with Millie Bobby Brown and the rest of this cast special for you? You’ve portrayed characters in “Dexter”, the “NCIS” world and even “Murder, She Wrote”. Has this role soothed your recurring acting itch, or is there another future role we will be talking about soon? The Rockin' 8:Sherman Augustus from “Stranger Things” joins us for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, just trust your first instinct. There is no Pressure. 1. Do you prefer a joint lock or a choke hold? 2. Which role from your past is the one you loved other then Jack? 3. Which character of your “Daughter of Django” graphic novel was your favorite? 4. When on a plane do you prefer a window, aisle or middle seat? 5. Where is your place in the desert that gives you peace? 6. What was your dream car growing up? 7. Did anything find its way to your home from either the Into the Badlands or Stranger Things set? 8. Yes, No or Maybe: Have you ever talked about Fight Club? One Big Question:How did the way you see your character in “Stranger Things” change from audition to now? The Wrap:He loves Joshua Tree, choke holds and wants you to watch Season 5 of Stranger Things. Sherman Augustus 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
  3. Bill Connelly on his book "Forward Progress" and the Future of College Football

    NOV 29

    Bill Connelly on his book "Forward Progress" and the Future of College Football

    "The influence of two specific conferences has kind of threatened the depth of college football." Welcome Bill Connelly:We’re joined on the Starline by an ESPN writer, podcaster, nerd and author of three books. His latest one is on college football’s shifting landscape and exploding influence in “Forward Progress: The Definitive Guide to the Future of College Football”. We welcome Bill Connelly. Bill, let’s go Beyond the Mic. The future of college football is in the hands of the College Sports Commission. Texas Tech’s Cody Campbell wants order and protections for the chaos of college sports. Is there one thing that you agree with Cody Campbell and one you disagree with? One of my favorite mentions from your “Podcast Ain’t Played Nobody”, is “This sport hates usurpers”. Which is the bigger usurper right now, the SEC, the Big 10 or the college football playoff committee? You had the Red Raiders at 3rd in the opening SP+ ratings of the Big 12 at the beginning of the season, what changed? The worst kept secret in college football was teams have been paying for players for a while. Why is Texas Tech getting the bad rap for attacking the portal like they did last year while Indiana and Ohio State did the same? Don’t hate the player. Hate the game, in your book you discuss NIL fatigue “The NCAA just had to accept it. So did boosters: booster fatigue, stemming from programs asking the same rich donors for a little more and a little more, over and over, has quickly become an issue for a lot of schools”. At what point was NIL gone from the kids making a buck to paying the kids to play? “Forward Progress: The Definitive Guide to the Future of College Football” is the book, Bill Connelly is the author and The Rockin' 8:It’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, just trust your first instinct. There is no Pressure. 1. Best non power 4 football game you’ve ever attended? 2. Who wins in a college basketball analytics steel cage match, Ken Pomeroy, Sean Oliver or Erik Haslam? 3. Best course you took at Missouri? 4. First concert you ever went to was who and where? 5. Best thing about your rescue dogs? 6. Which upset is more likely to happen, Michigan over Ohio State, Texas over Texas A&M or Auburn over Alabama? 7. Best Pizza Tree pizza has what on it? 8. Favorite whiskey of all time that isn’t Pappy is? The Impossible Question:In 90 years the Heisman award has been awarded to a true defensive player once. Is it truly representative of the best player in college football or the best offensive player and what will it take for Jacob Rodriguez to get a sniff? The Back Half:“Forward Progress: The Definitive Guide to the Future of College Football” is the book, Bill Connelly is the author and it’s time for the Back Half. Bill, what is the perfect playoff format in your opinion? Why is the transfer portal the best and yet the worst for college football? As a stats nerd, what football stat has lost its meaning in today’s game? So TQBR is the football stat needs more love? Yes, No or Maybe: There will be a super college football league formed in the next 10 years? So what will be the ending of the logjam of the 16 team playoff? Can college football be fixed or it is broken forever? Will private equity destroy college football? Speaking of soccer, what’s your thoughts of the current US Men's National Team? Future development of the team? World Cup thoughts? Your dream college football bracket? What’s your nightmare bracket? One Big Question:If you were made college football commissioner and had sweeping powers to change the sport for the better, what 3 changes would you make? The Wrap:He loves Kimchi Pizza Pie, craves a Texas Tech / Indiana national championship and want...

    23 min
  4. Cameron Douglas and David Morse on "Looking Through Water"

    NOV 26

    Cameron Douglas and David Morse on "Looking Through Water"

    "I would just enjoy being out on a boat with him somewhere beautiful." - Cameron Douglas "The story in the movie and in the book is so close to my own story with my own father." - David Morse Welcome Cameron Douglas and David Morse:We’re joined on the Starline by a pair of actors. One is the only actor to portray both Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. The other has Hollywood storytelling in his blood. Together they want you to see a powerful story of forgiveness and 2nd chances in “Looking Through Water”. We welcome Cameron Douglas and David Morse. Friends, let’s go Beyond the Mic. “I’m 75 years old, I just want to fish”. Cameron, what made this story perfect for you right now in your lives? David, what was the challenge in this role for you? The Rockin' 8:Cameron Douglas and David Morse from “Looking Through Water join 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. Since we have two guests, we’ll alternate questions. 1. David, who’s the better fisherman you or Cam? 2. Cameron, first tattoo was of what and where? 3. David, best memory on Broadway was with what show? 4. Cameron, best place you’ve ever been snow skiing? 5. David, hardest question ever: if you had one choice and only one… are you doing Cheesesteak from Pat’s… or a Hoagie from Lee’s. 6. Cameron, what’s the one household chore your wife depends on you to do? 7. David, did you keep your rod from the movie? 8. Cameron, what did you keep from the movie set? Sneaking in Another One:Best memory from Belize? Two Big Questions:Cam, If you could take your dad fishing for one day, where would you go and what would want to catch? David, if you could ask your dad one question, what would it be? The Wrap:Cam is responsible for taking out the trash, David is the better fisherman and they want you to watch their powerful movie “Looking Through Water”. Cameron Douglas and David Morse 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
  5. Timothy Wayne Behind “Good Ole Boys Girl”

    NOV 18

    Timothy Wayne Behind “Good Ole Boys Girl”

    "It's a dream. I'd always dreamed of being a singer and dreamed of going on tour and making music that mattered." Welcome Timothy Wayne:We’re joined on the Starline by the nephew of 90’s country music royalty. The LSU Tiger went from singing on the farm or at the frat house to going on tour while working on his history degree. His single “Good Ole Boys Girl” is out. We welcome Timothy Wayne. AG Timothy, let’s go Beyond the Mic. It’s your senior year and you’re balancing LSU football games, concerts and trying to go out and sing as much as you can. Plus friends, family, relationships…what makes your Hannah Montana double life you lead so worth it for you? Why does music touch your soul? How has music changed you from when you started to now? Who helped you open up more? The Rockin' 8:Timothy Wayne’s single “Good Ole Boys Girl” is out and it’s time for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, just trust your first instinct. 1. Best trait of your mom? 2. When was the last year you found the baby in the King Cake? 3. Favorite club to play at? 4. Who gave you your first guitar and do you still have it? INSTANT FOLLOWUP: What is it? 5. Which guitar string do you break the most? 6. One city you want to visit that you haven’t yet? 7. If you could tour around opening for one artist, not family, who is it? 8. What cut of steak do you like and how do you want it cooked? The Back Half:We’re joined by a future country music superstar Timothy Wayne Beyond the Mic for the Back Half. Timothy, which teacher has given you the most hell for not being at class? How has your imposter syndrome been overcome? Who has better hair you or your uncle? When you are out on the road, what’s the one thing you have to bring? The Impossible Question:You could guarantee winning 1 LSU football game by 50 points every year for the rest of your life but you couldn’t sing anymore, who would LSU beat? Who is the “Good Ole Boys Girl” to you? How has playing music changed the way you see the world? As you bring the joy of music to the world, what does it mean when people are smiling and singing along with you especially when they are singing your songs? Your family on your mom’s side are all from Louisiana. What makes Louisiana and LSU so special for you? Best things Aunt Shelly and your mom cooks for you? What was your favorite song to sing?  Best country music artist that isn’t Jerry Reed and isn’t related to you? One Big Question:What does a family oriented, humble, grounded woman mean to you? The Wrap:He would love LSU beating Alabama by 50 every year forever and breaks his g string the most. Listen to his single “Good Ole Boys Girl” Timothy Wayne, 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

    17 min
  6. Holly Gleason on Kenny Chesney, Grit, and their book "Heart Life Music"

    NOV 17

    Holly Gleason on Kenny Chesney, Grit, and their book "Heart Life Music"

    "If you've got dreams, wherever they are, no, they don't always come easy. But if you believe, do the hard work and keep coming back, you'll be amazed at what can happen." Welcome Holly Gleason:We’re joined on the Starline by a music critic, dreamer, an award winning writer, teacher, songwriter and publicist. She’s written for Rolling Stone, The LA & NY Times, Playboy, and many more. Her latest project is co-author of Kenny Chesney’s book “Heart Life Music”. We welcome Holly Gleason AG, Holly, let’s go Beyond the Mic. Why was this the perfect opportunity for this book? “And if you've got dreams, whatever they are, know they don't always come easy. But if you believe, do the hard work, and keep coming back, you'd be amazed at what can happen.” How was the one story that you witnessed that showed the never quit in Kenny Chesney? The Impossible Question:What would your life had been had Kenny Chesney was never in it? The Rockin' 8:Co-author of Kenny Chesney’s book “Heart Life Music” Holly Gleason join us for the Rockin’ 8, 8 random questions, just trust your first instinct. There is no Pressure. 1. Favorite flower? 2. Last book you read that wasn’t one you wrote? 3. Country star that didn’t get the recognition they deserved? 4. Secret place where you get most of your writing done? 5. Favorite Taylor Swift song? 6. Best memory of Mr. Corliss? 7. Favorite Kenny Chesney song? 8. Last time you saw a shooting star was where? One Big Question:You once wrote on forgiveness: "People are flawed, broken, damaged, pity them and move on. Let it go. Bless them and send them on their way. Feel lighter." How has writing given you the opportunity to forgive others? Where can people find the book? 3 words to describe your love of music? The Wrap:She loves Stargazer lilies, writing in Holly’s Diner and wants you to read the book she co-wrote with Kenny Chesney “Heart Life Music”. Holly Gleason thanks for taking the time to talk with us today and rabbit, rabbit to you. 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
  7. Leland Vittert on “BORN LUCKY: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism.”

    OCT 27

    Leland Vittert on “BORN LUCKY: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism.”

    "The qualities and characteristics that are making you isolated and bullied and hurt right now in life is what's going to make you successful later on." Welcome Leland Vittert:We’re joined on the Starline by a man who didn’t speak for years when he was young. He transformed from “weird”, bullied boy to one of the respected, fair and fearless journalists today. His miraculous life story is “BORN LUCKY: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism.” We welcome NewsNation’s Leland Vittert. Leland, let’s go Beyond the Mic. Your book has sold out twice even before the first release. Your dad said “I went from zero to loving you in two seconds”. How did the story of his relentless push through 106 failed sales call, before finding success, inspire you discovering your own success? Why did the lessons he taught you social cues etc, help you become a better journalist? The Rockin' 8:Leland Vittert’s book is “BORN LUCKY: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism.” Leland, 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 flavor of Dots candy? 2. Best thing about your wife Rachel? 3. Best cigar you’ve ever had was a… 4. Last thing you cooked in you green egg? 5. Best place for a vacation is… 6. On a plane: aisle, window or middle seat? 7. Best movie ever is … 8. When was the last time you went rowing? Sneaking in a One More:How did writing this book change the way you see yourself? The Impossible Question:“You don’t have to be defined by a diagnosis”. What are you defined by? One Big Question:“It’s not fun to go to therapy on national TV, but I’m doing it because I think it can really help folks.” What’s your message to the misunderstood amazing kids out? The Wrap:He last grilled a beef tenderloin, loves his wife’s emotional eq and wants you to read his book “BORN LUCKY: A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, and My Journey with Autism.” Leland Vittert, 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
  8. Bernie Leadon talks Banjos, his Brother and being "Too Late to Be Cool"

    OCT 23

    Bernie Leadon talks Banjos, his Brother and being "Too Late to Be Cool"

    "I think the past informs the present and the present will take care of itself." Welcome Bernie LeadonWe’re joined on the Starline by a country rock pioneer. You’ve heard his work in Hearts & Flowers, Dillard & Clark and the Flying Burrito Brothers. A founding member of the Eagles’. His newest solo album is “Too Late to Be Cool”. We welcome Bernie Leadon. Bernie, let’s go Beyond the Mic. What was the feeling creating “Too Late to Be Cool”? How does recording analog vs digitally change the way you record and hear an album? Why did recording this album this way give it a throwback to some of the greatest albums of all time that only used to have 16 tracks? Bernie, you have led an incredible life, do you truly believe it’s too late to be cool? You said “Some stories take decades to finish. Why I left. Why I’m back.” How has music touched your soul and who inspired you to return?  The Rockin' 8:Bernie Leadon newest solo album is “Too Late to Be Cool” and it’s time for the Rockin’ 8. 8 random questions, Bernie just trust your first instinct. 1. What was the last thing you harvested from your farm? 2. What’s your go-to way to unwind that isn’t music based? 3. Who is the top 3 guitar players of all time? 4. What do your grandkids call you? 5. First banjo you ever owned was what and do you still have it? INSTANT FOLLOWUP: Which string do you break the most?  6. Bernie, who is the one artist, living or gone, that you would love to jam with for one song, and what would you play? 7. Favorite place in the world to just think other than your front porch? 8. Who do you admire the most in music right now? The Back Half:We’re talking with Bernie Leadon Beyond the Mic with the Back Half. What do you want people to feel when they hear “Too Late to Be Cool”? How has reflecting on the past help you plan for the future? Bernie, what’s the most challenging song for you on this album? Looking back at your life, what is the feeling in your heart when you hear fans applaud? Why is playing music special to you? How did working with Glyn Johns help you put a better product out? Bernie. how has the way you write evolved and improved since starting? Influences:We’re talking with Bernie Leadon Beyond the Mic. Who influenced your decision focusing on authenticity rather than commercial success and would you change your mind today? You have always believed in a music-first philosophy. Has the music industry changed to the fans detriment? How do you view the current state of Americana and country-rock music today? Why has your family’s love sustained you and what does one hug from them mean today? Best memory of your brother growing up? You play electric & acoustic guitar, banjo, Dobro, mandolin and pedal steel. What’s the instrument you wished you learned? You’ve played with and for some incredible artists in your life. What’s the one story from the road that still makes you chuckle today? What’s the quality of a good Mexican restaurant? The Impossible Question:What’s the one thing you wish you did sooner and the one thing you wish you never did? One Big Question:Bernie, in your life well lived, what do you want people to remember you by? The Wrap:He wanted a Vega Banjo growing up, loved singing harmony with Linda Ronstadt. He wants you to hear “Too Late to Be Cool”. Bernie Leadon 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

    25 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

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